#here we need to bath AT LEAST twice a day AT LEAST

[khaleesiofalicante]

yall remember in one of shadowhunter tv episodes Alec legit asked Magnus "if you have magic, why do you take showers?" WHAT KIND OF WHITE MAN QUESTION WAS THAT HUH.

[coldfanbou]

More Than A Bath

I mixed things up a little with a soapland theme. I hope y'all enjoy

Length 2.7K

Nako x Mreader X Kazuha

You look up at the sign and take a deep breath. There were murmurs that she worked here, but you didn’t think it was true. You click your phone and check the time: 10 pm. The shop is supposed to be open now. You walk up to the door and step inside. The front room was decorated in such a way that it looked like a casino. To your left was a man behind the counter wiping it down. “Welcome! I haven’t seen your face before. Is it your first time here?” 

You nod your head, “It is.”

“Welcome to the Royal Flush. We offer great relaxation for men after a long day's work. We have a few options here, starting at thirty minutes and going up to two hours. That said, you can extend it up to another two hours.” The man motions to a blank board behind him before turning around. “My apologies; I forgot to turn this thing on. Just a moment.” He goes under his desk, flicking a button, causing the screen to light up with pictures of women on playing cards. You couldn’t see anyone who looked like her, though. He motions to the screen. “As you can see, we have many ladies available to help you. You can choose any one of them for your time here. Or if you’re feeling lucky, you can play the roulette.”

“What’s the roulette?” 

“I’m glad you asked, sir. The roulette is a wheel that gives you the chance to get two women for the price of one and even enables some that are usually reserved for special customers. The price to play is a little higher than choosing from the board, but if you hit the jackpot, you get two women for four hours. At worst, you’re paying a little more for our basic thirty-minute service, but at best, you’ll have the best night of your life. All you have to do is predict the space the ball will land in. What would you like, sir?”

You consider the chance the rumors were true, and she was just for special customers. “I choose the roulette.” After taking your money, the man smiles and asks you for a number. You choose the number she had ended up with on the show, six. The screen behind the man changes to a roulette wheel, and he begins the game. The ball on-screen moves around the roulette wheel, and while you don’t have high hopes for getting it right, you hope you’ll at least get something good.

As the ball begins to slow down,  you see it coming up on your number. Time slows down as the ball approaches the number six spot and swings past it one more time before coming around again. The ball loses momentum as it hits one of the ball deflectors, and miraculously, it plops into the six slot. The man smiles at you, “How rare.” He says, a slight amusement in his voice. “Congratulations, sir, you’ve hit the jackpot. You’ll be allowed to choose two women to help you relax and choose from our special menu. That being said, not everyone is in, so you’ll have limited choices.”  The screen behind the man changes again to show different women than before, and immediately, you spot her. Nako was working here. You continue to look at the boar, seeing other idols on it. Some of them greyed out to show they were unavailable. 

“How do you get them to come when they’re so busy with other activities?” 

“They need to relax too. All things considered, they come here pretty often. So who would you like?” You look back at the board, seeing other Japanese idols like Twice’s J-line and members of Le Sserafim. 

“I’d like Nako and Kazuha.” 

“Great choices. Here is your room number. They’ll be there in a moment. You may take the elevator to the top floor.” You give the man a nod and head to your room. Thoughts run through your mind. You never expected to find out that idols would work at some place like this. You hadn’t even considered what you would do now that you were faced with meeting Nako and Kazuha. 

When you get to your room, you tap the card the man gave you and step inside. It was a fully furnished apartment on the inside. You walk further in, seeing the view from your floor. You could see block after block of the city from your room. Wanting to look at the other rooms, you first come across the bathroom; poking your head inside, you see the usual inflatable you had seen in porn and notice the giant bath behind it. The floor was all tile, with a drain in the corner of the room. You check the other side of your room, seeing it was just a bedroom. Checking through the dressers, you notice sex toys and condoms, among other things. 

You hear a small beep from the front and head back to the living room to see Nako and Kazuha standing there. What’s immediately noticeable is their lack of clothing. Both are wearing just their bra and panties, only after you notice their hair being up. You gulp, nervous and unable to say a word. They give you a small smile and wave, obviously used to being seen in their state. Nako takes the lead, walking up to you and wrapping her around your back. “Take good care of us.” She says, her head on your chest. She shines a smile your way before letting you go. 

Kazuha pats the short woman’s bottom, “Would you like to get started, sir?”

“I would.” 

“This way, then.” Kazuha grabs your arm, pressing it against her modest breasts as she leads you to the bath. Nako grabs your other arm. Kazuha turns the water on for the bath, and the pair begin to strip you down, working quickly. 

“Oh, look at this.” Nako teases as she pulls down your pants. Your bulge was obvious to everyone. She runs her small hands along it before kneeling and rubbing her face against it. “Ah, it’s been so long. Kazuha,  aren’t you excited?” She says, looking at the younger woman. She grabs Kazuha’s hand, placing it on your crotch. “It’s big, huh?” Kazuha’s cheeks turn red, and she looks away from you, embarrassed. “Let’s get these off.” Nako tugs at your underwear until it finally comes off, your cock smacking her forehead. She’s stunned for a second but quickly laughs it off. Her small hand struggles to wrap itself around your shaft. “You are big!” She exclaims with a huge smile on her face. You groan as she strokes your shaft. While Nako plays with your cock, Kazuha takes off the little clothing she has, unhooking her bra and tossing it near the door before stepping out of her panties. Your attention quickly returns to Nako as you feel her tongue running back and forth over your cock. 

“Ah, Nako.” You moan, feeling your knees get weak from the sudden pleasure. She giggles before continuing. 

“We should get you in the bath,” Kazuha says as she strips Nako of her bra. “Don’t you think that’s a good idea, Nako?” Nako has a slight frown on her face but agrees, letting you go to remove her panties. Kazuha leads you into the tub, stepping in to test the water. The tub was wide enough to comfortably fit the three of you, with Nako on one side and Kazuha on the other. The shorter woman couldn’t seem to keep her hands off you. She reached for your cock, stroking it slowly as she pressed her tits into your arm. Kazuha sees what Nako is doing and joins in, turning onto her side and cupping your balls as she drags her nipples along your arm. You’re eyes are glued to Nako as she steadily moves her hand along your shaft. She plants her lips on yours and speeds up. You grunt in response, struggling to do much else. Your hand wraps around Nako, squeezing her tit and making her moan. Her devilish smile grows as her grip on your shaft tightens. Kazuha begins to whisper into your ear as you focus on Nako. “You’ve got Nako wrapped around your finger. Did you know she’s on birth control? You can cum inside her all you’d like.” Kazuha’s sensual voice continues, “I’m on birth control too. I wouldn’t mind if you gave me a few creampies either.” 

Your cock begins to twitch in Nako’s hand. “Don’t cum so quickly. We’re just getting started. Kazuha and I still need to wash your body. Maybe we should use the mat. You’d like that, right? It would mean we get to use our entire body.” You nod along and get out of the bath with Nako and Kazuha. They place you on the inflatable mat. Nako grinds on your leg, lightly moaning as she stares at your cock. Kazuha had gathered water and soap to clean your body before seeing Nako enjoying herself. She huffs and puts everything on the floor before getting behind the petite woman. 

“Nako, you’re forgetting your job. We’re supposed to be making the customer feel good.” She says, grabbing Nako’s small breasts and squeezing them. The short woman throws her head back and moans. 

“You don’t mind, do you?” Nako asks as she grinds on your leg. “I just need a little release.”

“Nako, you’re being a slut in front of our customer,” Kazuha responds, digging her fingers into Nako’s skin.

“I’m a slut. I’m a slut,” Nako cries. “I don’t think I can wait any longer.” She breaks free from Kazuha’s grip and moves up to your crotch, rocking against your cock. Nako quickly raises herself and slams herself onto your cock. You fill the room with moans as you cum as soon as you’re buried inside Nako. You’re not the only one, though, as Nako cums with you. Feeling your warm cum flood into her cunt, Nako slowly grinds against you as she moans. Nako moves her fingers along her clit, rubbing it in small circles. “Ah, so full. I feel so hot, Kazuha.” You feel Nako’s cunt milking your cock. She was tight, her walls squeezing you with a lot of force.  Your eyes are glued to Nako, watching as she pleasures herself. You don’t notice Kazuha fingering herself as she watches Nako. She’s groping herself and pushing her fingers deeper into her cunt as Nako begins to move again. Nako leaves just the head inside before swallowing your cock in one movement. You stifle your moan while Nako lets hers fill the room. “You’re so big. Look here.” Nako says, pointing at a bulge. She presses on it; you grunt, realizing the bulge was because of you. Nako begins bouncing on your cock, moving at a steady pace as she gets used to your size. She holds your thighs and throws her head back as she moans, noticing Kazuha standing there. 

“Come on, Kazuha, join us. You’ll be in heaven.” Nako says, humming in bliss as she slams herself down, moving her hips to please both of you. Kazuha gets beside you, taking one of your hands and moving it toward her now aching cunt. “No, Kazuha ride him.” Nako says as she continues to use you. Kazuha looks at you, her face bright red, before nodding. She silently positions herself over your face, trying to lower herself gently. She was taking a little too long for you, and you decided to pull her down. Your tongue pushes past her wet lips, diving inside her. You felt Kazuha squirm on top of you; she placed her hands on your chest as she let a river of moans flow out from her. “It feels good, doesn’t it? Just wait until this is inside you.” Nako tells her coworker as she rubs the bulge. Kazuha's breathing quickens as she feels your tongue lapping at her walls. She struggles to keep herself up. Nako sees her friend struggling and lifts Kazuha’s head before kissing her. “I love seeing you like this.”  Nako seems almost drunk on the pleasure she’s receiving; she plays with Kazuha’s tit, attaching herself to her nipple and swirling her tongue around it.

You dig your hands into Kazuha’s waist, keeping her in place. She began to grind against your face, the pleasure making her go crazy. The pleasure from you and Nako was pushing her toward the edge. She started to whimper as she closed in on her climax. “I don’t want to…I don’t want to cum yet.” She whined as she came. Kazuha’s body twitched as she came, her body rocking uncontrollably. Nako smiled, loving the sight of Kazuha cumming on your face. You lap up her sweet nectar, making the younger woman shiver before she falls to the side. 

“Can you give me a taste?” Nako asks as she leans in. You were more than willing to share, pushing your tongue into her mouth. You sat up and grabbed Nako’s waist. You held her for a moment before moving her up and down your shaft. She began to groan as you took control of her. You rammed every inch into Nako’s small body, enjoying as her cries of pleasure came more often and eventually turned into whines. “I’m going to cum. I’m- I’m cumming!” Nako screamed as you continued to use her. Your cock began to twitch inside her cunt, and you told her to get ready for another creampie. “F-fuck, do it cum in me,” Nako whined as you impaled her on your shaft and shot your cum into her. Nako’s walls clamped down around your cock, rubbing the head and making you want to go deeper. Your cum flooded Nako’s pussy, leaking out of her before you even pulled out. You take a good look at Nako, the blissful expression on her face, the drool running down her cheek as her mind goes. 

Nako collapses on you, her cunt still squeezing your cock long after your orgasm ended. You lift her off and turn to Kazuha. She was face down on the floor, still recovering. Your eyes move down her smooth back until you notice her shapely bottom. You get behind her and stroke your cock, getting yourself ready for another round. 

With your other hand, you grab Kazuha’s waist and lift her ass. You press your cock against her entrance and slowly push yourself inside the young woman. “Ah, you're stretching my pussy,” She groans weakly. Kazuha manages to get her arms under herself and push her face off the floor. She looks over her shoulder to see you pushing yourself inside. Kazuha’s walls welcomed you, snuggly wrapping around your cock as you rested inside her. You were close to cumming, sensitive from your last orgasm. Still, you pushed onward, beginning to thrust into the young woman, your pace picking up. You have to dig your fingers into Kazuha’s waist to keep her from moving. As you’re pounding away at her body, you can’t help but look at Kazuha’s beautiful ass; you pull back your hand and slam it into her soft ass. She yelps from the hit. A handprint begins to form because of the force used, but Kazuha begs you to do it again. 

You drive your hand into her ass again. She moans this time, loving the pain. Nako comes around, lying on the inflatable mattress and looking at Kazuha. Her fingers playing with her clit as she watches. You’re getting turned on by having Nako watch you and begin to move faster, slamming yourself into Kazuha without a second thought. The young woman’s moans become louder, and her walls clamp down around your cock. You were both nearing your climax. You couldn’t hold it any longer and buried yourself inside Kazuha, filling her womb with your cum. Your orgasm triggered hers. As soon as she felt your thick cum fill her, Kazuha arced her back and came on your cock. You could hear Nako teasing Kazuha, but her words were muddled as you focused in on the image of Kazuha’s back.

When you start to regain yourself, you hear Nako’s voice. “We still have three hours, Kazuha. How are you going to last that long?” Nako pinched the younger woman’s cheeks. “Are you going to make me take him the whole time? I don’t mind, but you have to be professional.” Nako turns her attention to you. “Why don’t we head for the bedroom? We can take Kazuha with us. She loves watching.” You nod your head, ready to spend more time with Nako.

[zikadraws]

An actual question which is pretty popular in the Splatoon fandom, how do you think lings wash themselves? Keep themselves clean. Canonically it is stated that water affects them.

Well I actually think I got a pretty good idea of this one !

I've made a little illustrated guide which pretty much summarizes it all, but here is my thought process beneath it anyways. (Long post buckle up)

So, while it's true that in my mind their ink is already taking care of most of their dirt, one can only swim into their own body fluids before it starts to reek. Especially while being a(n ink)fish. Besides, enemy ink inevitably creates irritations if not properly cleaned off at least once or twice a day. (Off The Hook advises to clean your tentacles thoroughly after a match canonically.)

Now about the water issue, the main thing to keep in mind is that it's mentioned it dissolves Inkfish, sure, but only if they are submerged in it (because ink is less dense that water). So I think that they can take water drops, although it's also mentioned (in a game dev interview) that their skin actually breaks really easily.

But they CAN clean themselves nevertheless ; they just have to follow a few rules.

-----------

Absolutely NO BATHS.

Showers only, but put on the lightest drop setting, to the point the water feels more like drizzle (the type of rain they endure the best), just enough to get them moist and allow them to get themselves clean.

(There are specially designed shower heads on the marketplace for that, although it's the norm to have a shower with multiple options. It's recommended to always test the shower when looking for a new place, and use a portable spawner for the first times to be extra secure. Also, check your water pressure before going for a shower.)

Be gentle with your skin and tentacles while cleaning. Use foamy soaps, preferably, and soft sponges. If you're too rough, you might break the skin.

Only run the water to get yourself moisturized, then to wash the soaps. Not any more than needed.

At any time, if it starts to sting, or you feel weak, cut the water and take a break. Listen to your body.

If you don't have the time to take a shower, if you're not feeling like it or simply don't have a shower, there are always specialized body wipes available anywhere in stores. Fitting different kinds of skins & tentacles, with various perfumes, they are ideal to be used between Turf Wars or for a quick groom on the go. You can even clean yourself integraly this way if you wish, but please if you must do that in public, do so in Swim Form. Be decent.

(However, keep in mind the body wipes may be somewhat cheap and required to be at least recyclable, and also a huge market/job source, they still represent a budget, and important waste. Avoid resorting to these only. Water is in most places paid for by the community.)

In any way, do not neglect your hygiene. Else you may develop irritations, itching, dry & crusty tentacles (especially in choppy tentacuts), infections if nontreated injuries, and of course bad odor, which gets pretty bad as you count as a fish. All of these can get you mocked of and ostracized, as Freshness comes from having your turf and yourself figured out and taken well care of (we like to show that off), and unlike you may think- YOUR PEERS NOTICE.

And, of course, always brush your beak and scrub your tongue at least twice a day. Bad hygiene within the beak is the least tolerable, squiddos <3

-----------

And so yeah, those are their golden rules when it comes to hygiene. As you can see, I might have gotten a little overboard with it, but I wanted to make it feel like a legit cleaning guide, as I suspect that's something that is taught thoroughly to young Inkfish.

They have various illustrated child books/notices about cleaning safety, and probably have at least one mandatory class about that when they're in elementary school or younger. Being fresh 'n shiny is pretty important, and they are taught to take care of their turf/living space and of themselves, because they need that so they can then properly show off. So they are taught how to do it properly and safely early on, and they're not kidding about that.

I mean in a social system where the store managers can straight up refuse to serve you if you're deemed not fresh enough, you've got to be a little serious when it comes to your personal figure.

Alright, I hope you enjoyed my explanation ! I had a lot of with it~ :))

(Also before I go, I just wanna add a filter I made of this same guide, to make it look like a poorly taken scientific report picture like in a Sunken Scroll, 'cause I thought it was Sunken Scroll material. Enjoy.)

(Thanks for asking, bye 🎵 =:> =:> =:>)

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

Hear the lonely cry out

requested: for some azriel angst, maybe the reader getting pregnant but not telling az (for justifiable reasons ofc), and az only finds out later on and angst ensues?

a/n kind of feel like this might be the saddest thing I've ever written. I hurt myself while writing this so now it's your turn. So that's that...

warning: neglect, fighting, pains associated with pregnancy, nausea, mention of possibility of loosing a child and just suffering.

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"Baby, you need to sleep," you said, running your hands down your lover's shoulders. Azriel had been sitting in that chair for hours, going through the information his spies had gathered for their master. He didn't even come down to eat, nor did he eat the food that you brought up for him. You knew him well enough to know that when court responsibilities got this serious, reaching him was practically impossible. 

"I'll be there in a couple of minutes. You can go up, love," the spymaster said, catching your hand in his and bringing it to his lips, yet his eyes didn't lose focus on the paper he held in his hands. You knew it was a lie. He wouldn't be there for at least a couple more hours, maybe till the sun started to peak over the mountains. Get an hour of sleep, and then be off for a day of meetings.

Leaning in, you pressed a kiss to the side of his face before you turned to go. You've had conversations about his workload more than once. And gods forbid you weren't the one to complain. Azriel was an extremely attentive lover. He remembered the things you told him. Listen to what you have to say. He treated you well, and for the most part, you genuinely had nothing to complain about. It was those busy weeks that would turn into months that would make you feel like you didn't have a partner. Make your heart sting just a little.

Instead of going to the bedroom, you made your way back into the kitchen for some tea. For the past couple of days, you have been feeling rather odd. You didn't feel all that sick; it was more like an overall unpleasant feeling that you just couldn't shake off. But if you were being honest, you didn't pay it too much attention considering the little cramping in your lower stomach. And knowing your not-so-regular cycle, you wouldn't be too surprised if, due to the stress, it decided to knock on your door earlier.

