#i went ahead and gave her a cabin because i was tired of just gathering and stuff for the whole time

[skeletorsims]

Matilda is able to move into a cabin, having chosen her land before hand. It is built upon a salt deposit and she is hoping to supplement her income by growing tea crops to sell to Josephine Harris and Latika Hollowbreast

Her land in particular seems to attract a variety of wolves and strays.

[lonely-lost-soul]

“I’m Not Soft.”

Request 5: Techno and the voices simping for the reader, maybe after reader gets in (and wins) a fight or something more domestic like farming or playing with Steve

Requested By: Anonymous 

(Technoblade X Female Reader)

~Added a little bit of spice~

Technoblade kicked the snow off his boots sending little flurries all inside the doorway of his cabin. He had just arrived home, he was coming home much later than he anticipated getting held up at a long-running syndicate meeting. He was greeted by the savory smell of baked potatoes and steak, it had him practically drooling. Techno wandered into the kitchen after hanging up his cloak by the door, his plate was sitting in the furnace. He peeked inside and saw it was set on low heat just to keep his food warm, he smiled softly. 

‘She’s so thoughtful. Keeping it warm for us. We should give her a kiss! Where even is she? Find her before you eat. You can sit together!’ 

Technoblade let out a soft hum of acknowledgment listening to the advice of the voices and searching for his lady love. He stepped into the living room and noticed the fire was roaring away in the fireplace, you were still here then, very early on he made sure you knew to put the fireplace out when you were finished in the room. He had a close call with Tommy when he was living here, and since then he made sure to remind you constantly about the fireplace. He spotted you and Steve curled up next to one another by the said fireplace, you were buried in his white fur and he was snoring away loudly beside you. A book was in your lap and you were wearing one of his shirts as a pajama top, socks with little bears on them adorned your feet. 

‘Oh my god, they’re so cute together. Take a picture! Take a picture! She looks so peaceful…’

Technoblade smiled gently making sure he did end up snapping a picture, just so he could tease you about it later. Plus you were adorable and you snuggling with Steve really melted his frozen heart, 

‘SIMP!’ 

     “You guys are doing the same thing shut up.” He growled under his breath finally walking over to you, Steve cracked his eyes open and let out a low snarl before comprehending who stood in front of him. Once he recognized The Blade he let out a disgruntled huff before falling back asleep, his movement caused you to stir. Technoblade watched as you rub the sleep from your eyes, before running your hands through your messy hair. “Morning Princess,” He cooed squatting down beside you. You blinked blearily at him for a moment before a smile lit up your face, you moved quickly wrapping your arms around his shoulders. He couldn’t help but smile in response to the hug, his hands were placed on his lower back as he squeezed.

‘So small and cute. Just like a little kitten.~ Can you give her a kiss now? I’m tired of asking for a kiss just do it. Stop making him sound like a simp. Wait look she’s pulling away-’

You pressed a kiss to his lips murmuring a weak, ‘welcome home Protesilaus.’ He shivered a little at the use of his Greek title and gave you a kiss back. 

     “Did you make me dinner?” You hummed nodded your head sleepily, “You spoil me, Princess.” He cupped your cheek with his hand and you nuzzled into it, you looked blissful. 

     “Only cause you deserve it, big guy. Want me to sit with you while you eat.” 

     “If you’re up for it.” Another kiss was pressed against the side of his lips and he purred fondly. You giggled a little and he flushed darkly, “Don’t laugh at me that’s cringe.”

     “Not laughing at you, I just love it when you purr. You’re like a big lion, who’s only soft for me.” He scoffed with an eye roll, 

     “I’m soft to no one.” 

     “Sure you’re not Tech.” You gently pat his cheek before standing up and cracking your back, Technoblade stood up beside you. The both of you walked into the kitchen, you sat at the table while he grabbed his meal. He dug in and his eyes fluttered, 

     “This is so good, god I’m so glad you’re my girlfriend.” 

     “Just for the cooking?” You teased fluttering your eyes at him and he looked thoughtful for a moment, 

     “Well, that and the great se-” You let out an indignant sound interrupting his sentence you went so red it even spread to your ears. Technoblade laughed loudly, “You’re so adorable when you’re flustered,” a smirk spread across his lips. 

‘We got her. Oh my god, she’s so cute. Awwww she’s embarrassed what a sweetheart. You should pinch her cheeks. Show her what we mean- DON’T BE GROSS. He was gross first though!’

     “You’re a terror,” You scoffed fanning your hot face with your hand trying to cool yourself down. 

     “Exactly and don’t you forget it, Princess.” He had a soft pink flush across his cheeks as you flipped him off, “Maybe later.”

     “Techno!” You squawked as he roared with laugher, “What is with you tonight!?”

     “I just missed you. I’ve been away from you all day can you blame me?”

     “I suppose not…” You trailed off smiling softly over at him and he smiled right back at you. “I’m going to head to bed, you coming or what?”

     “I’m right behind you.” He hummed placing his plate in the sink before following you up the stairs. 

The next morning was dedicated solely to you, not only because Technoblade wanted to but also because the voices just wanted to stay close to you. Your head was tightly tucked underneath his chin as he watched you sleep. The rise and fall of your chest was hypnotic and he placed his hand on your chest feeling your heartbeat flutter against his hand. He smiled watching you wake up for a second time with a sweet yawn, he kissed your nose as you regained consciousness. You snickered softly giving him a kiss right back, “Morning Techno.” 

     “Morning Princess,” He greeted, “I was wondering if you wanted to walk Steve with me today.”  

     “I’d love nothing more,” you smiled warmly “on one condition.”

     “And that would be?” Technoblade raised an eyebrow, his hand gently stroking your hip. 

      “I get to wear your cape.” His face scrunched up with disgust, 

      “My cape is sacred, you know this.”

      “I promise I’ll take really good care of it. Please for your wonderful and stunning girlfriend.” 

      “Eh?” He muttered as you batted your eyelashes at him, and despite his original distaste the voices melted seeing your face. 

‘She’s so cute. Adorable, look at those big ole eyes. Tell her she’s cute! Love of our life truly. She’s a teasing little shit ain’t she? Let her wear the cape, what's the harm?’

       “Cringe,” Technoblade said instead and the voices groaned loudly in his ears, he watched your face settle into a pout. He clicked his tongue annoyed at your pout, “come or don’t either way I gotta walk Steve- oof-“ Technoblade grunted as you sat down on his hips glaring at him. 

      “Give me the cape now.” You glared into his eyes, hands gripping onto his shoulders, his eyes lit up with amusement. 

     “Oh, you taking charge here Princess? I don’t mind if you think you can handle me.” The voices and he relished in the way your entire face turned red and you rested your forehead on his neck. 

    “You’re impossible but I’m still taking your fucking cape cringe-lord.”

     “Nerd.” He mused with a fond kiss to your lips, “but fine. I suppose you can borrow it.” Technoblade relented with a small smile, as your entire face lit up like the sun. 

‘Worth it. That smile! Be still my heart! She’s going to look so adorable. Trust us Techno you made the correct choice.’

He rolled his eyes and watched you tilt your head to the side, “The voices?” Technoblade gave a little nod. 

      “They’re being stupid.”

‘STUPID! FUCK OFF! WE’RE HELPING YOU SCORE!’

      “What’re they saying?” 

Sweat gathered on Technoblade’s brow, well now he couldn’t say they were complimenting you. He’d look like such an asshole. 

        “Nothing important.” He tried to cover himself up quickly and you gave a little smirk of your own. “Shut up don’t-“

       “Aw, do they like me?~” You cooed pinching the man’s cheek. “I love them too, they’re a part of you after all.” Now it was Technoblade’s turn to flush red all over if the voices weren’t gushing before they were now. 

‘Kiss her oh my god kiss her. We love her too! Tell her that right now! She needs to know! Bark bark bark bark! Everyone here is a simp. I’m the only one with a brain cell. Technooooooo tell her pleaaaaaseeeee.’

      “They Ugh...they want me to tell you they love you too.” He watched you smile again, “they also want me to give you a kiss.”

       “Well tell them I accept their kiss.”

       “Oh, they know sweetheart believe me.” He leaned forward to capture your lips, he felt you sigh pleasantly against them. His hands moved down to rest on your hips, rubbing gentle circles on them. He tilted his head to deepen the kiss but you pulled away from him, he let out a growl of disagreement. 

        “Oh hush up you grump. We have to feed the bears and dogs, plus if we’re walking Steve we need to get going.” 

       “Tease.” He grunted as you whacked him on the chest, before hopping off his lap to get dressed. He followed you out of bed, as the both of you got ready for the day ahead. You finished before Techno and slid down the ladders to whip up a quick breakfast and feed Steve. By the time Technoblade came downstairs, Steve was happily chowing away and you handed Technoblade two slices of bread. He gave you a quick kiss on the side of his head before shoveling the food into his mouth, he heard you giggle and he raised an eyebrow. “What’re you laughing at exactly?”

     “You’re eating like Steve,” Technoblade made an indignant sound of protest which only caused you to laugh harder. Sometimes he genuinely wondered how he put up with you but then he remembered he loved you and wouldn’t trade you for the world. He only rolled his eyes at you before grabbing Steve’s designated leash and hooking him up to it, the bear let out a huff and his little stub of a tail began to wiggle. “Someone’s excited,” You cooed at the bear scratching under his chin, “My big ole sweetheart.”

     “(Y/n) he’s supposed to be a killing machine please don’t coddle him.”

     “Oh fuck off Techno. Look at his face!” You squished the bear’s cheeks between your hands, “he wouldn’t hurt a fly!” The bear rumbled loudly in his throat but it was more of a pleasant sound than a threatening one. Technoblade raised an eyebrow at the antics before him, 

     “Leave our guard bear alone and go put on your boots.” You huffed but ultimately decided not to be a brat and listen to your boyfriend for once, you stood beside the door as Steve and he wandered up towards you. An eyebrow was raised and he looked you up and down, 

     “What?”

     “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

He watched you slowly blink before patting the sides of your winter jacket, and he chuckled deeply. He took off his cape and draped it across your shoulders, your face lit up and you snuggled into the fluff. It flowed behind you much more than it did when Technoblade wore it, it was swallowing you up. 

‘She’s so precious! We were correct, good job Techno. Such a good, sweet girl. We’re protecting her from the harsh elements! True! You don’t want her to get sick do you?’

Technoblade snapped out of his thoughts as he felt a soft kiss against the side of his cheek, “Thank you Tech, you made my morning.”

     “Anything for you.”

‘We’d kill for her you know. If anyone even looks at her wrong we’ll tear them apart. Guys, could you lighten up a little? Sheesh. Never she’s our stability.’

     “Shall we?” He held out his arm and you wrapped your hand around it snuggling against his side, he really was down bad for you. The both of you stepped out it was a beautiful sunny day the wind only a gentle chill, Techno grunted as Steve eagerly pulled him forward. He heard you laugh as he stumbled down the steps, he shot you a glare over his shoulder and you flipped him off. 

‘Hot.’ 

Technoblade’s face scrunched up in disbelief, “what the hell chat…” he muttered but the heat he felt in his cheeks showed he agreed with the voices. Once again at his side the two of you walked in the direction of Snow Chester, once you both came to the shoreline Technoblade turned towards you. “Would you like to visit L’manhole someday day soon?”

     “Like you even have to ask me that. I’d love to see the damage you caused.”

‘Our little anarchist in training.~ I for one, Can’t wait for her to join the Syndicate. We don’t want her to remember, we want to protect her. Exactly, her joining could put her at risk.’

     “Then we’ll go soon I promise.” 

     “I look forward to it big guy,” You cooed, pressing a feather-light kiss to his lips that sent electricity down to the tips of his toes. He tilted his head deepening the kiss slightly, his hand cupping your cheek, it was so small in his hand. He loved hearing the soft whimper you made against his lips as his tongue slipped into your mouth but the moment was shattered as he heard Steve let out a low warning growl. He rapidly pulled away and shoved you behind his back, he came face to face with BadBoyHalo, the egg cult leader himself. “Is that BBH?” 

    ��“Looks like it,” Techno muttered as you slipped out from behind him, the demon was in his smaller form and he waved enthusiastically. “Careful Princess,” Techno murmured hesitantly, watching him skip over, “remember the egg.” 

     “I got this Tech, no worries. I’ll be back in a moment alright.” You met Bad halfway and Technoblade shuffled uncomfortably. 

‘Don’t let her go. He’s gonna hurt her. Keep a steady eye. She’s not fragile but eavesdrop just in case. Be careful, and keep alert. Blood for the Blood God. Not yet shut up.’ 

Technoblade clicked his tongue but did eavesdrop on their conversation allowing Steve to sniff at the ground nearby for bugs.

     “(Y/n) my little muffin! How’re you doing?” 

     “I’m doing good Bad! I haven’t seen you in a while, how're you doing? Still doing egg stuff?”

     “Of course silly! That’s why I wanted to visit you.” He grabbed your hands, “I need your help.” He grazed his claws across the back of your hands, Techno watched you raise a suspicious eyebrow. 

‘That’s my girl. Always being suspicious and alert.’ He mentally praised, and the voice agreed with his though,

     “And that help would be what exactly?”

     “You need to convince Techno to give the egg a second chance!” You stared at him blankly and Technoblade tried not to laugh. 

     “Bad, you’re one of my good friends but I fucking hate the egg too.” His smile faltered a little bit and Technoblade’s hand went to the sword on his hip. Bad’s smile quickly returned and cupped your cheeks,

     “Language dear.” He scolded his smile turning strained, “this just means I need to introduce you to the egg silly! It’s going to love you,” 

     “Bad No.” He began to squeeze your face, nails digging into the flesh of your cheeks. Your eyes flashed with fear and Technoblade was about to step forward and intervene but skidded to a halt as he watched you knee Bad in the stomach. Technoblade’s jaw fell open, as you grabbed Bad’s arm as he bent over in pain and flipped him over your shoulder slamming his back into the snow and dirt. Bad let out a pained sound, but all Technoblade could focus on was the way his cape flew to the side with a flourish as you recovered. Your hair stuck to your cheeks as you glowered at the demon, “Don’t touch me.” You stood up, looking more regal than Techno’s ever seen you look, “Go home Bad, and don’t come back till you’ve sorted yourself out. This egg thing has really fucked with your head.” You walked back over towards Techno and smirked at him the fire in your eyes still burning bright. You brought a hand towards his face and you closed Technoblade’s jaw with your finger, “You’re going to catch flies babe.” His jaw snapped shut as you winked at him, you took Steve from his hand and began to walk away. 

‘Damn the cape’s covering her ass. THAT’S WHAT YOU’RE FOCUSING ON?! SHE JUST FLIPPED BADBOYHALO LIKE HE WAS A SACK OF POTATOES! NO FUCKS GIVEN! Stop screaming you’re too loud. Get me a woman who can flip me like that. God, I love strong women. Techno go make out with her right now don’t let her get away with that! We made the right choice with her, maybe she should join the Syndicate. Yeah but then seeing this side wouldn’t be as special-’

     “Tech you coming?” You called over your shoulder, 

‘Yes ma’am. Anything for you. Such a tease.’

He said nothing but followed in your footsteps, hands twitching at his sides, desperately trying to ignore the way the voices purred and begged for him to make out with you right here in the snow. 

As soon as you removed the collar from around Steve’s neck, and hung it back in it’s place by the door Technoblade pushed you up against the wall. You gave a squeak in surprise that he absolutely relished in, maybe he was a little bit of a sadist. His cape fell from your shoulders with a soft clatter as he roughly pressed his lips to yours, he watched your eyes droop closed before closing his eyes as well. “That was the hottest thing we’ve ever fucking seen,” He growled against your lips hoisting you up so that your legs wrapped around his waist. 

     “We?” You said breathlessly as his kisses moved from your lips and down to your neck, 

     “The voices.” He nipped at the skin between your shoulder and neck, enjoying the way your breath hitched in your throat. 

     “Oh,” was all you managed to get out letting your head fall back against the wall with a soft thump. Techno snickered against the burning skin on your neck, you whined a little before meekly murmuring, “Don’t stop. Please Technoblade.” 

‘Well, you heard the little lady. Don’t stop Technoblade. Make her beg some more first. Agreed, that’s what she gets for teasing us after all. Give the girl what she wants already. Who are we to deny her when she looks like that? We live to please one person and that’s her.’

Technoblade panted softly, throughout his life he was never one to deny giving the voices what they wanted. Especially when that something was you.  

[sweater-daddiesdumbdork]

Attack Of The Winter Wolf: Salvaging The Lost

Summary- 6.3k Alpha Steve x Little One Reader. Your old pack has been torn apart by the Winter Wolf and Alpha taken. Steve and You rally the last together and offer then a home with you, some take the offer, others don’t. Steve and You prepare to go elsewhere though. A part of Steve’s past might have the answers needed. Divider made by @firefly-graphics​

Warnings- Mentions of blood, death, smut- fingering. 

A/N- Thank You for reading and following along with Alpha Steve and Little One. It means so much to me that their story is read. I hope you all enjoy. It is a slightly slower chapter. As always, thoughts, questions and theories are always welcome. Happy Howling. 🐺💙

Chapter Two / Masterlist

After you two came to a stalemate, you insisted on heading back outside and helping the remaining wolves. Steve didn't try to disagree, even though he could see the tired lines under your eyes from the events that night. His Alpha could feel it through their bond, finally returning to his Little One who was pacing, whining. The silver wolf approached her with a slight nudge and embraced her when she sunk into him, being her strength.

 So Steve stayed close to you, even though you square your shoulders and did your best to show strength to those left. The moment you and Steve stepped out of the cabin, the scent of dried blood and death hit you both. It made your stomach roll and tears prick your eyes. You felt Steve’s touch against your hip, turning you into him momentarily so you could press your face into him, inhaling his calming scent, the woodsy smoke and steel covered the dried blood enough for you to regain your control till you pulled away. 

What was the worst part of it was that you were becoming accustomed to that scent of blood and chaos. It was sinking into the ground like a story to retold. It reminded you of the last stand with Pierce, of your Alpha bloodied and panting letting you lean against him in the underground cold tunnels, those burning moments when the Little Wolf was fighting against the serum you were given. You shook your head a bit to clear your thoughts and Steve's hold tightened as he tilted his head to your shoulder, inhaling deeply with a hot press of his nose against your mark. “You don't have to do this Little One. No one will think differently.” Everyone was in shock right now, wandering aimlessly trying to find the surviving members of their pack. Hard to believe that four wolves could cause this much destruction, killing off most of them and taking their Alpha. 

You lifted your head and weaved your hand with Steve’s, squeezing a bit. You were lucky, you still had your Alpha and mate, unlike others. Kat nearby wandered from body to body, searching for Caine. The Little Wolf whined seeing her friend search for him. Your throat shut at the pain she must be feeling. That selfish part of you thankful that wasn't you searching for Steve. “I have to Steve, they are my family.” You unwind yourself for him and went to Kat, who just blinked at you. Her eyes red rimmed as she knelt next to someone, feeling for his pulse. 

“I can't find him Y/N, I don't know where he is.” She croaked out and you sunk down next to your friend, reaching to take her hand in yours. 

“I’m sorry Kat, I'm so sorry… they took him.” You cupped the woman's face, making her listen to you. You could tell when it sunk in, when your words had a meaning for her, the utter defeat seemed to deflate her as she collapsed in your hold, her sobs shaking her as you gently tried to soothe her, strokes over her hair and along her back as she broke with her head in your lap. Steve watched a moment with a deep inhale and clenched jaw. Even the Alpha admired his partner so willing to take the others pain as your own so they wouldn't be alone. 

It was apparent that the pack no longer had their own Alpha in the midst of all this, and Steve cupped his hands around his mouth and sent out a howl, calling those still alive to him so he could give them direction. Right now they needed a leader to pull them out of their shock, figure out where to go from here. 

You felt your chest rise hearing your Alpha calling the others, his deep howl of “Come to me” made your own head tip back with the answering “Im here, Im here” song. Others started to join, moving in groups as they came out of the woods to return home, a mix of wolves and humans filling the sky with a mourning song. 

Once they joined the Alpha, Steve quieted, looking at the wolves who weren't his own, but in desperate need of him right now. “Let's put the fallen to rest.” He simply said, and the wolves dispersed to gather those they lost. 

Soldat happened to hear the Alpha’s howl he left behind reassembling the survivors from miles away. Not that there were many, it was the mission to disassemble the pack while removing the Alpha. Broken packs usually didn't survive long. The wolves either abandoned the area, finding family in other packs, or went into No Man's Land to live as loners till they lost themselves or found another to join. The Alpha they just collected was young. He laid curled up at Soldats feet, having shifted into a sleek black wolf. Soldat reached down, grabbing his muzzle to lift his head and inspect him for a moment. The Black Wolf stared back at him in defiance while Soldat snapped a picture of him to send to Brock. 

~Mission complete, we will drop off the asset and be ready for the next mission. 

He hit send and dropped the wolf's head to let it crash back to the floor. It wasn't long till an answering text beeped. 

~Excellent, stop by the office for your next orders.

Soldat leaned back in his seat, quietly they drove. Under Hydra’s control, the wolves no longer sought the companionship a typical pack brought them. Even the twins sat apart from one another, staring ahead at nothing. Just waiting for the next mission. That was all there life was about, completing the mission. There was no remorse in what their actions just caused. 

It was hours of finding the dead, hours of you finding the broken wolves in shock and doing your best to help them. Some point Natasha joined you all, having found you first. She wrapped you in her arms, and you let your friend hold you while you sunk into her strong hold. Everything smelled of death, but not her. She felt like home, as much as Steve did, and you let her be your strength momentarily.

“I got here as fast as I could.” Natasha squeezed you a bit more before letting go to step back, her hand coming to wipe at your streaked face. “Let me go check in with Steve and I will take over here. You look exhausted.” 

“No, I'm okay.” You shook off the hint that you needed a break, but lifted your head to find where Steve was, closing your eyes as you sought him out using the bond. It was a gentle brush between you. Your Little Wolf went to seek for her Alpha, twining her body around the tired Wolf and pushing her muzzle under his chin in a nuzzle. The motion made you smile to yourself, because you knew Steve felt it too by the immediate warmth you felt flow through you. “He’s over that way.” You said and Natasha glanced over to see Steve making his way over, just as much a mess as You were right now. Natasha let go of you to meet up with Steve, embracing him as well before stepping back so he could wrap an arm around you, your hand sliding up the back of his shirt to knead the small of his back, seeking that connection. 

“Natasha, you’re a sight for sore eyes.” Steve gave a weak smile and Natasha gave a knowing smile back, nodding. 

“I imagine, were you able to track where Bucky and the rest went?” 

“Just to the road, I didn't dare continue. Not with everything that had happened here. It was… terrible. Whatever they did to him, they have full access to his Howling Commandos training, no one stood a chance here. Or any other pack they catch by surprise. I already warned Sam, seeing how close they are.” You could feel him rumble slightly, obviously wanting to return home to be sure their home was protected. 

“This is the second in the area they have hit. They are just picking up momentum. I don't know what they are doing with the Alphas. But every one is the same.” Natasha bit her lip as she looked around. Even though the bodies have been moved, the ground still showed the story. You thought again how the blood soaked ground was going to be haunted by the memories of all the evil that had happened here. Natasha broke your thoughts. “What can I do to help?” 

“Pick up the trail and see if you can tell where they are headed next Nat.” The silent command of ‘Make sure they are not headed for home’ was heavy between them. Natasha gave a nod and disappeared in the woods where Steve directed her. 

The Alpha nudged at Steve when Natasha slipped from sight. <She's tired Steve, it's time to clean up and rest.> 

Just what I was thinking as well. 

“Come on Little One, you are dead on your feet and the others are going home to rest.” He nudged your temple with a slight bump as you both turned around. He was right, the grounds looked basically deserted now, it seemed hard to believe this had been a bustling lively pack not even a day ago. Now, it looked abandoned. 

You let Steve lead you back to the cabin. “Go take a shower.” He eased you towards the stairs leading to the second floor. Making your way halfway up, you paused, looking over the railing. 

“What about you? Are you coming?” Your voice had a bit of a concerned whine in it, and he gave a reassuring smile. 

“In a minute. I'm just bringing us up some food and I will join you Little One. Now go on up.” His tone deepened, not demanding but encouraging you to listen, and you did. Each step up made you feel heavier, and once you entered the bathroom, you couldn't wait for the hot water to take away the feeling of death that clung to your skin, filling your senses. The idea of food made your stomach turn, but you knew it was just Steve trying to take care of the two of you. Downstairs you could hear him moving around and then the creak of the steps signaled he was making his way up when you stepped under the hot water, gasping as the heat encased you. 

Steve brought up a tray of food he found in the fridge, making each of you a sandwich with grapes on the side, along with water. He would have done more, but right now he just didn't have it in him. Setting it aside on a night stand, he made his way for the shower. 

In it he could scent your heated body, fresh with the scent of scrubbed soap, and a deep inhale of the steamy air lifted him a bit. He was looking forward to washing off as well, and ridding himself of his clothes, he joined you in the shower. You side stepped out of the spray so Steve could rinse off before going to clean himself. 

Groans of appreciation at the hot water came from both of you and as you finished rinsing off, you took the cloth from Steve’s hand and scrubbed the spanse of his back and shoulders, leaning against it while wrapping your arms around his midsection, enjoying feeling him so warm and solid against you, so very much alive. 

“Mmhh tired Little One?” Steve asked softly while rinsing off his chest, wide hands rubbing the suds away and you pressed a kiss between his flexing shoulder blades before dipping around him to step under the spray, rinsing off the soap. 

“If I said No, would you believe me?” You blinked up at him and he cupped your face in his hands, his eyes scanning over your face that was dripping from the shower, he shook his head and kissed the droplets from your lashes and down to your wet lips, kissing you slowly. Savoring the feel of your warmth in the kiss, his tongue stroking yours before pulling away. 

“I would be telling you that I knew better.” Steve stated while reaching around to turn off the shower and stepping out to grab a towel and hold it open for you to step into. When you did, he whisked you dry and you tucked it around you while leaving the bathroom to make your way towards the bedroom. 

Steve was quick to follow, sure to gather the clothes and going into the bedroom. He found you sitting on the edge of the bed, doing what would normally be your routine before bed even though it was edging right on mid morning. Your hands swiped the light smelling lotion along your arms and over your shoulders. Steve didn't even bother with boxers or sleep pants. He crawled into his usual side, stretching his side and reached over to skim patterns against your back while you let your head dip forward, setting aside the lotion you have been using. “You okay Little One?” 

You gave a shake of your head and you felt Steve’s arm circle around your waist and pull you in closer. You flipped in bed to face him, laying in against him with your head pillowed on his shoulder. “Why did that have to happen? They were just becoming a real pack Steve.” Your hand lifted to wipe at your face and you felt yourself sink further into Steve's hard body the more he rubbed at your hip and along your ribs, dipping along your curves. His rumble was deep when he pressed his lips to the tip of your head, letting his nose press against the crown of your head, burying into your wet hair. 

He wished he had the answer, something to take the pain he could feel tightening inside of you, the bond sharing waves of sorrow for your old pack. Steve tugged you in closer, your face pressing against his chest, and he felt the hot tears start to fall. 

“You should sleep Little One.” He responded while wrapping you in close and you gave a slight nod, wrapping your arm around him as well as your leg. Steve reached over and tugged a sheet over you while you cried against Steve. 

After a while you lifted your head to look up at Steve. “I just want you to know I don’t blame Bucky, Clint, or the twins. I know they are not killers.” 

Before Steve could say anything, you arched up to kiss him, whispering against his mouth. “I love you Steve, always will.” 

“I love you to Y/N” he said softly, flushing gentle nips on your jawline and rubbing his chin against his bite on your neck while you settled back down. Soon after that you went quiet and let yourself fall asleep, Steve though ended up staying awake. His fingers drifted up and down your back while losing himself in thought. The Alpha gave a gentle nudge to the Little Wolf to see that she was sound asleep before he stretched out next to her, watching over the two of them while she slept. 

<You know she wouldn't blame Bucky, it wasn't him. None of that is him.>

It's just… even in the midst of all this, she isn't angry. It's just sadness and I got to just let her feel it. There is nothing I can do. 

<That is not true, we will be there for her, her strength when she needs it.> 

Steve smiled to himself hearing the wolf, as always the beast spoke common sense he sometimes didn't seem to have. Giving a sigh, he let his head fall back to let himself drift off along with his mate.

Hours passed and you woke to find Steve not next to you. Rubbing your face in his warm pillow, inhaling deeply. He hadn't been gone long. Lifting to see where he was, you saw him sitting on the edge of the bed, talking on his cell. 

“Yea, There aren't many left Sam. And they don't have an Alpha anymore to keep them together.” 

You heard Sam respond, but couldn't understand beyond the muted sound of his voice. You shifted across the bed to drape gently against Steve’s back, letting your forehead press against the back of his neck, soaking in the warmth radiating from him.

“Same track of mind Sam, I was just thinking the same thing. I will tell Y/N. Give Sara our love and be ready. Talk soon.” With that he hung up and tossed his phone to the side. You shifted around and moved to straddle his lap, rubbing your hands against the back of his neck. Steve's hands fell to your hips and pressed a kiss to your mouth. “Hello my Little One.” he growled softly while you arched in against him, rolling your hips while you whimpered softly, nipping at his chin gently. 

“Hello Alpha. What did Sam say?” 

Steve rumbled slightly enjoying the feeling of your hands on his neck, the way your fingers brushed into his hair and tugged slightly. “I was filling him in with what happened.” He buried his face in your neck and inhaled deeply, getting lost in you then. “How we are going to offer any that want to come back with us are welcome to stay with us. They can’t stay here.” You worked your fingers against a knot in his upper back, smiling when you felt him groan into the curve of your neck. “That feels so good Little One.” 

Nipping at his ear, you shift to a stand. His hands trailing down the back of your thighs. “Thank you Steve, for taking those in that are in need of a home. For being an Alpha they deserve.” 

He followed up to a stand and reached for the bags to dig out clothes for both of you. “How about we go make the offer together, Little One?” 

Handing over some clothing that you started to pull on, you nodded. 

The wolves that didn't have a place to go ended up taking Steve on the offer, the rest making arrangements to move on. Preparations were also made for burials, those remaining picked a peaceful spot in a clearing. 

Within a few days Sam brought a crew with him, familiar faces and scents easing Steve. It was a solemn event, shared with tears as the ground was broken to lay those to rest. Each grave site was marked with a sapling that Sam had brought with them from the nursery they used to replace the areas they logged. The saplings once all set in place would one day become its own untouched forest, giving some form of life in the midst of the tragedy. That night the clearing was filled with the mourning howls telling the packs life story to the stars. 

Steve took the time to call the other packs in the area, warning them of the recent attack, even though word of mouth had spread. The last number on his list, Tony. He hasn't really talked to the Alpha since the confrontation with Ross, but he just couldn't bypass him.  

Leaning against a tree where the solitude surrounded him, he let the forests calm wash over him while the AI placed him on hold. 

Tony was going over spreadsheets with Pepper when Friday announced Steve Rogers was on hold. The pair looked up at each other in surprise. “Well… this is a surprise.” Tony admonished and Pepper pointed at the phone. 

“Answer it Tony, You know that Steve wouldn't call for no reason.” She grasped both their coffee cups and moved to a stand. Tony groaned a bit while watching his mate leave, making her grin at him over her shoulder. “Now Alpha.” Then she disappeared from sight. 

“Yes Ma’am!” He stated while reaching to pick up the phone and hooking it under his ear. “Stark residence.” 

“Tony? That you?” Steve grumbled into the phone. 

“Yes Steve, it's me.” Tony rolled his eyes up, leaning back to place his feet on the edge of his desk. “What is going on? That's the only reason you ever call me.” 

“It’s not exactly like we're friends, Stark.” Steve started. 

“Ouch Rogers, here I thought we were.” Tony snapped, unable to pass up a chance to rile the serious Alpha. 

“Stark.” Steve started in a warning and then his voice changed. “Listen, there is a group attacking wolves, they just destroyed Y/N’s old pack. Demolished them, there are only a few left.” 

