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darkficsyouneveraskedfor · 9 months

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Three for One 6

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as dubcon/noncon, cheating, customer service abuse, and other possible triggers. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: As a customer service associate, you’re used to work with a wide variety of characters. Your efforts to go above and beyond draw the attention of a certain set of customers who want more than what’s on the shelf.

Character: Andy Barber, Lloyd Hansen, Ransom Drysdale

Note: I'm so tireddddd

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me 💞

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!)

Love you all. Take care. 💖

The keypad beeps and Lloyd quickly flicks the handle, kicking open the door so it hits something solid. You hear a grunt as the man on the other side stumbles back. It all happens so fast you don't get a glimpse of the code. Not much use if they lock you inside.

“What the fuck?” Ransom grabs the door and swings it open, “she got away–”

“Right here, peachy keen,” Lloyd sneers as pressure pinpoints on either side of your neck. You whine and try to loosen his hand, “she got you good, huh?”

“She’s sneaky,” Ransom mutters, “whatever. She can’t get out.”

“But she locked you in,” he snorts.

A growl ripples through the air. You’re turned back to face Ernie as he stands at the end of the hall. His head goes low as his jowls bunch up and he bares his teeth. He snarls as he slowly walks closer.

“Oh fuck,” Ransom puts the door between him and the hall, peeking around it.

“This fucking thing,” the other man utters, “tell it to stop.”

“Ah, ah,” you squeak as Ernie gets closer. “I– you’re hurting me. It’s making him mad.”

“I’m about to hurt him,” Lloyd threatens.

“Ernie,” you yipe and put a hand out, “Ern, please, I’m–” you choke, “okay.”

His thunderous warning grows louder. You reach with your fingers and he touches them with his nose. You caress the rough ridge and hush him, “please, sit. Please.”

His teeth gleam dangerously but he puts his rear down and hides his canines again. His chagrin nestles just above his usually doleful eyes and he looks between the two men; the one hiding behind the door and the one latched onto you.

“We need a fucking cage for that thing,” Ransom comments.

“And here I was thinking we need one for the girl,” Lloyd scoffs.

“Or you know, you could let us both go,” you suggest, writhing on your toes.

“Smart,” Lloyd sneers. “I can’t wait to train that mouth.” You turn your head and show your teeth, snapping them shut. His brows arch at the gesture and he gives an emphatic shiver, “I’m starting to like the feisty thing.”

“You’ve never been picky,” Ransom lets the door fall open, “get her in here.”

“Here,” Lloyd spins and flings you at the other man, “I’ll keep watch, make sure you don’t get locked in again.”

“Shut up,” Ransom grabs your arm and drags you away. He shoves you so you hit the foot of the bed. “Listen, you little bitch,” he keeps his voice low, “don’t fucking embarrass me again, got it?”

You flip your head back and gape at him. What are you supposed to do?

“And dont give me that fucking look,” he points in your face.

Or what? You swallow the words and stand straight. You face him and shrug. He’s not half as scary as the man outside the door, but both together are insurmountable.

You try to wipe away your irritation. You want this night to end. You want to go home. You don’t know how much more you can handle as your anger gives way to something more potent. Fear.

He slowly turns to the open wardrobe, peeking back at you as you cross your arms. You nibble your lip and avert your eyes. Your adrenaline dissolves and fatigue tugs at your muscles. You’re not giving up, you’re only biding your time. It might just take a little longer than you like.

“This,” Ransom tosses a furry white sweater on the bed, “this.”

You consider the outfit. The sweater is cropped and there’s a gold sequin heart on the front. The skirt is almost as short with ruffled tiers. It’s not really your taste but it hardly matters.

He slams the doors of the wardrobe and tosses down a pair of sheer stockings with ribbons wove through the top. These are just a few pieces of a full collection. How long have they been planning this? Had they followed you long or were you just in the wrong place at the wrong time?

You lift your eyes as he stares at you. You frown. He lowers his chin, “well?”

“Well, uh, can I get some privacy?”

He blinks slowly.

“Come on, pussy cat, show us some peach,” Lloyd taunts from the doorway as he peers through.

You gulp. This is getting too real. The only thing keeping you from full panic is the fact of your futility. Freaking out would only play into their game.

“Right, I get it,” you turn to the bed, “you can’t trust me. I ran. I ran and I got pretty far. So I don’t blame you for being paranoid.”

“Paranoid?” Ransom scoffs.

“You didn’t get that far,” Lloyd intones.

You ignore him and pull the clothes to the end of the bed. You put your back to Lloyd but can’t avoid Ransom. You look down at your jacket and slowly unzip it. Your scalp is itchy with sweat as you let the heat out from under the downy layer.

You drop your coat on the bed and bend to unlace your boots. You focus on the little things first. Boots, socks, your favourite red sweater with the white hearts. You lay each piece down deliberately, closer and closer to the inevitable.

You peel off the camisole you wore under the wool layer and take the furry sweater from the bed. There’s clucking from the door. You stiffen and clutch the fluffy fabric.

“Everything,” Lloyd orders.

You put the sweater back down and shudder. You hear Ransom’s breath catch as you reach behind you to unhook your bra. His eyes bore into you as the floor creaks. You sense the other man breaks the threshold.

“Little help?” The call from down the hall makes you flinch and a hum escapes Ransom. You look at him as his eyes linger on your chest.

“Shit,” Lloyd huffs, “don’t tell him.”

He leaves you alone with the other man. You take a breath and let your bra fall down your arms. You quickly swipe up the furry sweater and pull it on, but not without causing your tits to jiggle one last time.

“Those almost make it worth it,” he snickers.

You undo your pants as you keep to task. It’s so surreal but undeniable. It’s entirely clear what this is. Their intent is written in every glance, every comment. You roll down your jeans and stand in your undies and the fluffy sweater. Your thumbs hook in the elastic of your underwear as you pivot, trying to hide yourself as best you can as you strip the cotton away.

You just as swiftly step into the skirt, pulling it up to cling snugly around your waist. Ransom gets closer, petting the sleeve of your sweater as he does. His breath grits in his throat.

“Wanna close that door again,” he purrs.

You take the stockings, ignoring the proposition. Shit. You bend and roll the first one up to your thigh, the lace speckled with the little hearts. You slip on the other and stand straight.

He looms over you and shifts slowly towards you. His sole drags on the floor. He’s stopped only by a low drone from the doorway.

Ernie stands watching, glaring at that man. Your heart leaps and you do too. You flit forward to the dog and rub his ears.

“Shh, boy, it’s okay,” you glance back at Ransom, “I won’t let him hurt you.”

His eyes narrow. His shoulders drop slightly, the disappointment of your evasion clear. The close call sears down your back.

He trails you down the hall as Ernie walks beside you. You keep your hand in his fur, clinging to him for strength. It’s not about you, it’s about keeping him safe.

You enter the front room and find Lloyd scowling at a string of lights as Andy kneels in front of a box. It’s a weird scene to come upon. These two villains in such a wholesome position. Their sinister intentions could almost be mistaken.

Andy looks up and pauses as he holds a large red ornament. His lips part as he sees you. Fire blazes across your cheeks at the way his eyes dilate. He clears his throat and holds up the oblong decoration.

“You gonna come help, honey?”

You nod and let go of Ernie. He stays at your heels as you go to the other side of the box. You bend your knees and reach in, plucking out a clear ball with fake snow inside. You feel the eyes on you, waiting for a hint of something more.

Ernie paces behind you, a wall of fur roving back and forth. You want him to calm down, his energy fueling your own. You pause and turn to pet his broad back.

“Ern, it’s okay, boy, relax,” you twine your fingers into the thick strands and scratch him, “lay down… please.”

You nudge him slightly. He resists. His head moves from side to side as he looks at each man. He huffs and flops down, thumping onto the floor beside you.

“That’s cute. He takes care of you,” Andy says, “sweet girl like you, who wouldn’t?”

You make yourself smile. It’s not very difficult. You have extensive training in faking it. You step around the box and take the ornament to the tree. Lloyd is there, trying to wrap lights around the branches. He sidles closer as you reach to hang the decoration.

“Little higher,” he leans back, looking behind you. You don’t know why you listen but you do.

You stand on your toes and hook the ball over the upper tier. You feel cool air tickle the bottom of your ass, you’re not the only one to notice. Lloyd groans, Ransom chokes, and Andy exhales sharply. You feel like you’re on display, the tree is just secondary.

You put your arms down and tug at the sides of the skirt, cautiously going back to the box. You reach down, bending in your legs not your waist. Your eyes meet Andy’s as you reach for another ornament. His lashes flick hotly.

“Did I tell you how good you look, honey?” He growls.

Lloyd chuckles and Ransom joins in. You’re not sure what’s so funny or how to react. You look around and toy with the decoration in your hand. You stand on the sides of your feet, swaying nervously.

“Lawyers, man. They’ll never say what they want outright,” Lloyd remarks.

“Shut up,” Andy hisses, “I’m being nice.”

“You’re being a fucking simp,” Ransom sniffs.

“Don’t listen to them,” he says to you directly, “I mean it, you look really… pretty.”

“Well, every time she moves, her ass falls out, so I’d say she’s not too bad on the eyes,” Lloyd chortles. “How do you think she is on the dick? That sweater looks soft, let her keep it on, maybe put her in my lap–”

“Hey,” Andy tosses an ornament at him as you back away, mortified. “Don’t be disgusting.”

“Don’t act like you don’t want to get disgusting all over her. What’sa matter? The wife doesn’t put it in her mouth anymore and you can’t get past half-chub–”

“You’re both fucking pathetic,” Ransom comes forward to reach into the box, retracting as Ernie pops his head up and growls. You quiet the dog as the man drops several ornaments onto the floor in his fright.

“Pot, kettle, black as our souls,” Lloyd says.

“Let’s get the tree decorated,” Andy insists, “it’ll be Christmas soon enough…” he plants his foot, straining as he stands, “we’ve wasted enough time.”

He rounds the box, brushing by you. You don’t fail to noise how his fingertips tickle your upper thigh, along with the other men’s gazes as they note the same thing. You turn to trail after Andy and hang your decoration next to his. Another cool flow wafts up your skirt, eliciting another communal hum from the other men.

“Who’s gonna trim my tree?” Lloyd jokes crudely.

He gets only a growl from Andy as you refuse to acknowledge the comment. Ransom hovers at the edge of the room as Ernie stares him down. The large dog doesn’t get up but remains alert. You feel awful to bring him into this. He must be so confused, even more than you are.

🎀

Once the tree is decorated, your energy is completely spent. Your vigilance drains away what’s left and you lower yourself to the floor to sit with Ernie. He lets you lean on him and puts his head on your knee.

“Tired?” Andy asks.

You can only nod.

It’s a strange, almost numb hollowness. That sort of surrender that comes with just not having anything left in you. There’s that voice that tells you not to give up but it can’t drown out the blaring fatigue.

“You should lay down,” he suggests.

“With who?” Lloyd asks as he stretches his neck side to side.

“That’s not the deal,” Andy girds.

“Fucking chill. I’m kidding. Don’t worry,” he shows his palms, “I won’t open my Christmas present early.”

“Can I?” You ask as you drag a hand down Ernie’s side.

“Yeah, come on,” Andy offers his hand.

You should refuse. You should get up on your own but you’re not sure you even can. Before you can reach for the helpful hand, you’re scooped up from behind. You yelp and Ernie barks as he jumps to his feet.

“Woah, woah,” Lloyd dodges him as he holds you in his arms, “tell the mutt to cool it. I’m helping.”

“Ernie,” you eke out, hanging a hand down for him.

“Oh, pussy cat, you’re gettin’ sleepy,” he teases as he carries you past Andy, a defiant look shot in his direction, “let daddy put you to bed.”

Andy follows, Ernie too. Ransom keeps a cautious eye on the latter.

You don’t protest as you’re carried down the hall. He turns into the bedroom and takes you to the bed. As he puts you down, his hand shamelessly stops on your ass and spreads wide.

“Oops,” he feigns embarrassment, “must’ve slipped.”

“Hey,” Andy charges in and rips his arm back, “enough. She needs to sleep.”

“Look, she can sleep and I can do my thing. Multitasking–”

“We agreed–”

“Actually, you just talk at us and assume we do,” Lloyd counters sourly.

“I’m tired,” you mope.

“Yeah, well, who’s fault is that?” Lloyd snaps.

You frown and roll your eyes. You look past him as you pet the bed. Ernie bounds over and hops up, nearly knocking over Lloyd as he leaps onto the bed. He lays down beside you, his fluffy tail stretching past the end. You lay back and pet his head.

“Come on,” Andy inserts himself between the other man and the bed, “we all do our part, we all follow the plan.”

There’s silence. You peek over at the men as they stare each other down. You don’t say a word as you hug Ernie’s large head.

“I had a better one,” Lloyd hisses.

“We agreed,” Andy repeats. “We let her sleep. It’s her first night.”A sigh. Lloyd backs up and Andy looks over his shoulder at you. He gives a small smile and you nestle down into the bed. You close your eyes as your heart pounds in your ribcage. First night? Of how many?

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bigger-picture-darwinism · 4 months

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i can’t remember where i saw it but someone said that trobed reminds them of bert and ernie and i can’t stop thinking about it

#trobed #troy barnes #abed nadir #troy and abed #community #community nbc #bert and ernie #seasame street

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sweatervest-obsessed · 1 year

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spencer just comforting reader after a bad mental health day and helping them to take a break and shower/or bathe🌼🫶🏻

Honestly, yeah. So true. I based this off of my experiences of just trying to even get out of bed to get to the shower, so I hope you like it!!!

“I see you’re still in bed.”

“Oh my god. You really are a genius.”

Spencer doesn’t miss much, especially not the sarcasm in your voice. He’s pretty perceptive when it comes to you. He knows what coffee order to get you by the way you kiss him in the morning. He knows what book you’ll want to read when you get home by the way you sign your name. He knows that for you to have stayed in bed all day means that you really just need someone to be there for you.

And that’s what he’ll do.

He quietly toes off his shoes and climbs onto his side of the bed—close enough that you can feel the heat coming from his body, but far away enough because he doesn’t know if you wanted to be touched.

Your head was your worst enemy some days. And it’s not like you didn’t try to fight it, you tried so fucking hard. You had even picked out an outfit and laid it on the chair next to the bathroom. But once you flipped the light switch on in the bathroom and saw yourself in the mirror; your brain flipped a switch too.

Which resulted with all the lights off, and you just in bed, over thinking and falling further and further into the pit of your mind.

Spencer whispered your name, bringing you back from where it was your mind had wandered off to again.

Nowhere good was the conclusion he came to. He gently placed his hand on your arms, waiting to see your reaction.

He watched as your body released some of the tension it was holding, and took that as his sign.

Spencer managed to take your hand and squeeze it slightly. “Want to take a shower?”

“That requires moving.” You stated.

There was no malice, but there was no excitement. Just a fact.

“Maybe you’re the genius.” He teased slightly, squeezing your hand. It caused you to let out a huff of air, which was all he could ask for.

Spencer has been to a dark place before. He knew some variation of what you were felling, how heavy it was, how your brain felt like tv static. He had discovered along the way, that the best way to be there for you, was to shower.

Something something about the metaphor of washing it down the drain. is what you would say when he’d ask you about it a couple of months ago, poking fun at yourself.

“Can’t we do a bath instead.”

Your voice cut through the memory. It was so unlike your normal voice; small, exhausted. It caused him to run his thumb across your hand, nodding.

“You’d have to get up for that too.”

“I hate it when you’re right.” You grumbled, rolling over just enough to be able to lift your head and make eye contact with the pretty man sitting next to you.

“I’m always right.”

That caused you to snort, a small laugh escaped your lips. It was one short second, but it meant the world to Spencer.

“Lavender or Vanilla.”

“You can’t make me get up and also make choices.” Your face rolled back into the pillow, but your hand still held onto his.

His hand was so warm, so soft. His heartbeat was pulling your focus from whatever place your mind had been stuck in. You knew what he was doing, distracting you, making you match his breathing, but you didn’t care.

Spencer didn’t move to go set up the bath. He stayed there rubbing you hand with his thumb, enjoying your company because you were enough for him. Just your presence was enough.

“Tell me something.” You mumbled, wanting to hear him, slightly upset that he stopped talking.

“Did you know that Australia is wider than the moon.”

You frowned a bit and looked up at him. That one caught you off guard. “What.”

“The moon is 2,113 miles wide, or 3,400 kilometers, and Australia is 2,485 miles, or 4,000 kilometers, wide.”

“That feels wrong.” You mutter, squeezing his hand.

“Right? Okay, how about Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street are named after the police officer and the taxi driver in Its a Wonderful Life.”

“I knew that already.” You smiled at him slightly. “You’re losing your touch.”

He smiled down at you, leaning over and gently kissing your forehead, making all of the tension float away.

“How about a bath now.”

“Sounds like you’re just trying to get me naked Doctor Reid.”

That made Spencer’s cheeks tinge pink. “No-No. I just…I know that, uh, when people have depressive episodes they tend to ignore their hygiene because the feel like they don’t deserve it and it’s a Monday meaning you were going to shower this morning, and-and I know you didn’t because there’s no towel on the hook on the bathroom door and—“

You squeezed his hand, effectively ending his breathless ramble. “I’m teasing Spence.”

“How did that turn into you comforting me.” He sighed and squeezed your hand back.

Eventually, the two of you made it to the bathroom. It was lavender scented with hints of the coconut, barely any light from the two candles Spencer had lit, opting out of turning the lights on. Shirts and socks were littered across the ground as you both sank into the water. The heat causing the rest of the headache you were feeling yo disappear, or maybe it was the man sitting behind you with his arms wrapped around your waist. Your skin against his.

The steam cleared your senses, filling your nose with the smell of his shampoo as he tried to quietly open the bottle, causing you to giggle slightly as he fumbled with the lid.

You melted under Spencer’s hands as he massaged your head, kissing your shoulders as he went.

That small part of you whispered in your ear that you didn’t deserve this.

But Spencer’s whispers in your other ear easily drowned it out, slowly bringing you back to him, piece by piece, soap bubble by soap bubble, kiss by kiss.

#x reader #spencer reid x fem!reader #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid x you #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid angst #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid drabble #spencer reid oneshot

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subwaysurf45 · 2 years

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Meeting the Family

Summary: Bucky was having his family’s annual birthday celebration because seeminly everyone was born in Feburary. you were invited which meant you had to meet the large family Bucky comes from, and with your luck it didn’t go as smooth as you wanted it to.

Words: 5k

Warnings: panic attack, spitting, mention of stress hives, protective/clingy Bucky, mentions of poverty (if you squint really hard)

Spring reading week was definitely needed already, you sat in your tutorial while you managed to stay on top of the practice questions rather than doze off like the guy beside you. It was rapping up and people were already starting to pack up and some had already left.

The moment the lecture ended you raced out the door, not before saying goodbye to your TA and wishing him a nice week off because you - though you hate to admit it - like to suck up sometimes. Once you were walking with Bucky on campus and saw one of your profs, Bucky stood for five minutes as you pitched up your voice and asked about her kids. He never let you live it down that sometimes you were a teacher’s pet.

Natasha was standing at the bus stop with your duffle bag in hand, you had packed it last night and begged her to bring it to you so you could catch this bus rather than the next one that comes in an hour. She had a smirk on her face as you jogged up, taking the bag with a smile.

“I can bring your backpack back to the house, if you want?” Nat offered, her hand already outstretched to take it.

“No,” you caught your breath, “thank you though,” you smiled and pulled her in for a hug, “have a nice reading week, I’ll be back Thursday.”

“I still can’t believe you’re up there for six days,” she laughed, “throwback to when you thought he hated you.”

“Shut up,” you rolled your eyes, “and yes, I’m up there for a week, apparently there’s some birthday thing because seemingly everyone is born in February.”