Your gaze was drawn to the dining table, and a smile formed on your lips. When you moved here, Azriel had taken it upon himself to redo all the wooden furniture. The oak table was your mating anniversary gift. You had never seen a table so intricately carved with different ornaments of leaves and flowers. But still, what made your heart clench the most were the two letters carved into it. The first letters of your and Azriel's names. "We can add our kids' names as our family grows," he told you then, while you sobbed in his arms, snot everywhere since he had taken you so by surprise.

"Are you mad at me?", you felt two arms slip around your lower stomach, making you jump slightly. "Why would I be handsome?", you questioned, leaning more into your lover's embrace. "Just felt multiple strokes of discomfort coming from your side of your bond", you frowned at that. You were trying to keep your emotions somewhat hidden from him when he was so busy. The fewer distractions, the better.

Turning into Azriel's embrace, you wrapped your arms around his torso. Selfishly enjoying the moment of having him so close to you. "I'm fine, just crampy. I have a daunting feeling that my cycle is close," you huffed, and Azriel hummed in response. "Should I run you a bath?", but you just shook your head, knowing well that the longer you keep him here, the longer he will spend in the study. "I'll make some tea and go curl up in the bed under five blankets. You finish your work and come cuddle," you pouted your lips at him, earning a chuckle from the spymaster as he leaned in to kiss you twice. Even if it wasn't much. Just a few feathery kisses made your heart skip a beat. "I won't be long tonight, I promise," Azriel whispered to you before kissing you one last time.

You ended up falling asleep on your own last night, and it wasn't that big of a surprise when you woke up to a cold and empty bed as well. You quickly shut down your end of the bond before allowing a wave of sadness to wash over you as your mind wandered off. Wondering when was the last time you woke up with Azriel still in your bed? But as you turned to lie on your side, your stomach suddenly rumbled, and the next thing you know, you were up and rushing to the bathroom. Barely making it to the toilet as the food from last night made its way out. The sensation brought tears to your eyes as you tried to hold your hair out of the way.

Once the feeling subsided, you let your head slip down onto the hand that gripped the side of the toilet. Mother, the last thing you needed was a complicated cycle. Especially since you had no one to look after you and you were not going to tell Azriel about it. There was no way. So pretending everything was fine would be the next burden in your path.

You only managed to drag yourself out and get somewhat ready quite sometime later. You promised to help Nesta clean up alongside Feyre. She was now heavily pregnant. The babe was a surprise for both of the mates. Cassian had spent a whole day crying with excitement, and Nesta's fears of being a bad mother had died with every day that passed. At least it seemed like it. They seemed so happy, and it was a dream knowing that the inner circle was growing. Not to mention that Nyx was over the moon that he would get a friend soon. With a quick stop at the bakery, you make your way toward your friend's house. The cooler morning breeze soothed your nausea and made you feel way perkier than before. It was exactly what you needed—some time with the girls.

 Your mood almost immediately picked up as everyone laughed while folding the baby close together. "I'm telling you. I've been catching him doing breathing techniques and muttering all sorts of motivational stuff", Nesta laughed, hand on her tummy as you all gossiped about Cassian and the father mode he had entered. "Imagine hearing a - push Nes push at two in the morning", you three snickered, "That's pretty much how it goes", Nes wiped away the tears that came from laughing quickly. You were still grinning as you stood up with a basket in your hands when everything blurred. You swayed slightly to one side. Pressing your eyes shut tightly before blinking quickly a couple of times, hoping that the fog would clear up.

"Darling," Fayra said as she wrapped her arms around you, fanning you with her hand. "Reach out for Az," Nesta said worryingly, her hands holding onto you now. "No, no Azriel", you said sharply. Quickly giving both of the females a death-like look, "No one is telling him anything." Both of them looked into your pleading eyes with nothing but concern. It was unlike you to deny the presence of your mate. "But lo-", "I said no. It's nothing, just my cycle; I've been feeling weird." The two sisters shared a look. Not believing you but then again fea cycles were no joke. It took women out like the plague. With no strength to move. The list of symptoms was enormous. Yet something about this didn't seem right. Feyre handed you a cup of water. "Maybe you still seek out Madja on your way home?", the high lady asked gently. "That's unnecessary...", "Please, it would give me peace of mind," Nesta said, and you weren't about to put more stress on a pregnant woman. So you nodded your head at her, smiling ever so slightly so you could reassure her.

You softly knocked on the clinic's door, and Madja wiped it open almost in an instant. "It's nothing serious," you started, but she was already guiding you toward the bed. She asked you a question here and there, but for the most part, you could tell that she already knew everything you had told the girls. Meaning Feyre had already informed her of everything.

"Well, lay down, dear," the healer whispered, guiding her hands over your body. A fond smile spread over her face almost immediately. "This year is a blessed one. I'll need to go to the temple and give an offering to the mother," she muttered in excitement. You gave the healer a puzzled look, but her soft hand only moved to touch your cheek, saying softly, "You're with a child, girl." For a moment, you felt like you had slipped into a different universe. Hovering somewhere between the stars and the solid ground. Your head started to spin just like it did before, the sickening feeling once again increasing.

"It can't be, it's... I'm starting a cycle," she said, but Madja only shook her head, "It's early days, but you are carrying a strong babe, dear." Your eyes still searched, waiting for her to burst out laughing and tell you that she was just joking. "Why is the face like that? A child is a blessing, and Azriel, my boy... oh, he'll be so happy," you thickly swallowed at the sound of your mate's name. Oh, gods, how were you going to tell him, and when? Could you just tell him now? Should you? But this would be such a distraction. What if he thinks it's just an additional burden? You quickly pull yourself together as Madja continues to speak again, going through the appointments she would like to have and packing you all sorts of stuff to take home for nausea and aches.

You stop at the side of Sidra on your way back. Needing to clear out your fuzzy head. Put thousands in the right place. You hated the fact that this didn't at all feel as you had imagined. And Mother forbid, you were so happy. Not many get blessed with a baby. Couples grew mad while trying to conceive. But it felt like such bad timing. Azriel was not in the right mindset for this. Or maybe this was exactly what he needed? Someone or something to focus his attention on.

Your hand slips onto your still flat stomach, only slightly bloated, but that was just the impact of the food you had eaten today. "What will we do, my little joy? How do we tell dad?", you whispered into the light evening breeze. The conversation you had about kids playing on and on in your head. You knew that Azriel wanted them. He wanted a family of his own, and there had been times you caught him with his hand on your stomach after a particularly rowdy session of sex, "In case we created something. Need them to feel a warm fatherly touch from the start," he would say, leaning in closer to snuggle into you. He wanted this a lot. You even found sketches of the little crib he was making. Azriel hadn't told you about it, and you didn't ask, of course, but he wanted to have a child. He wanted it before his overworked brain turned on.

However, the moment you stepped foot into your shared home, you could practically feel the lingering essence of anger all over the place. Azriel's back was toward you. He was sitting on the sofa, one leg bouncing up and down, and he was so lost in his thoughts that he doesn't even hear you coming in. "Sweet, did something happen?", you asked carefully, Azriel's tired eyes shooting up to meet you as he let out a frustrated huff. "It's all shit," Azriel snarled, "They screwed up the entire mission, and I warned Rhys. I fucking warned him." As your mate stood up to pace the room, you flinched slightly at the sound of his loud voice. 

"Now I have to go there and try to fix this. I don't have time for that," the spymaster continued, visibly growing more and more frustrated. "Can you ask someone to go instead?", you tried to send loving strokes of support down the bond, but you were met with nothing in return, nor did it seem to do anything. "Who You fancy a trip?", Azriel barked back, and you quickly bit the inside of your cheek so your eyes wouldn't fill up with tears as you shook your head no. Well, here went your plan to tell him over a sweet dinner together that you wanted to cook. If you mentioned a child, this would be a tragedy, so you bit your tongue. Promising yourself to stay silent.

"How about I make you some food, and while you eat, I'll pack up your stuff and get everything ready?", you asked softly, trying to at least get his emotions somewhat in check. "It'll take at least something off your shoulders. Even if it's insignificant," you murmured at the end. And usually, Azriel is good at picking up on your emotions from the tone of your voice, but tonight it seemed like he either didn't hear it or didn't want to hear it.

Azriel stayed still for a moment, but then he softly nodded his head, "I'll do some work in the study in the meantime." You gave him a light smile. He did step closer to you, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. And the fact that he had lingered there for a moment gave you hope that he might have sensed you, that he considered staying. But he moved past you, his hand lightly grazing your tummy, but he doesn't stop in his tracks. If only you knew, you thought to yourself, if only you knew that that's where your child is growing now. What a difference it would make if you knew...

He doesn't come to eat, and he once again doesn't eat what you bring to him. You pack his stuff up, and you can't help but feel like you are just packing his way out of your life. The shadow singer leaves in the middle of the night. You're not asleep yet, and you don't turn to face him. You hear the sound of his clothes ruffling as he gets dressed. You don't even know how long he will be away or where he is going. Closing your eyes just as he walks to your side, leaning in to press a couple of kisses to your forehead. And with that, he's gone. 

You wait a moment longer until you're fully sure that he was not coming back before you let your eyes fill up with tears. A painful sob slipped past your lips as you clench your finger around the sheets. Cry your heart out into the darkness of the night.

At first, you felt utterly alone. Having to run to the bathroom every morning and well into the day as you gagged with your face hovering over the toilet. Needing to drag yourself to make food. You didn't care that much for yourself, and if not for the baby, you would have probably just spent your days in bed without moving. But then it struck you. You weren't alone. You were never alone. You always had your baby with you. With every step you took, a little joy was always there. Warming your weeping heart. Azriel reached out through the bond while he was away. And because you didn't want him to go flying home, you listened to him speak. Letting his voice slip into nothingness as the words went through you and out. You ignored everyone in your family. Saying that you had caught something and didn't want to get any of the kids sick. So the best decision was to stay away.

You were sitting with a big blanket over your body, eyes gazing at the fire when the front door suddenly opened. You had felt this was going to happen considering that for the past couple of days, you had completely shut off the bond. "Take that off," Azriel said, his voice shaking as he stepped through the living room, making his way to you. Looking like nothing but a frightened animal in the woods.

"Azriel," you spoke weakly, your hallow eyes turning his way, and you just hoped that he would drop it. "Take it off," he yanked at the blanket's side, reaching for your arms to get you to stand. So you did, letting the material crumble to the floor. The spymaster's mouth gaped at the sight of you. At the sight of your bump, which had become more visible. Even if it wasn't all that big yet. "You're..." the male trailed off. Chest falling and rising rapidly. "I am, yes. I am pregnant," you said coldly, as you walked past him and into the kitchen. Azriel just shook his head, turning your way, "Why did you... when did you find out?" His steps followed right behind you. You debate over your answer. The pain stings your chest.

"Before you left", "And said nothing?", his voice grew louder, and you slammed your cup down on the counter. "Don't you dare! You were boiling with rage that night," you said, firmly pointing your finger at him. "That's not a good enough excuse," he muttered under his breath, and your blood filled with so much rage. So much anger was pushed away. "You are unbelievable... I've been neglected by you for weeks like some dirty foot rag. You enjoyed just wiping your shit at me, didn't you?", you shouted at him now. You didn't seem to mind that you'd never done that before.

"What the fuck are you on about?", Azriel barked back, leaning closer to you. "You and your work. Are you sure you shouldn't be mated to your papers?", you spat his way, moving to push past him, but Azriel gripped your hand firmly, making you stop in your tracks. "Don't start with this shit again", "I will start because ahh...", you leaned forward, hand coming to your bump as the pain shoots through you. Azriel's grip on your hand loosens as he moved to wrap his arm over you, but you coldly push it away. Gritting your teeth. Until another pain shoots through you, a much louder cry slipping past your lips, and you have no other option but to let your mate lift you as he carried you to the sofa.

"Love, talk to me, what is it?", his worried eyes sought you out. "It hurts," and you try to take deep breaths in and calm your heart down. Fighting like this. All of these emotions at once were not what your body needed. Not what you needed. You were so tired. You didn't have it in you to deal with this. And it's not even a couple of minutes later that the door opens and Madja rushes in accompanied by Rhys.

Azriel is being pushed out of the room. Your teary eyes, hands gripping the bump, a bump that he hasn't even touched yet, the last thing he sees before the doors are closed right in front of him. A small bump that carries his child. And it all comes crashing down. It's him. It's him. He's the problem. He's the one who caused this. The darkest scenarios cloud his mind, and he's about to march back in, but Rhys is in his way instantly.

"Move, Rhys, move!", the spymaster wept as he tried to reach for the door handle. "Azriel, it's not the right time", "Rhysand, don't test me; there's my mate and my child there. I need to know if they are okay," Azriel roared, trying to somehow find a way to feel you through the bond, but there was nothing but coldness there. "Don't cause a scene. Let her be checked and calm down," the high lord tried to say calmly, but anxiousness was inevitable on his face. "If she.. if I", the images of his father fill Azriel's mind. His mother being pushed around. Whimpering as his father yelled at her. Her cries were all he could hear at night, and she was nothing but lonely and scared. Alone. You've been alone through all of this. You've made up your mind to keep it from him. To keep his baby away from him. Because he wasn't worthy. He was nothing better than a piece of trash. He wasn't any better than his father. Worse, perhaps.

The time seemed to slow down; it feels like years as Azriel stands there. Hoping that he had at least done something good in his five hundred years of existence that would be enough to buy the gift of keeping you both safe. When Madja walks out the door, Azriel practically falls to his knees. "She's okay; both of them are. I've got her to sleep," her words set the tears flowing down Azriel's cheeks, "She's distressed and hasn't been drinking or eating enough."

He walked inside as quietly as he could. The sight of you curled up on the bed both warmed and broke the spymaster's heart. The male debated whether he should just leave you here or carry you up to your bed. Carefully, Azriel ran his hand over your head before scooping you up in his arms. The sofa, no matter how comfortable it was, would most likely leave your back sore, and the shadow singer had a feeling you already had those pains as it was. Once you were tucked in between your sheets and Azriel had sat and watched you for an hour, he went back downstairs. Cleaning up the place as he went along, washing up the dishes, and sorting out the trash. Started making some soup as well. All the little things. Small things he realized he hadn't done in what seemed like an eternity.

You woke up sometime later. Feeling much more refreshed yet slightly dissociated. The window was narrowly open, letting just the right amount of fresh air flow into the room. The pitcher with water was nestled against the side of your nightstand. You reached for the glass, only now realizing just how thirsty you were. Taking a couple of dried fruits and nuts from the bowl as you swing your legs over the edge. The heavy feeling in your chest still lingered, yet you threw on one of Azriel's sweaters before you went downstairs. His scent instantly relieves some of the tension in your body. Azriel was lost in his head again. Stirring whatever he was cooking in that pot so viscously that you almost felt sorry for both the pot and the spoon.

"That smells nice," to the sound of your voice Azriel practically threw the spoon as he rushed to you and asked, "What are you doing up? You need to be laying in bed", his arms were hooked under your legs in an instant as he carried you back to the sofa. "Azriel, I can walk", "Madja said you need to take it easy for a couple of days. Are you in pain now? Do you need anything? Are you craving something? Because I can...", your head was starting to spin again from the number of questions he managed to cramp in the space of one breath. Placing your palm on his, you squeezed it gently.

"Calm down," you mumbled, watching as your mate practically started hyperventilating right beside you. "I don't deserve you. You shouldn't be speaking to me now. You shouldn't be speaking to me ever again," he blurted out, his eyes glossing over with tears. "Love," you tried to interfere, but Azriel only shook his head. "I've failed you. I'm no better than my father. You deserve so much more. I've failed my kid, and the baby isn't even born yet. You shouldn't even tell them that I'm their father", you crooked your head to the side, watching Azriel self-sabotaging himself once again. "You're talking nonsense now. They will know that you are the father, and you will be here by their side as they grow up," you said firmly, sitting up so you could reach for Azrie's face. Gently turning it towards you so his eyes would be on you as you spoke.

"Am I upset with you? Very much so. But I will always choose you. It will always be you, Azriel. I just can't be... I won't be... We won't be a second option," moving closer, Azriel rested his forehead on yours. "You were never a second option. I just... I get so scared sometimes. Your love, it overwhelms me," the spymaster said, his brows furrowed. "It's been years, and I still tell myself that the cauldron made a mistake. I'm not good enough for you; we are not equal. You are so much more than me", "Azriel, you get in your ways with thoughts like that", you mutter, pulling away slightly, so you could see his face better. "You need to realize that you are not the same little boy locked up in the basement. You made it out of there. So live, my love. Don't rob yourself of the happiness you deserve", Azriel's bottom lip quivered before tears started rolling down his cheeks once again. You give him a sad look before pulling him closer to yourself, "Let it all out, my love. You've pushed yourself too much," you said, running your fingers through his already messy hair as you tried to soothe the cries that escaped his lips.

"Give me your hand", you nudged his arms slightly, taking it into your much smaller one. Guiding it under your sweater, Azriel's sweater, "Calm your breathing and listen to this," you said calmly, keeping your hand on top of his. Even the fact that his palm got to rest on the swell of your stomach made him let out yet another cry. But his ears picked up on something else. A tiny little heartbeat. Tiny but so strong. As if it was screaming from the inside of your tummy at it's parents about just how much it wanted to be there and grow. Azriel pulled back to look at you, eyes wide now that he could feel the life growing inside you. "Our baby...", the spymaster mumbled, and you let a tear slide down your cheek, "Yes, our little joy", "I love you", he muttered, leaning in to pack your lips softly before he moved down, lifting the knitted fabric. "And I love you," Azriel said, running his hand over your bump carefully before pressing a kiss on your skin. "I love you. I love you. I love you," he repeated over and over. You watched your mate with a fond smile, finally feeling somewhat content. Finally feeling the other side of the bond flourishing, no longer cold and unwelcoming.

[hoejosatoru]

I Choose You

Pairing: Fem! reader x Gabimaru (reader’s skin color/ hair color/texture not specified) (also I'm unclear on Gabi’s age but obviously he’s 18+ here)

Summary: When reader and Gabi’s marriage is arranged, neither are sure what to expect. Overtime, however, they find that their connection goes beyond just duty.