This caught Tony’s attention, dropping his feet and sitting up straight again. “Is it the ones who killed Happy Steve? Who was it?” 

Tony waited, silence on both ends of the call till finally Steve spoke. “I really don't know if they killed Happy or not Tony. I will say if they did… it wasn't by choice.” 

Tony snapped to a stand while Pepper came back in, immediately her wolf was agitated seeing her mate gripping the edge of his desk, his voice sharp with commanding tone looking for answers. The one he used when he was upset, only this was Steve he was talking to. Steve couldn't be commanded by anyone. She immediately set the coffee down and went around the desk, her hand moving along his back while he snapped into the call. “But you suspect it, don't you Rogers.” 

“I'm not saying anything, all I'm saying is that you know Bucky, Clint, Pietro and Wanda would never hurt anyone willingly, not innocent lives.” 

Tony and his wolf stalled a moment. <He found them, finally.> Tony had as much invested as Steve, seeing that the twins were his pack mates. But none of his trackers were able to get as close as Natasha had been able to, all these months they just kept hitting dead ends on trails gone cold. 

“Did you see them?” He finally asked and Steve gave a Mmhm in response. 

“They weren't themselves Tony… those fucking collars Pierce had, they had something similar on. Thinner, filled with magic. I've seen them before, years ago. And only one has ever escaped them that I know of.” 

“You're talking about when you worked for Fury in Shield.” 

“Yes, when Bucky and I were in the Howling Commandos unit. I also think I can get some answers. As soon as these wolves are settled, I'm going to go get them. You have my word.” 

Tony sat back down, easing Pepper into his lap for the connection. “Whatever you need Rogers, let me know.” 

“I was hoping you would say that.” Steve responded. 

You stood at the car Kat had packed, holding her hands in yours as a teary goodbye was said. “Kat just stay safe out there, okay? I wish you would come home with me. No Man's Land, being a Lone Wolf…” You worked your lip, wrinkling your brow. “Who's going to watch your back?” 

Kat smiled sadly, shaking her head. “I need to be by myself. Maybe, maybe Caine is still out there you know? We don't know what they did with him. I have to go look for him.” 

You squeezed her hands, trying to make her hear your next words. “That's what Steve is trying to do, him, Natasha, other packs. They are doing their best to find Bucky, Clint, Wanda and Pietro. Bring the other Alphas home.” 

“Im not looking for everyone, I’m just looking for one.” Kat stated softly while untangling her hand from yours and circled her arms around you in a hug. “I know they are trying, but I have to look on my own too. I can't just sit and wait for others.” Her head dropped to your forehead, and you both just inhaled against each other in your last embrace, committing each other to memory till your paths crossed again. You had to relent. If it was Steve, you would be doing all you could to find him to. 

“Stay safe Sister.” You whispered and Kat pulled away with a nod, digging out her keys and slipping into the driver's seat. You circled your arms around yourself, watching as the car pulled away and out of sight. With a sigh, you turn to head back to the cabin, watching as Steve continued loading up a truck from someone's house. Lifting the last bag of clothes in, Steve circled around a truck he was loading up for another and wrapped you into his arms, kissing the top of your head. 

“She will come back when she's ready, Little One.” He hugged you in close as your head laid on his chest, giving a nod. 

“I know, it's just hard letting any of them go on their own.” 

Steve hummed a bit in agreement. “Everyone here is ready to go, Natasha is coming back to bring them home.” You lifted your head in wonder as to why the two of you werent. Steve rubbed your back, looking down at you. “We're going somewhere else.” 

“Where are we going?” you tilted your head in question, loosening yourself enough to look at him without craning your neck. 

“Stark. Remember how I was telling you I've seen it before? When Bucky and I were in the Howling Commandos?” You gave a nod to confirm. “The shifter who got away, he went back to his home. I want to find him, ask him how he managed to break loose of the collar.” 

“So… where are we traveling to?” 

“Norway.” 

Your eyes widened a bit, echoing what he said. “Norway?” 

“Yup, if Fury’s intel is correct that Tony acquired, a little town called New Asgard.” 

You couldn't hide the grin, knowing then what that meant. “Means were getting a jet, aren't we?” 

Steve gave a wink at you, breaking out in a grin of his own. “Sure does Little One, you gonna let me teach you to fly it?” Clearly remembering how much you had enjoyed the ride from Wakanda in T’Challa’s jet. 

You played your fingers up his shirt, skimming fingers against his stomach, gently scratching over his muscles that twitched in response to being touched by you. “I'm going to insist on it Alpha.” 

Steve huffed at your playfulness, snapping his teeth near your lips and clasping his hands against your ass, giving a squeeze that made your arch into him with a giggle, some of your sadness fading away being with him. “Look at you getting all demanding. I like it.” He nipped at your lips and you smiled against his mouth, growling back at him momentarily. “But let's finish up here and we will get on the road again Little One.” 

It was a few hours till Steve and You were the last ones left, while you waved goodbye to the last car driving away, the compound now eerily quiet. Steve nipped at your neck, nuzzling the back. “Ready to head to New York Little One.” You reached behind you and took his hand. 

“More than ready Alpha.” 

The drive was several hours, Steve had given you his phone to go through the email that Tony had sent him recalling the information of that particular mission. You read it out loud, while Steve stayed silent listening. Letting the memories of the Howling Commandos wash over him. He could tell the way your voice lifted and words rushed that you were getting caught up in the intel like it was a story. “... And then Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes was taken hostage while covering his team members from higher ground.” You set the phone down, Steve could sense you looking over at him. “How long was he with them?” 

Steve was quiet a moment, his fingers thrumming on the steering wheel. “Weeks Little One. The day he was captured we were removing prisoners from an experiment facility and I had scanned the area. It was all clear, so I thought. Somewhere I missed them coming back into the grounds and Bucky… well he was so focused on making sure the victims were being covered from above that they were able to take him hostage.” 

“How was he when you all found him?” You moved over closer to Steve, and he reached over to grasp your thigh lightly, his thumb sweeping back and forth soothing, probably more for himself then for you. 

“Luckily they had difficulty moving Bucky around, I'm guessing he put up a fight stalling their plans. Made it alot easier to track them with them being hindered. When we found Bucky he wasn’t as some other hydra victims but he was weak. Some of the damage was irreversible. His left arm was damaged, and as a wolf why he limps like he does on that left side. Some of the trauma to his mind.” Steve went quiet once more and you leaned your head against his shoulder, pulling your legs up. “Before that happened, Bucky would have been the next Alpha. He had the mentality for it, outgoing, part of the crowd, a born leader. Afterwards though, he almost left the pack to No Man's Land. There were so many times the Pack mentality was just too much, disappearing into the White Wolf for weeks living feral on the other side of the lake.” You heard the tinge of sadness in your mate for his closest friend, mourning for the man he once was. 

“But he had you, Steve.” 

Steve’s jaw clenched, the muscle ticking a bit. “If I had been more diligent, Bucky never would have been caught.” That's when it hit you that Steve blamed himself for what had happened. You tilted your head to inspect him, and Steve glanced at you from the corner of his eye, patting your leg. “All in the past Little One. Right now we're focused on what we have to do today.” 

You settled in against him. “You got him back then, we will get him back again Alpha.” 

He rumbled slightly without saying anything else. But his foot dropped on the gas pedal, picking up speed in order to get to New York faster. 

It was edging on midnight when he finally pulled up to Stark Towers, which Tony was waiting right out front with Pepper at his side to greet them. When Steve got out of the truck, he held out his arm and slipped it around your waist to have you slide out, when your feet hit the ground, you arched in a stretch and a yawn, making Tony chuckle. 

“It's quite a ride, I'm glad to see you two make it.” He said genuinely, holding his hand out to Steve in greeting, which the Alpha accepted with a hand shake and one to Pepper as well. 

“Pepper, pleasure as always.” Steve greeted Pepper warmly, and she returned the handshake. Tony took one look at you, giving a slight bow of his head. 

“Y/N, I sincerely hope you forgive my actions after my last visit to your home. Regardless of the circumstances, it shouldn't have happened.” 

You take a moment to consider, Steve rubbing his hand along your back reassuringly when you give a nod and hold out your hand. “Accepted Tony, Thank you.” The Alpha covered your hand in his with a smile. 

“Thank you Y/N. Now let us give you a place to crash for the night? The jet is still getting fueled and might as well head out well rested. Norway is a several hour flight, even for one of my machines.” 

Steve glanced at you as you did back at him, both of you coming to a silent agreement as the soft pattering of rain started around you, and the four of you escaped back inside. Steve gave a slight shake of his head to rid himself of the rain water and you used your sleeve to wipe away the rain water from your face. Heading for the elevator, Steve and Tony discussed some of what had happened the past few weeks, Pepper once in a while asking her own question, and Steve drawing you into the conversation when needed. But you simply answered the questions before falling silent once more, not really having the energy to be engaging to their hosts. 

After several moments, the elevator dinged and Friday announced the floor level while it opened. The entire floor was a wide open floor plan, Pepper smiling at the couple. “We hope you two will be comfortable here.” 

Steve nodded and you reached over to embrace Pepper for her kindness. “It's more than enough, thank you.”

“We will leave you two kids to rest then.” Tony was prepared for a quick exit, which both you and Steve were grateful for given the long trip there and the one upcoming.  

Biding good night, you and Steve were left alone to settle in for the night. Steve was quick to send you to shower, knowing it would make you feel better and he went in after you while you dressed in some pajamas, brushing out your hair while you wandered the suite looking around. 

You stopped at the ceiling to floor windows that ran along one wall in the suite. Your room was almost at the top of the tower, it gave an expansive view of New York City at night. It almost stretched as far as you could see, and it made you feel a bit small so high above it all, all these lives not knowing you were looking down on them. The water from the rain streamed down the panes of glass making everything slightly out of focus. Your fingertips pressed against the coolness of the glass, tracing the streams of water running down in an endless rush to get someplace else. 

Behind you, you could hear the water to the shower turn off and the sounds of Steve moving around before the door creaked and the light to the bathroom shut off to leave you both in the dark of the room. There was a bed behind you, large and inviting after a day of travel, and you should make your way there. But the beauty of the glowing city held you enraptured. 

Feeling the warmth of Steve's body move up behind you through your thin sleep shorts and tank top, you sunk back into the hard length of his body, your eyesight going out of focus to see Steve’s reflection in the glass, his eyes glowing a soft yellow haze in the darkness where the Alpha was so close. You inhaled deeply, reaching behind you to draw his arms around you, shifting his hands to slide under your shirt. 

“You smell so good Alpha.” You whispered as his fingers trailed the band of your shorts and dipped beneath them. “Woodsmoke and the forest, home.” You could feel him easing to touch you, the rumbles coming from his chest sparking your arousal. It had been days since you felt him like this, not since the day of the attack. 

Thick fingers traced your folds, easing into your heat while circling your clit. Your head fell back to his shoulder with a satisfied sigh. Steve trailed his nose from the crown of your head down to your neck while he circled slowly, pressing down hard enough to make the heat in your belly grow and your legs have a slight shake. Snaking his other arm around you, he palmed your breast into his palm, sinking his teeth into your neck to keep you held against him. 

“You remind me of home, always so good for me. Letting me take care of you. I love you so much Little One.” He growled softly and you spread your legs for him further, letting him take over. Fingers sunk into you, scissoring against your fluttering walls that started to clench, trying to hold on as he stroked your walls, knowing just where to find that spot that made you cry his name. 

“Steve, uh- more please.” you whimpered out, with Steve you could become needy, wanting only what he could give you.

Steve smirked against your neck hearing you, feeling your wetness start to pool against his palm that he was now using to press against your clit while his fingers plunged back into your wanting heat, moving faster the more you started pressing your ass back into him while rocking in his palm. Your hands were made to press against the glass as Steve stepped forward, pushing you to trap you between him and the windows. The coolness of the glass seeped through your thin tank and the warmth of Steve's fingers rolling over your nipple made it pebble, taunt and sensitive, making you whine out sharply. 

“Steve I have to-” 

Steve rumbled behind you with encouragement, your hips rocking faster and rubbing his cock harder between your ass cheeks. You could feel it rigid and thick with desire but it was all lost when he nipped behind your ear, his breath hot while he growled out his words. “Come on My Little One, My Omega, show me how good you feel.” 

The spiral of heat exploded from your belly to rush all over, locking to hold him while Steve was sure to keep you upright. The city lights wavered in your gaze, losing any focus till they became starbursts in the glass. 

Your forehead leaned against the cool glass, your hot breath fogging up the glass while you came back from your orgasm, the bursts of lights started to come back into focus when you felt Steve hard behind you, rutting his hips against yours.

He growled possessively against your mark, gathering you in his arms, ready to take you to bed and finish what he started. You clung to him, rubbing into his body with a purr of satisfaction, seeking that mindless escape with your Alpha. 

[harpyloon]

i’ll catch you

Pairing: Charlie Weasley x fem!Reader

Summary: "Up close, Y/N could see the familiar freckles splattered all over his nose and cheeks. He was towering over her like he always did. She used to be the little second year Hufflepuff always idling by the entrance to the Great Hall hoping to bump into the famous Charlie Weasley. Studying on the Quidditch pitch, watching him behind her textbook, captaining the Gryffindor team. Climbing the beech tree by the lake again and again, hoping Charlie Weasley would somehow walk by once more to offer her a hand..."

☞ Curse Breaker reader x Dragon-tamer Charlie Weasley

Warnings: Fluff, sprinkles of angst, dragons (duh), mentions of a dead animal, mentions of dragon eating dead animal (lol), post-war timeline (although not that important)

WC: 4.5k+ , Part 2 coming soon!

Read on AO3

Beautiful rays of golden sunlight were peaking through the blinders of Y/N's cabin. It was going to be a lovely day with the perfect weather to seek out a bit of adventure, and although she was sure she had countless other affairs to address before kicking off with her assignment the next day, a blathering Bill Weasley was not one of them.

"Are you even listening?" his tone was way beyond impatient. "You know what? Don't answer that. I know for a fact that you never pick up anything I say. Ever."

Y/N rolled her eyes as she busied herself with stuffing her socked feet inside a pair of brown chunky hiking boots. She didn't plan on going very far. Her colleagues were currently lounging in the dining hall about five cabins down, sipping piping hot ciorbă, munching on breakfast toast, and relishing their only foreseeable off day before the start of the big dig tomorrow. Some were even dozing off still, earning as much sleep as they could to compensate for the long nights to come.

It's true what they say about grumpy Curse Breakers. But nobody realized that they just spent too much time with their eyes wide open.

"You know, Bill," Y/N mused, "you always call me the drama queen. What does that make you then?"

The floating head over the fire scoffed, "A concerned superior."

"Well, there's nothing to be concerned about."

"Where are you headed?"

"I'm going for a walk."

"No walks," ordered Bill, his face stern.

"Everyone's out and about today!"

"No walks for you."

Y/N laughed. "Oh yeah?"

Bill sighed. He knew trying to be hard-nosed was futile. "No walks alone at least."

"Are you sure there's no bun in Fleur's oven yet?" Y/N teased. "You're sounding more like a papa bear with each passing day."

She heard a soft melodic laugh within the fire where Bill's head was when suddenly, another floating head appeared right beside his. This time, all blonde and very French

"There iz no bun yet, mon cher. But I think he az been practicing fatherhood with you." Fleur gave Y/N a wink. "I 'eard zer are many 'andsome men in Romania. With a leetle beet of exzploring yo—"

"There will be no exploring," barked Bill, sending his wife a warning glance, which she ignored.

"—you might find someone az adventurous az you are," Fleur beamed, "And very macho."

"Darling," Bill sighed, "is this necessary?"

With a flying kiss to Y/N, Fleur was gone.

Shrugging on a light parka, Y/N gave Bill a knowing look, "You see? Your wife said I could use a macho man."

"Oh please. You're in a Curse Breaker camp."

"Hey, there are loads of macho men here."

"Macho enough for you?"

Y/N wrinkled her nose but ignored the question.

"Well, William," she said, emphasizing Bill's full name, "I, am a Curse Breaker in the middle of the Southern Carpathians." Stuffing her wand through her belt loop, she looked at him with finality. "And I am not passing up this opportunity."

"Remember when they assigned you to Egypt with me and you went on exploring? Your exploring is bad luck, Y/N, and I did not assign you to Romania to bring bad luck."

"Excuse you, the Egypt Goblins loved me."

"Goblins don't love wizards," retorted Bill.

"I think they were particularly fond of me."

"You Reductored an entire bloody Pyramid!"

Y/N was losing her patience. She wanted to sift through the mountains in the morning sunlight. Discover hidden caves and wade through cold springs. She had her breakfast way earlier than everyone else for this sole purpose.

"I promise I'll be good."

"Take Weiss with you."

Y/N glared. "Absolutely not."

"Take someone."

"I'm walking out on you right now. Don't forget to put out my fire."

"Y/N."

"I'll see you later!"

"I have to tell you—"

Without looking back, she waved at Bill and stepped out into the crisp Romanian morning.

The skies were bright and cloudless, the sun slowly rising up east. The Curse Breaker camp in the middle of the Transylvanian Alps was in for a late morning. It was quiet, apart from the whispers of the forest beside them; chirping birds, singing crickets, and the distant sound of a nearby stream.

Trudging up the rough pavement towards the foot of the nearest hill, Y/N felt an ounce of guilt seep through as she marveled at the scenery before her. Bill was the reason she got the Romania assignment. She wasn't half bad a Curse Breaker. From an outsider's perspective, some would even call her brilliant. She's aced all her missions in her first year on the job—way ahead of all the others in her year, and was even able to crackdown a dark magic-infested tomb in an assignment she co-lead in Egypt. She was quick, smart, and as brave as the career entailed.

Only one thing stood between her and a good reputation in Gringotts. Her impulsiveness.

She couldn't help it. Y/N's successes partnered with tragedies—accidents; her brilliance came with sheer will and almost violent haste. The problem is you can't think twice Bill would always say. Not everything is done in a snap, Y/N.

Bill Weasley was the only senior Curse Breaker with enough patience to supervise her. It must have been fate or a miracle that had him in temporary assignment at the London Gringotts when she graduated Hogwarts. If she were received by anyone else, or if he were back in Egypt instead, she didn't think she'd ever make it out into the field. Or worse, last a few months.

"I'll be good," she mumbled to no one in particular. Or maybe she hoped that Bill would hear. She'd floo him again later.

Trekking up the slope with hands snuggled warm inside her faux-fur-lined pockets, Y/N inhaled the fresh earth surrounding her. This was her calling. Nature. Adventure. The unknown. She was fantastic with spells and jinxes and once thought of becoming an Auror—but Aurors spent too much time indoors, on desks, drowning in paperwork and tailing dark wizards. She knew in her heart she wasn't born to enforce the law.

On the opposite side of the hill was a deep gorge between two towering mountains and a long serpentine stream. Elated at the sight, she followed the gentle flow of water over the rocks. Without thinking (because when does she ever), she slipped off her boots and socks, and despite the chilly morning, prepared to wade the ice-cold water. She dipped one toe in for good measure—a pause.

That couldn't be right.

Submerging one whole foot into the water confirmed her confusion. Strange. Almost all waterways in Romania led to the Black Sea, if not the Adriatic. Why was it warm?

This isn't the bathing stream she thought. The senior Curse Breakers back at camp had instructed them of assigned fresher areas where warming charms would be cast. She didn't remember this gorge being part of last night's tour.

Ankles deep in the water, Y/N trailed the soft currents. It was deliciously warm. A deliberate contrast to the icy breeze left by the trail ends of winter. It was supposedly mid-spring, but the winds still gave her the chills.

She took no notice of how far she was going, the water neither rising nor falling. If she were to guess it must've almost been half an hour given by the direction of the sun. The warm water and small pebbles were therapeutic beneath her feet. The walk didn't tire her at all.

Finally, the chasm's end came to view. Heart beating with excitement, she hastened her pace, dampening the legs of her trousers that she attempted to roll up. But just as her feet crossed the lip between the two mountains flanking her, she felt the oddest sensation: it began at the top of her head, traveling down her arms to her toes—as if a big fat raindrop landed on her scalp and entered her body.

She glanced at the clear blue sky. There was no cloud in sight for miles.

And then, it was suddenly very humid.

"What the..." she glanced back through the gorge. Nothing was out of order and nobody was in sight. Looking down at her feet, her surroundings were now as warm as the water she stood on. Her parka felt too thick.

Again, strange.

Trying to shake away her curiousness, Y/N trudged on.

All is well she chanted inside her head. All is well and the wind just blows differently on this side of the alps.

But no matter what she told herself, ripples of unease still disturbed Y/N. She was beginning to sweat and it wasn't just her nerves. The wind didn't blow differently on this side of the mountains because there was no wind. It was dry, dank, and very very warm.

To rattle her nerves even further, the water she was wading on was getting hotter as she went on that she had to leap on land once again. But as soon as her bare soles made contact with the grass, she yelped in pain.

"Merlin—OW."

The earth was burning. As if it bathed in the sun for too long. As if she were in the middle of a dry desert. She knew the feeling, she's been to Egypt. But why the bloody hell would Romanian soil feel this hot? Moreso in the heart of the Southern Carpathians?

Locating a jutted-out slab of rock, Y/N hopped over to sit and gather her bearings, drying her damp feet and staring at her boots and socks. She didn't want to slip them back on. The heat was intense. But it was either the boots or the sizzling soil.

She shrugged off her parka after lacing up her boots and was grateful for her reckless choice of wardrobe this morning. She opted for a ribbed shirt under her jacket—instead of a sweater—in urgent intention to get away from a nagging Bill. Now it served her well. It wasn't as thin as she would have deemed appropriate for the current temperature, but at least her neck and arms could breathe.

Gazing over the expanse of the clearing she emerged in, she suddenly became aware of the lack of green in the area. The grass was almost a withering brown—crunchy and dry. Trees weren't scattered about like the thick oaks all over the Curse Breaker camp; instead, they were clumped, almost systematically, in relatively rectangular patch formations. As if deliberately rooted as such.

Muggles Y/N thought. It was only them who had the peculiar habit of reorganizing nature.

Tying her parka around her waist, she treaded the clearing, the grass crisp beneath her boots, and approached the nearest cluster of trees. She wondered if this were one of the areas they'd be digging up. Senior Curse Breaker Digby Youssif oriented them of specific crackdown areas to look forward to in the next few months. Although almost all wizarding families were well-accounted for in Romania, there were still trifling amounts of intel on hidden vaults under protective spells cast by untraceable ancient tribes.

Y/N loved digging assignments. She was particularly fond of discovery. And if Ancient Runes was Hogwarts' least-loved lesson, she rather enjoyed Professor Babbling's classes. Well, most of the time. It was her pride and joy to have snagged an 'Outstanding' for her O.W.Ls—

Crack!

A sudden gust of wind whipped through the trees ahead of her. On instinct, Y/N drew her wand from her belt loop. Nothing was so dangerous about the wind. But it felt so...

The sound came out of nowhere, she thought it was imagining it. A steady drumming beat. Powerful and humming. An engine? she thought. But that was impossible. They were told that the area was blocked off from muggles for the duration of their stay. She paused in front of a towering ashtree. The sound was growing louder and louder. Nearer. She didn't know why but she was compelled with the need to hide.

Climb.

She felt ridiculous, clambering up an ashtree and settling on its thickest branch. Her superiors back at camp were clear that the mountains were safe, its perimeters were secured for their dig. Curse Breakers always made sure missions wouldn't come across outside interference.

Then why was her heart beating so fast?

The drumming sound was growing nearer. Behind her—above.

Peering at the sky through the leaves, a massive dark figure swooped overhead and landed with an earth-shaking thud on the clearing right in front of her tree.

Y/N felt like she was going to choke on her own spit when a deafening, earsplitting roar echoed through the mountains.

Dragon.

Fully grown, enormous, and vicious-looking, the beast had emerald scales that glinted in the morning sun. Its body was bulky, way stockier compared to the common dragons in textbooks. It had a massive head that seemed even larger than its body, and on it sprouted two long glittering golden horns. Its claws had the same golden color, and it was rearing onto its hind legs, hunching over a figure... chewing...

All the breakfast Y/N had only hours before felt like rising up her throat. An enormous dragon only meters in front of her was chewing on a dead animal, clearly having his own meal. And there she was, perched on an ashtree, ready for dessert.

Don't panic she told herself, but feeling green. She's never faced a dragon on a mission before. They tackled them in her first year on the job—Curse Breakers didn't really need training, the task calling for hands-on work—but never in her life did she ever think she'd have to face a real dragon.

I don't have to face it Y/N thought, I just have to stay here until it flies away, and run back to camp.

Wiggling up to a squat, she eyed the neighboring branch a few feet to her right which was higher up and positioned behind a thicker cluster of leaves. It didn't require a jump, but more of a really careful split; hugging the trunk tightly, she stretched her right foot across, shifting her weight to her right leg, her arms choking the tree trunk in a death grip, legs spread wide midair—

"Scuzati-ma?"

Y/N didn't fall. Thank Merlin she didn't fall. But she lost her momentum in surprise and panic, her left foot sliding from the previous branch, making her push off the trunk in haste, throwing her weight across completely. She grabs a dangling thin branch above her at the last minute, her body tilted towards the forest floor.

A forest floor where a man now stood, peering up at her curiously.

She was breathing hard, her heart thumping erratically, both from the fear of falling and being heard by the dragon so close by.

"Er—esti bine?" the man asked. Y/N saw that he had his arms out as if braced to catch her if she fell. When she didn't answer, the man spoke again, "Ai nevoie de ajutor?"

She blinked down at him. "What?"

He chuckled. She hated it. It hurt her pride. "I said, do you need any help?"

He was loud. Too loud. She righted herself on the branch, pulling to lean back on the trunk behind her. Then risking a peek, she checked on the dragon who was still munching on the dead cow with gusto.

She looked back down to find the man with his eyebrows raised at her, his face painting amusement. It was impossible not to take note of his red mane pulled into a low bun. He looked awfully familiar... and he was going to get them killed.

"Could you," she whispered as loudly as she could, "keep your voice down?"

The man snickered once more, showing no effort of lowering his tone. "Why?"

"Are you blind?" she wanted to strangle him. "There's a bloody dragon!"

The redhead glanced at the scaly beast and heaved out a sigh. "Okay. Yeah, you're right. It's way past breakfast. He's missing nap time."

Y/N looked at him incredulously. He shrugged, "But what can I do? He slept in this morning. Lazy beast." Looking back up, he asked, "Want to meet him?"

He's mental she thought. That had to be it.

But the redhead only laughed. He keeps laughing. He must've noticed the stupefied expression on her face because he simmered. "Give him a minute and you can come down. It's already his fifth haul so he's bound to get dozy and fly back to the nest." He started walking towards the clearing when he paused and turned back, "Although, you can come down now. I promise he won't eat you."

Y/N watched as the man walked up to the feasting dragon—she was peering behind the thick tree trunk, using it as a shield. He's insane. Drawing a wand from a sheath attached to his calf, the man aimed a stunning spell right by the beast's tail.

"Alright, Darius, I think you've had enough," he called. He kept his distance, a good few meters away, but his gait was calm, almost lazy.

The dragon glanced at the man, its fangs bloody. Y/N wanted to grab the redhead and run. But it was a crazy thought, and she was rooted on her spot on the tree branch, frozen in fear.

The man gave a sharp whistle and the dragon grunted, smoke coming out of its nostrils. It ignored him and continued to munch on the cow.

Another stunning spell was aimed right by its claws and the dragon emitted a low growl. Y/N didn't know if she was imagining it but the creature seemed sluggish on its feet, swaying... almost drowsy.

"Off you go," said the man, "up." He sent one more stunning spell right in front of its snout. It was a clear miss, purely intentional.

The dragon heaved a loud angry roar. But instead of diving for the man like she expected, it started flapping its wings, gaining momentum. Y/N held onto the tree trunk tighter so as not to be swayed by the sudden rush of winds the creature was yielding. And then with a strong push off the ground, up it soared, growling low in its throat, and was out of sight.

Y/N's legs felt like jelly slugs, but her arms refused to let go of the tree trunk. What in Merlin's name just happened?

"Y/N."

She gave a short yelp, coughing on her next breath. "Excuse me?"

The man was back, now by the foot of the tree once again. "Come down."

"How do you know my name?" she demanded.

He had a really handsome smile. A really familiar, handsome smile...

"I should be offended," said the man. "Come down." There it was again, that smile. "I'll catch you."

I'll catch you.

I'll catch you....

 "Come on, Y/N, I'll catch you!"

"No you won't!" said Y/N. Her cheeks were wet with tears.

She was perched on the beech tree by the Black lake, her legs dangling above the shallow water. She had attempted to retrieve her Spellman's Syllabry textbook that Cassian Loxias chucked up the branches for fun.

"Yes I will, I promise," consoled Charlie. "I'm a prefect, remember?" he gestured to his badge, "I'll make sure you're safe."

Sniffing up snot that was escaping her nose, she hiccuped softly against the back of her hand. "Our prefect doesn't do that very much."

Charlie chuckled. "I'll make sure to have a word with Professor Sprout about her Hufflepuff prefects."

When he saw the horror on her face, he held up his hands, "It didn't come from you of course. Will you come down now? I swear I'll catch you."

Y/N looked into Charlie Weasley's eyes and saw nothing but pure candor. Biting her lip, she said, "Do cross your heart, or hope to die?"

He traced a cross right above his chest. "Cross my heart, or hope to die."

 "Y/N. Y/N?"

Y/N blinked.

Charlie Weasley. Charlie dragon-tamer Weasley. Charlie the hot brother Weasley—

"Are you still breathing? Do you need me up there?"

Trying to gather her bearings, Y/N extracted herself from her hold on the tree trunk, went down onto a squat, and leaped off, landing on the crunchy grass with a thump.

Charlie raised an eyebrow at her as she dusted her trousers, "I see you don't need catching anymore."

She took in the man before her. "Charlie Weasley."

His grin was dazzling."Caught on, have you?

From up close, Y/N could now see the familiar freckles splattered all over his nose and cheeks. He was towering over her like he always did. She used to be the little second year Hufflepuff always idling by the entrance to the Great Hall hoping to bump into the famous Charlie Weasley. Studying on the Quidditch pitch, watching him behind her textbook, captaining the Gryffindor team. Climbing the beech tree by the lake again and again, hoping Charlie Weasley would somehow walk by once more to offer her a hand...

There were so many things she could've done, seeing him again for the first time after all these years. He was gone as soon as he graduated Hogwarts, flying to Romania to study dragons. Everyone always thought Charlie would be going Quidditch pro, being captain and seeker. He had the build, the skills, and the charm. Hogwarts alone had fan clubs in his name and rumor had it that the Falmouth Falcons were just waiting for him to finish seventh year.

But others didn't see Charlie as Y/N did. They didn't see him hoarding books on care of magical creatures in the library. They didn't notice him sneaking off to Hagrid's on the weekends, taking Fang for walks or feeding the Blast Ended Skrewts in the garden. Nobody paid attention to the copy of Fantastic Beasts And Where to Find Them that Charlie practically glued to his side. Only Y/N did. And now that she thought about it, she didn't like that she knew so much. It made her feel like a creep.

So instead of hugging him in delight like she actually wanted, she took a swipe at his shoulder.

"You git," she hissed. "You scared me to death! How did you do that? I thought taming dragons was impossible."

"It is. Most of the time," Charlie shrugged. "Darius is a Romanian Longhorn. Mostly harmless compared to the others especially when he's full. Not that difficult to send him back to the nest when he can barely stand on his feet."

"Harmless? I could've been dessert!"

Charlie laughed. He was still always laughing. "You look delicious, yes, but I'm not letting Darius have you."

What the fu—Y/N inhaled slowly, cautiously. Then exhaled through her nose. She didn't know how to respond. Seeing him again after so long, without warning or preparation, was messing with her senses

"It's good to see you, Y/N," he said and walked closer. Close enough to tugged at her braid. She didn't know why he did it, but he looked like he just had to. "You look good."

Y/N's heart was beating rapidly once more, but this time, for all the wrong reasons. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Charlie gazed back into her eyes as if seeing her for the first time.

"Too long."