The bus driver honked and you hugged Natasha goodbye, quickly tapping your card and found a spot. You were by yourself which was great, you needed to put your duffle bag somewhere. This would be a full day of travelling instead of the ride you could have got yesterday, Bucky’s parents have some cabin that’s three hours away but this day would take double the time due to a bus and then train ride.

You had two important tutorials today that you couldn’t miss, it also helped that Friday had a discount for student bussing, there was always a brightside. You shot a quick text to Bucky to let him know you were on transport number one and super happy to see him.

You had met Bucky’s parents before you two started dating because Bucky invited the entire group up to the cabin but forgot to let his parents know and they had the same idea. You then spent the weekend with ten people; half were in college and the other were retired.

It definitely was an important night for you.

“James,” Ernie slapped Bucky’s shoulder, “I need you to understand that you don’t meet those kinds of women everyday, that girl is perfect for you, you have to sweep her off her feet.”

“She’s dating someone, Ern,” Bucky whispered, rolling his eyes and leaning back in his camp chair, “this weekend blows.”

“No it doesn’t,” you looked over your shoulder and paused your manicure for Ernie’s wife, “I think Melissa would disagree, would you not?” Melissa nodded and held out her nails, “see?” you looked at Bucky and smiled, but you could see something was actually wrong.

“I’m going to bed,” it was rare for Bucky to leave the party first, he normally started it. He threw open the patio door and you watched as you stomped upstairs.

Ernie looked at you, “are you seeing anyone?”

“It’s complicated,” you sighed and put down Melissa’s hand to grab the other, “he’s…” you groaned, “I know he’s not right for me but…sometimes proximity and being in a relationship for as long as I have is comfortable, y’know?”

“I don’t,” Ernie said bluntly, “If my lady was away from me for three months I’d write her letters, I’d keep that love alive-” he cleared his throat, “tell me, has this boyfriend made sure you got here okay? Sent you a whatever those are called…texts yet?”

You purse your lips together, it seemed everyone’s conversations had ended and they were all looking at you. You looked over at Nat who nodded sadly, knowing the answer already because you had already told her.

“No,” you whispered, “he…he didn’t want me coming because he doesn’t like me around my friends ‘cause…” you looked up at Nat again, not wanting to air out everything in front of these people you barely know, there’s layers to these things and you didn’t want ruin this weekend by talking about your shitty boyfriend again.

Ernie sighed, “take it from me,” he tipped his bottle towards you, “a lot of people say life is short but when you’re aware you’re in a mistake it feels like a million lifetimes,” he took a long swig, “slowly withering away.”

You took a shaky breath and stood up, “I’m also going to hit the hay, see you all tomorrow.”

Half an hour later you were sitting on the corner of your bed, sobbing into your hands as you tried to keep quiet. You could feel this weight from your chest release but also it felt like a heavy blanket was weighing you down, you could barely sit up straight or breathe.

Five years of a high school sweetheart wasted, all because you told him you didn’t like that he didn’t check up on you. The things he called you, the names. Those names pressed harder on your chest, squishing you down until you were gasping for air while tears streamed down your face. All of your senses were becoming distorted, your vision was slowly losing focus and you couldn’t see out of your peripheral vision, the feeling of your fingers scratching down your neck felt like TV static, everything sounded like you were underwater.

“y/n?” The door burst open and you could only hear your name being called from underwater, from his long brown hair tied up being the only thing you could register, you knew it was Bucky. He took your hand that was tugging down your throat to try and create air hole and placed it on his own chest, he took your other hand and held with his, after making sure you could keep your hand on his chest by yourself he cupped your cheek, “breathe, honey, you have to breathe,” he could feel his rapid heartbeat, it wasn’t helping like it normally does.

“I-” you managed to hack out, trying so hard to gain control. He gently tapped your face to try and bring you back, you couldn’t hear him talking over the pounding in your ears but you knew he was trying. Thrashing out, you wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him close, feeling things begin to settle when he held you tightly.

“You are very safe,” he spoke directly into your ear as he held you close, “you are safe with me, alright?”

“Okay,” you whimpered, balling up his t-shirt as you breathed in his scent which lowered your heart rate. “We broke up,” you gritted your teeth, “I called him a while ago.”

Bucky pulled out of the hug but kept his hands on you, “how did that happen?”

“I didn’t like how he didn’t check in on me,” you looked down at your lap, “and I…and he bit back and called me names and I just had enough, so I broke up with him and he screamed at me,” you let out a wet laugh, “I froze and his voice sounded so crisp it was like he was standing in front of me so I didn’t hang up, he just kept going until I snapped out of it.”

“Do you want to come sleep in my bed?” Bucky brushed away your tears, “just so you’re not alone?”

“Okay,” you timidly stood up.

“We will be stopping for five minutes at the Main Station, please take your time getting off and remember to take all your personal belongings with you, have a nice rest of your day, thank you.”

You sat up straight and got off the bus, heading out into the main area and looking up at the screens to try and find your train platform number. You walked around for a while and noticed it was number 14 but you had time, so you got yourself a snack while you waited beside the tracks with a few other people. After sending Bucky another text you looked down the tracks and snacked on your cream cheese bagel, patiently waiting for the light to appear in the distance.

********

The house was already buzzing with family members, they were all asking about if you were going to be there. Apparently your mother had told them about you, you had met Bucky’s immediate family but no cousins or grandparents yet; this would be the big day.

“So you’re making her take a train and a bus to get here when you could have stayed back one more day?” Bucky’s uncle was already tipsy, for some reason getting upset and the situation.

“y/n and I both talked and we agreed this was best for the both of us,” Bucky sighed in annoyance as you took another sip of his beer, “I’m driving her home next week and picking her up form the station today, so…” Bucky rolled his eyes and headed into the kitchen to find his mom plating all the appetizers.

Winnie looked up and smiled, “could you be a doll and bring this out?” she nudged the spinach dip, Bucky nodded and picked it up. “Is everything alright?”

Bucky looked around to make sure no one was in earshot, “can people just stay out of my relationship?” he whispered while he walked around the island to get near his mom, “I mean, my God, we aren’t going to crash and burn just because she wanted to go to two very important classes which makes her have to come up today,” Bucky placed his beer down, “it's just everyone is on my ass about it and it’s starting to piss me off.”

Winnie nodded, “you’re the oldest out of this generation in the family Bucky, all your cousins are younger than you and you’re the first to introduce a girl,” Winnie cupped his face, “people are just excited there’s fresh meat, I bet you any money they’ll swarm her when she shows up.”

“That is the exact opposite of what I want to happen,” Bucky leaned against the counter and crossed his arm, Winnie stepped in front of him. “Have you mentioned in the e-mail about-”

“Yes, I have,” she scrunched her nose, “no one will make a single comment about what or how much y/n eats, no one will mention anything of the sort.”

Bucky let out a deep breath and rolled his shoulders back, “I want this to be enjoyable for her,” Bucky looked at his mom who was nodding, “y’know, I want her to like my family but I also know the sheer number of Barnes’ can make anyone feel cornered, and when she feels cornered she…” Bucky rubbed the back of his neck, “and the last time she was here she broke up with her previous boyfriend,” Winnie placed her hand on his clenched jaw - making him relax it.

Her eyes flicked between Bucky’s, “you get protective and this anxious when she does, you hear?” Bucky nodded again, “right now, you are going to put that bowl on the coffee table and then come back for the chips as well as the pigs in the blanket and then you will go pick up your lovely girlfriend,” Winnie spoke softly and Bucky closed his eyes, “and you won’t crawl all over her with information and you won’t be glued to her hip all day, you can’t be the one to corner her, alright?”

Bucky bit his bottom lip, “I love you, Ma.” he pulled her in for a hug, “I got really lucky with you, didn’t I?”

Winnie chuckled, “I'm speaking from experience of meeting your father’s parents back then,” she sassed, “now go run all that stuff,” she waved him away.

After putting everything out and finding George, his dad, Bucky got the keys to the truck and headed out. He brought a blanket for the passenger seat as the window in the old truck didn’t fully close and the heaters didn’t work. Bucky kept one hidden in the truck for himself when he was driving his dad's car.

********

It had been five minutes since you got off the bus, you were shaking as you stood in the parking lot. Your arms folded over one another and you bounced in spot to keep from freezing solid, nothing helped with the outfit you were wearing. The train had the nicer bathrooms so you changed there, pulling on black tights to go under and a chunky wool dress that seemed like an oversized sweater; something Bucky would wear.

The cabin was in the woods and a little more North, making it colder than campus even though the winter was not completely gone yet. Spring break was more like the end of winter break for where you lived, but a break was a break.

A truck pulled in and flashed its headlights, you ran up and opened the door. Bucky looked nice with his dark green flannel, black shirt complimenting his hair and eyes. You lunged over the center console and hugged him, his hands pulling you as tight as he could.

“You look so pretty,” he whispered, “you’re going to have my eight year old cousin wrapped around your finger,” he laughed as he took your duffle bag and threw it in the back seat. After you got settled in, Bucky drove away, taking one hand off the wheel to place on your thigh.

“So,” you sighed, “what do I need to know?”

Bucky laughed, “you’ll find out soon enough,” he briefly looked over at you, “just-...” Bucky scratched his stubble that was growing in, “I have a lot of family members and I was talking to my mom about this,” Bucky looked over once he stopped at the red light, “you’re the first person someone has brought home, I’m the first to have a girlfriend and bring her to a family thing so…”

“Go on,” you cupped his cheek.

“They are going to be all over you,” he admitted, “they already are and you weren’t there yet,” he pushed out a laugh, “so I’m not trying to scare you or anything, I just want to to be prepared and if you start feeling anxious just tell me, we’ll take a second outside, okay?”

You nodded, “that’s lovely Bucky,” you smiled wide, “you talked to Winnie for advice about me,” you cooed and scratched his cheek when he got extremely red, “I love that, baby, thank you.”

“And…” Bucky swallowed hard, “I just want full disclosure with this,” he turned down a dirt path, “I ask them to keep comments about food to a minimum, I just want you to know that.”

Your lips parted with a gasp, “really?” he looked over like he was in trouble but was met with you melt into your seat, “I really appreciate that, lovey, thank you.”

The moment you stepped foot in the cabin you were greeted with loud chatter coming from another room, Bucky called out and you heard Winnie call back. Bucky took your bags from you and also hung up your jacket, smiling as he gave you suggestive eyebrows when he saw your full look, it was becoming a running joke between the two of you.

Winnie ran over with her apron on, she held her arms out for a hug and you gladly fell into it. You had met George and Winnie a few times before, it was easy to find out that Bucky was a copy and paste of Winnie, everything about him was the same. She took your arm and stole you away from Bucky, taking you into the kitchen with her.

“So,” she opened the fridge, “I picked up those ingredients you sent me, they are all over in their little corner,” she pointed to the top right, “dinner is going to be early so whenever you need to start just go ahead, alright?”

“Sounds good,” you nodded. Before heading into the busy living room you were pouring yourself a glass of white wine, “George, nice to see you!” you reached out for a hug and he gladly accepted.

“You got your work all done?” He asked as he took out another beer for himself, “Bucky told us you two two tutorials?”

“Yep,” you took a small sip, “I was confused about the lesson and I didn’t want to be thinking about it this entire week so I thought I would clear it up for the big celebration,” you giggled until you quickly realized something, “has it arrived, by the way?”

George couldn’t contain his smile, “it has, it’s going to be in your spare room under the bed.”

“Perfect,” you raised your eyebrows, took your glass, and headed into the loudest room in the house.

********

Repeating the same conversations over and over bored you like crazy, you didn’t know how many times you had to go over your entire life story until the entire room was on the same page. It was the same thing every time.

You were standing by yourself with your second glass in your hand, what looked like an uncle had locked eyes with you and was coming over. You smoothed down your dress and smiled back, when he walked up he shook your hand and then faced the group before the both of you.

“How are you liking the family so far?” simply from the way he talked you started to figure out who his kids were, you could also tell he was on Bucky’s dad’s side. His posture was almost perfect, a sweater tied around his neck and hanging off his back like a cape.

“I’ve met some of you guys before, just in passing, but seeing everyone together is very sweet,” you giggled and looked over at Bucky who was showing his eldest grandpa something on his phone.

“What are you studying?” he asked and took a sip of what looked like whiskey, it was odd because almost everyone else was drinking wine or a beer from the bottle.

“Psychology,” you said for the ninth time, “but I’m definitely going back to school after, to specify.”

“Huh,” he poked his tongue against his cheek, looking around the room again. He seemed to be waiting for something, he fixed his posture and you tried to look at where he was looking but nothing could be found. “I have my PhD,” he leaned down and added when you didn’t ask.

“When did you defend it?” your eyes lit up, “i’ve always wanted to watch one happen in real life, it’s so amazing what you guys can remember and work with on the spot, I’d be too nervous,” you laughed and brough your glass up to your lips.

He seemed to grow red very quickly, “I haven’t defended it yet, I’m…” he paused, “I’m close to submission on my paper.”

“Oh,” you nodded, “so you don’t have it yet?” You couldn’t help but laugh a bit at the way he was trying to get out of the hole he dug himself into, he was far from actually having his PhD. part of you felt like he already had people call him Doctor.

“I don’t,” he gritted out, “I’m going to grab a beer.”

********

You were working away in the kitchen to make your little desserts for everyone, Winnie had taken her break and was mingling with everyone else. Bucky joined you not too long after to simply sit and watch, he watched you in silence as you looked back and forth between the recipe and the bowl in front of you.

“I love it when you talk to yourself,” Bucky muttered, “you’re adorable.”

“Shut up,” you grabbed the whisk and started mixing.

You and Bucky stayed together in comfortable silence, both of you had done tons of talking already and just being near one another was enough. He had this calming presence that worked even when you weren’t aware you were up tight, it seemed his aura lowered your heart rate no matter what.

People would come in and out to fill their drinks or see what was going on in here, a lot asked if they could help but you kindly declined. The music could be heard from the kitchen but not the living room, you bopped around as you placed the cookie mix onto the cookie sheet.

At one point Bucky made his way around the island and towards you, picking up your wine glass and going to the fridge. He filled it and added ice cubes when you asked, making you smile to yourself as he softly replied. You looked over your shoulder to see him move swiftly but with care, slowly dropping them in so it didn’t bang against the glass or cause the wine to splash up.

His hands made their way around your middle, you plunked the cookie dough on the sheet as his head dropped to your shoulder and stayed there for a while. His entire body was pressed up against you, Bucky just swayed as you worked. Every once in a while he’d place a soft kiss to your shoulder to reach around to tuck some hair behind your ear, nothing that got in your way or annoyed you.

“I think it’s almost dinner,” Bucky whispered, giving you a squeeze.

“Can I sit beside you?” you joked, looking over your shoulder to see his smiling face. It was a no brainer but you still found it sweet he nodded quickly. “I also think this is going to be my last drink,” you took a sip, “it’s really nice but I’m getting tipsy,” you both laughed.

Bucky let go and took the tray to place in the oven, “my dad always breaks out the whisky at night,” he shook his head to himself, obviously remembering something, “beer makes me happy and funny drunk while whisky makes me all needy and clingy, get ready for that.” he walked over again, “I mean it.”

“You already are a grade A clinger,” you pecked his lips, “looks like you’ll be miserable with me in the guest bedroom.”

Bucky quickly shook his head, “nu-uh, I’m sneaking in or bringing you with me, I’m going to fall asleep on top of you, I’m calling it now.”

Everyone made their way into the dining room, you found your spot beside Bucky and looked around at all the food in front of you. For a moment you were overwhelmed but Bucky’s hand was swiftly placed on your thigh, when you looked over Bucky wasn’t even looking at you, he was talking to his gramps again.

As the food was passed around you put enough on your plate, getting coy when Bucky gave you a bun without asking. Little conversations began to build but you and Bucky stayed in your own little world, whispering to each other and laughing as if you were out on a date with no one else around.

After a while Bucky’s youngest cousin began to ask you questions, it was much more entertaining than the adults. She asked if you had any imaginary friends or dogs, everyone laughed as she rapidly fired questions.

“Do you and Bucky love each other?” the little girl asked.

“Very much so,” you giggled and leaned into Bucky, he kissed your temple.

“So…” she lost her train of thought, “do you and Bucky kiss?”

Everyone laughed and Bucky answered, “sometimes,” causing the room to awkwardly laugh.

The eight your old tucked her chin into her neck, “do you hold hands?”

You lifted your hand to show you were already holding it, bringing your other hand up to sip your wine.

“Do you have sex?”

Immediately spat out.

The white wine sprayed all over the kid’s face and food that people were eating, everyone erupted into belly laughs, including Bucky, but you stared horrified at the little girl crying in front of everyone. Your hand covered your mouth as you sat in shock, the little girl’s mother scolded her for asking that and wiped her face off with a decorative napkin.

“That was too good!” the PhD faker slapped his knee, everyone agreed except you.

You sat in horror as everyone calmed down and worked around their infected meals, you just curled up and kept your head down. The last thing you wanted was for this to become a household story that will show up next year, the embarrassment made your entire body boiling hot. You reached over and grabbed Bucky’s ice water, taking a couple gulps which also meant he looked over at you.

“No,” he whispered, “no stress hives,” he rubbed his thumb down your neck, “baby, it’s okay,” you didn’t listen as you kept drinking his water, feeling him rub your back as you tried to cool down.

Occasionally someone would laugh, all you thought about was the kid being wiped down in the nearest bathroom, it looked like a whale breached right beside her. She probably didn’t know what that meant and had run out of questions, she was so cute when asking other questions you knew she was coming from a good heart but not the right definition; she must have meant to say something else.

You kept to yourself for the rest of dinner, not really engaging in the conversations and no one talked to you anyways. Eating quickly, you finished with enough time to get the cookies out of the oven and have a moment alone in the kitchen. You found another cup and filled it with ice water, letting Bucky keep his own glass.

“Here are the cookies,” Bucky called as you walked in with the platter, “you guys, they’re amazing,” he took some of the plates away from the people who were done, “does anyone want coffee or tea?”

“Oh, Buck, I can do that,” George stood up from the head of the table, “stay here, alright?”

Bucky sat down and was quick to pluck a cookie for himself, making sure you saw him eat it and encouraging other people to eat as well. They all began to snack away, quickly looking at you with wide eyes; they were a hit!

“It’s a very old recipe,” you smiled.

“Tell them the story,” Bucky nudged your arm.

“Well,” you smoothed out your placemat in front of you, “My mom and I were moving out of this apartment complex because they were tearing it down for some…I don’t know, high rise,” you looked around to see everyone intensively listening, “and so when they were in the middle of construction my mom and I went back to check it out and it turned around there was this cookie recipe that seemed weird on paper with all the ingredients but we gave it a shot, it was old and crumpled up but you could buy it all at the store,” you took another bite, “so when we told people my mom’s friend said that it was probably used as insulation because our complex was old and people used to use news papers,” you laughed, “so we think this recipe literally came from the inside of a wall because my mom and I were in the rubble when we found it.”

“Isn't that crazy?” Bucky laughed and took another, “when I first heard it, I was like maybe it was keeping you guys warm the entire time, maybe it was next to old newspapers that kept you guys warm?” He slung his arm around you.

“Why couldn’t you guys get real insulating stuff?” one of the teen cousins asked.

“It was an old building,” you took a sip of water.

“Yeah but like,” he paused and scrunched up his face, “couldn’t they fix it, make it with modern materials?”

You thought about it though you knew the answer. You held yourself back from saying it was the cheapest building on the block but you instead smiled and said, “I’ll give you the landlord’s number, you can set him straight.”

Everyone laughed and the PhD guy chimed in, “does this recipe call for you to spray anything in it, because I don’t know if that’s a culture thing,” he chuckled, and the rest of the group laughed.

You could feel the heat spreading around your neck again, “ha, ha,” you smiled through it, “I’ll never live that down, will I?”