Word Count: 5.8k

Warnings: both characters are lil shy and awkward at times (but its sweet), arranged marriage, bathing together, fingering, mutual virginity loss, cream pie, not proof read

a/n: I lost the sex scene not once, but TWICE, so I hope you enjoy because I suffered for it. Also I think this is literally the first Gabimaru smut so that’s cool

Your wedding day was something you pictured your entire life. You spent a lot of time thinking about the dress you would wear, the food you’d eat, the people you would celebrate with. Most of your daydreams, though, were spent wondering who your husband would be.

You thought about the ways you’d meet him. Maybe while out on a walk, or when you went to the market in the village. You imagined him being sweet and charming you. Taking you on dates and winning your heart. You pictured him as gentle, but strong, and, of course, handsome.

None of those things happened. There was no romance, just an order from your father. And now you sat next to your husband, a man who’s reputation proceeded him. Gabimaru the Hollow. He was not unhandsome, you noted, but that did not do enough to mitigate your fear of him. He was your father’s most fearsome shinobi, capable of things you couldn’t even imagine.

He was unassuming, despite his reputation. You expected him to be... well meaner. Or louder. Or something. He was oddly quiet, not speaking to you beyond what was necessary for the vows. He barely ate, too, though neither had you. But that was because of your nerves. 

You knew what came after a marriage ceremony. No matter who you had married, you’d be nervous for that. But the fact that you didn’t know this man beyond his reputation made it even scarier. You weren’t ready for it, but if he wanted to have sex with you, you had no choice but to comply. It was what was expected of a good wife and you’d raise to be, above all, a good wife.

You tried watching Gabimaru out of the corner of your eye. He seemed disinterest, bored even. You wished you could read his mind, or that you at least felt brave enough to start conversation. You wondered how he felt about this. Anxiety fluttered through you. What if he was displeased? Your hand almost instinctively went up to the scar down your face, but you resisted. Perhaps he did not think you were beautiful. Though you had no strong feelings for the man, it still poked at your insecurity.

Suddenly, your father was announcing the end of the festivities. Your stomach churned with anxiety as you and Gabimaru were led to your place on the compound. The house was modest, but comfortable. There was even a private bathing area attached to it, which you were excited about. You, however, weren’t in the frame of mind to be all that excited over your living situation.

“Congratulation on your marriage. I hope you will both make our clan proud,” your father said, with very little warmth in his voice. He was never a kind man and you couldn’t imagine having to endure relentless training with him. 

Then the door shut and you were alone with Gabimaru. Your heart was beating so loudly in your ears that you almost didn’t hear him speak. “Do you know where the bedroom is?”

“Oh y-yes,” you replied, glad to have a task. You began walking and he followed behind you. “Since the wedding was announced, I have been preparing the house for us.” It was strange to have an ‘us.’ “I hope you will find it satisfactory.”

“It’s nice,” he noted. 

“Thank you. Oh, here we are.” You stepped into the bedroom, which felt significantly smaller now that both of you were in it. “There’s sleepwear in the dresser.” 

“Thank you,” he replied, pulling out what he needed. You took our your own and slipped behind the changing screen. Maybe it was silly to protect your modesty around your husband, especially when he was most likely about to take it all off, but it made you feel better.

Gabimaru was already on the bed when you stepped out. Your knees were weak, but you pushed yourself forward. You lied down next to him, hoping he couldn't hear your heart pounding. You were still as stone, waiting for him to move, to touch you, to have his way with you. 

But then he surprised you. He softly said goodnight and turned his back to you to sleep. You felt a wave of surprise and relief that he did not intend to have sex with you. Though it did a lot to help your nerves, it did little to improve your insecurities. This time, you allowed your fingers to run over the scar on your face, wondering if you were not enough.

***

Over the next few weeks you got to know Gabimaru, who was nothing like you expected. You were waiting to see anger or cruelty or something to be scared of, but you never saw it. Indeed, he seems the opposite. He was quiet and unassuming, albeit a little strange. He had some odd habits, such as searching every corner of the house twice before bed, and was aloof at times, but never was mean.

It was strange, though, to see how other in the compound treated him. They were certainly afraid of him. Many avoided him altogether, or seemed uneasy when having to speak with him. Even your father’s most skilled and dangerous shinobi seemed on edge around him. If they acted that way, you knew the stories about him had to be true and yet, you had not been able to feel any fear towards him since the night of your wedding passed.

It was still a mystery how he felt about you. The first few nights after your wedding you kept expecting him to reach over and touch you or tell you he wanted you. However, at this point you have fully dropped that expectation. It was still a little odd to sleep next to a relative stranger, but you did feel oddly safe with him around.

Though you appreciated him never forcing himself on you, your fears of him not finding you attractive grew worse and worse. Why else would a man not sleep with his wife? You didn’t blame him, you knew the scar marred your beauty, but it still hurt. You tried not to dwell on it, as it was something you couldn’t change. Instead, you resolved to be the perfect wife in other ways. You were determined to connect with him.

“Gabi - uh do you mind if I eat with you tonight?” you were so nervous to ask that you didn’t even notice the nickname you’d given him. It caught Gabimaru’s attention, though, throwing him off. 

“Oh, um, sure,” he replied, sitting down at the table. You felt a small rush of triumph. Gabi was often out late, eating long after you when he got home. Sometimes he didn’t eat at all. When he was home, he always went off to eat alone. It was one of his odd habits. 

Gabi began to devour his food. And you mean devour. Shoveling it into his mouth so quickly you couldn’t imagine he even tasted it. You couldn’t help but laugh. He paused at the sound, looking up expecting to find you mocking him, but there was not a trace of malice in your laughter or your face. 

“You don’t need to rush!” you said kindly.

Gabi knew the way he ate wasn’t normal. He was taught to eat this way in his training. Eating was a necessary evil, not something you took pleasure in. He was trained to eat his food for sustenance, nothing more. Gabi wasn’t sure what to say, so he just said, “Sorry.”

You smiled fondly at him. It stirred something deep inside him that he couldn't quite place. “No need to apologize. I just want you to enjoy it. After a long day you deserve it.”

You deserve it. Gabi had never been told that before, at least not for something good. No, only punishments were deserved. “I guess I was just taught this way.”

“I can teach you a new way... If you’d like,” you added as to not sound too assertive. 

Gabimaru, in that moment, realized he would like to learn. “Yes... please”

You modeled for him, picking a few noodles up with your chopsticks and slurping them up slowly. He mimicked you, though still went a little too fast, causing the noodles to go a little haywire. They whipped around to hit his cheek and chin. You couldn’t help but giggle.

“That will happen if you go to fast,” you explained. “Try again, just a little slower.” Under you gentle instruction, he was able to slurp the noodles up with out a mess. You then instructed him to take a little sip of the broth and allow it to swirl around on his tongue before swallowing. Gabi’s eyes widened as he truly tasted his food for the first time in years. He couldn’t believe how good it was.

“This is so good,” he said. You beamed at the compliment, which only made him enjoy it more. You both sat together and ate slowly, an activity Gabi never thought could be so... nice.

“Do you have a favorite food? I want to make more things you’ll like.” He didn’t, what with how eating typically went for him. He told you as much. “That’s alright, we’ll just have to find your favorite together. I’ll try a bunch of different recipes and you can tell me which you like best. Would you like that?”

Gabimaru was not often shocked, but you really threw him for a loop. He did not expect much from a marriage. Honestly, he hadn't even really wanted it, but knew he couldn’t refuse the request from your father. Knowing him, he’d assumed you would be the same. Your kindness and gentleness with him was disarming. 

“Yes, thank you y/n,” he replied. He was unnerved. Not in a bad way, like when he faced a strong opponent. He just didn’t know what to make of you. Gabi asked if there was anything he could do. He always felt best when he was given commands. It was comfortable for him to not have to make decisions for himself, rather just do as he was told. 

“Oh, um,” you were surprised he offered to help. You were not used to that from the men you knew. “Some help cleaning the dishes would be great.”

Gabimaru nodded and joined you at the counter. You fell into an easy rhythm of you rinsing and him drying. There was silence between the two of you, but it was comfortable. Pleasant, almost. You almost wished there were more dishes to do just to prolong this time. 

Finally, however, you finished. You didn’t want to push too far, so you just thanked Gabi for his help. Gabimaru nodded and started to exit the kitchen. He paused in the doorway, turning back to you. 

He said what he had been thinking since he first heard you say it. “I… like when you call me Gabi. You can call me that from now on. And thank you again for the food.”

Your heart soared with pride. You were so pleased that your plan was a success. “Of course. I look forward to more meals with you, Gabi.” With that Gabi disappeared into the hallway, leaving you both with the faintest hint of a stirring that you couldn’t quite place. 

***

The evening you shared dinner with Gabi seemed to be the icebreaker you both needed. You noticed that he started coming home earlier and made effort to eat with you. You loved watching him find joy in food and learning all the things he liked. You were slowly spending more time with each other and little by little getting to know each other more. 

Gabi was still very guarded. He seemed nervous in ways or, rather, like a fish out of water. You quickly realized he didn’t know what it meant to live a “normal” life. It was why he ate too quickly, couldn’t do laundry, and struggled to make conversation. You knew it was all because of your father’s cruel training. It made you resent him more. 

The only good thing it provided was more opportunities to connect with Gabi. Each time you taught him something new, you felt yourselves grow closer. It had only been a few weeks since that dinner and you felt yourself growing fond of him. 

Well, more than fond truly. You were nervous around him, but not for the reasons you originally were. Your stomach filled with butterflies. As much as you learned about him, you wished for more. The time spent with him wasn’t enough. 

You wished for a touch, even. Not that you were necessarily ready for sex, but a brush of hands, an embrace, anything to give an indication of how he felt. You felt he was connecting to you, but the lack of intimacy nagged at you. Could he just not be interested?

Little did you know that Gabi was very much interested. He savored the time you spent together, arguably even more than you did. He knew he wasn’t the best at companionship, but just listening to you talk brought up feelings in him he quite honestly didn’t know he had. He always feared he was disappointing you, but was soothed by the smiles you gave and the gentleness you showed him. 

Gabi wanted to touch you, but he didn’t really know how. He was scared of hurting you or making you afraid. You were everything he wasn’t: sweet, kind, a caretaker. He knew you must be aware of his reputation, of who he was, and felt you must think he’s monster like everyone else does, even if you didn’t show it. 

For those reasons, he felt he didn’t even deserve to touch you. There were, however, a few times in the night that your bodies had  drifted together. Gabi was a very light sleeper and woke up the instant your body touched his. You were so warm, your scent so sweet, that he couldn’t pull himself away. It felt wrong, to steal these moments from you, but he couldn’t help himself. He always slipped away before you could wake and realize. It was better that way, he told himself. 

What he felt for you was already dangerous. It went against everything he was trained to become: an unfeeling killing machine. If his judgement were to become clouded with feelings for you, it could put not only him but you in danger. He simply could not have that. Still, it was much easier said than done. 

“Gabi there is something we need to work on,” you said, pulling him from his thoughts. 

“What is that?”

“Bathing.”

“Bathing? What about it?”

“I don’t think you do it… right,” you said politely. 

Gabi didn’t know there was a right and wrong way to bathe. He said as much to you. 

“Well you don’t seem to indulge in it much. And when you do you’re barely in the bath for a few minutes. I don’t see how you can even enjoy it.”

“I was taught that baths are to be completed as quickly as possible. Any lingering could dull the senses,” he replied. He left out the part that those senses were necessary for his job of killing people. He didn’t want to fill your head with that vision of him. You looked at him with such empathy that it made his chest ache strangely. 

“I know you were raised in a … strict environment. I imagine on a mission lingering in the bath is not advisable,” you replied, “but at home with me you are safe. I can promise you that. You deserve to relax. To feel clean.” 

To feel clean. Gabi doesn’t think he’s felt truly clean in a very long time. He sometimes wondered if he was tainted the moment he was born. He wasn’t sure a bath would change that, but he could not resist the sweet smile on your face. 

Gabi followed you to the bathing area, the part of the house he admittedly spent the least amount of time in. “Let me put some essential oils in the water before you get in. It’s good for you skin and smells nice. Would you like rose or lavender?”

You might as well be speaking another language. “Um. Which do you like?”

“Lavender.”

“I’ll take that one then.”

You smiled, which made Gabi’s chest feel lighter. You opened up a small bottle, putting a few drops of liquid in the water. Steam rolled up from the water as your swirled it around with your hand, filling the room with a pleasant scent. “There, that should be good. I’m going to get a few things, you can get in if you’d like.” 

Gabi started to undress, which made your cheeks tint. You turned to gather some bars of soap and towels, but couldn’t help but peak over at him. You almost gasped seeing how his body was littered with scars. You of all people knew what it was like to carry scars; your heart ached for him and the pain he must have endured. You felt like you should look away as he stripped his lower half, but you could make your eyes move. You did not have much to compare to, but he looked large even when soft. Your cheeks had to be flaming red.

“Is everything okay?” Gabi asked as he stepped into the bath, his body disappearing below the water. Gabi wasn’t really uncomfortable with nudity, nor did he ever think his body could have an effect on you. He wasn’t sure what was making you blush, but did think you looked particularly pretty when your cheeks were pink.

“Y-yes, sorry I was just...” you mumbled, fumbling to pivot the conversation, “Wondering if the water is warm enough?” You told yourself to get it together, that there was no need to be bumbling like an idiot over nudity.

“Yes it’s good.” 

You pulled yourself together and brought the soaps over to Gabi. You sat behind him, feeling grateful that the water and candlelight made it difficult to see much. You could see that Gabi still looked tense, though. “You need to relax.”

“I... I don't really know how to do that,” Gabi admitted.

You couldn’t help but giggle, which Gabi delighted in, despite feeling vulnerable. He always felt that way when you were teaching hims something new. “Try closing your eyes.” That went against all of Gabi’s instincts, but he did not want to disappoint you, so he complied. “Now try taking deep, slow breaths.” That Gabi could do fairly easily. You watched his chest rise and fall slowly over his shoulder. “Good Gabi, just like that.” Your praise made his cheeks burn. “May... may I touch you?”

Gabi’s pulse raced. He hoped his voice didn’t shake when he said, “Yes.”

“I’m going to start with your hair.” You collected some water in your hands, gently pouring it over the top of his head. You repeated the actions until his hair was nice and wet. You tried to focus on the task at hand so you did not get too nervous about the fact you were finally touching him. “This soap is specifically for hair. It smells like sandalwood. I think you’ll like it.”

You lathered the soap in your hands, before putting them in Gabi’s snowy hair. You gently rubbed little circles over his head to get it nice and soapy. You then allowed your nails to run over his scalp, getting a deeper clean.

“Wow,” an almost inaudible sigh left Gabi’s mouth. He couldn’t believe how good it felt just to have your hands on his head. Gabi didn’t really know what it meant to relax, but he felt a soothing sort of warmth starting to spread through his body and wondered if that was it.

You smiled at his reaction. “Feels nice, right?” Gabi nodded, letting himself get lost in your touch. You scrubbed at his hair until the bubbles rinsed away all the dirt. You hesitated a little before moving down to his shoulders, feeling little butterflies in your stomach. You ran the bar of soap over his shoulder and upper back, before massaging it in with your hands. 

Gabi’s body tensed at first under your touch. He was not used to anyone touching him, at least not in a gentle way. However, the more your hands work over his body, the more he relaxed. You savored the feeling of his body beneath your hands. You could easily feel the strength of his muscles, thick and firm under his skin. The texture of his scars was a little rougher than the rest of his skin, but you didn’t mind at all. You were extra soft around them.

You were nervous to ask the next question, but you pushed through. “I- I will have to get in with you to do the rest of your body. But if you don’t want me to, that’s okay.”

Gabi almost said no, solely because the thought of you being naked in the bathing pool with him did something to his senses that more than dulled them. But he even with all his training, he could not resist it. “I don’t mind if you don’t.”

Your hands were shaking a little as you stood up and undressed. You left your clothes in a messy pile behind you as you walked to the other side of the bathing pool to climb in. You were so nervous about Gabi seeing you naked that you almost let out a laugh when you saw that he still had his eyes dutifully closed. He really wanted to look, but didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. He kept his eyes screwed shut even as he heard you stepping into the water.

“You can open your eyes now, if you’d like.”

He did, finding you up to your chest in the water. He could see the very top of your breast at the top of the water, but nothing more. You looked so beautiful with your cheeks flushed and shoulders bare that it made him shift nervously. You approached him slowly settling a few inches in front of him. He watched as you continued your work down his body, lathering and massaging the soap down his arms, his chest, his legs. You didn’t touch him between his legs and he was glad for it. He did not trust his bodily control that much.

Though having you so close to him and touching him made him nervous, he could not deny it felt amazing. He never lingered this long in the bath. Between the warmth of the water and the way you scrubbed him clean, he his body felt lighter than it had in a very long time. He was in awe of how you found the easiest ways to change his life.

“All done,” you said finally, “How do you feel?”

Gabi gave you the sweetest smile you’d seen in all the time you've know him. “Clean. Thank you.” You smiled equally as brightly in response. A thought dawned over Gabi that he knew was a bad idea, but he wanted to show you he could learn to be gentle. To be a normal person. “Can I... return the favor? It seems only right. And it would help me practice.” 

The thought of Gabi’s hands on your body elicited a stirring in your lower belly. There was not a single part of you, though, that did not want it. “I would like that, thank you.” 

You turned your back to him, sitting between his legs. Gabi took the soap from side of the pool, which so slick it slipped through his fingers and dropped into the pool. You both laughed lightly, breaking some of the nervous tension.

Gabi mimicked exactly what you did, starting with your hair. His fingers got a little tangled at first, but with some patient instruction he got the hang of it. He had a surprisingly careful touch that soothed you. You waited so long to know what his touch felt like and you were not disappointed. You had to fight the urge to lean into it more, to press your body against his.

Your breath caught in your throat as his hands slid around to your stomach. He did not touch your breasts, nor the space between your legs, but each time he got close you both blushed deeply. Not that you knew given that your back was still to him.

“Was that okay?” Gabi asked when he finished.

“That was perfect,” you replied, turning around to face him. You were so close to each other now, faces just inches a part. You felt drawn to him, like a moth to flame. Your voice was just a whisper when you asked, “May I try something?”

“Anything,” he breathed.

You leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. It was the first kiss either of you ever shared and you both felt it ignite something deeper in you. You pulled away, breathless. Gabi was in stunned silence.

“Was that okay?” You asked nervously.

“Yes of course I- I just…” he trailed off, not sure how to explain it. Not sure how to not expose all his vulnerabilities to you. “I just never thought you would want to do that with… someone like me.”

Your brows furrowed. “Someone like you? What do you mean.”