Again, she didn't know how long it took her to reply, but she cleared her throat, "How—did you know it was me? The first time?"

Charlie's eyes were still roaming all over her face. "No. Not until you spoke."

Y/N must've held a questioning look because he added, "I'll never forget that voice."

He was saying such strange things. Were they strange? Or was it just because he affected her so?

"Then why didn't you say anything?"

"Well, you wouldn't come down, would you? I see you still have a thing for trees."

Y/N rolled her eyes.

"I didn't know the dragon reservation was in the alps," she said. "Do you know we're camping nearby?"

"'Course I do. You lot are beside dragon territory for a reason."

Excitement and fear raised Y/N's nerves. "What are you talking about?"

Charlie bit his lip. "You'll see."

"Are we digging in the reservation?"

He was walking out into the clearing now, beelining back towards the opening of the gorge.

"Charlie!" Y/N jogged to keep up. "Are we?"

He only smiled, "Patience, darling."

Darling. He used to call her that all the time even when they were back in Hogwarts. She always tried to ignore the fluttering feeling her chest made when he used the endearment, reminding herself that he must've used it on everyone else, not just her.

"Why did no one back at camp tell us anything?"

"I probably should've kept my mouth shut," was his only reply. They were crossing the two mountains flanking the stream, and as soon as they cut through the border, Y/N felt the same sensation she did when she went through the clearing. But this time in reverse, it was as if the raindrop was sucked back up.

She glanced up at the mountains. "Did you feel that?"

"Shield spells," explained Charlie. "To keep the muggles out. Temperature charms as well to regulate the reservation climate. Although the dragons do enough of their warming on their own, it's for precaution."

They walked up the stream, tracing back Y/N's previous path.

"Are you bringing me back to camp?" she asked.

"That, and I have to see Digby. Iron out tomorrow's schedule."

"So we are digging inside the reservation," Y/N didn't know if she was more thrilled or afraid.

Charlie glanced at her, "You heard nothing from me."

Studying his features as they strolled, Y/N couldn't help but admire how much Charlie Weasley grew up to be. He's always been lean and strong, especially with being an athlete back at Hogwarts, but now he seemed so much larger than life. Red tendrils were escaping his low bun and framing his chiseled face, there were a few scars on his nose and one under his lip. She shouldn't have been able to see it but she couldn't stop staring. He was big. Stockier than she'd ever seen him; hands wrapped in gauze and rope slung over a hook on his hip.

Charlie Weasley, dragon-tamer.

And he was staring right back at her.

"You have to take me to see more dragons," Y/N breathed. She didn't know where her voice went. It was all airy and she didn't like it. She hoped he would assume it was because of their walk.

Charlie stopped, deep brown eyes boring into her own. He was panting slightly too. Maybe it was the walk.

"Okay," he exhaled. "Promise."

"Cross your heart?" she almost whispered. Almost.

Two fingers traced a cross over Charlie's chest, his gaze not leaving hers, "Cross my heart."

[lazyneonrabbitt]

Full moon meetings

Werewolf!Daryl Dixon x Reader

You get stuck in the woods, surrounded by walkers when something saves your life.

Running from walkers was terrible. The only upside here was that you were alone and you could hide way easier than with a group. The other bad part was that it was currently late at night and you had to leave most of your stuff at your campsite because of the small herd that woke you up. The slightly better part was the full moon brightening the area which helped you spot a cabin up ahead to hide in until the walkers passed.

You rushed in and blocked the door behind you, waiting for the herd to pass. When it finally did you carefully scouted the way you came from and backtracked towards your campsite with the hopes that everything was still fine. On your way back you managed to avoid running into another small group of walkers but your camp was ravaged. You could find two knives that you took with you but the bag of food you had to leave behind was trampled completely. Now you were stuck in the woods, alone and with no food.

Your group had ditched you after you've gotten in a fight with someone and they all chose their side instead of yours. You sighed and dug around for anything that was still good enough to take with you and left for the cabin again. Memories of the fight that got you into this mess kept repeating in your head, causing you to not notice a ditch that you casually stepped into and slipped with a shriek, alarming all the walkers you so desperately tried to avoid. This time you didn't have enough time to escape and ended up surrounded, slowly taking down stumbling walkers but it wasn't long before you had them all getting too close too fast and there was no way out of this for you this time.

Not until you heard more growling, but a different kind then walkers' growls. You cowered down and hid your head between your knees, just waiting for it all to be over with as the growling became louder and the shine of the moon seemed to disappear underneath you. There was more growling and a lot of movement but nothing seemed to be directed at you and it surprised you how long you were actually surviving this whole thing. When the walkers' growls died down and the movements seemed to stop, the moon shone on the ground near you again and you carefully lifted your head to look at what happened, only to touch your nose against something wet before opening your eyes. You jumped up with a scream and ran off in the opposite direction, frantically looking back to see a giant creature standing among the corpses of the walkers that surrounded you just now. It didn't seem to move as you slowed your run and rounded it from a large distance, back on your way to the cabin to hole up in for the night, hoping the creature wasn't gonna attack you when it got hungry again. Finally back at the cabin you sat down and let out all the anger and frustration you had bottled up and cried into the murky bed that sat in the far corner. A group of walkers got in the way of his search for food. These nights were best for hunting and he always brought back the largest catch for the community. the ones who knew never spoke about it, and the ones who didn't never seemed to question it and somehow all accepted that the moonlight helped seeing late at night so it was easier to make multiple kills in one night. The group of walkers was a big one, but split after a noise somewhere further down into the woods which he also decided to follow. He came across a small campsite with only one sleeping bag and minimal supplies when another small group passed through, ruining everything in sight. He decided to watch from a distance to see what the walkers were fixated on and after a while of observing he ended on a survivor in the middle of another small section of the herd, surrounded and unable to get out by themselves. He watched as the person gave up and crawled down. As if his body moved on its own he jumped in and started gnawing away at the walkers, clawing and biting at them until all of them were down. He stepped away from the girl and sniffed around her, trying to smell for other humans or any sign of a walker bite but he found none. While he was busy she had raised her head and bumped her nose against his and jumped up with a shriek. He stepped back in confusion and stared as she ran off into the distance. He stalked her back to the cabin and decided to go back to hunting after seeing she got in safe.Normally he'd store his kills in the cabin but for now he'd have to think of something else.

You woke up later, your eyes still hurt from crying so it took a while longer to get adjusted to the darkness. When you were able to see properly again you checked out the cabin again, better this time now that you were safe and rested. While staring at the far wall you dragged yourself out of bed, stepping on something and dropping to the floor. Said something moved. "What the.. Shit!!" You called out as you tried to get away from the thing that you ran into earlier. It was large, covered in fur, and ..snoring? No, that wasn't a snore. That was more of a huff. Shit, you woke it up. It grumbled as it opened an eye to see what happened and saw you on the floor, staring in fear. It decided to get up and move further away from the bed and plop down on the floor again, keeping an eye on you until it had settled and closed them again to continue its sleep. Carefully getting back up you to make it back to the bed you spotted something near the door. Taking a better look you saw it was a pile of animals, not chewed down or torn apart but seemingly skillfully hunted. From what you could see there wasn't a lot of blood on them but their necks were clawed open or twisted in a gross way so you stopped looking and lied back down. Rest didn't really come anymore so when it was getting brighter outside you carefully snuck out of the cabin with all your stuff and left without waking the thing that accompanied you.

"I'm heading back to my group now, bye." You whispered softly as you closed the cabin door and walked off to what you hoped was your next safe stop and some food.

After what felt like an eternity you managed to catch a fish to fry and finally eat something. You took a break at the riverside and moved on after you had rested enough. You walked for a bit when you ended up on a road with a sign telling you about a place called Alexandria, a safe space according to the writing. It felt like a dream come true and you quickly made your way towards where the sign told you to go and close to sundown you finally arrived at the gates. You were quickly called after by someone on top of the gates. They asked you all kinds of questions  after someone opened one part of the gates before letting you in. A small group had gathered already and a guy named Aaron had given you some water and was talking to you together with another guy who introduced himself as Rick. He was a lot less nice than Aaron but you understood where his concerns came from. "She's fine. Quit bein' harsh on her." A gruff voice spoke from behind them. A guy with long shaggy hair moved into the group and you tried your hardest to remember if you ever saw him before but you had no idea who he was. "Ya said ya were goin' back to yer group. Why're ya here alone?" The two other men looked at him with confused looks on their faces but you tried to go along with what he said. "Yeah, I don't have a group. Thanks again for saving my ass. I didn't want to be bothering you any more than I already did." You said apologetic, hoping you came across convincing enough. "S'alright. good ya found this place." He added before going into a discussion with the other two, just out of your earshot. The man named Rick came back and brought the news that you were accepted into their community as long as you posed no threat to anyone and pulled your weight in the group. You agreed to all the terms he gave you and led you to an empty home where you could live for tonight. They all understood you were tired and left you alone for the time being. After you cleaned yourself up you went to sit down on your porch to take in your surroundings. It all felt surreal, it looked like this place had never even seen a walker at all.

"Hey, you." The guy from before made his way over to your porch and sat down next to the bench, keeping an acceptable distance to not scare you off. You welcomed him and moved down to sit closer so you could talk easier. "You saved me last night, didn't you." You asked quietly, not sure if it was something okay to ask about. He nodded and thanked you for not freaking out about it. "S'alright. My name's Daryl."

"Thank you for saving my ass, really. And for  saying what you did when I got here." You had introduced yourself before at the gate and now you talked about how you lost your group and ended up in the area. It was clear you were skilled enough to survive on you own as long as you didn't get caught off guard. "So, am I allowed yo ask about last night?" You wondered carefully, earning a smile and a nod. He told you about his hunting trips during the full moons and the further his story went, the more he wondered how you were so calm about it all. "I guess I have a soft spot for big monsters that are nice to people? I used to watch old monster movies for days on end before al of this." You turned away shyly. "I gotta admit, I've always been a sucker for werewolves." Saying that out loud made you want to curl up and disappear, but instead of being answered with something hurtful or being laughed at, you got a genuine smile and a "Glad I saved yer ass, then." He replied casually. "Finally someone who ain't scared of that side." The sad tone in his voice was hard to miss now and you felt bad for him. You gave him your biggest smile and leaned closer to him. "I like both of your sides."

You were new here and it was all still a little scary, but you knew it was all going to be alright with your big, not so bad wolf at your side.

[official-weasley]

Meant to Be (Charlie Weasley x OC)

What happens when Bill brings home a girl and Charlie is completely awestruck by her?

WARNINGS: mentions of alcohol & sex, curse words, angst

CHAPTER 7

Charlie

9 months later…

I woke up to the knock on my door. I put on some pants and went to see who it was.

“Peter, what’s wrong?” I looked at the clock on the wall.

It wasn’t even 5 in the morning.

“I’m just passing by to tell you that you should go to see Ernie before you finish work today.” He was leaning in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. “We are getting 2 new dragons soon and I think we’ll need more people.”

“Sure.” I nodded sluggishly and rubbed my eyes.

“I want to add a person to your team. I know you can handle it but I don’t want you working extra hours when we can expand our crew.” He explained. “What do you need me to do?” I yawned.

“I picked someone with an impressive resume. Ernie will have the paperwork for you to fill out and just make sure you send it back tomorrow morning.”

“No problem. I’ll get it done.” I gave him a thumbs up.

He grinned at me and walked away.

A newbie. This should be fun! I never got to train anyone before. Everyone that I work with was already here before I arrived so I can’t lie that I was excited about this. I knew that Ernie wasn’t in so early in the morning and by the looks of the clouds I wouldn’t be able to see the sunrise today so I decided to go straight to Aami.

He was outside now. He had his own little habitat and everything! His wing never grew as Tina and I hoped it would so he will never be able to fly. He obviously didn’t care as much as I felt bad about it. He was such a cheerful dragon and obedient too. I love every single beast in this reserve but I can’t help to admit that the little Fireball became my favorite. He wasn’t little anymore, he was a head taller than me now but I will always see him as he was in the nursery when I watched him drink chicken blood and brandy.

As I promised Peter I went to the Admission Office after work.

“Hi, Ernie.” I greeted him when I stepped inside.

“Charlie!” He grinned at me.

He was the most cheerful person I will probably ever get a chance to meet.

“Peter said you have some papers for me?” I leaned on the counter.

“Right! The recruit!” He clapped. “Not going to lie, was a bit surprised when I saw it. Don’t tell Peter that I peeked.”

“I won’t.” I chuckled. He placed the papers in front of me. “Any letters for me?”

“Not today, no.” Ernie looked through the pile of envelopes that weren’t delivered yet.

“Have anything to send out?”

“No.” I shook my head. “But I do need to sign these and I need to send them first thing in the morning. When will you be here?”

“At seven. Is that too late?” He scratched his nose.

“No. That’s perfect. Thanks, Ernie.”

I gave him a high-five and said goodbye. I looked through the papers while walking back home and stopped when I saw the name on the application.

Rhylee Pertinger

No way! I took a deep breath. It can’t be her. I couldn’t know for sure because I didn’t even know her last name. There are many Rhylee’s out there, right?

I hurried to unlock the door, placed the pieces of parchment on my kitchen table, and sat down. I went through them. No resume. No details about who she was or where she was from. Just the name. It would be too much of a coincidence if it was her! Merlin can’t mess with me so much.

I was doing good. Not great but good. Considering that Bill barely sent me a letter and that I didn’t see him since that Christmas break, it was safe to say that he knew something.

I never saw Rhylee after that and never spoke to her and I was planning on keeping it that way. Her coming here would be a disaster. I can’t work with her. She can’t be on my team.

Calm down, Charlie. This doesn’t mean anything.

I checked the papers again. She’s arriving in two days. I can’t panic for two days. I was doing so great bottling everything that happened for a year and nine months and I won’t stop now. Even if it is her, nothing has to change.

When we work we rarely speak and since I still remember just how breathtaking she was, I know my co-workers will be all over her so I can just go back to living my normal, busy life.

—

“I think we are all done here.” I looked at my watch. “And with 20 minutes to spare.”

“Wow.” John looked impressed.

“Peter made a mistake recruiting that girl. We are just too good.” Evan looked proud.

“Oh, right! She’s arriving today. Fresh meat!” Theo clapped his hands together.

“Please don’t scare her away.” I shook my head, pinching the bridge of my nose. “You better behave or I will fire you.” They all started laughing and we walked back to the village together to get lunch.

“Are you ready?” Peter came to our table just as we were finishing eating.

“For what?” I said with food in my mouth.

“Your new co-worker. She’s here.” He winked at me.

I got up and followed him to the main gate.

“I am so sorry, Charlie.” Peter put his hand on my shoulder as we were walking.

“What for?” I asked, puzzled.

“You will have a lot of trouble keeping your boys in line for the next few weeks.” He laughed.

“You lost me, Peter.” I wanted to laugh with him but I didn’t know what was so funny.

“I met the girl that’s joining your team. She’s about your age. Very pretty.” He started to explain. “She went to Beauxbatons and decided that Gringotts wasn’t really doing it for her anymore.”

My heart sank.

Gringotts?

Did he say Gringotts?

“Gringotts?” I asked, pretending to not know what he was talking about.

“C’mon, Charlie. We all know they have dragons down there.” He grinned at me. “She said that the work got boring so she applied for a transfer.”

He finally let go of my shoulder. I prayed to Merlin he couldn’t feel me stiffen up. There was no doubt in my mind now that I was right to panic two days ago.

It was her.

She was here.

Why?

I can’t do this. This was my safe place. I didn’t go home for such a long time, because I felt so guilty, that my parents actually came to visit me. And now she was here.

I wish I could say that I forgot all about her but it would be a bold lie. I didn’t. I still think about her from time to time. I still remember the feeling I had when I was with her. I remember every detail of her face and her body as if I saw her yesterday. I hated the feeling in my chest. The happy, excited feeling of seeing her again.

I sucked in a breath and suppressed it. Bottled it down like everything else from that few days at the Burrow.

“You okay?” Peter looked at me.

“Fine. A bit nervous. I am too young to boss so many people around.” I chuckled nervously, hoping he will interpret it as a joke.

“You’ll do fine.” He said with a serious face. “You have been working here for 5 years Charlie and I don’t regret putting you in charge of a team.”

“Thanks.” I smiled faintly.

It meant a lot coming from him.

We arrived at the gate and my legs stopped working when I saw her. I had to use every muscle on my face to keep my jaw from dropping. How could she be even more beautiful than when we first met? My heart started racing and I swallowed hard. This was not good.

She can’t do this to me! Can I fire her before she even starts working?

“Hi, Rhylee.” Peter waved at her and I was finally able to move again. “This is…”

“Charlie.” She grinned.

Was she happy to see me?

“You two know each other?” Peter turned to me.

Great. Now they are going to ask me how I know her. What am I supposed to tell them!

“Kind of.” I said, my voice barely audible.

“You’ll tell me later.” Peter whispered to me and pushed me forward.

Rhylee and I awkwardly shook hands.

Her touch sent shivers down my spine and I couldn’t stop the night we spent together rolling in front of my eyes.

There it was again. That feeling I got when I was around her. The feeling in my chest, pushing me toward her. I hated it. I hated that I couldn’t ignore it.

“I’ll leave you two alone…”

Oh, please don’t.

“And I’ll see you at dinner.” Peter waved at us and walked away.

Okay. Act professionally. You are her boss and she is just going to work here. No big deal, right?

“So, I’ll show you to your cabin first. And then if you’re not too tired I can show you around. Where everything is…you know…dragons…” I couldn’t look at her. I was looking straight ahead but I could feel her eyes on me. “…and stuff.”

I swallowed hard. I don’t think I was ever so nervous.

We walked in complete silence until we reached her cabin. Surprisingly, it wasn’t awkward at all. How could it be that I was enjoying walking through the Reserve with her in silence after not seeing each other for almost 2 years?

I wanted to say something. I wanted to know why she was here. I wanted to ask her why she came here. I wanted to know how she is. But I couldn’t gather up the courage to do it. She didn’t say anything even though I know she glanced at me a few times.

In the end, I decided to just stay quiet. I did say that I won’t talk to her outside work so at least I was doing something right.

“Here are your keys and my cabin’s right over there.” I pointed at the one between the two opposite hers. “We meet every morning around 7 in front of it and we go feed the dragons together.” I handed her the keys and she slowly unlocked the door.

She placed her bag inside and locked the door back up. She put the keys in the back pocket of her jeans, all while looking me straight in the eyes. The expression on her face was as if I was looking at myself in the mirror.

Awestruck but horrified at the same time.

She had to know I still work here. She had to know that we would meet sooner or later. Perhaps she didn’t think that she would be on my team or that I would be her boss.

Well, neither have I so welcome to my club!

We stood there for a few more seconds, looking at each other like idiots, and just as she opened her mouth to say something I gestured for her to move.

“Let me show you around.” I had to stop her from speaking.

I was terrified of what she had to say.

“We have 15 dragons in the Reserve and our team works with 5 of them. Up there…” I pointed my finger at the boulder to our left. “Is our Chinese Fireball, Gorra. Behind that hill is Ogto, our Ukrainian Ironbelly. On the other side…” I turned my head to the right now. “We have Ren the Romanian Longhorn, for which you already heard about.” I swallowed hard when I remembered that she asked me if Ren was my girlfriend. “And right next to his habitat is Bunny, our Common Welsh Green.”

She turned to me and I wished she wouldn’t have that look in her eyes. If it was possible, sparks would fly out of them. She seemed so excited to meet every single one of the dragons I just mentioned.

“The last one is the newest member of our family.” I tore my eyes off hers and turned around. “I don’t know if you’ve heard what happened at the Triwizard Tournament last year at Hogwarts when the Chinese Fireball stepped on her eggs.” She gasped and shook her head. “We only managed to save one egg and since it was cracked he couldn’t evolve properly so he can’t fly.”

“Otherwise, he’s okay?” She whispered.

I just hummed.

“I took care of him and still do. His name is Aami and he isn’t big on trust yet so I can take you to meet him tomorrow but I usually go feed him alone.” I looked at her to see how she will respond.

“I understand.” She said with a gentle voice.

“So in the morning, we feed them. Then after lunch we train them and then before dinner we feed them again.” I explained our daily routine while taking her to see where the Admission Office and the nursery were.

“If you want to work with hatchlings you have to talk to Peter.” We stopped in front of the nursery. “He allowed me to be with Aami before we could move him and I’m in charge of a team so if you have a wish to work with baby dragons I am sure he could do something about it.” I grinned at her.

I couldn’t stop my lips from spreading into one. I was getting soft. Getting comfortable around her again. This wasn’t good. I have to keep it together. But it was so hard. It was so easy to just talk to her even if she barely said anything back.

I know she was just taking everything in. She loved the dragons at Gringotts more than anything and I am sure she couldn’t wait to start working with the ones we have here.

I felt as if she didn’t change a bit. She was still emitting positive energy. She still had that playful look in her eyes. She looked excited and she was just overall a pleasant person to be around. The only thing that changed was the fact that she was nervous and she tried hard to hide it too. It made me feel more at ease but bothered me at the same time as I couldn’t shake the feeling she felt like this because of me.

“Charlie…” She started, her voice barely audible.

“It’s Friday today and we only work tomorrow, we have Sunday off this week.” I interrupted her. I didn’t know what she was about to say but her voice was telling me that she wasn’t about to ask a question concerning her orientation. “You can also work on your days off, of course.” I continued.

I was only doing my job after all.

“On those days you go to Ernie, who works in Admission Office which we passed before and he will appoint you to where they need more hands to help.”

She simply nodded.

I told her everything she needed to know. What am I supposed to do now?

“You must be tired.” I said, looking at nothing in particular behind her. “I’ll let you settle in.” I glanced at her and quickly looked away. I couldn’t deal with the curiosity with which she was looking at me. “On Friday we all usually grab a beer in the tavern. You can come if you’d like.” I blurted.

I was so weak gazing into her eyes. I already knew that her working here is going to be my downfall. I loved my job and I have to do everything to keep her from ruining it for me.

“I’ll see how long I’ll need to finish unpacking.” She smiled shyly. “Emm, could you tell me in which direction my cabin is again?” She looked embarrassed.

It was only natural that she felt a bit disorientated. The Sanctuary wasn’t exactly small.

“Why don’t I accompany you? I have to change anyway.” I offered.

I knew it was a bad idea but I have to be nice to her. She didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not her fault I’m feeling this way. She was my co-worker now and I need to make her feel comfortable at her new workplace.

We walked to her hut in complete silence. The questions of how she is and what she is doing here resurfaced but I didn’t say anything. I could sense that she wanted to speak but thought better of it.

We awkwardly said goodbye and I rushed to my home as fast as I could. I unlocked the door and shut it loudly behind me. I leaned on it and let my body slide down until I could feel the floor beneath me.

This is seriously not happening!

I was panicking again. I didn’t even know why but I knew this wasn’t good. It wasn’t good for me. I have been bottling everything up, hiding my feelings. Pretending that nothing happened, that I didn’t feel guilty about what happened that Christmas. Her being here made all of that come right back up.

All the guilt, all the sensations, all the memories.

The pain of the thoughts of what I did to Bill.

Everything.

I didn’t even know why Bill stopped talking to me. The letters just got rarer and rarer and now I’m lucky I get anything from him and when I do, it’s short and to the point. I miss him. I miss my best friend, my brother. I miss talking to him and telling him everything.

I was too afraid to ask him what was wrong. Too afraid to say something. Mum didn’t mention anything out of the ordinary so I knew he was okay but I knew that our relationship changed.

Did he know what happened between me and Rhylee? He couldn’t. He didn’t even tell me if he ever got around to asking her out that’s how much silence was between us.

I buried my fingers in my hair and started pulling. Why was this affecting me so much? Why did I have to put such pressure on myself? I can’t escape this time. This is my job. I could lie and apparate away from my family but I can’t just pack my bags and leave.

I can’t just run again.

But I can’t face her either. I can’t talk to her about us or how I feel. She can never know. She’d think I’m insane. This is the second time I’m seeing her. She probably forgot all about me.

Yeah!

That’s why she was so shocked when she saw me. She remembered that I worked here. That had to be it. And here I was, pounding my head like an idiot, overthinking everything again.

It’s my fault I feel like this and I have to get my shit together. I have to do it for my job. If I could talk about nothing else than dragons for seven years at Hogwarts and if I could study like an idiot for my O.W.L.s and my N.E.W.T.s to get this job I have to do everything to make myself comfortable and enjoy it as I did before she showed up. I won’t let myself ruin this!

I can’t.

It’s the only good thing I have going for me.

I don’t have a girlfriend. Yes, I did sleep with April three times. And I slept with two other girls but it was meaningless. I felt so empty doing it. It didn’t bring me any joy. It didn’t even come close to what I felt that night with Rhylee. So I just stopped.

I gave up all hope to ever find a girl like her and to be honest, at this point I wasn’t even trying. I’m better off alone. Most of the people here are single.

Why would I have to be the special one? Why would I have a perfect job and find the perfect girl?

I took a deep breath and held it in. I was hoping it would make all the feelings inside me disappear. At least it made me calmer. I took a quick shower and changed my clothes. A part of me wanted to just stay in tonight but I knew my friends would ask questions tomorrow and I can’t have them doing so in front of her.

I closed my eyes before leaving my hut.

You got this, Charlie.

Just breathe.

She’s just a girl.

I locked the door behind me and headed to the tavern.

“You drunk already, Theo?” I joked as I sat down.

“Sober as a Pixie.” He shook his head.

He looked disappointed that he wasn’t drunk.

“What does that even mean?” Asked John as he reached our table.

“I’ll tell you what it means.” Theo gestured for him to sit down next to me.

“Do you know Gerta?” He looked at every single one of us. We all nodded. “I asked her out before coming here.”

I pressed my lips together, trying hard not to laugh. Gerta was the only woman in the Reserve with whom nobody dared to mess. She was taller than all of us and she had strong hands, covered with tattoos. She started working here a little after I did and I always felt so intimidated by her.

“You’re joking!” Andrew shouted.

“You didn’t!” John slammed his hand on the table.

We looked at each other. We couldn’t hold it in anymore. We started laughing.

“And how…” I couldn’t breathe. Theo mentioned on several occasions over the years that he was going to ask her out but never mustered the courage to do so. “How did it go?” I tried keeping a straight face even though I knew I was failing miserably.

“At first she laughed.” Theo looked offended. This was too good. After all these years of teasing me, this was just what I needed today. “Then she slapped me so hard that everything turned dark for a second.”

I have never seen Evan laughing as hard as he was now. John was slamming the table with both of his hands now, making the beer glasses jump. I actually shed a tear, that’s how funny it was as I imagined Gerta slapping the complete shit out of him. I didn’t think anything could make my day today but boy was I wrong. This was priceless.

“Did you at least walk away?” I asked as I wiped away the tear.

“Of course, not! Don’t you know me?” Theo facepalmed himself.

“Oh, no. What did you do?” John asked after finally catching his breath.

“My stupid arse asked her if the slap meant no or was she just kinky.” Our laugher filled the air around us once again.

He didn’t do that! Why didn’t he ask her out in front of us? I would do anything to see that happening!

“And what did she do?” Andrew was holding his stomach.

His muscles probably hurt from laughing as much as mine did.

“What do you think she did?” Theo was now laughing with us. He knew he wouldn’t be able to stop us and was better off joining us. “She slapped me again, on the other side.” He pointed at his left cheek.

“What are you idiots laughing so hard for?” Peter joined us and sat down.

“Theo asked Gerta out.” John managed to say before starting laughing again.

“What?” Peter looked at Theo in disbelief. “You…”

“There’s our new girl, mates!” He interrupted himself and nodded his head behind me, John, and Andrew.

We turned around and Rhylee was awkwardly standing by the bar, waiting for her drink. She was wearing an old oversized t-shirt and still managed to look so cute.

“That’s our new co-worker?” Andrew forgot how to close his mouth.

“How in Godric’s Hollow are you expecting us to do any work around here with her working alongside us?” Evan moaned.

“And guess what?” Peter smirked, looking at me. “Charlie knows her.” They all turned to me. “So I think she’s off-limits.” He winked at me.

“She’s Bill’s friend.” I said quickly.

I didn’t want them to ask any further questions. I already didn’t like the smirks on their faces.

“We made friends with the wrong brother.” Theo shook his head and if he was sitting next to me I would punch him in the gut.

“I don’t buy it.” Evan said.

“Buy what?” John wasn’t paying attention.

“I think Weasley’s lying to us.”

They were on to me.

“Interesting.” Said Theo slowly.

“What’s your theory?” They all turned to Evan.

I wish the ground beneath me would open up and swallow me.

“I believe him that she’s Bill’s friend.” Evan started. “But I don’t think the story ends there.”

I swallowed hard.

Why was I friends with these gits?

“C’mon, Charlie. Tell us.” They blinked at me like a bunch of girls at a sleepover.

“I…”

“Hi.” This was the first time I was glad Rhylee showed up. “I didn’t know where to sit and I only know you two.” Her eyes went from Peter to me.

“I don’t think we were properly introduced.” Theo stood up so abruptly that he banged his knees into the table.

He extended his arm and Rhylee shook his hand.

One by one they all introduced themselves and offered her to sit down. Thank Merlin she didn’t decide to sit down next to me.

“So you transferred here from Gringotts. You have to tell us about the dragons there!” Andrew broke the silence and I could see Rhylee appreciated it.

“I can’t really tell you much.” She smiled. “I am still sworn to secrecy even if I don’t work there anymore.” The boys started whining. “But I can tell you there are three dragons and one of them is an albino.” Her eyes kept escaping to me.

“Albino! Did you hear that, Charlie!” John bumped my shoulder.

I only hummed in response and tried looking anywhere but at her. They all knew one of my life goals was to see an albino dragon.

She told them why they are keeping dragons in Gringotts and what her job was. She told them that she was in charge of her own team and Theo teased me that she might steal my job. She told them about their feeding schedule and that the Norwegian Ridgeback has only been with them for a year and nine months.

A year and nine months.

That’s how long it has been since we last saw each other. And I still remember that she wanted to name the dragon Nyx. I wonder if she chose that name. I hated that I couldn’t ask her. I would give myself away that she is not just Bill’s friend and if I start a conversation with her, I am not sure I’ll be able to stop.

“How come you came here?” Andrew asked her.

“I was having a hard time watching the dragons be so secluded.” She admitted. “And…” She shook her head, stopping herself from finishing the sentence, and gazed at me.

They were all looking at her with raised eyebrows.

There were so many words on her lips that just couldn’t wait to escape her mouth. I knew she wanted to say more but for some reason, I knew she only wanted me to hear what she has to say. I sunk in my seat. I was feeling bad for her. This was as unfair to me as it was to her even though I had no idea what was going through her head.

A pretty girl like her…she has to be with someone. She moved on. Nobody is as stupid as me, obsessing over someone who I can’t be with and for a year and nine months too. For all I know, she could already be married and have a child.

My eyes scanned the fingers on her left hand. I couldn’t stop myself from looking.

No ring.

Why did I feel relief?

Why did I feel good about it?

“It was nice meeting all of you.” She emptied her glass. “I would love to stay and get to know all of you better but I’m quite tired.” They all started mumbling that it’s alright and that they understand as she stood up.

She said good night to us and walked away. I could feel her eyes on me before she walked away but I couldn’t look at her.

I wanted to stand up and run after her. I felt like I was going to burst into flames if I don’t. I wanted to tell her that I still think about her and I wanted to finally tell her how I felt that night. I wanted to bury my face in her hair and wrap my hands around her waist and kiss her so strongly that she would have to hold tight to me not to fall.

“You’re drooling, Weasley.” John whispered to me, disturbing my train of thoughts.

“Okay, now I’m with Evan. She is not just Bill’s friend.” Theo said after she was out of our hearing distance.

“The awkwardness between you two…” Said Andrew.

“And the way she was looking at you.” Continued Peter.

“What happened?”

They all turned to me after John’s question.

“I told you that she is Bill’s friend.” I said through my teeth.

They cornered me. They knew me too well to buy my lie.

“And…” Peter pushed my beer closer to me and gestured for me to say more.

“I can’t.” I said, my voice rusty.