“It’s such a funny story, I’ll tell that one instead of that recipe one for next time,” he had the audacity to wink at you. His smile fell quickly, you hadn’t given him a face but when you looked over your shoulder to see Bucky beside you, it was clear.

If looks could kill.

********

You had called it a night a while ago, curled up in bed after finishing some work. Most of the family had left before it got too dark, not wanting to drive out of the lonesome woods in the middle of the night. Bucky stayed down for a while, of course drinking his whisky with his dad.

“It could have been worse,” you said out loud as you looked at your duffle bag sitting on the chair in the corner of the room. Nothing was perfect but you had made friends with Bucky’s family and learned a lot, they seemed to really like you and not swarm as much as you thought.

Hearing heavy footsteps coming up the stairs you listened close, smiling to yourself when you were able to label them as Bucky’s footsteps. Your back was to the door but you still closed your eyes, wanting to see what he’d do if he saw you sleeping. The door cracked open and you heard a gasp, he was drunk and needy.

His hands slipped under your curled frame and picked you up, “my sack of potatoes,” he whispered to himself and left the room, turning off the light. When you were tossed onto his bed you opened your eyes, Bucky was taking off his shirt and nice pants.

“Are you really going to-” he cut you off as he slipped under the sheets and laid right on you, just like he said he would. His face nuzzled into your chest and his arms held you close, you couldn’t help but play with his hair and watch how fast he fell asleep. “It's your birthday soon,” you whispered, “you’ll get your present soon.”

Bucky held you impossibly closer, “it’s already here, baby.”

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jrob64 · 6 months

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Pet for Rent , Chapter 4/4 (The Happy Ending) A CS Modern AU Story

And so we've reached the end of this little journey. Thank you for reading this story that was one way for me to move through my grief of losing Zeke. Some of you have mentioned that you've lost a pet and reading this has helped you, and that makes me very happy

This chapter earns the story its M rating, but the smut is bracketed by double rows of asterisks and can be easily skipped.

Thanks one more time to @hookedmom, who helped me work out the ending until it was satisfactory to both of us.

Chapter Summary: Henry, Emma, Killian and Winston get their happy ending.

Chapters on Tumblr: Ch. 1 (The Meet Cute) Ch. 2 (The Idea) Ch. 3 (The Adoption)

Rating: M (See note above)

Words: 9319

Also posted to Ao3 and ffn

Story begins under the cut

Winston’s routine between the two households was firmly established during the next month. He spent weekdays with Killian at his apartment, and evenings at Emma and Henry’s house. On the weekends, all four of them spent as much time together as possible.

Emma and Killian were both happy to see that the dog was housebroken and didn’t require a lot of extra work. He did crave attention at times and demonstrated some behaviors that made them think he still had some puppy in him, but the three humans were consistent in their training to stop him from jumping up and barking excessively.

From the very first night he spent with them, he didn’t need to be put outside until morning, and slept soundly on Henry’s bed. The boy and dog formed a fast friendship and once again, Emma had her happy-go-lucky son back. He kept a picture of Ernie on his dresser and mentioned how much he still missed him from time to time, but the joy of having a new dog was healing his heart.

On Fridays and Saturdays, Killian would stay for a few hours after Emma got Henry into bed. They watched television, had lengthy conversations and kissed…a lot. Once they were sure Winston was acclimated to his new environment, they were able to plan another date to eat out and see a movie.

Their relationship was deepening, but they had yet to declare their love for one another. Killian was sure of his feelings for Emma, but didn’t want to spook her by saying anything. Emma wanted to make sure what she felt wasn’t just an infatuation. She had only fallen in love with one other man and had her heart shattered into a million pieces. She couldn’t afford to be wrong about her feelings again, especially since she now had Henry to take into consideration.

The bond between Henry and Killian was getting stronger as well. The two of them watched sporting events on TV, played video games, worked on training Winston and built Lego sets together. Emma was happy her son had a male figure in his life now, but worried about what would happen if Killian decided to move away from Storybrooke.

The first substantial snowfall of the season happened on a Friday in early December. School was letting out at noon due to the storm, which put Emma in a bind. Ashley couldn’t watch him because she was away for the weekend. Emma had already arranged to take off work at three o’clock instead of five, but she wasn’t able to leave another three hours early.

When she considered who else would be willing to help, the next person who came to mind was Killian. As she quickly placed the call, she tapped her fingernails nervously on the desk.

He answered before she even heard it connect. “Swan! This is a nice surprise.”

“You might not think so when I tell you why I’m calling.”

She could hear the instant concern in his voice when he asked, “Is something wrong?”

“They’re letting school out in half an hour because of the weather and Ashley is out of town. I can’t get off work until three o’clock and I need somebody to pick Henry up and watch him until…”

“Calm down, Love,” he interrupted. “Winston and I will pick him up and take him home.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind? I don’t want to take you away from your work…”

“No worries. I’m finished for the day because I already put in extra hours this week.”

“Oh, good,” she said, breathing a sigh of relief. “I’ll call the school and tell them you’ll be picking him up. Since you’re not an authorized pick-up person, you’ll have to go inside to fill out a form when you get there. I’ll also text Mary Margaret and let her know. I really, really appreciate this, Killian.”

“It’s truly no problem, Love. I’ll get Winston ready to go right now. We should be there in about twenty minutes. Will that work?”

“That’s perfect. I need to warn you that it’s probably going to be a bit chaotic in the school office because of the early release.”

“Duly noted. I’ll send you a text when I’ve collected Henry and we’re in the car ready to go home.”

“Thanks, again. You’re a lifesaver.”

Ending the call, she sent up a prayer of thanks and went back to work.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Emma was right about the chaos in the office. Killian had to wait several minutes before they could verify who he was and hand him a form to complete. Just as he was signing his name at the bottom, Mary Margaret ushered Henry in the door, along with two of her other students, whose parents were also waiting.

“Killian!” Henry cried, spotting him immediately.

“Hello, lad. Your mom asked me to pick you up.”

“Yeah, Mrs. Nolan told me. Thanks!”

“You’ll have to sign him out,” Mary Margaret explained, gesturing to the line of parents who were waiting to do that very thing. “Be careful driving home.”

“Thank you. You do the same,” Killian responded, stepping behind the last person in line.

Once Henry was properly signed out, they slipped and slid through the accumulating snow to where Killian had parked the car. Winston started barking from inside as soon as he caught sight of his boy.

While Henry greeted the dog and got himself buckled in, Killian texted Emma, then started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. So far, the snow was just making the roads slushy, but with such precious cargo in the back seat, he drove with extra caution.

By the time Emma arrived home three hours later, the snow was making travel hazardous. Killian heard her come in the door and paused the video game he and Henry were playing.

She was stomping off her boots and shaking the snow out of her hair when he greeted her. “Did you have any trouble, Love?”

“The roads are terrible and the snow is picking up, which means they’re only going to get worse.”

He helped her out of her coat and hung it on one of the hooks on the wall. As she sat on a bench to pull off her boots, he scratched behind his ear and said wistfully, “Perhaps I should just go home now, if they’re getting that bad.”

She glanced up at him, then back down as she finished her task. Once both of her boots were sitting on the rug, she stood and looked toward the living room. “What’s Henry doing?”

“We were playing a video game. He’s probably waiting for me to rejoin him.”

“Let me go say hi to him, then I have something to ask you.”

“Okay, but first…” he said, wrapping his arms around her and giving her a tender kiss. “Welcome home, Love. I’m very glad you made it safely.”

“Mmm, me too, especially when I get a greeting like that.” After giving him one more kiss, she linked their hands and led the way to the living room. Henry was sitting on the couch petting Winston, who was laying beside him. Both of them perked up when the adults entered the room, a wide grin splitting Henry’s face, while Winston thumped his tail on the cushions.

“Hey, kid. How was school today?”

“Great! I wish we could get out early every day!”

Emma laughed. “I wouldn’t count on it. Were you able to go to art class? I know how you look forward to it.”

“We still got to go and I finished my Rainbow Fish project. It turned out really good!”

“Oh, yeah? Did you bring it home?”

“No, it had to finish drying. Mrs. Fisher said she wants to hang it up in the hallway.”

“Maybe I’ll schedule a day to come in and have lunch with you, and you can show it to me then. How does that sound?”

“Cool! I love it when you have lunch with me!”

“I know. I love it, too. Let me know when it’s hung up, okay?” She watched him nod his agreement, then asked, “What have you three boys been up to this afternoon?”

“We went out and played in the snow for a little while, but it got too windy and cold. Killian made hot chocolate when we came inside. Winston loved the snow, didn’t you, boy?”

“He was trying to catch all of the snowflakes,” Killian laughed. “Then he started eating the snow on the ground. He’s such a funny pooch.”

“Show her the picture you took, Killian,” Henry urged.

Killian pulled his phone out of his front pocket and opened his photo gallery. Holding it so Emma could see, he said, “I took several pictures and a couple of videos.”

As he started scrolling through them, he didn’t see the doey-eyed look she gave him before directing her attention to what he was showing her. When he came to the last picture, she burst out laughing. In it, Henry was kneeling on the ground beside Winston, who had snow all over his muzzle.

“He looks like he has a white beard,” she giggled.

“Aye, Whitebeard the Weird, distant relative of Blackbeard the Pirate,” Killian chuckled.

Emma laughed again, then asked her son, “Where did you put your wet clothes?”

“Killian put them in the dryer.”

“Henry showed me where it was located.”

“Thank you. He usually lets them lay in a heap inside the door.” Turning back to Henry, she said, “What else did you do?”

He picked up the Nintendo Switch controller, gesturing to the TV with it. “We played video games until you got home.”

“Sounds like you guys had a good time.”

“We did,” Henry assured her. “And don’t worry, Mom. I thanked Killian for everything.”

“Aye, he did. Henry has very good manners, don’t you, lad?” Killian said, ruffling the boy’s hair.

“Yeah. Are you ready to finish our game?”

“Your mother wanted to talk to me about something first, then I should probably head home. She said the roads are getting bad.”

Henry’s shoulders drooped. “But I thought you would stay like you always do on Fridays.”

Emma said, “Henry, why don’t you play a game by yourself for a while, so I can talk to Killian?”

“Can I play Mario Kart?”

“You know the rules - only if you turned in all of your homework and didn’t get your card pulled for bad behavior this week.”

He jumped off the couch and grabbed his book bag from the recliner where he had tossed it when he got home. Unzipping it, he pulled out a folder and handed it to his mom.

She took it and pulled out the papers from the ‘keep at home’ side, placing them on the end table to look at later. Then she took a sheet from the ‘return to school’ pocket. After looking it over, she gave Henry a smile and kissed him on the forehead. “Good job, kid. I’m proud of you.”

While he was putting the folder back in his bag, she went to the closet and got the treasured game off the shelf above the coat rack. As soon as he got the game set up and was fully engaged in choosing his racer, Emma motioned for Killian to follow her into the kitchen.

She leaned against the front of the sink out of Henry’s line of sight, and Killian stood in front of her, his hands on her hips. “What did you want to talk to me about, Swan?” he asked, a concerned crease across his forehead.

Her eyes remained focused on the floor for several moments. When she finally looked up, there were tears in them.

He stepped closer, dipping his head to scan her face. “Emma, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she answered quickly. “I just…I…I think I love you.”

Killian’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped. “Wh-what?”

“I love you. I’ve fallen in love with you, Killian Jones.”

He surged forward, claiming the lips that just uttered the words which were music to his ears. He could have kissed her for hours, but he needed to ask her a question. “When?”

“When did I fall in love with you?” she asked, seeking to clarify.

“Aye. When did you know?”

She licked her lips. “I think I’ve been falling for you since the first day we met, but I wanted to make sure it’s really love that I feel. I’ve been burned before, and with Henry to consider, I didn’t want to jump right into a serious relationship. Then today, I just…I realized…I mean, you’re there for me, for us. You’re wonderful with Henry and it…it’s not because you’re trying to impress me or win my affections through my son. You honestly seem to like spending time with him. You dropped everything to pick him up today and then, those videos and pictures…you took videos and pictures of my kid because you were having fun with him.”

She paused for a second and he waited, understanding she needed to gather her thoughts. “But it’s not just because of Henry. That’s important, but it…it’s the way you make me feel. I love every minute we spend together. I can never get enough of being with you. As soon as you leave, I immediately look forward to the next time we’ll see each other. I…I…oh hell, I’m rambling and not making any sense.”

“You’re making perfect sense. I completely understand what you’re trying to say.”

“You do?”

He framed her face with his hands, brushing the apples of her cheeks with his thumbs. “Aye, because I feel the same way. You’re the best part of my day, whether we’re texting, talking, or actually together. I truly do love spending time with Henry because he’s such a great kid and I would never use him to try to impress you, Emma.” He brushed a kiss across her lips. “I’ve known for a while, too. That I love you. I’m in love with you, Emma Swan.”

The brightness of her smile was nearly blinding and it was her turn to initiate the fiery kiss. Afterwards, they stood with their foreheads pressed together, while her fingers played with the ends of his hair at the nape of his neck. “Can I ask you something?” she whispered.

“Of course, Love. Anything.”

She looked into his eyes. “Are you still thinking about moving away from Storybrooke?”

“No,” he answered without hesitation. “I’ve got every reason in the world to stay right here.”

“Good.”

He kissed her sweetly, then sighed. “I hate to ruin this moment, but I really should get started for home. The road conditions are probably worsening by the minute.”

“Actually, that was the original reason I wanted to talk to you. I was thinking that maybe…you could…stay here tonight.”

“Why, Swan,” he teased, “are you inviting me to a sleepover?”

“Well, it would be a very adult sleepover,” she said, watching him closely to gauge his reaction.

He tilted his head and studied her for a moment or two. “Are you saying…you want me to actually sleep with you?”

“I guess we would sleep eventually…”

“Emma, are you sure you’re ready to take that next step?”

“You’re not?”

“I’m not saying that at all,” he said quickly. “I just…would you be comfortable having me stay with you when Henry is right down the hall? We could…we could wait until we’re at my place, if you’d rather.”

“This isn’t spur of the moment, Killian. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. I think Henry is too young to understand what it means for you to spend the night and still be here in the morning. He just loves having you here and is always sad to see you leave. I’m not saying it’s going to be something that happens every night…”

“I wouldn’t expect that, especially during the week, but perhaps on the weekends?”

“That’s what I was thinking. Of course, we might be jumping the gun to consider more than tonight. You might be appalled by my snoring, drooling, or what I look like first thing in the morning. Or maybe we won’t be…compatible…in bed.”

He grinned. “I highly doubt that will be the case, Emma. Ever since the day we met, I’ve felt like we have a connection to each other that goes beyond friendship. I can’t imagine that not transferring to the bedroom. As far as your snoring and drooling, I’m sure I’ll find it to be absolutely adorable.”

“Whatever you say,” she scoffed. “But when you wake up with my morning breath in your face, you might change your mind.”

“I’m willing to risk it,” he smirked.

She began playing with the buttons on his shirt. “There’s, um…there’s one more thing I need to tell you.”

“What’s that, Love?”

After stepping away from him to check on Henry in the other room, she returned to face him again. “I haven’t been…intimate with anyone since Henry’s father. Henry is my world and everything else has taken a back seat.”

“Which is quite understandable,” Killian said. “It’s been a while for me, too. After getting hurt like I did, I was in no hurry to be with another woman. You have changed so many things in my life, Emma, and I’m anxious to begin this next chapter with you and Henry.”

“Don’t forget Winston,” she quipped.

“How could I forget Winston?” he laughed.

“Okay, so how about we get some supper and watch a movie like we usually do on Friday nights? My guess is that after the excitement of the day, Henry will be asleep before it’s over.”

“That sounds wonderful, Love. What were you planning to eat?”

“I was planning to order pizza, but with the roads the way they are, I think we better go with plan B.”

“Which is…?”

“I have no idea.”

He chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Do you mind if I search your cupboards a bit?”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and crooned, “You can search anything you want.”

“Swan, are you flirting with me to get me riled up?”

“Maybe. Is it working?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” he teased.

“Perhaps I would,” she answered, before scattering kisses along his throat.

“Bad form, Love,” he groaned.

“You don’t like it?” she asked innocently, looking up at him through her lashes.

“I like it too much, that’s the problem,” he said, pressing his hips against hers so she could feel the effect she was having on him.

“Okay, I’ll stop…for now,” she said. She started to move away and he reluctantly released her. “Dig around to your heart’s content and I’ll go see what movie Henry wants to watch.”

Killian ended up making spaghetti with garlic toast for supper. Afterwards, they watched “Luck” on AppleTV, while munching on chocolate chip cookies Emma whipped up. She and Killian managed to make the food while sharing lots of kisses in the kitchen.

Henry didn’t question Killian staying instead of going home; he was simply happy to carry on with their usual Friday evening routine. He made it through the movie without falling asleep, but was reluctant to move when it ended. Emma realized that he wanted Killian to carry him to his room, which he did, making her heart melt as she watched.

While Emma took Henry through his bedtime routine, Killian put Winston outside to do his business. Although he had cleared the patio of snow earlier in the evening, it was covered again.

When he took Winston into Henry’s room after toweling him off, he reported, “I’d say there’s at least six inches of snow and it’s still coming down.”

“Oh, boy!” Henry exclaimed, perking up. “Can you come over tomorrow to play in it with us again?”

Killian scratched behind his ear, looking to Emma for help.

“Actually kid, Killian is going to stay here overnight,” she said.

“He is?”

“Yeah. The roads are pretty bad and I didn’t want him to risk driving home. Is that okay with you?”

Henry gave her a puzzled look. “Sure. Why wouldn’t it be okay?”

Emma shrugged. “He’s never spent the night here before.”

“Well, he should, because we’re usually together all day on Saturdays, too. It doesn’t make sense for him to go home.”

Killian and Emma exchanged a look, then he bid the boy goodnight, patted Winston and left the room so she could read to her son.

After kissing Henry and closing the door to his room, she found Killian sitting on the couch. “Well, I guess that answers the question of whether it’s going to bother Henry,” she said, plopping down beside him.

“Aye,” he chuckled, but she noticed he didn’t look at her.

“Hey,” she said, reaching to take his hand. “Is something wrong?”

“I, uh, I…if we’re going to take that next step in our relationship, I’m concerned about what to do because I don’t have any kind of protection.”

“Well, I obviously don’t have any STDs and I assume you don’t, either.”

“I don’t, but what about preventing you from getting pregnant?”

“Oh, that’s not a problem. I have an IUD. My doctor suggested it because I had such heavy periods after Henry was born.”

“Well, that is a relief,” he said, finally looking at her. “Did Henry fall asleep while you were reading to him?”

“He was out before I read half a page. He actually held out longer than I thought.”

“Tomorrow will be another fun day in the snow for him.”

She turned on the sofa to face him, draping her legs over his. “I was meaning to ask you - did you bring along clothes to wear out in the snow?”

“Aye. Liam advised that I keep extra clothes in the car during the winter months, so I changed into them once we came inside.”

“Did you dry them with Henry’s clothes?”

“I did. I hope that was alright.”

“Of course. I want you to make yourself at home here. I was thinking it might be nice to put up the Christmas tree tomorrow.”

“That’s a wonderful idea. I’m sure Henry loves doing that.”

“Oh yes, he really gets into it,” she laughed. “Although I’m sure you can’t imagine him getting excited about anything!”

Her sarcasm made him chuckle. “That’s one reason why I enjoy being with him so much. He’s enthusiastic about everything.”

“You clearly haven’t seen him do his chores.”

“Well, that’s true,” he agreed with a grin. “I suppose that’s typical for a kid.”

“Not just a kid. I hate doing chores, too.”

“You know,” he said, wrapping his arms around her to pull her into his lap, “I could think of much better things to talk about than chores.”