“I- I’m not a good person,” Gabi admitted, “I don’t deserve you.”

“You’re my husband.”

“But you didn’t choose me.”

“But I am choosing you,” you insisted, “I have chosen you ever say since our wedding. I will continue to choose you for as long as I shall live. I- I don’t care about what you think you are or what people say. I have seen you for who you really are. You are a good man, Gabi.”

You are a good man, Gabi. Your voice echoed in his head. He couldn’t believe that you could think so highly of him. Feel so strongly about him. It loosened something in his chest, filling him with such an aching want he couldn’t speak.

You mistook his silence for disinterest. “I hope I have not overstepped. If you do not feel the same I understand.” You went to turn away, but Gabi grabbed you.

“No, don’t go,” he urged. “I’m sorry, you know I am not good with words. I just never thought you would feel that way about me.”

“You do yourself a disservice, Gabi,” you replied, “truthfully, I thought you wouldn’t feel that way about me.” Your eyes dropped to the water, feel self conscious. “I thought I may not be beautiful enough for you.”

Gabi was astonished that you could think that. He gently cupped your cheek, making your eyes meet. The way he looked at you made your chest squeeze. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” His thumb brushed over your scar. “I hate that you’ve been hurt like this, but I promise it does nothing to mar your beauty.”

You leaned into his touch, feeling all the insecurity and anxiety you’d felt the last few weeks melt away. “Gabi we haven’t made our marriage… official you know,” you blushed as you spoke. Gabis brows wrinkled in confusion, then shot up when he understood.

“Do you want to?”

You nodded. “Yes, I want to be with you like that. I know we didn’t chose each other initially, but we can choose this.”

“I would love to,” Gabi replied, his head spinning at the mere thought. “I’ve just never done that. With anyone.” Now you were surprised; you could believe he was a virgin like you. “I don’t want to disappoint you.”

“Nothing could be a disappointment with you,” you assured him. You took his hands in yours and squeezed them. “We will get to learn. Together.”

Gabi loved the sound of that. You both wasted no time climbing out of the tub. You didn’t bother covering yourself with clothing or a towel, allowing Gabi see your entire body. You felt a little shy under his gaze but not uncomfortable. He was mesmerized by the droplets of water dripping down your curves.

“So beautiful,” was all he could manage, but you felt the weight of the feelings behind his words. You took his hand in yours, loving its warm roughness. You found yourself in your room quickly. You both laughed with nervous excitement as you climbed on to the bed and settled next to each other. “May I kiss you?”

He was pulling you in the second you nodded. The kiss was deeper than the first. It was a little messy on account of both of yours lack of experience, but you wouldn’t have it any other way. You let your hands trail his body, liking that your got to feel him without the barrier of water. You loved everything you felt, scars and all.

You sensed Gabi was still hesitant to touch you. You took his hands in yours, placing them on your sides. “Go on, Gabi. Touch me,” you urged softly, “I want you to.”

He could not deny you anything. He allowed his hands to explore your body. He couldn’t believe how soft you were. Feeling braver, he brought a hand to your breast and squeezed gently. The little gasp you made made blood rush between his legs.

He felt instinct take over and brought his lips to the sensitive flesh. He kissed it, ran, his tongue over your nipple, then sucked lightly. Your body arched into him, your fingers tangling in his hair. He loves that, how your body reacted to him, as if urging for more, which he was more than happy to give.

As he kissed at your breasts you could feel him growing harder against your thigh. You squirmed with need, thighs pressing together for friction. Gabi could not resist touching you between them any longer.

Though he had no previous partners, he had a general idea of how things worked and how sex was supposed to go. Lord knows he heard men talk enough about it. So he knew women were supposed to get wet, yet he was still shocked by the slickness between your legs. In the best way possible.

“So wet,” he murmured, running his fingers through it. You were practically shaking with anticipation as his fingers ghosted over your clit. He noted how your body twitched and made a mental note to go back to that. He slid a finger inside you savoring the gasped you made. You were so wet and warm and tight around his finger, he couldn’t imagine how you’d feel around his cock.

Gabi never cared that much about getting off; it had always just been a matter of necessity for him. He never really did it out of desire or want, but he wanted you so bad it hurt. He pumped his fingers inside you, watching your face carefully for response. When he found a spot inside you that made you gasp particularly loud, he zeroed in on that. As your breath grew ragged, he remembered the other spot he wanted to try. He slid his fingers out of you and brought them to your clit, rubbing it.

“Feels so good,” you gasped.

“You like that?” he asked.

“Yes,” you replied breathlessly, “Don’t stop.” Gabi continued touching you just you asked. Each little circle he rubbed made the coil of pleasure in your lower stomach feel tighter. Gabi’s fingers felt so much better than your own. He leaned in taking your nipple in his mouth, sucking. The sensation caused the coil to snap, spreading pleasure across every inch of your body. Gabi watched as you came, your face went slack with bliss, your body arched. He wanted to watch you do that over and over.

“You’re good at that,” you said with a shy giggle when you came down from your high. 

“Thank you,” Gabi beamed at the compliment. 

Your eyes traveled down his body, seeing how hard he was with need. Gabi felt a little shy under your gaze, but let you look. You looked up at him. “You’re so handsome,” you said, “And I want all of you.”

Your hands traveled down his body, taking his cock in your hands. You pumped the length a little and Gabi’s hips stuttered. It was such a slight touch, but it drove him wild. You pulled him closer to you, rubbing him against your slick cunt. His head nudged against your hole and you looked to him for more.

“And you’re sure? I don’t want to hurt you.” Gabi heard the first time could be uncomfortable for girls; the last thing he wanted to do was hurt you.

“I trust you,” you replied definitively. That almost meant more to him than everything else you have said to him. 

When he finally pressed into you, you both gasped. It was such a full, foreign feeling, but not unpleasant. Gabi tried to steady himself as he felt your gummy walls squeeze around him. “Are you in any pain?” he asked though gritted teeth. 

You felt very full and a little pressure, but nothing painful. “I’m okay Gabi, keep going.” He did has you bid him, rolling his hips slowly so you could both adjust. Each moment that passed made the pressure melt to pleasure. His cock tip brushed the sweet spot inside you. Each sweet sound that left your mouth urged him to continue. He gripped the bed sheets tightly, trying to not to spill too soon. 

You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer to you. Your bodies completely pressed together as you kissed him. You both loved the connectedness, how you didn’t really know where one started and the other ended. You both didn’t knew sex was supposed to feel good, but you didn’t know it would feel this good.

You hips bucked up to meet Gabi’s, pressing him deeper inside you. Your second orgasm snuck up on you, seizing your body with warm bliss. Gabi got lost in the feeling of squeezing him, moaning his name in his ear. His hips twitched as he came, filling you with his warm release. 

You were both breathlessly and smiling as you came down from you high. You felt so deeply connected to Gabi in that moment that you couldn’t believe there was a time you didn’t know him.

You pushed his hair out of his eyes, smiling up at his face. “I love you, Gabi. And I choose you. Always.”

“Thank you for showing me what love could be,” Gabi replied, kissing your lips. He held you close, glad that finally he would not have to slip away from you. He could hold you, choose you. Forever.

[wildgirllz]

this is super random thought that i had about Bucky, i shared it to people before but never put on asks/requests... so could you write something like this?

Imagine you getting a new roommate. Or should I say roommates because you did not expect Bucky would move in with certain adorable fluffball named Alpine. You don't mind though, you always wanted a pet but never had the chance to adopt any. And having Alpine around feels like she's your pet as well.

Your relationship with Bucky wasn't the best or the worst. It was neutral. Mostly because Bucky himself was quite reserved. He is either not at home (possibly in some sort of mission with Sam) or he's curling up with Alpine somewhere within the shared apartment. But that don't mean that y'all are not secretly pining for each other ;)

One day, you came back home from work to see Bucky pacing around anxiously. Turns out Alpine was missing, he can't find her anywhere. So they decided to went out to search for her.

You found Alpine first, she was being chased by an unleashed dog. Your poor baby was running for her life. Not thinking twice, you try to catch up with her and scoop her up to your chest before stumbling on the ground. You ended up hovering over the cat, protecting her from the feral dog. Indirectly getting yourself bitten/scratched on your shoulders, your back, any spot that was exposed to the dog. You were bleeding due to the unrestrained strength from the dog's attacks, but you mind was more concern of the cat in your arms.

When Bucky saw this. How you were literally sacrificing your body for Alpine; well he almost went full winter soldier mode. Like... no one touches "his girls". No one. But he managed to hold it back (cause we don't want to hurt the doggo) and of course, saves the day.

And the next following days were just how Bucky clings to you and do every little thing for you so you don't have to lift a finger when he's around.

You pull out your mug, he would take it from you and get your coffee done before you could stop him. You open the cabinet door in the storage room, he'd take the vaccum out before you could reach out to it. He made sure that your breakfast, lunch and dinner was on the dot; of course he was the chef of all the amazing dishes served to you.

It was nice and all at first but its not like you were paralyzed or something. And its been nearly 2 weeks. Your wounds were almost healed. You wanted to do something at least but apparently Bucky thinks that you needed rest.

So you kinda raised your tone, "i can't even make grab myself snack from the kitchen now? Whats next, Bucky? You'll bathe me? Or better yet you'll help me to get off? Cause god forbid I can't even turn on a fucking vibrator because I'm 'severely injured ' "

You were spouting all the things that you thought he wouldn't have the guts to do, just to make him stop doing literally everything for you. But turns out he was more than willing to do exactly what you just proposed.

Maybe he don't even need to use the vibrator. Maybe his fingers were enough, or his mouth, or his cock.

This is how I imagined it in my head, but feel free to write in your own way though! Have a nice day, love ♡

Girl look at that request 💀 you’re insane

Here you go!! <3

(I most definitely did not do your request justice im so sorry)

Let Me Do It Myself

It had been nearly two weeks since you saved Alpine from the unleashed dog, and Bucky had been hovering over you ever since. At first, it was nice to have someone taking care of you, but now it was starting to feel suffocating.

You were sitting on the couch, trying to work on your laptop, but Bucky kept interrupting you. Every time you tried to do something, he would jump up and do it for you. It was driving you crazy.

"Bucky, please," you said, exasperated. "I can get my own glass of water."

"I just want to help," he replied, looking at you with concern.

"I know, and I appreciate it, but I need to do things for myself. I'm not helpless."

Bucky looked at you for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Okay, I understand. But if you need anything, just ask."

You nodded, relieved that he seemed to be getting the message. But over the next few days, he continued to hover, always ready to jump up and do things for you. You were starting to feel like a burden.

One evening, you were making yourself a sandwich when Bucky walked into the kitchen.

"Let me do that," he said, reaching for the knife.

"No, Bucky," you said firmly. "I can make my own sandwich."

"I just want to help," he repeated.

"I know, but I need to do things for myself. I need to feel like I'm not completely helpless."

Bucky looked at you for a moment, then sighed. "Okay, I understand. But please be careful."

You rolled your eyes. "I will."

As the days passed, you tried to assert your independence, but it seemed like every time you did, Bucky was there to pick up the slack. You were starting to get frustrated.

Then, one day, you snapped.

"I can't even make grab myself snack from the kitchen now?" you said, your voice rising. "What's next, Bucky? You'll bathe me? Or better yet, you'll help me to get off? Because God forbid I can't even turn on a fucking stove because I'm 'severely injured.'"

Bucky looked at you, his expression unreadable. "Is that what you really think of me?"

The passion between them was palpable, the tension wrapping around them tight like a cord in the small bedroom. The thundering rain outside its windows provided the perfect background music for their highly charged moment.

Bucky Barnes had just crossed a line, pushing his luck with pushing the boundaries of her patience, and now he was paying the price. She was angry and she had every right to be. 

'You always do this,' she said, her voice tight with frustration. 'You always think that you know what's better for me than I know for myself.'

'No, I just,' he stumbled over his words, her anger turning him on. 'I don't want you to get hurt.'

She huffed in response, pushing his chest away from her and not even trying to hide her scowl. He stepped back and let his hands slide off of her body, feeling the loss of her warmth instantly.

She knew that her frustration was only turning him on more, which only made her angrier. She wanted to take control of the situation.

' You don't get to make decisions for me, Bucky,' she said, her voice softer this time around, though still firm with her assertion.

He swallowed, his throat actually running dry, his body responding in a way that only she could make it. He stepped closer to her, his hands sliding around her waist before he pulled her into him. 

She expected him to say something in response, not to take her in his arms and bring his lips down upon hers.

Their mouths moved together as if they had done this a million times, each stroke and caress of their lips only making them hungrier for more. His fingers ran up her back, squeezing her closer and further teasing her already sensitised skin.

The taste of him consumed her, making her forget why she was even angry with him in the first place. He let out a groan of satisfaction as her hands ran through his hair, both trying to deepen the kiss.

Finally when they did pull apart, both of them breathing heavily, their eyes connected, neither wanting to break the contact.

He leaned down again, his lips running down her neck, her moan vibrating through his body as he left a trail of gentle kisses. She arched into him as his tongue ran over her collarbone, his hands exploring her body as he moved lower. 

He groaned when his fingers touched her between her thighs and her body instantly reacted, pressing against him, desperate to feel the pleasure his hands were giving her.

He pulled back and looked at her, their eyes still connected as each of them tried to take the other in. His face was filled with admiration and appreciation as he said, 'You're so beautiful.'

He cupped her chin in his hand and kissed her again as he lowered her onto the bed, his body following hers as her hips moved against his. For a moment, he paused, his lips still connected to hers, a question in his eyes, asking for her permission. 

Her eyes answered for her when she let out a soft moan, pushing herself against him even more, pressing his body into hers. 

He responded by pushing himself in, their bodies melting together as he started to move, his hips moments surging upward with each thrust. His hands still moved around her body, both bracing for the intensity of the pleasure, and caressing her soft curves, taking in the sensation of her body against his.

'God, you feel so good,' he said, his words barely audible over her moans of pleasure.

The intensity built as they moved together, each of them finding their release moments later, Bucky burying his face into her neck and calling out her name as his orgasm swept over them.

They laid there, their bodies still connected, until finally Bucky rolled off of her and laid on his back next to her. 

He reached over and gently brushed her hair away from her face, a satisfied smile gracing his face. He paused for a moment, just taking her in, before finally speaking.

'I'm sorry for trying to make decisions for you,' he said softly, regret laced into his voice. 'I just want to take care of you and make sure that nothing ever hurts you. I love you.'

“I love you so much, Bucky.”

[ayu-stuff]

Party attire

"Why are you crying, sweetie? You begged us soooo much to be allowed to come with me. And now that we're here, you can't even form a whole sentence because of the childish temper tantrum you're throwing. How come??? Why is my wittle baby girl saaaad???

You craved so badly to attend Mommy's Big Girls party, and here you are! And you're the biggest of them all, cutie pie! Believe me HAHAHA. Have you maybe forgotten what you've gone through just to come with me tonight?

You agreed to Daddy's idea of tucking you in for ni-ni time at fucking 7 PM every day like the dumb, whiny toddler you are. You gave up on this month's cummies day just to prove us you were mature enough to enjoy a Girls Night with me. You accepted losing the last shreds of privacy Daddy and I allowed you to keep, so now you're always to make your peepees and pushies in front of one of us, if we're not busy eating each other out ;).

Bath time is also to be supervised by one of us in exchange for the privilege to join me tonight. And what about last month's baby-food based diet??? After weeks of eating only mushy prunes, I'm not surprised you've begged Daddy so many times these days to let you clean me out after fucking me raw. You just needed those proteines, right? HAHAHA.

And now that you've gone through all this ―Fuck! I almost forgot two of your favorite rules HAHAHA: 1) no clothes allowed at home except your big poofy diapers and a stupid bib!! // 2) Of course, dumb smelly babies like you don't walk. They just crawl. Today is the first time you've been allowed to use your big girl legs since ages!!! I'm so proud of you, sweetie HAHAHA― as I was saying, now that you've gone through all this, you don't want to get out of the car???? For God's sake, little girl!!!

What??? Speak up, kiddo. I can't understand you through your cute little paci. No, you can't spit it out. You know I'll spank you right here if you do. You don't like the outfit I picked for you??????? And you have the courage to tell me now????? I think you look delightful tonight, darling. Delightfully dumb, if I may.

I only wanted to show my friends what a cute little daughter my husband and I have now!!! Of course, it was your husband, but you were too much of a wimp to stand up to me. What could I do?? You know how sexy he is. Or have you already forgotten??? HAHAHA

So it's more than natural that I've taken you out only in your Moomy's Moo-Moo onesie tonight! What would you need a sexy outfit for? Your only purpose tonight is to become the party's laughing stock, honey. You should have known. That's why I haven't changed your poopy, stinky diapie before going out: my friends have specifically requested to help me with the baby's diapy change. Don't you feel lucky they want to meet you that much??

In fact, I think I'll leave you only in your pampies once we've padded you up all fresh and clean. Hair all messy from your tantrum, blushy cheeks, chin and neck all drooly thanks to your paci, and hard nipples because of the cold, you'll be the cutest girl at the party!! I bet they'll even put some baby rhymes for you to dance along!!

What, honey?? No, of course you'll have to keep that, stupid little girl! That's the cutest garment of your whole outfit! And we worked so hard today to make it perfect! Besides, it even matches Mommy's grown-up attire. Doesn't it make me so fucking sexy to have my face half-covered?

So you'll keep it the whole night, sweetie. If I catch you without your last pair of panties on your head, I'll make sure that everyone at the party smacks your bottom at least twice. I know it stinks, kiddo! Daddy and I made you pee all over it!!

But it makes you delightfully dumb to wear your last shred of dignity on your cute little head. That way my girlfriends won't even notice you're not allowed to use any make-up anymore. They'll just see a stupid, poopy toddler in a childish onesie, with her face half-covered by the best possible proof that she's a baby. A stupid, clueless, pissy and messy baby.

Let's get out of the car, OK honey??? And no, I don't care you can't stop wailing!!! HAHAHA".

[television-overload]

of our own making

(an X-Files fanfic)

Chapter 26/34 - madeline

[Read on AO3]

Feeding the baby is slow going, but Mulder thinks they ought to cut her a little slack. It is her first day, after all. Eventually, she takes a longer pause and yawns, her tiny mouth opening wide and showing off her gums.

“That’s a big yawn for such a small person,” Mulder says, watching as Scully sets the bottle aside, lifting Madeline to her shoulder to pat her on the back. It isn’t long before she successfully expels a burp, drawing a chuckle out of Mulder. She’s so good with her already. He can’t wait to see his partner grow and change as a mother. Which reminds him: Mother’s Day is coming up. He’ll have to do something to celebrate.