I shook my head. They can’t know. I promised myself I will keep this to myself. That I will never tell anybody. I kept it a secret for so long, I can’t give up now.

“Charlie,” I felt John’s hand on my shoulder, “we’re your mates. What the fuck is going on?”

“Bill brought her home last Christmas. He fancied her.” I blurted out. I couldn’t hold it in any longer. I was looking at the beer glass in front of me. I couldn’t look them in the eyes. “We got drunk together while the rest of the family was in the village and we had sex.” And I couldn’t stop talking either.

It felt so good saying it out loud. Admitting it. I told them everything. How Bill doesn’t know or at least I don’t think he does. How guilty I feel and how she made me feel and just how bad I feel that she is here.

Everything that I bottled up for almost two years came running up and I just couldn’t stop talking. I was a rat’s hair away from bursting into tears that’s how many emotions were running through my body but I blinked them away.

It might’ve felt good telling them this but I am not going to cry in front of them. We were drinking beer for fuck sake. We were adults. I’m not going to cry about a girl I barely knew. I already told them too much.

“Bloody hell.” Andrew was the first to speak after a long pause.

I was still staring at my glass. I wasn’t ready to see their expressions.

“Why didn’t you ever tell us about her, Charlie?” John asked gently.

I finally lifted my chin. They all looked like they felt sorry for me, as if they understood where I was coming from, as if they were on my side.

I had to be reading them wrong.

They can’t be.

Don’t they understand what a terrible person I am? What I did to my brother?

“I promised myself I would never tell anyone. I was doing so well. I didn’t think she would start working here.” I admitted.

“Doing well?” Theo scoffed. “You’re miserable, mate.”

I looked at him and then at Peter and Andrew who were both nodding in agreement.

“We might joke around a lot and tease you Charlie, but this is not okay. You still feel guilty after all this time and we can see that it’s tearing you apart.” Evan continued.

“Is she with Bill?” Peter asked carefully.

“I honestly don’t know. I never brought myself to ask.” I shrugged my shoulders. “Bill changed his attitude in his letters soon after and now I’m lucky enough if I even get a response from him. I don’t know how he could find out but it would be the only explanation why he’s not talking to me.”

Saying it out loud hurt.

I felt like I lost my brother.

And for what?

For a girl?

I was ashamed of myself.

“No wonder you never take a day off. You overwork yourself thinking it would help with all your problems.” John sounded disappointed.

“You can’t keep doing this to yourself, mate.” Andrew said gently.

“And what am I supposed to do?” I raised my voice. I didn’t want to talk about my feelings. Everything I felt on Christmas day came right back up but this time, it hurt twice as much. “Do you even know how pathetic I sound that I’m still not over a girl that I spend one night with? What a terrible person I am to sleep with my brother’s girl?” I buried my face in my hands.

“You’re not pathetic. You two had a real connection. Do you know how rare that is?” I looked up at Peter.

“It is?” I said more to myself than to them.

They all nodded.

“We might joke around with women but deep down we all want what Peter has.” Andrew admitted, putting his arm around Peter’s shoulder.

He was the only one of our lot who was married. Who was in a relationship for that matter. I knew that Peter met Tina before I got here and they seemed happy to me but he never really talked that much about her. John told me once that they got married rather quickly but that was pretty much it.

“I have that with Tina,” Peter explained, “what you described, Charlie. And if that’s really how you feel you have to talk to her.” I shook my head.

Was he mental!

What was this?

What happened to us messing around and drinking beer on Friday night? Since when were they giving me relationship advice?

“You have to clear the air otherwise it will eat you alive.” John followed his lead.

“Talk to Bill if you have to. I’m sure he would understand.” Andrew continued.

They were all losing it.

Understand? There is nothing to understand. Everything is clear as a Summer’s day. What am I supposed to do? Apparate to Egypt and say “Hey, Bill. So…yeah…I fancy your girl. You understand right?”

“I don’t know in what fucking fairytale land you are all living in, but this is real life and things are not that easy.” I chugged my beer and slammed the glass at the table.

“They are, Charlie.” Peter tried to convince me.

This was too much. They lost it.

“Stop it!” I shook my head and stood up. “We are not talking about this anymore. Not now, not ever.”

Why did I have to open my mouth?

“Forget about it and I’ll see you tomorrow at seven, okay?” I walked away without looking at any of them.

I felt their eyes piercing through me as I got further away.

I am not going to allow them to feel bad for me. I was the antagonist here. I was the one who made a mistake. I wasn’t allowed to be forgiven. I can’t be. Why couldn’t I just keep my mouth shut? Why did I have to be so honest? And the worst part was, this time I wasn’t even drunk.

[greenflower21]

“I Sleep and Dream of Snow” (orginally on my Ao3 profile)  * Contains Spoilers for season 3 of “Attack on Titan”

The winter will be rough this year , thought Levi as he gazed out the foggy window onto the gray surroundings. The first snow was yet to come, but he doubted it would be far off. Wind was already screaming down from the mountains, sweeping across the sheltered valley where the small cabin nestled under the barren trees like skeletons in the mountain’s shadow. This was the same cabin where he had hidden with his new squad, a few months previously, before Queen Historia had claimed her throne, before they had regained honor for the scouts, and before retaking Shiganshina.

So much had happened, it was hard to believe only a few months encompassed the biggest changes to their world within the walls. A new Queen, a new squad, and now a new commander as well…

Levi’s eye twitched slightly as he thought of Erwin’s lifeless body, still in Shiganshina, blue eyes once so full of dreams, an icy fury that looked ever onwards, now just a memory. He shivered there before the window, the threat of winter already creeping into his bones.

“We can’t always carry our fallen comrades home, but we can carry their memories.”

The words he had spoken to a grieving soldier had echoed too many times in his head this past year. He was used to loss, but the words now sounded almost mocking, his memories laughing atop the mountain of bodies, lifeless eyes whose gleams were already fading from his mind. The cold ache had settled even deeper now, refusing to recede, winter’s cruel whisper brushing against the boundaries of his body and mind. He shivered again, whether from the cold or from the lingering echoes in his head, he couldn’t tell. The echo was turning into a headache now, dull pain behind his eyes making his limbs feel leaden and heavy, not helped by the bulky ODM gear that weighed him down under his cloak.

A shout from outside jolted him from his thoughts. He stepped away from the window calling out as he went, “Commander Hange is here! Get ready!”

A few shouts of “Yes sir!” echoed clumsily from upstairs.

Levi walked outside, his shoulders tensing uncomfortably when he was met with a chill wind. “Jean!” he called to the tall boy in the lookout tower, sandy-brown hair tousled by the wind. “Is it Commander Hange?”

“Yes Captain,” replied Jean. “They appear to be alone.”

Good, thought Levi. Good that no more than necessary see this. Too many soldiers and government officials resented Levi’s decision to save Armin instead of Erwin. Why was a timid boy’s life more valuable than their esteemed and experienced commander? And why had that pivotal decision been entrusted to an underground lowlife like Levi?

At first they had thought to keep the specifics of Shiganshina a secret from the populace, but that was impossible. That idiot Floch didn’t know how to keep his mouth shut. Levi was glad at least that he had stayed behind to recruit more MP’s into the scout’s ranks instead of coming here with the rest of Shiganshina’s heroes. Isolating as it was out here, he was glad not to hear the endless complaining, making his guilt over Erwin’s death all the more painful.

Not that it isn’t painful already, he admitted as Armin’s small figure came slowly outside, followed by Eren, Mikasa, Connie and Sasha. Armin’s blue eyes were watery in the chill wind, blue and full of hope, just as Erwin’s had been long ago.

“Hey Connie! It’s your watch now!” said Jean, hopping down from the tower, wrapping his cloak tighter around himself.

“Ugh, fine,” said Connie, walking over towards the wooden tower.

“No,” said Eren, “I’ll take watch, you can go with the others Connie.”

“Um...okay…” said Connie, confused.

Levi furrowed his brow as he watched Eren climb up into the watchtower. Why does he want to be on lookout duty so badly? Probably just sulking. Eren had been in a bad mood ever since the memorial ceremony. He was sullen and withdrawn around the others, even with Armin and Mikasa. Levi shuddered. It's probably nothing. Not everything is a threat, he’s a teenager, they’re like that most of the time.

“How far is Hange?” asked Levi as Jean sauntered up beside him.

“A couple miles,” he replied. “They should be here soon.” Jean lowered his voice to a whisper, glancing back at Eren, “what’s up with him?”

Levi frowned, still uneasy but apathetic. The last thing he needed was to fuel Jean and Eren’s rivalry. They were good friends but sometimes even the faintest animosity could become irritating to be around. I’m too tired to deal with their childish antics today.

Sure enough, Hange’s steed galloped down the narrow path and jolted to a halt.

“Levi!” they exclaimed excitedly. “It’s good to see you looking cheerful as always.” Their hair was messy from the wind, and they hastily brushed it away from their face where it had tangled in their glasses and knotted under their eyepatch..

Levi grunted in reply. “I see you came alone.”

Hange nodded. “Now, are we ready to start?”

They glanced over at Armin, whose blue eyes were wide and unblinking. He looked incredibly nervous. Levi couldn’t help but notice how he tried to hide his shaking hands under his cloak.

Eren on the other hand, was expressionless beside him, green eyes downcast. Mikasa eyed him worriedly, but he paid her no notice as he walked over to the watchtower.

“Let’s go then,” said Levi, leading them down toward the cliff face where they had tried this same experiment on Eren earlier that year.

Levi pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders, shivering still. Dark clouds were gathering at the top of the mountain. Levi narrowed his eyes concernedly, “Hange, I don’t like the look of those clouds.”

“Hmmm,” they said, narrowing their eyes. “We’ll have to hurry then.”

“Are you sure we shouldn’t just wait?” Levi replied.

“If it snows we won’t be able to do this again for awhile, and I can’t be away for too long. Besides...” they added, their voice rising to the pitch that Levi recognized as a signal that a theory was forming in their mind.

“What?” he asked, not sure if he was going to regret it.

“I’m interested to see how cold weather will affect the transformation, and if it rains or snows or whatever it does, it might have an impact on the titan steam….” they trailed off, clearly mulling over possibilities in their mind.

Levi sighed and glanced back at the squad. Sasha, Connie and Jean were chatting distractedly in the rear, Mikasa walking solemnly in front of them, glancing occasionally through her shadowy curtain of hair, backward towards where Eren sulked in the watchtower. Armin looked even more terrified than he had before. His eyes darted back and forth cautiously, like blue rippled under a sudden wind.

Levi slowed a bit to allow the boy a chance to catch up with him.

“Sir,” he squeaked, startled to see Levi beside him, looking away quickly. He knew that Armin also carried the guilt of Erwin’s sacrifice. The fault was far from his though, but Levi could understand how apprehensive he probably was. He had a large legacy to carry on his shoulders, and nearly the whole army blaming him for it.

“Don’t worry Armin,” said Levi earnestly. “Hange knows what they’re doing, you’ll be fine.”

“Th-thank you sir,” stuttered Armin, “i-it’s not Hange I’m worried about sir, it’s…”

“You have a lot of expectations to live up to,” finished Levi.

Armin hung his head. “Y-yes sir.”

Levi sighed again. “At the end of the day, it was my decision to make. You’re young, you have a good head on your shoulders, give it a chance to dream. That was what Erwin did best…” Levi stopped, for he could see the cliff face looming up ahead.

“Here we are!” said Hange, running ahead to look down.

Armin gulped. Levi gave him a reassuring nod, and they followed Hange to the cliff edge.

“Positions everyone!” said Hange. They all obeyed, leaping to their vantage points on the clifftop.

“We have to hurry,” pointed out Levi, glancing up at the clouds uneasily.

Hange nodded. “Yes. Ok Armin, we’re ready when you are!”

Armin nodded, pale and shaky. He closed his eyes, and took a run towards the cliff edge. He jumped off the side, ODM gear on.

Levi braced himself. Did it work? He wondered as a few silent moments passed. But he quickly retracted that thought, because a loud bang resounded upwards with a steam blast.

“Hange!” He shouted. “Can you see anything?”

“No!” they replied, eyeing the steam dangerously, the thrill in their eyes unmistakeable.

“I can’t hear him!” shouted Jean.

“It’s only steam, no titan,” added Sasha.

“Armin!” shouted Connie, “Can you hear us?”

Levi could see Mikasa perched on the edge, looking as uneasy as Levi felt. She was doubtless wondering why Eren didn’t want to see his best friend transform into the colossal titan for the first time, but equally worried about Armin below.

A loud boom sounded behind them. Levi smelled rain as a cold blast of wind slammed into him, almost sending him off balance.

“Hange…!” he shouted, a tone of warning creeping into his voice.

“I hear it,” Hange replied. “Armin!” they screamed. “Armin where are you?”

There was no reply, only more thunder as the steam rose from the ground.

Levi felt a few drops of cold rain hit his face. Not quite cold enough for snow yet but it still stung like blades of ice.

“Armin!” cried Mikasa, craning her neck to see through the layers of steam. The rain was getting heavier, sizzling as it struck the ground below.

“There!” shouted Sasha. Levi looked where she pointed, seeing a patch of red where the rain was clearing the steam. He narrowed his eyes and squinted to see better.

“It’s too hot to cut him out,” said Hange, “We need to let the rain cool it down first.”

Damn this would have been a great moment for Eren to stop acting like a moody brat and come help us out.

Levi frowned. “Was this your plan all along?” he didn’t even try to hide the annoyance in his voice.

“...Not exactly, but it is working in our favor now,” they replied, watching the steam clear below, revealing more of a pitifully misshapen red titan, miniscule in size in comparison to the colossal titan that had broken down Wall Maria.

“Armin,” croaked Mikasa nervously, about to leap down. Levi placed an arm in front of her. “No. It’s not safe yet.”

She hung her head, resigning herself to the truth in his words.

“Look! Commander, Captain!” Connie shouted.

“It’s Armin! He’s emerging!” added Sasha.

“Right, I’m going to retrieve him,” said Levi. It was dangerously hot down there, only he had the necessary speed to grab the boy quickly and get him out.

“I’m coming too!” insisted Mikasa.

“Fine,” grumbled Levi. She can manage, and it might be helpful to have an extra set of hands if we have to cut him out.

“Be careful!” said Hange, absentminded, meaning that their thoughts were clicking mechanically in their brain.

Levi and Mikasa leaped down, weaving between bilows of steam carefully. He could see Armin’s yellow hair glinting dully in the red mist of steam and drizzle.

They landed on the body, where the rain had cooled the surface enough so that he could cut Armin out. Armin’s eyes stared blankly upwards, red marks beneath them, tears welling in those pools of blue.

“Help me cut him out, quickly!” said Levi.

Mikasa sawed at the sinews with her blades while Levi lifted Armin out from the steaming carcass. His cloak had completely burned off, leaving only his thin shirt, burned and tattered in several places. The ODM gear was still trapped inside the titan.

“It’ll be damaged beyond repair; leave it behind” said Levi, sensing Mikasa’s thoughts.

“Right,” she nodded and focused on cutting Armin’s legs free.

The rain was coming down hard now, icy cold and stinging as it danced violently in the wind.

Mikasa finished cutting the sinews, and they leaped upward against the cliff-face with their gear, Levi carrying Armin’s limp form under one arm. They made it to the top, where the others were waiting anxiously.

“Wh-what happened?” asked Sasha concernedly looking at Armin.

“We can theorise later, let’s focus on getting out of this rain!” said Levi, removing his own cloak to wrap around Armin.

Damn this rain is cold.

“Hange come on!” They were still staring over the cliff edge thoughtfully.

“What?” They said. “Oh, right, let’s go!”

They all walked quickly back to the house, Armin being carried by Levi as the rain grew icier around them.

Levi was thankful in that moment for the titan heat radiating from Armin’s body. His face and hands were numb from the cold, and his clothes were becoming soaked through.

They made it back to the house.

“Eren!” shouted Hange, “Get inside! You won’t be able to see in this weather anyway.”

Eren leaped down from the watchtower, still brooding. Seriously, what’s up with him?

They all stumbled inside, dripping wet, slamming the door behind them.

Sasha let out a long sigh, “I’m soooooo hungry!”

“Ugh I’m too cold to be hungry,” complained Jean.

Eren ignored them and went straight over to the hearth to start building a fire. He half glanced at Armin, a pained expression in his eyes, avoiding Mikasa’s stare that followed him like a shadow as he placed logs in the fire.

Levi placed Armin down into a seated position in one of the chairs by the fire, removing his cloak and hanging it by the door. Armin’s tattered clothing had luckily remained relatively dry under the protective wool.

As everyone else hung their cloaks, Levi noticed that they, too, had avoided most of the icy rain.

Hange shook their head, scattering a few droplets and walked straight over to Armin.

I need to get out of these wet clothes, thought Levi. He shivered, his shirt stuck tight against his body, hair dripping icy water into his eyes.

“Captain you’re soaked!” exclaimed Sasha as she carried the kettle to the stove.

“Hmph, I hadn’t noticed,” he grumbled dryly.

“Someone needs to get some dry clothes for Armin,” said Hange.

“On it!” said Connie, sprinting away.

Levi stood, almost dazed, looking at how Eren was building up the fire. Something was definitely off with him, and he worried that it was something more than just teenage angst.

“Uh, Captain, are you ok?” asked Jean’s voice behind him.

“Hmmm…?” Levi blinked. “Yeah I’m fine…” his words were slow; numb along with everything else.

“You really should take those wet clothes off captain,” said Mikasa, arriving beside him carrying some blankets from upstairs.

“Hmmm, yeah…” he shook his head hazily and walked slowly towards his room.

His hands were stiff as he undid the buttons and endless belt loops that attached the ODM gear to his body. When that weight left him, he swayed slightly, dizzy with the release. He finally managed to remove the rest of his soaking wet clothes, which had stuck to his skin like ice, wondering if he would ever feel warm again.

He came back to the main room, wearing dry clothes, but still shivering. Sasha, Connie and Jean were laying out teacups and bread and butter on the table. Eren still stared moodily into the fire, ignoring the rest of them, while Mikasa sat next to Armin, wrapping him in a blanket and Hange scribbled in their notebook.

Mikasa stood and walked over to Levi. She handed him a blanket and he took it from her gratefully, hands numb and shaking. Not caring about anything else in that moment except warmth, he sat down in the chair between Armin and Hange, close to the fire.

Armin didn’t appear hurt, but there was a look of utter dejection on his face.

“It’s ok Armin, Eren had trouble his first time too! “ reassured Mikasa. “Right Eren?”

Eren turned at his name. “What? Oh yeah…” he quickly turned back around to stare at the flames.

Hange sighed quizzically, looking up from their notes. “It seems that mood clearly plays a role in one’s ability to transform. Eren always had trouble if he was feeling nervous or apprehensive, or unsure about something.” Hange directed their statements at Eren, but he didn’t look back in their direction.

“You’d better figure it out soon kid so we can get the hell out of this freezing cold bunker,” said Levi shakily, then he sneezed, quiet enough so that only Hange heard it. They narrowed their eyes at Levi skeptically but didn’t say anything.

“You have to be sure of yourself Armin. You have to envision the future you dream of, and you have to take hold of it with all your strength. If you hesitate, it’s all for nothing.” Eren’s voice sounded far away, even though he only stood a few feet away from Levi. It was the most he had heard the boy say for weeks.

“Well, yes…” said Hange, breaking the uncomfortable silence. “In less solemn terms than Eren just put it, you need to have a clear goal, and you need confidence!”

I know what’s wrong, thought Levi. It’s Erwin’s shadow. It’s still too tall for him to reach. That same tall, blue-eyed shadow echoed in Levi’s mind too. He knew what it felt like to be tasked with making someone’s life meaningful after they were gone.

Armin only sighed and shook his head. “I know, you’re trying to help and I appreciate it, I really do, but… I can’t help but wonder every day if you made the wrong decision Captain.”

Armin’s sad blue stare rose to meet Levi’s cold gray eyes. For a second, he thought he could see Erwin’s icy gaze, filled with stone cold-determination, but then the shadow faded to leave behind ripples in the terrified boy’s face.

“I didn’t make the wrong decision,” said Levi, trying to make his voice sound certain. “This is what Erwin would have wanted.” As he said this, he could almost see Erwin’s shadow again, nodding to his words behind Armin’s face.

Levi shivered and sneezed again, wrapping the blanket tighter around himself, feeling suddenly very tired. The feeling had started to sneak back into his limbs again, but now they were heavy with a dull ache that was settling deep into his whole body.

“Tea’s ready!” said Sasha.

Levi sighed and stood shakily to walk back over to the table, leaving the blanket behind. He poured himself a cup and sat down, still shivering. He held the cup in his hands, letting the warmth spread upward through his fingertips.

He was almost aware of the others clattering about chatting and eating all around him, but they were like shadows in the corner of his vision. I’m still so cold. Why can’t I get warm?

Hands shaking, Levi lifted the cup to his mouth, letting the hot liquid warm his insides. Someone pushed a plate towards him. He glanced over to see that it was Hange.

“You should eat,” they said, buttering a piece of bread for themself and sitting down beside him.

Levi ignored the bread and focused instead on drinking the tea in slow sips, willing it to make him stop shivering so visibly.

“The rain is turning into sleet,” observed Sasha, looking toward the window.

Levi looked and saw sheets of white slamming against the glass.

“Looks like you’ll need to stay the night here commander,” said Connie.

“Yes I suppose you’re right,” replied Hange. “I really did underestimate this weather didn’t I?”

Within the hour, the sleet had turned into snow, and it rattled relentlessly against the window panes.

Leaving his bread untouched, Levi washed his teacup and then wandered back over to the fire. Armin had fallen asleep, the red titan marks on his face already starting to fade.

“We should put him in bed,” said Levi, bending down to pick him up. His arms felt unusually weak though, which was strange. Why do my bones feel like they’re filled with ice. I hate rain...I’m too stiff to lift even this scrawny teenager!

“I can do it,” said Eren’s voice behind him.

“Go ahead,” said Levi, glancing at him sideways. Eren lifted one of Armin’s arms over his shoulder, and Mikasa rushed over to help. Together they carried their friend up to bed.

Levi sighed and edged closer to the fire. I hope I’m not this stiff tomorrow, there’s so much to do around here…

“You alright?” Asked Hange, kneeling down next to him. “You seem tired.”

He shivered again, picking up his discarded blanket from earlier. He avoided their question and said, “where will you sleep? With the rate of that snow outside, it looks like you might be stuck here for a few days at least.”

“Don’t worry about me! I always figure it out,” they replied. “Besides, I want to stay up a bit later to study my notes anyway.”

Levi nodded in reply and glanced over to the table where Jean, Connie and Sasha were still chatting. “Hey, make sure you clean up that mess when you’re done,” he remarked. Normally he would stay and do it himself, but Hange might have been right. He was tired. Even where he stood, he struggled to keep his eyes open. He would have to trust them to clean it properly, just this once…

“Captain can I have your bread?” Asked Sasha.

“Hmmm…? Yeah, fine…” he muttered, walking blearily towards his room. He sank onto his bed with a strange heaviness, shivering under the blankets, and let sleep take him.

When he was gone, Sasha exclaimed in a shocked whisper, “what? He never says yes! This is my lucky day!”

“Sasha you’re getting crumbs everywhere. We need to keep it clean or the Captain will freak out!” protested Jean.

Connie chimed in with, “Hey! Won’t you share?”

When the two had divided the bread between them, Jean remarked, “don’t you think it's weird though, Captain Levi never goes to bed early?”

Sasha was too immersed in her bread to hear him.

Connie shrugged. “I don’t know, it’s been a pretty long day, I wouldn’t worry too much.”

Jean frowned, looking out the window where the show was swirling out in the dark. “I hope you’re right.”

                                                 *** 

Levi woke groggily. His throat burned and there was a heavy weight in his chest that made every part of his body ache. He groaned and got out of bed, shocked when he had to sit down again because a wave of dizziness almost sent him reeling.

He sighed, and that sigh turned into a dry cough that made his head throb.

Damn it, he cursed to himself. He made the decision to ignore his body screaming in protest, and put a clean shirt on with aggressive determination, preparing to go downstairs. This is nothing, I’m just chilled from yesterday, I just need to wake up a bit. He coughed again as he went carefully down the stairs.

Hange had woken up sitting stiffly in the chair by the fire, notes open across their lap. The coals had died down to ash. Someone had thrown a blanket across them at some point, they weren’t sure who. They yawned, stretched, and stood, looking out the window.

Well, looks like I won’t be making it back to HQ anytime soon. Snow was piled almost up to the window panes, the inside of the glass covered with frost. They shuddered and put a log on the dead fire, attempting to blow some life into it.

The kitchen had been tidied from the night before, but it was nowhere near spotless. A few crumbs still littered the floor where Connie and Sasha had battled over the captain’s bread.

He won’t be happy.

While they waited for the fire to grow, they pondered their notes again. Something was definitely holding Armin back...they had a feeling it was the pressure. The poor boy had Erwin’s whole legacy to uphold. Damn it Levi, I can’t believe you put him in this position.

Hange heard light footfalls on the steps accompanied by ragged breathing that stopped suddenly and was replaced by a rough, hollow sounding cough.

That doesn’t sound good…

“Where is everyone?” asked Levi hoarsely as he slowly walked into the room. “Lazy kids, just because it’s snowing doesn’t mean they get a break.” He looked out the window, noticing the empty watchtower blurred by the blinding light of the heavy snow on the ground. “We should get someone on lookout duty-” he ended the thought abruptly as he shook with coughing again.

Ignoring Hange’s eyebrows rising in concern, he went outside to fill the kettle with snow, shocked when he opened the door to see that it came all the way up to his shoulders. He cursed under his breath and shivered, filling it quickly and slamming the door shut. He put the kettle on the stove, his chest burning, unable to stifle the shaky cough that shuddered through his body again.

“Levi, I don’t like the sound of that cough,” said Hange, not hiding the concern in their voice.

“It's nothing,” he retorted. His eyes stopped, noticing a few crumbs on the floor where the scouts had been sitting the night before. Damn it, I thought I told them to clean up… He sighed in annoyance, but it came out as a cough, more painful than the last one.

“Levi….” began Hange. “Don’t worry about the crumbs, and don’t worry about the lookout! The snow will be too thick to see anyway. Besides, no one will be out stalking us in this weather.” They took a moment to look at his face, which was shadowed by the usual dark circles, but they were deeper today, and he was pale, his dark gray eyes glassy and distant.

He ignored them and went over to get the broom in the corner. He swept the crumbs away and started to make tea.

Hange shook their head. He was too stubborn. When the kettle boiled, they sat down together to let it brew.

“Are they seriously all still asleep?” Levi asked, shocked at how raspy his voice sounded. He was grateful for the warmth of the cup in his hands. He let the steam float up to his face and briefly relieve the throbbing in his head.

Hange shrugged, “Not everyone is an insomniac like you.”

He glared at them and shook his head. “Any epiphanies in your late night research?”

They took a deep breath. “Armin won’t be able to control his titan ability until he can escape the pressure of Erwin’s sacrifice.”

Levi nodded, “well he’d better figure it out soon-” he broke off, coughing again.

Hange opened their mouth to say something, but at that moment Mikasa came downstairs, followed by the others.

“Armin is still asleep,” she said as she sat down beside Hange.

“How is he?” Hange asked.

“He seems fine,” Mikasa continued, “the titan marks have faded at least.”

“Good, good…” Hange nodded, pouring themself another cup of tea.

Levi shot Sasha, Connie and Jean a subtle glare as they sat down at the table. “I thought I told you to clean up after-” but he broke off again, another rattling cough shaking his chest.

“I’m so sorry captain!” said Sasha, eyes wide.

“Wait, uh Captain Levi are you ok?” Asked Connie tentatively.

He was barely aware of their responses, and he didn’t catch the worried glances that shot between everyone seated at the table. He ignored them and sipped his tea in frustration, willing his hands to stop shaking, hoping that the warm liquid would subside the deep chill that was making his whole body ache.

He started feeling progressively worse throughout the day. He tried to keep himself busy, ignoring the pain in his head by sweeping the rest of the floor, assigning odd tasks to the scouts, and pointedly ignoring the way they were all looking at him.

Jean, Eren and Mikasa managed to clear a way to the stable to check on the horses. Hange decided that they didn’t need to bother with clearing a way to the watchtower. No one would be able to find them in this snow anyway. Levi narrowed his eyes uneasily, but Hange out-ranked him, so their word was what the scouts followed. He knew they were probably right. It was too cold out to keep watch safely, and there was no point staring at gray fields of snow for hours with no real threat.

He glanced out the window, half expecting more snow to start falling from the gray skies. He still remembered the first time he had seen snow. Mesmerized and terrified at those sparkling white drops that froze on impact, and looked like stars turned to dust. Farlan and Isabel never got to see snow. It almost seemed like the gray sky itself was scattering cold ash for all those who had never gotten to gaze at its beauty.

While the others cleared the snow in front of the door, Sasha and Connie chopped vegetables for soup, and Armin slept for most of the day. Hange tried to be useful around the house, hoping that everyone at HQ wasn’t too worried about them. There was no helping it though. It was hard enough to clear a path to the horses, forget trying to clear it all the way to the road. Hange was starting to get worried though, worried about Levi.

His cough started sounding worse as the day went on. At one point, Hange caught him staring out the window, shivering and gazing at something in a distant corner of his mind that only he could see.

“Levi,” they said gently, “come away from there, it's too cold!”  

He didn’t respond, so they placed a hand on his shoulder. He flinched slightly, but didn’t protest when they guided him over to sit by the fire.

It should have warmed him, but he still shivered weakly, spots dancing before his eyes, almost like it was snowing inside the fire.

He was aware of Hange looking into his eyes, “Levi…” they said quietly, placing a hand on his forehead.

He started to brush them away, “what are you doing?”

“You’re burning up!” exclaimed Hange.

He sighed again, he hated other people fussing over him, but regretted it instantly because it sent him into another painful coughing fit.

“Levi, I’m worried about you,” said Hange, “you’re not well!”

Levi knew they were probably right, he wanted nothing more than to curl up in a ball in front of the fire and stay there forever, but he couldn’t possibly go rest; there was still too much to do, too much to think about, Erwin’s shadow was watching him, he needed to do it justice…

Erwin’s shadow walked down the stairs, but it was much smaller than Erwin. “Er, hello Commander, Captain,” he said.

Hange stood, “ah, our colossal awakens!”

Levi was puzzled. Erwin was tall, yes, but he was no titan, what was Hange talking about.

Hange noticed that Armin looked bleary-eyed from sleep, but otherwise fine. They were worried about Levi though. He looked at Armin with a pained, almost confused expression. He’s delirious…

“I’m so sorry,” said the small boy standing there with Erwin’s eyes. Yes, not Erwin, Erwin is dead Levi, get it together.

Levi opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn’t because his whole body was racked by shaking as he coughed again.

“Captain! Are you alright?” gasped Armin.

“He’s not,” said Hange. “Levi, I need you to go back to bed, and yes, that’s an order!”

Levi regarded them with dark gray eyes, misted over with a feverish glow. Too weak to protest, he stood up shakily and began to walk toward the stairs. Why is Hange giving me orders, he thought, confused, Where’s Erwin?  He stumbled and swayed where he stood. The whole room spun, and lights danced in his eyes, turning into shadows as he fell.

Armin and Hange reacted quickly. They caught him as he collapsed so he didn’t hit the floor.

“What happened to him?” Asked Armin, his voice high pitched with concern.

“What’s going on?” asked Sasha, peeking in from the kitchen, Connie close behind. They must have heard the commotion and come to investigate.

“I need you to bring me some cold water and a clean cloth,” said Hange.

Sasha’s eyes widened as she saw the unconscious Levi in between Armin and Hange’s arms. “Yes sir!” she disappeared into the kitchen to do what Hange asked.

“Connie, can you help me bring him upstairs?” said Hange.

“Yes sir,” said Connie, running over to take the captain’s limp form from Armin, who sighed with relief. He still hadn’t quite gotten his strength back from yesterday. “Armin, can you go check on our soup?” Armin nodded and wandered into the kitchen, glancing over his shoulder as he watched Connie and Hange carry Levi’s unconscious body between them up the stairs.

