#but yeah I'm crazy when it comes to shield feelings because they have such deep roots in the past decade of the industry.

[ronon-dex]

OK I slept for 9 hours and eated a sandwich. I will now speak about why the events of this past week made me clinically insane, especially last night. long post, sorry. I'm normal I swear just not about this or most things

basically I started watching wrestling on new year's day '24 because a podcast host I like said he liked it, so I said let me give this a shot, everything I've ever heard about wrestling makes it seem stupid asf but why not I have a free day. and.

the podcast host (it's anthony burch) was talking about a guy called cody rhodes so I typed that into youtube. watched clips of the 2023 wwe wargames because that was topical at the time. I saw cody, sami, jey, seth, randy and the judgment day, and instantly liked rhea, damian, seth and cody in particular. watched the latter 2 in hell in a cell. more clips. watched even more. seth was flashy and cool and oh what's that, a clip called 'the shield implodes'. roman reigns is there, I know him from pop culture as being hot and despised and now, from being linked to jey. holy shit why did seth do that. that other guy looks like he's gonna cry. hold up why he kinda..

2 months later. I'm 2 years deep into dean ambrose's wwe career. I've seen dozens of hours of his best friendship with roman and situationship with seth, and cody rhodes has even popped up as a cartoon character. I've seen moxley matches from czw and fcw. his angy promos. seth and roman pop up occasionally. I'm leery of aew because nobody I know is there except dean, but let me just try out a match. bcc vs the elite. holy crap that was fucken sick let me check out others whooaahhh these guys are FLIPPIN wait is that.

I start watching being the elite and cody is there. I switch between aew and wwe and get the grim tale of wrestlers transferring over and back, the feuds, the pettiness, the amazing matches. in one tab the rock is announcing he's fighting roman at wrestlemania and in another the bullet club are picking a new founder. I'm also watching njpw at this point. I participate in the we want cody movement. shit happens.

wrestlemania week. I'm seeing cody and the bucks and kenny get giddy over starting a new company in 2019. cody is wearing suits to monday night raw even though he talked mad shit abt wwe as recently as 3 yrs ago. mjf. luchas. dark order. house of black. performers I'm watching in 2014 that died last year. cody vs roman announced and seth is there and roman calls him 'little brother' and moxley is not beside them. cm punk spills abt drama on a podcast. the bucks fire back. I learned about this beef A WEEK AGO and it happened LAST YEAR and NOW it's coming to a head

night 2. roman is assisted in defeating cody except the shield music plays. I have seen every single shield match AND dean, roman and seth match between 2012-2015 in full at this point. I get shocked so bad I almost have a panic attack bc I am. certain that moxley is about to rock up with seth. he doesn't. but roman hears that music and sees seth in his old gear and like a war veteran is transported back to the moment his world shattered, the moment seth destroyed the shield and set into motion events that would lead to seth becoming a solo champion, dean leaving, and roman being left so vulnerable afterwards that the first chance he had to use his cousins - his last remaining friends - as tools he took it. roman has the opportunity to end cody or inflict pain on an already downed seth and he cannot help himself. at the time I'm typing out a post before he even does it because I'm that certain he will, and the chair goes into seth's back and roman goes down, and he's smiling as he's pinned because that sliver of revenge tasted so much sweeter than 3 years at the top, alone. destroying seth wasn't getting his brothers back but at least he has crushed this monster inside him that grew teeth and claws from being hated and abandoned and hurt. moxley isn't there and seth is and that's kind of the point, that's the reason for the rage and the pain and why roman had to make it end. had to.

and cody wins. and I'm searching him on youtube. and its after over a decade of this story but it's only been 3 months for me

[sidekick-hero]

the unparalleled and precious @flowercrowngods tagged me to post some lines of an unpublished wip with no context

The sound of someone inserting their key card into the slot is followed by the handle being pushed down. Then the door to the room opens, revealing the lucky guy who will have him for the next two hours.

He’s pretty, is the first thing that comes to Steve’s mind. Tall and slender, with a small waist and very nice arms decorated in black ink. Most stunning, however, is his face. The pale skin a tantalizing contrast to his pink lips, dark hair framing high cheekbones and deep brown eyes that look at him like a deer in the headlights.

Then, the door closes with a bang.

“Guys? There’s some dude sitting on my bed, you might wanna call security. I’ll hold down the door but you gotta hurry.” Eddie’s voice trembles slightly and Steve’s torn between worry and amusement.

Faintly he can hear the other men laughing and Eddie's indignant squeak. "What the hell are you laughing at? There`s a crazy stalker in my room! Probably armed and dangerous!"

"Oh yeah, I bet he has a big gun," Garrett/Gareth snorts, and Steve rolls his eyes at the very obvious, very bad joke. The guy probably thinks he's really funny.

Eddie seems to agree with Steve, even if unknowingly. "Har-bloody-har. Jeff, c'mon, tell me you at least take this seriously!"

This is one of those nights when Steve wishes he was smart enough, or at least ambitious enough to go to college, so he wouldn't have to make money on the side dealing with shit like this. At least most of his clients were easier to deal with, if not as easy on the eyes as this Eddie.

"Eddie, trust me, you can open the door. He's harmless."

"How do you know?"

"Because he's your birthday present!" Freak interrupts, clearly losing patience. "Gareth's right, we should have just made him put a bow on his dick and be done with it. At least then we wouldn't be standing here arguing."

Steve wonders if they know he can hear every word they say. Like everyone else in the surrounding rooms, because they're not exactly quiet. He just hopes nobody calls the cops.

"He's... What the fuck? You can't just give someone a person, that's human trafficking!"

Obviously tired of making a scene outside a hotel room, Jeff just opens the door and pulls Eddie inside, trusting the others to follow. They do, closing the door behind them, and then they all look at Steve, who is still sitting on the bed, regretting all his life choices that led him here.

He gives a little wave with his fingers. "Surprise."

Eddie blinks at him, speechless, his mouth slightly ajar. Despite the situation, he remains unfairly attractive, his wide eyes stirring something in Steve that he hesitates to explore further. Steve's knowledge of Eddie is limited to his questionable choice of friends, yet he feels an inexplicable urge to shield him from the world, to keep him safe. The urge is unexpected in itself, but even more so in the intensity with which it hits him.

"This is Steve," Gareth introduces, stumbling over his words. "And, uh, well, he... yeah. Guys?" Gareth glances around, hoping for support from the others, but they remain silent. Steve rises from his spot on the bed and approaches Eddie.

As he stands before him, Steve is enveloped in a mixture of clean body spray, shampoo, and a faint whiff of cigarette smoke. Eddie's eyes, even larger up close, hold a warm hue that is captivating. Steve flashes a smile, aiming for a blend of reassurance and flirtation.

"I'm Steve, and for the next two hours, I can be whatever you need," he declares, though technically, twenty minutes have already elapsed. Nevertheless, for Eddie, Steve is willing to make an exception.

tagging with no pressure, only appreciation: @starryeyedjanai, @thefreakandthehair, @hbyrde36, @runninriot, @just-my-latest-hyperfixation, @steddieas-shegoes

[sanguineterrain]

Could I request college!Bucky x reader at a carnival with the prompt: “Take my jacket, it’s cold outside.” 🥰🥰🥰

𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞!𝐛𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

wanted to switch it up, so this time we're doing nerd!bucky <3 my beloved. thank you for the request audra darling!! hope you like :)

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this."

"What do you mean?" Wanda asked, wearing her most angelic pout. "I didn't talk you into anything, Y/N."

You pointed a finger at her. 

"This is a ridiculous ritual. I came here for the funnel fries and nothing more."

"It's a tradition! Running into the water reminds you to tough out your year. When you feel unsure during the semesters, you'll remember you braved the cold ocean."

"I have anxiety; I don't need to catch pneumonia to push myself to turn assignments in on time."

"You're not going to catch pneumonia, Y/N. Come on, this is our last year. Do this for me?"

She laid it on thick, batting her lashes and sticking her lips out. 

"Alright already. You can stop with the pouting."

Begrudgingly, you shed your t-shirt and shorts, now left in your bathing suit which you'd honestly had no intention of making use of. The sun had long since set, meaning the waves were especially frigid, summertime or not. 

"After this we'll do anything you want," Wanda promised. "Any game, any deep-fried delicacy."

"You're damn right," you grumbled, hands clutching your biceps. 

"Man, you're crazy!"

You turned, spotting a cluster of students. They were all in minimal clothing, as if it was ninety degrees outside. On the outskirts was Bucky Barnes, quietly watching, hands shoved into his pockets. 

"See?" Wanda's voice startled you. "He's here too. All the more reason to go in."

"I don't know what you're talking about," you announced. "Come on, let's get this over with."

"Class of '23, let's go!" 

Wanda hooked her arm under yours and dragged you into the water. You squealed as it lapped at your knees, already feeling the chill.

"What a way to end the year," Wanda grinned. 

She let go of you and ducked her head under the water, popping back up with a splash, long hair spraying you. You shielded yourself as best you could, whining at your now damp hair. 

"That's it. I'm going back," you huffed, teeth already chattering. 

You waded out of the water, slipping on your flip-flops. They squished with every step, and you shook like a leaf as you bent to retrieve your clothes. 

"Wan, you made it!" 

Natasha Romanoff jogged over, flanked by her regular group of friends, most of whom you didn't recognize. Except Bucky, of course, but that was only because he was in your chemistry class. And you'd had a rather enormous crush on him the whole year. 

You patted your hair and hung to the side, waiting while Wanda fraternized. 

"Of course I did; I wouldn't miss the Senior Dip!" 

Everyone's hair was wet but none of them seemed to mind. What were they, superheroes? Why were you the only one shivering like a drowned rat?

"This is my friend, Y/N." Wanda waved at you. You flip-flopped over, sandals clacking loudly. 

"Hey," Natasha greeted. "Hope you're having fun."

"Oh, sure. A grand old time."

Natasha gestured to her friends, introducing them. Sam, Steve, Maria and Carol. You politely returned their hi's. 

"Bucky should be around here somewhere. I think you two know each other, don't you?" 

You perked up. Natasha's smile was way too knowing. You glanced at Wanda, who belied nothing. 

"Yeah, we're in the same class," you said slowly. 

"You must be freezing," she tutted, shaking her head. "You know what? I think I have an extra sweatshirt. You can borrow it if you'd like. It's huge, perfect for warming up."

"Oh, wow. That would be great," you nodded eagerly. 

Natasha gestured for you to follow her to the beach chairs. She dug through one of the bags for a moment, then sighed, hands on her hips. 

"I could've sworn I had it."

"It's okay, I'm heading back to the carnival anyway…"

"No, no, wait. Bucky! Hey, Bucky!"

Bucky jogged over, hair already dry and fluffy. He adjusted his glasses on his nose. 

"Hi." His voice was soft, exactly how it was in class, even when he knew every answer. "We heading back?"

"In a bit. You know Y/N, right?" 

Bucky blinked, suddenly seeing you, lips parting. 

"Oh, yeah, yes. Hi. We have Professor Pruitt together. You sit next to me."

"Yeah, I do." The fact that he knew who you were was enough to warm you to your toes. 

"Great! So, Bucky, Y/N is super cold. I thought I had an extra sweatshirt with me but it's in the car! I don't want her to get sick."

"Oh," he said, nodding. He went to his own bookbag, pulling out the jacket you'd seen him wear a million times, dark blue with some sci-fi emblem on the sleeve. You'd always wanted to ask him about it but ended up backing down every time. 

"Here," Bucky offered gently. "Take my jacket, it's cold outside. Especially by the water. Um, it-it's clean."

"Won't you be cold?" 

He shook his head. "I'll be okay. I wouldn't want you to get sick."

That part was a bit of an exaggeration, in your opinion. But under Natasha's watchful gaze, you took the jacket, sliding your arms through and zipping it up. 

"Awesome, awesome. We'll head back soon. Nice meeting you, Y/N!" And Natasha was off, leaving you and Bucky alone. 

You pushed a lock of hair aside, just your fingers peeking out the sleeves. Bucky’s cheeks grew pink. 

"It looks good on you," he said quietly. You snorted. 

"I don't know, pretty sure it fits you better. Matches your eyes."

The blush deepened. "O-oh. Thank you."

You smiled, feeling jittery. You'd never had a full conversation with him before. Confident though he was in class, Bucky seemed to be extremely shy outside. You decided to take the lead. 

"So what's this thing?" you asked, pointing to the sleeve. "Is it Star Wars or something?" 

"No, it's uh, from a science fiction comic I really like. It's pretty old—it started in the fifties. Actually, this is an updated one from the seventies, 'cause the old one referred to the very first comic released, but then they did this storyline where the main characters find this book and the book unlocks these other universes, so—"

Bucky stopped, wincing. "Sorry. I'm rambling. You don't want to hear that."

"No, it's cool. I don't know much about that stuff. So is it supposed to be like Earth surrounded by other Earths? To represent the other worlds?" 

Bucky lit up, nodding. "Yeah, yeah. And that's what it became known for, the comics. They were kind of revolutionary in the genre, so it's meant to show that."

"That's really clever."

Bucky kind of looked like you'd just hung the moon for him. 

You glanced behind you. Wanda didn't show any signs of breaking away anytime soon, clearly enamored by a certain member of the robotics team. She'd catch up. 

"So, um, is this your first Senior Dip?" he asked. 

"First and last. You know, giving it a cute name doesn't make the water warmer."

Bucky laughed, nose scrunching adorably. You smiled slightly, shifting your weight. 

"My friends dragged me to this one too," he admitted. "Said I needed to loosen up."

"They're just jealous you're super smart."

There was that blush again. You were quickly becoming fond of it. 

"You're smart too," he said.

"Chemistry isn't my strong suit," you sighed. "Good thing Pruitt is nice."

"It's an advanced class. You should give yourself more credit," Bucky reasoned. 

You hummed, watching him for a moment. 

"Do you like crepes? I've had my eye on the cart since we got here, but Wanda's a glutton for punishment, as you can see."

"Oh. T-together? Yes, I mean, I like them. I can, uh, walk you, if you'd like. I know it's dark—not that I'm saying you can't take care of yourself! But—"

"Bucky," you gently interrupted.

"Hmm?"  

You tilted your head, chewing your lip to keep from breaking into a full grin. 

"You're sweet."

The tips of his ears darkened.

"Thank you." 

"I want you to walk me. And I also want you to tell me more about these comics. Over a chocolate crepe. Okay?" 

He nodded, far too cute for his own good. Hm. Maybe the Senior Dip wasn't so bad after all.

[casspurrjoybell-28]

Alpha's Temptation - Chapter 29 - Part 1

*Warning Adult Content*

I texted Jay I wanted to talk earlier so we meet out at the field after school .

From the looks of it, he's getting ready for the game later.

He's dressed in his game uniform, the new one since he gave me his old one.

He waves when he sees me, a smile coming to his face.

I smile back, feeling guilty that he looks so happy when this is going to end with me rejecting him.

"Ash," he says as I approach. "What did you want to talk about?" he asks eagerly.

"Hey, Uh... I just wanted to..."

"You look like you're doing well, huh? While my brother is still fucking blacked out in a coma," Trent's voice infiltrates the air.

I turn to see the Alpha approaching us, eyes bright with anger. He gives Jay a once-over.

"This your new boy toy, Ash?"

"Why the hell are you here?" Jay crosses his arms in annoyance.

"Because this little runt needs to fucking hear it after he knocked out my fucking teeth. You happy now? Putting both me and my brother in the hospital?" he shouts, advancing towards me, pointing a crooked finger at me.

I flinch back in fear, hiding behind Jay who moves in front of me, using his body as a shield against Trent.

"What the hell did you call him?" Jay growls.

"I called him a runt. Because that's what he is. Wish that damned sandbag would have crushed him."

"W-what?" I question, peeking out from behind Jay's shoulder.

Is he talking about that time in theater when Jay saved me from the one that fell from the ceiling?

"Yeah, you remember it right? That was a little gift from me to you. For thinking you're better than me. Fuck, I'm an Alpha. We own you pathetic Omegas."

"You were the one who did that?" I ask, shocked.

I mean, I knew Trent was crazy but not homicidal.

"Yeah. You deserved it. Too bad this fucker pushed you out of the way."

Jay growls, fists clenching.

He moves aggressively at Trent and Trent responds, nearly forehead to forehead with Jay as he bares his canines and puffs out his chest.

"Jay, no," I try to break it up but it's like they're not listening.  "If you do this, you'll be suspended. He's not worth it."

"That's right," Trent sneers. "Listen to your bitch. You're probably just a fling to him anyway."

"Trent, we're not... Jay is my friend."

"Friend. Sure."

Trent flares his nostril in irritation.

We've already garnered some attention from the other guys on the team, who peer over at us curiously.

The coach notices, walking over.

"Everything okay here boys? Sounded a bit tense," he says.

"It was nothing, Mr. Reed," Jay seems to regain his composure, sucking in a deep breath.

"That right?" Mr. Reed turns his attention to Trent, a displeased expression on his face.

"Yeah yeah. I'm going," Trent huffs, stuffing his hands in his pockets, giving me one last withering look before he walks off.

"Warm-ups in 10, Jay," the coach tells him, giving me a little nod of acknowledgment.

Then he leaves us to ourselves.

I glance at Jay nervously.

"Sorry about him, Jay. He's..."

"A friend, Ash?" Jay looks betrayed. "That's really all you see me as?"

My eyes widen, my hands immediately going to fiddle with the zipper of my sweater.

"I... I..." I stutter.

Now that I'm actually in the situation it's becoming much harder to face the topic at hand.

"I'm sorry," is all I can come up with.

Jay looks heartbroken.

His shoulders slump, eyes glassy.

"So you knew?"

"L-Lylah told me. I'm sorry..."

"Stop apologizing, dammit. You're just making me feel worse."

"Jay," I say softly, wanting to apologize again but deciding against it.

He puts a hand to his face, rubbing his hand over his brow.

"Shit. Shit. How am I supposed to play tonight?"

"T-This doesn't mean I don't care about you. You're important to me..."

"I don't wanna hear this right now," he cuts me off, refusing to look at me.

"Jay, please," I beg.

He's silent for a moment, staring at the ground.

"I just wanna know one thing. Why? Why not me?"

"Y-you're amazing, Jay. I've always admired you and I... I can't believe someone as cool as you likes me. It's just that, there's this guy and I... you know..."

I look up at him and we finally make eye contact, an apologetic look on my face.

"And you like him," his voice is bitter.

"Yeah," I admit.

Any remnants of the joy from earlier are completely gone from him.

He looks at me like he can barely bear to, his hazel eyes filled with disappointment.

"And here I thought you came to pump me up before my game."

"I can, still," I say desperately, not wanting to lose him.

"Stop, Ash. Just stop."

"W-we can't still be friends?" I ask, feeling tears prick the back of my eyes.

I feel so shitty, so guilty.

He's the one heartbroken but here I am getting all emotional.

Jay gives me a cold look.

"What I want with you, it's not friendship."

He leaves me there frozen in place, words dying on my tongue as I watch him walk away, thundering back to the field as he pulls on his helmet.

Because there's nothing I can say.

There's no way to make this better when the wound is so fresh.

And what boggles me is that he likes me enough to be this upset about me rejecting him.

What did I even do to make him fall for me?

Draw shitty doodles for him?

Stutter nervously around his friends?

Ruin his football game by getting abducted?

It doesn't make sense to me.

I watch his warm-up start.

He's more aggressive than usual, ramming into the other players harder than normal for a scrimmage game.

The coach even blows the whistle and gives him a talking to.

I leave, not wanting to be disruptive any more than I already have been.

I shiver in the cold autumn air, wrapping my arms around me.

I'm only wearing shorts and a thin sweater.

The sky is already darkening.

I feel bad about what I said to Jay but at least I ripped off the band-aid.

Now maybe I can talk to Wren.

But more than anything, I feel like I've basically lost 2/3 of my friends.

And Lylah is completely enamored with Yvonne, which is understandable because she's her mate.

But when they're together 24/7, it gets lonely.

I haven't even been able to tell her about all the stuff that's been happening with Daemon she's so busy.

Feeling a bit down, I sigh, pulling out my phone.

The text from Daemon reminds me that I'm going to his place tonight, bringing a smile to my face.

Lucien actually thinks I'm sleeping over at Lylah's tonight.

I know I'm being sneaky but Lucien is way too protective.

Plus, what's there to be worried about?

To be honest, I'm really nervous.

It's my first time sleeping over at an Alpha's house, much less one that I've kissed.

But I also can't wait. 

The Pack-house, in the literal sense, is not just one giant house.

It's more like a long winding community of buildings where sects of important pack members live.

[lokisprettygirl]

What's your type (loki x reader fluff)

Summary : you and wanda talk about your taste in men and your answer is definitely not the charming mysterious man loki

Note : reposting because it got messed up somehow, a whole paragraph was Missing argh , please read it again

You and wanda were relaxing in the leisure room. That's what Tony named it "leisure room". A bit cheesy and you would think a genius like him would come up with something unique maybe? but boy if it wasn't fun. It had literally everything from those self massage chairs to a bar, everything you would ever need to relax. But none of you ever had time to relax for more then 5 minutes. You were a shield agent and helped Avengers in undercover stings. After the attack on New York , thor realised something was not right with loki and it turned out he wasn't really himself when he horded an army of chitauris over NY. Not that it excused anything but he definitely deserved a chance at redemption.