“It really happened,” Scully says, marveling once more at their situation.

“It did,” he says, then thinks. “Should we tell your mom now?”

She laughs, nodding her head in agreement. Yeah, it’s probably safe to share the news now, isn’t it? “She’s gonna be beside herself.”

“She’s not gonna speak to us for months, for keeping this from her,” Mulder says, the joke an attempt to alleviate the tinge of genuine worry he has.

“I don’t know, I think we’ve got a pretty good Get-out-of-Jail-Free card here,” Scully says, looking down at the baby and bouncing her gently. “She won’t be able to stay away from her first granddaughter.”

Just then, Mulder gets a whiff of something not so pleasant, and he chuckles nervously. “Phew, are you sure? Cause this little stinker certainly knows how to clear a room.”

Scully gives him a thinly-veiled look of amusement, but he can tell she’s put off by the smell too, even with her strong forensic pathologist’s stomach. This will take some getting used to.

“Well, I got to be the one to give her her first bottle,” she says. “You want to do the first diaper change?”

“Somehow, I don’t feel like that’s a fair trade,” Mulder says, laughing. Even so, he doesn’t hesitate to lift the baby from Scully’s arms and carry her over to the changing table, which is outfitted with all the supplies they could possibly need. 

Scully stands by on the opposite side of the table for moral support, watching him with a funny smile on her face. It takes a second for him to find his rhythm—a real live baby with flailing legs is a bit different than an inanimate baby doll, after all—but he vows that in no time, he’ll be a pro. 

“There we go,” he says, tossing the dirty diaper into the trash can from a distance. “A 3-pointer! And the crowd goes wild!”

Scully rolls her eyes, lifting the baby back into her arms and burying her nose in Madeline’s hair.

“How’d I do?” Mulder asks.

Scully smiles up at him from beneath her thick lashes. “Fresh as a daisy,” she says. “I should probably try to get her to sleep. Are you going to call your mom?”

“Yeah,” Mulder says, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah, I’ll call her later tonight. She usually plays bridge with some friends Tuesday afternoons. At least, I think she still does.” In truth, he hadn’t talked to her much since her release from the hospital, a fact that he really needs to remedy.

Scully nods.

“Well, could you get my mom on the phone and let her know to come? I’m going to get Maddie cleaned up a little before we have visitors.”

“I don’t know if that’s the best idea, Scully,” he says. “When I call her from the hospital, it’s usually not good news.”

Scully gives him an encouraging look before laying the baby in her bassinet for a quick sponge bath. “Well, this is the perfect chance to change that up, don’t you think?”

She’s right, of course. He owes Margaret Scully an awful lot. Let this be the first step toward earning the kindness she has so freely bestowed so many times over the years.

He fishes his cell phone out of his pocket, pressing the buttons for speed dial 4. It only rings twice before it connects.

“Hello?” her voice projects.

“Hey, Mrs. Scully.”

“Fox? Is there something wrong?”

He sighs. He can almost see the pinched Scully look of concern on the elder woman’s face. That’s what he gets for constantly being the bearer of bad news, he supposes. He glances at his partner and then back at the boring pastel colored painting of a flower on the wall.

“Nothing’s wrong, Mrs. Scully,” he assures her. “Actually, it’s kind of the opposite.”

“I don’t understand—”

“How quickly can you get to the hospital in Annapolis?” he asks. “Bearing in mind that no one’s hurt, there’s been no disaster. For once, it’s good news.”

“The hospital?” she questions, still sounding worried despite his reassurances. “I can leave now, so maybe 45 minutes? You’re sure everything’s alright?”

“Promise,” he says. “Dana would have called you herself, but she’s… busy.”

“If you say so,” Maggie says doubtfully.

Gee, he wonders where Scully got her skepticism from. 

“Room 509 when you get here,” he says into the phone, checking his watch for the time. “See you soon?”

He can hear the rustle of a jacket and car keys on the other end of the line. “Yes– yes, I’m on my way. I’ll be there soon.” 

-.-.-

“No, you must have misunderstood me,” Maggie says to the nurse leading the way through the hospital corridors, “I’m looking for Dana Scully in room 509. This is the maternity ward.”

“Yes, ma’am. Room 509.”

“But that can’t be right,” she says, her brows furrowing in confusion.

Maybe Dana is working a case that involves a pregnant woman that required her medical expertise. But why would Fox call her asking her to come?

“You can go on in,” the nurse says as they arrive outside the room.

Thoroughly confused and not knowing what to expect, she pushes open the door. On the far end of the room, Dana sits on a couch, her arm resting against a cart of some kind, while Fox stands, his back to the door, hunched over the same cart. He turns and a smile spreads across his face, and Dana quickly gets to her feet, looking equal parts excited and nervous.

“Mom!” she says.

“Dana? What’s going on?”

She’s not dressed in her doctor garb. She is, however, wearing her usual FBI clothing, though it looks a little rumpled. Her daughter is usually so prim and polished—to gain the respect of her male peers, she supposes—it’s unusual to see her looking anything less than professional on a work day.

“I wanted it to be a surprise,” she says, walking quickly toward her with only a cursory glance back at Fox. “There was always a chance it wouldn’t work out, but…”

She runs out of words to say, opting instead to grab her mother’s arm and start tugging her to the other side of the room. The beaming smiles on their faces are unlike any Maggie had seen in quite some time.

As they get closer, Maggie sees that the cart she saw earlier is in fact a hospital bassinet, and inside lays a baby, wide awake and blinking as she holds tight to Fox’s finger.

“What– how–?” she begins, stuttering, her hand coming up to clutch her metaphorical pearls. “Dana, is that–?”

“Mom, I’d like you to meet your granddaughter,” Dana says, her voice shaking with emotion. Maggie looks up at her, then back at the baby. Tears pool in Dana’s eyes, and she supports her mother as they step up to the bassinet so she can get a good look.

“Oh, she’s beautiful, Dana!” she says, feeling her own eyes begin to water. “But, how? I was with you just a few weeks ago. And, is Fox–?”

“Mulder and I– Well, it’s a long story,” she starts. “Last year, I decided to try in vitro fertilization, and Mulder agreed to… help.” 

Maggie looks up at that, and she doesn’t miss the blush as it spreads across the man’s cheeks. He ducks his head, trying to focus only on the baby.

“It didn’t work, which is why I didn’t tell you,” Dana continues. “I didn’t want to… get your hopes up.”

“Oh, Dana,” Maggie says, looking sad. She wishes her daughter would confide in her more. She stores things up for so long, that when it all finally comes out, it’s hard to be of any help. She has so many questions, and she’s not sure Dana will give her all the answers.

“I thought that was my last chance to be a mother. But then, a few months ago, Mulder said that—” 

It clearly makes her emotional to think of, now, whatever her daughter’s partner had offered to do. 

“He said that if I wanted to try adoption, he’d do it with me.”

Adoption.

“I can’t believe it,” Maggie says, in awe of the tiny baby, and of the man who had made all of it possible. Fox Mulder had changed her daughter’s life forever, and she doesn’t think there’s any way she could possibly repay him.

“I can’t believe it either,” Dana laughs, and she sees Fox nod his agreement. This is a crazy thing that they have done. She'd thought that something was up with the two of them lately, of course, but never in a million years would she have guessed this. 

“Would you like to hold her, Mrs. Scully?” the man asks, gently lifting the baby out of her bassinet.

Overwhelmed and caught off guard by the sight of Fox Mulder holding a child, Maggie can only nod as she accepts the tiny bundle into the cradle of her arms. Tears spring to her eyes.

“Oh…” she sighs, unable to keep the tears at bay. “This is such a… a wonderful surprise. What’s her name?”

“Madeline Samantha Mulder,” Dana says proudly, glancing up at her partner in some form of unspoken communication.

That grabs her interest. 

“Mulder?” she asks curiously. “So you’re…” She gestures between the two of them with her free hand, and catches the glint of a ring on Fox’s left ring finger. Her eyebrows raise.

“We decided we’d raise the baby together. To make the application simpler, we got married,” Dana answers.

Married?!

“When?” she asks, equal parts thrilled and furious that she’d been left out of these plans.

“Christmas Eve.”

“Christmas…” she whispers, thinking back to that day. “That’s why you two had to go rushing off? You were getting married?” she says, aghast.

“Mom—”

“Your entire family was in town, Dana, even Charlie! Don’t you think we would have liked to be there for you on your special day?”

“It isn’t like that,” Dana says, her frustration rising. “It was just a formality. We went to the courthouse. We needed the papers so that we’d be seen as a couple looking to adopt on our applications. Otherwise, we might have been rejected. And you know they’re not the most accepting of single mothers—”

Wait, wait, wait. Back up. 

“I don’t understand,” she says, “You’re married but not… together?”

Fox and Dana look at each other, and Maggie knows the answer before they say it. Her stomach sinks.

“No,” Dana says, a little hint of disappointment in her voice. “Not really.”

Glancing between the two of them, Maggie detects disappointment from both sides, not that either of them can probably tell. They’re so blind to what the other is feeling, that it would be funny if it didn’t make Maggie so sad. All the things they’re missing out on, just because they’re both too stubborn to admit the truth. 

It’s probably only a matter of time anyway, she decides, no use harping on about it for now. If another month goes by with no sign of progress, she'll say something. That's as far as she'll go.

“You two are ridiculous, you know that?” she says curtly, pressing her lips together. “Frustrating.”

“Now you sound like my mother,” Fox jokes, in that self-deprecating tone of voice she wishes he’d stop using.

Maggie sighs, glancing back down at the gurgling baby in her arms. She sure is awfully cute.

“You’re lucky you gave me a granddaughter for all this nonsense I have to put up with,” she says, though not unkindly. She can say this at least about Fox and Dana: this baby will know a kind of love few people in this world get to experience.

They just have to pull themselves together first.

-.-.-

Maddie falls asleep on Mulder’s chest sometime after Mrs. Scully starts talking about breaking the news to Scully’s brothers, and to be honest, he’s glad for the distraction. It does, however, mean he’s kind of trapped there when Scully decides to go ask a nurse about bringing up some lunch for them from the cafeteria, leaving him alone with her mother and the baby.

They sit in silence for a while, neither really knowing what to say. At a certain point, though, Mulder can’t take the quiet anymore.

“You think Scully’s crazy, don’t you,” he says, more of a statement than a question.

“I’m not sure I know what to think,” Maggie answers. “About Dana.”

Mulder winces. He’d have to stop doing that. “Sorry, habit.”

“Ever since she met you, her life has been upside down and backwards from what I always thought it would be,” she continues.

“I know.”

“I don’t blame you, Fox.” Maggie’s hand settles atop his on the armrest of the couch, almost weightless. “She’s happy with you, otherwise she wouldn’t have stayed this long. I may not know much about my daughter these days, but I do know that.”

“I’m happier with her than I have ever been,” he admits. “And now—” he looks down at Madeline. “I didn’t know this much happiness existed.”

Maggie smiles, a little sadly. He’s used to people looking at him like that, the poor kid with the tragic backstory. He just wishes she wouldn’t. 

The room falls silent again. A funny look comes over her face, and he gets the sense that she's holding something back.

“And, where will you live?” she asks, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye.

“We’re going to be looking for a house,” he answers, “but for now I’ve been sleeping in… Dana’s spare bedroom.”

Maggie purses her lips. “No nursery?”

“Not yet,” he says, shaking his head. “We figure she’ll sleep just fine in a bassinet for the first few months.”

“And that will be in Dana’s room?”

“I suppose so.”

“So, will you be helping when she wakes up needing to be fed or changed in the middle of the night?”

What is this, some high-stakes interview for a job? He really hadn’t been prepared for this.

“Of– of course I will,” he answers, perplexed by the fact that she even has to ask. Of course he’ll help take care of the baby, he and Scully are in this together, as they are with everything.

Maggie hums. You could almost hear a pin drop.

“Seems like it would just be easier if you were both in the same room to begin with,” she states, shrugging her shoulders like what she’d said was no big deal. She sips nonchalantly from a styrofoam cup of coffee and doesn’t look at him.

Now, Mulder doesn’t want her to get the wrong idea... “Mrs. Scully—” he starts.

“It’s Maggie, Fox,” she says kindly but firmly, interrupting him. “You’re my son-in-law now, I think you can call me by my first name.”

He sighs, and feels the baby let out a sigh against his chest. You and me both, kid. 

“Maggie…” he corrects. “Look, Scully—Dana—is my best friend. And we’ve agreed to be parents and raise Madeline together, but we’re not—”

“Fox,” she interrupts again. “It’s very sweet that you’ve taken on this role as Madeline’s father, but what about Dana? Doesn’t she deserve a real marriage, with a husband who does more than care for her as the co-parent of their child? Don’t you deserve more?”

The very idea that Scully might not be enough for him offends him deeply, and he’s quick to tell her so. “I couldn’t possibly ask for more than your daughter,” he says. “She’s– she’s all I need. Her and Madeline. As for Dana…”

“She needs you, too.”

“No, but–”

“Don’t take what I’m saying the wrong way,” Maggie says seriously, leaning toward him. “Dana deserves a real husband, who loves and cares for her in all the ways a husband should.” 

She levels a stare at Mulder, and he waits for the other shoe to drop. 

“I’m not saying that shouldn’t be you.”

What?

It’s not like he hasn’t thought of this before—he has—but to be talking about it with her mother? Twenty years from now, if Madeline were to have a friend like Mulder, he’d tell her to run away as fast as she possibly could. But—that isn’t what Margaret is saying, is it?

In fact… it seems like she’s saying the exact opposite.

“You care for her, don’t you?” she asks.

“I do, but—”

“You love her?”

Mulder’s jaw hangs open, his automatic reply dying on his lips. His heart pounds in his chest, and he spares a quick thought toward Maddie and hopes it won’t disturb her somehow. He wants to answer her, but he doesn’t know how. His throat closes up almost completely as tears pool in his eyes, and he doesn’t trust his voice to come out right if he tried. 

He glances down at Maddie, this precious little life he and Scully have vowed to take care of.

“It doesn’t matter if I do,” he says quietly. “She doesn’t… feel the same way.” 

He can’t look at Margaret right now. He’s afraid of what he would see if he did. 

“She deserves better than what I can give her,” he finishes, taking comfort in the warmth of his daughter burrowed into his chest.

Maggie is quiet for a moment. Then, she says, “It looks, to me, like you’ve given her quite a lot.”

True or not, there’s still the matter of everything else his presence in her life has done for her. To her.

“It doesn’t compare to how much has been taken...” he says.

“Which you are not responsible for.” Maggie’s stare is unrelenting, he has no choice but to take every word she speaks to heart. “Ask yourself who else in Dana’s life would have been able to make this possible for her. Who else would make such a life-changing decision, just to make her dream come true?”

“Any guy would have to be stupid not to,” Mulder states the obvious.

“You sell yourself too short, Fox,” Maggie says, shaking her head in either annoyance or disappointment. He doesn’t like either of those directed at him—not from Margaret Scully. “There’s no one she trusts more than you,” she says emphatically. “She wouldn’t have done this with anyone else by her side.”

Maggie sits back, apparently finished dressing him down. The baby squirms and then settles in her sleep, still exhausted from the eventful day she’s had. He can’t help but think about what Maggie had said—that Scully would only ever do this with him, no one else. He wants to push back, to say that isn’t true, but he knows in his heart that it is. 

The question is: what does that mean for him? What does it mean for them?

Maggie gives a tiny smile, watching as he absentmindedly rubs tiny circles on Maddie’s back, lost in thought.

“Dana has told me some of the more unbelievable things you believe in, Fox…” she says quietly. “Aliens, ghosts, monsters… Given that, I would think it would be easier.”

“That what would be easier?” Mulder asks, the drone of his murmur matching the tone she had set.

Maggie smiles at him fondly, her knowing eyes meeting his. 