She adjusted herself so her knees were on either side of his hips, her hands on his shoulders and her forehead resting against his. “Like the fact that I love you?”

“Aye, that’s a much better subject,” he said, nuzzling her nose. They indulged in a long, slow kiss, while their hands roamed each other’s body. “I love you, too,” Killian murmured against her lips. In response, she deepened the kiss and adjusted her position, putting more pressure on his groin. “Swan…” he rasped.

“Maybe we should move to the bedroom,” she whispered in his ear.

The tickling sensation and implication of her words served to increase his arousal. “I like that idea, Love.”

She kissed him one more time, then pushed herself off of him. Threading her fingers through his, she tugged him to his feet. As they quietly moved down the hall, Emma stopped outside Henry’s door, listening intently. Giving a nod, they continued into her bedroom and she closed the door behind them.

“He’s out for the night,” she commented.

“You can tell that just by listening for a few seconds?”

“He’s a mouth breather, a loud one. He probably needs to have his tonsils and adenoids removed, but up until now, I haven’t had a job with good insurance. I just haven’t taken him to the doctor yet.”

“What about Winston?”

“If he needs his tonsils and adenoids out, I’ll let you pay for it,” she teased.

“You’re hilarious, Swan,” he remarked, trying to look stern, but failing to keep the smile from taking over his face.

“Yeah, I know,” she smirked. “Winston has slept through the night since the first night we brought him home.”

“In that case,” Killian said, sauntering into her personal space, “I guess the night is ours.”

“I guess so,” she said, then nervously pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.

Tilting his head, he looked into her eyes for several seconds, then brushed some locks of blonde hair over her shoulder. “Emma, please don’t feel like we have to go ahead with this if you’re…”

“No, Killian,” she interrupted firmly. “I really want this, I’m just…out of practice, I guess.”

He put his hands on her waist and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. “Relax, Love. Just let things happen naturally, and if they don’t, then we sleep instead. No pressure, okay?”

“You know, the first time I saw you, I had to convince myself you were real. I was sure no one as handsome as you could actually exist. And now, you say something like that and I have to convince myself that you’re real all over again. I mean, when a guy’s girlfriend is offering them sex, how many would say it’s okay if it doesn’t happen?”

“Probably more than you think. I would hope there are more gentlemen than rogues out there.”

Emma thought about that for a few moments, before saying, “I should wash my face and brush my teeth. Why don’t you, um, get comfortable in here and I’ll go take care of that.”

He watched her leave the room, then ran his hands through his hair. He longed to show Emma how much he loved her, but the last thing he wanted was for her to feel uncomfortable or pressured in any way. After stripping down to his navy blue boxers and white T-shirt, he sat on the bed to wait for her to return.

Meanwhile, in the bathroom, she was quietly berating herself in the mirror. “You have this sweet, sexy, perfect boyfriend in your bedroom and you come running in here like a scared rabbit. What is wrong with you?” she asked her reflection. When she didn’t receive an answer, she sighed, tossed a washcloth into the sink and turned on the hot water.

After she finished in the bathroom and padded back to her room, she tapped lightly on the door before entering. Killian looked up at her from his seat on the bed, concern etched on his face. “Alright there, Swan?”

She gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. I, um, I laid an extra toothbrush out for you if you wanted to, um, brush your teeth,” she stammered.

“Thank you, Love.” He stood up and slipped out the door.

Emma used the time to change out of her clothes and into a turquoise nightshirt that barely covered her underwear. She was standing in front of her dresser brushing her hair when she heard a soft knock on the door. “Come in,” she said, when it didn’t open right away.

As Killian entered, she saw his reflection in the mirror. She hadn’t gotten a good look at him before he left the room; but now, she saw that he was utterly tantalizing in very little clothing. It made her mouth go dry, but at the same time, made all of her nervousness vanish.

Turning toward him, she saw the anticipation on his face and quickly crossed the space between them. Standing in front of him, she reached up and cupped his face, then pulled him down to connect their lips, trying to pour every ounce of her love into the kiss.

His arms wrapped around her, pulling her snugly against himself. She’d been in his arms many times, but there were always more layers of clothing between them. Feeling his well-defined chest pressed against hers and his strong back under her roaming hands, she could feel her own body reacting.

Finally breaking the kiss, she said breathlessly, “I’m sorry for being so hesitant. I asked you to stay and then I let my nerves and insecurities get to me. It’s just that, in the past, people were always letting me down…”

“Let me assure you, Love,” he said, softly stroking the tips of his fingers over her cheek, “I don’t intend to let you down or hurt you in any way. You mean far too much to me to ever let that happen, trust me.”

Her eyes searched his, knowing she would see nothing but sincerity and love in them. “I do trust you,” she whispered. Taking his hands, she backed up until the backs of her knees hit the bed, then sat down and pulled him down beside her.

*********

“I’m yours,” she said. “Make love to me, Killian.”

Twisting his body, he embraced her, then rolled them until he was on top of her in the middle of the mattress. “As you wish,” he grinned.

They took their time undressing each other between impassioned kisses, their lips finding the skin that was revealed with every discarded article of clothing. Killian paid special attention to Emma’s bare breasts when he removed her shirt, his mouth and calloused fingers on the sensitive flesh making her body sizzle with desire.

When she pushed his boxers down his legs, her eyes widened as she took in the size of his manhood. Her hand wrapped around it, the smooth skin feeling like satin on her palm.

As she slowly stroked him, his fingers moved between her thighs, feeling the damp heat. She widened her legs as one finger made its way inside her. “Killiannn,” she whined.

“Does that feel good?” he murmured into her ear.

“Yesss…so good.”

“What you’re doing feels good to me, too,” he assured her. He pushed himself up to lean on one elbow, sweeping his eyes up and down her form. “Gods, Emma. You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen,” he praised. “You’re absolutely perfect.”

Her hands moved to his chest, fingers swirling through the generous dusting of hair. “So are you.” The fingers of one hand followed the dark trail of hair down his belly and between his legs to fondle his testicles, satisfied when she heard his sharp intake of breath.

They continued to explore, working one another up until both were panting and pleading. Killian took his time ensuring that Emma was prepared, using his fingers around and inside her opening to make her slick with arousal. At the same time, her attention to his cock and the way she scratched her fingernails over the skin of his chest and back made him the hardest he’d ever been.

As he sucked love marks into the soft skin of her breast and rubbed his thumb over her clit, she gasped, “Killian, I…I’m ready.”

He looked up at her through his long, dark lashes. Her skin was flushed, her tongue licking at her kiss-swollen lips. As his eyes connected with her lust-filled green ones, a rush of love and longing crashed over him. “I love you, Emma,” he said, moving up to seal the declaration with another kiss.

“I love you, too. So much,” she replied, running her fingers through his damp strands of hair. Then she shifted on the bed so he could settle between her thighs.

Holding himself above her on one elbow, he reached down to grasp his cock, rubbing it through her slick, wet folds, then slowly began pushing forward. His eyes scanned up her body to study her face, hoping to catch any sign of discomfort in her features. He halted his progress when he detected a slight grimace. “Does that hurt?” he asked.

“No, no,” she assured him. “It burns a little, but mostly it feels…amazing. Please don’t stop.”

He was happy to hear those words, because being only partially inside her felt incredible, and he yearned to keep going. Dropping his elbow down to the other side of her body, he pulled back a little, then pressed forward again, going deeper inch by inch, until he was fully engulfed in her warm, tight sheath.

Resting his head on her chest, he ground out, “Bloody hell, Emma. You feel fucking fantastic.”

She skimmed her hands through his hair. “It feels like you were made for me,” she whispered. Bending her knees, she pulled her feet up beside his hips and gave a slight thrust of her pelvis.

He got the hint and began rocking slowly, savoring every moan and gasp from her. Sensing that she had adjusted to his size, he pulled out until only his tip was still inside, then slid all the way back in with one stroke, gradually picking up the pace.

“Faster…deeper,” she begged.

He obliged, thrusting into her several times in quick succession. Her hips raised off the bed to meet him every time, while her fingers gripped his hair almost painfully.

“Killian, I can’t…I’m going to…”

“Let go, Love,” he encouraged, knowing she was right on the edge.

Throbbing heat and a sudden flood of wetness around his cock told him that she followed his command. She crossed her ankles behind his back, trying to pull him closer, while her head thrashed back and forth on the pillow.

He stilled within her, trying to delay his own climax. As good as it felt to have her pulsing around him, he didn’t want it to end so soon.

“T-top,” she mumbled.

“You want to be on top?”

“Mmhmm.”

After wrapping his arms around her, he carefully rolled them over. Emma planted her hands on his chest and pushed herself up, her knees tight against his hips. His hands gripped her forearms as she began lifting and lowering her pelvis, his cock sliding in, then almost out of her over and over again.

Killian was muttering a steady string of praises, telling her how perfect she was and how good she felt. Raising his head, his mouth found one of her nipples, alternately rolling his tongue over it and sucking hard. The effect caused her rhythm to stutter and she threw her head back, letting out a long, guttural moan of his name.

Feeling his release growing imminently closer, he started thrusting up into her. His hand moved down to find her clit, rubbing it roughly as he groaned, “Come again, Emma. Please come, Love. I…I can’t…”

With one final slide down on him, she did, shuddering and shaking as she cried out, “Yes! Yes, Killian!”

Watching her ecstasy, hearing her shouts and feeling her pulse around him brought him to his peak, too. He jerked and spasmed, spurting hot streams of cum inside her.

When she collapsed on top of him several moments later, he held her close, murmuring words of adoration into her hair. Gradually, their breathing and heart rates returned to normal, and Killian groped around the bed, finding the blanket and pulling it over the top of them.

*********

Emma sighed happily, pressing kisses to his throat and collarbone. “That was amazing! I know it’s been a while, but I don’t remember sex ever being that good.”

“Well, that’s because you’ve never done it with me before,” he chuckled. Hearing her hum of agreement, he added, “It’s never been like that for me, either. Then again, I’ve never loved anyone like I love you. I think that’s what made it so much more intense and meaningful.”

She lifted her head and rested her chin on his sternum, looking into his face. “I’m sure you’re right about that. I’m very glad we decided to take this next step. I feel like we’re more closely connected now.” She wiggled her hips, causing his softening length to shift inside her. “In more ways than one.”

He grinned and reached up to tuck her hair behind her ears. “Meeting you and Henry is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Leaning forward, she kissed him; a slow, tender kiss that communicated her feelings more than words ever could. They cuddled a while longer before Emma slipped her shirt back on and went to the bathroom to clean up, bringing a warm washcloth back so Killian could do the same. After he put his boxers on and visited the bathroom himself, they burrowed under the covers, intertwining themselves and sharing more kisses until they finally drifted off to sleep - content, sated and thoroughly in love.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Emma awoke slowly the next morning, the smell of coffee tickling her nose. When her foggy brain remembered what happened the night before, she reached over to find the other side of the bed empty. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes and stretched.

She felt pleasantly sore in all the right places and smiled when she remembered how she had awakened in the middle of the night to find Killian watching her sleep. The sliver of moonlight seeping in through the slight opening between the curtains illuminated his mischievous blue eyes. It was then she realized he had worked her shirt up above her breasts and was gently massaging them. Soon they were engaged in round two, finding more ways to bring pleasure to one another.

Flinging back the blanket, she grabbed a robe out of her closet and put it on as she walked down the hall. She could hear Henry chattering before she reached the kitchen.

“...and after we play in the snow, we can play more games and watch movies and…”

“Slow down, lad,” she heard Killian say, his gruff morning voice sending shivers down her spine. “I think your mother has some plans for us today.”

“That’s right,” she said, joining them. “I think you’ll like what I have planned.” Peeking over Henry’s shoulder, she asked, “What are you eating, kid?”

“Killian made egg in a basket!” he said excitedly. “It’s really good and he told me he would teach you how to make it too, if you want.”

“Is that so?” she asked, passing behind the ‘chef’ and discreetly pinching his side.

“Bad form, Swan,” he chided playfully. “And to think I made coffee and breakfast for you.”

“Sorry,” she said, stretching to her tiptoes to kiss the underside of his scruffy jaw. He turned so her next kiss was to his lips.

“You guys are being gross,” Henry complained, making the couple laugh. “So what are we doing today, Mom?”

She poured herself a mug of coffee, splashed some creamer into it, then leaned against the counter to take a sip before answering, “I thought we would put up the Christmas tree and decorate it. How does that sound?”

“YAY!” Henry shouted. Winston started barking from where he lay under the table.

“Winston, enough!” Killian commanded and the dog quieted immediately.

“Good morning, sweet boy,” Emma said, bending down to ruffle his ears. “I didn’t see you under there.” Straightening up, she asked her son, “Did you already feed him?”

Henry’s ears reddened. “Uh, no. I forgot.”

Emma gave him a stern look. “You know you’re supposed to feed your dog before you sit down to eat, young man.”

“I know. I’m sorry,” he said, hopping out of his seat and going to the pantry where the dog’s food was stored.

“Apologize to Winston, not me.”

Henry scooped out the food and dumped it into Winston’s bowl. “I’m sorry, boy,” he said, as he set it down beside the refrigerator where the dog sat waiting.

Killian laughed as he watched Winston inhaling his food like he was afraid it was going to disappear. “I think he forgives you, lad.” Looking at Emma, he added, “I already put him outside to do his business. The snow is up to his belly, but he found a spot by the side of the house that wasn’t quite as deep.”

“How long have you been up?” she questioned.

Killian glanced at the clock on the microwave. “Almost an hour.”

“Wow, you’re a morning person. It usually takes me half-an-hour just to pry my eyes open and get out of bed, especially on a Saturday.”

“Well, you know what they say - opposites attract,” he said, setting a plate of food in front of her and sitting down beside her with his own.

As they began to eat, Henry returned to the table and asked, “When are we gonna put up the tree, Mom?”

“You can help decide. Do you want to do it before or after we play in the snow?”

He thought for a second. “Let’s go outside first. Can we bake gingerbread cookies like we did last year, when we decorated the tree?”

“I’m afraid not. We don’t have the necessary ingredients for that kind of cookie.”

Seeing Henry’s disappointed look, Killian said, “I know a good recipe for sugar cookies. Do you like that kind? I know your mother has all the ingredients for them.”

Henry perked up again. “Yeah! Can we decorate them? We have sprinkles left from when you tried to make cupcakes for Avery’s birthday, remember?”

“Ugh, don’t remind me of that fiasco,” Emma groaned, making Henry giggle.

Killian looked between the two of them. “Why was it a fiasco?”

She covered her face with her hands as she answered, “I forgot the baking powder.”

“Do you mean to say,” he began, trying to contain his laughter, “that you baked cupcakes and didn’t put any baking powder in them?”

Dropping her hands, she replied indignantly, “Hey, it happens to the best of us. I’ve seen episodes of the Great British Baking Show where the bakers forget to put in key ingredients.”

“Point taken. Did you take the cupcakes to the party?”

“Are you kidding? They looked like hockey pucks! Of course I didn’t take them to the party.”

Killian laughed heartily, while Emma tried and failed to give him a reproving look. Instead, she dissolved into laughter, too.

“Mom picked up cupcakes at the grocery on the way to the party,” Henry said, then shoved another bite of food into his mouth.

“Well, I promised to bring them, so I had to do something.”

“Very resourceful, Swan.”

By the end of breakfast, they had the day’s schedule worked out. They played in the snow as soon as they were all dressed, then drank hot chocolate and baked cookies. While waiting for the cookies to be cool enough to ice and decorate, Henry and Killian brought the small artificial tree in from the garage.

As they were setting it up, Emma explained, “Henry wants to have a live tree, but I told him he needs to be a little older, because I don’t think I could get one unloaded and set up by myself.”

“Ah, well, if it weren’t for the fact we’re snowed in today, I could have helped you with that,” Killian said. “Perhaps next year.”

“Yeah, that would be nice,” she said, kissing him on the cheek. “I hope we’ll still be together by then.”

He pulled her against him, wrapping her in his warm embrace. “I have every confidence we will, Love.”

The day was the most fun any of them could remember. They decorated cookies and the tree while listening to Christmas music, played some board games, then watched two Christmas movies with only the lights from the tree and television illuminating the living room. Killian sat on the couch between Emma and Henry, both of whom were snuggled close to his side.

Emma and Killian shared many affectionate caresses and kisses throughout the day, unable to keep from touching each other. That evening, after Henry and Winston were in bed, they spooned on the sofa, quietly discussing plans for the next day, Christmas and New Years Eve.

Both of them were hopeful and excited about their future together.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Eight Months Later

“Great pass, Nicholas!” Killian shouted, running along the sidelines to coach his players. “Keep it under control, Grace! Get open, Henry! There he is! Pass it, Grace!”

As Henry’s kick sent the soccer ball flying into the goal, Emma leaped from her seat with a cheer, causing Winston to jump up and start barking. Everyone around them laughed, used to the excitable black dog who was always at the games to watch his young master.

When the game ended, Killian’s team was victorious for the third week in a row. Henry shook hands with the other team, then sprinted over to his mom and Winston.

“Good game, kid!” Emma exclaimed, returning his hug. “Your team is doing great this year.”

“That’s because we have the best coach in the whole world!” he beamed, taking Winston’s leash from her as the dog jumped around him enthusiastically.

Emma watched Killian gather his clipboard and Henry’s water bottle. Several parents approached him to offer their words of appreciation, and she smiled as he humbly accepted them.

He really was too good to be true, except that he absolutely was…and he was hers.

She turned to fold up her lawn chair and collect Winston’s favorite ducky toy, and soon felt two strong arms wrap around her from behind.

“Congratulations, coach,” she said, twisting in his arms to kiss him.

“Thank you, Love. The team is really starting to gel, don’t you think?”

“That’s because, as Henry just said, they have the best coach in the world.”

“He said that?” Killian asked, rubbing self-consciously behind his ear.

“Yeah, and I agree. They love playing for you, Babe.”

“Well, they’re fun to coach. I’m glad you talked me into it.”

“Pfft,” Emma scoffed. “I’m not the one who did it. It was that nine-year-old con artist who lives with us.”

“He can be quite persuasive,” he conceded. “Takes after his mother.”

“Hey!” she said, lightly slapping his chest. “I never talk you into doing things you don’t want to do.”

“That’s very true,” he murmured into her ear. “I’m always up for what you want me to do.”

She giggled and engaged him in another kiss, only to be interrupted by a loud, exasperated, “Mom! Killian! You guys are embarrassing!”

They broke apart with a laugh. “Sorry, kid,” Emma said, not sounding one bit apologetic. “Ready to go home?”

“Actually, Henry and I thought it might be fun to go to the nature preserve this morning,” Killian said. “Is that alright with you, Swan?”

“Sounds good to me. I’m glad I wore sneakers instead of sandals.”

They headed to the car and were soon on their way to the preserve. Emma noticed Killian shifting in his seat and nervously tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. “Are you okay?” she asked.

“Oh, um, aye. Just working out some energy left over from the game.”

She studied him for several more moments, then shrugged slightly and turned to ask Henry what he wanted for lunch when they got home, later.

There were several cars in the main parking lot at the preserve, so Killian kept driving until they reached a more remote section. Winston always got distracted if there were too many people around, so they tried to stick to the paths that weren’t likely to be as busy.

Once they found a place to park and were out of the car, Henry and Winston started along the path that led into the woods. Emma and Killian trailed behind, falling into easy conversation, as always. Their current topic was Belle and Liam, who were due to return from their honeymoon the following day. Despite being wed at the beginning of June, the couple waited to go on their trip until August, because Liam could get airline tickets for a much better price late in the summer.

“Bloody wanker, always after a discount,” Killian grumbled, not for the first time. “Even for his honeymoon!”

“Belle didn’t seem to mind,” Emma pointed out. “She was excited because the best time to see Beluga Whales in Alaska is during the month of August. I hope they were able to see some.”