Loki has been living in the tower for few months and he hardly ever talks to anyone. You wished he did, but he stayed to himself unless others needed him. "So hot goss, jane is getting bullied by Thor's fans on her social media, why would they go public?" Wanda said to you, you both sat next to each other on one of those masssage chairs. "That's awful wanda and did you just use the term hot goss?" You chuckled and she gets embarrassed "yeah I should get off instagram, but really whenever she posts a picture, Thor's fans just start bullying her, telling her how she doesn't deserve the god of thunder , look at this comment _back off he's mine_" wanda showed you one of the comments and it made you cringe. "He doesn't even know you exist thundergirl5405" you laughed.

"Well not that any of it is right , I feel for our girl but that's exactly what I feared would happen. I mean have you even seen thor? he looks like a god but that's the thing, he doesn't just look like one..hes a literal god. Ofcourse he's going to have crazy fans and why would he even post those shirtless pictures" she huffed a little and it made you smile "Well I mean he's alright I guess" you said nonchalantly "What do you mean just alright?" Wanda raised her eyebrows "I mean he's not my type okay? I mean he's too perfect looking, like he was made in a lab you know, like he's literally in your face with his perfect face and body taunting you about how you would never be that perfect ..I don't like such perfection" You mumbled and wanda smirked "so good looking guys with perfect face and bodies aren't your type? So what is ?" She asks you and you took a deep breath.

"Perfection doesn't exist, everyone have their flaws, you know , God or not. Thor does too and it wouldn't be kind of me to pinpoint his flaws. But he doesn't do it for me " You told her and it made her curious "Who does then I'm just curious as your bff?" She asks you, you have never told her about your secret crush on loki. Or how when he walks past you and gives you a small smile , it makes your heart flutter. Or how on missions he makes sure you're safe and tries to stay near by and it makes you want to jump in his arms and hug him,and how good he smells all the time and it makes you want to go down on him, and how you had impure thoughts about him and you in his bed "Nobody ..I uhh Don't have nobody" you stutter and wanda gives you a smile "You stuttered, you're hiding something, out with it now" she looks at you and you shake your head.

"Okay I'm not saying I have a crush on him or anything okay ? Like that would be silly like what? Me having a crush" You laugh "But what about loki? He's handsome and have nice hair" You say softly and she gasps at the realisation "I mean he have the perfect physique and I mean it respectfully, I do not drool over his body in the training room, like a pervert or something but he looks like a god too, you know one of those Greek gods with their lean physique and distinct but pretty facial features. Not that I care " You huff again "Mmhm I guess it could be but what else does he have that thor doesn't?" Wanda asks you and you don't realise she's just trying to just manipulate you into revealing more.

"First of all you shouldn't compare them, they are brothers but ofcourse loki would always be superior with his inherent charm and that deep dark voice he have, not that it works on me or anything, I mean I don't even hear him when he talks. It just goes straight from one ear to another , and those long dainty fingers may make someone wonder about other things but not me. He have the prettiest eyes I have ever seen, in my life and that's saying something, I have seen alot of eyes " You're such a blabbering mess and wanda realises how deep you have it for him "Mmmhm well he's also a murderer so you know" She replies and she swear she saw anger in your eyes.

"Well he did murder people like I'm not even going to make excuses for that , but it's time we stop acting like he enjoyed doing all of that , he was tortured and controlled just like Clint or Dr selvig was and if they're forgiven for their crimes he should be too . Plus he saved our asses so many times. Remember when he stopped that building from falling over us, that was the hottest thing I have ever seen. I mean not that hot, just mildy hot, not even that it was so not hot ,it was like lukewarm" You blabber and she starts laughing "Oh my y/n, does he know you have this huge school girl crush on him?" She smiles and you roll your eyes.

"First of all, I don't have such things and second of all he never talks to me outside of missions. Always into his books , like he didn't need to be have banging mind and personality at the same time but somehow he does and he can do magic, because being a god wasn't enough for him apparently, wait till people starts to realise how attractive he actually is, I pity his future girlfriend or boyfriend, whatever he prefers" your heart pinged at the thought of him being with someone else but you can't be feeling like that, he would never look at you like that "Just forget I said anything okay, am I drunk? What is in this mocktail?" You look at your drink in hand and wanda shakes her head at your denial.

What you didn't know was how loki sat in the corner of the room , using his invisibility charm ,to read his book in peace without any disturbance before you two came in and he heard everything you said.

[nothing-but-dreamy]

ON THE EDGE ~ Pt. 8

Characters: Gavin Reed x fem!Reader

Warnings: cursing

Words: 1.667

For yn, it wasn't that hard to find Gavin. Hank had his bar and Gavin had the football field of the city's high school. It was already dark and cold. The only lights were the emergency lights around the field. As yn reached the field and the wooden stands, she saw a dark frame sitting lonely on a bench. Gavin's head hung between his shoulders while he supported himself with his forearms resting on his knees. She knew he already had heard her. The gravel and sand betrayed her approaching, "You know, you should stop this bullshit.", she said low.

"What do you mean?", Gavin asked without looking up, he sounded exhausted and tired.

"Running away from me all the time.", she said.

"But you found me nevertheless. You just know me too well."

"You're not that complicated.", yn reminded him and tried to sound funny but it didn't work.

"No, not for you, I guess.", his voice was low. To distract himself, he kneaded his hands.

"Gavin...please, listen-", yn started.

Gavin stood up and stopped her mid-sentence, "No, I understand that. You don't have to explain anything. I never really expected you to feel the same for me anyway. I can live with it. It's no big deal.", he said and passed her.

Slowly her patience was running low. Gavin always had full grown confidence and yet, he acted like a kicked puppy, "Fuck, damnit, Gavin! I had no idea, okay? How could I even know about your feelings? You never said something! You never acted as if you would love me… oh bloody hell… all the bullshit the last few days? And the bad mood? All the yelling at Connor? You... you were jealous...", she whispered as realization seeked in her mind.

"And even if I were jealous...I couldn't say anything, okay? I knew you would never fall for me. I'm not that stupid to risk our friendship!", he yelled but regretted it instantly as he saw her surprised face about his outburst.

Yn took several deep breaths to calm herself. She looked at the ground, "But... yesterday, you risked our friendship with this kiss more than willingly. Why?", she asked calmer but still furious.

"Because I... I have nothing to lose anymore. If you really like… him... then... It was my only chance to show you how I feel… I mean, before it's too late. I know I was an idiot for not speaking up. But… yeah…", Gavin said resignedly.

Slowly, yn stepped forward, "Since when do you have feelings for me? Since the shooting?", maybe all this was just because he still felt guilty.

"N-no…", Gavin admitted low, his voice barely a whisper.

"Longer?", Yn asked, shocked about the fact that she had no clue.

"For some time, yeah. A year...maybe more.", Gavin scratched the back of his neck. He couldn't remember how the feelings had started. Someday they just had been there. They were drinking a coffee, talking about a case and suddenly, as she was explaining something, he realized that he loved her.

"Gavin…", yn sighed.

"Don't worry. I learnt this lecture. Just give me some time. I will get over you.", Gavin said sadly and was about to leave. His head hung between his shoulders and his hands were buried deep into the pockets of his jacket.

He was already a few metres away as yn spoke up, "I never thought I would see Gavin Reed not fighting for something he wants. Since when are you giving up just like this?"

Surprised, he stopped and turned around, confusion written all over his face, "W-what?"

"You kiss me. You say you love me. Nevertheless, you ran away from me without even trying to win me over.", she walked over to him, "There is someone else who is interested in the woman you love. An android, for fuck saken! And you don't want to do anything? Why?"

"Because I…", Gavin started but the way she looked at him let him thought himself as stupid if he answered this question. The whole situation was chaotic and he realized that there was no going back. Maybe he would lose her as a partner because of his confession but certainly, he had lost her as a friend. Gavin had no idea what was worse.

"Yeah?", yn asked softly and searched his eyes.

"You… you deserve someone better than me.", Gavin answered and looked at the ground. It was the truth.

"Oh yeah? And then, you think Connor would be the best choice for me?", she asked provokingly and crossed her arms over her chest.

"He's better than I am.", he said, defeated, still avoiding her glance.

Yn shook her head. She saw that he truly meant what he said. The whole situation was already bizarre but the way Gavin acted was the worst for her. He seemed to be defeated. He had given up because of … Connor? She saw fear of losing her in his face. That wasn't the Gavin Reed she knew. She wanted her idiot back, so she had to push him a bit more, "Wow! Really? And that coming from you! The guy who hates androids to his guts. You push me right into their arms? You know what, I don't believe you. That's not what you really want."

Gavin looked straight into her eyes, "Then, don't believe me. It doesn't matter. I'm just not good enough for you. I failed in so many ways when it comes to you... I'm sure I will fail at other things as well.", he admitted.

Slowly she approached him. Stopping right in front of him without much space left, "Gavin, you're an idiot!", she said softly, "You're my best friend, my partner. I caught two bullets for you because I don't know what I shall do without you in this crazy, fucked up world. You know, it's good that you're not the one who decides who's good enough for me or not. I already made this decision.", yn said serious. She grabbed the collar of Gavin’s leather jacket to pull him down. She crashed her lips desperately on his to show him what she tried to tell him.

They separated breathlessly after a few moments. These were the lips she wanted to feel and it was this heart racing experience just he could give her, yn realized as they kissed for the second time.

Gavin leant with his forehead against hers with closed eyes and a racing heart. His hands were gripping her hips to keep her close. His breath was uneven, "Don't play with me, yn. I couldn't handle that.", he whispered.

Yn could hear the pain in his voice. She shook her head, "I'm not playing with you. I wouldn't do that to you, Gavin. Never."

Gavin looked straight into her eyes, "You mean you want … this? Y-you want…me?"

"Yes, I want you!", she answered with a nod and a broad smile that he finally understood.

Gavin blinked, overwhelmed with the change of the situation, "But you and Connor…? The kiss?"

Yn looked softly at him and tilted her head. At this moment, Gavin looked so sweet and innocent. She cupped his face with her small hand and he leant against the touch to feel her warmth, "There's no such thing like Connor and me. And the kiss… Well, you never had a worse timing than this time. If you had just stayed a moment longer, you would have seen me stopping the kiss.", yn explained softly.

Gavin embraced her around her waist, his hands resting on her back, "Why? You like him so, why did you stop the kiss?", he asked low.

Yn gnawed on her lower lip before she looked into his green eyes again. Her heart was hammering into her throat, "Because I saw you in front of my eyes. He kissed me and all I could think of was you. I was so surprised that I stopped Connor right away. I wanted to speak with you about it in the bar but then, you kissed me and you took me totally off-guard. I was so confused. I just discovered my feelings for you. And you already had some for me."

Gavin looked apologetically at her. He knew that the move in the bar had been too much but it had been just a reaction without thinking. With a soft smirk, he looked at her. He felt his normal self coming back, "So, this, between us, is a thing?", he asked carefully.

"Yes-", she got stopped by his lips crashing on hers for a deep and passionate kiss while he digged his fingers into her hair. Yn moaned and just melted against Gavin. She let her hands slide underneath his jacket to touch him how she always wanted without even knowing it.

Gavin broke the kiss and looked at her. Yn saw his eyes sparkle and a huge smile spread on his lips. She could tell that he was extremely happy. The sight of him shot butterflies through her body. She snuggled against his chest and Gavin embraced her even stronger, shielding her from the cold.

*

It was three o'clock in the morning. Gavin laid in his bed. His eyes were glued at the ceiling and his arms were crossed behind his head. Sleep was avoiding him but this time, it was because of the best reason ever: yn. Alone the thought about her let him grin like an idiot.

Over and over again, his mind played the little movie that showed the events of this crazy day as if it was one of these cheesy teenie movies. But Gavin was the main actor who got the girl in the end.

After everything that went wrong the past week, there was a happy ending in sight. Gavin knew he wouldn't find any sleep but he decided to stay in bed for a little while longer and to watch his newest most favorite movie once again.

[fluffymcu]

Letting Loose

Part SEVENTEEN

This series is TICKLE related.

Series Summary:  You’re the little sister of the one and only Captain America. You’re also the youngest girl on the team, so that automatically makes you the avengers’ little princess. And they spoil you as such. They have become your amazing family and you don’t know where you’d be without them. This series will show random adventures and fluffy events in the daily life of the reader and her family, along with an unexpected turn later on as you read.

A/N: I’m so excited to be writing this series! This is my first time writing one and I’m a bit nervous but I hope it all goes well. :)  Hope you enjoy!

Word count: 2,986

This morning you, Peter and Ruby Anne had gotten dressed and ready to go out into the city for some good pizza. The three of you made your way down to the kitchen where a few members of the team were. Bucky, Steve, Bruce, and Tony were there, having breakfast and coffee.

“Hey good morning. Me and the girls are gonna go to the city to get some pizza!” Peter said, you and ruby following behind him. Tony made a weird face and Steve raised an eyebrow at you.

“Pizza for breakfast?” Tony asks. You and Peter shrug before you speak.

“Why not?” Tony just shrugs with both brows raised and waves you off.

“Alright. Go have fun I guess.”

-------

You were at a booth, playing a game on your phone while you waited for Peter and Ruby. They were at the line ordering their mini pizzas and you were securing your seats. Peter ordered what you wanted and now the three of you were sitting at the booth waiting for your pizzas to come out of the pizza oven.

You all made small talk while your drinks came, and made plans to once again stop by the pet shop down the street. It was tradition that every time you went to get pizza, you'd have to stop by the pet shop and look at all the puppies.

“Have you ever been to a pet shop?” You asked Ruby, who was taking a bite out of her pizza. She shook her head as she swallowed her food.

“No, I've never been. I'm not really a dog person.” You gasped at that. You had assumed everyone on earth was a dog person. Who doesn’t love puppies?!

“Really?!”

“Yeah, I guess it’s cause I never had a dog, or met one up close, but I don’t know, they just never caught my attention.” She shrugged. You nodded side to side and hummed.

“Well, now’s your chance to change your mind. Me and Peter have this tradition to stop by the pet shop down the street and look at all the puppies. Peter never lets me go in though, because he thinks that if I go in, I'm walking out with a puppy in my hands.” You say, rolling your eyes. Peter scoffs and rolls his eyes as well.

“I don’t think. I know you will. And then Tony’s gonna blame me for letting you.” He said.

“Whatever. Anyway yeah, so we just look at the animals from the window. But… maybe todayyy can be different!” You say, hope dripping from your voice and you turn to look at Peter with a sly grin. “Since we have Ruby Anne, we have to show her inside! So she can meet a puppy up close and maybe change her mind! Come on, pleaseee? Can we go in, I promise not to adopt anything, I promise!” you plead, pulling out your puppy eyes, knowing he almost always falls for that.

Peter lets out a heavy sigh and rolls his eyes, making your cheer. “Fineee, just because of Ruby Anne.” He says, getting up and waiting for you all to go to the shop.

------

“They’re really cute! And so soft!” Ruby chuckled, walking out of the pet shop with you and Peter on either side of her. She had a really good time looking at all the little puppies and going into the small booths to pet them and snuggle them.

“Right? They’re amazing! Hey, I'm pretty sure now, that if you asked tony for a puppy, he wouldn’t hesitate.” You say with a smug smile of your face as you wiggle your eyebrows at her. She lets out a short laugh. Peter knows exactly why you said that and looks at you while he giggles.

“Dohohon’t even start.”

-----------

You had come home about an hour ago and practiced some ballet as well as training a bit with your brother in the gym. You were now walking in the yard with Ruby Anne, having a nice little girl talk. You were talking to her about Jeremy as you both took a seat on one of the benches in the garden.

“Hmm. Maybe Steve is right.” Ruby chuckled. You shook your head with a smile.

“I used to doubt it but, now I don’t know what to think. But I do know that “we” would never happen.” You scoff. Ruby hums and stares off at the flowers. “What about you? Any crushes you got?” You smirked, nudging her with your elbow. Ruby scoffed and paused for a moment.

She shook her head almost sadly. “Not anymore. It didn’t work out.” She shrugged. You hummed and gave her an apologetic look.

“Well… he's an idiot for not seeing your worth.” You say. Ruby laughs at that and raises her eyebrows as she nods sarcastically.

“Yeah well, its fine. He likes some other girl. She’s so much better for him. They compliment each other very nicely.” She smiles.

“Don’t say that, you are enough. There's no “girl that’s better”. Everyone has something that makes them valuable. You’ll find someone that sees that in you.” You grin, giving her shoulder a comforting pat. She nods and gives you a shy smile.

“Thanks.” She sighs. “So, your turn. You got a crush?” she asks. You take a deep breath and stretch your arms a bit.

“…. I don’t know actually. I mean, I see guys and find them attractive but, I'm not really at the point where I wanna date yet. And I guess that’s what's stopping me. I wanna appreciate and take advantage of my youth. Maybe- I don’t know. I just feel sometimes that when you date at a young age, especially when you both are still growing and immature, you're basically dating for heartbreak.” You shrug. “So I figured I’d just wait, and save myself the pain. I’ll find the right one eventually. But of course, that’s just my take on it.” You chuckle. Ruby nods and smiles.

“Yeah… that’s kinda true I guess.”

-----------

Pietro had brought some Chinese home so everyone gathered to have lunch today. You were having some orange chicken and rice and you couldn’t be happier. After everyone was almost done, Tony spoke.

“So guys I was thinking we should have our movie night outside, what do you think? We set up the yard real nice, weather’s good, we could set up the projector and have our snacks.” He said, smiling when everyone started to agree. You were really excited at the idea and couldn’t wait to set everything up.

That was until now.

After lunch you had taken a shower and a nap. You hadn’t realized its been hours that you were asleep but you were just so tired, you didn’t know why. So when Tony came waltzing into your room to wake you up, your motivation to go help outside was very low.

“Y/nn, wake up…” he sang lightly shaking your shoulder a bit. You groaned loudly, hugging your pillow tighter. “You said you wanted to help with the yard, you’ve been sleeping for a while, its 7:30 and its getting dark. Peter and Ruby are already outside.”

You groaned again, burying your face into the pillow. “mmm. Don’t care.” You mumbled sleepily. Tony smiled softly.

“Aww come on, you don’t wanna get up?” he asked in a very sweet voice. You shook your head no. “You sure? You promised you'd help…” He said, smirking as he lightly started scratching your sides. You began you giggle and kick your feet tiredly, tightening your grip on the pillow.

“Noooohoho. Stohohop.” Your giggles were muffled as you kept your face planted in the pillow. Tony added more pressure, waking you up a bit more and causing you to squirm around. Your laughter became louder and you began to push his hands away as much as you could. “Tohohonyyy!” You yelled, cacklling when his fingers drilled mercilessly into your ribs and you shook him off, giving you enough time to grab the sheets and engulf yourself in them, using the comforter as a shield.

“Come on, get up!” He sang, before smirking. “If you don’t get up, I’ll eat your belly!” He said, poking his head under the covers and hugging your waist to his face, playfully biting and nibbling your stomach. You scream in ticklish agony and flop around as much as possible. His beard was driving you crazy and the noms and noises he was making were not helping at all. “TOHOHOHONY STOHOHOP!” You cry, unable to defend yourself since you were getting tangled up in the covers.

Tony ignored your protests, playfully growling and rubbing his beard all around your torso, occasionally biting your ribs. “I don’t hear a surrender!”

You erupted into loud belly laughter when he began to continuously blow raspberries into your belly. That was the breaking point for you, and you finally decided to give in to make it stop. ”OKAHAHAY ILL GET UHUHUP PLEHEHEHASE!!” You begged, pushing at his head desperately. Tony blew one last raspberry before poking his head out of the covers. He chuckled loosely and helped you untangle yourself from the blankets, giving you a hand to get you out of the bed.

“Glad I was able to convince you. Now come on.” He smiled, leading you out of your room. You whined slightly and lazily walked wherever he led you.

Everyone was out in the backyard, blankets and pillows everywhere, ready to be set up. Steve and Clint were pinning the big white sheet in between 2 close trees and setting the projector up.

When you had gotten to the yard, you went towards Peter, who was helping Thor and Bruce set up the snack and drink table. “Look who finally came out of her coma!” Peter teased, smirking as you rolled your eyes. “Wanna roll down the hill?” he asked, pointing behind him. The backyard had a small hill that the 2 of you liked to roll down off. It wasn’t steep, but it was high enough for it to be fun to roll down. You nodded with a grin.

“Where’s Ruby?” you ask, looking around for her.

“She’s helping Wanda put up the lights. We were practicing cartwheels a bit ago. She’s pretty good!” he said, walking up the hill with you. You smiled at the thought of them playing around.

“Cool! I'm glad she had fun.” You both had your blankets and wrapped yourselves up in them before laying down. “Ready? First one down gets the last pop tart.” You giggle, ready to roll. Peter’s smile faltered as he craned his neck to look at you.

“Wait, what? There's only one left?!” he asked.

“321GO!” You yelled, immediately rolling down, leaving Peter to scramble around and roll down, already too late to win. You were giggling and closing your eyes as you spun and spun until you slowed to a stop. You unraveled yourself and looked up just in time to see Peter roll to a stop. You laughed along with him and both got up, him helping you.

“That was so not fair.” He chuckled.

“I was just kidding about the pop tarts.” You started. Peter sighed in relief. “There’re none left. Thor finished them all.” You tittered, shrugging a shoulder. Peter deflated and groaned, making you laugh.