“For you to believe she loves you.”

~~~

Lovely tag list ♡: [if you would like to be added or removed, let me know!]

@today-in-fic @ao3feed-msr @agent-troi @angegova @baronessblixen @calimanc @captainsolocide @clo-thespin @cutemothman @danasculls @deathsbestgirl @edierone @enigmaticxbee @figureofdismay @frogsmulder @gillian-anderson-in-the-tardis @hippocampouts @invidiosa @monaiargancoconutsoy @msrafterdark @numinousmysteries @primrose19 @randomfoggytiger @skelavender @skylarksong @stephy-gold @teenie-xf @the-redhead-in-a-dress @vincentsleftear

[like-if-a-bad-idea-was-a-girl]

So I wrote, I guess fanfiction(?) about @puppygirllaika 's story Transition Diary of a Sex Doll, she had no hand in writing this it's just my interpretation and I'm posting it here with her consent.

It takes the form of a journal update from the pov of Andie several years later explaining in detail how she goes about looking after her doll.

Obviously everything you read here is fantasy and for entertainment only. The only TW I'd add to the list on the original story is I talk about calories at one point very briefly.

Hi all, this is Andie. I've had a ton of requests to let or make Jane update this. First if all 'Jane' is a dead name now, my doll doesn't have a name anymore. Second I have given it the opportunity to do so and it has declined. So here I am several years later to give you an idea of what its existence is like now and how I go about looking after it. I'm doing this, finally, because I feel like if I can help others either look after their new doll or figure out their feelings then I should. So here goes I guess

Bedsores: I can't have my doll getting infected, it'd be less useful for me. But this is a two birds one stone situation because I always need something to do with my hands and touching flesh is especially rewarding, so whenever I'm watching TV I have it on my lap and kneed the flesh where it tends to lay

Voice: originally it wanted full vocal chord removal so it'd be silent but I changed the surgery to suit me better, it now has only partial use of its voice, just enough so my doll moans when I fuck it and screams when I cut or hit it

Mind: if my doll lost touch with reality it'd start reacting to things that aren't real and I need it to be quiet when not in use so I have to keep it sane. So every day I prop it on the couch surrounded by stuffed toys and put the TV on for it. Sometimes I put on horror movies so it can practice screaming and looking scared, sometimes porn so it can practice moaning and crying out, or sometimes just nature documentaries. And I make sure I take it out of the house at least once a month, sometimes to a hookup so we can both use it, or camping or on a road trip.

Muscles: I need my doll to be able to clench around me and move its neck enough to give me head so I can't let its muscles atrophy. So i bought a tens unit and i put it on once or twice a week for a few hours to keep the muscles moving properly Skin: I like its skin to be smooth and well looked after because it's a better tactile experience for me and also because bruises look better on nice skin. So I sponge bath it often, scrubbing its skin thoroughly and cleaning all the tricky bits to keep them fresh. Whenever I cut it for the pure pleasure of parting living flesh with a sharp blade, or whenever I bite it so hard I come away with a chunk of flesh, or even when I dig my nails in so deep I carve deep gouges, then I need the first aid kit. I've got rather good at suturing wounds closed and carefully bandaging them, and then once they have healed enough I rub oils and moisturizers into the healing skin to minimize scars. And of course I keep up with its estrogen gell so its skin stays smooth.

Hair: mostly not a big job, the hair on its face it had lasered back when it was pretending to be human, the skin around its pussy was removed by electrolysis prior to the bottom surgery, and the hair on its head I keep just long enough to be useful for gripping so it has a convenient handle

Food/ water: it needs much less of both now, about half a cup of water a day and one meal every second day, it took me a long time to figure out the optimal calorie intake so its boobs would stay nice and full and its belly chub was enough that I can use it as a hold to fuck it. I make it a special all-in-one food so its bones and skin and everything else stays strong and healthy, and I make it in all the flavors it used to love because nutrients are absorbed better when the senses are properly stimulated. And then of course I brush its teeth.

I also bought one of those fancy neural link headsets, mostly for emergency use, because only it can tell me if something feels wrong in its body. But once a year I put the headset on her and force her to be a person for a couple of hours, I know she hates it and it exhausts her but I've told her it's like routine system maintenance and that seems to help. I make her reaffirm her consent for everything that I do to her. I ask her if she has any requests or anything I can do to help her be a better toy. We talk again about the possibility of a lobotomy or something more serious. I ask her if she has anything else she'd like to say. And then I take off the headset and I watch it sigh and relax as the mask falls off, as it stops pretending to be a person.

Between all that, yeah it's a big job looking after my doll properly. But it's mine and I'm careful with what belongs to me, and if I didn't feel like it was worth the effort I would have given it away or sold it by now. There's the obvious sexual uses, but there are lots more. Human bodies have sympathetic nervous systems so it really helps with my anxiety and panic attacks to cuddle it really tight to my chest. Its slow steady heartbeat and measured breathing soothe me, sometimes it hums softly which helps too. And it makes a great therapist, it listens and never talks back and looks at me with those deep loving eyes. Ohhh and of course as a hot water bottle, my feet get so cold at night it's nice having something soft and warm to put them on whilst I sleep, making sure the blanket isn't covering its face.

Thanks for reading, I hope this has helped anyone considering becoming a sex doll or taking on the responsibility of one of their own.

[bonniebird]

Alicent Hightower x Fem!Reader

Requested by Anon

Masterpost

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Request: Anonymous asked: "Lord (Character) has directed me to take her in for charity." Alicent x Fem reader hotd

Alicent paced the receiving area as she waited. She was used to close friends of Queen Aemma’s snubbing her. But most people were appropriately polite. This Lord, however, was testing her patients.

A Hightower cousin of her father’s had come into some trouble with a lord… Gerrad Maller, she thought his name had been. However, she wasn’t certain and wished she hadn’t left the letter with the information she needed in her rooms. The relative had written to her saying that taking in a young lady would settle all the issues their house faced with the Lord without a battle. Which seemed a rather good deal to Alicent so she had readily accepted. How much trouble could a girl be? 

The queen had risen with the dawn and been at the front gate ready to receive the girl in the carriage that the Hightowers had provided to ensure she would arrive safely. Noon came and went, no girl, no carriage. Even Ser Cole had returned and told her the roads were clear for several long stretches and no one travelling to the city had seen a carriage broken down for miles.

“Mother?” Aemond said quietly as he made his way towards her. She was pacing back and forth along the front steps of the keeps courtyard but stopped when Aemond approached. “What is it?” He pressed.

“Rudeness. I use my time. My valuable time…” She complained, though mostly to herself, trailing off not wanting to weigh on Aemond’s mind. When Aemond did little more than take up vigil and wait at her side with her she sighed out her frustration and explained. "Lord Hightower has directed me to take her in for charity."

“The Lord… the one who is Grandsire’s cousin?” Aemond asked, referring to Otto and she nodded curtly. “Have you sent Cole out to check…”

“I have checked the roads twice. Traders have been arriving all day for the market, none have seen a broken-down carriage. She was supposed to be here this morning.” Alicent ranted. Aemond was thoughtful and looked up at the sky for a moment with his arms folded behind his back.

“I suppose… I should be reluctant to leave home. If I were younger. Perhaps I would even snub a queen for a moment longer with my family” Aemond said eventually in a thoughtful way, careful to not accuse his mother of assuming the worst, as she tended to do. Alicent glanced at him and she sighed.

“I imagine you are right.” She surrendered and nodded thoughtfully. The gates before them finally opened and she strode forward upon seeing a carriage with the Hightower sigil on the doors and horses gear. 

“Lady (Y/N), your grace.” A guard dressed in red and black said as he hurried to meet her halfway. When the carriage door opened the girl stepped out and Alicent had to force her face to be as flat and expressionless as she could.

The girl’s hair was matted, clumped up around her shoulders. Her face was hollowed and tired, drawn as if she had seen many horrors and would never heal from such a sight. Alicent swallowed the scolding that had leapt to her tongue and reached for the girl's hand. Being closer Alicent wondered how in the world the girl was finding the strength to stand for she was so thin her clothes hung off her and up close she could see welts and lumps clearly from a beating.

“(Y/N)... I… I hope your travel was… well.” Alicent stuttered out when all other words failed her. At least, the only other words she could find would have resulted in Aemond and Vhagar on the air sent after your attackers like a hound after a fox.

“Yes your grace, thank you, your grace.” You said with a voice so sweet it made tears prickle in her eyes as you gave her the most sincere smile she had received since she was wed to Viserys.

“Come, we shall get you bathed and fed.” Alicent said quickly. Aemond was staring at you in a way that made you shy closer to Alicent. Receiving a sharp look from his mother, Aemond shook himself from his shocked stupor and hurried along behind you both. Alicent led you to the set of rooms that were to be yours and left you with her handmaidens promising that she would return.

Otto was not surprised when Alicent burst into her rooms. “Did we do that? Our house?” She spat out and gestured to the door. Otto sighed and held up a roll of paper which she snatched from his hand.

“It seems our charity may not be enough to smooth this over. Regardless of vows made.” Otto frowned and looked rather troubled. Alicent unrolled the scroll and read, sitting on a chair to the side of her father's desk.

“That brute has other girls? Well, I shall take them. I am the queen and he cannot… Father, the grace of the gods keep that girl alive.” Alicent’s voice was serious and hard as she closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. “What must have happened to her…”

“Alicent… She is unaware but the last of her sisters died this morning… that is why there was such a delay in the departure from Oldtown. I have not long received the information.” Otto watched his daughter carefully. Fury built in Alicent and if it were not extinguished she would allow it to build as if it were the last embers in a tundra.

“How many girls?” She asked.

“Thirteen. Eleven legitimate of which (Y/N) is the youngest and only survivor. The two illegitimate children… I believe one lives. I have agreed that House Hightower should take the Maller’s land if possible. After more investigation into what started the issue, we found that the small folk are suffering severely, those who work in his house make wild accusations and if the man flees… I dread what harm he may do. I will meet with the king this evening.”

“I will join you. This is… murder. Brutality! It will not stand.” Alicent snapped out and her hand flew up to her mouth. “I… shall take her as my ward if it will protect her.”

“It may. From more than the father. My understanding is house Maller holds lands that aid with trade during the winter months. I would have to find more but, despite being a small relatively insignificant house, the route they upkeep is valuable.” Otto warned. Alicent nodded and handed him back the letter. She felt an odd sickness as she thought over everything she had learned. 

Alicent tags:

@decadentrebelkitten @samhainrain @moonmaidwn1996 @gillybear17 @ravennoore14 @the-caravello-post @killing-gremlin @aegonandaemondtargaryenslut18 @lchufflepuffcorn @geekyandgay98 @savagemickey03 @kaitieskidmore1 @tronnily

[klbwriting]

Adventures In Atlantean-Sitting

Chapter 12

Fandom: Aquaman

Pairing: Ormxfemale!Reader

Warnings: some violence

Summary: things start to fall apart

Arthur waited for three weeks before going to Xebel himself. What he found was Nareus investigating the disappearance of one of his top scientists. He invited Arthur and Mera to his sitting rooms for a conference. Now this treason involved Xebel and Nareus was not going to let it stand.

“We have no proof Orlan was involved, nor Leo,” Mera said, clearly just as annoyed as her father. Arthur sighed.

“What about Orvex? Orlan’s other son and the general?” Arthur asked Mera. She sighed.

“I checked on him before we left Atlantis, he states that his father asked him to send search parties to find Orm, but he is a faithful servant of his king and wouldn’t do it without your say so,” she said. Arthur nodded, glad at least someone in that family seemed to be sane. “Was there any evidence of the scientist’s work?” she turned to her father who shook his head.

“The lab was cleaned out, the samples you sent, any reports, were all missing. I assume they were either stolen or destroyed,” he said. Arthur clenched his fists.

“I need to go back to Orm, find out if Leo has been back there,” he said. Mera looked confused.

“Has he not been in contact with you?” she asked. He shook his head. “What did you do now?”

“Who says I did anything? Its YN, she was injured, and she’s been recovering, I’m guessing as soon as she got well enough to leave bed, he rolled her right back into it and hasn’t come up for air yet,” Arthur said. Mera crinkled her nose at the thought but sighed. “I’ll head up there right after we’re done here, maybe we can get something from him.” They agreed and Nareus asked if they found anything to let him know, if Orlan thought he was going to get out of punishment because he was on the council in Atlantis he had messed with the wrong king.

Orm had finally finished fixing the door while YN lounged on the couch. Orm grabbed his shirt that he had tossed and wiped his face of the sweat, leaning against the door frame. It was hot, the summer really setting in now, and at this point Orm wanted nothing more than to feel the ocean on his skin. He wanted to go to the beach with YN, get into the waves and just float there with her as the day passed them by.

“Want to go for a swim in the lake?” he heard YN say, breaking him out of his fantasy. He smiled and nodded. She got up and headed to the bedroom, getting into her bathing suit. Orm waited at the door, he would just swim in his shorts, when he heard footsteps nearby. He jumped up, getting into attack position, ready to tackle anyone who wasn’t welcome. He relaxed when Arthur emerged from the nearby trees. Orm relaxed a little bit. Arthur charged at him, attacking him into the house, slamming the door behind him. YN stood in the bedroom doorway, staring as Arthur punched Orm twice before he could recover and shove him off. By that time several soldiers and Orlan walked into the cottage. Orm snarled.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded, looking around. They were surrounded, weapons on them, there was no way he could escape and keep YN safe. One of the soldiers grabbed her roughly and held her hostage, the pulsar ray pointed at her back.

“That’s funny I was going to ask you the same thing,” Arthur said, sounding livid. “What is this YN? I told you find him, not fuck him.” YN’s lip was shaking, her voice sounded so small when she spoke it broke Orm’s heart.

“I’m sorry Arthur,” she said. Orm turned to her, realizing he needed to think of something. He rounded on YN.

“What is he talking about?” he demanded. YN shrank at the anger in his voice, but he could see her eyes, she wasn’t afraid, she was thinking, planning. She wasn’t going to tolerate this, but she could see they were outmatched. She was thinking of what to do next. She had noted that Leo wasn’t there, this was Orlan, Leo was still in the background, probably planning the attack that would happen once they left and headed back for Atlantis. Orm had to make sure they left the cottage, left YN there, and that he caused problems before they reached the shore, give YN time to do her work.

“She was hired to find you, to keep you here until I was able to come get you,” Arthur said. “Seems like she did more than find you. I’ve been stripped of my power because you were keeping him here, to what? Sleep with him? How many others are you messing around with? Does Batman know?” He was fast approaching the woman, causing the soldier guarding her to back off. YN let out a sob and fell back on her ass, pushing back to the wall. Orm feigned anger and betrayal.

“You were just waiting it out for Arthur to come back?” he asked.

“You wouldn’t come here and stay, I needed you to stay here so I could get in touch, I didn’t mean for it to take so long, and I was just pretending Arthur, please don’t tell Batman, I found him, I got him here, I just sent the message…” she said. Arthur snarled and she quieted down. Orm looked down, pretending to be defeated.

“So, what now?” he asked, eyeing Orlan who was positively gleeful at this turn of events.

“You will be returned to Atlantis, where you will face trial and most likely be executed,” he said. Orm could feel the air leave the room. Arthur’s shoulders tightened and YN let out a soft gasp. Orm growled, hoping that Orlan wouldn’t notice the shift in the room. This had just gotten more complicated. “You didn’t think we would let you live, did you? You already escaped once; we can’t risk such a thing to happen again. Restrain them both.”

“No,” Arthur said. “I may be king in name only, but I am the ambassador to the surface, and this is a surface dweller, she must be tried under surface law. I will stay with her until Batman arrives, he will have her convicted.” Arthur knew most Atlanteans looked at the Justice League as the law of the surface and he hoped that Orlan hadn’t been doing any research into the truth. Orlan glared for a moment, clearly thinking. He finally nodded. Their act was enough to convince him that Arthur and Orm were not friendly, that YN was a traitor, and that Arthur was truly angry and not just scrambling, trying to hide his worry.

“Very well your majesty, come, bring the prisoner,” Orlan instructed. Orm flashed one more look back at YN and she stared after him, trying to keep calm until they left the cottage and were a few hundred feet away. Then she stood and looked to Arthur, motioning for him to follow her. She opened the shed and then the large storage cabinet inside. All kinds of weapons gleaned back at them. She started grabbing things, detonators, bracelets, a full scale inhibitor shield to contain metas and superhumans up to 50 feet away, anything that she thought would help.

“Fuck YN, have you been waiting for the metapocolypse?” he asked. She looked at him as she closed her bag and put an Atlantean steel knife and pulsar gun on her hips.

“Batman was my mentor when I was learning my powers, do you think he isn’t passing his paranoia onto the next generation?” she asked. “Now, enough talk, I know where Leo is, he and his team are waiting at the beach for them. Orm isn’t getting back to Atlantis alive. We need to go now.”

[bethanydelleman]

Northanger Abbey Readthrough Ch 25

Catherine might have missed like 99% of Henry Tilney's flirting, but she has an inkling it has happened, maybe, "He had—she thought he had, once or twice before this fatal morning, shown something like affection for her."

Which is why I love this meme so much:

Again, Catherine touches upon Marianne Dashwood behaviour but she just can't really commit, "But now—in short, she made herself as miserable as possible for about half an hour, went down when the clock struck five, with a broken heart, and could scarcely give an intelligible answer to Eleanor’s inquiry if she was well." However, by the end of the evening and with Henry being kinder than ever, she has recovered. she had nothing to do but to forgive herself and be happier than ever; and the lenient hand of time did much for her by insensible gradations in the course of another day. She does indeed bounce back quickly!

Catherine reflects that in England at least, the type of villains described by Mrs. Radcliff must not exist. She doesn't go so far as to pardon France and Switzerland from containing such evil, but she's pretty sure about her own country. She also believes that while Henry and Eleanor may not be perfect (never!), she's certain that General Tilney has some "specks" in his character. Well you've come a long way girl, we won't ask for more just yet.

Murder was not tolerated, servants were not slaves, and neither poison nor sleeping potions to be procured, like rhubarb, from every druggist.

Quick, someone tell Shakespeare!

Now Catherine's thoughts return to Bath, but she has no news. Her faithful friend has proved unfaithful again: But Isabella had promised and promised again; and when she promised a thing, she was so scrupulous in performing it! Oh Catherine...

Not as bad as her brother though! Poor Thorpe is in town: I dread the sight of him; his honest heart would feel so much. Honest heart! That man doesn't have an honest cell in his entire body! I would have more hope for James if we knew he finally figured out John, but the only hint we have is this: the failure of a very recent endeavour to accomplish a reconciliation between Morland and Isabella. So James and John met again and John tried to get them back together, but whether James rejected both siblings or just one is unknown.

I really feel for Catherine here, she has to sit through breakfast trying not to cry, then cannot return to her room because it is being cleaned (bedrooms in this era were mostly for dressing and sleeping, so she wouldn't be expected to use her room again until 4pm*), tries the drawing room only to discover the Tilney siblings, but then they kindly leave her to herself. Catherine needs another half hour (her magical sad-feeling time) before she can face them.

This line from Catherine is so very Jane Bennet:

"Could you have believed there had been such inconstancy and fickleness, and everything that is bad in the world?”