They placed him down on his bed. His eyelids fluttered slightly but he didn’t wake up. He was shivering weakly, but a thin gray sweat was coating the surface of his skin, sticking his dark hair to his head.

Sasha came back with cold water and a few dry kitchen towels. Hange took one from her and dipped in the basin, placing the cool cloth on Levi’s pale forehead.

Sasha and Connie lingered uncomfortably in the doorway, watching as Hange unbuttoned Levi’s shirt, which was plastered to his body with sweat.

“Is he going to be ok?” Asked Connie in a whisper.

No one answered him.

“Do you need anything else?” asked Sasha, breaking the tense silence except for Levi’s ragged breathing.

“No,” replied Hange, “just let the others know where I am, and keep that fire burning.”

They nodded and went back to the kitchen, leaving Hange alone sitting on the edge of the bed, looking more worried than the scouts had ever seen them.

They found Armin standing dazed before the pot on the stove, stirring mechanically, unfocused and clearly worried.

“This is my fault,” he whimpered. He looked up at Sasha and Connie, alarm in his eyes. “He gave me his cloak yesterday, and he must have gotten too cold, and now…” he looked like he might cry.

“No, Armin, it’s not your fault!” said Connie reassuringly. “He would have done the same for any of us, you had no idea that your cloak would burn off, or that the rain would be that cold!”

“But the experiment failed…. I failed! I’ll never live up to Erwin’s expectations.” Armin sank down in a chair at the table, utterly defeated.

“You need to stop blaming yourself Armin,” said Sasha, taking over at the stove-top, pouring a handful of herbs into the broth. “The decision was never yours, and you’re trying your best!”

“You just need to get used to it,” added Connie. “You’re only human so don’t beat yourself up!”

Armin sighed, looking toward the stairs with an expression of anguish. I really hope they’re right.

“I’ve had enough snow to last a lifetime,” complained Jean, entering the door, and hanging up his cloak, followed by Mikasa and Eren.

“At least we’ve cleared a path to the stable now,” said Mikasa.

“It only took us three hours,” grumbled Eren.

Jean sighed and sat down at the table. “What’s with you guys? You look like someone just died.”

Armin looked at the floor and Sasha stirred the pot on the stove awkwardly.

“Well…” said Connie, “It’s Captain Levi, he’s really unwell.”

Mikasa’s eyes widened in alarm. “Is he alright?”

“I thought he didn’t look too good this morning…” added Jean.

“What happened?” asked Eren.

“I guess…” said Armin, “the cold yesterday must have gotten to him, he just collapsed right in front of us!”  

Seeing Armin’s worried expression, Mikasa said, “He’s humanity’s strongest. He just needs to rest for a few days, he’ll be fine.”

Her tone didn’t sound convincing enough though, and the room fell into a tense silence, the only sound Sasha’s wooden spoon scraping the bottom of the pot. 

                                                  *** 

A few minutes after Sasha and Connie left, Levi’s eyes fluttered open weakly and he stared up at Hange, looking very confused. He tried to sit up, but he was seized by another painful coughing fit and was forced to sink back down onto the pillows, shaking.

“Shhh,” said Hange, pushing him down and drawing the blanket up to cover him.

“Hange what happened?” he asked weakly, his voice hoarse and strained.

“You fainted,” they replied, readjusting the cloth on his forehead. “Connie helped me carry you in here.”

He coughed again.“Damn it, how did this happen, I can’t-” but he couldn’t finish, his chest shaking with echoing tremors. He moaned softly and closed his eyes.

“Just rest,” said Hange. “You don’t have to worry about anything.” His eyelids flickered and closed as he settled into an uneasy sleep, wheezing gently and still shaking.

They watched his chest rise and fall for a few minutes, then replaced the cloth on his forehead, already lukewarm with the heat from his fever. When they were sure he was really sleeping, they quietly closed the door and went back downstairs.

                                                 ***

Levi slept fitfully the rest of that day, and all the while, the snow still fell outside. Hange went back to check on him a few hours later, but he was still deep in a feverish dream, shivering beneath the blankets, chest rising raggedly and hair plastered to his head in lank strands.

Hange felt his forehead again. The fever was still high, possibly even higher than before. This worried them; they had never seen him this sick in all the years they had known him. They were trained as a field medic, first aid and emergency battle operations etc., but they were certainly no doctor. If this didn’t get any better soon….well, they just had to hope it would. Travelling would be impossible for at least the next few days.

For now, they kept the fever controlled by replacing the cloth on his forehead intermittently.

A soft knock on the door sounded and Mikasa entered the room, carrying a steaming cup of tea. “How is he?” she asked, setting it down on the table.

Hange’s brow furrowed. “Fever is still high and he’s struggling to breathe.” they watched the erratic rise and fall of his chest uneasily.

“Maybe steam will help,” said Mikasa, bringing the teacup close to Levi’s face.

“Good idea!” Hange observed, lifting his head slightly so he could inhale it.

He spluttered and coughed, then gasped weakly, but it did seem to give him some temporary relief.

“We need more steam,” said Hange.

“On it!” said Mikasa, turning to leave.

A few minutes later, she returned with the kettle and an empty washbasin.

They lifted Levi’s head again and held the steaming water up to his face. He gasped, then breathed in and out, coughing. He leaned back on the pillows, still shaking, but he breathed more easily, at least for a little while.

                                             ***

Levi dreamed of blue eyes following him. “Erwin, what do you still need from me?” But the blue receded into gray, drowning in snow.

“Wait!” cried Levi, “Where are you going?” but the blue eyes disappeared, and he heard nothing but his own voice, reverberating back at him.

He wandered in a directionless fog, steps heavy, his body aching with weariness as he trudged onward.

A roar resounded behind him and he flinched as something flew through the air. It landed at his feet in the mist and he almost screamed. Lifeless eyes underneath tousled red hair stared back at him. Isabel….

A familiar laugh echoed nearby. Farlan? He turned around, but the laugh faded and turned into a scream before disappearing into the fog completely.

He sank to his knees, utterly defeated. He could hear voices calling out his name, and they all flashed before his eyes.

He saw Gunther dangling from his mangled gear, half of Eld’s body strewn across the forest floor, Oluo’s head sawn off, and Petra... Oh Petra.

She called to him, but he couldn’t stand. His legs wouldn’t lift from the damp ground, and the mist suffocated him, drowning their voices until they disappeared. He was sinking into the ground, and then he fell, plummeting downward through tunnels of darkness until he landed with a thud in a dirty puddle, no stars here; it reeked of the underground.

A tall man with a face shielded by a black hat turned to look at Levi, lying in the muck, but he shook his head and walked away, until Levi could see him no more.

The puddle enveloped him like a blanket, and there was a woman in a white dress standing over him. Her black hair flowed down her back like rainfall on a window on a moonless night, and her cold gray eyes looked down on him lovingly. She brushed lank hair out of his face with pale fingers.

“Mother?” he croaked.

“Shhhh Levi, you’re safe now.” her voice was soothing, and he believed her, he let his eyes close, and darkness settled over him.

He wanted to stay there forever, but voices started to plague him again.

“Let me rest, please,” he begged.

“Levi. You must not regret your decision,” and there were blue eyes looking at him from the shadows again.

“Erwin…” he whispered.

“Do not regret. Fulfil your promise.”

“I’m so tired Erwin…” Levi protested. He wished that the blue eyes would close and leave him be. The woman in the white dress was still there, but she too, was fading, her hands translucent and eyes empty.

“No, don’t go!” he begged.

She grasped his hand one more time, and then disappeared into the shadows.

“Remember your promise,” said Erwin, but it wasn’t Erwin’s voice. Armin Arlert looked at him with sincerity in the mist, “Please stay with us Captain!”

“Please…” but he wasn’t sure whose voice it was pleading with him now.

“I promised…. I remember….” whispered Levi, and then he sank into shadows, many voices still echoing in their tendrils of mist around him, utterly incomprehensible.

                                      ***

The snow stopped falling after two days, but it showed no sign of melting. The scouts were trapped here until they could find a way to clear a path to the road, which was still several miles to the west of their isolated location.

Hange was getting increasingly more worried about Levi. He had been drifting in and out of consciousness, and the fever, like the snow, showed no signs of abating. Mikasa had been clever with the steam; when his breathing became too laboured, they brought a basin of boiling water to his face, and it seemed to instill a temporary respite to his pained struggle.

But he also wasn’t getting any better. Hange worried that he would need stronger medicine than whatever meager supplies they had here at the cabin; honey and hot water could only do so much. But in this snow, it would be impossible to go in search of anything.

Hange cooled Levi’s burning forehead with the wet cloth, listening to the erratic rise and fall of his chest with concern.

“You should get some rest,” said Armin, entering the room softly behind them. “I can stay with him for awhile.”

Hange nodded, knowing he was right. They didn’t like the thought of leaving him, but they felt their eyelids drooping heavily. They stood and stretched, then went to the bed they had set up down the hall. “Wake me if there’s any change.”

When Hange left, Armin sat down by the Captain’s side. His face was pale, his cheeks hollow and his dark hair dull and plastered to his face by sweat. A few incomprehensible words danced on his parched lips.

Armin felt an overwhelming sense of guilt as he looked at his sick captain. This is my fault. If only I had been able to transform properly, he wouldn’t have needed to give me his cloak. Better still, if I had died instead of Erwin. Erwin was a colossal human, even without the titan ability. I am nothing…

“No… don’t go…” whispered Levi feverishly in his sleep.

Armin inhaled sharply. “I’m right here Captain!”

“Erwin… no… let me rest, please…” his face twisted with grief and anguish, “can I go? The promise… I can’t…”

Armin’s eyes widened in alarm. He grasped Levi’s frail, sweaty hand in his own. “Please, stay with us captain, please!” begged Armin. He wrung out the cloth and dampened it again in the cold water, placing it on Levi’s burning forehead.

“I promised… I remember…” whispered Levi, coughing weakly in his sleep.

Armin heard the door open gently behind him as someone else walked into the room. He turned around, surprised to see that it was Eren.

“How is he?” he asked, still hovering in the doorway.

“Not good,” Armin shook his head.

Eren looked down at the ground and slowly walked over to lean on the edge of the table by the bed.

“Eren,” began Armin in a quiet voice. “Why couldn’t I transform?” A faint tremor of despair had crept up into his gentle tone.

Eren shook his head uneasily. He knew Armin would ask him this question. It was part of the reason why he had been avoiding the others this whole time. The strange sensation he had felt when he touched Queen Historia’s hand- well, he couldn’t shake the heavy weight of this immense secret he carried. He couldn’t shake the guilt, for being partially responsible for Commander Erwin’s death, and the legacy that Armin now had to fulfil. All he had wanted was to see the ocean, but this? I can see how tormented he is, the amount of anguish this is causing him, and it’s all my fault.

Eren hadn’t wanted to watch the experiment. He didn’t want to watch his friend suffer like that, a suffering that he knew all too well.

When Eren didn’t answer Armin’s feeble question, he sighed in resignation and looked away. It seemed even his best friend had lost faith in him.

The two boys were so wrapped up in their own thoughts that they nearly didn’t notice how quiet Levi had become

Eren noticed first. “Wait, Armin, something’s wrong.”

Armin shot up in alarm. Levi’s chest had stopped rising and falling, and the familiar pained breaths were silent.

“Captain Levi!” shouted Armin, shaking the captain’s frail body.

“I’ll get Hange!” said Eren, running out the door.

“Please hurry!” said Armin.

Armin lifted Levi, rubbing between his shoulder-blades vigorously. His skin was still emanating dangerous amounts of heat, which in this moment was actually a good thing, because it meant his body was still trying to fight, trying to live…

“Please Captain Levi,” begged Armin as he rubbed up and down, willing the breath to come back into his lungs.

The door banged open and Hange sprinted over to the bed. “Good Armin, keep rubbing. Levi!” they cried urgently, placing two fingers on Levi’s neck, where a very weak pulse was thankfully still fluttering. His lips were starting to turn blue.

Eren came into the room, carrying a steaming kettle. He poured it into the basin and handed it to Hange, who lifted it in front of Levi’s face.

Armin could feel the heartbeat weakening under his fingers, almost to nothing. A few tense moments followed, and then they all nearly jumped up in alarm as Levi gasped and coughed. He struggled for breath as his whole frame shook, but Armin lowered his shoulders with relief. That was close, too close.

Hange shook their head solemnly, reapplying the cold cloth to Levi’s forehead. “He’s not getting any better and there’s not much I can do for him without some stronger medicine.”

“But we’re trapped here…” said Eren.

Hange furrowed their brow quizzically. “Your father was a doctor wasn’t he Eren? Do you have any idea what he would have used to treat something like this?”

Eren thought for a moment and shook his head. “My father didn’t tell me much about what he did-he made all his medicines down in the cellar, where I wasn’t allowed. I think he planned to teach me one day, but he never got a chance…”

Think! Armin, Think, he begged himself. You can’t let the captain die. If he dies it's your fault. There has to be a way we can clear that snow and find him some medicine…?

He stood up suddenly, an idea forming in his mind.

“What is it?” Asked Eren.

“That’s the face of someone who’s just come up with a hypothesis,” remarked Hange observantly.  

“We need a way to clear the snow so we can somehow get to a doctor or an apothecary…” began Armin, “and we know that titan steam can melt it, so what if I transform into a titan, clear the way enough for someone to make it to the main road, and from there ride to the nearest town where there’s bound to be someone that has what we need!”

“A brilliant idea Armin!” replied Hange excitedly, “But can you do it?”

“There’s also the risk that someone could see us, we don’t want to alarm civilians,” pointed out Eren,

Armin added, “that’s why it would be better to just get the medicine directly from them rather than bridging a doctor here- we don’t want too many people asking how on earth we cleared the snow away- you know what he needs right Hange?”

“More or less,” Hange agreed.

Armin continued, addressing Eren. “You and Mikasa will spot me as I transform, and cut me out and bring me back here while someone-probably Sasha because she knows the terrain around here the best- rides on.”

“But what if it’s too hot to get close?” wondered Eren.

“Then you can transform too, and take me down.”

Eren sighed, looking slightly uncomfortable, but then he nodded. “Okay.”

“Hmmm,” said Hange, “It’s risky, but…” they looked gravely at Levi’s shuddering form beside them, “I don’t think we have a choice.”

Eren stayed with Levi while Armin and Hange went downstairs to brief the others. The plan was this: Armin would transform and clear away the snow, and Mikasa and Eren would follow at a safe distance to retrieve Armin when he had finished.

Sasha and Connie would ride to the nearest village with a note carrying written instructions from Hange, to be shown to the closest doctor they could find. Trost would be ideal, but it was too far to ride quickly on the icy roads. Hange would have gone themself, but they didn’t dare leave Levi’s side now.

Jean sat with Levi while Hange went to the roof with Armin, Mikasa and Eren to execute the plan.

Armin didn’t feel nervous for once. He was ready to repay Captain Levi for saving his life back in Shiganshina. He would make them all proud. He would honor Erwin’s memory.

“Are you ready?” asked Hange.

Armin nodded.

“Remember to jump outwards so that the house doesn’t catch on fire,” they reminded him.

Right, don’t screw this up.

He took a deep breath, and leapt off the roof, slitting his palm with a knife. Electricity rippled through his body, and suddenly he was very tall. He looked down and could see snow down below, melting at his feet.

“Armin!” someone shouted. “Get away from the house!”

Dazed, he turned around, seeing Hange, Eren and Mikasa standing on top of the roof, edging away nervously.

What am I doing? Confusion clouded his mind. It's so hot in here…

“Armin! Go! You have to save Captain Levi!” shouted Connie from the stable. Armin looked down at Connie and Sasha, edging cautiously backwards, horses stamping impatiently. That’s right, I need to clear the way so they can go and find medicine for the Captain.

Armin shook away the fog and stepped forward, surprised at the heavy thud his feet made when they hit the ground, snow sizzling upon impact. I have to save Captain Levi. That thought propelled him forward as he plowed through the deep snow, the path clearing as he went.

“Good, it’s working!” Called Hange. “Sasha, Connie! Make sure you wait until we retrieve Armin before you ride!”

“Yes Commander!” shouted Sasha.

“Eren, Mikasa, now it’s your turn!” said Hange, turning to the two scouts beside them on the rooftop.

“On it!” Said Eren, breaking into a run and biting his hand as he jumped off the roof.

As he transformed down below, Mikasa leapt onto his shoulder with her ODM gear engaged.

Mikasa observed Armin’s colossal making its way through the trees. It was still much smaller than Berthold’s titan, smaller even than Eren as he pounded through the melted snow after him. Despite its size though, it was accomplishing what it meant to.

They followed at a safe distance for about ten minutes. Please let no one be on the road, thought Mikasa, anxiety thrumming in her chest. This was not a sight that she wanted just anyone to see.

“Eren, we’re getting close,” warned Mikasa.

Eren grunted in reply, and he sped up behind Armin.

Armin seemed to be aware of his surroundings, because Mikasa heard a loud crash up ahead as the colossal titan sank to its knees.

Mikasa sprinted off of Eren’s shoulder and zoomed ahead to scout out the road. Armin’s titan body had collapsed, steaming in the snow, and the road, still snowy but clear enough to ride stretched south toward Trost. No one else was in sight, so Mikasa breathed a sigh of relief as she assessed whether or not it was safe enough yet to retrieve Armin from the carcass.

The steam was too thick for her to see anything though. “Eren!” she shouted. “I need your help!”

Eren rumbled towards them and reached his hand into the steaming body, pulling Armin out, cradling his in the giant hand. The body immediately disintegrated, leaving more steam behind.

“Quick!” said Mikasa. “We need to get out of sight before anyone sees us!”

She leapt onto Eren’s shoulder and they sprinted back to the house, Armin lying unconscious in Eren’s arms.

When Hange saw them returning, they called down to Sasha and Connie. “Go! Hurry and come back as soon as you can!”

“Yes Commander!” They both shouted in unison, and galloped away down the path that Armin had cleared.

Mikasa leapt onto the ground, and Eren gently placed Armin down. Hange joined her and they carried him between them inside to give Eren enough space to transform back again. Mikasa was about to go back outside and help Eren in, but he stumbled in on his own, and immediately collapsed into a chair by the fire.

Armin’s eyes fluttered open where he sat in the other chair where Hange and Mikasa had set him down.

“Did I do it?” he asked feebly.

Hange knelt down in front of him. “Yes! You’re a hero Armin! Erwin would be proud.”

At this Armin could no longer control himself; he shuddered and tears fell from his eyes.

“Armin,” began Eren.

“No, I’m okay,” he stuttered. “I’m just so relieved!” He glanced at the staircase. “I just hope we’re not too late…”

Hange and Mikasa shooed Eren and Armin to bed to rest, and then Hange went to relieve Jean.

“You look like you could use some rest too,” said Mikasa, noticing the lines of exhaustion tracing Hange’s good eye.

Hange shook their head stubbornly. “No, I’ll stay with Levi until Sasha and Connie come back.”

Mikasa didn’t argue.

                                    ***

Jean and Mikasa tried to keep themselves busy, taking turns on lookout duty. Mikasa couldn't focus though, no matter what mindless task around the house she assigned herself. Levi would almost be proud at how tidy the place looked. Too restless to think anymore, she filled two teacups and went out to sit with Jean in the watchtower. She climbed up and sat beside him in the cold as they both stared out over the muddy, mangled path that Armin had plowed through what had been deep snow earlier that morning.

“Thanks,” muttered Jean, taking the cup gratefully from her in his shivering hands.

They sipped their tea, eyes fixed on the horizon for any sign of Sasha or Connie coming back, tension in the air as the time trickled by slowly.  

“It’s weird seeing the captain this vulnerable,” said Jean absentmindedly. “He’s humanity’s strongest soldier you know? Something about seeing him like this just feels...wrong.”

Mikasa only nodded in reply. He spoke exactly what she felt.

“What will we do if he dies?” Continued Jean. “I mean, we need him. He can’t die!” she could hear the panic creeping into his voice.

Mikasa had no answer for that. She said instead. “I can take over lookout duty for now, you should go inside and get warm.”

He nodded grimly, “Maybe I can finally convince Hange to take a break.” He left, taking his empty teacup with him and leaving Mikasa alone in the tower. She stared into the gray abyss of broken trees, trying not to imagine the worst.

                                                    ***

Hange was exhausted, but they refused to give in to sleep. Levi needed them now more than ever. The fever refused to drop and his breathing became weaker and weaker as the minutes ticked by.

“You can’t leave me Levi,” they whispered, grabbing his pale hand. “These kids need you, the world needs you, I need you. ”

They bent their head down and didn’t try to stop the subtle tears that fell from their eyes. Levi shivered weakly in his sleep. Hange moved their hand up to his chest, so they could feel the fluttering of his heartbeat under their touch. It was so weak, like a baby bird, so they cradled it there, willing it to stay and learn to fly.

                                                ***

There was a small bird chirping in the mist. Levi followed the sound of its voice and saw it on the damp ground, wings too small and weak to fly, crying out in a terrified high-pitched chirp.

He sank to his knees beside it. Isabel would have tried to save you… but it seems all I can do is die with you...

He lay down on the cold ground, letting the mist cover him.

He heard someone calling his name.

No...be quiet. I’m tired, just let me sleep please…

He closed his eyes and saw many faces beckoning to him. They were speaking but he couldn’t hear them. Isabel and Farlan waved to him. “Come with us!” they seemed to say. Oluo, El and Gunther called to him, but they were too far away for him to hear, and then there was Petra, smiling reassuringly.

“I can’t hear you!” he protested. The woman in the white dress from before, Kuchel Ackerman, reached out her hand, and he tried to grasp it, but there were Erwin’s hard, blue eyes, shaking his head.

“I need you,” said someone’s voice.

Levi tried to ignore it. He blinked and shook his head. Petra and the others were walking further away from him now.

“No! Take me with you!” he begged, but the mist stifled his voice, and no noise reached them.

The woman in white still beckoned to him, but her shape was blurry; he couldn’t see her face anymore.

“Remember your promise,” echoed Erwin’s voice.

“But Erwin, I can’t…. I’m too tired… Please! Take me with you!” He begged his mother, protesting Erwin’s last orders that rang in his ears even through the sifling mist. But Kuchel drifted back, out of sight, and the mist thickened, leaving him in shadows, the bird still chirping weakly beside him.

                                               ***

Mikasa shivered in the watchtower, her eyelids drooping. Please hurry, she silently willed, eyes fixed on the horizon. It was almost nightfall now, and the dusk glare cast a dusty glow on the path of mud, snow and broken trees. She considered going inside to wake up Eren or Armin to relieve her, or Jean. No, I have to stay, I have to keep watching. She knew despite her exhaustion she wouldn’t be able to sleep, so she stiffened her jaw and looked forward, eyes peeled for any movement on the darkening horizon.

Jean opened the door to Levi’s room gently, careful not to make too much noise. Hange had fallen asleep next to him, one hand lying on his chest. Jean could see it gently rising and falling, which brought momentary relief. He thought about waking Hange, but they looked so peaceful there, he figured it was better to leave them be.

Levi’s face was gray like shadows in the snow, and he coughed weakly in his sleep. Jean quietly tiptoed over to the bed and replaced the cloth on his forehead, careful not to wake the sleeping commander. He exited the room and peeked in at Eren and Armin who were both still fast asleep, before going downstairs to start another kettle. As he was filling it with snow from outside, he heard Mikasa shout.

“I can see them! They’re coming down the road!” The shaky desperation in her voice was apparent as she looked at Jean by the door. He almost dropped the kettle in relief. Finally.

Hange woke upon hearing Mikasa’s shout from outside. They sat up, surprised that they had fallen asleep, hand still across Levi’s chest that shuddered under their touch. Are they back? They stood up frantically and peeked out the door.

Jean was standing at the bottom of the stairs, halfway in the door, and Armin and Eren must have woken with the noise, because they both blinked drowsily into the hallway, observing intently.

“Mikasa spotted them!” said Jean. “They’re almost here!”

Hange breathed a sigh of relief and glanced back into the room at Levi’s sleeping form. “Just hold on a little longer,” they whispered.

Sasha and Connie leaped off their horses with urgency, not even bothering to take them to the stable before going inside. Sasha reached protectively into the satchel on her back, its precious contents bundled in her scarf. She and Connie had ridden without stopping until they came across a village. They knocked urgently at every door until someone could direct them to a doctor.

A grey-eyed man with foggy glasses opened the door, looking at the two of them with confusion. “Dr. Friedman?” asked Connie politely.

“Yes?” he said, raising an eyebrow.

“We are here on urgent military business, here is a notice from our commander,” said Sasha quickly. She thrust Hange’s note into the doctor’s hands.

“I suppose you’d better come in,” he said, ushering them inside.

They lingered just beyond the doorway while the doctor’s watery eyes scanned Hange’s instructions.

“I see,” he said, looking up at them gravely when he had finished.

Sasha and Connie both returned his glance, desperate and unblinking.

“So, it sounds like it is a quite serious chest infection, high fever, difficulty breathing, yes?” mused the doctor, walking over to a cupboard and taking out some bottles and a scale.

“Yes sir,” said Connie, shuffling his feet on the floor.

Sasha fidgeted with her hands behind her back. Please hurry.

After what felt like an eternity later, the doctor pressed a bottle of something into her trembling hands, along with a written note for Hange.

Connie hastily paid him and muttered his thanks.

Sasha nodded clumsily in gratitude, and they rode off quickly, Dr. Friedman watching them go with his brow furrowed. He was silently wondering why on earth the instructions in the Commander’s notice had said no doctor was to come to their location, only to send medicine. No matter, he thought, going back inside.

Now Sasha and Connie blundered into the house, not even stopping to remove their cloaks as they trundled up the stairs, meeting Hange in the entrance to Levi’s room.  

“Good work you two,” said Hange, taking the bottle gingerly from Sasha. They lingered anxiously in the doorway as the one-eyed commander scanned the instructions scrawled on the note. They nodded and went over to Levi’s side.

“Can one of you get me some water?” asked Hange, opening the bottle and looking inside.

Sasha muttered a hurried, “yes sir,” before sprinting downstairs and returning speedily with a cup of cold water. Jean entered the room behind her, with the kettle that had just boiled. Mikasa, having abandoned her post in the watchtower, hovered outside in the hallway, joined by Eren and Armin, still in their nightclothes.

Hange gently lifted Levi from the pillows so he was sitting semi-upright. “Jean, can you hold his nostrils shut?”

Jean pinched Levi’s nose while Hange cautiously measured some of the tonic into the lid of the bottle and poured it into Levi’s mouth. They gave him some water to ensure that it went down. His chest shook slightly, but he was too weak to cough, of which Hange was glad for once, because it meant that the medicine had a chance to enter his body.

“Hopefully this will bring the fever down, and clear the infection,” said Hange after they had laid his head back on the pillows, keeping him upright so that he could breathe more easily.

“Now what?” asked Connie, still standing in the doorway.

“Now we wait to see if it takes effect,” Hange replied in a whisper, brushing some of Levi’s damp hair back from his forehead.

Hange was so exhausted that they almost didn’t notice Jean’s steady hand on their shoulder. “Commander Hange, you should really get some rest, we can look after him.”

Hange glanced backwards to see all of the scouts standing in the doorway, worry etched deep on all of their faces. They smiled slightly. If Levi ever finds out that this many people were in his room at once, watching him sleep…. Well who says I ever have to tell him?

“Okay,” they said, standing and walking towards the door. Jean had already replaced them at the bedside, cooling Levi’s forehead again.

“Thank you, all of you for your help. I know the Captain will be deeply grateful when he wakes up. He likes to pretend like he doesn’t need anyone, but I know him better than that. He needs all of us, just as much as we need him…” Hange trailed off and sighed, looking once more at Levi’s sleeping form. They weren’t sure if they imagined it, but he already looked more at ease. Too tired to hear the scouts bashfully respond to them, Commander Hange walked to their bed, with limbs heavy, and was asleep within minutes.

By the next morning, Levi’s fever had dropped a considerable amount, and his breathing seemed to become less labored. The medicine thankfully seemed to be taking effect.

The scouts worked diligently to clean up the house the next day, ensuring that every corner, every surface, and anything beyond was tidy and spotless. They kept the kettle boiling, fire roaring and lookout manned. They would be fine.

The snow outside also started to melt on its own, signalling that Hange would have no choice but to return to HQ soon. They had already been away for far too long, and they had accomplished what they had come here to do, though not necessarily in the way that they expected. Knowing this, they decided to depart the next morning, after they were sure that Levi was really on the road to recovery. It made them uneasy, leaving Levi before he had regained consciousness, but they also felt reassured that he was in good hands.

Levi’s eyes fluttered open slowly. He felt warm, a heavy blanket on top of him. He stared upwards into shocked blue eyes. Erwin…? But then he blinked. No, it was Armin, who looked at him wide-eyed with an expression of pure relief.

“Captain! You’re awake!” he exclaimed, and placed a cold hand on Levi’s forehead.

“What are you doing?” he coughed, trying to sit up.

Armin pulled his hand away, breathing with a sigh of relief. “Fever is gone. You really scared us Captain!”

Levi groaned, sinking back down into the pillows. “What happened?”

“You had a fever sir,” stuttered Armin, “you were unconscious for about four days, we were really worried!”

Unconscious for four days? He thought in alarm.

He was aware of the door creaking open softly, and Hange entered the room, beaming. “I thought I heard right!” They exclaimed, rushing towards the bed and ensnaring Levi in a crippling hug. They broke away, muttering apologies when he started coughing again, his chest still echoing with the hollow sound, but no longer gasping for breath like he had been.

Hange felt his forehead just as Armin had done and smiled to feel that it had indeed cooled to a normal temperature.

“How are you feeling?” asked Armin gently.

Levi closed his eyes tightly for a second, opening them slowly. “Better now that you’re not crushing me anymore.” His voice was still hoarse. The fever had broken, but he was far from well. His face was pale and drawn, and his eyes were glassy and distant, carrying more shadows than they had before.

“You have Armin to thank for saving your life!” said Hange.

Armin shifted his eyes to the floor, looking embarrassed. “Well I…”

“Come on, give yourself some credit!” said Hange, slapping him on the shoulder with a little too much force.

“Oh…?” replied Levi, raising an eyebrow weakly.

“He transformed and melted all the snow so we were able to find you some medicine,” said Hange.

Levi widened his eyes as much as the strain in his head would allow, impressed. “Thank you Armin, it seems I owe you a great deal.”

“It wasn’t just me,” protested Armin. “Commander Hange rarely left your side, Sasha and Connie were the ones who ran to get the medicine, Eren and Mikasa retrieved me, and Jean made sure you stayed alive while we were gone: we all helped each other. You don’t owe me anything Captain. We’re a squad and that’s what we do. We need each other; at least, I couldn’t have done it alone.” Armin averted his eyes after his outburst of sincerity.

Levi nodded in cool agreement. “It seems I chose my squad well. Erwin would be proud.”

“I’m heading back to HQ in the morning,” said Hange, “but I feel better leaving, knowing you’re in very good hands.” They smiled at Armin.

Armin looked down at the floor again, not sure if he should believe the captain’s, or the commander’s words.

Levi shuddered and coughed again, wondering why he was still so tired if he had really been asleep for four days as Armin had said.

“We should let you rest,” said Hange softly, noticing his eyelids begin to droop with heaviness.

Too exhausted and weak to reply, Levi allowed himself to sink down onto the pillows, and within seconds, he was asleep. Hange adjusted the blankets once more before they quietly left the room with Armin.

Levi slept most of the next day, consistently and without strange dreams this time. Hange peeked in briefly before they left, careful not to wake him. They hadn’t ever seen Levi sleep this soundly before. However quiet they tried to be though, he still blinked awake and said hoarsely, “where are you going?”

Even when he’s sick he’s still the world’s lightest sleeper…

“I have to go back to HQ now,” Hange said. “I’ve already been away too long, and the snow is clearing, so I don’t really have an excuse anymore.”

“Good,” grunted Levi, “I’m starting to feel like one of your experiments.”

Hange laughed. “You’ll be in good hands here, try not to miss me too much.”

He nodded and then coughed. “Seriously though, Thank you Hange. I really do appreciate it.”