-------

WHACK!

You and Peter were in the middle of one of your many pillow fights while the rest of the team were finishing up. All that was left was putting the blankets and pillows down. 

You were aiming at Peter and were about to smack him, your arm bent over your head when your pillow was suddenly snatched from behind. You gasped and turned around to see Nat tucking it under her arm.

“Nat!’‘ You cried. She gave you a shrug and half a smirk. 

“What? This is my pillow, I need it.” She said, walking away and leaving you to get quickly knocked to the ground by Peter with the pillow. You could tell he wasn’t done so you quickly got up and and ran, giggling loudly as he chased you. 

You circle around the food table to where Steve is and you run behind him, hugging him for protection. He’s taken aback at first; giving you a weirded out smile, unaware of Peter standing a few feet away, and returning the hug. You beam at him, giving him your brightest smile and looking back over at Peter, who’s glaring at you playfully. You grin and stick your tongue out, watching as he leaves but not before quietly telling you that he’ll be back for you. 

You finally leave your brother’s side once you deem the coast is clear and go help Nat who’s laying the blankets down. 

After helping out a bit, you spot Ruby Anne talking to Peter a little far away. They’re both laughing and you smile to yourself, happy that you’ve been seeing her smile a lot more. You were glad that she actually did what she said she was gonna do and give the team a chance. There was still a lot of progress that she and Tony would have to make, but the more you saw her interact with the other members, you knew things would only get easier from here.

As you’re laying a blanket down, you smirk widely at an unexpecting Bucky, who’s sitting on the ground with his back to you, changing the batteries on some of the battery powered candles. An idea to surprise him slipped in your head and you couldn’t stop yourself. When it came to Bucky, messing with him was your favorite hobby. You didn’t know what made him so fun to prank but he was. 

You grabbed the blanket back and snuck up behind him, careful not to make any noise before throwing the blanket over his head and pulling down/back so that he falls on his back. With a laugh you try to get away but somehow he manages to quickly grab a hold of your ankle before you can run. You scream and protest as he begins to slowly drag you over to him with the blanket still over his head. “Nononononoooohohooo!” You giggle nervously, kicking and rolling around with no avail.

“I wonder who this could be?” He hums, blindly tickling all over you, starting with your thighs, mercilessly tasing them, knowing how that drives you crazy. You’re letting out loud uncontrollable giggles as you pointlessly try to kick your legs out. “Hmm. Feels like... female, mid-teens,” He starts, digging his thumbs into your hips making you convulse with laughter. “About __ lbs., Extremely ticklish, hmm... seems familiar...” He moves his hands to your sides, rapidly squeezing them, smiling at the sound of your laughter. “Apparent poor defense skills,,, very sneaky though; always out to get me...” 

Your stomach was beginning to cramp from all the laughter and teasing. You were begging for him to stop but he only ignored your pleas. 

“God- I know this! I’ve heard that laugh before! It can’t be Peter, it’s gotta be...” Bucky sighed feigning defeat, playing dumb and prolonging the torture for you.  “I feel like this could be y/n but I’m not sure.” He shrugged, shaking his fingers into your ribs. 

“IT’S MEHEHEHEHE!” You cry, throwing your head back as you laughed. Bucky gasped before ripping the blanket off of him and blowing raspberries on your belly. You shriek and arch your back violently, bursting out into hysterics. Your body falls limp as you laugh and accept your fate. 

“I knew it! There’s only one person who’s brave enough to constantly mess with me and think she can get away with it!” He teases, blowing another raspberry and shaking his head into it, chuckling against your skin when you let out a small snort. He sits back briefly only to start leaning down towards your neck. You immediately know what he wants to do and you shrug your shoulder up with a squeal. “Nooohohoho! It’s gonna tihihickle so bahahad!” You cackle. 

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” He said. He chuckled loosely and blew the raspberry in the crook of your neck. Your body instantly paralyzed when you screamed, falling into silent laughter . He finally sat back and watched as you we’re just a giggly puddle on the ground. “I wonder when you’re going to learn that pranking me almost never works out for you.” He thought out loud, smiling as you let out residual giggles sprawled out on the floor. 

“Neveheher.” You say, shaking your head tiredly. Bucky snorts at that and shakes his head at you fondly before scooping you up and laying you on his lap. “You gonna sit with me while the movie plays?” He asks, wrapping his arms around you, cuddling you to his chest. You nod firmly with a hum and cover yourself with a blanket since it’s getting chilly out. The yard is all set up and everyone finds their seats and watch the movie as a family. 

It’s about 2am when the movie ends and everyone is having another snack at the food table. Tony had said that it would be better to clean up tomorrow, since it was late, so all they had to do was clean the food table and bring the leftovers in. Since Bucky had gone to help, you were clingily holding onto Steve’s arm since you were so sleepy you couldn’t even stand on your own. 

When everything wrapped up and you all said your goodnights, you raised your arms at Steve, hinting at the fact that you wanted him to carry you inside. He huffed out a laugh and rolled his eyes, but obliged anyway; picking you up. You wrapped your legs around his waist and your arms around his neck as he carried you inside and up to your room where you quickly fell asleep. 

[merakiui]

There's an AFTERL!FE blog now! I'm so happy. All of your posts are so good and I love how you write. Would it be possible to get another story about Theo and Nine's rivalry? The way you write them is just so fun and enjoyable to read.

(Thank you so much! I’m very happy that you like my posts. (❁´▽`❁)*✲ﾟ* You may definitely have another story of their rivalry! I had a blast writing it. This can be considered a sequel to Cake, but it can be read as a standalone as well.)

Nerium Oleander (Theo and Nine)

Stalkers are poison ivy. Their victims are innocent trees, who breathe life and fortune into the one who watches them like a hawk. Twining around their limbs like rope and heavy iron and keeping them pinned for all their worth—it’s a display of parasitic infatuation. Love, like any other emotion felt in full, is awfully draining. Day and night, allowing that person to consume your thoughts. Thinking and wondering if they appreciate you just as much as you value them. Wishing that they would notice everything you’ve done for them on the sidelines. Loathing anyone who threatens that nonexistent relationship.

As fate would have it, there are unlucky instances in which love is one-sided.

Theo simply can’t bear the thought of that, so he becomes oleander—a flower blooming in beautiful death. One hint of its aroma can send you to an early grave. Every inch of the inviting flower is bathed in poison, and yet it’s still so gorgeous. Why is it that the ugliest personalities have the prettiest shells? It’s frustrating to know that he has competition. In a setting with nineteen other Reapers, Theo’s got a lot on his plate. Like ivy and oleander, it’s the exterior that fools. A sharp, monstrous idea can be wonderful as long as it’s hidden within layers of honeyed promises. Like a cake that’s stacked with plenty of delicious flavors.

He doesn’t want to waste his time on endeavors that won’t bear any fruit, but befriending every Reaper will have its benefits. He’s already made a list of those who pose the highest threat to his precious manager. Nine is at the very top, his name circled in black pen. As much as he dislikes the polite and oh-so-gracious Reaper, he has to pretend as if the two of them are friendly coworkers. As if he doesn’t wish for Nine to transfer to another Department or to cease existing. But immortality is funny like that. You’re either stuck with the best people in the world or the fiends of your worst nightmares. Theo wonders if this is his punishment. Spending an eternity with Nine is far more hellish than Quincy and his status as a devil.

Which is why he holds so much hatred for those who hurt his manager, specifically the ones who simply don’t know when to quit.

The blue-eyed oleander witnesses it in the early hours of the morning during a particularly unfavorable mission. A vengeful spirit had the gall to hurt his manager, and they had even more of a spine to talk to them as if they were a worthless weed. In his garden of noxious plants, Theo sees the disgusting hemlock attempting to snuff out the beauty that is his beloved rose. His expression switches in an instant, a light flickering behind those expansive eyes. There are so many emotions he feels in that moment, but fear is dominant as it grabs his heart and squeezes. The spirit could kill them. It’s about to kill them, and he’s flipping through his spell book with rapturous intent.

And then Nine is at their side, shielding them from the spirit’s attack. Before him, the specter vents in anger, spewing meaningless insults. Theo feels as though he’s just been kicked in the stomach. Why is it so hard to get to you? he thinks, gripping the leather book. His chest aches as he sees the manager cling to Nine. Why can’t I be the one who saves you for once? Why can’t you just rely on me? Nine is better equipped to deal with the situation as he listens, attempting to reason with the vengeful spirit. Its crocodile tears don’t faze Theo in the slightest. He should be the one crying because he was too late. One spell and his manager would’ve been rescued from the claws of such a beastly spirit. And yet Nine was faster with his reaction time.

Theo makes a mental note of the way Nine purifies the vengeful spirit once it’s calmed down. He’s always gentle when he talks to them, using his relaxing aura to coax them into tranquility. Theo would’ve preferred to crush it beneath his unmerciful heel, but the problem has been solved. There’s no use fretting over it now. Though it will definitely keep him awake tonight.

“Manager!” He jogs over to them, dropping down to inspect their wounds. “Take this to stop the bleeding. I’ll help you.” Unfastening his cape, he passes it to the manager, who holds it against the bloody laceration while he searches for a proper healing spell.

“Thank you, Theo,” (Name) says, wincing at the stinging sensation. “That spirit really put up a fight. Thanks for coming to my aid, Nine.”

“No need to thank me, Manager. I’m relieved you’ll be okay. Mr. Theo will have you healed in no time.”

Theo grits his teeth before facing Nine. He wants this unworthy hemlock out of his special garden. “Could you gather the others? Let them know that we’re finished over here.”

“Very well. Are you sure you don’t need my help?”

“No.” It comes out way too stern, and Theo’s quick to correct himself. “No thank you. We’ll be fine.”

He doesn’t spare Nine another glance as he departs, focusing on the manager’s pained expression with sympathy. They’re in his arms now, grasping at him for salvation. The situation couldn’t be anymore perfect.

“That was crazy, wasn’t it?” they ask, making light of the previous events. “My heart is still racing!”

“I...was so worried, Manager.”

They let out a wheezing chuckle. “Thank goodness Nine was there. If it weren’t for him, I could’ve gotten killed. It’s scary to think about.”

“Yeah. Terrifying,” he echoes while casting the healing spell on them. Surely there’s a curse that brings misfortune. Theo wants to do everything he can to master every negative incantation there is. Just for future reference. There are so many possibilities when it comes to his rivals. He’ll have a field day debating which is the most effective. “You’ve got to be more careful. If you ever find yourself in trouble, just come to me. I’ll always be here to help you.”

They smile, sitting up on their own accord and feeling for any wounds that might’ve escaped the cleansing powers of Theo’s magic. Every cut is sealed and every bruise is gone, leaving the manager with a feeling of rejuvenation. At once, they recognize the plush fabric of Theo’s cape and gasp, noticing just how much blood has stained the white cloth.

“I’m sorry for making such a mess. I’ll wash this as soon as we get back.”

Theo eyes the color with disdain. How utterly cliché. It’s almost sickening. Red on white is too bold—too deep of an implication. Red is a color that means many things, two of that being passion and love. A third is the color of blood. And white is meant to symbolize purity. Theo knows he’ll have to work hard so that the manager’s purity doesn’t bleed out onto the sterile white of this corrupt world. There’s no way he’ll ever let that happen. When he stares at his cape, drenched in splotchy crimson, he sees more than just a soiled piece of fabric. He sees the darkest imprint of (Name). But blood is still messy, even if it is his beloved’s.  

Theo wonders which cleaning agent is best for erasing blood. His thoughts spiral deeper and deeper into a rabbit hole of wickedness. Mortality is fragile, and cake and blood are no different. Both are victims of inescapable chance. On the other hand, immortality is a curse that binds him to the one he’d rather be far away from. Speak of the hemlock, who has completed the command with diligence. Nine approaches with the others in tow, all of whom crowd the manager like insects. Theo wishes to spend a moment longer with them. Just a few more minutes. There’s so much I want to tell you. He’s bound to this silver-lined rivalry, a prisoner of obsession. And Nine has no idea.

He supposes that’s how poison works. It doesn’t take long until it spreads within its victim, who is unaware as it shuts down vital organs and flatlines their functions. If Theo has to cut the strings that tie him to Nine and anyone else who dares get in the way of him and the manager, he’ll do whatever it takes. Like poison, it’s small and deadly. Poison might not kill an immortal Soul Reaper, but that has nothing to do with their mentality. Cake might be the same when it comes to ingredients and presentation, but it’s the baker who’s most important. A cracked baker is easy to exploit. He’s even easier to tear apart when he’s alone and basking in his own corrosive thoughts.

The oleander festers at the manager’s side, a quiet flower waiting for an opportunity to infect everyone with debilitating poison.

------

Nine has begun to notice a pattern. It’s tiny at first—like a minor inconsistency that isn’t worth the trouble. But then it becomes a prominent itch that looms in the back of his mind like a shadow. Since that mission, Theo’s been hanging around the manager as if he expects another near-death experience to happen, which shouldn’t be much of a worry. Although (Name)’s mortality is concerning, Nine knows the Reapers in the 14th Department would never let any fatal harm befall their precious manager. So why is there a strange feeling that overwhelms him whenever he spots Theo trailing after them, holding files or a bento he made specifically for them? Anyone with half of a brain would assume he’s playing favorites, attempting to get on the manager’s good side so that the punishment for skipping out on work is lighter. Though Theo doesn’t seem like the type to slack off, which is why Nine is sinking in a state of perplexion.

What is he trying to achieve? Realistically, what is there to gain other than (Name)’s approval? They like each and every one of the Reapers, so it’s not like anyone’s on their bad side. He has an eternity to figure it out, though Nine can’t exactly be bothered. If it isn’t hurting anyone, why should he fret over Theo’s behavior? It’s not as though he’s acting out of line. Rather, he’s been quite pleasant. He even offered to assist Nine in moving a few boxes. Nine doesn’t want to hold any suspicions about his colleague, nor does he want paranoia gnawing on his ankles like a puppy.

Without realizing it, he’s been aimlessly walking through the campus as he pieces together fragmented thoughts. His eyes land on the manager, who is alone as they stride towards him. For once, Theo isn’t at their beck and call. Nine thinks of Day and his unwavering loyalty. Perhaps Theo is just as enthused about (Name) as Day is with him. Nine shrugs those comparisons away, opting to focus on his manager.

“Hi, Nine! What’re you doing out here?”

“Taking a small stroll,” he answers. “The weather is perfect for this, and it’s always beneficial to get some exercise.”

“I agree. To be honest, I wanted to clear my head for a bit. I’ve got so much work that it’s beginning to stress me out.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, Manager. Would you like any help?”

“I don’t want to bother you.” They wave their hand through the air as if the distress isn’t clear enough. It’s obvious they’ve been pulling all-nighters just to get through paperwork and other tasks. “Would you mind if we walked together?”

Nine considers their offer for a moment. While he would prefer a few more moments to himself, he can’t deny someone as caring as (Name). It’s almost a crime to turn them down, and he has no idea where all of this fondness is suddenly coming from. Regardless, there’s a sneaking sensation that touches his sixth sense. Since when did the flowers have eyes? The wind rustles through the greenery, creating an eerie sound that settles in the courtyard. He’s compelled to retrace his steps and turn down the corridor, but your patient expression chases that idea away.

“I don’t mind.” He falls into step with you, calmly observing the deliberate clicking of your shoes. “Take care not to overwork yourself. The 14th Department depends on your leadership.”

At least a few Reapers are more than dependent, he thinks.

“I’ll be fine as long as I can finish everything on time. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“Make sure you’re getting enough rest and eating your meals—“

“I know,” they say, drawing out the syllables. “I appreciate your concern, Nine. It means a lot.”

He nods, a simple gesture that confirms his gratitude. His manager is always thanking and praising the others. Briefly, he wonders if they’ve ever taken time to care for their own well-being rather than the well-beings of the Soul Reapers.

“When all of this is over, I’d love to spend more time with you,” (Name) goes on, a bounce in their step. Nine doesn’t miss the excitement that flashes through their features at the prospect of getting to bond with him. He’d rather be alone, but Nine has found it to be a challenge whenever they’re involved. “Do you think you could teach me to play an instrument? I’ve been meaning to pick something up, but I never seem to have time.”

Well, Nine happens to be skilled with his hands. And hands are required to play most—if not all—instruments. Perhaps you’d like to learn the violin, or maybe you’re interested in the drums. He’ll have to learn as he goes with those, but it’s worth it if it means (Name) will be happy. How odd. Where did all of this compassion come from? Nine knows what instrument they’ll say, as the two of them have sat in the storage room and played it on plenty of occasions. The atmosphere doesn’t change, but the flowers certainly do. As if wanting to blot out a horrid memory, the eyes close and a mouth creases into a tight line. Nothing short of disappointment.

“I was thinking I could be good at the piano if I tried hard enough. What do you think? We can play together, and we can even form a band.”

A band consisting of two people is hardly a band. Handcuffs can only restrict one person. A pair of unseeing eyes are useless, and Nine knows his words must be chosen carefully lest his tongue sit on a rusted tray.

He puts on a thin smile. “Learning an instrument can be just as stressful as work. I wouldn’t want to jeopardize your health.”

“I’ll be fine, but you do make a good point. It might be overwhelming if I try to balance that and missions. One of these days I’ll try to learn.”

Just not now.

And he couldn’t be any more relieved.

------

Nine finds himself in the common room later that evening, reflecting over the events of the day when he encounters the blooming oleander. He’s preoccupied with the book in his hands, which is a collection of stories written by the famous Edgar Allan Poe. He never intended to pick up something so macabre. It happened to be the first thing he grabbed while perusing the shelves. Perhaps he should’ve looked for a poetry book instead. Before he can get up and complete that task, Theo enters his visage, the corners of his lips upturned. It fails to reach his eyes.

“Good evening, Nine. I didn’t expect to find you here. This is a wonderful surprise nonetheless.” He says a greeting that’s reminiscent of Nine’s, which has been tailored ingeniously. Recycled words are only worthwhile if they’re put to positive use, and Theo bleeds venom. He has no reason to speak to Nine. In fact, he’d rather avoid him at all costs, but that won’t work if he intends to poison his fragile mind with every bit of sly kindness he can muster. Theo has learned to be resourceful. A talented baker knows how to improvise, after all. “Oh, I recognize that cover. It’s an anthology of Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories. Which one are you reading?”

Nine glances at the page, picking out notable phrases. He’s at the part where the old man is smothered by his own bedsheets. “‘The Tell-Tale Heart.’”

“That’s grim, isn’t it? Well, all of his stories are, but that one in particular is really morbid.” Theo sits beside him on the sofa, keeping a gap between him and the weed that is Nine. “Wouldn’t it be scary if you woke up to someone trying to kill you? I know I’d be alarmed. But we’ve already experienced death, so maybe it’s not frightening anymore.”

He tries to understand the motive behind Theo’s incessant chatter. The two of them have never really clicked. Small talk isn’t something they can fall into so easily. Nine wants to ask Theo many things, but it’s wrong to suspect someone without any evidence. So he merely nods as he listens to Theo, hoping he’ll take the hint and leave. It’s not as if Nine doesn’t want to talk; he’s just not accustomed to this facet of the Day Reaper. Lo and behold, the question slips out before he can stop himself.

“What would you do?”

“Excuse me?”

“If you were one of the investigators, what would be your reaction to the man?”

“Oh,” Theo states, pursing his lips as if the inquiry requires deep thought. “We know that the narrator is unreliable. He only wants to kill the old man because of his eyes. He gets paranoid when he hears the man’s heartbeat coming from the floorboards, even after he dismembered his body. I’m sure anyone, investigator or not, would think he’s insane.”

“Do you think that?”

Theo bristles at the question, a sour taste coating his tongue. Why is he suddenly being interrogated by Nine? This isn’t an interview, and it certainly isn’t a questionnaire for a criminal. He laughs to cover up the crack in his mask. “Of course I do. No one of sound mind would murder someone defenseless all because of the way their eyes looked. Just saying it out loud like this is madness.”

Nine nods again. Insanity cannot exist without sanity. A heart cannot function without a beat. A parasite cannot live without a host. He’s not sure where this conversation is going. This is far from a cheery book club meeting. Nine searches every inch of his expression, noting the occasional twitch of his mouth and the constriction of his pupils. Yet he can’t detect an ounce of a practiced lie. Could it be that his instincts are misplaced? Is this what Theo has wanted all along: A moment to talk to Nine as friends rather than coworkers? Perhaps he has been incorrect in his judgement.

The book shuts; Nine doesn’t want to read anymore. There’s an unfinished composition waiting for him in his dorm room. Standing up from the couch, he lowers his head in the form of a farewell. He sets the novel on the coffee table so that Theo can indulge in the fictional world of Poe.

“I’m afraid something has come up, so I’ll be leaving now. Please enjoy the remainder of your evening, Mr. Theo.”

“I will.” Theo beams. “Sleep well.”

Nine doesn’t waste a second turning his back on Theo, exiting the common room with graceful movements. As soon as he’s out of sight, the happy grin melts away and is replaced with that of a dark scowl. He’s not a mindless fool. It was obvious that Nine was uncomfortable. He’s just too polite to say anything, and that’s a weakness Theo’s willing to dissect.

So you were reading Poe, hm? he muses to himself, picking up the book and turning it over in his hands. I took you for a poetry guy. How chilling, Nine. Manager wouldn’t like these grotesque tales.