“Aye, me too. That’s probably the reason Liam booked it for this month, anyway. He just wants to make everyone think he’s a miser.”

Emma wrapped her arm around his more tightly and leaned into him. “I definitely got the better brother,” she stated playfully.

“That you did, Love,” he grinned, pressing a kiss to her temple.

After hiking for twenty minutes, they came to their favorite spot on the path - a small fishing pond surrounded by tall, reedy grass and cattails. Henry and Winston started exploring the perimeter of the water, in search of frogs. Ever since finding one at this pond earlier in the summer, they were determined to find another.

“Care to sit down for a bit, Love?” Killian asked, indicating a wooden bench.

“Yeah. I’m sure the two of them will want to stay here a while.”

They sat together in comfortable silence, listening to the chirping of birds and buzz of insects. Finally, Killian turned to her and said, “We’ve known each other for almost a year now, haven’t we?”

“We met in September, so it’ll be a year next month.”

“It’s been the best year of my life.”

“Mmhmm. Mine, too. Especially these last three months when you officially moved in with us.”

“Well, I did have to live somewhere, since the lease on my apartment was up,” he teased.

“Oh, so now the truth comes out,” she shot back with a giggle.

“Aye,” he sighed dramatically. “I only love you for your house.”

“You’re so full of it, Jones,” she said, elbowing him in the side.

He leaned back and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her against his side, both of them watching Henry and Winston chasing what looked like a dragonfly.

“Those two are something else,” she remarked.

“They’re both good boys. I’m very lucky to be part of their lives.”

Emma hummed. “We’re all very lucky to have you in our lives.”

After another lengthy pause, he murmured, “I love you, Emma.”

“I love you, too.”

He slipped from his seat and knelt in front of her. “Enough to marry me?” he asked, looking up into her eyes, widened in surprise.

“Killian…wh-what are you doing?” she stammered.

“Isn’t it obvious, Love? I’m proposing. But I guess I’ve forgotten something, haven’t I?” Unbuttoning the pocket on the side of his cargo shorts, he reached in and withdrew a diamond solitaire ring, holding it up between them. “Emma, we may have met because of a mistake, but I don’t think of it that way. I’m convinced it was God’s plan for us to meet in just the right place at exactly the right time. You, Henry and Winston are the center of my world and that’s where I want you to be for the rest of my life. So, Emma Swan, will you marry me?”

She brushed at the tears trickling down her cheeks as a huge smile crossed her face. “Yes, Killian! Of course I’ll marry you!”

He took her trembling hand in his and slid the ring into place. Then he wrapped her in his arms, kissing her hair, eyes, cheeks, and finally, her lips, salty with her tears.

Their celebration was cut short when Henry asked, “Did she say yes?”

Both of them dissolved into laughter. He was notorious for interrupting them when they were kissing, whether out of disgust or because he was simply oblivious.

“Aye, lad. She did,” Killian answered.

“Wait, you were in on this?” Emma asked her son.

“Yeah. Last night, Killian asked me if it was okay for him to marry you. I said it was, so that’s why we decided to come here after the game today - so he could oppose.”

“Propose,” Killian corrected, as Emma laughed.

Henry shrugged. “Whatever. So you’re getting married? We’re gonna be a real family?” His excitement grew as he realized what it all meant.

“Yeah, kid. We’ll officially become a family. What do you think about that?”

It wasn’t a surprise to either of them that his answer was a loud, “YAY!” while Winston barked his approval, too.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Emma and Killian were married sixteen months later, the day before the second anniversary of when they first declared their love for each other. Fortunately, there was no snowstorm on their wedding day.

Henry proudly walked his mother down the aisle to meet Killian at the altar. The boy shook his soon-to-be stepfather’s hand, then nearly tackled him in a hug, before taking his place beside Liam.

The ceremony was beautiful and perfect, which in Killian’s mind, matched his bride. Everyone had a wonderful time at the reception afterwards, celebrating the couple with food and dancing. Liam’s best man speech caused Killian’s face to turn red with embarrassment, as everyone else’s turned red with laughter.

The traditional father/daughter dance was replaced with a mother/son dance instead. As the two most important people in his life moved in small circles in the middle of the floor to the song “How Long Will I Love You?”, Killian repeatedly swallowed past the lump in his throat and wiped away a stray tear or two.

While the newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in a tropical climate, Henry and Winston stayed with Belle and Liam. The boy and his dog slept in the spare bedroom that was in the process of being turned into a nursery for Henry’s future cousin, due to arrive in two months.

Emma and Killian purchased a larger house, two blocks from the Storybrooke harbor, six months after their wedding. While they were signing the final legal papers for the sale, they were beginning another legal process.

One morning in October, Henry came into the kitchen and gave Winston an extra helping of food in celebration of their pet’s ‘gotcha day’. Sitting down at the table, he was excited to find his favorite breakfast of French toast with bacon on his plate, and folded pieces of paper beside it.

After drowning his food in maple syrup and taking a huge bite, he picked up the papers and asked, “What are these?”

“Open them and see,” Emma said, her face glowing with excitement as she met Killian’s eyes across the table.

Henry did as he was told, scanning the page until he realized that the first one was a certificate of adoption. His eyes shot up to land on Killian. “Does this mean you’re officially my dad?”

“Aye, lad, I’m legally your father. I signed the final papers a couple of weeks ago. We’ve just been waiting for that other paper to arrive before we told you.”

Henry slid the second paper out from underneath the first, his eyes widening even more. “It says Henry Andrew Jones. Is that really my name now?”

“Yeah, kid,” Emma answered. “That’s your new birth certificate and it names Killian as your father. What do you think?”

In answer, he jumped out of his chair and ran around the table to fly into Killian’s waiting arms. “I think it’s the best day of my life!” he exclaimed. “I love you, Dad!”

“I love you, too, my boy,” Killian replied, a slight catch in his voice at hearing Henry call him that title for the very first time.

Henry turned to give Emma a hug, also. “It’s pretty cool that Winston and I both have the same ‘gotcha day’,” he said.

His parents laughed. “I didn’t think about that,” Emma admitted.

That Christmas, their friends and family received a card which included a picture of Henry, Emma, Killian and Winston in front of their decorated, live Christmas tree. It was signed:

Happy Holidays! With love from the Jones family.

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

Thank you so very much for reading!

TAG LIST:

@qualitycoffeethings @grimmswan @cs-rylie @wyntereyez @kmomof4 @hookedmom @ultraluckycatnd @paradiselady19 @xarandomdreamx @motherkatereloyshipper @lfh1226-linda @pawshapedheart @vampcoffeegyrl23 @tiganasummertree @bluewildcatfanatic @eleveneitherway @elfiola @kday426 @julieenchanted-swans @gingerchangeling @andiirivera @djlbg @jonesfandomfanatic @snowbellewells @anmylica @booksteaandtoomuchtv @cocohook38 @ilovemesomekillianjones @zaharadessert @lyssapup27 @undercaffinatednightmare @winterbaby89 @jennjenn615 @xsajx @jackieorioncat @teamhook @soniccat @jarienn972 @softkilly @kymbersmith-90 @apiratewhopines

#pet for rent #chapter update #chapter 4 #complete story #jrob64 #art by jrob64 #csff #cs fluff #cs smut #CS modern AU #Captain Cobra #ouat Captain Swan fanfic

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the12thnightproject · 1 year

Note

Loved the "Warlords Watching Teletubbies". May I ask (if you're not to busy) ask for something similar like the Warlords watching "Sesame Street"? I so think that Ieyasu reminds me of Oscar the Grouch (lol), Mitsunari of Big Bird, and Mitsuhide and Hideyoshi as Ernie and Bert.

Sorry Anon about taking so long! I’ve had a busy busy winter. And um, this sort of turned into Ikesen Warlords AS Toddlers Watching Sesame Street…

Due to a Massive Wormhole Event (MWE), MC is suddenly dealing with the influx of toddler warlords (plus a tween Kennyo) in a tiny, tiny apartment. And truly, this apartment is not big enough for all of them… would never be big enough, especially since…. “Kenshin stop swinging that sword around, NOW,” and “Shingen get OUT of my chocolate stash!” ….

At her wits end… MC does what all parents since the last quarter of the 20th century have done to entertain the children: she turns on the television (and then goes into her room to read hide).

The following is what she hears through the closed door…

The sound of Keiji and Ranmaru singing the theme song to Sesame Street.

Hideyoshi: Shhhhhh! MC told us to watch this! Shhhh! I can’t watch with you singing so loud!

Nobunaga: MC! I can’t find Bearsace! He has to watch this with me.

Kenshin: MC? Are there any rabbits in this?

Masamune: Hey! Ieyasu! That orange thing that lives in the garbage can is just like you! I’mma gonna start callin’ you Oscar, ok?

The sound of Keiji and Ranmaru singing the theme song again.

Hideyoshi: Shhhhhh! Stop singing. You’re going to bother MC! SHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Shingen: Kennyo? Are you sleeping?

Kennyo: I am meditating. I am meditating. I am meditating. Zzzzz.

Ieyasu: MC! I left my sourdough starter in the Sengoku! How many days is it until we go home?

Sasuke: You have a sourdough starter? Tell me more! How do you make it? What do you like about it? What did you name it?

Kenshin: Sasuke! Are you paying attention to someone who is not me?

Kanetsugu: Sasuke! Are you paying attention to someone who is not Kenshin?

Shingen: MC. What is a cookie?

Sasuke: It’s a sweet pastry with cho-

Nobunaga AND Shingen: MC, where are your COOKIES?

Hideyoshi: We’re not supposed to eat sugar. Nobunaga, GET AWAY FROM THE COOKIE JAR!

Yukimura: Shingen, you too! Also. GET AWAY FROM NOBUNAGA.

Mitsunari: I don’t understand why no one else can see the Snuffleupagus. He’s right there?

Ieyasu: Where? All I see is the giant yellow bird.

Hideyoshi: Osc- er, Ieyasu! Don’t tease Mitsunari!

Shingen: NOBUNAGA DID YOU TAKE THE LAST COOKIE?

Nobunaga: *crunch* *crunch* No. *crunch* *crunch*

Mitsunari: (in the same accent as The Count) One. Two. Three. Four.

Masamune: Yip yip yip yip yip yip yip….

Kenshin: If they can make rubber DUCKIES why not RUBBER BUNNIES?

Masamune: Yip yip yip yip yip yip yip….Nope nope nope nope nope nope nope.

Motonari: MC! They keep touching me!

Yoshimoto: MC, CAN I play with your MAKE UP?

Masamune: Nope nope nope nope nope nope nope.

The sound of Keiji and Ranmaru singing the theme song again.

The sound of Mitsunari singing the theme song too.

Hideyoshi: Mitsunari….. whyyyyyyy?

Mitsunari: It is stuck in my head. I don’t know how to get rid of it.

Keiji: That HAPPENS TO ME ALL THE TIME. You just have to sing it more.

Mitsunari: Ok.

The sound of Keiji and Ranmaru AND Mitsunari singing the theme song again.

Motonari: If anybody sings again, I WILL SET YOU ON FIRE.

*Click*

Yukimura: What happened?

Kanetsugu: The remote stopped working.

Nobunaga: Who unplugged the TV? Kicho!

Kenshin: PLUG THE TV BACK IN. THERE MIGHT BE BUNNIES STUCK IN IT. PLUG IT BACK IN!

Kicho: Make me! OOF! GET OFF ME!

*Click*

The TV sound returns now EXTRA LOUD.

At this point… MC has ominous realization that the one voice she hasn’t heard is Mitsuhide’s. In a panic, she comes running out of the bedroom, to discover that Yoshimoto has done a makeover on the sleeping Kennyo, Mitsunari (still singing) and Shingen have taken apart the toaster, and Mitsuhide…. is nowhere to be found.

From somewhere outside… not too far away… is the sound of a siren.

@lorei-writes

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pizzaqueen · 2 years

Text

Thank you so much for the enthusiasm for my Buckingham A League Of Their Own AU so far! Here’s part two :D It’s Robin’s POV and half platonic Steve & Robin and half Buckingham meeting/getting to know each other (it overlaps with part one)

1.4k / no warnings (but vague mentions of war)

Part one

Oh, and if you haven’t already seen it @yendts did some AMAZING art for this AU

Okay, now, the fic:

Sweat drips down Robin's forehead, stings her eyes, but she’s grinning when she pulls her mask off. They won. They won! And it was down to Robin.

"Nice catch, Buckley," Stan, the shortstop, says, slapping her on the back.

She grins wider. "Thanks." She looks around, the joy of victory slowly becoming tinged with concern. She can’t see Steve.

It's not like he can't look after himself, or anything, but he's their coach. And he's been different since he got back. God, Robin, of course he's different—his major league career was cut short and who knows what he saw, fighting out there—but he's been so down that sometimes (most of the time) she worries.

And then she sees him. He’s talking to a guy about a head shorter and twenty years older than him, more animated than she's seen him in a while.

With a bounce in her step, she goes over, punching him in the arm. "Hey, coach," she says, "see me win?"

Steve turns to her, smiling. A proper, actual smile. "Yep. And so did..." His brow furrows and he turns back to the guy he was talking to. "Sorry, I forgot your name."

“Ernie Capadino,” the guy says. "Look, I'm not going to beat around the bush, but do you want to play ball?"

He's looking at Robin; her brow furrows. "I already do?” She points back at the field.

"Proper ball. Professionally. Mr. Wrigley and some others are setting up a women’s league. I've been sent to find talent for the tryouts. I think you've got what it takes."

The world stops and everything seems distant. This must be a dream. She makes the winning catch and then there’s this guy here telling her there’s going to be a women’s league and she’s got what it takes. All she can manage to say is, “You're a scout?"

"I'm glad you're quicker at catching balls than catching on."

"Hey," Steve says, "you're kind of talking in riddles."

"Sorry." Mr. Capadino mops his brow. "It's been a long day." He turns to Robin. "Are you interested?"

She hesitates, biting her lip. ”This isn't a prank is it?" Some of the guys are prone to pranking, and she’s not sure they’re clever enough for this, but…a women’s league? An actual real women’s professional baseball league?

"Not a prank."

"Then, yes, I—" Robin looks at Steve, and he gives her an encouraging look and a thumbs up. She lets out a relieved breath. She would've still gone, but it would have been with a heavier heart. She smiles and says, "I'm definitely interested."

—

"I still can't believe this is happening," Robin says, curled up in the projection booth with Steve. "In less than a week, I could be a professional ball player."

"Could be?"

"I might not make a team."

"You will."

Robin smiles, then she bites her lip. The projector flickers away, whirring between her and Steve. The theatre gave him back his old job the moment he got back, and Robin's glad he has this, but she can't stand the thought of leaving him. "Come with me."

"Yeah, sure."

"I mean it."

"What as? Your batboy."

"No. Just to get out of Hawkins."

"Yeah, I got out of Hawkins, pretty recently, remember? Didn't work out too well for me."

Robin looks at Steve's knee, doesn't think about the other scars. She wants to say At least you're still alive, but she doesn't. It wouldn't be fair. But she spent months and months imagining Steve, dead in some ocean somewhere, blown to pieces in the Pacific, and she's still so relieved he's alive that some days it's hard to remember his life has been torn apart. But she decides to try a different tack, just like she did when she convinced Steve to coach the Tigers. "I don't want to go alone," she says softly.

"Robin."

"Please, Steve. I've never left Hawkins for longer than a week." She presses her hands together. "Please come with me."

And that does it. She sees Steve's resolve crumble.

"Just for the tryouts," Steve says. "And then I'm coming home."

"Of course. Wouldn't want to miss out on any of the incredibly interesting things that happen here."

Steve rolls his eyes, but he seems a little lighter as he changes the movie reels over, and Robin smiles easily. She's going to play ball. For real!

Holy shit.

—

"I'm standing outside Baker Field!" Robin bites her lip, bouncing on her toes. "Baker Field! Do you know how many games I listened to being played here?”

"Yeah." There's a strangeness in Steve's voice, but it's gone when he adds, "I'll meet you back here after." He pauses. "Or, should I say, I'll meet the new Robin Buckley, hotshot pro ball player." He nudges her shoulder.

"This is really happening, isn't it?"

"Yeah," Steve says, "it is."

Robin claps her hands to her face. "I think I might pee myself."

Steve snorts. He shoves her lightly in the direction of the gates. "Go on, go prove what I already know. And lay off the high ones."

"I like the high ones," she says.

Steve shakes his head and gives her a wave.

Robin steels herself and finally goes inside and then she stops dead. There are so many women here. So many women like her. She wants to cry but she's too excited. This is what she's been waiting for, her whole life, even if she never knew it.

A stray ball comes her way and she picks it up, throwing it back the way it came.

And that’s when she nearly hits the most beautiful woman she's seen in her life.

—

Robin has been babbling for the past ten minutes while she and Chrissy throw the ball back and forth to each other, unable to stop the nervous stream of words falling from her lips. Chrissy doesn't seem to mind, though. She's smiling and she laughs whenever Robin says something funny (not always on purpose). Her laugh is like cool water on a hot day or the sound of the crowd cheering when Robin makes the winning catch.

"Is Steve your fella?"

"Huh?"

"You've mentioned him a lot and you said he came with you, so I figured he's your guy."

"Oh. No. Definitely not. Steve is..." How to explain Steve? "Steve's my friend. My best friend. But just a friend." Was that too forceful? She doesn't want to seem too obvious. No, it was fine. "Do you... Do you have a...fella?"

A pained look flits over Chrissy's face, but it could just be the clouds moving across the sun, casting dancing shadows. "Yeah. Jason. He's overseas, right now."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"It's fine. He'll be home soon."

Robin throws the ball back. "You didn't want to wait for him at home?" God. Why is she still talking?"

The ball comes whizzing toward Robin and she catches it—of course she does—but she feels the force of Chrissy's pitch through her glove. She takes her glove off, shaking out her hand. "Wow. You've got... A great arm."

"Shoot, I'm sorry! I just—" Chrissy pauses a moment, and then she shrugs. "Got carried away."

"We're here to play our best," Robin says. "Right?"

"Right." Chrissy bites her lip. "So, you said you're from Indiana?"

"Yeah. Hawkins. You've probably never heard of it."

"No. I'm from Indiana, too, though," Chrissy says. "South Bend."

"Oh, one of the teams is going to be in South Bend, isn't it?"

“It is.” Chrissy shifts her weight, then mutters, “I hope I make one of the others."

Robin lets out a soft breath. “I know what you mean.” When Chrissy’s brow furrows, Robin adds, “I mean, I’m glad they don’t have a team in Hawkins.”

There’s a quiet moment and Robin isn’t sure what it means but then Chrissy nods, a smile growing on her face, and throws the ball back. She almost catches Robin off guard.

They play until someone calls out over a megaphone that tryouts will be starting in five minutes; Robin had almost forgotten about them. She goes to pick the ball up at the same time Chrissy does. Their hands touch over the stitching—well, no, their pinkie fingers touch—and Robin’s pulse leaps, but, even though Chrissy has paused, Robin’s sure she isn’t feeling what Robin is feeling.

And then Chrissy finally moves, saying, “We better go,” pushing herself to her feet and holding out a hand for Robin.

Robin takes it, letting Chrissy pull her to her feet, still too turned around to say anything, watching as Chrissy walks away.

God, she hopes they make the same team.