Their good eye widened. “What’s that? Captain Levi expressing his appreciation for me ? Do you have a fever again?” They felt his forehead just to be sure, grinning sideways when it was revealed to be cool and dry.

He shrugged weakly. “Armin was right, maybe we do all need each other.”

Hange smiled at that and said, “No cleaning when I’m gone, no training, no unnecessary exertion- you’re still very weak so I’m ordering you to stay in bed and let the squad take care of you.”

He rolled his eyes slightly, but muttered a quiet, “yes commander,” so Hange was able to leave satisfied.

The medicine and instructions were left on the bedside table for the scouts to administer. They all waved to Hange as they rode away down the muddy path through the broken trees.

Sometime in the evening the day Hange left, there was a soft knock on Levi’s door. He grunted, waking up slowly and sitting up, still a little shaky.

Mikasa came in with a steaming bowl that she set down on the table. “I brought you some food,” she said. “I mean- I don’t know if you’re hungry but you should probably eat something.”

“Thank you,” he said hoarsely, starting to try to get out of bed, but his muscles wouldn’t obey, and he laid back down, feeling drained as if he had just faced a titan headlong. Where is all my energy? I’m supposed to be humanity’s strongest soldier, but I can barely even lift my head.

“It’s ok,” reassured Mikasa, “Don’t try to get up. You’ve been very sick sir, so it’ll be awhile before you can get your strength back.”

Levi avoided her eyes as she brought the bowl closer to him. He tried to take it from her, but she withdrew when she noticed his hands trembling. “I’d better do it,” she said in a soothing voice.

Utterly defeated by the humiliation that he was too weak to even lift his hand to eat, he allowed Mikasa to feed him the warm broth. He wasn’t aware of it tasting like anything, but he could feel it warming his body and soothing the tremors in his chest.

He wanted to stop halfway through the bowl, but Mikasa looked at him sternly and made him finish the rest, “The only way you’ll get stronger is if you eat.”

The soup made him feel warm and sleepy. Mikasa’s face was blurring before his eyes. “Rest now sir,” she said, drawing the blanket up to cover him, but he didn’t hear her; he had already closed his eyes and sunk into sleep.

Levi woke the next day to dim light coming through his icy window panes. The soft glow came from the west, signalling that it was sunset. Did I really sleep all day?

He gingerly climbed out of bed. His muscles screamed in protest, and he still coughed roughly as he stood. Hange had ordered him to stay in bed, yes, but his body was stiff and achy, not from the feverish chill in his body anymore, but from lying in bed for 5 days straight.

Shakily, he put a clean shirt on and wrapped a thin blanket around his shoulders. He didn’t know where his jacket was and he didn’t have the energy to look for it. The house was still cold, but he was certain now that this was from the frost on the windows, and not from fever.

He stumbled out of the room, holding on to the wall for support.

“Captain, what are you doing!” Exclaimed Sasha from behind him.

He turned his face to see her eyes, wide-eyed with concern.

He coughed, “I need to get out of that room, I need some air.”

She was next to him in an instant, offering her arm for support, which he reluctantly took. “Commander Hange said-”

“Don’t worry, I won’t try to clean or do anything strenuous, I just want to go downstairs,” he croaked.

Sasha looked uneasy, “but Captain Levi…”

He narrowed his eyes at her and she nodded, allowing her to take hold of his shoulders and help him downstairs.

Levi almost gasped out loud when he saw the downstairs. His eyes widened in surprise. “What...it’s completely spotless!” Every surface had been dusted, cleaned and polished.

Sashsa blushed… “Er, we cleaned a bit while you were asleep.”

Levi allowed her to guide him into the kitchen, which was immaculately clean, not a smudge nor crumb in sight. A pot of soup boiled invitingly on the stove. He actually admitted that he found himself hungry, unlike yesterday when he had forced himself to eat to appease Mikasa.

The others were milling around the kitchen, setting the table and getting ready to eat together.

“Captain Levi!” They all shouted in unison.

“Enough already,” he grumbled, as Sasha helped him into a chair. “You can’t be that happy to see me.”

“Sir, shouldn’t you still be in bed?” asked Armin nervously.

“You still look a bit pale…” remarked Mikasa. She also noticed that he had visibly lost weight. His clothes hung loosely around his shoulders and his cheeks were hollow on his face, dark circles etched deeply below his eyes.

Levi glared at them both, “So? What is it to you?”

Well at least he has his attitude back, that’s a good sign, thought Eren.

Sasha poured him a bowl of soup and set it down in front of him. He nodded to her gratefully, trying to stifle the slight shaking in his hands as he lifted the spoon. Damn it, I can do this myself... His efforts weren’t enough to completely hide his struggle though, based on the expression of concern that they were all shooting in his direction. He ignored them and instead took another look around the room intently. “I have to say, I am impressed, I’ve never seen it this clean in here; I couldn’t have done a better job myself.”

They all widened their eyes and ate their soup, too shocked that Captain Levi was complimenting them to actually say anything. “Th-thank you Captain?” said Jean hesitantly.

They all stared nervously around the table, and it was Sasha who finally broke the silence. “We were just so worried about you sir!”

“We thought you were going to die!” added Armin.

“Uh yeah… it was really unsettling having you out of commission,” said Jean.  

“Please never scare us like that again Sir!” cried Mikasa.

Eren didn’t say anything but nodded vigorously in agreement, his green eyes directed across the table with determined intensity.

“Relax, it’ll take more than a stupid cough to kill me,” said Levi, ending his sentence in annoyance as he actually started coughing.

He ignored their looks of concern and said, “So, did anything interesting happen while I was asleep? I mean, besides Armin turning into a titan and Eren not being a sulky teen anymore and ignoring the rest of us.”

Eren scowled. Sasha giggled softly and Armin and Mikasa both averted their eyes.

“Pretty much sums it up sir…” said Jean, clearly trying not to laugh.

Just at that moment, the door opened with a gust of chilly air and Connie trundled in from the watchtower. He hung his cloak and said, without turning around, “Eren it’s your turn on lookout!”

He walked into the kitchen and broke into a huge smile when he saw Levi. “Captain!” He exclaimed, “Welcome back!”

“Thank you Connie,” he replied, his voice husky.

Eren stood up, eyes downcast and went to take up his post outside. Okay nevermind, he’s as moody as always.

Levi tried to help them clear away the dishes after they were all done eating, but Mikasa firmly stopped him. “Sorry sir, but Hange strictly ordered us not to let you clean.”

“Did they now…?” he sighed. There was no point fighting back over a few dishes, besides, he didn’t have the energy anyway.

Instead, he succumbed to sitting in front of the fire, subtly watching them clean up. He could hear Sasha and Connie splashing dishwater at each other, Jean complaining when it accidentally struck him, and Armin’s light footfalls as he swept the floor, Mikasa’s hands wiping down the table in smooth, polished motions…

The noises were comforting; the sound of their laughter and rhythmic working brought a warm feeling into his chest.

Someone brought him a cup of tea, but his eyes were already starting to become heavy. “Thank you,” he murmured, smiling slightly, and then feeling warm and content, he allowed himself to rest.

“I’ve never seen him look this relaxed!” whispered Mikasa, who had put down the teacup.

“Shhhh,” said Armin, covering him gently with a blanket.

They diminished into the kitchen, leaving him there with a peaceful expression on his face.

Levi slept soundly and dreamed of snow, but this time no blue-eyed shadows followed him, and he was able to watch glittering white flakes dance, laughing peacefully as they fell.

[navigatrixnarrations]

Sometimes Always, Part 7: Once A Thief

As Charles Vane and Margaret Teach repair the Adventure, can they also repair the rift between them?

A hectic work schedule and an injury delayed this chapter. Thanks for continuing to read. Chapter 8 should be up MUCH faster, and will be more action-packed. Meanwhile, angst and fluff.

Warnings: canon-typical violence and profanity, mention of stillbirth

Word Count: 1990

Still by @whenimaunicorn

Catch up here.

His knuckles are bloody and he doesn’t care. The prize from tonight’s bout is more than ample to keep himself and Margaret well fed for the week. Though he wishes she’d been in the audience to see him victorious over the other fighters, Charles Vane hopes she’ll smile when he  strides back to the Adventure to share the news of his winnings.

His knuckles were bloody and he didn’t care. The man’s nose made a satisfying crunch beneath his fist; now he stares up at Vane, gore-coated and fearful, as Vane looms over him.

“Are you saying you let her win when you raced her in the harbor? In front of a crowd?” By now Charles Vane had enough of a reputation of his own that the gathered pirates on the beach backed away at the the deceptively quiet growl of his voice. “It wasn’t a close contest, as I recall.” Nobody threatened or insulted his Magpie. Nobody. Eventually he let the man flee into the night.

“Charles.” Margaret’s voice returns him to the present, her skirts rustling as she sits beside him on the bunk. “Just once can I leave you alone without you doing yourself an injury?”

“You sound just like your father when you say that.” He gives her what he hopes is a disarming little grin, but Margaret’s eyebrows crease in annoyance.

She grabs his hand and studies the scrapes and bruising on his knuckles, turning it over and assuring herself that none of his bones are broken. “My father,” she snaps, “would leave you to deal with these injuries yourself.” She pulls a small wooden box of ointment from her coat pocket. Harsh though her words are, her callused, long-fingered hands are gentle as she cleans his knuckles and rubs balm into them. 

When she finishes this treatment, he wraps his big hands around her much smaller ones, lightly enough that she can pull away should she wish to. “Margaret,” he begins, not certain what he should say to her, but he needs to say something, start to mend past mistakes, start to ask for what he wants.

She looks unsure, but she wraps deceptively delicate-looking fingers around his much larger, rougher ones, so he charges ahead though it feels as if his heart is trying to hammer its way through his rib cage. “I can’t make you laugh the way Sully did, but I swear to you I’ll never willingly cause you pain.”

“How can I trust that, when you did?” Her voice isn’t angry, isn’t accusing; she’s genuinely asking, and there’s an edge of anguish in it, so Vane bites back the urge to snarl at her.

“Had I known how my actions would hurt you, Margaret, I would not have taken them. There is nothing I would not give to undo the pain I caused you. Nothing.”

“But you can’t, Charles. You can’t.”

“I know.” He sounds weary, as though his very soul is tired.

She stands. “I’m going to see about some supplies and get an update on some crew matters. I shouldn't be long.”

Reluctantly, he releases her hands. Starts to rise. She shakes her head slightly. “Best you’re not seen with me on this errand.” He opens his mouth to growl a reply, but she cuts him off.

“I’m trying to get us both out of here alive. What the fuck do you want from me, Charles?” She doesn’t wait for an answer, but neither does she slam the cabin door behind her.

Had he made better choices, perhaps the bunk he now sits upon would be his and Margaret’s marriage bed. Perhaps the cradle holding firewood would be where their child slept. An absurd notion, he chides himself. He’d meant what he said when he told Flint he didn’t understand the urge for domesticity, still means it, but surely this is something altogether different. This isn’t porcelain teacups; this is balm rubbed into wounds, hands held in the dark. This is respite. Perhaps there is still hope. Piracy might be dying, but smuggling would always be an option, and once a thief...

The bell at Trinity Church is just chiming the next hour when he hears three sharp raps on the gangway. She’s returned. 

He rises to meet her. She holds up her hands, palms facing him, and he halts, unsure if she’s warding him off or reaching for him. Last night when he woke her from her nightmare, she let him hold her and briefly, ever so briefly, she put her arm around his waist, melted against him. Whatever battle she’s fighting within herself, he will wait. If she ends up pushing him away, well, it wouldn't be the first time Margaret broke his heart, and this time, at least, he’d understand why. And should she decide to give him a chance…

She takes another step toward him, her hands still up, yes, now they’re reaching, ‘til they land on his chest. Almost instinctively, he finds his arms wrapping around her, pulling her close. One of her hands slips around to his back, her head coming to rest against his shoulder, and he presses his lips to her hair. They stand there, leaning into one another, neither willing to move any further.

“This,” he says, narrow, chapped lips brushing her ear. He feels her breast expand with her inhale, and heat suffuses his body.

“What?” Her breath is warm on his neck. It’s enough to drive a man mad, but he wants so much more than mere carnal contact.

“You asked me what the fuck I want from you. This, Magpie. This.”

“A warm body against yours on a cold night? There’s plenty of girls in Maiden Lane who provide exactly that for coin.”

Vane exhales sharply, as though she struck him. Throughout the years when he was with Eleanor, with Idelle, with any number of whores, it was Margaret he often thought of, Margaret he wished was in his arms. At last, here she is, yet she’s still so far away. 

He wraps his hands around her strong biceps, pushing her away. Not in rejection, but because he needs to see her face. To look her in the eye while she wounds him so. Her eyes widen in surprise, and her face hardens, her mouth set in an ornery line. Was that hurt that flashed across her face, ever so briefly? Belatedly, he realizes that one of her hands is wrapped around his necklaces; she must have curled her fingers ‘round them while he was holding her.  She tracks his eyes to her hand, but she does not let go.

“Is that truly what you think of me? What you think I think of you?” The bitterness in his voice is apparent to his own ears. She opens her mouth to retort, then closes it around the sharp words she’s struggling not to cut him with. His voice is gentler as he continues. “Everything good I’ve ever had in my life is because of you, Margaret.” He brings one hand from her arm to her cheek, pale but for a flushed, angry stripe. “Last night I offered to go and you told me you did not wish that. But do not keep me just to lash out at me. That I cannot endure.”

“Keep you just to lash out at you, Charles?” Margaret sneers as she echoes Vane’s words. “I took a bullet for you once. I went back to Nassau for you. I was willing to take another bullet for you if I had to, even after all you did.” Her jaw juts out stubbornly, and he strokes it with a callused thumb.

“Promise me you won’t do that again.”

Her flashing eyes search his, and there it is, that old spark of mischief. “I’ll promise you no such thing.”

It was one of the most frightening experiences of his life, turning to see her collapsed and bleeding on the deck of the prize ship. Bleeding from the wound in her side, from her mouth as she tried to say something to him. He helped hold her down, him on one side and Sully on the other, while the surgeon dug out the bullet and treated the wound, all the while her eyes clamped shut, her teeth scoring the strip of leather the surgeon gave her to bite down on. She barely made a sound. The finger marks she left on his forearm lasted for days. He’d been terrified of losing her. The fucking irony of it, he thinks. She chose Sully and he fell into Eleanor’s trap and drove her away. Lost her. But here they are, and she isn’t shrinking from his touch, hasn’t let go of his necklaces.

Margaret was leading the vanguard, her dark hair held out of her eyes with a scarf whose scarlet matched her shirt. Earlier, Sully commented on the bold color and Margaret merely shrugged. “It’ll hide the blood if I get shot again.”

“Don’t you dare get shot again,” Vane growled.

Margaret curled her upper lip. “Then don’t put yourself in the line of fire again.”

He found her standing on the rail by one of the bow chasers, pistol in one hand and cutlass in the other, shouting orders through the smoke and noise. One of the sailors started dropping toward Vane and she raised her arm to shoot him, seemingly without taking her eyes off the battle unfolding before her. With one hip cocked out for balance and the look of utter focus on her face, hair dancing in the wind behind her, Vane wasn’t sure he could fully attribute the flutters in his belly, the racing of his heart to the rush of the fight.

She met his eye. “Behind you!” she shouted, and Vane whirled just in time to parry an attack.

He realizes that she’s giving him that sweet, gentle, secret smile, the one that once made his heart soar, that still does, and that he’s smiling back at her. 

“I’ve got to go back out,” she says, and he doesn’t think he’s imagining that this time, she’s reluctant to let go, that there’s regret in her voice.

“I’ll come with you.”

“As much as I’d enjoy your company, I need you to stay and guard the ship.” She makes a wry face.

“I could come guard you.” He means it to be joking, but she presses her lips together and narrows her eyes stubbornly. He knows better than to try to argue with her. At the gangway, she pauses to glance back at him. And she smiles again, ever so briefly. It’s enough.

Charles couldn’t make out their words behind the closed door of Captain Teach’s cabin, but neither Margaret nor her father sounded happy. Abruptly, the door flew open, and Margaret stalked out.

“Get back here, girl!” Teach snarled after her. She stared over her shoulder, all defiance, then stormed away. “Obstinate little bitch,” Teach muttered tiredly.

“I can’t imagine where she gets it from,” Charles replied.

Teach’s eyes went black for a moment and Charles braced for a blow. Then Teach sighed. “I’ve no idea how to raise a daughter. Her mother died in childbirth with Margaret’s younger brother.” Vane knows that child was stillborn. And is Teach insinuating that he wished it had been Margaret instead?

“That’s not Margaret’s fault,” he bristled.

“I never said it was, boy.”

“You don’t have to. It shows in how you treat her as lesser, how you act as though she’s never able to measure up.”

Teach sighed again. “The world would be easier on her were she a boy.”

“You say that while you make it harder on her just because she wasn’t born with a cock.”

Teach chuckled. “She has quite the champion in you, Charles.”

Vane hears footsteps on the deck above, too heavy to be Margaret’s. He readies pistol and cutlass and waits to ambush the intruder.

Taglist: @whenimaunicorn, @n3rdybird, @itmeansofthesea

[yanderefreak1213]

Little Mouse 7

Also another note: I normally would add other ships outside of the read into stories, but this is so it’ll make sense on some things.PLEASE DO NOT START SHIP WARS.

I’m thinking of making an info chart for this naga AU XD if you guys want one let me know.

Warnings: Cussing, violence, and yandere themes

Yandere!Naga!Tamaki Amajiki x Shy!F.Reader

The cave was pitch black, you could see nothing but the predator in front of you. Looking at you with a vicious glare, you crawled backwards but only came to the cave wall “P-please...D-don’t-” a soft hiss cut you off as he quickly slithered up to you and wrapped you into a suffocating lock squeezing you, you felt his breath against your neck as he nuzzled it, before you felt his tongue slide across your sensitive skin causing you to whimper, your eyes moved to watch him only to see him making eye contact with you, e/c with indigo. You saw him opening his mouth and his fangs seems to shine even in the pitch black, before he could clamp down onto your shoulder. Your eyes shot open and you gasped for air, you felt a tight embrace around you and shift next to you, you cursed yourself as you looked over and find those indigo eyes staring at you, though this time it was more gentle though and not the aggressive looking ones in your dreams “y-y/n? What happened?” he seemed to sense your sudden fear and increased heart rate. You didn’t answer just letting out a whimper, he knew you were awake and you didn’t want him getting upset for not answering but your dream also had you shaken, so instead he pulled you closer into him so now you’re back was firmly pressed against his chest as he moved a bit so now you were facing him. Generally he wasn’t good at comforting humans, but he’s seen some do it before so he figured maybe this would help, it broke his heart knowing he could protect you from whatever it was, but little to his knowledge. It was because of him you were scared and suffering from nightmares. He gently starting stroking your hair, while resting an arm around your waist.You, yourself was freaking out, but luckily you had manage to hide these emotions decently well from hanging out with your friends.

You had to come up with a plan, your first plan failed badly, and you weren’t even close. You ended up in another naga’s territory. Honestly you don’t know when but you ended up drifting back to sleep, Tamaki feeling you relax and hearing your soft breathing decided to slithering out of the bed, careful as to not wake you.He stuck close to the cave so he didn’t need to close it again and trap you in with all that heat.He needed to talk to Mirio, he realized how limited his knowledge of humans he had, he had more than Nejire but Mirio was the best with humans. It wasn’t like you were hard to care for, besides the running away and your timid nature. But he didn’t mind that.

“M-Mirio..” he muttered behind the blonde who smiled and turn to him “Tamaki! Hey. Whats up?” Tamaki looked at the cave you were in before looking at his taller friend “W-well..S-she had another nightmare..I-I was wondering if you had...Any A-advice to deal with this?” Mirio stared him before thinking “Well...She really hasn’t gotten out much...Maybe take her for a walk?” Tamaki sighed “S-shes not a pet ,Mirio.. But...G-getting her out...May not be a bad idea.” Mirio nodded “Yea! You could let her meet some of the other nagas to...Though, it may be a bad idea seeing how aggressive they can be.” Tamaki nodded “Izuku’s group i-is pretty friendly...If anything.” Mirio nodded again “Yea. Hey, could always leave her with Nejire, I’d suggest my sunshine, but she’s still scared.” Tamaki looked away “I-I trust Nejire...B-but she d-doesn’t understand how fragile y-y/n is...”

“Don’t worry, I get what you  mean! I’d highly suggest scenting her soon though. If you plan on making this a normal thing. Plus if she’s ever feeling nervous and takes off again its easier to find her.” Tamaki stared him “I-it’d hurt her alot..I don’t wanna hurt her.” Mirio gave his friend a sympathetic “I know, Tamaki. But it’d only hurt for a couple hours and then she’ll feel perfectly fine.”  Tamaki fought the urge to slam into the nearest wall thinking of it, he’s been trying to break out of that habit “I-I’ll think a-about it.” before he slithered back to his cave.

He knew Izuku wouldn’t mind a visit, and its not like getting you out of the cave would be a bad idea. He doesn’t wanna keep you trapped in there, but he doesn’t trust you enough. So he gentle woke you up, you let out a little groan before he started talking “C-come on...We’re...We’re going out for a bit.” You looked at him quietly before standing up, he let you quickly wash yourself before you guys started into the forest. He kept you close to him, if you thought you were even starting to wander off he’d gently pull you close again. You guys went in a different direction from the path you went originally before arriving to a town looking area, much like the one you just came from. But instead of caves spreaded out, they had little huts. But there were alot of them “I..Thought y-you said naga’s didn’t stick to b-big groups.” you muttered to him, as you saw a naga pass by Tamaki nodded “Some prefer it...I-Izuku is one who gathered a bunch of them who were abandoned or couldn’t fend for themselves or ones who just didn’t wanna be alone..S-so..He kinda j-just gathered a big group.” he moved into the small village with you following, you’d catch a couple glares and murderous looks causing you back into Tamaki more -your only safety- which caused him to give his own glare to the naga in question, he may have been shy and quieted but when it came to you, all of that dropped.

He took you to the center which had a fountain, in front of it was a naga whose tail was a dark green, his hair was green and black. He was talking to a brunette girl who had pink cheeks and pink tail, you honestly found her adorable looking and the look she gave you, she obviously knew what was going on with you and gave you a look of pity. While you were zoned out, Tamaki had introduced you to who you now know as Izuku and his mate -who in your opinion, didn’t seem majorly happy to be- Ochaco. You more so drowned the two out, only hearing bits and pieces, before you caught your name from Izuku “Y/n, why don’t you Ochaco hang out?” You glanced to Tamaki noticing his nervous glace, obviously not wanting to you to go alone, but Ochaco gentle took your arm and pulled you with her “Come on! I’ll show you these pretty flowers I found.” she gave a sweet smile. You nodded and went with her as you managed to hear Izuku’s comforting words to Tamaki “I’m sure this’ll get her to loosen up! Don’t worry.”.

Ochaco was showing you flowers that she had planted and seemed pretty excited for them before you spoke “I-I don’t...I-I don’t wanna be here...” you nearly whispered, Ochaco looked at you and sighed “I..I know.I really do feel bad, but Tamaki is a sweetheart! You’ll be happy with him.” She tried to reassure you but you shook your head as tears threaten “I-i don’t want...” Ochaco was quick to hush you, pulling you into a hug  “Oh please don’t cry.” Ochaco thought for a bit “Stay here.” she slithered off, and came back within an hour later, only saying “Run.” you looked at her confused before she continued “My friend is making a distraction, I know how it feels to forced into this, I want you to run. You weren’t scented yet, he can’t track you easily.” You looked suprised “B-but you?” she shook her head” They won’t find out I helped. I promise I’ll be okay, even if they do. Just run!” you nodded and took off not bothering to look back.

You paid more attention now and kept running forward. you felt hope raise. But felt fear as well, fear in being caught. You had to keep going and get help. Help for your friends. It wasn’t long before you felt tired and needing sleep, the sun had started setting. How long had you been running? You couldn’t had been running for that long but apparently you were if the sun was setting, meaning Tamaki was for sure looking for you. As you continued running, you came across a familiar campsite, the one you got taken from the first night you kept going not stopping, you knew where you were now. You saw a cabin ahead and were about to scream out to it, when you suddenly got tackled to the ground by a heavy body. “Oh wow! You got far you know. Tamaki isn’t happy, it’s weird seeing him mad.” It was the girl, Nejire. She attempted to grab you, but you managed to wiggle free and ran toward the cabin and started pounding on the door.Out stepped a person in a lab coat, he looked a mess “What?” He seemed suprised as he invited you in, you weren’t breathing and unable to talk. So he gave you a glass of water and tried to calm you down before you managed to be able to speak again “I-I’m being c-chased.” he looked at you for a bit “By...Who?” you took a deep breath  “By th-these snake people.” he gave you a look, honestly you thought he wasn’t gonna believe you. Before he spoke again “So...That’s what took her...Look just stay here, I managed to reconnect the emergency phone and they’re sending help, they won’t be here for three days though. You nodded  “M-my friends.” he nodded “they’ll send search parties, I promise.” You nodded again but felt nervous. He had you eat something and then you two ended up turning in for the night, after he reassured you that you’d be fine and the cabin will keep you safe, exhausting took you over quickly from the running.

When you woke up, you felt a stinging pain in your neck, you reached up and felt two little holes, you whimpered “It’ll h-hurt only for a little longer...I was gonna w-wait to  do this...But I-I can’t risk it after last night.” your heart dropped hearing the voice. A hand moved to your neck as a thumb brushed over the little holes, making you shiver, “I..I tried to be gentle with it. But this will make it easier to find you.”  his voice sounded calm, Nejire said he was mad yet, he seemed perfectly calm. He went to move his hand onto your back but noticed you flinch “I...I’m not gonna hurt you..The bite was the worst pain you’ll feel tonight, I promise...Mirio suggested that maybe you were just worried about y-your friends...” He shifted onto the nest/bed, pulling you against him as he nuzzled his warm face into your neck. You guessed he was blushing, you felt relief that he was gonna do any worst to you...But something didn’t sit right with you.. “M-my friends...A-are they okay?” you whimpered when you felt something wet flick across your neck before he spoke “You...You don’t n-need to worry about then anymore...M-mirio took care of them.” and just like that, your world shattered “W-why...Why..” you muttered Tamaki moved his face from your neck and turned you around to look at him “Be..Because...Mirio told me about you sneaking out on the first day here.How you went straight to your friends...H-he suggested maybe it was just worrying you...So..So I figured we’d solve that problem...And..He said I may have been a little to lenient with you...” He sighed before speaking again “And he...He maybe right on it...But I..I still can’t bring myself to do harsh punishments w-with you...Since... Since I know that caring heart of your’s is big...” He looked you in the eye, obviously knowing what he was mentioning, the more you misbehave the more others will suffer “P-please..Don’t...” You had already been crying you felt so..Hurt. He leaned his forehead against your’s “I’m sorry..But...But you really only have yourself to blame in this, Mouse...If you’d just behave...I-I wouldn’t have to do it this way...”

You needed to escape for sure now...But not for you, for your friends even if they’re dead you can’t..You can’t put that in vain. You’d escape but you’d need to wait. The scientist guy said a search party would come in 3 day and then it hit you “T-the g-guy with me..Wh-wha-” you yelped when his grip tightened on you “He’s gone....Y-you told him about us...But even if you didn’t, he would’ve suffered...H-he touched you..That’s...That’s not allowed.” he kept you curled with him, he fell asleep somepoint, but you were deep in thought..You were planning. Ending Note: Next chapter will be the last! 

[k-llama-llama]

Security

BTS AU: 8th member

Sumi x BTS

An incident on an airplane leaves BTS frustrated and distressed.

Check out my PATREON (patreon.com/kllamallama) for exclusive content. This post was available a month ago for those on my patreon.

Requests are OPEN.

Masterlist and other Follow Me links in bio!

"Woah, this plane is fancy." Yoongi gasped as he stepped into his little pod.

Sumi smirked from hers, setting her bag at her feet. "I think this chair turns into a bed, too."

"We've made it, guys." Hoseok laughed.

They were getting ready to fly to the US for the Grammys, and Sumi had fully equipped herself for the ride ahead. She was wearing a white crop top and leggings, with an oversize Gucci sweater she'd stolen from Tae. Her bag was stocked with face masks, an eye mask, some snacks, and a cozy blanket so she could get some sleep.

"Noona, do you want to watch a movie?" Jungkook asked. His pod was right across the aisle from hers, and he'd already flipped his chair into a bed.

She gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Kookie. I need to get some sleep."

"That's okay. Are you going to turn your chair into a bed."

"Yeah, I think so." She answered, gesturing to the passengers still coming down the aisle. "Once everyone is boarded."

It only took another twenty minutes until the bulk of the passengers had boarded, with all of the members keeping their gazes down to avoid attracting attention. When she felt like most people had walked past, she leaned over to try and figure out how to transform her bed.

Someone bumped into her, a hand landing on her bottom.

She looked up in surprise.

"Sorry, sorry." A man wearing a face mask bowed apologetically. "I stumbled, I'm so sorry."

Sumi gave a little smile. "It's okay."

He bowed again and hurried away, towards the economy seating. Sumi shrugged, before reaching across to pull on Jungkook's sleeve. "How do I make the bed."

He put his bottle of water down. "Like this." He showed her, and in no time Sumi had her very own little bed.

She sat up until the plane took off, and once the seatbelt sign went off she settled in to get comfy. Her hair went up in a bun, her sweater came off, and she put her Mika pillow under her head. She grabbed the blanket and snuggled down, pulling her sleeping mask over her face and her mask up to cover her nose.

"You look like a demon." She heard Hoseok's voice from above her. She lifted the mask slightly, seeing him peering over the top of her pod. Someone walked by, and she waited for them to leave before she spoke.

"I'm trying to protect everyone from my sleeping face." She answered.

"We appreciate it." He laughed. "You brought face masks, right? Can I borrow some?"

"Yeah, they're in my bag." She went to sit up.

"Not now." He shook his head. "After my nap, I think."

"Hmmm, okay." She settled back down, pulling her mask over her eyes as someone else walked by the bed. "You can just come and grab them."

"I will. Get some sleep, Soo." He patted her hair.

It was about six hours into the flight when the lights finally went off. Sumi had woken up a few times throughout her nap, once for food, and was finally able to fall asleep as the lights went off and people quieted down. There was only the flight attendants walking back and forth, and she snuggled happily into her pillow, the blanket shifting around as she rolled.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, she became aware of someone standing next to her pod. A hand settled on her bare waist, leaning over her.

She just determinedly closed her eyes. Figured that Hobi wouldn't be able to just grab her bag, he'd have to wake her up to do it.

Except then his other hand came to rest on her boob.

"Yah!" She sat up, whispering harshly, yanking her mask off and preparing to smack Hoseok with it.

But it wasn't Hoseok.

"Who are-"

The man smacked a hand over her mouth.

She screamed, but it was muffled against his hand. The cabin was dark and she didn't see any flight attendants. She kicked frantically, her foot bashing the pod in front of her.

"Sumi, what are you-" Yoongi stood up. "Who the hell are you?"

He made no effort to be quiet, as he shoved the guy away, coming to stand in the aisle.

"What's happening?" Lights started coming on.

The guy reached up from his spot on the floor, his hand grasping at Sumi's leg.

"YAH!" It was Jungkook's hand that grabbed his wrist and threw him away. "What are you doing?"

"Soo, what did he do?" Namjoon was standing in aisle, not touching the man, but clearly blocking his exit.

"He was...he was..." She shook her head, pulling the blanket up over her chest.

"He was touching her." Yoongi said simply. "Can we get security or something?"

"Soo, are you okay?" Tae reached for her hand.

She nodded, taking his hand. "I...I think I'm..."

"She's shaking." Tae said, moving to sit next to her on the bed. "Soo..."

She turned her face into his shoulder. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry." He rubbed her shoulder, aware of the fact that she was using him to hide her tears.

"Is there  a problem here?" A male flight attendants voice broke through as he came to stand at the edge of their little gathering.

"Yeah, this guy just assaulted our friend." Yoongi snapped. "Can we get him detained please?"