Who is he to determine what they like and dislike? Theo’s watched (Name) for quite some time now, committing their quirky habits to memory. It’s almost comical how they never seem to notice. Nine does, but he’s always been keen, and yet he can never understand the meaning behind his constant staring. That’ll happen when you spend your days alone, keeping yourself entertained with the voice inside your head. Theo wonders if Nine gets lonely with that depressing lifestyle. The two of them are like night and day. Theo’s bright and blinding like the sun. Nine is quiet and calm like the moon. But there isn’t any oxygen on the moon, and the sun can steal a person’s eyesight without feeling any remorse. Two Reapers of complete opposites, rising and setting all the same. A weed and a flower masquerading in a game of cat and mouse.

Oleander grows to towering heights. A stalker’s presence looms as tall as the very flower Theo embodies. He doesn’t care if he’s a leech or a misleading flower. Anything’s better than hemlock and the imposter cake Nine’s baking. Theo’s the baker and the pianist, not Nine. It will never be Nine. He’ll make sure of that. At his very core, Nine is a jawbreaker of many emotions and memories. Theo will fracture every layer until nothing’s left. Until the ground is a mess of colors and stories that unfold before the entire 14th Department. He’ll dig into Nine’s mind with a knife and fork to pull apart stringy recollections of his past life. It’s guaranteed to be a dessert far tastier than a slice of cake.

Poison ivy is easy to identify. As the saying goes, ‘leaves of three, let it be.’ Theo isn’t as obvious as a sickening rash. That’s the difference between ivy and oleander. One kills and the other spreads with red irritation. While he could sit and wallow in bitter annoyance, he’d rather get to memorizing every hateful hex in his spell book. Maybe he can trick Ell into making him a felt doll of Nine. Oh, the thrill of voodoo. Theo’s never performed such dark magic before, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. He’d like to see Nine lose his mind for a change, because eternity knows Theo’s lost his.

The manager deserves only the prettiest of flowers, and oleander has such a gripping, virulent embrace.

[gisachi]

i'm a sucker for shouji romance so I'm choosing the cheesiest ones, how about 25 or 28 for Shinran? You can do both if you feel like it

Aaand I’ll do both.✌🏼Thank you for the request, Anon! Hope this gives you some shoujo romance feels~

25. Wet kisses after finding refuge from the rain. 28. One person tracing the other’s lips with a fingertip until they can’t resist any longer, tilting their chin towards them for a kiss. (2,024 words)

.

.

.

Most people associate rain with melancholy or despair or some negative emotion, but Ran doesn’t.

Rain makes her happy. Every pitter-patter is a replay of the splashing puddles and excited footfalls as they played barefoot in the Kudou mansion yard. She got a cold because of that, but that didn’t stop them, being the reckless children that they were, for immediately after she recovered he invited her to play outside again and they did, and it was fun.

Every umbrella is a reminder of the navy blue one he offered back in junior high, because she forgot hers and it was pouring hard and she needed to meet with her mother soon. She wouldn’t have taken it had she known he didn’t have an extra, but he’s more stubborn than she was, so she decided she’d just make up for it by promising a win in her first amateur karate match, the one he was always rooting her for. She didn’t win, and it was sad, but then the same umbrella shielded her from the heavy downpour as she slumped by the gym steps, sobs obscured by thunders, and he held it for her despite getting soaked himself.

“I got this earlier,” he revealed a packet of chocolate from his bag. He didn’t really like sweets, but his secret admirers always kept them coming.

“They insisted so I took it.” He ripped the wrapper with his teeth and free hand, then gave it to her, “You like this flavor right?”

“But that’s for you.”

“Yes, and I decide what I want to do with it. I’m giving it to you.”

“But...I still owe you...”

“You don’t owe me anything, Ran. Now wipe your nose, your snot is showing.”

“Mou, Shinichi!”

For years, in the rain, his presence always lingers, as if he’s obliged himself to be with her in those moments, making sure she always has an umbrella. Every droplet is a witness to their friendship that blossomed and flourished into how they are now, and how they shall be. That’s why she cannot hate rain. Because rain means having him around.

Somewhere along the random, sometimes heartfelt conversations they share in their established waiting shed a block away from school, or under the tree by the Beika bridge or the one near their favorite ramen place, all stored in her heart, unforgotten;

Somewhere along the moments where she inadvertently begins memorizing his breathing patterns whenever they run for their lives making futile attempts to remain dry despite raging showers, and they laugh it away, and she loves his laugh, so raw, and real, and she’s happier when she knows she’s the cause of it;

Somewhere along experiencing those littlest things with him, apart from the big things, the comfort, the care, the company;

She realizes she has fallen.

Deep.

What happens when your childhood friend is no longer just your childhood friend?

She doesn’t know.

“Okita-san confessed to me this morning,” she mentions in passing while they dry themselves under the nearest waiting shed they can find, the sudden burst of rain not preparing them, yet again, for another mad dash from the school gate to there.

“Oh.” There is silence, save for the pattering of rain and screeching tires of passing cars. “What did you say?”

“I...don’t know.”

“Heh. What a funny reply to a confession.”

“No, silly!” she says, sucker punching his bicep. “You know I didn’t literally say that.”

He breathes a laugh.

“But, isn’t it nice? That he likes you?”

She smiles, a little forced, and he probably notices, so she gazes far into the sky, watches the rain fall instead.

“I know I might have said that he’s kind, and cute, and the whole school knows it, even him, but I guess... he’s not really the one I’m looking for.”

“Mmm,” he wrings his sleeve, water oozing out, and there’s silence again.

“Who exactly are you looking for?”

She looks at him subtly so he won’t notice.

“Honestly, I wonder.”

Someone who will play with me in the rain and wipe my tears away.

A car runs over a puddle, splattering mud all over Shinichi’s uniform. Ran laughs while Shinichi scoffs.

“Hah! You look pathetic, Shinichi!”

“Very funny,” he pouts, flicking the patches of dirt ruining his sacred white shirt.

“You even have on your... on your face!”

Rejoices when I’m happy, mourns with me when I’m sad.

Still laughing nonstop, she spontaneously wipes with a soaked handkerchief some of the mud that got to the corner of his eyes, cheek, corner of lips.

Someone I’m comfortable being with, in any given circumstance.

Her laughter tapers off into an awkward cough and silence, realizing what she’s doing, touching his face. But her hand doesn’t stop its innocent exploration, as her thumb extends beyond the handkerchief to the plump of his lips, directly feeling his softness, his moistness, and god what is she really doing?

Shinichi doesn’t speak, and instead stares at her, astonished expression in his eyes, but shifts into a calmer, more tender one.

He grips her hand on his face gently, like he has waited for this for a long time.

“Ran?”

She takes a step closer; so does he.

She stares at his lips; so does he.

But then some people arrive at the waiting shed, and Ran backs away, and Shinichi shoves his hands in his pockets.

The rain still falls, but the wind changes its course.

What happens when your childhood friend is no longer just your childhood friend,

and he probably thinks the same?

.

.

Most people associate rain with relief or happiness or some positive emotion, but Shinichi doesn’t.

When it rains, Shinichi thinks of her tears from that day. They were in second grade when he saw her in the playground, sitting alone on the swing under a heavy drizzle without an umbrella. Anyone would think she’s crazy, but not him, as he approached her and found out her mom left their house. The closest female influence in her life leaving home hurt more than whatever sickness she’d get from the rain, and he understood that so he let her cry.

The rain reminds him of her crestfallen face after losing her first karate match. That’s one thing they had in common - they hate losing - and he understood how that must’ve affected her so he let her cry, but made sure he’d make her smile afterwards. The chocolate bar helped.

When it rains, he thinks she’s somewhere out there, sad. He hates it, especially when he has already witnessed the beauty in her smile the first time they played in his yard under the pouring rain. He likes her smile a lot, and he’ll do all he can just to see her smile, every single day.

“Okita-kun confessed to me this morning,” she said a week ago, and he couldn’t get it out of his mind. In their random conversations, she did mention she liked him, twice. And it’s great, he believes, for it’d be a reason for her to cry a little less if he liked her back, too.

Great, really, she should say yes.

“...he’s not really the one I’m looking for.”

Yet that answer made him sigh and praise all angels above.

“Honestly, I wonder.”

Yet that reply made him hope that she stop wondering, and just look at who’s near her. Beside her.

“You even have on your...on your face!”

Yet her radiant laugh did nothing but strengthen his yearning so much, made him want to be the only one who can make her laugh like this, because she’s beautiful, and he liked her smile. A lot.

Her fingertips graced his cheek, brushed his face, stroked his lips, and that made his heart want to explode into million tiny pieces.

“Shinichi?”

He liked the way she said his name, even though she wasn’t smiling and her tone was serious.

He liked how she stepped closer first,

and he liked how she didn’t mind him following suit.

But then some people arrived at the waiting shed, and Ran backed away, and he shoved his hands in his pockets.

The rain still fell, but the wind changed its course.

And he wondered.

Somewhere along the waiting shed conversations, the crying and shoulder leaning sessions, the occasional, spontaneous dances and carefree laughters after willing her tears away under the rain...

Perhaps it’s more than just her smile that he liked, too.

What happens when your childhood friend is no longer just a childhood friend?

He didn’t know.

He wanted to know.

//

Shinichi hasn’t been listening to forecasts lately; he’s just deducing what the weather will be, and today, for the ninth time, he gets it wrong.

But they’re so used to this scenario, and they don’t hate it one bit, he knows because lately instead of tears he sees smiles from her most of the time as they run on puddles intentionally and sprint short distances without anymore covering their heads with their bags because who cares?, and man does that make him much happier, to see her this happy, with him.

Beautiful. She’s always beautiful when she smiles. Her pearly white teeth the bright clouds in a gray sky, the effective stop gap to all negative emotions he associates with the weather.

Somehow, that makes him want to touch her face like how she did a week ago, so he does.

“...and I laughed so hard because sensei heard Sonoko say that! I mean-...Shinichi?” She flushes, pauses her story.

“What? Keep talking,” he says, caressing her face as if it’s completely normal for him to do so.

“I can’t really talk much, with um, your...on my lips,” she mumbles, soft and shy, her cheeks turning red, the only red he can see amongst the paleness of the sky and pavement and really, it’s like she’s radiating her color everywhere.

He smiles gingerly. “I’m getting even for last week.”

“Last week, huh,” she says, disguising her nervousness with a chuckle.

“...Shinichi?”

"Yeah?”

“Is it..uh...weird…?”

“What is?”

“I don’t know…I’m...”

“It’s not,” he chuckles, too. “...Is it?”

If anything, this is the closest he’s gotten to comfort.

“N-no...I think, um...you’re right.” She blushes more. “It’s actually kinda...nice.”

He’s just repeating what she did last week.

But what she didn’t do…

What do you do when she’s no longer just a childhood friend?

You tell her.

“Ne. Ran.”

“Hm?”

“If I confess to you right now, will you say ‘I don’t know’?”

“Shin-Shinichi!” she flushes harder. He laughs.

“Ran?”

“Yes?”

“I’m really gonna do it.”

“...”

When she’s no longer just a childhood friend, you have to admit it to her soon.

“Ran, I...”

Somehow, this makes the most sense.

It’s not just her smile that he likes, but the fact that she’s the one wearing it. It’s not the rain that drowns him, but her eyes when they’re filled with tears, so when she isn’t crying he’s never really hated rain. He likes it now. So it has come to this.

“I’m in love with you.”

She gasps.

Don’t just tell her. Show her.

“Shinichi, I…”

He tilts her chin up; she lets him.

His face inches closer; hers does, too.

Seal your truth with a kiss.

Their lips touch.

Cold, damp, tastes like rain.

Brief, sweet, warms his heart.

Even the briefest second is eternity, but he wants thousands of eternities, so when they separate, he goes back again, tastes the rain on her lips - in her lips - again, and again, and she must have wanted thousands of eternities too because she has her hands on his chest now, clutching his shirt, no plans of letting go; nevermind the fact that they’re soaking wet and he needs to get home and be warm, because he is home and she’s his warmth.

And if she says it back,

They slowly let go, unmoving, stabilizing their breaths. They stare at each other, eyes glimmering not from tears but from light, a different light, because in that moment they’re childhood friends no longer.  

“I...I think I am, too.”

kiss her again.

He does.

.

.

.

[alexhogh7137]

The Battle Between Love and Fire-

Ivar the Boneless × Reader

Chapter Thirty-Five Part One

Chapter Thirty-Five Part Two: The Seige of Wessex England

Word Count 4.9k

Warnings: mentions of blood and death, angst

The Morning Of~

Ivar did not sleep well, he figures that he only got two hours of sleep. But still, his head is in the right place and he is more than prepared to give you the justice today that you so rightfully deserve. Is he concerned, yes. Is there a possibility that they could be going into a trap, yes. Is he worried for your safety, most definitely. Nonetheless, today must be done for the wellbeing of all of your futures. A future cannot be guaranteed until your father's head is on a spike. So there he is, in bed with you tangled up in his limbs. He is focusing on every perfections and imperfections of you. Oh how he loves you. 

You begin to toss and turn while he massages yours skin with his fingertips. His rough yet soft skin gives you the best chills of satisfaction. You begin to hum, making Ivar smirk proudly.

Ivar "Princess.." he whispered.

"Hmm?"

Ivar "We have to get out of bed." The way he was touching you, made you forget completely that today was the day of the siege. And your stomach began to turn into knots almost instantly at the thought of seeing your father. So you rise up from your place in Ivar's arms and plant your head in your palms. The warm fur blankets cover your bare chest but your back is fully exposed to your husband. So he takes it upon himself to rub your back for you. 

Ivar "I know babe.."

"I completely forgot. How could I forget, it's my battle?"

Ivar "Your mind blocked out the thought. It is not a bad thing, my love." You sigh, "But we have to get out of bed."

"Yeah..yes of course." You begin to move but Ivar grabs your arm closest to him and pulls you to him. He rises from his pillow and grabs your cheeks to kiss your lips for a good moment. His kiss is like heaven on earth. 

"I don't want that to be our last kis-"

Ivar "Hey, do not think such a thing. Do you understand me?" You nod with tears in your eyes, "We will live to see another day, my love. Alright? Do not worry."

You sniffle, "Do you wish to hear something crazy?"

Ivar "What type of crazy, hmm?"

"I am officially 4 months.."

Ivar smiles, "That is...wonderful my love."

"I should start to feel her move..even kick!"

Ivar "Oh my sweet, that is wonderful news."

"I can't wait to feel her little feet. She has grown so much over the last few days."

Ivar "She certainly has, our little warrior." You lean into Ivar's side as he holds you and your belly. This moment is special for multiple reasons: today marks not only your strong will to overthrow your father but it is also the day that starts the next chapter of your pregnancy, Ivar is getting to share this moment with you and you feel so lucky to be his wife. 

"I love you, Ivar Lothbrok."

Ivar "And I love you Y/L." Soon after, Ivar got out of bed and got his armor on and left yours and his chamber room.

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

The next one to come in while you are getting your armor on is Hvitserk. Ivar wanted the armor to be underneath your black dress, that way you are even more protected. When you see Hvitserk, he looks like he has been crying all night long.

Hvitserk "Hey." His voice is rough and coarse. You find yourself not being able to speak, due to your throat burning and the tears that fill up in your eyelids. He notices your sudden change in behavior and walks up to you and just holds you firmly in his arms. 

"I am so scared, Hvitserk."

Hvitserk "I know, I know."

"I can-can't lose you..I can't lose any of you!" You start hyperventilating.

Hvitserk "Hey, hey, Y/n..you have to breathe, c'mon..breathe in...and out. In...and out." You do as he tells you and your breathing begins to steady itself. "Good. Now you listen to me, I have a reason to fight. I have a reason to live. So what I need you to do, is fight with everything that you have and live..do you hear me?" You nod, "Because you are what is keeping me alive..you and our daughter. So I need you to stay strong and turn your fear into power. I know how strong you are, and I know how powerful you are. So do not let him win, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah."

Hvitserk "I love you, do you hear me?"

"I love you Hvitserk." He leans down and kisses your lips quickly, before your maidens came back in to help you further with your armor.

"My queen, we must finish."

"Y-yes of course." You say as you wipe away your tears and pick your head back up. 

Hvitserk "I'll leave you be to get finished, and hey, you make her as safe as possible, y'here?"

"Of course. That is my duty." He nods and walks out the door. You try to pound into your head everything you can possibly think of that will power you, give you the strength you need to face your father. 

"I am going to place an extra layer of armor over your belly, my queen."

"Hmm? Oh thank you sweetheart. That is kind of you." She nods as she places an extra layer. You have to admit, it feels good to be wearing armor again. It makes you feel a sense of dignity and honor to be a warrior and a queen. 

When you walk out of your chambers, there is no one in your home. Everyone is out, preparing to leave Kattegat and head to Wessex. You are almost proud to see your people come together and fight for you and for your justice. That is, until Rollo comes into the house.

Rollo "Ah, my queen!"

"Hello Rollo."

Rollo "I must say, you look incredible but where is your armor? Are you-"

"Yes, I am fighting. Ivar insisted on the armor being inside of my clothing for more protection."

Rollo "Huh..I have never heard of such a thing."

"I think it is brilliant. Now shouldn't you be with your men, Rollo?"

Rollo "My men are all in order, my queen."

"Good, that is good isn't it?"

Rollo "Oh yes."

"And my husband is.."

Rollo "With his brother's."

"...and where are his brothers?"

Rollo "By the tents...by the ships." You nod and walk away from him. He really gets under your skin, not as much as your father used too, but deep enough to enrage you fairly quickly. "Oh and my queen!" You stop just a few inches out of the door, "May the gods be with you." You smirked and left the house. You do not know if he meant that as an insult or if he was sincere. No matter, you know that the gods are with you and your people. You can feel their strong presence. 

…

You look around and find Ubbe with Torvi at first. She is holding little Ragnar in her arms as her daughter clings to Ubbe's hip. She must be so worried for her father's return to Kattegat. 

Torvi "When are you leaving?"

Ubbe "As soon as we can. I promise to make it back to you and the children."

Torvi nods, "I love you." 

Ubbe "So much." He kissed her and watched her walk away, finding you walking towards them. Torvi stops in her tracks when she spots you. You can tell that she is holding back tears as you get closer and closer to your dearest friend.

Torvi "Oh my queen."

"You don't have to call me that-"

Torvi "Oh but I do..uhh." she sighs.

"What."

Torvi sniffled and bursted into tears, "You should not have to fight as pregnant as you are..!" You walk closer to her and cup her cheeks.

"I am not fighting at nine months, Torvi. I have to fight my own battle.."

Torvi nods, "I know. I am so very proud of you Y/n. You are a strong and courageous women and shield maiden. I am so lucky to call you my friend." You cry then and pull her into your arms for a warm embrace. Little Ragnar starts to cry, from seeing his mother so sad you can imagine. 

Torvi "Oh shh shh-"

"Go on, go inside and get your kids warm. I will see you tonight."

Torvi "I better."

"You will, I love you."

Torvi "I love you back-"

"Are you fighting!?" Her daughter screamed as she grabbed my hand. You kneel down and get down to her level so that you can look at her fully as you speak to the little girl.

"Why yes I am."

"Why!? You are queen!" She stammered.

"And that is why I am fighting. A queen has many duties, little one. And one of those duties is to fight alongside the king."

"Will you be back?" Ubbe has joined his wife's side and listens to his daughter's cries and fears.

"Of course I will. I would not want to leave Kattegat without a queen."

"You are the best one.."

"I'm sorry?"

"Best queen...ma'am." You look up at Ubbe who is fighting back tears of his own. 

"Thank you, beautiful. You make me so proud to be your queen. Now go on, go with your mother and get warm." Torvi takes her hand and leads her to the house as Ubbe pulls you in his arms. 

Ubbe grunts, "I have never felt less Viking before in my entire life.."

"Why do you say that?"

Ubbe snickers, "Because I have never cried as much as I have been since the death of my parents, princess." You listen, "I want you to know that I am so happy to be your brother...even though it is not by blood, I am still your brother and I will always protect you."

"Thank you Ubbe, that means so much to me." He nods and leads you towards Ivar and Hvitserk, who are sitting on a stump, sharpening their swords.

Ivar "There you are." 

"How is our army?"

Ivar "They are ready, my love. We were all just waiting for you."

Hvitserk "Should we all..um..take a moment before we head out?"

Ivar "What are you talking about?"

Hvitserk "I mean a moment of us all being together..we are going to be separated on the field-"

Ubbe "Yes," he clears his throat, "that sounds like a good idea brother." Ivar pulls you into his side, Hvitserk next to you and Ubbe next to Ivar, then you all stand together and have a moment of silence before the chaos. The calm before the storm, some might say.

Ivar "I uhm, I know I've never said it to you..my brother's. But I love you, believe it or not, I do. And I am sorry for not saying it enough or at all before now but just know that I do.."

Ubbe takes his shoulder and places his head upon his, "And we love you, little brother." Hvitserk kisses your hair before grabbing his sword and walking aboard one of the ships. Ubbe swiftly does the same and then Ivar looks at you for a second before connecting his lips to yours.

Ivar "I love you."

"I love you."

Ivar "Forever."

"And always. I will be flying above you.."