—

Tagging some people (please let me know if you don’t want to be tagged again or if you’d like to be added):

@stevethehairington @ladydorian05 @ravnlinn @eerielake @grey-edges @thebridgetonarnia

Sorry if I missed anyone

#Buckingham #platonic stobin #robin x Chrissy #Chrissy x robin #bandcheer #robin buckley #buckinghamaloto #pizzaqueenfic #buckingham fic

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englishstrawbie · 2 years

Note

song prompt: "Take me into your loving arms, kiss me under the light of a thousand stars, place your head on my beating heart, I'm thinking out loud, maybe we found love right where we are" - Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran for Kate/Lucy please :)

Well, this made me all soft and mushy. 🥰 I couldn't resist using this prompt to write a little something about their reunion in this week's episode. I hope you like it! 😊

A link to the song

>>>>>>>>>>

Kate leans against the railings, turning her face towards the breeze and closing her eyes, letting the cool night air wash over her. Behind her, the party is in full swing and her ears prick at the sound of her girlfriend’s laughter as she is spun around the dancefloor by Ernie. Kate doesn’t need to see Lucy’s face to know how wide her smile is or how bright her eyes are as she dances the night away with her friends.

Kate feels a swell of pride in the pit of her stomach, knowing she played a part in making it happen. And okay, she let the secret slip, but it doesn’t stop the evening from being any less special to celebrate Lucy’s homecoming.

Happiness and contentment settle on her chest. She didn’t realise it until today but Kate has been carrying the weight of missing Lucy in her bones and muscles over the last four months; and now she is back, everything feels better. The same as it always was, but also different.

Kate feels different. She has become more settled in her job with the FBI, more confident, more at ease with her colleagues. She can’t wait for Lucy to see it too.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

A hand slips around Kate’s waist and a warm body curls into her side. Kate smiles, breathing in the familiar scent of Lucy’s perfume, before turning her head.

“Hey you.”

Lucy grins up at her. “Are you okay?”

Kate nods. “Just thinking about how happy I am that you’re home.”

She wraps an arm around Lucy’s shoulders, her hand resting on the nape of her neck, her fingers playing with her thick hair.

“I really really missed you.”

Lucy’s eyes shine as she closes the gap between their bodies. “I really really missed you too.”

Kate lowers her head, squishing her nose against Lucy’s for a moment, and then pressing their lips together. She tastes sweet from the cocktails she has been drinking all night. Lucy is the first to deepen the kiss, her hand tugging Kate’s hips closer.

The noise around them dims and all Kate can hear is the hum that escapes from Lucy’s lips as she trails her fingertips down the back of her neck. She smiles into their kiss, only breaking apart when the music changes to something slower.

“Come and dance with me,” Lucy says, sliding her hand into Kate’s and pulling her towards the makeshift dancefloor.

Kate’s cheeks flush, knowing that all eyes are on them. She knows she shouldn’t care; after all, she sang in front of all of them not that long ago, but this feels different, more intimate, as she pulls Lucy into her arms, her skin tingling as Lucy’s hands rest on her back, finding the spot where the material parts to expose her skin. With Kate in flat sandals and Lucy in wedged heels, Lucy’s short stature means she has the perfect resting spot for her cheek against Kate’s chest. Kate drops her head, her temple resting on the top of Lucy’s hair, the curls tickling her skin.

They sway slowly with the music, their movements perfectly in sync, their bodies moulded together. Life feels perfect right then.

“I love you, Kate.”

She says it quietly, just loud enough so that only Kate will hear it. The words overwhelm her and Kate’s chest shudders as she breathes. Happy tears threaten to fall and she blinks them back, sniffing loudly. Lucy looks up when she hears her, the smile dropping from her face.

“Hey, I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

Kate shakes her head, rolling her eyes at herself, trying to downplay it, but Lucy isn’t having any of it.

“It’s okay,” Lucy says softly. “I get it.”

Lucy gets her in a way that no-one else does or ever has except for her brother. She feels seen and understood and loved. Oh, so loved.

“I love you, too.”

Kate kisses her again with as much passion as she can; God, she will never tire of kissing Lucy Tara’s lips for the rest of her life.

“Kate…” Lucy giggles as she gets carried away, pulling away for air.

Kate bites her bottom lip bashfully, but Lucy doesn’t care, not really. There is a fire in her eyes that hasn’t dulled since she set foot on land again. She grabs Kate’s hand once more.

“Come on, let’s go home.”

#ncis hawai'i #ncis hawaii #kate whistler #lucy tara #kacy #ncis hawai'i fanfiction #my fanfiction #february lyric prompt challenge #mayasdeluca

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northjet · 2 years

Text

Kacytober: October 4: Alpacas

Kate enters the bar in time to hear Lucy taking Jesse to task.

“What the hell Jesse? What’s wrong with you?”

“What? It’s a valid question!” Came Jesse’s equally loud reply.

She quickly heads in the direction the voices came from.

She reaches the table in time to hear Lucy’s response.

“That’s sick!”

Kate surveys the table and notes that Lucy, Jesse, Kai, and Ernie are feeling no pain. They are clearly several rounds in.

Lucy spots Kate.

“Heeeeeeeeey, it’s my fierce warrior lady!”

“Fierce warrior lady? Does she conquer your…” Ernie starts.

“Ernie, don’t you dare finish that sentence.” Kate warns, glaring at him.

Ernie stops and mimes zipping his mouth.

“Baaaaabbbbbe, Jesse wants to eat our pets.” Lucy tells Kate unhappily.

Kate turns her glare towards Jesse.

Jesse puts his hands up.

“I did not say that!”

“Jesse! Why would you…wait…Lucy…we don’t have any pets.” Kate says gently turning her attention to her girlfriend.

“I knowww, he wants to eat our pets from the farm.”

“What farm?”

“After we get married we’re going to move to a farm and raise alpacas and chickens. Alpacas for me and chickens for you.”

Kate felt a burst of affection for her adorable girlfriend. Marriage was a long way off but it was a matter of when not if.

Apparently she was silent for a little too long.

“Do you not want to marry me and raise alpacas and chickens on a farm?” Lucy asked, voice heavy with sadness, eyes downcast.

Kate lifts Lucy’s chin to make sure she’s looking at Kate.

“Lucy, there is nothing I would love more than to marry you and raise alpacas and chickens.”

Lucy rewards Kate with a blinding smile. But then her smile falters.

“But what do we do about him? He had the nerve to ask if we would be raising them for meat. He wants to eat our pets!” Lucy exclaims pointing at Jesse.

“Well I guess Jesse can’t come over. Gotta keep our pets safe.” Kate replies.

“Agreed. Sorry Jesse.” Lucy shrugs and then turns her attention back to her drink.

“It was a valid question.” Jesse groans.

Kate smiles as Kai gives him a comforting pat on the shoulder.

She settles into a seat knowing she’s going to spend a good part of the evening thinking about marrying Lucy.

#kacytober #kacy fanfic #kacy #kate whistler #lucy tara

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cartoonist-ks · 11 months

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The Bernia AU: Humble Beginnings

About: The first installment to The Bernia AU. This story is about the iconic muppet duo, Bert and Ernie, and how they got married after over 30 years of being together.

Author's Note: So, for those who either follow me, or at least read this story, might notice I re-posted it, and that's because of some minor changes. Instead of establishing that Bert and Ernie have been together for over 50 years before marriage, I've reduced that to 30 years, and the reason for that is that I added something to the timeline of this AU, and only changed it for the sake of the story to make sense. What is that something I added, you may ask? You'll just have to see once that story is published. Keep in mind, that Bert and Ernie are still together and will remain together as a married couple forever in this AU.

Rating: All Ages

AU: Bernia

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Bert and Ernie have been together for over 30 years now. They have gone on more dates than The Count can count. And we all know he loves to count. But this time, it will be different. Bert has something special planned for his date with Ernie. Bert fixes his bow tie in the mirror. He wears a white, button-up shirt, with a black vest over it. Black pants and his plain old saddle shoes. He looks at himself in the mirror making sure he looks decent enough. He then began to spray some cologne on himself to keep him smelling nice.

Bert: “Okay, I think I’m ready. Let’s see, I took a bath, I brushed my teeth, I combed my hair. My outfit looks decent. Okay, I think I’m ready to go.”

He began to walk out of the room when he stopped by the door.

Bert: “OH! I almost forgot!”

He walks back to his dressing table and opens the drawer. He lifts some neatly folded clothes and retrieves a little black box underneath. He puts the black box into his pocket and closes back the drawer.

Bert: “Now, I’m ready!”

The yellow muppet makes his way out of the room, closing the door behind him. He then meets Ernie by the front door. Ernie is wearing only a white button-up shirt, black pants, and a little red tie. As footwear, he wore dark brown loafers. The orange smaller muppet greets his boyfriend walking towards him.

Ernie: “Hey, honey. You look nice; as always.”

Bert: “Thanks. You look handsome as always too. Ready to go?”

Ernie: “Ready, but why did we have to dress up so nice anyway?”

Bert: “I made reservations to this nice restaurant a few blocks down from here. They only allow formal wear, so we must look nice.”

Ernie: “Well, why can’t we just go to any other restaurant that isn’t so strict on clothing?”

Bert: “Because tonight is a very special night. And I want everything to be perfect.”

Ernie: “What makes this night more special than other nights we’ve had with each other.”

Bert: “Oh, you’ll see. It’s a surprise.”

Ernie: “I sure do love surprises. Alright Bert, let’s go.”

The couple proceeded to exit their apartment. As they walked down the stairs, Oscar pops his head out of his trash can. He looked at both Bert and Ernie in disgust.

Oscar: “Ugh, where are you two lovebirds headed? How many dates have you guys been on? Like 30?”

Bert: “We lost count. But tonight’s gonna be special.”

Oscar: “What can be more special than any other dates you’ve been on so far?”

Ernie: “That’s what I said. Bert said it’s a surprise.”

Oscar: “A surprise? I hate surprises!”

Bert: “Oh, Oscar. Nobody hates surprises.”

Oscar: “Well, I do! They make me grouchy. And I love being grouchy.”

Ernie: “Of course you do, Oscar.”

Both Bert and Ernie walks past his trash can.

Oscar: “Just keep that mushy stuff away from my trash can! Ugh, love…”

The grouch dives back into his trash can. Bert and Ernie walk down Sesame Street where they met Alan by Hooper’s Store, cleaning the tables as it was almost time to close up for the night. Alan greets the two lovebirds.

Alan: “Hi, Bert, hi Ernie. Off on another date, I see.”

Ernie and Bert: “Hey, Alan.”

Ernie: “Yeah, Bert’s taking me to this fancy restaurant. He has a surprise planned for me.”

Alan: “Ooh, that’s nice. Well, I hope it goes well.”

Bert: “I hope so.”

Ernie: “Ooh!”

To Ernie’s surprise, a limo drove up. Bert walks up next to Ernie, putting his arm around his shoulder.

Bert: “That. Is our ride.”

Ernie: “Woah, Bert. You shouldn’t have. This must be a pretty special surprise if you went and got a limousine.”

Bert: “Only the best for my spring pigeon.”

Ernie: “Oh, Bert.”

Ernie kisses Bert on the cheek. Bert opens the limo door, gesturing for Ernie to go in first.

Bert: “After you.”

Ernie hops into the limo. He looks around in astonishment at the inside. It was a nice ruby red. The seats were smooth and leathery. In the door, there was a pocket where a bottle of a cool beverage bathing in ice, so it can stay cold.

Ernie: “It’s really nice in here.”

The Count: “Yes! That’s 1. 1 passenger in the back seat. Ha, Ha, Ha!”

Ernie: “Count? You’re the limo driver?”

The Count: “Yes. Bert asked me to take you guys on your…uh…30th date? You know I lost count. Which is weird because I never lose count. Hmm, maybe I should count how many dates you’ve been on so far.”

Ernie: “UH- That’s alright, Count, you don’t-

The Count: “1, one date. 2, two dates. 3, three dates. 4, four dates…

Ernie: “Oh, dear…”

The Count: “5, five dates…

Bert walks over to Alan.

Bert: “Boy, I really want this night to be perfect.”

Alan: “You mean, more perfect than any of your other dates?”

Bert: “Yes. This night is gonna be special. It has to be.”

Alan: “What makes this night so special?”

Bert: “Because…

Bert takes out the small black box he saved in his pocket. He opens it, revealing a small ring inside. It was a nice golden color. It even had the shape of Rubber Duckie carved in it. Alan looks at the ring in surprise.

Alan: “Ooh… Does this mean, you’re finally gonna propose to Ernie?”

Bert: “Yeah.”

Alan: “Well, it’s about time. How long have you guys been together?”

Bert: “Over 30 years.”

Alan: “It took you over 30 years to finally put a ring on his finger?”

Bert: “Well, better late than never.”

Alan: “Good luck, Bert. I’m sure Ernie will say yes.”

Bert: “I hope. Bye, Alan.”

Alan: “Bye, Bert!”

Bert then makes his way into the limo to meet a disenchanted Ernie.

Bert: “Ernie, what’s wrong?”

The Count: “11, eleven dates. 12, twelve dates…

Bert: “Is he counting?”

The Count: “13, thirteen dates…

Ernie: “Well, he is The Count.”

Bert: “We don’t have time for this. We’re suppose to be at the restaurant before 9.”

The Count: “14, fourteen dates…

Bert: “COUNT! Count, we gotta go. It’s 8:45. We need to get to the restaurant before our reservations expire!”

The Count: “Alright then. Off we go!”

And with that, Count started the limo and was now off to the restaurant. As they made their way to the restaurant, Ernie couldn’t contain his excitement. He couldn’t wait for what Bert had in store for him this time.

Ernie: “Oh boy, I wonder what the surprise is! Ooh, can I have a hint?”

Bert: “No, dear heart, you gotta wait.”

Ernie: “Can I guess?”

Bert: “No, you can’t guess. Do you want to ruin the surprise?”

Ernie: “But I’m just so eager to find out what it is! Ooh, is it…a new friend for Rubber Duckie?”

Bert: “No.”

Ernie: “Is it, that new paint set I wanted?”

Bert: “No.”

Ernie: “Oh, I know. A chocolate fountain.”

Bert: “A chocolate foun- Ernieee, stop trying to guess. When the time is right, I promise you’ll see. And I know you’re gonna love it.”

Bert holds both of Ernie’s hands in his own and looks at him with loving eyes. Ernie gives Bert a warm smile.

Ernie: “Okay, Bert. I won’t guess anymore. I’m sure whatever it is, it will be very special. But not as special as you.”

Bert: “Oh, Ernie…”

As they both were about to lean in for a kiss, they were abruptly interrupted by a sudden jolt from the limo. As if they ran over something.

Ernie: “What was that?”

The Count: “I do not know. I will pull over to see what is wrong.”

Count pulls over the limo. He then exits the vehicle to see what’s the matter. After a few seconds, Bert heard a tap on his side window. He rolls down the window to reveal The Count standing there.

The Count: “It would seem that we have a flat tire.”

Bert: “A flat tire?! Wha- can you change it?”

The Count: “Let me see?”

Count then checks the back to see if there were any spares. He walks back to Bert’s window.

The Count: “There aren’t any spares. I think I forgot to bring some.”

Bert: “Are you kidding me?!”

Bert’s eyebrow dropped expressing that he was angry.

Bert: “What ding-a-ling forgets to bring spare tires?!

Ernie: “Honey, honey, calm down. It’s gonna be okay.”

Bert: “No, it’s not! I planned for this night to be perfect! Everything was supposed to go smoothly! Now we’re gonna be late for our dinner reservations!”

The Count: “I can always call someone to fix our flat tire.”

Ernie: “That’s a great idea, Count. See, Bert, it’s gonna be fine.”

Bert hangs his head down low.

Bert: “Hmm…"

An hour passed, and the limo’s flat tire was finally fixed, but by that time, it was already too late. It was already past 9, meaning that their reservations would have already expired. Bert was very disappointed.

Bert: (sighs) “So much for a romantic dinner.”

Ernie: “It’s okay, Bert. I don’t care about having a fancy dinner. I just want to spend the night with my handsome boyfriend.”

Bert: “Tonight was supposed to be a special night. I was gonna- … it doesn’t matter…”

Ernie ponders to himself for a minute, before hatching a great idea.

Ernie: “Hey! Tell you what. Why don’t we have our romantic dinner at the most special place ever.”

Bert perks his head up.

Bert: “Uh? Where?”

Alan is carrying a tray with two bowls on it. One containing oatmeal and the other containing macaroni & cheese. He brings it over to the table Bert and Ernie were sitting at.

Alan: “And for the lovely couple, a fresh bowl of oatmeal for Bert. And a hot steaming bowl of macaroni & cheese for Ernie.”

The storekeeper rests the two bowls down in front of the gentlemen.

Bert: “Hmm, thank you, Alan.”

Ernie: “Thanks, Alan.”

Alan: “Anytime, you guys. Enjoy.”

A violinist appears holding a violin.

Violinist: “Would you like to hear some sweet music while you eat?”

Bert: “Oh, that would be nice.”

Ernie: “Yes, please.”

The violinist began playing his violin. He played, “I am forever blowing bubbles”. And it really added to a calm romantic atmosphere. The once disappointed Bert was now satisfied with his date. Sure, it wasn’t a fancy restaurant, but it no longer mattered as long as Ernie was happy.

Bert: “You were right, Ernie. This is the most special place to have a romantic dinner.”

Ernie: “It’s special to me because this is the place we first met. I never thought I would end up falling in love with my roommate years later. And each day with you will always be special.”

Bert: “Aww, Ernie… I find each day special with you too.”

Alan taps Bert on the shoulder.

Alan: (whispers) “Ah, Bert? I think you should do it.”

Bert: (whispers) “Do what?”

Alan: (whispers) “The ring?”

Bert: (gasp) “Oh, right! Umm…”

Bert gets up from his seat. Ernie is confused.

Ernie: “Bert? Is everything okay?”

Bert is nervous. He was shaking a little and his palms were sweaty, but he took a deep breath and exhaled. He looks into Ernie’s eyes, how they sparkle in the moonlight. He was finally able to build the courage to tell him.

Bert: “Ernie… from the moment I first met you, I always thought of you as a friend. But after we started living together, I didn’t know that I was starting to have feelings for you until I realized that a life without you would be pure misery. When we finally got together, I was over the moon. Living with you has been an absolute dream and I want nothing more than to spend every day of my life with you. For the rest of my life. I know we’ve had our differences and our mishaps. Most of them, caused by you. But no matter what, I want too always be there for you. Whether we’re angry with each other, or sad together, I know that our love will never wither. So…

Bert pulls out the small black box containing the ring. He kneels on one knee. Ernie’s heart began to race. He had an idea where this was going. Bert opens the small box, revealing the shiny piece of jewelry. Ernie covers his mouth with a soft gasp.

Bert: “Ernie, will you make me the happiest man in the world and…marry me?”

Tears began to form in Ernie’s eyes as he looked down at the ring. He saw the carving of Rubber Duckie on the golden piece of treasure.

Ernie: “Oh, Bert…(sniffs)…yes…yes…YES, I will marry you!”

Ernie jumps out of his chair and into Bert’s arms nearly knocking him over, but the larger muppet was able to keep his balance as he hugged his partner. They then share a tender kiss that lasted half a minute before parting. Bert then slips on his ring. It was a perfect fit. Ernie looked down at the shiny golden treasure then back at Bert, giving him another tender kiss. Alan and The Count watched them from the distance with a smile.

The next day, Bert and Ernie announced to all their friends that they would finally be tying the knot very soon. There was a lot of preparing that needed to be done, but luckily for the muppet couple, they had all the help they could possibly get. Everyone on Sesame Street helped the couple to plan and prepare for the big event. After months of planning, the day finally came. Bert and Ernie decided to have their wedding at a nearby park. The chairs with set in two rows with everyone who knew the muppet couple as well as families of the soon to be wed couple. Bert stood up front with the priest holding a large book. Alan and Chris stood with him, as well as his twin brother, Bart. Bert was visibly shaking and sweating. He was nervous. He had pictured this moment every day after the proposal. And now that it was finally here, he started to have doubts. Bart and the other two men noticed how nervous Bert was.

Bart: “You good there, Bert?”

Bart puts his hand on Bert’s shoulder.

Bert: “I-I don’t know if I can do this.”

Chris: “Are you starting to have doubts?”