"I didn't do anything wrong." The man protested. "I just...fell."

"With your hand over her mouth?" Jungkook glared at him.

"She's crying, you idiot!" Jimin shouted. "Are you kidding? Where's our manager?"

"Let's get you back to your seat." The male flight attendant hauled the man to his feet, leading him back through the aisles.

"Back to his..." Hoseok watched as the took the man away. "Are you serious?"

"Excuse me," Namjoon turned to the other flight attendant. "We're going to find our manager, and then we'll need that man's information."

"Sir, I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding, we-"

"A misunderstanding?" Taehyung said as loudly as he dared, fully conscious of the fact that Sumi was still sniffling into his chest.

"Are you sure she didn't..." The flight attendant floundered for words. "Encourage it in some way?"

"Are you serious?" All of the boys shouted in protest.

"I didn't encourage it!" Sumi mumbled.

"We know you didn't, Soo." Tae patted her cheek. "Joon."

Namjoon was no longer trying to play nice. "We'll get his information, and then we'll get yours. Because we're pressing charges."

"Surely you don't need."

"Keep arguing with him." Yoongi snorted. "We'll get you fired! Do you want to-"

"Oppa." Sumi reached out a hand to him. "It isn't worth it."

He stopped talking, but he looked like he definitely wanted to say more.

"Manager-nim!" Jimin exclaimed as their manager appeared, quickly explaining the situation. Their manager ushered the flight attendant away, promising to get the information they needed.

"You going to be okay, Soo?" Hoseok pulled on the top of her bun. "They'll figure everything out."

She pulled back from Tae's chest, wiping her eyes. "Sorry, I'm overreacting."

"You aren't." Namjoon promised. "I can't believe they handled it like that. As if you would actually-"

Tae clicked him tongue in warning, and Namjoon stopped. "Anyways, we'll figure it out."

"Do you want to try and get some more sleep?" Jimin asked.

Sumi shrugged. "I doubt I'll be able, but I should try. We have a big day tomorrow."

"I just don't get it." Yoongi shook his head. "Did he just like...jump on you...or..."

Sumi shook her head. "I thought it was Hobi at first. I should've been more careful."

"You were sleeping, you weren't supposed to be anything." Tae reminded her. "Just, try and relax, okay. If you can't sleep, just watch a movie and take your mind off it."

"We'll watch a movie together, Noona." Jungkook offered. "And we can do face masks."

She nodded, trying to force a smile on her face. She didn't like crying in general, but there was nothing she hated more than Jungkook seeing her cry.

The other boys migrated back to their seats, all of them on edge. The manager returned at one point to whisper something to Namjoon, who gave a satisfied nod.

Jungkook picked a Disney movie, and pressed play on his and Sumi's screens at the same time. Sumi hugged her pillow as she watched, while Jungkook kept an eye on her. Eventually, her eyes started to drift shut, until she fell asleep just before Moana restored Te Fiti.

She didn't wake up again until the announcement came on that the plane was landing. She wearily rubbed sleep from her eyes, trying to wake herself up. She glanced across the aisle, seeing Jungkook still watching TV.

"Kookie?" She mumbled, sitting up. "Did you get any sleep?"

He shrugged. "I wasn't tired."

"Soo, they're going to take that guy off the plane first, okay? And then we get off." Namjoon leaned forward to tell her.

There was a slight commotion down the aisle, and Jungkook was instantly on his feet. Disregarding the lack of space, he smushed himself into Sumi's pod, completely blocking her from the aisle. She peeked out from around his shoulder as the man was led past, two flight attendants following him.

"See, he's gone." Jungkook told her with a smile.

Sumi gave him a tiny smile. "Now it's grammy time."

"Are you kidding me?" They heard Namjoon's voice. "They aren't going to do anything?"

"What are you talking about?" Hoseok asked, looking over to wear Namjoon was discussing with their manager.

Their manager sighed. "The company has elected not to press charges. They said it's probably not worth dealing with American legal stuff."

"They're doing nothing?" Sumi gasped.

"Call them again." Yoongi insisted. "You can't seriously just except-"

"It's been decided." Namjoon stated, though he looked anything but happy about it. "Let's just, try not to let this ruin our trip."

Sumi sniffled, but started packing her things. When they deboarded the plane, she pulled her mask over her face, trying to hide her emotions.

Jungkook, and the rest of the boys for that matter, were not doing as good of a job. The Maknae linked arms with her, and didn't let go even as they collected their luggage and moved past the fans. Tae kept shooting her worried glances, and Yoongi was just staring angrily at the ground. Jin even snapped at their manager, and was only pulled away by Hobi. Only Jimin and Namjoon mustered the energy to give more than a polite wave to fans, while Sumi just looked down, blinking back tears.

"Don't cry, Noona." Jungkook said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and using his bag to block her face. "That guy isn't worth it."

"This was supposed to be an awesome trip, and I've already -"

"You didn't do anything wrong." He insisted. "Please, Noona? I hate seeing you sad."

She gave a tiny smile, though he couldn't see it due to her mask. "Sorry."

"Just this once, I'll allow it." He patted her shoulder. "Can we get burgers tonight?"

"You can, I need to fit into my dress tomorrow."

"Burgers are the ultimate cheer-up food." Jungkook insisted. "You're eating at least one."

[deans-mind-palace]

You’re a hooker, sweetheart

Pairing: Sam Winchester x Fem!Reader

Summary: You’ve always had a thing for the younger Winchester brother. Ever since you first met Sam and his cute smile, you were head over heels for him. But you were always too afraid of confessing your crush to him. One day he hooks up with a random girl after a hunt, again. That’s when you’re having it! You’re tired of surpressing your feelings and you explode. What will Sam have to say?

Word Count: 1,790

Warnings: Fluff, mentions of smut

Author’s Note: This is based on an anonymous request. Hello there! I would like to request a Sam x F! reader. Hmm, reader is a friend of the Winchesters, going on hunts with them occasionally. After a hunt and Sam obviously hooked up with another girl, reader reveals she gets jealous and her feelings to Sam. Reader immediately regrets spilling the tea and the ending could go however you like! I hope you like it. Remember, guys, likes are silver, feedback is gold!

(GIF’s not mine.)

With an angry look you observed the scene that presented itself to you. Sam and this girl, this little puppet, flirted shamelessly with each other. Right in front of you. You could puke. Sam leaned casually in the doorway to the house and flirted with the chick you'd met on your case. You had just solved the problem of the cannibal's ghost and you had barely escaped the FBI.

She, Miranda, had actually been just a scared little witness who had noticed that there were strange things going on in the cabin in the woods not far from her house. Unfortunately, that automatically made her the most important person in your case. But she wasn't really interested in any of you guys except Sammy. Her knight in shining armor. Since he had killed the cannibal's ghost in front of her eyes with a rifle for a few minutes, she didn't leave his side and worshipped him non-stop.

Sam laughed at something she had said, and you stared grimly out of the Impala's window as he drove his hand through his dark hair in embarrassment and gave her a beaming smile. Whatever she had said you couldn't understand from a distance, but it couldn't have been that funny! Actually, this smile belonged to you and you alone. It was reserved for you and your jokes. Why did she get it now?

Your fingernails dug into the leather seat of the Impala. Dean shot you an annoyed look from the driver's seat. "Hey! You're scratching the leather!" You rolled your eyes and looked back at Sam and Miranda. "How much longer is he going to stand there?" you hissed and crossed your arms in frustration. "Wow. Calm down, sweetheart. If you keep flashing that glare at him, he's gonna drop dead before he reaches the car," Dean said. However, he too was annoyed and hit the horn. Dean knew about the feelings you had for his younger brother. It didn't take much of an expert to notice your longing looks whenever Sam entered the room. Every time he threw you a little smile, your mood immediately lifted and you shone with the sun. As soon as Sam left the room, your glow went with him. Dean had seen it all before. As I said, you didn't have to be an expert to see your intentions, but the younger Winchester behaved in a very oblivious manner.

As soon as the horn sounded, Sam and Miranda flinched in horror, giving you a little bit of satisfaction. Dean turned down the window of the car. "Jesus, Sammy! I haven't got all night. I want to take a shower and go to my bed! Come on." Sam said something to Miranda and she nodded before he jogged over to the Impala and leaned into the window. "Go ahead. I'll catch up with you later," Sam explained. Dean gave him a dirty smirk.

"So, Sammy has plans tonight, does he? What do you think?" He glanced at the girl in the doorway, checking her out. "I bet she's good with her tongue," Dean announced and winked at Sam, who rolled his eyes. "Shut the fuck up, Dean." Sam replied somewhat biting, whereupon Dean defensively held up his hands and laughed, while Sam threw an apologetic and innocent smile at you. Then he turned away and returned to Miranda. Dean started the car and after you turned around the next street corner you couldn't see them anymore, no matter how much you twisted your neck after them.

Dean and you passed the time getting food and you went through the latest cases, then Dean disappeared to some bar a few minutes walk away and left you alone. You went over to your own motel room and were getting ready for sleep when you heard the door of Sam's and Dean's room slam shut. It was too early for Dean, because he had only just left a few minutes before. You had a bad feeling and as soon as you heard her bell-like laughter mixed with Sam's deep voice, your worst fears came true. For soon the giggle turned into a sigh that unfolded into a groan to the beat of the squeaking bedstead.

"Sam. Oh! Oh, Sam!' you could hear her high-pitched voice echoing through the thin walls. You pressed the cheap pillow over your ears, but that didn't diminish the sound from next door. Soon you gave up and a few minutes later you couldn't take it anymore. It wasn't that you didn't want Sam to be happy. If he wanted to fuck a chick who sighed like a cheap porn actress, then please, let him. But you wanted your fucking sleep. But deep down, you knew that every time she moaned, your heart would break a little bit more.

You pushed the blanket aside and put on your shoes, determined to end it all. It wasn't as if they couldn't have their lovers' tryst in Miranda's bed too. You couldn't care less. Even before you could think about your actions, your fist was already banging on the door. "This is my brother Dean," you heard Sam's clueless voice. You heard Sam stumbling and cursing inside the room as he tore something to the floor while putting on his jeans. It took a few minutes for the chain to be pushed aside and the door to open a crack so that Sam's face just fit through. "Go to any fucking bar, De - Oh, hi, Y/N." Embarrassed, he scratched his head. His hair was damp and he was only wearing jeans. Beads of sweat were running down his face and over his naked torso. Immediately he opened the door wider and looked at you worried. He forgot all about Miranda. "I-I - is everything all right? Is anything wrong?" Normally Sam's concern would have touched you deeply, but not today. "I'd like to go back to sleep tonight." you hissed between clenched teeth and his eyes widened in surprise. Actually, you were mad at yourself. What were you doing here? Why were you so fucking jealous and wishing you were in Miranda's shoes? And why did the sight of Sam's sweaty torso spark such a desire in you? You knew the answer to all those questions, even if you hated to admit it.

"Sammyyyy." She dragged his name out unnecessarily. "Who is this? Come back to bed." You couldn't see her, but her voice alone sent jealousy coursing through your body, but you pull yourself together. "Just a moment. I'll be right there." Sam replied. You snorted. He turned to you again. "How can I help?" he asked nicely. "Oh, it would be nice if your little friend would moan a little less loud." The words came out of your mouth harsher than intended. Sam paled and blushed at the same time. The tone of voice was not at all like your usual quiet manner. You must have been really upset. He cleared his throat embarrassed. "Miranda? I think you'd better go now. I have some unfinished business with Y/N." he shouted. "What? But we-" protests came from across the room, but Sam interrupted them.

"I'll come back tomorrow." he reassured her and you heard someone gathering their things in the background. Just seconds later, Miranda showed up with a slipped bra strap and frizzy hair in the doorway. She gave you a disapproving look before she turned around again and pressed a kiss on Sam's lips. Then she winked at you. "See you tomorrow, Sammy. I miss you already," she said. You suppressed a nausea. "I'm going to puke." you muttered, and Sam, who was standing next to you, raised his eyebrows in confusion. Miranda had already pulled the door shut behind her.

"What the hell's wrong with you?" yelled the normally calm Sam. "I've never seen you like this! Why did you have to go and ruin my night just now? That was not you!" He was checking you out. "Are you possessed?" You rolled your eyes. "Of course I'm not possessed, Sam." "Then tell me what's wrong. I thought you might be jealous." His voice got louder. It annoyed you. "Of course I'm jealous, Sam. You think I enjoy watching you picking up girls one by one?! And wishing I was in their shoes, damn it! I love you, Sam!" His eyes widened in surprise and his mouth was hanging open, but no sound came out. You took a step back in shock. What had you done?! You stumbled backwards out the door and gasped. Finally Sam started to move, but before he could say anything back, you were in your room, slamming the door in his face.

Sam couldn't believe it. You loved him? He never expected that. After all, you were you. Beautiful, intelligent and funny. And him? He was just him. He was a bookworm, a know-it-all and a loser. What did you see in him?

The urge to talk to you and confess his feelings became unbearable. Determined, he walked through the door and knocked on your door. "Go away, Sam," you shouted from the inside. It sounded pressed and he knew you were crying. "Y/N, please let me in. Let's talk about this!" he pleaded. "There's nothing to talk about, Sam." Came out from behind the closed door.

He sat outside your door until Dean dragged him into their room in the middle of the night. Without having to ask, the older brother already knew what had happened. Sam followed him reluctantly.

The next morning, he knocked on your door again while Dean set off to pack the car. But Sam received no answer. Worries were burning in his stomach. After a few minutes there was still no sign of life, so he broke the lock. The door swung open inward, but Sam was greeted by nothing but sheer emptiness. The room was empty and tidy, and had he not known for sure that you had the room to the left of them, he would have thought he had got the room number wrong. But all your things were gone. And you with them. It took him a moment to realize that you'd left overnight. Dean jogged to Sam and looked past him into the abandoned room. "She's gone," Sam muttered incredulously. His hand was still clutching the doorknob. Dean was still carrying their duffle bags over his shoulder. Panic was written all over his face, too.

"Well, you fucked up real bad, Sammy. You better go and find her because she has my baby!"

Tags beneath the cut. Wanna get tagged? Check out my bio or drop an ask.

Sam Winchester tags: ​ @ashthefirefox​ @rintheemolion​

[kevindayprotectionsquad]

@everythingwill-beok asked: Is this still open or out of business? If so a Nina-Jack support friendship or a Matthew-Nina patterns in crime? Thank you!

I went with a Nina-Jack support friendship scene, where Jack is desperately homesick and Nina takes it upon herself to help. They have a heart to heart about themselves, and open up about what they mean to each other. I hope you like it!

Jack loved Nina in a peculiar way. In the eyes of their kingdom, they were husband and wife, prince and princess. In their own eyes, they were each other's platonic soulmate. Jack didn't know his soul had room for another person after Matthew, but somehow he found a way to let Nina in. She was one of the greatest things to ever happen to him, there was no way he would survive his new prince duties without her. 

One new duty he was forced to do now that he was technically with Nina was a kingdom wide tour, announcing and celebrating their union with all the villages of Gevalla. While Jack had to admit he enjoyed his people doting over him and Nina, he could hardly stand to be away from home. He missed home terribly, and ached to be back in Matthew’s warm embrace. There has never been a time where they went months without seeing each other, and Jack couldn’t think of a time as partners where they went more than a few days without seeing each other. 

“Jack,” Nina gently hit his chest with the back of her hand, making him jump. “You look like a sad puppy looking outside like that. What’s going on in that head of yours?” 

“I’m just thinking,” he replied, turning to face her, resting his head on the wall of their carriage. The evening sun illuminated their cabin with a soft gold light, surrounding Nina like a halo. The gold threat in her braids reflects the glow. She looked like an angel. His angel to save him from his own personal hell. 

“I wasn't aware you were capable of thinking,” Nina joked, immediately losing all angelic appeal. 

Jack forced a fake laugh, “Neither was I.”

He turned his body to look out the small window of the carriage again. They were riding into the next village on their itinerary. Jack made a mental note to ask one of the guards which village it was before festivities began.. The celebration didn't begin until morning, but people lined the road, excitedly awaiting their arrival.  The carriage stopped in front of the only inn in the village. Guards had rode ahead to ensure it was ready for the prince and princess. The owners, along with what Jack assumed was most of the village waited in front. Guards stood post, ready to run interference if the villagers decided to get too excited. 

The carriage drive opened the door, setting a small stool on the ground before helping Jack out. When he stepped out of the carriage, villagers dropped into a kneel, bowing their heads. People have reacted that way to him for as long as he could remember, and it was just as unsettling as when he was young. He held his hand out for Nina, helping her out of the carriage. They took a moment to compose themselves before they had to face their peoples. 

“Be princely,” Nina whispered to him, straightening his coat. 

Jack just rolled his eyes, turning to face the audience. “That is not necessary, we are here to celebrate.” All eyes were on him now. “You may stand, but you have to forgive my Princess and I,” he put one had on his chest, and gestured to Nina with the other. “We are exhausted from our travels and require rest. Allow us to make it up to you with tomorrow's festivities.”

The crowd reacted the way Jack expected them to; speaking at them, and trying to get close enough to touch them. Guards closed in around them, without crowding them, but enough to keep the crowd at bay. Nina looped her arm through Jack’s as they followed a guard through the entrance of the inn. The owner spoke to the guard about how she had prepared the inn for the Prince and Princess, giving them rooms next to each other, and each room had fresh warm water to refresh with, and dinner was almost ready to be served. 

“We thank you for your service,” Nina gripped the owner's hands in a warm embrace, Jack just nodded next to her. 

“Of course, Princess,” the owner bowed her head. “I will have your dinner served shortly.” 

Nina smiled and patted her hand. When the owner left, Jack let out a deep sigh, finally able to relax. He went into his room and left the door open, knowing Nina would follow him. He shrugged out of his coat and threw it on the bed before stretching his arms over his head. The endless travel had started to take its toll on his body, leaving him tired and sore for seemingly no reason. To finish off his stretch, he fell face first onto the bed, and was pleasantly surprised with its softness.  

The mattress sank with what he assumed was Nina sitting next to him. “That went well.” 

Jack just hummed into the pillow in response, not bothering to move his head to speak. Nina readjusted herself and propped herself up on her elbows next to him. When she settled, Jack let out a pillow muffled groan. 

“How are you feeling,” Nina asked when he was done. 

Jack waited a moment before turning on his elbows. “I miss him,” he sighed. 

“Matthew?” 

He gave her a displeased look, “Yes, Matthew.”

Nina gave him a sorry look. “I'm sure he misses you too.” 

Jack knew she meant to help him feel better, but it just made it worse. He sighed and rolled onto his back, rubbing his eyes to try to scrub away the tears forming. Nothing Nina could do would alleviate the ache in his heart. 

“When was the last time you went this long without seeing him,” Nina questioned. 

He had to take a moment to gather himself before he felt ready to answer. “Never.”

“Really?” 

He just nodded. 

“So it is safe to assume I won’t see you for a while once we get home,” she asked him in a knowing tone. 

Jack laughed dryly. “Probably not, I have months of time to make up for.” 

Nina smiled, and patted his chest, “I will gladly hand you off to him after all of this.” 

Jack rolled his eyes at that. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Nina broke it. It was impossible for her to sit quietly for long periods of time. “Why Matthew,” she asked finally. Jack knew a question was coming, but was caught off guard when it finally came. 

“What do you mean ‘why Matthew’?”He tilted his head to face her, hoping her expression would give away some of what she was thinking, but came up with nothing. 

“You fought your family and went against everything they wanted you to do for years because of him, and you are going behind the church and our union for him. I just can't help but wonder why,” she reached out, brushing hair away from his eyes. He tried not to think of Matthew doing the same thing. 

“Do you have an issue with him?” Jack had to know before continuing the conversation. He couldn't expose his relationship if there was any chance she would use it against him. 

“Of course not,” she reassured him. “I think Matthew is wonderful, and I am grateful you have him, but his politeness is not reason enough to go against your family and the church.” 

“I don't know what you want me to say, Nina,” he sighed heavily. “He has been with me through everything. Since before I was expected to fulfil anything, or be anything. When I am not with him, I feel restless and can't focus, but when I’m with him, it's like everything inside me settles. He just makes me feel more like me.” 

Nina nodded, absorbing what he said. “Do you love him?” 

“With my entire being. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him,” he replied without thinking, but it was the truth. Nina knew what she was getting into being with him, but he still felt like he needed to hide that part of himself from her. 

“I'm glad you are here with me, Jack,” She smiled softly and ran her thumb over his cheek. 

He closed his eyes with her touch, guilt washing over him. Jack would never feel guilty about his feelings for Matthew, but he did feel guilty about how Nina must feel. “I love you too, Nina.” 

Her face perked up with that.

“I couldn't do any of this without you, and I wouldn't want to,” he took her hand in his. “No other princess could do what you do. I need you by my side for this.”

“I love you, Jack,” she squeezed his hand. “And lucky for you, I am not going anywhere any time soon.” 

He gave her a soft smile as she stood. She looked as exhausted as he felt. 

“I am, however, going to bed,” she made her way to the door. “Try to get some sleep. We have an eventful day ahead of us.”

“Listen to your own advice,” he called to her as she left the room. Exhaustion washing over him, calling him to sleep only moments after. 

[irrelevantwriter]

Dinner For One, Dessert For Two

Pairing: Chief Jim Hopper x Female Reader/You

Rating: Explicit, NSFW

Warnings: Language, pettiness of the highest form, poor seduction skills by the reader, unprotected vaginal sex, mentions of bodily fluids, female ejaculation, power/title kink, grumpy Hopper

Word Count: 3.6K 

Summary: You make good on your promise to get Jim back, but you may have taken it a bit too far.

A/N: Gather round! It’s a sequel to Noise Complaint. I got inspired to follow this one up and it went a lot fluffier than I imagined, but I’m here for it. I’m working on some more dom!Hopper stuff so I guess I needed a break from the tension ;) ;). I would advise reading Noise Complaint before this one because there is some context needed in order to understand this one. I hope you guys like it and let me know what you think. Enjoy and share with your friends!

Sidenote: Apparently I’m a real whore for the Hopper-denim combo. No ragrats.

*Read Noise Complaint Here

*Masterlist in bio.

**********************

“You wanna actually get some of those chips in your mouth and not on your shirt, Magnum?”

 Jim’s head turned to you on the couch, his eyes squinting at your teasing. He looked down at his crumb-laden shirt and brushed the food off in one swoop. He was pouting in his recliner, stewing in silence at your earlier idea of revenge.

 After your little incident back at the station, you’d skipped out on lunch, too embarrassed to stay and eat. You came home and unpacked your things, all the while thinking of how you could get Jim back. You’d left his office in a hurry, a threat falling from your lips of what was to come. You hadn’t had any idea what that could mean until El had arrived home with Max in tow.

 The girls were excited to see you back from your trip, both of them insisting Jim was even more of a grump in your absence. You’d laughed and caught up with them, while also pulling out the small gifts you’d brought back for them while you’d been away. The girls had gotten close over the summer and you’d been pleased with the transition, happy to see El connecting with another girl. They’d been wanting to have a sleepover at Max’s, as had become the usual these days. You agreed and realized the situation worked to your advantage.

 A plan began to form.

So you’d helped El pack a bag and gave her some cash for the arcade with the promise that she would call tonight before they went to bed. The girls took off in a fit of giggles, no doubt rushing to meet the boys.

 With them gone, you tidied up and decided to cook dinner. You decided to add insult to injury and make Jim’s favorite: sirloin steak with mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn bread. But you’d only make one steak. You knew he’d be upset, pissed that you’d go so far as to not feed him, but then you thought back on the humiliation you felt and you surged ahead.

 When six-thirty finally came, you’d just sat down to eat when you heard the squeal of tires on the grovel outside. Jim was home.

 Loud footsteps clamored up the steps, his heavy gait making you smile briefly. You really did love the man.

 The door swung open as his form took up so much of the small cabin. He eyed you carefully, but as soon as his nose caught whiff of the delicious aromas from the kitchen, he smiled. He obviously thought everything had been forgiven. He was wrong.

 “Hey baby, something smells amazing.” He praised as he walked towards you seated at the small dining table.

 You looked up at him briefly before continuing your task of cutting your steak. You heard Jim sigh, realizing he still had some groveling to do. The man had no idea.

 He didn’t say anything else until he moved to the kitchen and readied himself to make a plate. He would only find the sides without the main dish, a true tragedy in his eyes. You heard him moving dishes around and opening then closing the fridge, then the oven. The microwave was next. Nothing. You even saw him check the trash. You smirked at that.

 “Babe,” He finally called. He was behind you, no doubt still searching for his dinner. You only hummed in response as you chewed on a piece of seasoned meat.

 “Where’s my steak?” His tone was gentle and polite, already aware that he was treading on thin ice.

 You swallowed and took a long pull from your beer before answering. “Only made one.” You quipped simply, silverware clattering against the dish as you ate.

 You could feel the heat of his stare at the back of your neck and it wasn’t bred from desire. This was annoyance mixed with anger. You knew Jim well enough to know that he’d be steaming mad at the idea of you purposefully skimping him of his dinner.

 “Why did you do that?” The aggravation was apparent in his question, but you could still hear the control he struggled to maintain. Again your lip quirked up into a victorious smirk.

 “I don’t know. Didn’t feel like cooking two.” You tortured him by giving a response he’d gotten so used to hearing from El as a budding teenager…I don’t know. He hated those words. And you used that hate against him.

 Jim sighed once again, though it was harsher than before. “Didn’t feel like it?” He parroted back irritably.

 “I’m not your chef, Jim. I was traveling today, and then I came home and cleaned up. I’m tired.” You bit back, not bothering to hide the annoyance in your voice either. You hadn’t meant to say those things, but they were true and you were slowly becoming more furious at the thought of him being so furious with you. Unfair you knew, but it was happening all the same.

 “Yeah, you’re right.” He amended, though he still sounded agitated. You heard him moving around as he made himself a plate. He went to grab a beer from the fridge, but soon realized you’d taken the last cold one and instead had to settle for a warm can that sat on the counter. The new case of beer had yet to be refrigerated and normally, being the thoughtful partner that you were, you’d have them in the icebox all cool and crisp for Jim after work. But not today.

 He sat down with a heaviness and grunt that let you know he was feeling the sting of your actions. You could feel his icy glare on you as you inhaled your food, licking your fingers to drive the point home to him. He cracked open his beer and attempted to eat the mashed potatoes and green beans. The food was still food, and it was fucking delicious if you did say so yourself. So Jim wasn’t losing out completely. He’d live.

 “Where’s El?” He finally asked, fork scraping up more of the buttered green beans.

 “She went to Max’s for a sleepover. She said she’d call later tonight.”

 “Hmm,” He hummed in acknowledgment. He’d become used to the idea of his daughter being gone from his watchful eye, though she still had to check-in regularly to appease his overprotectiveness.

 The remainder of your dinner was spent in silence. You ate, feeling appropriately satiated from you dinner while Jim looked on longingly. He had two helpings of sides, trying to supplement the loss of his hearty steak. He’d also had another warm beer after cursing himself for not putting the case in the fridge. You’d finished before him, cleaning your dishes and putting away any food that remained while he still sat at the table. The air of the cabin was tense, a lot more tense than you’d anticipated. But again you forged ahead, intent to teach Jim a lesson.

 It was what brought you to your current position, curled up on the couch while watching Magnum P.I. You’d poked fun of Jim’s angry eating, tired of sitting in heated silence. It’d only been two hours since dinner, but Jim was going full throttle on a bag of chips and jar of salsa. The vegetables did little to satisfy his hunger. You’d already showered and changed for bed, your sleep attire an old flannel shirt of your brooding boyfriend’s.

 You pulled at an errant piece of fuzz on your long socks, your feet having gotten cold an hour earlier. Jim had been throwing glares at the television all night, making it hard for you to concentrate on the shows.

 You belatedly admitted that things probably got out of hand. You hadn’t meant for the rigidity to bleed into the rest of the night. But both of you were stubborn, and you were both paying for it. When Jim didn’t respond or lash out at your teasing, you knew you had to take a different approach.

 Before you could, the phone rang from the table beside him. He reached over and answered it gruffly, brows still furrowed in petulance.

 You watched as his face instantly softened and his voice smoothed out considerably, the changes quickly giving you an idea of who he was talking to. You studied him closely, feeling the warmth in your chest expand at hearing him laugh while talking to his daughter. The interaction, like most between the two, made your love for the man swell. As well as your arousal.

 “Yeah, she’s here.” Jim looked at you, eyes back to sending glares. You met his gaze and smiled when he continued. “I’ll tell her. Love you too. Night.”

 “El said she loved you and goodnight.”

 Your heart soared at the words, the emotion always catching you off guard.

 He hung up the phone with a loud clatter, his actions harsh and aggressive. That was one of the things that had initially attracted you to him…his brutish ways. It was surprisingly refreshing and endearing. The idea sounded backwards, but it worked because at the core Jim was a kind and gentle soul. And his ability to make you feel like a woman was something you hadn’t found in any other partner. The man made you feel loved, appreciated. Which was why you were realizing that this whole thing was stupid.

 You stood from your spot on the couch as Jim closed the bag of chips and moved them and the salsa to the side table. He brushed off the crumbs again, the gesture making you smile. You discreetly undid another button on your (his) shirt and then stretched, arms reaching to the ceiling as the hem of said shirt rose on your thighs. You could feel his gaze on you instantly. It was still a glare, but an interested one.

 You stepped towards him, making it seem as if you were going to pass him and head to the bedroom. You stopped near his reclined legs, fingers idly caressing his own socked feet. He’d changed into jeans and a short sleeved khaki shirt. You loved seeing him in his uniform, but there was also something about seeing him so dressed down and casual with you. And the tight-fitting jeans didn’t hurt either.

 “You want dessert?” You asked softly, eyebrow arched in a silent truce.

 He eyed suspiciously, not trusting your suggestion. “Did you make some for yourself?” He bit back with a scoff.

 You grinned at his juvenile response, but continued on. “Ice cream. Strawberry. Your favorite.” You offered enticingly. He shifted in his chair when you licked your lips and ran a fingertip up the sole of his foot. Confusion was plastered on his features, your sudden mood change making him pause. He was obviously waiting for a catch. There wasn’t one.

 “Sure?” He extended the word so that it sounded more like a question than an answer, but you accepted it and went to the kitchen.

 On the television, Miami Vice started to play. You smiled to yourself at the thought of El watching her beloved show at Max’s. You suspected she had a crush on Don Johnson, though you definitely couldn’t blame her.

 You scooped the sticky pink dessert into one bowl instead of two and fished out a spoon from the drawer. You walked back to Jim, who was still looking bewildered in front of the TV. You stole a quick bite of the cold treat, eyes holding Jim’s as you did. A large drop didn’t make it past your lips and instead landed between your breasts.

 Bullseye.

 You made a show of sighing at your own incompetence and pushed the two halves of the shirt aside, exposing the center of your chest. Your nipples were still shielded from view, but the illusion was there. You swiped at the ice cream with your finger and pulled the digit into your mouth, sucking the appendage clean. You kept your gaze on Jim the entire time, inwardly cheering at the way he gulped and moved his hips against the chair.

 You scooped another bite into your mouth but kept the spoon held between your lips. You were really playing up the whole oral fixation thing. It appeared to be working. Jim’s eyes were centered there, his own lips hanging slightly agape. His face was still scrunched in bewilderment, but the tell-tale signs of arousal were already there.

 You shoveled more ice cream on the spoon and held it out to him. “Want some?” You asked as innocently as you could muster.

 He cleared his throat, blue orbs observing you like the cop that he was. “You didn’t get a bowl?”

 “Nope.”

 “Why?”

 “Because I didn’t want one.”

 “But you’re eating mine?”

 You sighed, not liking that your new plan of seduction wasn’t working against Jim’s incessant questions.

 “Do me a favor.” You tried, hoping this new direction would move things along. You sat the bowl next to the chips, freeing your hands.

 “What?” He asked skeptically. He was looking at you as if you were about to punch him right in the dick. You tried hard not to laugh at the thought.

 “Shut up.”