Ivar "Good, go on." You walk towards your three beasts and get upon Ryuu. Ivar does not command the ships to leave until he sees Ryuu begin to fly. As soon as him and his army, along with Rollo and his army, started sailing, his fury began and all he saw was red. That bastard king of England's reign will come to an end on this day, Ivar will make certain of that.

...

As you fly above your husband's ship, you see how large your army is in full perspective. You can't help but look at everyone and smile in absolute disbelief that this battle can be won. Then you look up at the sky and through the clouds and whisper to yourself, "I'm going to make you proud mother, I promise. Be with me. Be with me. Be with me." Neith looks over at you as she flies parallel to you. She talks to you with her eyes and says, 'she is mother, she is with us always.'

"Yes she is, baby. Now..let's go avenge her!" 

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

Mid-day~

When your home comes into view, your expectations were that you would tremble with fear, that you would want to call off this attack. But no, your first thought is to burn it all to the ground. Leave no one alive. See the kingdom of Wessex be nothing but a pile of ash. Maybe that is what you will do, if you feel like it is necessary.

When Ivar see's the kingdom, he asks himself, 'where are you hiding?' He searches every corner that he can get his eyes on but he sees no one. Not even a civilian, why?

Hvitserk "Where is-"

Ivar "I don't know."

Ubbe "We could be going into a trap, brothers…"

Ivar clenches his jaw, "If so, we will push right through them. If anyone dies today, it is the bastard who calls himself king." Ivar ends up commanding Rollo to go ahead of them in case it is indeed a trap, he does not want his warriors to get the blunt of the attack. You make your dragons hover above your warriors ships to wait it out. And that is something caught your eye: two large slingshots being pulled close to the gates. 

"Ivar!" He looks up at you, "Now!" He looks at you for a second longer and then looks forward and sees an army coming out of every entrance. 

Ivar "Forward!" You didn't take a moment to think before you fly towards the enemy. You didn't have to command your dragons to fire at the weaponry that your father was attempting to fire, they did it themselves.

You have taught them well. As your dragon's burn every inch of the ground, along with some warriors, you search the castle's borders in search of your best friend. That is until you hear the screams of two thousand warriors, drawing their swords for a war that they would not win. Ivar's mind is scattered. He sees his uncle's warriors getting slaughtered at the entrance, his wife in the air, and his brother's killing warriors who have reached the boat.

He makes a quick decision to get him and his men off of the ships and onto land: that way, they are stable enough to kill the way that they have been trained. You see your husband and his brother's get off the ship and onto the land. All at the same time you see your father holding onto your best friend by her throat. You witness too many things all at once, first it makes you terrified,

but then it enrages you and all you see is red and fire. You command Ryuu to fire your father's surroundings but leave him and your friend unscathed. 

"My daughter!! Welcome home!!" He hollered from the ground. 

"Let her go!"

"Why would I do such a thing? How could I be so clumsy? She betrayed me!"

"And you betrayed your daughter! All of those years of torment, when all you had to do was be a loving father..a loving king!"

"It is better to be feared than loved Y/n!"

Thyra "Long live the queen!" And before you could speak, he took out his sword and slit your best friend's throat right before your eyes. You scream out in pain as you watch her fall to the ground, choking on her own blood before she soon joins Valhalla. Eldr flies down to the ground, takes your father in his mouth and flings him over the castle. If he survives the fall and the puncture wounds from your son's teeth, then you will get the chance to make him suffer for everything he has put you through. Your friend's death sealed his fate. He will suffer an agonizing death. Ivar hears your screams, he hears your whimpers but he does not know why you are screaming. There is a hill blocking his view of what you are hovering over. His mind races and makes the decision to wall his way over to you. White Hair stays close to Ivar, killing everyone that comes in contact with Ivar. But you see, Ivar is a king and he knows how to fight. He knows how to kill in one strike, and he does just that. 

Ryuu lands and you get off of him, walking towards your friend's body. You hold her head in your lap and mourn her for what feels like hours. And repeat aloud, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I am so sorry, I'm sorry I couldn't save you!" You feel a hand over your shoulder and you quickly take out your dagger to strike the man who has a hold of you, but before you pierce his skin, you realize it is not the enemy, it is your husband. 

Ivar "My love, it's me hey..it's me!" You drop your dagger and fall into your husband's lap. He holds you for a moment before White Hair tells you that you have to move to somewhere safe. 

Ivar "In the castle, go!" Once you are inside, you fall to the floor in grief. "You couldn't save her, my love."

"I promised her, Ivar. When we were kids, I promised her that I would always protect her!" You said out of breath.

Ivar "And you did just that, Y/n. Up until now, you did protect her. It was her time to join the gods. There is nothing that could have stopped that."

"I want his head.on.a.spike." 

Ivar chuckles, "Oh his head will be displayed as a monument for the people of Wessex. I will make sure of that, now we must go out there and fight. Are you with me?"

"Always."

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

Hvitserk is in his own zone. He is killing left and right. He feels like he is unstoppable. He has never killed so many men in all of his life. And that is being said when he has been in more battles than he can count with his fingers. But he has a mission, and that mission involves you. Therefore, he takes it very personally. 

Ubbe "Where is Ivar?" He yelled when he realized that he had lost him in the midst of battle.

Hvitserk "More importantly, where is the queen?!" Ubbe looks up and finds your dragon's circling over the castle, so he puts two and two together and figures that you have to be close by. 

Ubbe "The castle, let's go!"

They kill as they walk, not stopping for anything. They have to get to you, you have to be protected. When he finds you, you are fighting multiple men at once and so is Ivar. White Hair is battling his own men and he is struggling. 

Hvitserk "Help White Hair, I'll help Y/n!" He screamed. Ubbe does just that, helping White Hair off the bloodied ground and back on his feet. While Hvitserk butchers your warriors who would just not give up. Once they are dead, Ivar looks over at his brother and thanks him with his eyes. 

"Thyra is dead." 

Hvitserk "She-"

"My father killed her." You move your head and gesture for Hvitserk to look behind you, where her body still lays. Once he saw her, he apologizes for your loss. 

"He will die today, I am not leaving Wessex until I have him in my grasp."

Ubbe "WHERE IS THE KING?!" He hollered in a grizzley voice. You try to answer but a warrior comes up and knocks you to the ground with his shield. Everyone is caught off guard and your boys immediately kill and decapitate the warrior that knocked you off your feet. You fall so hard that you bump your head, and your vision goes blurry. You look around and make out your boys killing that warrior, but what they are doing is very unclear. You look up and see your dragon's fire down at the warriors who are attempting to burn down your ships. Dirt is being flung onto your face and your eyes struggle to stay open. 

When your eyes finally reopen, you see Hvitserk carrying you into the castle. When he places you down, you see Ivar dragging your father's body into the castle. Ubbe, Rollo, White Hair and Rollo's personal guard are at the door, blocking anyone from coming in. 

"How long was I out?"

Hvitserk "Long enough for Ivar to find the bastard and get him here."

Ivar "Honey, are you alright? Does anything hurt?"

"I'm going to have a little lump from the fall but I am alright. Is the battle over?"

Ivar smiles, "They have surrendered, my queen." Your emotions overflow in your head, making you cry out tears of joy and victory. That is until you see your father, clinging to life and bleeding on the marble floors of this kingdom. You get up and walk over to the man and kneel before him. 

"Look at me, old man." He does not, "LOOK AT ME!" He jolts and looks up at his daughter. "Just answer me one thing. Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why did you kill Thyra? Wh-why her?"

He coughs up blood as he laughs, "She made me do it."

"All she did was be my friend. And all you did was kill an innocent woman."

"I .. I am sorry, little one."

"Sorry, SORRY?" You take out your dagger and hold it to his chest. "You are not sorry. You are NEVER sorry. You are only saying what I want you to hear..so I spare your life. Isn't that right dad?"

"I have given you life. HAVE I NOT? I have given you the gift of magical creatures. HAVE I NOT?!" You take a step back from him and begin to tremble. 

"You have given me those things father, that is true. But you have taken more things than you have given." He scuffs, "Do you not remember what you did to me as a child?"

"What thing's-"

"I was just a child," you choked on your tears, "I was just a little girl and you treated me like a grown woman!" Hvitserk holds onto the small of your back in attempts to comfort you. "I almost died, Father!"

"I wouldn't have let you died, stupid girl." He coughed, "You were far more valuable to me alive then dead." Ivar takes a few steps forward and lowers his torso so that he can look the man in the eyes. 

Ivar "You watch your mouth," he growled, "before I remove your tongue." He spat. 

"How does it feel to lose your kingdom to your daughter, hmm?" You said with your head held high. 

He snickers, "Who said that I didn't let you win, little one?" 

Ivar "My love, if you do not kill him, I will. I have had enough of his mouth."

"You think I am weak? You think I cannot kill him myself?"

Ivar "No, no not at all. I admire your strength. But allowing him to talk, allows him to slither his way back into your head." You know that he is right. So you pull your three men aside while Rollo and his men watch over the king. 

"I think that we should prolong his death. He is already dying. Eldr's teeth pierced through his armor. You can hear his breathing starting to fade-"

Hvitserk "What are you saying?"

"I am saying...I want his death to be as horrific and agonizing as possible, for what he did to me and my family."

Ivar "So what would you say we do?"

"Bring him back with us, place him in the cave that your guards put me in when I first arrived. Ivar, if we starve him, remove his clothing so he feels the bitterness of winter on his skin...his death will be long and painful. He will beg for mercy." 

Ubbe "He would beg for mercy.."

Hvitserk "And the cold will prolong his death. He will freeze from the inside if we do this."

Ivar "Good. And I will spend some quality time with my father-in-law..make sure he is enjoying his stay." He smirked. You know that Ivar meant that he would torture the man, and you love the sound of that. Sickening as it sounds for a daughter to say that about her father, if anyone deserves torture, its your father. "I am proud of you, my beautiful wife." He kisses your forehead before turning to White Hair. 

Ivar "Prepare a ship! He is coming with us."

"No! No, no! Just kill me, PLEASE! Y/n, please!" He pleaded.

"Oh don't worry father, you will. Just not how you would like. Or should I say, how you would demand to die." You lean down to your father once more, "You are going to love Kattegat father, especially where you will be staying. It is just like the dungeon you and king Harald placed me in to wither away and die. Take him!" He begged and pleaded, he even apologized multiple times before White Hair placed him in the boat. 

When you walk out of the doors, your best friend's body is still on the ground by the front entrance. 

"I will bring her with me as well. I wish to give her the proper burial."

Hvitserk "Which ship do you wish for her to be on, princess?"

"Not a ship. Neith will bring her home. Just help me get her up there..please." He nods. Him and Ubbe swiftly got her on Neith's back and she flew off into the horizon. When you get out of the castle with Ivar by your side, you hear your name being chanted. You look up at Ivar with a confused look on your face, but all he has on his face is a pure, soft smile. 

"They are thanking you, my love. You saved them from their ruler." Before you know it, the people of Wessex are before you and kneeling in praise. Among them, you spot Thyra's mother. Shs is bowing to you herself with just gratitude that it takes you aback. You walk towards her, take her hand in yours and beg for her to rise. 

"Thank you for saving this kingdom, my sweet girl."

"I..I don't know what to say. I couldn't save your daught-" 

"You have saved her life in more ways than one, Y/n. She loved you more than you could have ever known. Do not blame yourself for this tragedy. Because she was ready to move on to the next life." You burst into tears and she pulled you into a warm embrace as she cried with you. When she pulls back, she cups your cheeks and kisses your forehead. 

"Thank you for saving this kingdom."

"I um..my dragon is taking her back to Kattegat, that is my husband and I's kingdom..I wish to give her a proper burial. You are more than welcome to join us, I know that she would want for you to be there." She nods and smiles.

"I would like that very much. Thank you. Thank you so much." You nod and turn around and find your husband standing close by, talking to the people. You introduce her to Ivar and explain to him that she will be joining them for the ceremony. 

Ivar "You are more than welcome into our home miss-"

"Helga."

Ivar "Helga. Such a beautiful name."

Helga "Thank you kindly."

Ivar "This is my brother Ubbe, he will show you to our ships. We will join you shortly." 

Ubbe "This way." She nods and takes Ubbe's arm. When she walked off with him, Ivar took your hand and rubbed it softly. Your bodies are splattered with blood but neither of you care.

"I can't believe she thanked me even though she lost her daughter today.."

Ivar "She knows that even though she lost her daughter, she gained a safe kingdom today."

"But who is to rule? My mother did not bare a son and I rule with you.."

Ivar "We will figure it out, my sweet. But right now, let's go home." You agreed and got into the ship with Ivar and Hvitserk while you let your two dragon's fly above. Today was a success. The kingdom of Wessex is technically under your rule. But you still have unfinished business to take care of. And that is your father. But sure enough, he will pay for what he has done and then you will finally be able to rest. 

Ivar "Come here, my love. Rest now. You have done your duty as queen and shield maiden. Close your eyes," you rest your head on his shoulder, "I've got you. We will wake you when we are home. I love you."

"Love you." You mumbled. You did not realize how exhausted you were until your adrenaline died down and you were in Ivar's arms. Hvitserk sits down in front of you two and breathed out in relief that the battle was won and that they were all together and heading back to Kattegat. 

@hvitserkmarcosource @youbloodymadgenius @ivarsgoddess @a-mess-of-fandoms @heavenly1927 @saldelys @conaionaru @readsalot73 @herestherealproblem

[gayidungeon]

Gronksgiving

You are at Thanksgiving dinner at your uncle Rob Gronkowski house, the football player for the New England Patriots. Everyone has left leaving you two alone to clean up. You have been doing this every year since you were little and it is always a good time.

Rob tossed a football in the air. His stomach hangs out. He ate so much. Your mom would be proud of what you did today.

"Hey, you can do better than that." You say as he throws another one.

He looks down and smiles. "Yeah, I know." As he pretends to fumble the ball and you fake out a catch. He looks surprised and smiles as you drop it. "Oh whoops, I guess it was a fumble after all!"

Gronk grins. "Hey come here, let me hike it to you" he says. He gets into a three point stance waiting for you to get behind him.

You get behind him and get into position; your head right infront of his massive ass. You know what he's planning, he does it every year to you. You let him though because he ways find it hilarious.

"Red 52, red 52" he says.

"Down. Set.." instead of saying hike, he shifts and rips a massive fart in your face. You always know when it's going to be bad one when he has a goofy grin while he does it. It burns your eyes and you fall on the ground choking.

"Oh come on, I said I was going to do that!" he laughs as you get up and rush him.

He hugs you tight. "I trick you into that every year."

"Yeah I know."

"How many years has it been now, eight?"

"Yeah. Hey, can we do something else now. Like wrestling."

Rob laughs again. "Sure thing buddy. You're on."

"SWEEEEEEET!"

You both change into your sweats and grab a Soda. Rob heads to his room and grabs the step ladder and stands in the middle of the room. "Ready?"

You love when he does this, it's one of the three favorite things you get to do every year. You nod eagerly and get crazy psyched up as he sets the ladder down.

"Wrestle!"

The wrestling match follows the same pattern it always does. You choke him with the rope, slap his fat stomach and get him in a head lock. He's so much bigger and stronger that he could probably out muscle you into submission but Rob has never taken advantage of that. For some reason he lets you get in these really good holds on him.

"Yep I'm winning" Rob says as he collapses on his sofa.

You tackle him extra hard, punching his shoulder pads as hard as you can. "I think you're losing."

"Nope, I'm still winning" he says through a laugh.

You climb on top of him and start wailing into his stomach as hard as you can. That's one of the other best parts about coming here, is how strong you feel after playing with Rob. Sometimes you think he's part ogre. "Ok, ok stop." He says shielding his face.

You don't stop.

"Stop or I'm going to start farting" Gronk threatens you.

You laugh and continue hitting him. He grabs you hand and flips over pushing all of his weight on top of you as you hit the ground hard.

"See I told you I was going to win" Rob says in between laughing.

You look up at him. "Only because you cheated."

"I did not!"

"You broke the rules, no cheating!" You smack his belly. It jiggles like the moon in the water.

"Ooooooh you're going to pay for that." Rob says as he mimics tearing off your arms and beating you with them.

"No, I think your punishment should be a stinkface" Rob says. You know what that is. It's one of the worst things ever.

"You got to be kidding me." You beg as he sits on your chest.

"Nope."

As you try and fail to push him off he grabs your wrists and puts them behind your back. You feel your arm wiggle around as his massive butt thrusts into your face. "Stop, please stop." You whimper as your nose is hit by a wall of awful.

"You can always give up" he laughs.

You try and fail to get him off you as he sits on your nose. You're crying, tears flying everywhere and dripping off his cheeks. You'd laugh if you weren't crying for real.

"And here it comes" Rob flexes as he starts farting in your face.

"NO STOP!" you yell as he flexes his butt muscles one last time and holds the pose. Mucus flies out of your nose and into your mouth, it tastes awful.

"Go on. Say you love uncle gronk's farts"

You push and struggle but you can't get him off of you. Your face is soaked in tears, snot and nasty gas as Rob laughs at your misery. Eventually you give in and whisper it. "I love uncle gronk's farts."

He finally gets up and lets you go. You let out a yell as the tears keep coming and you lay on the ground hopeless.

"I think that's the most fun I've ever had" He says as he pulls his shorts back up and waddles over to you. You wince as he picks you up easily. He sits down on the sofa and you sit in his lap as he puts his arm around you. You bury your head in his fat chest as the tears finally stop. The smell is still there, but it's fading slowly. He gently pushes your head back so he can look at you.

"Thought we were done with that." He laughs as he pats your head softly.

"Sorry, I just get emotional sometimes." You explain as you wipe your nose on his sleeve.

"It's OK, but I got a question. Why in the hell did you pick me?"

"What do you mean? You're the only option besides my parents." You say confused.

"Yeah but I'm a weirdo and you know it."

You pause for a moment as you try and think of an answer. "The truth?"

"Of course.

"You're the closest thing to a father I have. I know you're weird and all but I like it. You take care of me and stuff when you're not being a jerk."

"I thought you hated me because of all the farting." Gronk says.

"Yeah sometimes you're horrible, but I know deep down you're a nice guy. I'll put up with your stupid shenanigans because despite it all I think you care." You pat his belly. It's not as hard as a few months ago, you know it won't be long before he gets back to his regular flabby self.

"I had no idea." He says as he hugs you closer.

You wince as feel his sweaty belly fat against you. It's gross and smelly but right now it feels warm and welcoming.

"I love you too buddy" He whispers in your ear as you bury deeper into his embrace.

You hear him fart into the couch cushions. "Well you asked for it" he laughs as you laugh to yourself thinking about how crazy your life is.

"Well as long as it's not in my face" you say to him.

"That'sif you're lucky kid".

"What do you mean?"

"I love farting on faces." Gronk says. "I love seeing the looks of shame and horror on their faces."

You sit up as he laughs. "Well it's an acquired taste."

"Haha kid you'll get there soon enough". You lean back and snuggle into his belly again. "I love you Gronk, I really do."

His stubbly chin rubs against your forehead as he chuckles out loud.

[lorenzodemedisi]

Won’t Forget You.

PAIRING.

Steve Rogers x Rachel Summers (Earth-818)

SUMMARY.

Rachel Summers was beyond the state of shock when the famous Captain America felt from the sky and burst open her ceiling to plunge hard on her living room’s floor. She’s been alone for so long that she completely forgot that in the outside world life was going by. Little did she know that by helping the super soldier in great needs she would yield her own shell in front of the bluest eyes and a killer smile.

A/N.

FLUFF, Fluffy, Fluff and a bit of Angst! ( wow i’m shocked )

That’s right I'm writing a fluff piece for a change, I'm impressed with myself. My anxiety and depressive ass can be happy sometimes *O*. Anyway, this one-shot will probably evolve into a series...Maybe. But, I fell in love with Rachel Summers when I was reading an X-Men comic last summer and I really wanted to see more of her but there isn’t so much stuff about this character, so here I am, writing a Steve x Rachel. if you want more information about her, here’s a link or just ask me. As always thank you very much for reading, it means a lot to me. Don’t hesitate to give your thoughts, comments, and feedback! I hope you enjoy my fluffy piece. 

A lots of Love. Lex. xxx

WORDS.3597ish. 

°°°

Steve Rogers groaned, exhausted and wounded, he felt a cold cloth wiping his forehead. He tried to move his head and opened his eyes, feeling a soft cushion behind him.

« Don’t move. » A soft and feminine voice instructed him. « Your injuries are pretty bad, it’s better if you don’t move. »

But Steve will have none of it. Opening his eyes, he growled low and deep when his vision hit the soft light coming from the rustic windows and a blurred sight of a red-haired woman.

« N-Natasha? » Steve whispered closing eyes, feeling a huge headache creeping inside his brain. « I wished. » The woman chuckled softly, putting the wet cloth in the small bowl on the bedside table. As she saw Steve turning his head toward her, the woman frowned. « I told you, not to move soldier. Don’t let me uses my power on you. » She scolded her eyes becoming gold but when Steve smiled at her words, they turned into a soft blue again destabilized by his reaction, she sighed. « You sound like her. » Steve informed her, his voice raspy and tired. He frowned closing his eyes « W-Where am I? » He asked. « In a safe place. » The woman whispered, looking at the soldier wounds on his hand. « And why… » Steve swallowed, licking his lips. All his body was hurting like hell. Which is good right? It meant that he was healing. « A-And why should I trust you? » He asked, turning his head once again toward the stranger.