Bert: “A little… Mostly about the possibility that all of this could go wrong.”

Bart: “Hey, Bert. Nothing’s gonna go wrong. You’ll do just fine.”

Alan: “Yeah. We’re right with you. Everything’s gonna be okay.”

Bert: “I hope so. I really do hope so.”

Bert began looking around at everyone who came to their event. There was Gordan and Maria, Susan, Miles, Gabbie. As well as Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Rosita, Harry Monster, and many other friends. His family, his nephew Brad, his mother, his cousin Bertina. And Ernie’s family, his parents, his cousin Ernestine, his uncle Ernesto, and his other cousin Fred. Everyone he cared about and supported him through all his life, and soon enough Bert’s nerves began to settle, just in time for the wedding music to start playing. Abby and Zoe were skipping down the aisle tossing flowers on their way down until they made it to the front. Then came Elmo walking down the aisle with a nice black suit, holding a pillow with two golden rings sitting on it. Once he made it up to the front it was now time for the groom to come in. Bert’s eyes shot open when he saw him. His fiancé standing at the other end of the aisle, wearing a white tux, holding a bouquet of flowers. His eyes sparkled with such beauty. The yellow muppet was mesmerized by his soon-to-be-husband. Ernie slowly and gracefully walked down the aisle, the people sitting in the rows of chairs watched as he walked past them with warm smiles. Once he finally made it up the front, he faced Bert. The large muppet faced him too. Looking into each other’s eyes with love. The priest began to speak.

Priest: “We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s joyous moments, and to honor the words of Bert and Ernie, that shall bound them together in marriage. Marriage is a promise, that two people who love each other make, to continue their journey together as one. Two people, who wish to be together forever. Does the groom and groom have a few words to share before we proceed?”

Bert: “I have a few words. (clears throat) Ernie, I hope that whatever happen, whether if we’re mad at each other, or sad together, we will still be together no matter what.”

Ernie: “I hope we stay together too, Bert. No matter the costs.”

Priest: “Okay. Let us proceed then. Do you Bert take Ernie to be your lawfully wedded husband for as long as you two shall live, in sickness and in health, ‘til death do you part?”

Bert: “I do.”

Priest: “And do you, Ernie, take Bert to be your lawfully wedded husband, for as long as you two shall live, in sickness and in health, ‘til death do you part?”

Ernie: “I do.”

Priest: “Can the ring bear now give both the grooms their rings?”

Elmo walks up to the couple and lifts the pillow towards them. Bert and Ernie pick up the rings and slid them on each other’s fingers. Elmo walks back to his place and the priest began one last time.

Priest: “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss the groom.”

And with those final lines, Bert and Ernie leaned in for a warm, tender, kiss. Everyone else watching got up from their seats and began to clap. Cookie Monster hugged Oscar as he cried tears of joy. Instead of pulling away, Oscar hugged him back. Even though, he was a grouch, he couldn’t help but shed a little tear, feeling happy for the now, married muppets. Once the couple finally separated from their kiss, they held each other’s hands and walked back down the aisle. Bart, Chris, and Alan were also clapping for them. And so, the after party began. They all sat around a table. Gordan stood up, lifting his glass up and tapping a butter knife against it.

Gordan: “I would like to make a toce, to Bert and Ernie. I wish for them to have a long happy marriage. After over 30 years, they finally tied the knot, and I couldn’t be more than happy for them.”

Everyone at the table clapped. Bert and Ernie hugged each other.

Ernie: “Thank you, Gordan. That was very nice.”

Bart: “Alright, let’s dig in!”

Everyone at the table began to eat. They talked. They shared some laughs, and they ate some more. Once, it was finally time to cut the cake, Bert and Ernie held the knife and started to cut the three-layered cake. Ernie smeared some of the frosting on his finger and began to taste the cake.

Bert: “Oh, can I have some.”

Ernie: “Sure, Bert. Here.”

Ernie smeared the cake frosting on Bert’s nose. He pointed and laughed. Bert nodded his head before taking some of the frosting on his finger and smeared it on Ernie’s nose. Bert laughed. Ernie laughed too. After the cake, there was the slow dancing. Everyone grabbed a partner and danced, swaying side to side. Ernie and Bert held each other in their embrace and danced as if they were the only people in the entire world.

Bert: “How was it?”

Ernie: “How was what, Bert?”

Bert: “All this? Was it everything you could ever wish for?”

Ernie: “It’s more than that, Bert. It’s everything I could have dreamed for. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Bert: “Me either.”

Ernie lays his head on Bert’s shoulder and closed his eyes to imprint this exact moment in his mind. All they could feel was love for each other. Nothing more, nothing less. It started to turn dark, some of the kids were tired and their parents took them home, but not before congratulating the couple first. Bert and Ernie sat on a bench and looked up at the stars together while continuing to hold each other.

It’s been a year since the wedding, and Bert and Ernie are still as happy as they’ve ever been. Not many things have changed since they got married. They still lived in their basement apartment as they always have. They still sleep in the same room on the same bed together. So, nothing really changed about their relationship. Just same old same old stuff. But things were about to change for the married couple. Bert and Ernie were preparing a separate room. Ernie was standing on a latter, painting the walls a nice blue sky. He was just about done painting a cloud. Bert was putting together a bassinet with a mobile hanging over it.

Bert: “Ernie?”

Ernie: “Hmm?” Bert: “Does this look good?”

Ernie looked at the bassinet at where it was placed. It was placed near the window of the room. Ernie shook his head in disapproval.

Ernie: “Mh-mh. Why not move it more over there.”

Ernie pointed towards the corner of the room. Bert began pushing the bassinet toward the corner.

Bert: “Is this good?”

Ernie: “Hmm… maybe push it a little to the side.”

Bert then pushed the bassinet a little bit away from the corner.

Bert: “How about now?”

Ernie: “Hmm… still not good. Move it over to the door.”

Bert: “Alright.”

Bert once again pushed the bassinet over to the door, but not too close as to give the door room to open.

Bert: “Now?”

Ernie: “Umm… I don’t like it. Bring it back over here.”

Bert: (sighs)

Bert pushed the bassinet back over to the window where it was originally placed. Ernie nodded his head in approval.

Ernie: “Perfect!”

Ernie laughs. Bert shook his head in disapproval.

Ernie: “Oh, Bert, the room looks wonderful, don’t you think?”

Bert: “Yeah, it looks pretty good. I can’t wait for the baby to finally sleep in it.”

The couple looked around at the new nursery, they prepared for a baby. That’s right, Bert and Ernie are going to welcome a new bundle of joy to the street. The nursery had a nice outdoor kind of feel with the walls painted a sky blue with puffy clouds and a grassy green for the grass. It also had a few bunnies painted on it. There was also a changing table to change the baby’s diapers, a dressing table to keep the baby’s clothes, a closet to store the baby’s toys, and a rocking chair to rock the baby to sleep at night. Cannot forget the bookshelf where all the baby books were, and finally the bassinet.

Ernie: “Me too, Bert. I’m sure they’ll love it. I can’t wait to read to the baby at night. Rock them peacefully in the rocking chair. Lay them nice and soundly in their little bassinet.”

Bert: “Me too, Ernie. I can’t wait to do all those things too.”

The two muppets were alerted by the sound of the doorbell. Bert was confused. They weren’t really expecting guests over.

Ernie: “Ooh, that must be the toys.”

Bert: “Toys?”

Ernie: “Yeah, didn’t I tell you? I ordered more baby toys online.”

Bert: “More baby toys?!”

Ernie: “Oh yeah. I should go get them.”

Ernie hummed as he made his way to the front door. Bert stood there surprised before following him. There was a delivery man outside on the stoop waiting for the person to collect his items. The orange muppet finally came out and greeted the delivery man.

Ernie: “Hello, there.”

Delivery Man: “Yeah, did you order a delivery on baby toys?”

Ernie: “I sure did!”

Delivery Man: “Here you go.”

The delivery man was about to hand Ernie the boxes when Bert finally came out and without a second thought, he intervened.

Bert: “Oh I’ll take that!”

Bert takes the boxes instead.

Ernie: “Ooh. Thanks, Bert.”

Delivery Man: “Have a nice day.”

The delivery man walks away. Ernie looked at the boxes Bert was holding.

Bert: “Ernieee, don’t you think this is a little too many toys? We already have plenty in the closet.”

Ernie: “You can never have too many toys, hon.”

Bert sighs. Just then, Elmo and Abby were passing by when they saw the muppet couple with boxes.

Elmo: “Hi Ernie! Hi Bert!”

Abby: “Hey, you guys!”

Ernie: “Hello, Little Elmo. Abby.”

Elmo: “What are Bert and Ernie doing with all those boxes?”

Ernie: “Just some stuff we ordered for a surprise.”

Abby: (gasp) “A surprise?”

Elmo: “Elmo loves surprises! What’s the surprise?”

Ernie: “We can’t tell you yet. We want to gather everyone on Sesame Street and tell them. You’ll just have to wait until then.”

Elmo: “Okay! Elmo can’t wait to hear what the surprise is!”

Abby: “Me too!”

Bert: “Ugh. I’m gonna bring these boxes in the apartment.”

Ernie: “I’ll come with you! Bye guys.”

Both Ernie and Bert made their way back into the apartment.

Elmo and Abby: “Bye Bert. Bye Ernie.”

Elmo: “Oh, boy, Elmo wonders what Ernie and Bert have for a surprise.”

Abby: “Me too. Do you think their getting a new pet?”

Elmo: “Could it be a dog?!”

Abby: “Or a cat?!”

Elmo: “Or maybe a hamster?”

Abby: “Who knows? We’ll just have to wait to see what it is.”

Meanwhile, back in the apartment, Ernie was looking over the new toys he got for the baby.

Bert: “I still think this is way too many toys, Ernie. Would it even fit in the closet?”

Ernie: “Oh, Bert, I’m sure it will! Let’s see here, we got a teddy bear. A shiny ball. And a rubber duckie!”

Ernie squeaks the rubber duckie and laughs.

Bert: “Why not give the baby the rubber duckie you already have?”

Ernie: “Bert, Rubber Duckie is MY toy. I wouldn’t just give him up. You know this.”

Bert throws his arm up in the air and face palms.

Bert: “Of course.”

Ernie: “But hey, the baby will have their own rubber duckie to play with. I’ll even teach them the rubber duckie song when their older.”

Bert: “I’ll admit that song never gets old. Not even for you.”

Ernie: “That song will forever be a staple to me. I sure am awfully fond of it.”

Ernie laughs once again.

Bert: “And I will forever be awfully fond of you, my spring pigeon.”

Ernie blushes before walking over to Bert and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Ernie: “Oh, Bert. I’m awfully fond of you too.”

When the time was finally right, Bert and Ernie gathered everyone on Sesame Street to tell them the news of them going to have a baby. Everyone was ecstatic for the couple and, as always, gave them their support. After a couple of days, Bert had a surprise for Ernie waiting outside of the apartment. Bert leads Ernie outside of the apartment with his hands covering the orange muppet’s eyes.

Bert: “Alright, Ernie! Are you ready for your surprise?”

Ernie: “Yes~. What is it?”

Bert removes his hands away from Ernie’s eyes. Ernie opens his eyes and gasps in surprise. He saw a gray SUV parked in front of the apartment.

Bert: “I got us an SUV! The car dealer said they make wonderful family cars. We can go on family road trips. Just me, you, and our baby together. As a family.”

Ernie: “Bert! Oh, this is wonderful, Bert! I’m so happy!”

Ernie gives Bert a big hug.

Bert: “You wanna see the inside?”

Ernie: “Of course.”

Bert: “Okay!”

And so, the couple got inside the large car. Ernie sat in the passenger’s seat, while Bert sat in the driver’s seat. Ernie admired the inside of the car. Bert nodded his head, proud of his choice.

Ernie: “Wow, Bert, this is wonderful!”

Bert: “Yeah. After we got married, I’ve always planned for us to eventually get a car, so we can go out on trips together. And since we’re about to be parents, I thought it was the right time to finally get it.”

Ernie: “Oh, thank you, Bert. You know, this baby will be very lucky to have you as a father. You’d make a great dad.”

Bert: “So will you.”

And with that, the two shared a warm kiss while sitting in their new SUV. A couple of months went by, and the couple finally welcomed a new baby to the street. Everyone on Sesame Street waited for them, as they pulled up.

Elmo: “Look, everybody! They’re here!”

Bert made his way out of the car, greeting everyone present.

Bert: “Hey, everyone!”

Maria: “Welcome home, fellas!”

Gordan: “It’s so great to have you guys back! How was it?”

Bert: “It was alright.”

Bert came around to the passenger’s side to open the door for Ernie.

Big Bird: “Oh boy, I can’t wait to see the new baby!”

Ernie: “Well, you won’t have to wait any longer.”

The orange muppet carefully made his way out of the car, holding a swaddled baby in his arms. Though, the baby’s face couldn’t be seen. Everyone awed, as Ernie made his way towards the stairs of the stoop and sat down right in between Elmo and Abby. Everyone there looked closer as Ernie pulled the blanket out of the baby’s face for a better look.

Alan: “Awe, they’re so cute!”

The baby was small and had yellowish-orange skin, a smile like Ernie’s, and a reddish-orange nose that was shaped like Bert’s. Of course, they had black hair like both parents, with the only difference there being a white patch of hair on the side of their head. Their eyes were closed, and they slept peacefully in Ernie’s arms. Elmo couldn’t contain his excitement.

Elmo: “Is the baby a boy or girl?!”

Ernie: “It’s a beautiful baby girl.”

Abby: (gasps) “A girl! I was right.”

Rosita: “Awe, she is very beautiful!”

Grover: “She looks like both you and Bert, Ernie.”

Ernie: “She does.”

Bert: “She’s a healthy mix between me and Ernie.”

Maria: “Well, she is very cute.”

Chris: “Yeah, congrats you too.”

Bert and Ernie: “Thanks.”

Big Bird: “What’s her name?”

Bert and Ernie: “Bernia.”

Grover: “That is such a cute little name.”

Alan: “And a very clever one too. It’s like both Bert and Ernie put together, which would make sense.”

Bert: (chuckle) “Yeah. It took us a while to come up with a name, but we finally settled on naming her after both of us.”

Susan: “That is very special. You both are very lucky to have such a beautiful baby girl.”

The Count: “That’s 1, one cute, adorable baby. And two wonderful parents.”

Bert: “Thanks, Count.”

Abby: (cooed) “Hi there, Bernia. I’m Abby.”

Elmo: “And Elmo’s Elmo. Welcome to Sesame Street.”

Everyone looked down at the little bundle of joy. Bert and Ernie especially couldn’t be any happier. With the new member on Sesame Street, the air was getting sweeter. The iconic muppet duo were gonna have a lot of changes in their lives that will take some getting used to, but as always, they can get through it together. There are still lots of adventures to explore, as this was only a humble beginning to a new chapter.

The End...

#bert and ernie #sesame street #sesame street fanfic #the bernia au

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gnrbitch · 1 year

Text

Grunge Days pt.11 - Let it Roll

Warnings: none

————

1991

“Wait so you’re now just telling us this?” Y/n said, her arms crossed as AIC and Guns were sitting in a conference room.

“Well we knew you guys wouldn’t say no- and hell we just forgot” Axl said, letting out a chuckle.

“Jesus” Layne said, putting his hands on his head.

Guns manager had urgently called the young band to meet them, just to tell them that Soundgarden wouldn’t open for them if Alice didn’t come along, which was exciting to say the least

But to kill the mood, Axl told them that they would leave for the tour later today. As in the next four hours.

Y/ns head almost exploded, she barley had any clean clothes left, her G&L was currently getting some work done which meant she had to take her Ernie Ball, and it’s a great guitar really- it was one of the guitars Eddie had given her. But the issue was the strings break so easily.

“Fine- Can we go now?” Y/n sighed out

“Yup you’re free now” Axl said, giving her a cocky smile.

“Fucken hell” Layne said as they got back into the car “This tours already off to a bad start”

“Maybe it won’t be so bad” Sean said from the backseat “I mean we’re basically touring with out friends, and Y/ns touring with her boyfriend”

This time Y/n spoke up “I mean yea- but they just snatched us up from the Clash of Titans tour”

“Shit” Jerry said “That would’ve been the best tour ever”

They all sat in silence, making a mental note on what they needed to pack. Y/n noted to pack both of her Ernie Balls.

“Why didn’t Susan tell us about this?” Sean suddenly spoke, “I mean she’s managing the both of us, so she definitely knew”

“She’s too focused on Soundgarden to think about us” Layne mumbled “Okay that was mean, maybe it just slipped her mind”

The girl sighed as she put her head to the window.

“Got everything?” Layne said as Y/n stepped into their shared (with Soundgarden) tour bus.

“Yea just put the last of my shit away” Y/n said setting her guitar case down, “Do you guys know our first stop?”

Kim looked over at her “San Jose”

“Right” Y/n said, sitting next to him and opening up a beer bottle, “Can’t believe you guys dragged us on this tour”

“Hey if we have to travel with guns so do you” Chris spoke up “Plus you know them, your literally related to one of them”

“Yea but- Clash of the Titans” Y/n sadly said

“Ohhh Clash of the Titans waa waa” Chris mocked her “This is gonna be fun Y/n”

“I don’t even have my G&L, that already means this is gonna be horrible”

“Susan’s gonna pick it up tomorrow you’ll be fine” Chris said.

He wasn’t right. Y/n broke her string in the middle of the set, and while the guitar tech was fixing it she broke the other one, right in the middle of the ‘Man in the Box’ solo.

And Guns had placed Alice as their ‘closers’, which made Y/n roll her eyes cause that wasn’t even a fucken thing.

Y/n was fucken fuming when she got off stage, she was humiliated. Never in her life had she played such a shit show.

“Y/n babe” Slash said, putting his arm around her as he caught up to her, the girl was walking out of the venue cause goddamn was she so upset.

“What Slash” Y/n sighed out

“Are you okay? What’s wrong” Slash questioned, the girls anger was written all over her face.

“What’s wrong-” Y/n scoffed “I played like fucken shit that’s what’s wrong”

Slash furrowed his eyebrows, he was right next to the stage as Alice performed, and Y/n sounded perfectly fine “Hey no- you sounded great”

“No i fucken didn’t- both of my guitars strings broke and-” Y/n rambled, steam practically coming out of her ears.

“Okay relax” Slash said in a calming voice “Your guitar strings broke- that’s okay it happens to everyone”

“If you guys would’ve told us before i would have my G&L and my strings wouldn’t have broken!” Y/n said, poking her finger into Slash’s chest. “Are you- are you fucken smiling?”

“I’m sorry babe- i just can’t help it” Slash smiled at her “But i know how you feel alright? The only difference is i’ve actually played a shitty show”

“This was a shitty show! Never in my life have i played that badly” Y/n rolled her eyes at him.

“You’ll be fine Y/n” Slash said bringing her into a hug “The rest of the tour will go great, i promise”

“Oh wow you promise huh?” Y/n mocked him

“Yea, I do” He smiled as he rolled his eyes “I’ll do anything i can to make sure you have great time”

“Oh that was sweet” Y/n jokingly said as she smiled at him, “You’re the best” She said, pecking his lips.

“You know no one’s on my bus right now” Slash looked at her “And they’re not gonna be for a while”

“Is that so?” Y/n said, seductively looking down at his lips, “How about you start keeping that promise now?”

“How could I say no”

————

Tagged: @hoodiesandicedcoffee @deeznutsworld @eddiiiieeee

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inevitablemoment · 1 year

Text

“you’re doing great.”

Word Count: 818

Warnings: Nightmares, character death in dream, parenting insecurities, past parent deaths, mentions of a canonical character death, past possession/loss of autonomy, mental health issues, subtly implied past suicide attempt, mentioned ableism

Fandom: Ghostbusters

Pairings: Callie Spengler x Gary Grooberson

EEEEEEEEE! I’m finally writing for Spenglerson! I think that they’re so underrated, and I can’t wait to see more of them in the sequel to Afterlife.