What a stroke was this for poor Jane, who would willingly have gone through the world without believing that so much wickedness existed in the whole race of mankind as was here collected in one individual! -Pride & Prejudice, of Wickham

The poor girls, having their eyes opened to the wickedness of the world.

Then this part:

This post by Fira Wren playing in my head. His kids know the General is full of it. Eleanor is surprised her older brother has fallen in love, since it seems he never has been before, which again has Henry Crawford vibes.

No, not very. I do not believe Isabella has any fortune at all: but that will not signify in your family. Your father is so very liberal! He told me the other day that he only valued money as it allowed him to promote the happiness of his children.” The brother and sister looked at each other.

Now the reason that Isabella Thorpe would lose in a battle to the death against Lucy Steele and Lady Susan is that she didn't keep her first man secure until she had the next engagement entirely locked down. Rookie movie Izzy! I have too good an opinion of Miss Thorpe’s prudence to suppose that she would part with one gentleman before the other was secured. Isabella just could not manage two men at once.

I love this interaction:

This line from Catherine too, "I never was so deceived in anyone’s character in my life before.” and Henry's response: “Among all the great variety that you have known and studied.” has so much in common with this interaction in Pride & Prejudice:

“But perhaps,” observed Catherine, “though she has behaved so ill by our family, she may behave better by yours. Now she has really got the man she likes, she may be constant.” “Indeed I am afraid she will,” replied Henry; “I am afraid she will be very constant, unless a baronet should come in her way; that is Frederick’s only chance. I will get the Bath paper, and look over the arrivals.”

“I did not know before,” continued Bingley, immediately, “that you were a studier of character. It must be an amusing study.” “Yes; but intricate characters are the most amusing. They have at least that advantage.” “The country,” said Darcy, “can in general supply but few subjects for such a study. In a country neighbourhood you move in a very confined and unvarying society.” “But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new to be observed in them for ever.”

Henry also manages to tip us off about his intentions to marry Catherine right under Catherine's oblivious nose!

"Prepare for your sister-in-law, Eleanor, and such a sister-in-law as you must delight in! Open, candid, artless, guileless, with affections strong but simple, forming no pretensions, and knowing no disguise.”

“Such a sister-in-law, Henry, I should delight in,” said Eleanor with a smile.

Catherine also realizes that she feels much less sad about losing Isabella than she thought she would, which Henry tells her to think about. The falseness of Isabella's friendship is dawning on Catherine, perhaps now just unconsciously.

*Quote illuminating this point from Wives & Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell, spoke by a character who would have been young during the Regency era: 'No, no, Cromer: bedrooms are for sleeping in, and sitting-rooms are for sitting in. Keep everything to its right purpose, and don't try and delude me into nonsense.' Why, my mother would have given us a fine scolding if she had ever caught us in our bedrooms in the daytime. We kept our out-door things in a closet downstairs; and there was a very tidy place for washing our hands, which is as much as one wants in the daytime.

[thatsthewrongwallcraig]

i know theres so much talk about bunny kappa, or just general bunny rory... but please, can we talk about puppy rory characters? i need my fill!! puppy danny? puh-leeeease bro. or even puppy gabe? possum... he just Is Puppy. i need some headcanons or something!!

Can we all take a moment to talk about puppy!Gabe because…uhm, I need him…like now?

Also, dearest nonnie, can I point you towards my Masterlist? I have three full puppy!Kappa fics on there. Closer, Worship I and Worship II <3

Please excuse this being a bit short but the current heatwave is not for me and just yesterday I wrote 3.6k words about Gabriel losing his virginity…my brain is in “power saving” mode.

Smutty puppy!Gabriel HCs under the cut! 18+!

🐶 Okay, let’s start with what plopped into my head first thing while thinking about it: Gabe would be the most playful and bubbly puppy ever! Oh, he’d be so happy to be your good little puppy boy at any given chance.

Gabriel would go full-on service sub-puppy, for sure! Being very attentive to your needs but especially your mood, always looking out for you after a long and hard day at work, determined to cheer you up if your coworkers were too dense to get anything even barely productive going again.

🐶 At first, he might have been a bit shy around the idea of wearing a collar 24/7 but after you bought him a very pretty one, made out of smooth black leather that would caress his neck just right, not too tight or itchy, he fell for it even harder than you did. In addition to that, you bought a fitting, silver dog tag with his name engraved on it to attach to the O-ring of the collar, making sure to remind him to whom he belonged all around the clock…but really? Gabriel wouldn’t need any reminder of that at all because he’d be all about you all day every day.

🐶 Whenever you’d come home stressed from work, he’d personally sit you down on the couch, get you a fizzy beverage of your liking straight from the fridge and proceed to go down on you whilst you decompressed from the hectic shift. I’m a firm believer that Gabe would get himself in an eager frenzy, getting oh so desperately worked up by just eating you out, the lower half of his face wet with your arousal would have him lapping at your clit like a man parched. This fine puppy boy right here would make sure to get you off good and at least twice before he’d let you get up from the cushioned sofa again, looking up to you from between your thighs with wide and beaming blue eyes, asking if you felt satisfied with his services.

At that, you’d pet his head thoroughly, letting him know just how much of a perfectly obedient and well-behaved puppy he was for you and how much you appreciate owning him as your puppy. You’d make sure to never take him for granted!

🐶 Oh lawd, don’t get me started on how excited Gabriel would be when he gets to fuck you. At first, he’d be so sweet and gentle with you, kissing you all over, needily sucking at your tits while his fingers draw over your clit to make sure that you are all wet and aroused enough for him to thrust into you but as soon as he is inside of you, stretching you out just the right way, hitting all your favorite spots with the tip of his throbbing cock, he’d go feral over you. Just fucking into you until you’d have forgotten all about your boss being a dickhead that day or the traffic jam on the way back home. Gabe would unceremoniously rail you. Don’t mistake that sweet sweet boy for being innocent in the sheets just because he looks like only doing missionary with the lights off. Nuh-uh!

🐶 On days when you had the luxury of working from home, Gabriel would insist on sitting underneath your desk while your fingers typed away on the keyboard, pleasuring you with his tongue throughout your shift while his fingers would massage you from the inside. Oh, he’d love you working from home because it meant getting you all to himself all day long, thinking about pouring you a nice, hot bubbly bath whilst knuckles-deep in your warm cunt, his fingertips rubbing against that extra sensitive spot just long enough for you to lose your focus and taunt him a little, a teeny tiny bit.

🐶 Thinking about it, I believe Gabe would not be into heavy degradation, no, he’d enjoy you praising him over and over much more. He’d take great pride in being your puppy, trying his best to avoid any shortcomings that would lead you to scold him. However, if that kind of situation was to arise, you’d correct him softly, gently pointing out what displeased you, and the hardest punishment (more of a funishment, really) he’d ever get from you would be going to the mall with you on the weekend while wearing a plug to fill him up all nice and snug as you occupy yourself with swatching eyeshadows, asking him which one’s he likes best. The green sparky one or the rather toned-down, chocolate brown one? Decisions, decisions…

Sweet Gabriel would try so hard to wrap his mind around the colorful swipes of makeup on the back of your hand but it would be to no avail. The way the plug pressed against his prostate just right, keeping his cock hard right out there, in public would have his face flushed with a wash of red for the entirety of the shopping trip, would have him begging and whining about needing to go to the restrooms to just quickly relieve himself of the pulsing hard-on in his pants. Oh, poor puppy, sucks to be you right now, no, Gabe? Tough luck but that sweet sweet release would have to wait until back at home.

[notyour-valentine]

The Boy in the Window 5 ~ Tommy Shelby x Reader (Series)

Chapter Summary: Bathtime and New Year 's Eve reshuffle the deck between Tommy, (Y/N), Charlie and Emma.

Notes: I am so grateful for the continued feedback and encouragement on the previous parts. The story is really picking up now with the relationship between Tommy and (Y/N) developing while he finds his place in this strange new routine of theirs- I hope you enjoy! I do not consent to my work being translated, copied or posted elsewhere on this platform or any other. 

Here, you can find my [Masterlist] and the [Series Masterlist]

Warning: Canon conforming mention of violence. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Expect spoilers for Peaky Blinders Season 1-4.

Wordcount: 5614

Part 5

[Previously]

The days started to become a blur. Two children were more difficult than one, and not just the physical work of twice as many clothes to wash, dry, iron and mend, twice as much food to cook and twice as many activities to think of. 

Each child also had their own needs and wants. Charlie loved to cuddle, to hold and to be held, and needed his quiet time, while Emma hated to be bored, and always had to be occupied. That was a split very strenuous to manage. 

Everything else took twice as long at the best of times, as on most occasions, the children would distract each other. 

So it was no wonder that (Y/N) dreaded bath time. Even with just Emma, it had been chaotic, but now with two of them it was an organisational nightmare. Another child around didn't make it easier. 

"My bathtub at home's so big I can lie down from head to toe and even push myself off of the edges.", He complained. 

"Well mine isn't.", She said, as she washed his shoulders as gently as she could, kneeling on the towels which she had placed all over the kitchen floor. 

"You should tell Dad.", Charlie suggested. "He'll buy you a bigger bathtub."

It wasn't said with malice, or with an understanding of the implications his words had. That was just the way it was in the world of Charlie Shelby. If anyone wanted anything, his Dad just bought it. No questions asked. No considerations needed. 

"And where are we to put that big bathtub of yours?", She wanted to know as she ran the wash cloth down his arm. 

"In your bed.", Emma suggested with a giggle. "Then you could sleep in the bathtub on the bed."

It all sounded awfully funny to the both of them. 

When the backdoor swung open, three pairs of eyes stared at the newcomer. 

"I guess I interrupted something.", Tommy Shelby said as he stared at the sight in front of him. 

The towels on the floor, the tin bathtub, the warm water, Emma sitting in front of the oven wrapped in a dressing gown a bit too large for her and Charlie in the tub. 

The humid air had made her hair go curlier than it normally was, and she had rolled her sleeves up to be able to haggle the children. Now, with a washcloth in one hand and a bar of soap in the other, (Y/N) Hale didn't cut the most dignified figure. 

"You're earlier than usual.", Was all she managed to say. 

"Nothing else to do.", He admitted almost shyly. 

He couldn't even have looked more out of place if he tried, with his polished shoes and tailored suit. At least he had left his hat and coat at Watery Lane, and only wore his suit jacket over a vest, shirt and tie combination. But the gold pocket watch chain and tie pin still shone in the light. 

"Do you need a hand?", He asked. 

It startled (Y/N) so much, he had to repeat his words for her to understand them. 

"I guess I can wash my son, eh?", He said, answering his own question

He took off his jacket and placed it over the back of a chair before undoing his cufflinks. 

Charlie stared at him wide eyed. It dawned on (Y/N) that perhaps sitting in a tin tub in a kitchen wasn't all that was new about this situation. 

"That way you can make sure her hair won't dry tangled.", He said, without looking at her. 

There was no argument for that and so she got up. 

Her knees ached from all the time she had spent on them and she nearly fell as the change of position finally allowed blood - and thereby a sense of feeling - to return. 

Steadying herself on the kitchen counter she bit back a sigh, only to be met by a slight frown and questioning blue eyes. 

To avoid them, she called for Emma and pulled a chair over to be close to the oven. 

She hopped on and let her legs dangle. 

"But no pulling!", She insisted, making her mother swear not to. 

As she brought the comb through the ends of her hair first, she couldn't help but stare at the scene in front of her. 

The only one not holding their breath seemed to be Emma, who was humming to herself. 

Charlie watched his father with eagle eyes as he pulled at the fabric of his trousers to give him the room to kneel down beside the tub. 

This is the most dangerous man in England, (Y/N) reminded herself as she watched him reach for the washcloth and the soap. He dipped both in the water before beginning to lather the cloth up generously. 

What he did, he did diligently, but she could see he was thinking about every movement, as if he too, wasn't quite sure what to think. 

Maybe he hasn't done this before, she thought. 

"Give me your arm, Charlie.", He asked. Cautiously, he placed his hand in the hand of his father, who began with the shoulder, slowly drawing circles, as he moved the cloth down his arm, past his elbow until he reached his hand. 

One by one, Tommy Shelby ran the old washcloth over his son's fingers, before dipping the cloth into the water and washing the soap off. 

He continued the same ritual on his son's other arm, from shoulder to fingertips. 

In a way, he was doing a better job than (Y/N) had done- she never took the time to draw circles. 

"Mummy!", Emma suddenly cried out, the toy called Mrs. Tatters clutched to her chest the way a mother would cling to her newborn in times of danger. 

"Mummy- you're forgetting to sing!"

Her eyes shot up to the visitor. 

His ban was years outdated but at the same time it had been a strict one. And the reason for it being abolished was, well, significant. 

"Oh, Emma, I don't think that's a good idea.", She said softly, as she ran first the comb and then her fingers through her hair. 

"I want the cherry song!", Charlie declared firmly. 

(Y/N) felt her heart sink to the bottom of the ocean as she made a point of not looking up, and especially not in the direction of the boy and his father. 

"The cherry song is for sleeping!", Emma argued sharply. 

"Then dilly-dilly.", He tried, which made her daughter groan and throw herself back dramatically, almost cracking her jaw with her head. 

"That's for sleeping too! Or when you're sick!"

She clicked her tongue like a school teacher with a student who really should know by now. 

"The bell song's not for sleeping!", Charlie suggested, and with that Emma couldn't argue. Instead, she nodded eagerly. 

"The bell song, Mummy!", She agreed, giving an almost ceremonial nod, as she turned back around. 

Both children fell into expecting silence, and when Mr Shelby didn't speak up, she had nothing left to do but give in to the children's wishes. 

"Oranges and lemons, 

Say the bells of St. Clement's.", She began, gently bringing the comb through Emma's hair. 

"You owe me five farthings,

Say the bells of St. Martin's."

With every verse she sung, she expected him to intervene, to stop her. To tell her to be quiet. 

"When will you pay me?

Say the bells at Old Bailey."

But the order never came. He just kept washing Charlie, his eyes glued to his child, like hers were to her own. 

"When I grow rich,

Say the bells at Shoreditch."

If the children noticed the tension in the air, they did not show it. 

But that also meant there was no excuse to stop. 

"When will that be?

Say the bells of Stepney."

Charlie had begun to sway his head in tune with the rhythm, from side to side, mouthing along the words. 

"I do not know,

Says the great bell at Bow."

(Y/N) took a deep breath. Just one more bit to go. 

"Here comes a candle to light you your way,

But if you choose to, you're welcome to stay."

For the last part, the children joined in. 

"Ding dong- Ding dong- stay as long as you want."

She was glad that the song was over, her face burning more than the oven in the corner that had managed to dry most of Emma's hair. 

The splash of the soap which had slipped from the edge of the tub into the water startled them all, but most of all Charlie, who turned to see. His movement sent a wave of soapy bathwater straight over his father's thigh. 

"Oh, sorry.", He mumbled, glancing up at his father. 

"Ah- it'll dry.", He assured him. "Do you have a spare towel?"

She hurried to fetch it for him, and in the rush to hand it over, she overreached, and her hand brushed against his. She pulled away as if she had burned herself. 

When Charlie stepped out of the bath, his father wrapped him in the towel she had warmed in front of the oven and soon ran over to her to take Emma's spot in front of her. She had to sing again, as she brushed his hair dry, under the watchful eye of Charlie's father. 

Once both children were dry, she took them upstairs to put them to bed. Perhaps it was the warmth, or all the skipping games in the courtyard, but they settled extraordinarily quickly- just one story, one song and two kisses. 

She felt the ache in her knees linger, even on her way down the stairs, and perhaps in preparation for all the cleaning up she'd have to do. 

But once she entered the kitchen, she found that the water had been chucked out already, the floors had been wiped and the used towels tossed onto one pile in the corner. 

Since she, unlike Charlie and Emma, didn't believe in fairy folk who crept in through the windows of good people and did their housework when they were sleeping. That only left one culprit, who was sitting at her kitchen table, a glass of whisky in front of him and a cigarette in his hands. 

"You didn't have to do that.", She insisted at once. "I could have done it."

Tommy Shelby only shrugged. 

"It didn't kill me."

Still. 

The thought of a man like him on his knees wiping down her floorboards was rather foreign. 

"Would you like some tea?", She asked. 

He only tapped his glass with his finger. 

But she still made some for herself, providing her with an excuse not to look at him. 

Still, he was looking at her. 

"Those aren't the words.", He finally said. 

"Beg pardon?", She asked. 

"To the song.", He said, his head resting against the wall. "The end- those aren't the words."

He shook his head slightly, as if he was scolding her for her mistake. 

"Here comes a candle to light you to bed,

And here comes a copper to bash in your head!"

He didn't sing, but even when he spoke, he kept the rhythm. 

"Chip chop chip chop the last man is dead."

To finish his repetition, he brought his glass to his lips. 

"Those aren't the words either.", She argued. "It's a chopper who chops off heads."

He only huffed. 

"Same thing."

The kettle began to whistle and so she took it off the heat. 

"Why? Why did you change the words?"

"I don't know.", (Y/N) admitted, as she put both teapot and cup on the table, sitting down across from him. 

She also provided a second cup, even if she knew he wouldn't use it. 

"I don't like the idea of violence in children's songs."

"There's violence in the real world.", He argued. 

"And they'll realise that soon enough."

Whatever his thoughts on her position, he did not share them. Instead, he slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out some rolled up bills. 

"Here.", He said, suddenly sounding more tired than before, as he put it on the table between them. "For next week."

(Y/N) stared at the money, as her finger traced the handle of her cup, brushing over the small chip again and again. 

"I-I still have enough, thank you."

"Enough?", He asked, raising his eyebrow. 

She nodded quickly. "For the groceries. You gave me quite a lot, so we'll be good for a while."

A line of doubt appeared between his brows, a silent demand for her to speak, to fill the silence. 

"I, ah, I'd hate for Charlie to find out and think it's a chore to take care of him."

"But it is a chore.", He argued. "And I'm paying you to do it. Just like I pay the nannies back at the house."

(Y/N) bristled at his words. She didn't delude herself with nostalgic thoughts. She knew what she was, and what she represented to Tommy Shelby, but that didn't mean it was nice to hear. 

"Well, I refuse to accept that. I'll use your money to buy the extra groceries and when it's dried up, I'll tell you. And that's that."

He stared at her as if she had just grown a second nose on her forehead, lips parted and frowning slightly. 

"And how do I pay you?", He asked. 

She shook her head. 

"Like I said, you don't have to.", She insisted. 

But then she decided to take her chance. 

"There is something, Mr. Shelby, that would put us even."

"Even?", He asked. 

She nodded. 

"Go ahead.", He encouraged, bringing the cigarette to his lips as his eyes dug into her. They made her cheeks burn and her throat tighten even before she had even begun. 

"There's a schooling scheme at the Grace Shelby Institute and I've applied Emma for next year. She's old enough to go to school in Autumn."

She got no reaction from him, she continued, her voice shaking with nerves.  

"Half of Birmingham has applied- I'm not saying that she should have precedence over other children that might need it more or have more dire situations, not at all, but- there's stories of files being lost in the application process, because they are so numerous and many, which is completely understandable, but- if you could make sure she's considered. If it's not too much to ask"

There. She had said it now and there was no taking it back. 

His eyes still dug into her as she averted her own, taking a sip of tea just to keep herself busy. 

"That's it?", He asked. 

She nodded. 

Tommy Shelby huffed and shook his head, his thoughts, like so often, unreadable to her. 

After suffering the silence for a few minutes, she got up. 