He opened his eyes, seeing more clearer, he met her deep and clear blue sight. She was red-haired and a halo of light was around her head, making her looked like an angel. She smiled softly, her eyes were bright and her skin seemed smooth and soft like silk. She was beautiful.

« Because I didn’t kill you when you burst through my ceiling in the middle of the night. » The woman replied shrugging her shoulders.

She smiled one more time before raising from the chair taking the bowl filled with dirty water and leave the room where Steve, tired, get back to sleep. He was badly wounded. Rachel didn’t know from where he came from, but last night he just fell from the sky and dropped on the ground of her living room, making a huge hole on her cabin’s ceiling. Bloody and unconscious, she took him in. Because that was the right thing to do.

°°°

Steve Rogers woke up a few hours later, feeling better. Opening his eyes, fully this time, he could see that he was lying on a bed, in a small but very well-decorated room. The walls were only woods, with very beautiful paintings tied on them. The light was less bright and the sun was still up. He put himself on a seating position and looked at all his injuries. His hands were bruised raw, and he felt his ribs burning a bit. His headache was just a dull feeling at this point, and a few cuts on his arms and legs but nothing that his body won’t heal alone. As the door open, Steve took the green sheet, and cover his naked chest seeing the pretty woman from earlier enter with a food tray in her hand. She laughed looking at his reserved reactions. If only he knew what she had to do, in order to help him heal him last night, she thought shaking her head.

« Don’t be such a prude, Captain » She chuckled putting the tray on the bedside table next to him. « Who are you? » Steve asked dead serious, his tone hard. He was thinking fast. Well, as fast as his brain could allow him right now.

He already had spotted the potential threat in the room and possible exit. The woman, even though she seemed really nice and pretty, was a potential threat.

« I’m Rachel. » She smiled, extending a glass of water to him. « Only a few, sip.» She advised him. « I made chicken soup and garlic bread. I hope you not allergic to either of those. » She winced, tucking on her long blue skirt.

Steve looked warily at the food, but his stomach betrayed him as it growled with hunger.

« I can’t get allergies, thanks to the serum. » He informed her, siping his drink. « Right. » Rachel nodded, then took a seat at her usual spot next to the bed. «Do you remember what happened last night? » She asked gently passing him the hot bowl of soup.

Steve shook his head as he put the glass on the small table and took the hot dish in his hand. He took the spoon Rachel offered him and start to take a hot and huge mouthful of the food. He hummed surprised by the delicious and amazing taste of the meal. Rachel chuckled softly seeing him enjoyed what she had prepared.

« Well, according to the news, you and your amazing friends were attacked on your Quinjet last night. It seemed that it was a terrorist group, named H.Y.D.R.A, I think. » Rachel explained to him, watching him eat.

Steve stopped to move, the spoon mid-air as he remembered everything that occurred last night. His team, the Avengers were going home from a successful attack on an H.Y.D.R.A base, and then dozens of men coming from nowhere attacked them, blowing a hole on the small plane. He remembered sending Nat and Clint to safety inside of two Stark’s capsule thing - it was like a small plane for one person. Thor took the fight outside flying in the sky taking most of the men with him. Tony putting on the suit followed the God. And Bruce took this unfortunate moment to change into the Hulk, compromising the all plane already in a wreck. At that point, Steve had already taken down, most of the remaining men. But the Quinjet was crashing, with the weight and angriness of the Hulk. Steve's only way out, was to jump out of it before it exploded on the ground. He remembered jumping, falling and then nothing. He looked up, his eyes catching Rachel’s gold one. He blinked once and they were back into their original blue one.

« Whoah! You guys can surely make every battle into an epic fight. » She muttered, amazed. « What? » Steve frowned. With his super-hearing, he had heard every word the red-haired woman had whispered. « What? » She exclaimed a little bit louder. « I mean, don’t you want to call someone. I don’t know, any member of your Team, perhaps? » She smiled, licking her lips. « Yeah, sure. » Steve suspiciously watched her. And then he remembered the conversation they had earlier « Don’t let me uses my power on you. » She had said to him. Taking a mouthful of the soup, Steve, almost, forget his thought. Tasting the salty and flavorsome soup on his tongue. « But after I finished this miracle. » He hummed taking another spoon.

Rachel discreetly sighted. She had almost been busted.

°°°

« Stay put. » Maria Hill advised him. How could Steve stayed put? Half of his team was M.I.A. Apparently, Clint was badly injured, his pod crashing on some rocks or something and Maria Hill told him to « stay put » when he called her through the phone and she said that she will call him when she would have more information. Steve will have none of it. Raising, he put back his undershirt lying at the foot of the bed. He walked difficulty but with purpose to the open door but froze dead in his tracks. He was completely and utterly shocked to see this woman, Rachel flying. Yes, she was flying her body floating in the air, her head raised and inspecting the huge hole, oddly it looked just like his body, on the ceiling. Steve caught the sight of his shield, resting next to the chimney. He took it, without making any sound, but he didn’t know about the second wooden plate next to the blue carpet who creak loudly once you step on it. Rachel heard it, lost control of her levitation, and dropped dead on the ground. She aimed the couch, falling on it hard then bounced once and put her feet on the ground.

« Are you insane, sneaking on people like that? » She yelled, outraged. « You will tell me who you are right now before I knocked you to the ground. » Steve command in his Captain's voice, raising his shield in attacking mode and making a fist of his other hand.

He looked dangerous, in front of Rachel who gasped seeing the huge metal disc being waved in front of her face. She backed away raising her hands in front of her chest, protection mode, and bite her lips.

« Ok, ok. I will tell you everything, but please, Captain, put the shield down! » She exclaimed, making a move toward the ground. « Are you with H.Y.D.R.A? » He asked making a stepped toward her. « No! » She cried out, making a stepped back. She took a deep breath, understanding that he won’t let go of his shield. « My name is Rachel. Rachel Anne Summers and I’m a mutant. I know I will sound completely crazy but - » She licked her lips, her hands were shaking a little. « Try me, I’ve seen a lot of crazy and weird stuff happened. » Steve encouraged watching her warily, up and down. « I’m not from this reality ok? » She sighed. She looked at him frowned and tucked her skirt into her hand. « There is a lot of alternatives reality where, alternate us, exist and have done other choices than we do in our own reality. For example,  where I’m from you are dead. » She explained, shrugging her shoulders. « What? I-m…» Steve stuttered, shocked by the revelation Rachel was telling him.   « Yes, that’s a story for another day, but all you really need to know is that: I’m a mutant and I have powers. » She stated flexing her fingers a bit. « Like flying? » Steve asked nodding at the open ceiling above them. « It’s a little bit more complicated than that. » She grimaced a little thinking about all the Phoenix subject and her statue as an Omega Mutant.  « I need to seat down. » Steve informed her, his head throbbing with his headaches from his injuries but also because of thinking too hard. 

Aliens, alternate realities, H.Y.D.R.A… the modern world was being more and more complicated. He was about to seat down on the couch, putting his shield on the floor but a boiling sound made Rachel jumped on her feet and clapped her hands together.

« Not here, Captain, the milk is ready! » She exclaimed pulling on Steve arm’s for him to rise from his spot. « I don’t understand, why I can’t seat here if the milk is ready. » He frowned feeling his headache returned in full force.

Rachel smiled before walking through a door behind the couch under the bewildered look of the Captain.

°°°

Steve faintly smiled as he now understood better the excitement of the woman. Seating on the porch of the small cabin next to Rachel, he sighed. Oddly for him, he was happy. A hot cocoa mug in his hand and the beautiful sunset behind the breathtaking landscape of woods was a quiet and enjoyable moment. Rachel smiled seeing him smiling and took a sip of her beverage. It was one of her tradition when the sunset came, she sat alone on the stairs of her porch and watched the beautiful scenery with hot cocoa and only the quiet sound of the wood for company. 

« What’s a mutant? » Steve asked after a couple of minutes of silence. 

Rachel took a deep breath, maybe it was better to be alone. 

« It’s a person born with a DNA slightly different from the usual combo. » She explained looking at birds taking a flight on the pinkish sky. « It’s their DNA, that gave mutant power. It’s completely random, a baby could be born with a mutant’s DNA whereas his parents are normal. » She turned her head to looked at him. « Unlike you Captain, I was born with my super-powers, thanks to mom and dad. They were mutant. » She took a sip of her drink, winking at Steve who only grinned. « Why are you here then? And not on your own Earth? » Steve asked, putting his cup on the wooden floor. « War happened, people who didn’t understand the mutant, killed us or imprisoned us. » She revealed dropping her eyes on his cup. She huffed seeing he had already finished his drink. « I’m kind of familiar with that. » Steve raised his eyebrows, resting his back again the pillar behind him. « My parents where afraid for me, so, with the help of another mutant, they just send me here. I was eleven. » Rachel bit her lips, feeling the tears threatening to fall on her cheeks, but she held them, not wanting to cry. « I was taken by Nick Fury and the S.H.I.E.L.D organizations, that’s how I know Natasha Romanov. » Rachel revealed, nodding her head.

She took a sip of her drink, looking at the trees in front of her house. Soon she would have to cut some of them because of the Winter coming. Steve was surprised, he knew Fury had some very odd and mind-blowing secrets of his own, but he didn’t imagine that kind of secret.

« And so you’ve been alone since then. I mean without your family and friends from your own reality? » Steve asked her, feeling a bit sorry for the woman who rescued him. « I don’t mind being alone. » The red-haired shrugged. « It’s when I do my best thinking. » She replied with a smile.

And I don’t have to hear all the internal thoughts of other people, she sadly reasoned.

« Yes, me too. » Steve sadly smiled, looking at the view in front of him.

It’s been a while since he didn’t just stop, and enjoy simple life things. Like a good view, a good beverage. He turned his head looking at the woman next to him who after putting her drink down had a chocolate mustache on her lips. A good company.

« You have a small something on -» Steve smiled pointing at his own lip. « What? » Rachel frowned, wiping her lips, a soft pink blush on her cheeks. She had taken most of it but not all of it. « Just- » Steve pointed his finger at her own lip, but she missed the spot again. « Wait, here. » He whispered, wiping the chocolate with his thumb, his eyes watching her.

He took his finger into his mouth licking it. Rachel's eyes went back and forth between his pink mouth to his blue eyes. She was strangely closer to him and could see a hint of green into the clear blue that was his eyes. Steve felt drowned toward her, her sweet vanilla and bit spicy scent feeling his nose. Suddenly, he felt dawned by her, and her aura. She seemed to be everything that was holding the epitome of his happiness on her lips and he had to touch them.  Rachel Summers was a mystery, some kind of girl coming from another reality. But she seemed genuine and took him in and patched him up when he felt into her house without any question ask. He didn’t know if he trusted her. He didn’t know if he could but right here, right now all Steve Rogers needed was to let go, for once and enjoyed the sweet and romantic moment. So he leaned his head toward her face as Rachel closed her eyes. He brushed hir lips, asking her, a quiet question. She felt butterflies into her stomach before pressing her mouth on his; raising her hand to softly stroke his clean-shaven cheek. Steve kissed her even more but a faint sound made her broke the kiss.

« Umm…It’s my phone and it’s probably for you. » Rachel flushed, her eyes avoiding to look at him.  « I’m gonna go answer. » He told her, before rising up and entered into the house.

Rachel took a deep breath. What was that? Eyes wide open, she shook her head and bite her lips. Putting her head on her knees she watched the sunset, a shy smile on her lips. 

I just kissed Steve Rogers!

°°°

And now, he was leaving. Rachel’s compass in one hand, and one of the many maps, Nick Fury had given to her when she moved into this small house, in his other hand. His full suit on, and his famous shield on his back, Steve was ready to join back his team. According to Maria Hill, a Quinjet piloted by Tony was waiting for him a few miles away from Rachel’s cabin. He couldn’t lend next to the red-haired woman’s house because they were some kind of shield force around her home. When Steve confronted her about it, she only shrugged turning her back to him. Steve took his helmet and put it around his face. Rachel looked at him in the dim light of her living room, the only sound was of the cover-up brushing the wood’s ceiling. The night was now set around the woods and Rachel for the first time, felt empty and lonely. Strangely, sadness filling her cores, even though she met Steve less than 24 hours ago and he’s been conscious for 5 hours of those. She liked those moments she had been with him. 

« That’s ok if I walk through this shield force. It won’t hurt me? » Steve asked suspiciously, sorting his helmet on his neck. « Why do you ask me? I don’t know anything about this shield thing. » Rachel waved vaguely her hand above her head. Steve pursed his lip, knowing deep down that she didn’t tell him all the truth about her powers. « All I can say is that you traversed it last night, just fine and without any complication. » She smiled pointing at the ceiling.

Steve chuckled softly under his breath. She was right. He licked his lips watching her fully. Wearing a long blue skirt with a white crop top, she avoided looking directly in his eyes. Rachel was the kind of woman who was independent, funny, sweet but also mysterious. And he really wanted to decipher every bit of secrecy she was hiding behind these big blue eyes.

« I’m gonna be back, you know. » Steve informed her, with a knowing smile. « No, you won’t, Captain. » She replied, sad. « But that’s ok, I won’t forget you.» She winked.

Steve laughed, before turning around and stepped outside in the cold and icy wind of the woods. She was wrong he will be back, he knew it deep down. 

°°°

Rachel Summers was again, levitating by the time Steve was back. But this time, she was flying outside next to trees, with a huge blade in one hand. Steve was looking at her, she hasn’t changed since the night he left her a few months ago. He told her he will be back and there he was. Steve needed some short but good holidays after the Ultron affairs. And after taking the lead of the new Avengers Team, he just left leaving a note to Natasha explaining that he will be back in a couple of weeks. And he couldn't think of anything better place than Rachel Summers’s cottage as a holiday location. Rachel heard a faint crack sound. Someone was there, turning quickly in the air she was ready to attack, her blade up and her fist being immersed into a faint golden mist, but she was shocked to see Captain America smirking at from below. Confused, she lost her balance and concentration and started to fall but this time there wasn’t any couch to fall on to. Rachel started to panic, crying out loud she already saw herself crushed on the floor. But then she saw the outstretched arms of Steve’s as he ran to caught her into his stronghold. Rachel’s body felt right into his figure, but her descent was fast, made the soldier lost his footing and fell to the ground, the red-haired woman above him.

« I told you to not sneak up on him, Steve! » Rachel yelled, hitting, softly his hard chest as she raised to look at his laughing face. « And I told you, I will be back. » He replied still laughing. «  Hey, Rachel, it’s the first time you called me Steve. » « What are you doing here? I saw the news! Are you ok? » She frowned looking at him, annoyed but searching for some injuries on his body.

He wasn’t wearing his suit, but a soft blue shirt and a pair of jeans. Steve looked rather normal dressed this way. Not like the bossy and always serious Captain. 

« I want to know more about your Earth, the other reality. » Steve softly smiled, pushing a stray of her long red hair behind her ear. « And also, about you. » Steve looked at her blushing under his deep gaze.

She pushed herself from his body, taking his hand into her own and lift him up.

« I told you my story if you told me yours? » She asked, crossing her arms on her chest, smiling at him. « That’s fair. » Steve conclude, taking the blade who fell next to them. « Let’s start with this. » He waved the weapon, raising an eyebrow.  « Alright. » She nodded biting her lips. « But I need hot cocoa, do you want one? » « Yes, please! » Steve almost yelled.

Rachel laughed in front of his excited face. She hasn’t forgotten him. But it seemed that he didn’t forget her either.

°°°

Tag List: @jtargaryen18​

[trynnabemultifandom]

Bodyguard| Captain America x Reader

Requested: No, made it coz I like the idea of it

Summary: you're the presidents daughter and because of a traumatic event that has happened in the past, he hires Steve Rogers to be your body guard when you visit. Will this trip be all happy families? keep reading to find out

Warnings: swearing(ish) towards the end

A/N: Y/N = Your Name

F/N = First Name

L/N = Last Name

From a young age, my life had been hectic. 'Why?' you might ask. Well because, my father had decided to run for mayor. Crazy right? I know what you might be thinking, 'having your dad as mayor will be a good thing', but it has been nothing but trouble. My life got destroyed when I was 7. I watched my mother get shot right in front of me and that is something that stays with you forever. Some people say it was my dad's fault and others say it was her own because she got involved with this sorta stuff, but I honestly have no clue who's fault it was. the thing that angers me the most is that I wasn't even able to do anything to prevent her getting shot, for the past couple of years I have been blaming myself for it all happening and people do try there best and tell me it wasn't my fault, but I know it was. I could have done something to stop her being shot. Moving away from that, my dad was really getting involved in all the political stuff and not backing down from it. As I grew up, I had given into the fact that my dad wasn't going to stand down any time soon, so I just had to accept that. When I was 13, my dad had ran for president. it wasn't until I was 16 that he got enrolled though. I am now 21, no longer living with my dad and doing ok on my own. It has been a while since I have seen him so why not give him a visit.

(Time skip to when you're at his house)

It is now 6 o'clock. I have finally arrived at my dad's house. The last time I saw him, I was a depressed 17 year old, who was still trying to cope with my mother's death. My taxi pulled up in front of his big house. "Mason, wake up. we're here" I said to my 3 year old son. Once I was ready, I started to make my way to the front door. Before I even got a chance to knock, the front door opened and 2 or 3 people were ushering me inside the house. They picked up my bags while talking fast and saying "we'll take your bags to your room" I nod and look down at Mason who was still sorta still sleeping with his head on my shoulder. He looks so peaceful.

I decided to put him to bed. When I came back down, I saw my dad sitting on the sofa with a good looking guy wearing a blue, red and white suit and a cool looking shield on his hip. I walk over to them and sit on the seat beside my dad "hi dad" I smile at him "hello (Y/N)" I look at what he's wearing "are you going out somewhere?" he looks at me "yeah, I have a meeting downtown. I will be home later though" he stands "Mr. Steve Rogers will be here protecting you, and if you want to go out to town, he will act as your bodyguard" before I can say anything in protest, he was gone. "and just like that, he's gone" I put my head in my hands and sigh. I feel the sofa dip on the side my dad was sitting on before he left. I look up to see Steve sitting beside me

"why don't we get to know each other" i nod "sure" "ok, I'll go first. My name is Steve Rogers, I work with Nick Fury and a bunch of other badasses and when we are all together we're called The Avengers. Of course, none of my team mates are as badass as me" I chuckle at his attempt to lighten the mood "of course not Mr. Rogers. so I suppose its my turn for the introductions now" Steve nods and smiles. I take a deep breath and continue "ok, my name is (F/N) (L/N), I currently don't have a job, I came here to try and have the father-daughter relationship I missed out on years ago. I have a 3 year old son and his name is Mason" he looked shocked at the last part

"you have a son?" I nod and look down "yeah" I can already tell he has a lot of questions about it all "where's the father" i freeze on the spot "he's uh- he's gone" i try my best to hold back the tears. I feel a hand on my shoulder "hey, it's ok. for as long as you're here, I promise I will do everything I can to help and protect you and your son" I look up at him and smile letting a couple of tears fall "thank you Steve, that means a lot to me" he smiles and I hug him "all part of the job" he says hugging me back. we were pulled from our moment by small footsteps making their way down the stairs

"mommy I can't sleep" I turn around and see Mason standing there looking tired "come here baby" I reach out my arms for him to sit on my lap "you ok Mace?" he shook his head and hid behind me. I turn him around "Mason this is Steve, he'll be looking after us while we're here" I turned to Steve "Steve this is Mason, he's a little shy" "mommy can I have some food?" I smile "of course darling" I leave Mason and Steve to get to know each other and head off to make food for Mason

(Time skip to when your dad comes home)

Because I had arrived just hours ago, my clothes still had to be unpacked so Steve told me to go unpack and he'll keep Mason occupied. I have to say, for someone who has to keep it so professional, he's really childish and sweet around Mason. Just as I finish unpacking, I hear dad come in the front door with all his little minions. "oh shit" I mumble to myself. he doesn't know about Mason. it's not like I wanted to keep it a secret that I had a kid but I know how he'll react. I quickly get my stuff put away and run down the stairs, I was too late to stop him from seeing Mason. As soon as Steve saw me, he had the look of he sorry written in his face. I mouth "its ok" just so he knows that I'm not mad at him

When dad seen that Steve was looking over towards the stairs, he then looked in that direction and seen me "when were you going to introduce me to this little guy?" I didn't know whether to be cold or not when answering him because I know no matter what I say to him, he'll be mad and act out. My dad wasn't really the best of people, although he never physically abused me in any way, he would always prioritise his work over me and that made me feel shit "when you were gonna stick around for more than 5 seconds" he looked shocked at my answer "I'm here now aren't I (Y/N)?" I scoff "i am not talking about this here. I want Mason upstairs with one of the maids before we even discuss anything"

At the snap of his fingers, Mason was being brought upstairs and my dad was showing me to his 'study' as he calls it. I was honestly scared to confront him after all these years, because not only will he probably react badly to the fact I had a child at 18 and the father is gone, I never even told him. I thought it was just us two until I look behind me and see Steve standing at the door. he gives me a look of reassurance. I turn back to my dad and I was going to figure out where to start but he already bet me to it "so when were you going to tell me you had a kid, and don't give me shit saying 'when you stick around more' or whatever. I want the truth because nows your time" I nod, "if I'm being honest, I don't know when I would have told you" "I suppose you don't know who the father is" I look at him for a second

"I'm sorry, who do you think you are? Are you forgotting that I'm your daughter and not some hooker you seen on the side of the road?" I can feel my anger bubbling already and I haven't even started yet "tell me when it happened" I was hesitant at first because not only would my dad be ashamed of me, but so would Steve "my 18th birthday party, I got drunk and some guy took advantage of me. I ended up pregnant which in a weird way was the best thing that ever happened to me. although it wasn't under the most perfect circumstances, Mason is my everything. he is my sunshine" my dad scoffs. I glare at him "look, I'm just looking out for you. Now that you're with me, you can unwantedly be in the attention of the public and people could try to harm you like what happened to your mother" oh that's it. he's crossed a line

I stand up abruptly, tears forming in my eyes and so angry "Don't you fucking dare talk about her. you hardly knew anything about her because you were always busy working to pay attention to either of us. you weren't the one who was standing right beside her when she was shot and killed and you weren't the fucking one who held her lifeless body and cried for her to come back. No because you were too busy, too busy to check and see how I was at her funeral, too busy to check on me everytime I had a nightmare and too busy to get me through the hardest time of my life. So please, don't you fucking dare pretend like you feel the same amount of pain I do, because I know you don't" i take a breath and start to fully breakdown. I run out of the room and into the living room.