Anything about Callie’s childhood that I mentioned in this fic is part of the headcanons that I created about her mother, whom I named Cathleen Paige Spengler and is depicted in my currently ongoing fic, I Want To Know Your Story.

Also, random thing, I missed seeing Paul Rudd, Ernie Hudson, and William Atherton filming at the firehouse BY ONE DAY! My parents and I joined my college’s redeye trip to New York, which meant we left Friday night, spent Saturday in New York, and were home by Sunday morning.

BY ONE DAY! I’m never going to get over this.

But, enjoy!

————————

Gary never slept well in hotel rooms, no matter how nice the most moderately priced Hampton Inn that he could find was. Besides the usual homesickness that usually arose, he was used to his bed being pushed against the wall of his room. He could share a story or two of rolling out of the bed in a hotel room

And he had struggled to fall asleep, considering that they were staying in New York. Even though he usually went to bed late, he was so jet lagged that he wanted nothing more than to sleep, but the city’s activity outside his window was too stimulating.

This time, though, the feeling of Callie in his arms had helped him wind down. The way that she had nestled herself against his chest felt like he was holding a life sized heating pad, and the rhythm of her breathing was like a lullaby.

But as his previous hotel stays had proven, it was inevitable that he would wake up in the middle of the night and never be able to wake up. Though, this time, it wasn’t because he had fallen out of the bed.

It was because he could feel Callie trembling in his arms, her hot tears falling onto his skin.

“No... no, please,” she was whimpering. “You-- you can’t! Please, stop!”

The volume of her voice began to climb, and her movements grew more erratic.

“Cals?” he began as gently as he could, sitting up as best as he could while still keeping Callie close to him.

“Stop, please!” Callie continued to cry before her words just turned into heartbreaking sobs.

“Cals...”

He turned her around so that she would be facing him. Her eyes began to open, looking into his with such... such sadness that others wouldn’t care to think that Callie Spengler could feel.

“G-- Gary...” she choked his name out.

“It’s me, Cals,” he promised.

“And... and the kids?” Callie asked.

“They’re here-- Pheebs is in the next bed, and Trev crashed in the chair,” he reminded her, gesturing to each of the children’s said position.

Callie’s eyes hesitantly looked at both Phoebe and Trevor, relief flooded through her as she leaned against Gary again.

“Nightmare?” he asked.

“The same one,” Callie answered. “When-- when that dog bitch or whatever possessed me... but it just makes me attack Phoebe and Trevor, and-- and there’s so much blood, and--”

She pulled away from him, burying her face into her hands.

“It-- I j--”

“I know, it’s horrifying,” Gary agreed. “But that’s not who you are?”

“Isn’t it?” Callie asked rhetorically, lifting her head up. “I’m a shitty, shitty mother, Gary. I just need to face it.”

“No, you’re not. You’re a human mother.”

“When I got pregnant with Trevor, I had no idea how to do it,” she confessed. “The grandmother raising me was a zealous bitch that wanted me to replace my mother for her, my dad’s side of the family couldn’t contact me in any way because my grandparents ran off to Chicago the second they won custody, my mom was dead... I had no one on my side besides my husband.”

She tried to hold back the tears as she remembered how dark those first few months after Trevor’s birth were... and how she wanted anything done if it meant that the constant numbness and exhaustion and frustration and feelings of uselessness and inadequacy would just stop.

“When Phoebe came along, I thought that it’d be easier the second time around,” she mused. “But then, when she got the diagnosis... the man that I considered the only man that I could count on, he just... checked out. He didn’t know how to act around her anymore, and... neither did I. I-- I tried to join one of those groups for moms with kids on the spectrum, but I learned what that puzzle piece on their bumpers really stood for, and I... finding resources just kept getting harder and harder as the money kept getting smaller and smaller...”

“Hey...”

His voice was gentle enough to keep her from spiraling even further. He cupped her face, wiping her tears away with his thumb.

“You’re doing great,” he said. “You’re doing better. I’ve seen you. Like I said, you’re human and you make mistakes. But you’re making up for them. I know how much you love these kids, even if it’s... it can be hard to be a mom sometimes. I may not get it, but I’m...”

“You’re empathizing with me,” Callie filled in.

“Yeah,” he said. “And I know that Phoebe and Trevor love you, and appreciate you.”

Another thought began to pick at Callie, and she voiced it before she could truly stop herself.

“You think... you think that my parents would be proud of me?”

Gary smiled at her. “I know they would. I may not have met them, but I know.”

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serenailith · 2 years

Text

yesterday’s gone (we’ll make it through)—xxxi

on ao3 here

okay, so. i know this took forever to get posted, and i'm sorry about that. truly. unfortunately, it was a pretty-much-can't-ignore forced break from writing/posting. the truth is i had a baby just last week, so i've been in hospital (3 days) and adjusting to having a newborn again. so... you get this chapter far later than i'd hoped.

yes, this is (unfortunately, again) the end of this fic. i've had such a wonderful time writing it, and i can't believe so many of you have liked reading it! the comments alone made it all so worth the time and effort i've put into writing it. thank you for being such wonderful, amazing readers. 🖤

remember: you can always find me in the dreamling discord server!

_______________

Dream smiles to himself as he strides through the corridors. The Corinthian has been remade, different and so much better than what he’d been, and Gault is thrilled with her new position. The Vortex is gone. Fiddler’s Green has come home. Even Matthew has become a trusted ally, if a bit impudent at times.

All is right within the Dreaming once more.

Even more, all–or nearly so–is right within the Waking, as well. Dreamers sleep and wake as they should. The only matter of concern is Lyta Hall. She may hold anger in her heart for Dream, but it cannot be helped. Her child is of the fabric of the Dreaming itself; he belongs to the Dreaming and—by default—Dream, should the day come. Dream, for his part, only hopes that Rose Walker can convince her friend to not seek revenge.

There is very little that can bind an Endless, but he knows too well that the grimoire is still around. Someone has it, and anyone determined enough will find and use it. He isn’t naïve enough to believe otherwise, not after the proof he’d been given for over a hundred years.

The most precious thing to him, however, the thing he carries closest to his heart, is his time spent with Hob Gadling. Now that everything has become steady once more, Dream has left the Dreaming in Lucienne’s capable hands and spent those hours in the Waking. More often than not in Hob’s bed, his arms. It is the better way Dream has ever spent his existence.

Unfortunately, even Hob cannot remove the worries from Dream’s mind. Desire has plotted against him, and he knows they will never stop. Not until they get what they want–but what exactly is that? He very nearly spilled family blood because of them, when they were fully aware that the Fates would retaliate for his breaking the oldest laws. Dream is no closer to an answer.

If he is to be honest, he can hardly pinpoint the moment his favourite sibling became his least. Or why.

Forcing himself to dislodge the thoughts, Dream steps from one realm to the next, fighting a smile when he sees Hob through the window of the New Inn. A young woman just outside the door beams at the sight of Dream. He remembers her. Rena, who dreams of escaping her toxic home and making something of herself as a pilot. She has been kind to Dream whenever they encounter each other.

She doesn’t mind the fact he is horrible at communicating with people who aren’t Hob.

“Hey! How are you today?”

“I am well,” he replies, though his focus is on the man just inside. Almost belatedly, he tacks on, “And yourself?”

Her grin grows as she pulls up the sleeve of her jumper. Embedded in her skin is ink, swirls of colours surrounding a black semicolon. The stark contrast of black against rainbow brings a smile to Dream’s face. He understands what the symbol means for mental health; it has been on the minds of many a dreamer since the conception of the idea. That Rena has tattooed it into her skin bodes well for her survival.

“Got it last week. Mum and Dad hate it, but who cares, right? As long as I love it. And I do. Anyway! You’re looking at a pilot-in-training, by the way.”

“That is wonderful news.”

Rena giggles as she yanks her sleeve back down. “Mr G is covering for Ernie, but I’m sure he’ll be so glad to see you. He bought a new wine he thinks you might enjoy.”

“Thank you.” Dream dips his chin in a farewell. “I wish you well in your endeavours, Rena.”

“Thanks!”

She doesn’t mind that she doesn’t know his name. She still treats him as a friend. He moves past her and lets out a soft sigh when his fingers wrap around the door handle. The cool metal feels like a piece of home, though the Waking will never be where he fully belongs. But Hob. . . Hob is.

At the jingling of the bell, Hob glances up from where he is clearing tables of dirty dishes, and Dream relaxes at the wide smile splitting his love’s face. Raising his index finger in a ‘Just a moment’ gesture, Hob hurries to place the plates and glasses in a bin. He disappears behind the doors to the kitchen and reappears a minute later with a dishtowel in hand. He jerks his chin toward their booth, the one they always sit in whenever Dream deigns to remain in the New Inn instead of heading upstairs to Hob’s flat.

“Wasn’t expecting to see you today” is the first thing Hob says once they’ve sat.

“The Dreaming is much more stable now, so Lucienne is caring for it in my absence.”

Hob’s lips twitch, a hand stretching across the table. Dream cares little for others’ opinions as he allows Hob to take his hand. “I’m sure she appreciates the vote of confidence.”

“It was unacceptable,” Dream starts slowly; the words come forth as molasses in the winter, “for me to return after so long and pretend everything is as it was. Lucienne has been most loyal for over a hundred years. She deserves the respect I can easily afford to give.” It doesn’t escape his notice that Hob merely stares at him with a soft, sweet smile on his face. “Hob?”

“Sorry. It’s just. . . It’s nice to see how you’ve changed. I knew it logically. After all, look at where we are. But it’s still good to see proof of it sometimes. Makes me realise this isn’t just all in my head.”

“It very well could be,” Dream says with a small smile of his own. “However, this is as real as anything else in the Waking.”

“So you were gone for a few days. Anything I should be worried about?”

“No, the danger has passed.”

Hob raises a brow, clearly unimpressed with Dream’s answer, so Dream explains about Rose Walker and her friend’s situation. How there is a child borne of the Dreaming existing where he should not. About the Corinthian and Gault and Jed Walker’s unfortunate fate for so long. Hob’s expression darkens at the mention of the abuse the child endured. To Dream’s surprise, Hob commends the Corinthian for removing Jed from his personal Hell.

“I’m not saying he was good, but he certainly did a good thing by getting the kid away from that.”

“He took him to a gathering of serial killers,” Dream reminds him.

“Okay, so there’s that.”

Dream huffs out what would be a sharp exhale for anyone else but is as true a laugh from him as anything. He continues with the tale of Calliope and Richard Madoc, and Dream falls in love with Hob more at the anger–no, rage–on the man’s face. He assures Hob that Madoc has been properly dealt with. He will no longer be capable of capturing anyone else.

He can no longer do much of anything.

With no warning, Dream laces his fingers with Hob’s, squeezing gently, then rises to his feet. “I shall not keep you from your duties.”

“Don’t go far.”

“I will be upstairs, where I will await your presence.”

Hob’s answering grin sends something fluttering in Dream’s chest, and isn’t that just curious. He yearns, for a split second, for the companionship he had with Calliope, but he has it here with Hob Gadling. It isn’t the same; it never will be. But it’s enough. It is more than enough.

It is everything Dream will never deserve.

As he sits in Hob’s flat, Dream ruminates on everything that has happened since his escape from Fawney Rig. So much has occurred–he was nearly mortal for too long, his Sister returned him to his realm. Hob and Matthew, that impossibly likeable raven, had helped Dream retrieve his tools. He fell in love for the first time since the beautiful Muse who had birthed him a son.

Death always said he needed to mingle with humans more, try harder to understand them. Desire claimed he felt himself better than everyone, including his siblings. Dream is loath to admit that perhaps, only perhaps, they were both correct. Hob has opened his eyes to the wonders of humanity, the reality that comes with living. Dreams were well and good, but sometimes, seeing it yourself is what works most to change a mind.

Dream lets out a slow, unnecessary breath and runs a fingertip along a seam in the couch cushion. The fabric is soft with use, the foam padding sagging beneath the cover, and the remote sits on the far end where Hob most likely tossed it on his way to bed the night before. It’s worn in with love. Dream imagines his heart is the same way.

Hob slips through the door two hours later. Two hours during which Dream read and listened to the stereo. Etta James was a soothing voice, something he needed desperately. He was never nervous by any measure; he was the collective subconscious. There was nothing he couldn’t do, nothing he couldn’t bend to his will with the slightest effort. But this. . . This isn’t the same as warping the Dreaming or even what he can in the Waking.

Before Hob can say more than a “Hello, love”, Dream advances on him. The kiss is graceless in a way Dream doesn’t expect. It punches a quiet noise from Hob’s throat, but he kisses back just as enthusiastically. He smells of industrial cleaner and cedar, and Dream has never breathed a scent in so deeply. His head spins, another too-human response but one he relishes anyway.

He steers the two of them toward the bedroom, pulling away only to peel Hob’s shirt off and over his head. Hob’s lips move against his, but Dream only kisses away the words. They don’t need to speak. Not here, not now. He allows Hob to push him onto the bed, melts under the steady weight blanketing him. His fingers press to the mat of hair covering Hob’s chest.

Hob burns a path along Dream’s throat, whispering into the skin, “I love you, did you know that?”

“And I you,” Dream whispers back. “Until all universes cease to exist.”

Hob’s smile sparks a fire within Dream’s bones, and he pushes at Hob until he sprawls on his back. Dream straddles his thighs, leaving bruising kisses to Hob’s lips before moving across his jaw. His teeth worry at the junction of jaw to neck, and Hob reacts beautifully. His hips jerk upwards as his breath comes out in a rough exhale.

Dream loses patience with pretenses: He rushes through undressing Hob then himself before straddling his love once more. Hob grasps his hips, holds him steady, as Dream lowers himself onto his cock. There is no need to need the preparation, to act as a human would, not with Hob. He’s shown he doesn’t mind Dream’s inhuman, Endless existence.

Hob’s groan is the most wondrous music Dream has heard in centuries.

As much as he wants to drag this out, he can’t. He plants his hands against Hob’s chest and pushes his hips down to meet with the gentle thrusting. A strangled sound fills the air, and Dream glances down to see the sharp nails digging into Hob’s skin. He goes to move, but Hob shakes his head vehemently.

“No, leave them.”

“I do not wish to harm you.”

“It’s worth it,” Hob replies; his hands wrap around Dream’s wrists, pinning his palms where they are. “Doesn’t hurt much, anyway.”

“You are a true marvel, Hob Gadling.”

“Clearly not, if you’re still speaking perfectly fine.”

Dream lets out a soft chuckle and decides to give Hob what he’s silently asking for. Hob’s smile stutters, fades, as Dream moves more quickly. Jaw dropping open, Hob stares up at Dream like he’s some sort of masterpiece hanging in the most prestigious museum; Dream is intimately familiar with the thought.

Hob is more precious, more valuable, just more.

Once they are both spent and have caught their breath, Dream doesn’t hesitate before curling into Hob’s side. It should feel pathetic, as if he is weak for seeking out comfort, but Dream believes he has earned the right to this. To this happiness, this ecstasy, this security and safety.

Wouldn’t Desire be thrilled to see how their brother has fallen?

At no one else’s feet would Dream have ever imagined prostrating himself.

He follows Hob into the Dreaming, the Library where Lucienne is putting away books. She smiles widely when she sees Hob and ducks her head demurely in Dream’s direction. He wonders when his most loyal and his love became so close. Perhaps it has happened over the days that Dream was dealing with the Vortex and Unity Kincaid. Hob has proven himself a quick learner. There is no doubt in Dream’s mind that Hob will have entered the Dreaming proper whenever he wanted.

The thought warms Dream from the inside out.

They leave Lucienne minutes later, Hob promising to be back for a lively conversation over Saint Thomas Aquinas and Michel Foucault. Dream smiles at how the promise visibly delights her. The corridors are empty as he and Hob amble across the stone floor. They don’t speak–there is no need, for there is enough they’ve said many times over. Even their silence says it all again.

Fiddler’s Green is as expansive and breathtaking as ever. Hob immediately finds a spot beside the river lazily burbling by. Birds fly overhead, and branches sway gently in the breeze. Dream can feel the contentment rolling off of Fiddler’s Green in waves. His lips curve upward at the sensation, the soft tendrils of warmth and peacefulness.

Before, he would have found it impudent, out of line, but now. . . Now he recognises it for what it is: True loyalty to their Lord and a desire to see him happy. Of all things, happy. And happy he is, all thanks to Hob.

Hob slides his hand through the water, smiling at the tiny fish that swim up to nibble at his fingers. They dart away just as quickly, but he doesn’t seem to mind. If anything, he grins even brighter. His eyes shine, gleam honey-gold, in the sunlight when he looks up at Dream.

Dream can no longer keep the words to himself.

“I have told you I love you.”

“Many times, my love,” Hob agrees with a quick nod. His smile hasn’t dimmed.

“And I mean those words far more deeply than you can ever know. I warned you that love with an Endless only ever spells doom.” Dream holds up a hand when Hob opens his mouth. “Please, allow me to finish. I have been considering what you claimed, that you were no mortal. Perhaps you were correct.

“However, even if you were wrong, I. . . I would cherish the opportunity to have your love for as long as I possibly can. Even if it ends in unbearable agony, your love for me—you are worth everything that may come.

“You came to my aid when I escaped my captivity. When we entered Hell for my helm, you stepped forward to defend me without hesitation. Without my asking it of you. Hob Gadling, there is no universe in which I could not love you were you to exist there.”

“Dream. . .”

He reaches for Hob’s hand, gesturing with his other. The band rests there in his palm, and he carefully slides it onto Hob’s finger. The gem, a shard of the ruby which held his power not so long ago, glitters against the black, and Dream nods slowly at the sight. It suits Hob perfectly.

“You are aware that I rarely make promises I cannot keep.” At Hob’s nod, the quick glance between ring and Dream, he continues, “So believe me when I vow to love you as you deserve until I physically cease to exist. I will do all I can to make your life, both in the Dreaming and Waking, all that you dream of.”

Hob lets out a quiet laugh and shrugs. “Perhaps not the nightmares.”

“No, not the nightmares,” Dream concedes, though it is no hardship.

“Dream, I—I don’t know what to say. You know I love you and have for as long as I can remember. Centuries ago, I realised I needed to know more about my mysterious Stranger. That desire became love somewhere along the way, even when I knew I didn’t deserve to want such a thing. I wish to make you happy.”

Dream clutches at Hob’s hand, tight and unrelenting. Hob must know: Dream has not held such joy to live since Calliope, since Nada, since Killala. Those ended in tragedy, but this? This will be different. Hob has given him reason to live, much like he’d said Dream had given him reason to die.

At the assurances, Hob launches forward, dropping Dream’s hands, and kisses him soundly. Dream lets himself fall backwards to lie in the sweet-smelling grass. Sunshine beats down on the meadow, warm and relaxing and perfect as only the Dreaming can be. Hob rests over him, still kissing him, still sending sparks through Dream with every second of contact.

Abruptly—far too soon—Hob pulls back and frowns. “Wait, are we married?”

“Of course not,” Dream murmurs as he reaches up to brush hair behind Hob’s ear. “We are nothing so temporary.”

Hob stares at Dream, unblinking, before shaking his head. “So what are we?”

“We are bound, dear heart, until eternity meets its end.”

Hob beams, hands coming up to cradle Dream’s cheeks. The kiss he graces Dream with is soft, sweet, tender, and Dream cannot care that Fiddler’s Green is witness to this. With a wave of his hand, sand swirls around them, and then he and Hob are blessedly alone in his chambers.

He takes his forever love to bed.

#the sandman #dream of the endless #hob gadling #dream of the endless x hob gadling #dream x hob #dreamling #my writing #yesterday's gone

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