"I'll go and wash the tub out before the soap stains set.", She said, pushing her chair back. 

"Already done.", He said. 

Slowly, she settled back down. 

"Thank you. You didn't-"

"-have to do it?", He asked, the corner of his lips tugging upward. 

She nodded. 

"Reminded me of the old days.", He admitted, smoke escaping his lips. "Of before."

"Quite different from your life now, I suppose.", She said. "Charlie told me a lot about your many bathrooms with large tubs. I fear that the old tin one won't be able to compete."

He glanced at it. 

"Nearly forgot those things existed."

That made her smile for real. But it didn't last. 

"How strange.", She sighed. "We grew up right here, right next to each other and look at all you've achieved, and I'm still here."

The thought made her eyes burn with tears of shame. 

"So am I, aren't I?", He scoffed. 

The silence between them felt heavy again, but it always did. Usually it was her that had to break it, but this time it was him. 

"Sometimes,", he admitted, his voice strangely soft and heavy, as if he had just woken up from a deep slumber, "sometimes I think back. It was fucking awful, but we weren't unhappy, were we? We were hungry and angry at times, but we weren't unhappy, were we? As kids…"

(Y/N) shook her head. 

"I don't think I was, not particularly. And I hope Emma isn't either.", She admitted. 

The thought of her daughter being unhappy made her stomach turn, especially if it was through a failure of her own. 

"You'd think we were miserable back then when we had nothing. But it's the other way round.", Tommy said, before he raised his glass. 

"They always say money can't buy happiness, don't they?", He asked as he slammed it down again. 

"I don't think it's that simple.", She said under her breath. 

"How so?", He wanted to know. 

She clutched her cup of tea with both hands. 

"Maybe money can't buy happiness, but I do believe that money removes quite a lot of causes for unhappiness."

His lips parted slightly as he stared at her. Once more, the ticking of the clock seemed impossibly loud. 

"And yet,", he said, his voice thick, "you won't take mine."

(Y/N) took a deep breath. 

"He'd be so hurt if he found out.", She told him. 

Tommy turned his attention to the ashtray, one which he had brought a few days back and left in her kitchen, keeping his thoughts behind a wall of silence which didn't break before he stepped out into the darkness. 

~

New Year's Eve came quick and fast, but this year, with the added money of Tommy Shelby, she made sure to cook a proper feast, with dessert and treats for the children. 

She let them tie colourful ribbons around everything and anything in the house, adding colour to the Christmas decorations. And they had such fun with the little paper trumpets from the shop they could play and the drum they could bang to banish all the evil spirits. 

When it was time for dinner, she dressed Charlie in a white shirt and black shorts and matching socks, while Emma wore her favourite pink dress, one that (Y/N) had already worn as a girl, and Edith before her, but had survived the years with only little changes made to it. 

She also tied ribbons in her hair, before putting on her own Sunday's best. 

It wouldn't do to greet the New Year looking shabby. 

She had cooked and mashed potatoes earlier and then formed small circles, which she had then fried in a pan until they shone like little golden ornaments. To go with the roast, she also made sweet carrots and other vegetables, as well as a thick, dark gravy. And for dessert she baked a round chocolate cake and made a white vanilla pudding and some blackcurrant sauce. 

It was a special day, and this year she had some money to do it justice. 

They had only just finished eating, when they heard the knock on the door. 

"Dad! Dad, look, we got cake and pudding!", Charlie cried out, running towards him with open arms. 

"Do you?", He asked. He looked like he always looked, sharp eyed and sharply dressed, wearing a sense of melancholy like an expensive cologne. But he smiled softly when he saw his son.

"Are you hungry, Mr. Shelby?", She asked. "Or have you come to take Charlie?"

He hadn't told her if they had any plans with the family. A part of her hoped he didn't, even if she had no right to that claim. 

"No.", He said, before realising the need to elaborate. 

"I mean, ah, we're not going anywhere, Charlie. But, I wouldn't mind a bite to eat."

With a nod, (Y/N) set to work with reheating the food. 

"Lot of effort.", He mumbled. "must've been in the kitchen forever?"

"Special occasion.", She reminded him. 

Charlie and Emma told him all about their adventures as he ate. 

"Thank you.", He said as he handed her the plate for clearing. 

"You still have to have dessert!", Charlie insisted. 

As (Y/N) got out both the chocolatey cake and the vanilla pudding as well as the dark purple sauce, the children soon got giddy. 

Then Emma rushed over to her and began to stroke the palm of her hand, smiling as sweetly as she could. Charlie had come from the other side, batting his long eyelashes which he had inherited from his father. 

"Mummy, could we have a second dessert?

"Just today, because it's special.", Charlie added. "And because it's the best cake in the whole wide world."

She couldn't help but smile when he said that, even if she didn't believe him. 

"You have to ask your father, Charlie."

He seemed more cautious when approaching his father, but he gave his answer before he had to ask. 

"Alright. But just one slice."

Emma squealed with excitement, and of course made sure she got the biggest cut slice of cake, before dousing it in nearly all of the blackcurrants sauce. 

"Emma!", She scolded. "What if Mr. Shelby wants some with his pudding? Or Charlie."

That made a frown wash over her face

"You can have some, Mr. Shelby.", She offered with a pout, pushing her plate over to him. 

"No need, but thank you Emma."

"See, Mummy, he didn't mind!", She told her proudly, before sitting down again and digging in. Soon she had chocolate and blackcurrant all over her face, and on the napkin that shielded her dress from stains. 

After they had finished dessert for a second time, she washed their hands and faces before sending them into the living room to play as she cleaned up, returning to find them on the carpet, with Mr. Shelby sat in the armchair, nursing a drink as he watched them. 

She sat down at the edge of the sofa. 

"You're clock's wrong.", He told her, nodding towards the one on the mantelpiece, before showing her his pocket watch. According to one it was almost nine. According to the other almost eleven. 

"Is it though?", She asked innocently.

For a split second, she thought she saw him smile, but then she was quickly torn away. 

"Mummy, come, we need you.", Emma demanded and soon she was on her knees too, joining in their play. 

She was uncertain at first, with him watching them, but soon it took all her time and energy to keep up with the children. 

That way, time passed quickly and soon the clock on the mantelpiece said that it was just five minutes to go. 

"Quick, quick, Mummy. We have to make a wish."

"A wish?", Charlie asked. 

"Mummy and I always wish for something on New Year's Eve. But you can't say it. You have to hold it in your heart and squeeze your hands real tight when you step into the new year. If you tell anyone, it won't come true."

Charlie's eyes went wide as he searched his brain for a wish, and she could pinpoint by the look on his face the exact moment he found it, beaming from ear to ear. 

With one minute to go, Emma jumped into her arms and wrapped her legs around her hip, her eyes glued to the clock. Charlie soon found himself in his father's arms as well. 

She counted down with the children and when the clock read midnight, Emma giggled and covered her face in kisses, still sticky from sweets. 

"Happy New Year, Mummy!", She giggled between them. 

"And a Happy New Year to you too, my love.", She said. Soon she felt arms wrap themselves around her legs and saw Charlie jumping up and down excitedly. She crouched down and he jumped into her arms, almost knocking her over. 

"Happy New Year!", He said, before kissing her cheek too. 

"Happy New Year, Charlie.", She said. 

Soon after the excitement had ebbed away, the children felt the late hour. Emma was half asleep by the time she was finished changing her into her nightgown and even Charlie agreed to forgo the story tonight. 

By the end of the cherry song, they were both already wandering in the land of dreams. 

When she returned to the living room, she found Tommy Shelby sitting on the sofa, the clock next to him, back to its original time. 

"I wouldn't have thought it from you.", He admitted, almost sounding impressed. 

"Trick of the trade.", She said with a smirk. "they never would have made it to midnight in one piece."

It was late enough as it was for them.  

"Shouldn’t you be with your family?", She asked. "At the Garrison?"

Tommy Shelby shrugged. 

"They are either drunk or angry at me or both. So no."

"I see.", She lied. 

The rumours of the rift had been exaggerated - he hadn't killed them and they were still talking, but she wasn't blind enough to think that everything was green between them. He had told her that Charlie didn't even remember Polly. And Polly Gray, despite her flaws, adored children. For her to turn her back on her nephew's son, something truly terrible must've happened. 

But it wasn't her place to pry. 

"Drink?", He offered. 

Before she could argue, he added: "it's New Year's Eve."

So she agreed. 

The whisky tasted smoother and more expensive than any she had ever known, and undoubtedly it was. 

“Do you dance?”, he asked. 

“No.”, (Y/N) admitted. 

“Why not?”, Tommy wanted to know, a slight frown appearing on his brow. 

She offered him a soft smile. 

“Where would I get a chance to dance?”, she asked. Perhaps he had transcended the limitations of their birth, but she had not. All the dances she went to were country fairs which were more jumping than proper dancing, and they didn’t count. 

“Besides, I don’t know how.”

It wasn’t exactly what one taught Small Heath children these days. No need to learn how to dance when you can barely afford a pair of shoes to wear during the winter, let alone to dance in. 

“I’ll teach you.”

The offer came so suddenly, she didn’t believe it came from his lips until he repeated it.

She shook her head. 

“Mr. Shelby, I-”

He cut her off before she could go any further.

“You’ve taken in my son. I think you can call me by my name, don’t you?”

Her eyes dropped back down to the glass of liquid amber in her lap, as nervous fingers traced the lines. 

“I don’t think I can do that.”, she said truthfully. “It wouldn’t be appropriate.”

“Why not?”, he demanded to know. “You used to…before.”

“Before was a very long time ago.”

And since then, everything had changed. 

He cleared his throat as he leaned forward.

“Well, I’m not gonna start calling you Mrs. Hale so you better get back to calling me Tommy.”

His eyes, like always, left little room for argument. 

“Alright.”, she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The sound his glass made when he placed it down on the small side table was louder than it had been.

“Good.”, he announced as he got to his feet. “Now come here.”

She blinked thrice as she stared up at him.

Surely…surely not?

But he waited, standing in front of the fireplace, expecting eyes locked on her.

“Mr. Shel- Tommy, are you quite sure?”, she asked. “I…I really…I really don’t know the first thing about dancing properly.”

“So I’ll teach you.”, he said. 

Her hands trembled as she set down her glass, and kept trembling as she smoothed down the fabric of her skirt. They still shook when she placed her hand into the one he held outstretched for her.

She was surprised at how warm it was. Although his hands were softer than her husband’s had ever been, she could feel some old calluses on his skin, that those years working in fancy offices hadn’t been able to dull. They ran deeper than that. 

“It’s alright,”, he assured her with a soft smile, as he ran his thumb over her knuckles to sooth her. “I’m not going to eat you.”

Easy for you to say. 

“Now the other hand goes here.”, he said, picking up her left hand and placing it on his upper arm, just below where it met his shoulder. Since he had discarded his jacket, all that separated her hand from his skin was the thin fabric of his fine threaded shirt. Under it, she could not only feel the warmth, but lean muscle.

Once his hand had guided hers to its rightful place, it found her place on her back, just below her shoulder. 

With a gentle push, he brought her closer to his body until less than a hand's width separated them. 

A week - it had been less than a week since she had been a perfectly ordinary woman and now she found herself in the arms of the most dangerous man in England, the most famous man in Birmingham, who somehow acted like all of this - like any of this was normal. 

If anyone had warned her, she’d have called them insane. But perhaps she was. Anyone with half a brain knew to stay far away from the Shelbys. Now one Shelby was sleeping in a bed next to her daughter, while she stood so close to the other, she could feel his breath on her forehead. 

“Just three steps really.”, he told her. 

“Back with this.”

He nudged her left leg gently and when she followed his instruction his right came forward. 

“To the side.”

They both moved. 

“And close.”

Her heart was thundering in her chest as she tried to concentrate on anything except the silent plea not to do anything wrong and make a fool of herself.

“And now you come forward.”

While he took a step back. 

“And to the side again.”

His voice was as soft as his touch, and his lips dangerously close to her ear. 

Once more he talked her through the basic steps, bit by bit. 

Backwards, side, close. Forward, side, close. Backwards, side, close. 

She repeated this mantra in her head over and over again. 

“Relax.”, Tommy said, “you’re not in the army, are you?”

She could hear the soft smile in his words, but she wasn’t in the mood for smiling. 

“No.”, she mumbled, inhaling sharply, as she glanced down at her feet. 

“You know what you’re doing now.”, he said, letting his thumb draw a lazy half circle on her back, which only made her more nervous. 

“I don’t think so.”, she said breathlessly. 

He hummed, and closed his hand around hers once more. 

After another minute or so, he spoke up again.

“Close your eyes.”

She looked up to him, wanting to make sure he was serious. 

He gave an encouraging nod. 

“But then I won’t be able to see my feet.”

“You don’t need to.”, he assured her. “You know the steps and the rest is me leading. Now close your eyes.”

“Tommy-”

He shook his head slightly.

“Close your eyes and let me lead, (Y/N). Trust me.”

Trust Tommy Shelby…

Nearly everyone she had ever known would call her mad for even considering it, but after another few seconds, she lowered her gaze again and allowed her eyes to flutter shut. 

She could feel the content hum from the depth of his chest. And then there was silence, apart from her breath and his, and the distant soft crackles of the burning fire. She barely felt its warmth, especially compared to the one that radiated from him, from his chest, from his hands. 

Just like his body, it seemed to encircle her, slowly getting through each and every layer of her defences, the thick skin she had built up from the life she had led until she could feel it in the depth of her bones. 

(Y/N) couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so warm, since she had allowed herself to feel so warm. And somehow in this warmth, all her worries, all the things she had yet to do and finish and prepare seemed to melt away. 

And it felt good - so good. 

She had gotten so used to being the strong one, the only strong one, for Emma’s sake and her own. It had been her who did all the holding, all the caring, all the guiding and for once, it felt just so nice to feel someone’s arms around her, strong arms too, that lifted the weight off of her own even if it was just for a moment. 

She knew, of course, that she ought to feel nervous, afraid even. But she didn’t feel any of that, not anymore. Instead, she felt so warm and so safe, so very safe. 

I had forgotten what that feels like, she thought. 

I wish I’d this way more often. 

Even if she doubted it. All too soon, reality would come back to claim her, and then she’d be back to hurrying and worrying, all on her own, with children that depended on her. 

But that didn’t mean she wished it any less. 

When his words brushed over the soft skin of her ear, she felt a chill run down her back, but it wasn’t the bad kind, the one that came with fear. Rather, it was the consequence of his closeness, and the low rasp of his voice. 

“Happy New Year.”, Tommy Shelby whispered, as he continued to guide them in slow sways through her living room.

End of Part 5

~

Thank you for reading! I’d be very grateful for feedback of any kind! If you are interested in more, here is my [Masterlist].

Here you can find Part 6

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[ride-thedragon]

The people in the Hotd fandom will push for a romantic relationship between Jace and Cregan or Jace and Sara and, in the same breath, say that Daemon and Nettles should be platonic. Either way, they're sidelining black women in romantic narratives to center white couples.

With Jace and Cregan, somehow, we've managed to discredit mlm relationships by saying it isn't cheating or that Baela would be okay with it and allow for male friendships and mentor roles to go unfulfilled for the sake of romance.

It's funnier when you think about the people saying that Daemon and Nettles shouldn't be romantic because it would lessen the narrative between them of they are romantic or that we need more male female friendships that aren't romantic. It goes off into the tangents of a mentor mentee relationship and father daughter one as well. Then, we can't prioritize romance because of Rhaenyra and Daemon's relationship.

See why I'm having a hard time believing y'all care about them? A lot of you would rather these men stay and regress in these relationships than establish them in character building relationships with black women.

We prioritize friendships between people who take baths together but not with men who want to marry their kids to each other and make blood pacts to keep that promise.

With Sara as well, in the show timeline, Jace is 2 days into his engagement with Baela, a role which he prioritized immediately after it was announced. So, about a month into it, he's just stepping away? During a war, when he knows those marriages just secured house Velayron?

His biggest characterization is his insecurity about his bastardy. Would he go out of his way to get with one and then marry her? Making her his queen?

Not when, Mr. Dragons recognize blood, not titles with his dragonseed plan, makes a huge mistake and miscalculation with giving peasants dragons, I think he makes enough mistakes in his life, for me at least.

I don't see how adding Sara romantically adds anything at all, other than a romance that doesn't play into anything later on.

I want to add that it does add to these women and their characters to be in these relationships and actively participate in them.

Baela is going out of her way to push for her and Jace to be married even after seeing her parents' marriage and subsequently their parents' marriage. Choosing to be with the boy who, without hesitation, stood up and fought for her twice against his uncles.

Nettles being called ugly through the narrative, always alluded to be in compromising positions all throughout her life and whose sexual relationships are often treated as a bartering system to gain something, being with a Targaryen prince who prioritizes her happiness and safety. Someone who goes out of their way to be at her side after very traumatic events .

(If you feel the need to explain, go ahead, but it doesn't make sense to me for his character or the timeline in the show. )

I just would like to say it's strange behavior to go out of your way to justify taking relationships and character developments away from black characters for the sake of white ships.

Me to you guys because criticism is often read as condemnation here, and I'm very immature when responding to it now.

[ask-the-nine-links]

The Most Wonderful and Magnificent Fairy Boy Farmer Husband a Girl Could Ever Ask For,

Hope the boys are reading this over your shoulder, they would have so much fun with that greeting. I wrote it specifically for that reason. Are your time shenanigans working out this time? Are you even surviving without me? You better be. Three meals a day, at least seven hours of sleep, a bath once a day, twice if needed, and you better be taking care of that back of yours. If it’s any worse when you come back, I will be very disappointed in you. 

Since Sky is most likely the only one not reading this over your shoulder, let him know that the cuckoos miss him. They have not been even half as obedient since you guys left. Wind, we have not had the bags of feed stacked as nicely as you stacked them probably in the history of Hyrule. I miss having you here to help me. Legend, having you sit in the middle of the field and play music was so fun. It was the prettiest music I’ve ever heard. Twi, best harvester award. Four, the best at playing pranks. Warriors, watching you kick my husband’s but while you guys were sparring was perfection. Hyrule, best at getting lost. 

I’m joking. Having you around was amazing. You were probably the most helpful out of all of them, helping out around the house. 

Wild, dear, I promise I didn’t forget you. I want to tell you you are the best cook I’ve ever met and thank you for the hydromelon you left and the note you left next to it that let me know what it was called. I’m glad I have been remembered through history by a fruit. 

Be safe, Warriors, continue beating my husband’s booty, Wind, keep smiling, and this last bit is for my husband’s eyes ONLY. 

Link, how DARE you leave the ranch without telling me? Not even saying goodbye, when you get home you’re going to get a real talking to, you hear? Beds empty! No note! Epona gone- could have fallen off- out of my mind with worry- did you care? Never in my life! I had no way of knowing you were gone, none! You could have been dead for all I knew, I don’t care what Hylia wants, I’m more important than some goddess who thinks it’s okay to send people like you on fruitless missions that will just repeat themselves over and over again. I love you, Link. 

Malon

Time: ...

Wild: Aw look he's cr-

Time: If any of you say a word I will not hesitate to put you on dish duty for the foreseeable future. Also don't pretend that you are not tearing up as well, Sailor.

Wild: NO I'M NOT!

Hyrule: ... is this what parental love feels like?

Legend: I think so? Also how did she know we would snoop?

Time: It's an instinct. Plus I told here y'all were nosy.