I was too busy breaking down to realise that Steve had come in after me "hey (Y/N), come here" he immediately imbraced me in a hug and I just let it all out, at this point I didn't care if I looked a mess or not. After a while of Steve hugging me as I cried, I finally pulled away and looked up at him "i am sorry you had to see and hear that. you probably think I'm a disgrace" he sighed and shook his head "never. if anything I think you're very brave. the way you explained how much Mason means to you and how you actually managed to tell him how you felt and get everything off your chest" he hugged me once more and rubbed my back. "get comfortable, because you're going to put on a movie and I'm gonna make you some food. you need it. I'll see if Mason wants to join us" I smile "thank you so much Steve. I don't know what I would have done if you weren't here" he smiled and went off to find Mason and I sat down on the sofa to pick a movie. Maybe this trip won't be so bad after all

please give me your honest feedback from this because I want to know if its good before I can make a part 2. tell me if there's anything I need to fix

Tags:

[annaphoenix1994]

Colter - Enter, Pursued by a Memory (2)

"Goddamn, this cold!" Arthur groaned as he entered the morning freeze, using the sole of his boot to light the match for his cigarette, taking a long and slow puff of the tobacco as if his life depended on it. He forced himself to walk through the snow, mentally preparing himself to feel the cold wind cling to his skin through his clothing.

He rushed into the main cabin, seeing Missus Adler struggling to stay warm while she kept her distance from everybody else while Abigail Roberts, Tilly Jackson, and Mary-Beth Gaskill were surrounding the hearth for warmth. "Hello, Arthur," Abigail started as Arthur chucked a fresh log into the small fire.

"Abigail." He replied gruffly, holding his palms to the fire.

"Arthur...how you doing?" She said nervously as she approached him. He looked at her nervously, taking her in. He had always scolded himself for not marrying her when he had the chance, but he knew that wasn't how things were supposed to be. He cared deeply for her and young Jack, but in a way, he still loved her from when she had been friendly with not only him, but almost every man in the gang at one point.

He gulped as he held those memories at bay, where they needed to be, "Just fine, Abigail, and you?"

"I need you to...I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry to ask but..." She stuttered.

"It's little John...He's got himself into a scrape again." Arthur replied with annoyance and a bit of jealousy coating his voice. He brushed her off as he continued to find warmth from the fire.

"He ain't been seen in two...two days!" Abigail protested.

"Your John'll be fine," Arthur said, opening his arms at her. He hated arguing with her, but she needed to hear it. "I mean, he may be as dumb as rocks and as dull as rusted iron but that ain't changin' because he got caught in some snowstorm!" He argued.

"At least go take a look," Hosea intervened as he closed the book he was reading to young Jack. "Javier?"

"Yes?" Javier Escuella replied, looking up from cleaning his gun.

"Javier, will you ride out with Arthur and take a look for John?" Hosea asked. "You're the two best-fit men we've got."

"Now?" Javier questioned, exhaling a puff of smoke from his cigarette.

"She's...we're all...we're pretty worried about him." Hosea continued, taking note at the look of jealousy on Arthur's face as well as a bit of concern eating at him.

Hosea had played a major role in Arthur's life in the earlier years, seeing Arthur as a son to him. He could tell when things were bothering him or when he was keeping something to himself. Hosea knew Arthur and Abigail had a brief romantic history and that Arthur at some point thought that young Jack was his son, but he couldn't stop Abigail from falling in love with John Marston, who was his fellow brother, but also his competition.

"I know if the situation were reversed, he'd look for me." Javier said as he handed Arthur his sewed-off shotgun. Arthur nodded as he took the gun before turning on his heels, pushing out Abigail's 'thank you's out of his head as he walked through the doorway.

"This way! Last I know, John was headed up the river!" Javier said over the wind as he took the lead.

"For all we know, he kept ridin' north and never looked back," Arthur grunted, bowing his head so that the brim of his hat would shield his face from the wind.

"He wouldn't leave. Not like that." Javier doubted.

"Well, wouldn't be the first time," Arthur replied, clutching the reins tighter, wishing he had on two pairs of gloves instead of one. He and Javier trekked north, both of them encouraging their horses to continue on their journey. Arthur may not have had a bond as strong with this horse like he did with Boadicea, his fallen horse after the failed ferry robbery in Blackwater, but the mahogany bay stallion was pushing through. "Good boy!" Arthur encouraged as he gave the stallion an encouraging pat to the neck. "So... You were there, Javier, what really happened on that boat?" He asked.

"We had the money, it seemed fine, then suddenly they were everywhere," Javier explained.

"Bounty hunters?" Arthur guessed.

"No, Pinkertons. It was crazy. Raining bullets," Javier continued as the horses were now on steeper terrain. "Watch out for this crevice!" He warned. "Dutch killed a girl in a... bad way, but it was a bad situation."

"That ain't like him, though." Arthur replied.

"They continue along the cliff wall here!" Javier said, referring to the horse tracks he and Arthur found shortly after they left camp. "Davey got shot. Mac and John... Both shot too. Sean, we don't even know. I'm surprised we escaped at all. By the time you boys showed up from the other side of town, we were only just holding on." Javier continued.

Arthur sighed, "Bad business alright."

They were now trotting through fresh snow, which was too much for Arthur's liking, so he decided to slow his horse down to a walk as he knew the fresh and deep snow had to be hard on his horse. "You're alright boy," He encouraged. "The horses are struggling."

"Yeah, a lot of fresh snow here."

"I don't know about this, Javier. W-we can't follow nothing." Arthur doubted.

"Let's push on a little bit, maybe we'll pick up the trail again," Javier encouraged as their horses continued to push on up the steep embankment.

"Almost there, boy, c'mon now!"

"Hey, look! Over there, you see that?" Javier pointed as the men stopped their horses before nudging them to a lope. Upon closer inspection, it was a deceased horse. "John was riding that horse when we left Blackwater." Javier sighed.

"Oh... That's..." Arthur grunted. He didn't mind killing an animal when it came to hunting but seeing a dead horse hurt him on the inside. Aside from a buck, horses were his favorite animal as they represented so much freedom, beauty, and spirit. Something Arthur wrote fondly about in his journal was Boadicea. He sighed as he looked away from the deceased animal before turning his attention back to Javier.

"Let's see if he can hear us!" Javier said before firing his revolver, the gunpowder echoing through the icy canyon and empty mountains.

"Hey! Help! Here!"

"Come on... Up there!" Javier suggested as he pushed Boaz into a steady lope up the embankment.

"Hello? Over here!"

"It's coming from up ahead somewhere. I don't think we can go much further on the horses. We'll have to walk from here." Javier said as he dismounted Boaz. "I'd grab that shotgun from your horse. Who knows what's up ahead."

───※ ·❆· ※───

"That's quite a scratch you got there." Arthur said as he and Javier were now looking at John Marston from over the cliff he had sought shelter.

John looked up at the pair with his new three lacerations, "Never thought I'd say this, but it's good to see you, Arthur Morgan."

Arthur sighed as he eased himself down to where John was, looking him over briefly, "You don't look so good." He said as he slung John's arm over his shoulders.

"I don't feel too good neither," John groaned as Arthur easily lifted the man up, helping him get atop the cliff so Javier could help. "I'm freezing!"

"Don't die just yet, cowboy." Arthur said as he hoisted himself back up before slinging John over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, slowly walking behind Javier as he figured out a way to get back to the horses without having to go through the rough terrain they had encountered on foot.

"You see that on the ridge?" Javier said as distant howls echoed from afar. Arthur felt John shift his weight as he was still slung over Arthur's shoulder, looking up at what damage the animals had caused.

"Shit," Arthur mumbled as he helped John to his feet. "I'll distract them while you get to the horses. Go, I'll draw 'em off you." He insisted.

"Let's get back to the others!" Javier exclaimed after Arthur had successfully terminated the three wolves after a brief scrapple. Arthur clutched his wrist to rid the pain as he had gotten bitten, but it luckily didn't pierce through his skin, only his coat.

"I don't feel too good," John complained.

"You'll be fine. It's just like a...a dog bite."

John sighed, "I knew a feller, got bit by a dog. Died an hour later."

"You ain't gonna die! Not yet-" Javier assured. "More of 'em to the right!" He shouted.

Arthur quickly pulled out the sewed-off shotgun Javier had given him, hoping that his new horse wouldn't spook too bad from the shots and the wolves coming at his fetlocks. "Easy boy!" Arthur said as he shot two wolves quickly, regaining control as his horse's natural instincts took over.

"You see any more, Arthur?" Javier called.

"Don't think so." He grunted.

"Jesus!" John whined.

"You still with us, Marston?" Arthur teased.

"Just about." He groaned.

"You're gonna be okay. We have some shelter now." Javier assured.

"Thanks for coming for me."

"Of course. That bullet in Blackwater, now this? You had a hell of a time."

"And Arthur always says... I'm lucky." John croaked.

"You know, we're gonna need to come up with a better story for that scar!" Arthur teased as the horses trudged through the current of the river in an attempt to cover up their scent.

"So, freezing, bleeding, starving, damn near getting eaten to death, ain't good enough for you?" John questioned.

"Yeah...c'mon. Let's push hard and get back."

"See those buildings up ahead John? That's where we're camped. Nearly there." Javier assured as the camp was inching closer.

"Come on! Someone help John down off this horse!" Javier exclaimed.

"Can we get some help here?" Arthur intervened as he pulled his horse to a halt, dismounting as he heard the main cabin's door squeak as Abigail came running out. "You're alive! Oh, you're alive!" Abigail cried as she gripped onto John's jacket.

"Ay, careful idiotas, it's his leg!" Javier warned as he was still atop Boaz.

"Come on, let's get you warm!" Abigail said as Bill was acting as a crutch for John, leading him to the cabin. "Thank you! Thank you both!"

Arthur and Javier nodded as they were soon joined by Hosea and Leopold Strauss. "Thank you, Arthur. Thank you." Hosea said, patting his shoulder.

"You got any other lost maidens need savin'?" Arthur groaned.

"Yeah, that Minnie Barlow," Hosea teased, referring to the brief conversation he and Dutch had about the woman after they brought Sadie Adler to camp, Dutch explaining to Hosea that Arthur had kept asking questions about the fellow outlaw relentlessly, making it clear to Dutch and Hosea that he may be under the impression of a crush, which Hosea loved to play "matchmaker."

"I don't know what you're talkin' about," Arthur scoffed. Hosea chuckled as Javier and Leopold Strauss retreated slightly, "Dutch told me about your crush."

"Whatchu talkin' about? I don't have no crush!" Arthur blushed.

"You're forgetting that we know you better than you do, Arthur. Since when have you been so curious about an outlaw when you're an outlaw yourself?" Hosea questioned. Arthur shook his head as he wanted to get the topic of love interests from his head. 'Yeah, like a woman like that would have me anyways.' He scolded to himself.

"Have you and Dutch talked about how we're gonna get out of this?" Arthur asked, changing the subject.

"I was just discussing with Herr Strauss when the weather breaks I suppose we'll have to keep heading east."

"East? Into all of that civilization?" Arthur objected.

"I know," Hosea replied. "The west is where our problems are worse. C'mon, Herr Strauss, let's get warm."

Arthur nodded as he thrust through the snow, rubbing his palms up and down his upper arms in an attempt to generate heat, but he felt as if he was getting nowhere. He quickly shut the door to the cabin, retreating to his room for a brief bit of isolation, something that he needed. He had a sudden urge to write as if nothing that was going on even mattered. He sat on the edge of his cot, pulling the nightstand closer to him to make a table:

𝓦𝓮 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓻𝓾𝓷𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝔀𝓮𝓮𝓴𝓼. 𝓦𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓼𝓱𝓮𝓵𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓵𝓭 𝓪𝓫𝓪𝓷𝓭𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸𝔀𝓷 𝔀𝓱𝓲𝓵𝓮 𝔀𝓮 𝔀𝓪𝓲𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝔀. 𝓗𝓪𝓻𝓭𝓵𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓭 𝓫𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻.

[zmediaoutlet]

Would you pretty pretty please talk more about thorough!Sam? You don't have to but I feel like you should know I'm batting my eyelashes here.

(read on AO3)

After they get back from post-victory drinks with Charlie,they take it in turns to shower. Sam’s almost sore, from the running around andbashing the off-work accountants with the silly foam sword—but he keeps catchinghimself smiling on and off, too. God, Dean in that wig.

He’s quick in the shower, always has been, but after he’smostly dried off he stands in the motel’s little bathroom and takes stock, justfor a minute. There’s a dark spot on his arm, where some kid caught him hardwith a shield, and it’s probably going to be a bruise. The hunt was easy,though, and with their help the day was saved, and then—the little fake fightwas ridiculous, but Dean had just… lit up for it. Sam wipes a hand over hisface, catches himself smiling again.

When he comes out, towel wrapped around his hips, Dean’shalf-sitting on one of the beds, watching who knows what on the television.“Took you long enough,” he says, but there’s no real sting to it.

He’s still got his make-up on, red and white and ridiculous,but honestly—it doesn’t look too bad, especially now that he doesn’t have theConan hair. Not that Sam’s going to tell him that. “You officially have noroom to talk, ever, with the hour long showers,” Sam says, and Dean swingsoff the mattress, grinning.

“You just don’t know how to get the most out of yourself-care routine,” Dean says, raising his eyebrows ridiculously, andcloses himself into the bathroom while Sam’s still rolling his eyes.

He flicks off the TV, hauls on jeans and a t-shirt, shoveshis wet hair behind his ears. It’s not that late, and maybe he could work onfinding them their next case, or something. Keep working, keep hunting, waitingfor Kevin to work on the tablet. That’s what he’d said they should do, and Deanhad agreed. Behind the bathroom door the toilet flushes, and the shower rusheson, the familiar nightly routine Sam’s heard half his life, and—there’s a weirdsecond where the world clicks into place, somehow. They’d agreed, back at thecabin—to stay together, to fight together. They hadn’t talked about anything more.About what had been lost between them, from misunderstanding and jealousy, forso long. Now, standing in a motel room in the middle of Michigan, listening toDean humming in the shower, Sam takes a deep breath and—yes. This is where hebelongs—where they both do, after everything—and it’s time.

He makes it to the liquor store and back before the showershuts off. He slings his jacket onto the desk chair, tugs off his boots andsocks, and by the time the bathroom door finally creaks open he’s pouring twoglasses of whiskey. “What, did the hot water finally run out?” hesays, capping the bottle again.

“Hey, I am the champion of Moondoor,” Dean says,and Sam turns around holding both glasses to find Dean shining, pink andnot-quite-dry, a towel around his waist. He flicks his eyes from the whiskey upto Sam’s face, but his expression isn’t showing anything. He shrugs, smiling.“What’s the point of winning the war if you can’t enjoy it, Sammy?”

Sam huffs, but the corner of his mouth hitches up againanyway. Dean sees it, smiles wider. Sam holds out one of the glasses for Deanto take and they tilt the glasses at each other, half a toast, before takingtheir first sips. Dean’s eyes widen a little at the taste—and, yeah, this ismaybe better than the rotgut he usually drinks: real scotch, sixteen yearssweet and dark as honey as it rolls down the back of Sam’s tongue. Dean’s lipis damp when he lowers the glass, his tongue deep pink when it swipes quick overhis mouth. Heat hits the pit of Sam’s belly, but he can’t tell if it’s thescotch or just the sight of his brother—his skin, the way his eyes flick up toSam’s, his face open and free of distrust, the way he’s there, here, with Sam and nowhere else.

“Maybe I should win wars more often,” Dean says,tipping his glass at Sam again in thanks, and then he moves over to the bednearer the door, where he’d slung his duffle when they grabbed the room not solong ago. He starts digging for something in his bag, his whiskey balancedprecariously on the plasticky purple comforter, and Sam watches the muscle inhis back move, takes another gulp of whiskey and lets it burn all the way downhis throat, and then puts the glass down on the table with an obvious clink, and moves.

Dean stiffens up when Sam puts a hand on his shoulder. There’sa tiny cut, bright red at the edge of Dean’s hairline, and Sam lets his thumbdrag over it, smears the tiniest bit of blood. “What’s this,” Samsays.

“Nothing,” Dean says, automatically. Sam drags histhumb again, a little harder, and maybe it stings, because then, slowly, Deansays, “I ate it, remember, when that kid in the orc costume tripped me—I don’tknow, maybe a rock got me, or something. What, do I need stitches?”

“No,” Sam says, and doesn’t move away. He’sacutely aware of—everything, of Dean’s squared shoulders, and the heat of hisskin. He shifts closer, bends his head and breathes out, warm against the backof Dean’s neck. They haven’t touched like this, not really—not since that firstday, that awful afternoon when all of a sudden Dean was back, was alive, and he’d tackled Sam down to thefloor with a bright-feral grin and kissed him so hard and clumsy that there hadbeen blood when he’d finally pulled away. It had all gone wrong, after that. Hemoves his hands to Dean’s shoulders and puts his lips against the bare cleanskin of Dean’s neck, hardly touching, just breathing him in—and Dean bends forit, his head dropping like Sam asked for it outright. Making room. Sam’s gutpulses, and he brushes his lips up, to Dean’s hairline, taking in his smell,the soap they share, the warm of him, and he squeezes Dean’s shoulders, slideshis hands down to his biceps, just—just feeling, and then Dean says,“Jesus, Sammy,” rough on half a breath, and Sam sucks in a deep breathand yanks him clumsily around, makes him stumble forward into Sam and there’sjust time to glimpse his wide shocked eyes and how the towel drops suddenly totheir feet and then Sam catches him by the back of the head and dips down andkisses him, at last.

Dean sort of—gasps, against him, but he kisses back after asecond. God. The whiskey-taste is filling his mouth, but even so he’s just—warm,familiar, even after this awful year. He gets one hand wrapped up in Sam’st-shirt, yanking awkwardly at the collar, and the other twines into Sam’s hair,holding on. Sam scrapes his teeth over Dean’s lower lip, licks it, and lets hisfree hand slide slowly down the sweet line of Dean’s spine to the dip of hislower back, the skin soft and clean and just everything Sam wants. He couldknock Dean onto the bed and get them both off right here—might not even taketen minutes, with how completely crazy he feels in this second. But—no. Heslows the kiss, lipping more gently at Dean’s mouth, and Dean breathes hotagainst him, his nose brushing Sam’s. Deliberately, he drags one thumb overDean’s stubble, along the clean line of his jaw, and when he hits thatsensitive spot under his ear and rubs hard and Dean shivers, abrupt and hard,Sam can’t help but smile.

“Still works,” he says, and pulls back a fewinches.

Dean blinks at him, heavy-lidded. The little room is full oflight, the lamps all on, so he can see every detail of Dean’s face—his gorgeousplush mouth and the freckles spattered over his tan, the barely-damp spikes ofhis hair, the flecks of red makeup he missed in his hairline and his eyes, fixedon Sam’s, his pupils dark and wide. Dean licks his lips, and then tugs thefistful he’s got of Sam’s hair, sharp, and Sam can’t help the noise he makes,heat melting slow down his spine. “So does that,” Dean says, eyesdarting back and forth between Sam’s, and Sam slides his hands down to thecurve of Dean’s ass and hauls him in close and finds his mouth again, hardlybelieving his luck.

Between them they get Dean’s bag tossed off the bed and thenDean’s laid back on it, Sam still dressed and lying right between his thighs.The glass of whiskey barely gets rescued in time, Dean fumbling it onto thebedside table one-handed while Sam applies his attention to the arched curve ofDean’s throat, the hollow between his collarbones, the soft of a nipple whenDean’s chest heaves up in a gasp and presents it for his attention. Dean buriesa hand in his hair again, keeps his head right where it is, and so Sam laps atit in slow deliberate pulses, scrapes his teeth over once and listens to Deanhiss. No, he never liked it rough, here. Sam blows cool air and lets it pull upinto a little bud, the skin tight, and then flicks his tongue soft over it.Dean lifts up on one elbow, and Sam meets his eyes when he sets his teeth intothe skin just beside the nipple and bites—not too hard, but enough that Deancan feel it. He gets a shiver, for that, and his dick pulses between his legs,caught up awkward in the jeans he still hasn’t taken off. “Vampire,”Dean says, voice breathy-deep, and Sam kisses the skin he caught, but doesn’tapologize.

There’s been a half-used bottle of lube in Sam’s travel kitfor a long, long time. He never threw it away—hoping, always. Dean waits,spread out and breathing hard on the bed, while Sam grabs the kit from hisduffel, while he digs through the shaving cream and toothpaste and finds thelittle bottle. “Always prepared, huh?” Dean says, drawing up one knee.

Sam lets the kit drop to the floor. Dean’s dick is flushed,not quite hard but getting there, pink and heavy against his thigh. “Comehere,” he says, voice thick, and Dean pushes up, gets his knees under himand shuffles to the end of the bed, his muscles moving beautifully under allthat skin, and Sam catches him by the hips and kisses him again, again, the mismatchedheight of the bed letting him tilt his head up, for a change, Dean’s armsslinging around his shoulders and holding him in close. He strokes both thumbsover the soft of Dean’s hips, the fine thin skin where the bone dips down to hisgroin. He pulls back enough to breathe, and when Dean’s eyes slowly open, hetakes in the way his ears are pinking, the flush stealing over his face, andthen he says, “I want to suck your dick,” and watches Dean’s mouthpart with shock.

He gets Dean knocked down to his back again, settles on hisknees next to the bed with Dean’s legs spread wide around his shoulders, andit’s not five seconds after he said it that he gets his mouth on Dean,breathing wet and hot into the neatly-trimmed hair beside his dick. God, Dean.His dick is slower to rise now than it used to be, but it’s swelling fast, andSam tilts his head and rubs his lips up the soft of the shaft. When he reachesthe head he flicks his tongue, just once. Dean groans, somewhere up above, andwhen Sam glances up Dean’s watching him, propped on both elbows and his facesoft with surprise. “Remember, last time?” Sam says, wrapping a firmgrip around the base.

Dean’s hips jump, but he nods, eyes fixed on Sam’s mouth, onhis hand as he jerks Dean once, and then again. “After we—after we got theblood for the alpha vamp,” he says, and Sam—he blinks. He didn’t thinkDean actually would. He slides his free hand up the inside of Dean’s thigh,spreads it even wider, and Dean takes in a shuddery breath. “You—on thetrunk—”

“Yeah,” Sam says, the memory rising up. Deanshocked and groaning aloud at the night sky, sprawled out over the trunk andSam on his knees just like this, blood hot at how Dean unraveled, and he leansin now and gets his mouth on Dean, lips wet, slides down to meet his fingers inone long push, and—oh, yeah, Dean groans long and loud, up above, mutters oh—christ, Sammy, oh, and Sam wouldgrin, but his mouth’s full. God, he loves this. The velvety texture, thefamiliar taste of salt-skin, the bitter that blooms at the back of his tonguebecause Dean’s diet is awful, but—honestly, Sam doesn’t mind it, not now. Itjust tastes right. He goes easy, suckles soft at the head and tongues at theunderside as he goes back down, and Dean’s already heaving for breath, upabove. When Sam looks he’s still up on his elbows, but his head’s sunk downbetween his shoulders, the long line of him pale and flushing all over, histhighs tensing futilely around Sam’s shoulders.

He pulls off just for a moment, heaves his shirt off overhis head and grabs the lube off the floor, and before Dean can say anything hegoes right back to work—long pulses of his tongue that make Dean groan, hislips buzzing just a little. Blind, he gets his fingers wet, and at the firsttouch between his legs Dean spreads all the wider, breath shuddering audibly inhis chest. Sam kneels up higher, hooks one of Dean’s knees over his own shoulder,and he just suckles at the head of Dean’s dick, watches what he can see of hisface while he pushes in. God. That heat, the tightness—Dean’s elbows slide outfrom under him and his mouth is wide open, his eyebrows furrowed. Sam slidesthe finger out, pushes back in with two—oh, and it’s too fast, Dean’s bodyopens up so reluctantly, and his own dick throbs in his jeans even as Dean’sleaks into his mouth, a deep groan pulled out somewhere from the pit of Dean’schest when Sam slides his fingers up and around and in, dragging up in the exact spot he’s known for what feels likehalf his life. Dean’s heel digs into Sam’s back, and he pulls off Dean’s dickfor a moment, kisses against the inside of Dean’s knee. “How’s that,”he says, voice a little hoarse, pulsing his fingers, and Dean just rolls hishead against the slick bedspread, his hips lurching to try to follow the rhythmSam’s working inside him. Sam ducks down and sucks in one of Dean’s balls,careful, and Dean actually lets out a thin shout, voice cracking right down themiddle, and gets a hand on Sam’s head, clutching tight in the hair over his ear.He’s sweating, his thigh slipping against Sam’s chest, and Sam’s overheated too,sweat trickling down the back of his neck and dampening his hair, and his owndick is actually aching from being ignored but this, this is exactly what Samwanted—Dean wide-open, and moaning, and his.

It doesn’t take long, after that. Sam suckles Dean’s balls,pushes his fingers in and in and in again, and when he works in a third fingerDean manages a strangled, “Sammy,” voice shredded, and Sam gets hismouth back up on Dean’s dick, bobs his head and sucks and presses so insistent upinside where Dean’s hot, and slick, and finally—finally the muscle clinging athim shudders, and Dean’s hips hitch up against the weight Sam’s bearing downonto him, and Dean’s heel digs into his back and his dick swells in his mouthand then—oh, he’s blowing, finally, and Sam swallows once and then pulls off,lets Dean pulse up against his own stomach, thick jerks that echo the deep-downconstriction around his fingers, and Dean groans, sharp and deep, while Samgreedily watches every wet twitch.

Dean’s still shuddering when Sam tugs his fingers out, andstands. He wrestles his belt open and his jeans off in a moment, grabs Dean bythe hips and shoves him up the polyester bedspread in one push. “Do I needa condom,” he says, barely hearing his own voice, and—he has a handful, inhis kit, he will if he has to, but Dean opens bleary eyes and looks at him andshakes his head, his expression blown-open and soft, and Sam’s chest knotstight behind his breastbone, but all he does is fist his wet hand down his dickand then rolls Dean over onto his belly—Dean moans when his sensitive soft dickpresses down into the bedspread, but Sam just kneels up between his splayedthighs and picks his hips up, drags him up onto his elbows, and then sinks in—nomore prep, no more waiting, Dean’s muscles still twitching randomly.

He has to close his eyes, for a few seconds, while Deanmoans. God—it’s almost painful, tight and hot, everything Sam’s been waitingfor. He pulses his hips, edges in deeper so he’s pressed in right against theplush curve of Dean’s ass, and Dean groans, again, his hips flexing in Sam’sgrip.

“God—goddamn, Sammy,” he says, kind of muffled,and Sam opens his eyes to find Dean’s head dropped down between his shoulders,the muscles in his back defined and obvious. Sam rocks in and out, shallowly,and drags his clean hand down the perfect line of Dean’s spine. Dean’s relaxingaround him, slowly, but—no. No, that’s not what Sam wants.

He shifts, careful, sets his knees on either side of Dean’s,and leans forward enough that he can brace one hand against the headboard. Thistime, when he rocks in, Dean flinches under him. “Oh—god,” Dean says,and Sam leans down and presses kisses against his freckled shoulders, againstthe back of his neck, and does it again, dragging and deliberate. Dean makes asound like a sob, but his hips arch back into Sam’s. “I can't—Sammy, I—”he says, all breath, and Sam slips his hand down past his hip to where hisdick’s still half-plump, wet and sensitive, and he says, down against Dean’s darkred ear, you can, you will, come on—come on,Dean—

Torture, to hold on, but he keeps his movements shallow,easy—covering Dean like a blanket, pulsing in, a long and relentless fuck,dragging over his hot spot over and over, just holding his poor dick while itfills so slow. Dean flinches, his knees slipping on the comforter, making theseconstant half-moans while Sam just nails him right there, over and over until his voice stops, kind of, just goes intothese sharp gasping inhales every time Sam fills him up again. The flush hasspread, over the back of his neck, the rounded muscle in his shoulder tight andpinked, and Sam puts his forehead down against the crown of Dean’s head, burieshis nose in the soft short hair where it’s soaked in sweat and just keepsgoing, pushing in so careful, while Dean’s dick fills to thickness between histhighs.

Dean’s legs go out from under him, eventually, tremblingfiercely with effort. Sam slips an arm under his hips and knees his thighs wideapart and slides right back in, to the hilt, and finally he lets go, just alittle—long thrusts, hips working against Dean’s, knees braced against the bedand holding Dean’s shoulder in an underhand grip, keeping him right in place—andDean finds his voice again, says soft and breathless, Sam, Sam, oh god, his body rippling and knocked loose-open bySam’s, quivery-hot and close, and Sam almost doesn’t register it when he comesfor a second time because he’s so focused on holding back his own orgasm—but hedoes, he feels it, Dean clenching rhythmically around him and shuddering, hishands fisting weakly into the comforter either side of his head.“Sam,” Dean says, pleading, and Sam slides out into the awful coldair, tries to hold back just—just one more minute, please, because he wants—he pullsclumsily at Dean’s shoulder, almost drunk-feeling, and with some effort getsDean onto his back again, his belly smeared wet and come sliding down his side,his eyes wet, his mouth bitten dark and raw. He shakes his head when Sam pusheshis trembling thighs up, but that’s not what Sam wants.

“Shh, shh,” Sam gets out, and Dean blinks up athim in a daze and then Sam’s inside him again, all the way in a single thrust,and he’s moving sharp and hard and long, deep in-and-out fucking, what he’sbeen holding back from, what he’s wanted this whole time—what he’s beenmissing, only—only not really, it was never the fucking. It was always ever andonly Dean, Dean his, them knowingeach other, and being each other’s, a compact that ran so deep through blood andbone that Sam didn’t know how either of them had ever, ever thought to escapeit—but then—Dean’s knees draw up around Sam’s hips, and his arms slide uparound Sam’s shoulders, one hand digging deep into the hair at Sam’s nape, andhe whispers, shaky, okay—let go, come on—giveit to me, come on, Sammy, please, and then Sam curls in tight and he putshis head down to Dean’s shoulder and—comes, finally, finally, the knot in his belly unfurling all at once and everythingpumping into Dean. He makes some noise, buried down against Dean’s sweaty warmskin, and his hips work on autopilot, twitching against Dean, pushing deep.

Dean’s fingers comb through his hair, slowly, cardingthrough the length of it. He pulls in a deep breath, the smell of sex and sweatand Dean’s skin filling him, and then finally picks his head up. Dean’s eyesare heavy, the lashes damp. His mouth, when Sam dips in and kisses him, goessoft and open, but Sam keeps the kiss shallow, just the flick of their tonguestogether, a soft closed-mouth smooch at the corner of Dean’s mouth, on hischeek, beside his eye where it’s wet. He shifts his hips, carefully, and hisdick finally slips out, flushed and spent. Dean flinches. “Hurts?” Samsays, quiet.

He’s still braced right on top of Dean, Dean still curledaround him. He gets a slow blink, and then Dean shrugs, awkward against thebed. “Had worse,” he says, voice hoarse, and—yeah. Still. Sam kisseshis mouth, and doesn’t apologize.

He shifts his weight to the side and Dean stretches his legsout, with a grimace. Sam finds the shoved-away pillows while Dean reaches overto the bedside table and finds his abandoned whiskey. Sam expects him to gulpit down, but he only takes a sip, and then sinks down onto the pillow Sam putsbehind his head.

“So,” Dean says, resting the glass against hischest. His eyes are sleepy, fixed off into the middle distance. “Hero getshis reward, huh.”

For a second Sam has no idea what he’s talking about.“Something like that,” he says, when he gets it. He huffs, then,thinking it through. “Well—not really.”

Dean’s eyes dart to his, and Sam just—there’s nothing to say,not really. Not more than they’ve already said. The promise was already made—Samjust… followed through.

“Well,” Dean says, slowly. “I’m gonna take itas a win, anyway.”

Sam smiles, and then takes the glass, knocks back a sip ofhis own. The scotch spreads warm and sweet through his mouth, matches thewarmth in the pit of his stomach. He leans over Dean to put the glass back onthe bedside table, and then settles right back against his side, puts a handheavy on his chest and his head on the pillow, right beside Dean’s. They’reboth going to need another shower—Dean especially—but maybe that can wait, fora while. The room’s lit-up bright, but Dean turns in toward him, slinging anarm over his waist, and between them they make a little shadow of their own.That’ll be enough to sleep, Sam thinks. For a while.

[not-close-to-straight]

Another (Seven)

MASTERLIST  *****************

Thor was gone and Steve was making himself crazy.

He had spent the first three days in the gym, the next two in his room trying to draw, trying to paint trying to do anything to keep his mind off of how much he missed Thor.

Do we need to label what we are?

The question haunted him, and Steve cursed himself for not pushing for a better answer, especially when he was about two weeks past being in love. Especially since the time he spent in Thor’s arms was as close to perfect  as he had ever gotten. Especially since Thor had went to New Mexico for a while to visit Jane.

Jane. 

She was so nice. And entirely lovely. Steve had met her once, a few years ago and had been instantly smitten, as had the rest of the team, awed by the tiny woman who held Thor’s heart in her very human hand.

Even after they had broken up, Thor went and visited several times a year, and this was one of those times.

And usually Steve wouldn't care, but this time Thor had been so matter of fact about not wanting to define whatever this was and now all Steve could picture was Thor holding Jane, Jane’s legs wrapped around Thor’s waist, Thor growling Jane’s name the same way he growled Steve's. Thor calling Jane sweetheart . Jane holding him and kissing him and ---

Steve put his fist through the wall before he even realized it, and pulled it out hastily, shocked at himself, at the amount of jealous rushing through his veins.

This isn't right. He sank back into his bed and dropped his head into his hands.

He had spent the night in Thor’s quarters right before he'd left, spent the night wrapped up in the big man’s arms.

Thor had taken him twice that night, then a third time that morning when Steve had teasingly asked for another, and they had lay close, stroking each other quickly beneath the blankets, each cursing and panting each other's name as they came.

Sliding on top to lay between Steve's legs after they were done, Thor had kissed him for several minutes, finally pulling away to stare deep into his eyes.

“I am able to be myself with you, Steven.” The demi-god rumbled. “I don't have to measure my strength, I don't have to silence my cries, I do not end a night unsatisfied because my partner cannot keep up with my stamina. I don't have to try and fit in with all these customs I do not understand so I don't embarrass you. You and I stand out from a crowd but together we are just… us.”

He shifted and Steve sighed as their bodies rolled together again. “To be in the arms of a man who matches me in strength and spirit is a gift. And I thank you for it.

He moved again, and Steve bit back a groan, his body responding again to Thor’s hands and lips.

“Another.” Thor whispered against his neck. “Another before I go.”

“Thor---” Steve started to protest, just the barest amount because really he wasn't protesting, but he wouldn't have minded talking about how they both obviously felt and---

Thor started moving down though, leaving open mouthed kisses over every patch of skin, his tongue flicking over the defined muscles, every little freckle on Steve's body getting a soft lick, and Steve forgot why he was protesting when Thor’s mouth, warm and wet and so good enveloped him.

Thor hadn't even been awake when Steve had finally slipped out of the giant bed, trying to get back to his room before everyone woke up.

And by the time Steve had come down to the kitchen, Thor had already gone.

It had left a bitter taste in his mouth, Thor leaving without a proper goodbye, and a week later Steve was still seething and jealous and miserable because he missed that hammer wielding dummy more than he was willing to admit.

Then his phone rang, and he snatched it up without looking at it. “What?”

“Stevie. Wow. It's Bucky. You've been brooding in your room for like a week and a half now. Get your ass out here and let's go for a run or something.”

“Bucky. Sorry about that.” Steve brushed the plaster dust off his knuckles. “Thanks for the offer, but no thanks.”

“Hey man, I know it sucks that he's gone, but come on. You can't do this to yourself. He does this every year, you know he will be home soon and--”

“Stop. Talking.” Steve snapped and Bucky hesitated.

“Tony says Jane is like family. That Thor doesn't have any feelings for her anymore. You don't need to be---like this .”

“I don't care about that.” Steve huffed.

“I can almost see the green tint to your skin through the phone, honey. Jealousy isn't a great color on you.” Bucky's voice gentled. “It's alright.”

“Don't talk to me like you talk to Tony when he has some crazy idea.” Steve snorted. “Like you're talking him off a ledge or something. I've seen you do that, and that calm voice is annoying.”

“Well, is the calm voice working ?” Bucky wanted to know, trying not to laugh.

“Damn it, it kind of is.” Steve sighed. “Sorry, Buck, I'm all over the place right now.”

“Well, throw some sweats on and we will go for a run. Take your mind off things for a while.”

“Hey, speaking of Tony...have you told him about--I mean did you ever mention-”

“Stevie.” Bucky laughed a little. “I love that man more than anything. He is precious and perfect and my entire reason for getting out of bed in the morning. But he is also the nosiest, most meddlesome little shit in the entire world. No I didn't tell him that you and Thor are together. That kind of gossip would make his perfect head explode.”

“It's gross the way you talk about him.” Steve complained, already feeling better.

“Yeah well, you should hear how you sigh every time I say Thor's name.” Bucky retorted. “Don't call me gross.”

Steve sighed. “I don't--”

“You literally just sighed. Suit up, Cap. Let's get you out of your room.”

Steve could almost hear the smile on his best friends face and he finally smiled back. “Thank you, Buck.”

“With you to the end of the line, Stevie.”

*****

Two Weeks Later

*****

“This was officially a terrible idea.” Tony's voice came through their mics over the screaming and screeching of whatever mega villains robotic minions were trashing the city this time.

Steve wanted to be shocked at the sheer amount of weaponry these things had, but honestly after the Battle of New York and Ultron, he just wasn't all that surprised at anything anymore.

He was, however, getting his ass handed to him, because there was no way he, Bucky, Tony and the Wonder-Spy couple could handle this.

Sam was flying North as fast as he could, trying to get to them, but was still at least an hour out.

Bruce had disappeared from the compound last week and no one had any idea where he was.

Any and all attempts to reach Thor had been unsuccessful and things were rapidly taking a turn for the worse.

But the five of them fought and fought as hard as they could , Tony flying in and out and around, blasting anything that got in his way. Bucky and Tasha and Clint were emptying obscene amounts of bullets into the fray, and Steve was all over the place, trying to be everywhere all at once, desperate to get this taken care of.

Then things definitely took a turn for the worst as Tony was shot out of the sky, a lucky hit sending him plummeting towards the ground.

Bucky was instantly turning around yelling, shouting as he ran to the downed suit, leaping over wrecked cars and tearing apart anything that got in his way until he made it to wear Tony lay crumpled on some rubble.

“Oh god. Oh sugar, tell me you're alright. Baby doll please oh please be okay.”  He reached out and just ripped the mask right off the suit. “Sweet thing? Talk to me!”

“Damn it Buck, those things aren't cheap!” Tony snapped at him. “Stop ripping them apart!”

“Stop almost dying!” Bucky snapped right back. “Steve where the fuck is Sam? Where's Thor? We need back up or we can't do this! ”

Steve had barely come up on them before Bucky was yelling at him, and Natasha and Clint were right behind him, all desperate to check on Tony, all equally desperate to get a breather from the fight.

“High ground, now.” Bucky yelled. “Got to get Tony out of here, he could be hurt. Steve what are we gonna do?”

He tried to pick Tony up, but was batted away weakly, then more firmly when he persisted. “Tony let me just carry you honey, let me--”

Tony rolled his eyes and popped a light repulsor blast at Bucky, sending his boyfriend flying before he pulled a pair of sunglasses from who knows where and lifted back into the air, albeit a little shakily. “I'm fine . Bucky you can cry over me later. Let's just finish this shit up. Cap, what are we doing?”

“I don't know.” Steve admitted. “I don't how to do this without a full team. We're outnumbered and outgunned and I just--” he raised his hands helplessly, feeling the familiar panic crawl up his throat at the thought of failing. “I don't know.”

“Well think.” Natasha jammed another clip into her handgun. “Because we're running out of ammo, and I don't think my signature kick move will make any sort of impact on these things.”

“Okay. Okay… just give me a minute.” Steve paced away to try and think .

“Any day now Cap.” Tony called, his voice rising. “Our little safe spot is about to inva---”

Whatever else he said was lost in a roar of thunder and a crack of lightning, and Thor landed in their midst so hard the ground split beneath him.

“Well look who finally decided to show up.” Bucky growled. “About time, Sparky.”  

“Don't piss off a Thunder god, pretty sure that arm of yours conducts electricity.” Natasha joked. “Careful.”

“Stop talking and get your asses back into the fight.” Tony called. “We've got maybe two minutes before our little safe spot is invaded so hurry up. Thunder-thighs, good to see you!”

“Never mind coming up with a giant plan, Captain.” Clint said mildly, fitting his bow with an explosive tipped arrow. “Thor's here to save the day.”

Steve wasn't sure if he was relieved to see Thor, or furious over not hearing from him or what, but now wasn't the time to think about it.

“Well then.” Steve picked his shield back up. “Everybody do what it is you do best, I guess. Let's finish this up.”

Thor sent him a quick, curious look, but Steve was already running back into the battle, and with a war cry and Mjolnir swinging wildly, Thor went with him.