 You didn’t give him a chance to reply before you’d crawled into his lap, nearly sending the chair backwards. You settled your crotch into his lap and pressed down, done with the games. Jim’s hands instinctually went to your hips, his grip firm. He was caught off guard, mouth moving but nothing coming out. You attacked his lips with your own, hands curling into his shirt. He responded to your kiss, mouth opening and tongue welcoming as you let him taste his favorite flavor on you.

 You pulled away when breathing became an issue, but attached yourself to his neck. You rubbed yourself against his lap, a wildness over taking you. Something had done it for you. Or maybe it was a combination of things. Jim’s coolness towards you, his love for his daughter, his love for you, his undomesticated nature. Or hell…maybe it was just the goddamn jeans. Either way, you wanted him to fuck you.

 “What’re you doing?” He asked breathlessly, hands massaging your ass hungrily as he struggled to keep up.

 “Trying to fuck you.” You replied, slightly exasperated by his refusal to go along with your actions.

 You rubbed yourself against him again, emphasizing your intentions. His hands tried to halt your hips, but you licked at his neck, knowing what that did to him.

 “Weren’t you mad at me like, an hour ago?” He questioned through gritted teeth, eyes closed in overwhelming lust.

 You pulled back, hands going to the button and zipper of his jeans. You had the denim unfastened in record speed. You pulled him out, the thickness of him always taking you by surprise. He was solid and warm, the flesh practically pulsing in your hand.

 “Are you complaining, Chief?” You whispered against his lips. Jim had a real kink with being called Chief. You happened to get off on indulging that for him. It was a win-win for you both.

 “Fuck, no.”

 His lips seized yours, the passion finally taking over. His hands tore at your shirt, the buttons flying off in response. He devoured you. Just like you’d wanted. You shifted to your knees, angling yourself over his cock. You rocked against him, letting him feel how badly you needed him. He slid against you easily, his head catching on your clit with every upstroke. He dug his fingers into your ass and bit at your nipple. You took that as your cue and seated yourself on him.

 “Mmmm, yes…” You hummed out, your body instantly recognizing the intruder and welcoming them in. Your walls molded around his cock, encouraging him in further.

 Jim thrust up harshly, not giving you a chance to get comfortable. You whimpered, but set a quick pace. You bounced on his cock, the old recliner squeaking beneath you. His hands aided your movements, his mouth connecting to your breasts. It was animalistic…the needy desire making you forget about previous times together filled with love. This was about fucking. This was about getting off. This was about fucking and getting off to Jim Hopper.

 “Shit…squeeze me, baby.” He demanded as a calloused finger began teasing your clit.

 You did as he requested, squeezing your internal muscles around him. His eyes practically crossed at the action, your body sucking him in without mercy.

 “Goddamn, that feels good.” He groaned, head thrown back in ecstasy.

 You tried hard to keep your rhythm, raising your hips so that he was almost all the way out before slamming back down again. Jim leaned back further into the chair, his reclined position allowing you to maneuver better. You propped yourself on his chest, swallowing his cock with ravenous greed. The slight difference in angle made you tense, his cock hitting deep and aggressive.

 “I’m gonna cum.” You whimpered, pushing your chest into his waiting mouth and hands. You could feel that foreign tingle start to radiate throughout your entire body, the sensation one you’d only felt a few times before. Jim could feel it too because he encouraged it, ready for what was going to happen.

 “Get me all wet, baby. Lemme feel it.”

 You whined as his finger became more forceful on your clit, pulling the orgasm from you. Your limbs locked up as you dug your nails into his scalp, the tide beginning to take you under. Your eyes squeezed shut as warmth flooded Jim’s cock, your pussy releasing like a valve that’d been locked under too much pressure. You slid against him easier, the bout of moisture making him almost slip from your depths. Your release coated both of you, running between your bodies to collect on Jim’s denim.

 You sailed into the clouds, all sense of the solid world gone. It was a high that had you coming back for more, the fix never satiating the constant craving that lived inside of you. You imagined it was your deep love for the man that made it feel so powerful and all-consuming. Nothing had ever matched in intensity. Nothing ever would.

 You’d barely recovered from your aftershocks before he was chasing his own end. He took the reigns as he fucked up into you, the sound of his cock impaling your sodden opening sounding crude and pornographic in the otherwise silent cabin. He held you above him as he thrust into you wildly, face contorted into crushing determination. He was spilling himself into you before you’d caught your breath, his motions nearly knocking the wind out of you.

 “Fuck…”

 Jim anchored you to him, giving you little choice in the matter as he filled you. His release mixed with yours, creating an elixir you were far too addicted to. Your whole body felt warm, your limbs tingled, your mind went blank. The only thing you could focus on was the man beneath you. The man who's touch seared your body. The man who could read your body like a roadmap, predicting turns before they’d even occurred.

 The air settled around you, your bodies slipping into a lethargy that never failed to pull you both under. You both struggled to settle your hearts and breathing, the post coitus adrenaline entrapping you and him in its grasp. The silence that surrounded you suddenly felt too pressing and you knew you had amends to make.

 “I’m sorry.” You mumbled against his chest, your ear catching the vibrations of his fast-beating heart.

 “For what?” He asked, hands stroking your back. The open shirt had shifted down your body, only hanging on at your elbows.

 You shivered at his touch, burrowing further into his warmth and sturdiness. You still had him sheathed inside of you, his cock softening but refusing to slip out.

 “Dinner. I didn’t mean for it to go that far.”

 He chuckled under you, your body moving with his. The sound made you smile, your insides feeling warm for an entirely different reason.

 “S’okay. I deserved it. I wasn’t very understanding about this afternoon.”

 You inhaled his scent: faded cologne, cigarettes, and something that was just Jim. Your fingers caressed his chest, playing with the open collar of his shirt.

 “Flo was completely unbothered, by the way. Says she’s old enough to have heard worse.” He continued, his comment making you giggle.

 “Still mortifying. She probably thinks we’re a couple of horny teenagers.”

 “Well, aren’t we?” He asked with a laugh, arms extended to showcase your current situation.

 You met his eyes, chin propped on his chest. You smoothed down his mustache, butterflies swarming your stomach at the way he kissed your fingertips.

 “I love you.”

 His face softened and his eyes warmed into yours, the statement pleasing him immensely. Jim was a stranger to feelings and he was working on being better. You liked to remind him just how good they could be. Declaring your love was a good place to start.

 “I love you.” He mirrored back, his hand caressing your cheek with genuine affection.

 Your eyes caught the half-melted bowl of ice cream on the table and reached for it, bodies still intimately connected. You held a spoonful of frozen strawberry to his lips, amused at the way his eyes crinkled at the sides when he smiled.

 “Truce?” You asked hopefully, dangling the ice cream at his lips.

 He leaned forward and took the offered spoon, remnants of strawberry sticking to his whiskers. He patted your ass, taking the opportunity to cop a squeeze as you wiggled on top of him. 

You caught his lips, tasting the stickiness there. He winked down at you when you pulled away, his hands continuing to wander.

 “Truce.”

[blankdblank]

Next Caller Pt 40

A warm hand stroked your arm and inhaling sharply your eyes cracked open finding Thorin sitting beside you, “I am so sorry.” You shook your head grumbling softly to yourself rolling onto your back, “I promised you dinner.”

“You were tired. Didn’t want to wake you. Heard you snoring, hard shift?”

“More like hard people just off work and angry for a fix. Ought to ban anyone with a mood like that.” That had you giggling and sitting up, “I might scowl but I’m far from rude.”

“I’ll get up and be out in a minute,” he nodded and gave your leg a pat standing up heading to finish readying the table to grant you privacy.

A full change of clothes was followed by primping and out you went to join him. Closing your cardigan over your t shirt hoping it might be warmer after running out of sweaters you giggled seeing the hefty supply of food set out, “Spared no crumbs I see.”

Bashfully he chuckled replying, “Had to,”

“You didn’t. People get tired. Thank you, but you don’t have to make a feast if you sleep in.” You said sitting down accepting the mug of tea he handed you. “I mean it, thank you.”

“You are more than worth it.” He hummed back catching your flinching gaze, “You are.”

With a nod you replied, “I know, thank you, just, getting used to hearing people meaning it.” He looked you over and you said, “Some people just say it, it was hard, to say the least, growing up hearing you’re nothing without the clan, or even to it. I never wanted to prove them right. Part of how that me died I suppose when I got pulled out of that carrier.” Shaking your head you said, “Sorry, not trying to drop the mood.”

“You aren’t,” he said laying his hand over yours, “Talk to me, about anything. You are so strong, you even said you found a way to escape from where they kept you but they drugged you.”

With tears in your eyes you asked, “I said escape?”

Shaking his head he shifted on his seat to be closer to you, “No you said, end-, oh,” Moving onto your bench he let go of your hand to pull you into a hug, “I am so sorry,” pressing a kiss to the top of your head clutching you tightly to him in feeling a tear hitting his arm.

“There was a loose wall panel under my bunk, they found me chewing on a power cable. Jammed a stun rod in the back of my thigh.” Pulling back a bit you sniffled and he tenderly wiped your cheek, “I’m not like that now though, it, I was tired of suffering because of his name. And I changed my name,” looking up at him you said, “I don’t think I can say thank you enough for what your family has done for me. Even the ones I haven’t met.”

“You don’t have to thank us, any of us.”

“No, but,”

“But what?” he hummed out slightly concerned of the worry in your eyes as he stroked your cheek again with his thumb.

“I’m mentioning Durin’s Blering today.” Making him smirk, “I don’t, want you to be upset, or your family.”

“We love your show, your portrayal of Durin and our relatives. There have been portrayals of other favored Dwarves through history with exaggerated Blering or courting decisions. Blundrun of the Stoonefoot’s had five weddings in one adaptation on film. It’s all taken in good humor when done respectfully. The public isn’t meant to see the full details, it’s private.”

“Even if it involves a walrus?”

At that he laughed saying in a tap of his forehead to yours, “We will love it, and I can’t wait to hear how a walrus comes into play, nor will my family be upset. Now eat up. Big day ahead of you.” You nodded again and he eased back to get to eating the large meal.

“Don’t worry,” he said as you climbed into your car, “Be fearless Mafioso.” To yourself you giggled and were off to work while he inhaled and groaned stretching before driving off himself.

Truly you had faced harsh times and in clarifying the wording it settled in his mind just how much stronger you were for healing on that island prison and bursting free to toil until someone gave you a much needed hand up. You had ample reason to be concerned, it was a tender subject to broach, but with how greatly they loved your portrayal so far he had no doubts they would love to hear your thoughts on how mushy the ever bleeding heart of the teddy bear warrior could get. All the same he sent out a message to his elders who rippled it around with eager replies that they would tune in as they could. And parking in his spot he readied for his cousins to begin their questioning until your show kicked on.

.

The big show finally came. After leaving off that Durin was left aimlessly staring at the floor of his cabin hours till the door was broken in two and he was drug off in chains on the biggest cliffhanger since when Bunny was kidnapped for your listeners. Durin was refused and taken captive needing saving and healing for his badly breaking heart.

“She has stunning eyes you know.” Durin sighed out.

His captor rolled his eyes replying, “I thought if I got you drunk you’d shut up about her.”

“I had it all planned out,” Durin hiccupped and added after another groan from the captor, “Even hired a walrus to give her the spoon I’d chosen,” after a sniffle the King slurred out, “Same shade as her eyes!”

A thud was heard and a relieved sigh came from the captor, “Finally.”

Near to the end of the show after another odd detour of some random bystanders who watched Bunny storming in to rouse up Durin’s allies to fly off to battle for their King. Surely assuring the audience she did truly care for him in return and was taking her place she had said not to want as Queen and leader to his people a muffled explosion was heard and screams followed before a metal door was sent flying into a distant wall and Durin comes to, “BUNNY! You came for me!”

“No. You borrowed my pen. I came for my Twiggums. This is just a coincidence he happened to be with you.”

Song song like he replied, “You saved me,” Bunny sighed hoisting him up, “You missed me.”

“Back to your ship before your head gets any bigger. I came for my pen and found you by chance.”

Through the halls he was carried and his heart thundered as he slurred out dopily, “You brought my armies and allies. There’s a word for the one they would follow other than me you know.”

“Ya, bribed.”

“No,” he slurred, “My men are above reproach.”

Bunny pointed out a man with an arm full of trinkets he took from the captor’s Palace, “Clearly he’s here for the loot.”

“Norib only loots for a good cause and King, or, you know the word.” He teased.

Through the tea shop, while the story bantered on in the adamant refusals and skirting around the subject while Durin swooned more for his now certainly future bride. Along with Mal who was squealing behind her hands unable to help but blush and smile stupidly at how perfect it was leading to your propping up a notebook to keep from getting distracted by her reactions.

.

“For Mahal’s sake woman! Have pity on us and tell me if this is in the book!”

With a giggle you replied, “Second.”

“Ugh,” she groaned throwing her head back making you giggle again and guide her out through the halls to the garage again, “It’s going to be so hard to read from behind my pillow.”

“Oh trust me you will be squealing more than once I blushed through just writing half of it not even mentioning the editing.”

“I can’t imagine!” Her eyes scanned over your jacket you pulled back on making her smirk, “That is a male coat, you didn’t happen to steal Thorin’s coat?”

“No, he took me to his jacket place, helped me pick it out. It’s got soo many pockets!” You said showing her the pockets both outside and in appealing to your shared Hobbit love of pockets. “And it’s so fluffy inside!” Lowering your hand you lifted the mail bag you had been given.

“Well it looks amazing on you. Gives the illusion he might be coatless somewhere.”

You giggled back, “But we both know I can swim in his jackets.” Making her giggle too. “Need a ride?”

“No, Kili is picking me up, having a lunch date.”

“Ooh, nice, just the two of you?”

“Yes, apparently they convinced Frerin it would be less of a challenge to keep civilized one on one alternating dates.”

“Hmm.”

She let out a weak chuckle, “I know, but it gets me twice the dates this week so I’ll take what I can get.”

“Well I hope it gets easier down the line for you.”

“Oh it will. I am too determined to let it go otherwise.” Eagerly Kili was waiting and scooped her and BamBam up carrying them to his waiting car while you walked to yours you unlocked and with the mail in the trunk lowered into with a quick huff shaking your hands to get rid of the lingering tingles from your nerves at how it would go over.

.

“They have to get married!” You could hear the words being called across the buzzing shop making you peak inside only to have Balin inch in front of you and point to his left ushering you inside the office subtly. Curiously you popped in only to find the food but no Thorin. Walking around the table you sat on the couch only for you to hear, “You’re a Durin! What happens next! Don’t tell us he gets spurned again!”

Thorin gruffly replied back, “None of us know, our clan didn’t write it.”

“But you have to know something!” Was cut off as Thorin huffed entering and closing the office behind him. “Your lover is listed on the Bunny Show voicing it!”

Taking a moment to gather himself before turning around, “Sorry,” you muttered and he shook his head.

“Don’t you dare apologize. It’s a fabulous story. Mainly it’s dead silent so they can listen in then it just erupts afterwards, they’ll head out eventually when their mugs run out we’ve got a two refill limit.” Next to you he settled down comfortably with his leg against yours flashing you a comforting grin.

“Just don’t want you being harassed over it.”

“It’s not harassment. I take it as a point of pride that you are doing exceedingly well.” His smile split wider playfully as he rumbled, “And very nice touch on making him drunk ramble his plans out mournfully. Very true to his character. Gran messaged me she was on the edge of her seat and Gramps said she was giggling like crazy. Amad is curious to know how one could manage to hire a walrus to do their bidding.”

In a giggle as he uncovered and served the food you replied, “They are far more agreeable than elephant seals.” He looked you over and you added with a smirk, “I made allies to keep the crabs away.” Making him chuckle, “Besides they do love a good head rub. Once they see you won’t hurt their babies you’re free to graze through to see what they’re up to.”

“I will pass that on.” He replied in a chuckle. “You ok?”

You nodded, “Yup, just have another bag of mail to sort when I get home. It’s picking up.”

“I bet. I could help if you like.”

“Only if you want to, gets a bit much sometimes. Sorting by state, county then dividing it even more by language as such. Though I can’t imagine the letters I will get from the Professors this time.”

“Professors?”

“All in good meaning, helping to correct tiny details I’ve exaggerated or tweaked. Always the thickest but they always praise heavily afterwards on my imagination.”

“Any hate mail?”

“Few, then there’s the ones from family. From the first couple weeks haven’t opened them.”

“Well if you want my clan to reply to the haters let us know. I know Dis could come up with some amazing replies.”

The thought made you giggle and reply, “Thank you, I will keep you posted on that. Mainly so far I’ve just replied to kids. Classes that have been listening or sending pictures and such. So sweet really. I have to think of a way to keep them all together. Might laminate them to make a book maybe with the letters.”

“That is a great idea.”

“I just can’t quite get through the more emotional ones yet. The ones where they share what the story has gotten them through, still not there yet I guess. Will be though someday maybe.”

From there on you chatted more about his seen reactions to your show brightening your mood again and shared more responding messages that came in from his clan leading to once the meal was through you leaned against his side scrolling through them until your alarm when he took your bag from your trunk to add to his. His busy task today had him smirking while you were off as he was joined by Dwalin, Balin and Frerin to head home to dump the bag out on the couch to get to sorting. Easily with the group together the task was underfoot when Thorin got up at the door bell ringing. An odd delivery of seven chests had him puzzled after having signed for them luring his cousins to the front hall where they were left.

Curiously he circled them and Balin asked, “Did Jaqi day she was expecting anything?”

“No,” Thorin replied, “So odd, who would send chests?” Looking at the delivery sheet he said, “Valinor, they’re from Valinor...”

Dwalin led the group on inspecting the seam and chuckled finding the hidden lock he unlocked with ease at solving the sliding puzzle and tilted his head seeing the pile of books inside. “Books..”

Thorin’s brows furrowed rapping one with a knuckle, “Not books.” Reaching down he made to lift one only for the top to lift revealing a gold clear wrapped pile of gold filling the disguised box. “Oh I know what this is, she said she also inherited chests from her clan of money.” Balin opened another seeing bound Elven bills with another of silver coins in the one beside that and copper beside that one above one filled entirely with emeralds with scattered more stones in other cases before they closed the trunk that locked again leaving them to look at one another and Frerin to say, “We didn’t open it.”

They all shook their heads, “Nope.”

Thorin grabbed one end as Frerin took the other, “Off to the storage room for now.”

Balin asked following with Dwalin helping to carry theirs, “Do you think they’re all full of funds?”

Thorin replied, “That’s what she said. Wasn’t keeping anything else from their estates. Lawyer Feanor had sent them out to her. Mentioned something about the funds weren’t initially added to her inheritance balance but had to be counted then sent.”

Frerin chuckled, “So she had billions cracked it down to millions and now has billions again. Marvelous.”

Thorin chuckled with the rest of them and replied as they settled the trunks down and turned to grab another set, “I’m certain she won’t share the sentiment.”

Dwalin hummed, “Just think, you could save a bundle on choosing stones, she’s already got them.”

Thorin smirked to himself and replied, “We will get to that eventually.”

The next to last had all four carrying it with the last absurdly light last one took two keep them from flinging it up into the ceiling for how light it was. “That was close.”

Balin smirked looking at the others and rumbled, “How much you want to wager this one’s got mithril in it.”

Thorin rumbled, “I’m not betting.”

Frerin retorted, “Spoil sport, no winnings for you then. Fifty silver.”

Dwalin scoffed, “60!” Making Thorin roll his eyes hearing them on the way to move it with the others how to bring it up when they saw you again to see who won or not on that chest and all the others on amounts and contents. Eventually getting back to and finishing the sorting before each splitting up wishing Thorin a good night.

.

One odd lengthy shift leaving you with a feeling you’d forgotten something ended with a quiet ride home as you retraced everything you had done until your realized you’d forgotten to take the second cupcake you had promised yourself to take from the dessert cart.

Backed into the garage it sealed and you turned off the car and climbed out to head inside leaving your shoes and coat by the door there. Passing the stack of mail on the table you caught Thorin nodding off at the table beside his spread making you chuckle and steal a picture before waking him to a peck on the cheek. “You’re tired.”

“No I’m not. Just, blinking, check.”

“Uh huh,” you giggled out and sat down, “Well once you’ve eaten off to bed with you to rest your blinking muscles.”

“How was work?”

“Good. Forgot to take my second cupcake at lunch though.”

“I have-,” he pointed at the kitchen making you reach over and pat his hand resting on the table.

“I’m good. This is good. Thank you. How was your work?”

“Good, got back, guys came over and you will be glad to know we have sorted your mail bag.”

“Aw, no wonder you’re so tired.”

“It didn’t take as long as it would seem to for a duffel of letters. Kept the schools separate for you and it’s all bound on the parlor table when you’re ready.”

“Thank you. Anything else interesting happen?”

“Oh, you got that delivery from Feanor.” That had you rolling your eyes and him smirking, “Figured you might not be pleased. All a decent weight except one.”

“Bound to have the mithril in it and shares of the mithril stocks they owned. Back in the high billions again, yay. Feanor is pleased though there was a trunk of paintings I said he could have, apparently a few splatters are ‘priceless’ he has the pleasure of handling the museums for those wonders on his own. At least my paintings are cute or realistic and not looking like road kill.” Making him chuckle again. His eyes met yours and brow twitched up at your lingering gaze his way, “You wouldn’t happen to have relatives in jewelry would you?”

A smirk tugged across his lips, “Of course I do.”

“Well, I might have some gems to unload.”

Lowly he chuckled, “You may want to inspect them first, just to be certain there aren’t any you might wish to keep. Other than that I am certain they would be glad to inspect your hoard.”

“Keep? Oh,” you said and he looked you over again, “You mean like for a ring.”

“Well it could be, unless your kin prefer to have the male design it.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever even considered getting jewelry before.”

“Then best hold on to those gems and I can have some design books sent over for you to browse through. Give you some ideas. If you like a certain style they have some imitation stone settings they could loan out for you to give a test run to see how you like it on you.”

“How do you choose?”

“When we get there hopefully you might have a few ideas of your own.”

“Bet you have fifty ideas already of your own.”

“You would lose that bet.” He hummed back, “Has to be special. Every Dwarf has hundreds of ideas growing up what they might design, but it’s always, different. Has to be. No rush, take your time.”

“Oh, um, how short notice could your builder relatives be called out?”

Smirking again he said, “Well they live two hours out, so, two hours at least. I did send an email when you mentioned ordering the shelving for your studio. They are going to add more built ins to my spare as well. Will they be here soon?”

“It should be here Monday, would have been Sunday but there was a delay.”

“I’ll let them know in the morning.”

“Thank you, and sorry.”

“No, trust me, you are not ready to meet them yet, they’re a bit, odd.”

“Unlike the rest of you,” Lowly he chuckled again smiling at you.

“Yes, best let us handle the build while you are at work. Frerin would be glad to help keep them in line, and away from your door hinges.”

“Door hinges?”

“They like to swap them in houses they don’t like, so the door swings the other way.”

“That’s such bad totems,”

He nodded, “Yes it is. Which is why we will be watching them.”

Once cleaned up you were off separately, him to bed and you into a nice warm shower. A bit stiff from the wet week your formerly knotted leg still gave you a bit of trouble today, less than it had for centuries but still not as good as it should be. You felt terrible thinking of asking Thorin if he had a relative who could help with rubbing or stabbing these cramps out. A bath would be best but you were too tired to soak safely so showered and dried you changed into some warm flannels glad you remembered to light the fire before hand so your room was nice and toasty when you climbed into bed smoothing a heating patch onto your hamstring. Sneering at first of the odd goopy feeling instantly warming up after rubbing the pad with your palms flattening them over your skin. Still into bed you wiggled settling under your covers closing your eyes hoping the pad wouldn’t be glued onto your leg like last time when you woke up.

.

Soundly you slept well into the morning, a glad thing for Thorin, who got called off to help his family with a few things and left you breakfast in the slow cooker. Waking to the alarm so you wouldn’t miss your appointment. And sure enough you woke to struggle the sheet off your leg you threw away muttering to yourself. Curiously seeing how much food he had used for the meal, once done and cleaned up, you got to searching your fridge to see what you might need. List in hand you went to change and made your way to your car post mail box trip to give the birds some more shredded mail to do with what they pleased.

Through town you drove remembering just where the parking lot for your nail salon was angled off this road. Close to the strip of stores but requiring its own little lot that more than once while on foot you had avoided falling off the sudden end of the curb into traffic. Easier than you had assumed you took the turn and found a spot in view of most seats you might be settled into and out you climbed to walk inside. Brushing your hair out of your face you flashed a grin to the woman blindly passing you on her way out of the shop over a foot too tall to notice your face anyways. Past her a scattered ripple of upward glances and lingering registering of who had just entered the shop were taken before those with clients got back to work and you turned to the counter.

“Miss Pear, welcome back,” she glanced to the side saying after seeing who was available, “Kovu is prepping your chair now. Would you like a beverage, or we have some whale shaped crackers if you need a snack.”

“No thank you, just had breakfast.”

With a nod she turned guiding you back to the station meant for you with the smallest chair available, “Kindly follow me.” Behind her you kept your eyes on her back until her step aside bringing the Dwobbit into view used to tending to your nails who flashed you his same kind smile. “Are you ready Kovu for Miss Pear?”

Kovu replied, “Of course, we have a lovely glittery mint shade for your toes if you are willing. Our Forest green was out.”

“Sure, sounds pretty.” The woman turned to head back to the door as it opened bringing more clients with it. Slipping out of your shoes and socks you accepted his hand to climb up onto the chair settling your bag on the chair beside you taking notice of the whispers of your name in trying to focus on his steps after you had settled your feet into the soaking tub.

“Now everybody by now has been raving about the new show featured on Bombadil Streaming,” The voice echoed through the shop and your eyes turned to the source of it, the flat screen on the far wall. “The show, is phenomenal, to say the least, we could spend all day praising it, however the one really making headlines lately, is none other than Creator, Animator and Voice Artist, Jaqi Pear. Who, for those of you don’t know, happens to be among the cast of the Voice Actors on the Bunny Show. If you have been living under a rock the show mainly centers around Bunny and her good friend Countess Beatrice, all of this leading up to several ties to the Durin clan, including Durin the Deathless himself.

Now all of that would be stunning enough, only, we have it on good authority now with actual pictures circulating of Miss Pear, a visit to the Findis hotel, was spotted among some posted pictures in their lobby of their latest family retreat. Obviously with a show centering the head of their clan they would be close, however we have been digging and recently a purchase was made by Miss Pear from a reputable dealership for a vehicle with another customer having heard Frerin Durin claiming Miss Pear as his sister.”

The second anchor let out a squeal and the third woman at the table excitedly said while the first let out an excited squeak herself, “Now, either Miss Pear has been secretly adopted as a member of the clan, or rather more titillating has managed to snag the heart of the only brother Frerin has, Thorin Durin.”

The second said, “Now Thorin is older, and for the past decade has co owned a tea and herb shop with two of his cousins, which has picked up in business and become quite the spot to sit out the Bunny show with a hot cup. Not to mention this new social handle building the press for the shop from someone called the MugMafioso exploring new drink blends from their shop. From what we can tell unlike his younger brother tries to remain rather mum on relationships if he has been having any. So this is very big if they are together.”

The first said, “And their sister, the only other option here isn’t one, because she has been blissfully wed to Vili Findis for decades now.”

The third said, “Now there isn’t much to be found on Miss Pear, past scattered jobs, performances with her Maiar performer and Master singing stone piano crafter maternal grandmother Sophie. With whom she was recorded performing with on disc,” she said lifting the cd she showed off, “I played it four times, I still have chills thinking about it.”

The second said as you noticed a few of the workers wondering if they should change the channel from the corner of your vision, “Clearly Miss Pear is talented, though there is little to no information of her past her immigration here on the grounds of her retiring from service.” Anxiously you wet your lips and your fingers folded together on your lap seeing papers being looked at by the First woman. “Now that is mainly due to the fact that she has changed her name.” By her tone she was reluctantly inching up to just who you used to be.

The first said in turning over the page saying, “Clearly since she has chosen a public profession we are honoring her choice to privacy on her other relations, whom even her grandmother has been respectfully mum on while sharing that she has children and grandchildren. Just like we assume her parents and siblings are of Miss Pear.”

The pair around her smiled again in their solidarity in choosing not to let that painful cat out of the bag and the third said, “When time comes for public announcements of courtship respectable bonds by two respectable clans no doubt will be made. From our digging Miss Pear has quite a lucrative line herself and very well could be with her current shows the higher earner in the relationship, which is quite stunning seeing how successful we all know the Durin clan to be greatly clearing any worries that fund seeking would be the reasoning behind it.”

The woman from the door was at your side again and you flashed her a grin trying to pretend you didn’t just flinch when Kovu had moved to your second foot to trim the cuticles as you usually did making him smirk at the clearly Elven trait on your sensitive partially Hobbit feet. “Hi,”

“Hello, Miss Pear, we could change the channel if you wished for us to.”

You shook your head saying, “No, it’s alright. Actually I haven’t been seeing much of the gossip lately. I have two jobs so I don’t get much tv time. Mainly stick to court shows.”

“Two jobs?” She asked curious about how that fit with the well circulated gossip you were from money.

“Have to bankroll your dreams somehow.” Making her chuckle at your giggled reply clearly meaning like most Dwarven clans you have been earning your rights to family funds as their heirs normally do.

Stepping back she stated, “If you change your mind just let me know.” Readying to rush over and greet the newest arrivals.

Looking down to Kovu you said, “I will stop flinching one day.”

After a chuckle he said, “No sooner would you stop being Hobbit. It is a welcome reaction.”

Looking up again as they had delved into the rites your clan would be possibly publicly present for you heard, “There is ample chance to get to know her clan while the pressing matters are ironed out. For now the pair seem to have managed to keep a low profile. And the Durin clan especially is not sharing anything, even a confirmation of the bond. In fact they are sharing little to do with Miss Pear beyond Frerin’s statement and the response from Thror himself on their approval and finding the Bunny Show a quite enjoyable tale involving their clan name that has in fact been formerly sent for approval years prior for clearance in using the name.”

The third said, “Which, the Durins own Venture Publishing, so that only gives hints that there very could well be a book in the works with whomever is behind this marvelous story.”

Biting your lip at the start of the lower leg massage you looked down hearing Kovu saying, “Your leg seems a bit looser than before in our past appointment.”

“Went to a hotel spa on a trip to Rohan, they said it was a Mburr knot.”

“Ohh, nasty things.”

“Feels looser, rain just tightened it up a bit again.”

“They do tend to take time to loosen fully. Working on your feet for hours does not help either.”

“Does help creativity though.” Making him chuckle to himself.

“True, absent hands often equal empty minds.”

A rinse of your legs came before he patted them dry with a towel down to your feet he massaged then set up to be painted. A clip on light helped to seal in the paint and he said, “For your nails we have your usual forest green powder. Don’t fret about that. Just the toes are different this time.”

“Either way, your work is lovely.”

“Might I ask, why green?”

“Pears are green. Plus, I spent decades by the sea, couldn’t go straight for blue. Red was too common a color, same as yellow or orange. Thought of purple a bit, but I heard it fades too quickly.”

Kovu said as you glanced up at the screen with the trio again now trying to guess what sort of woman you would be and how you might bring new things to the clan far more flashy than you truly were, “Wouldn’t know a brush from a clipper those three. These years I’ve known you that clan would be lucky to have you, funds or not. Kindness and bringers of hope are never without value no matter the lineage. Durins could always use more Hobbit blood too,” making you giggle to yourself.

“I think a great deal of clans could.” You replied making him chuckle to himself and help you down after removing the cover and adding the offered slippers. Carrying your shoes and socks he showed you to the nail stand where he set up his supplies allowing your nails to soak off.

To the topic of bringing up the differences between the brothers ending in an argument on which you should have chosen the channel was changed as you giggled to the beard, no beard argument as well as Frerin’s shorter hair to his ears against Thorin’s long ponytail to his shoulder blades. Both commenting to your possible race if choosing them on appearance alone with Thorin clearly the more attached to traditional Dwarven appearance. Which changing the channel only led to a debate on how your bond to Thranduil and his clan would affect their racing rivalry clearly being brought up to the pair at races. Once finished however you adjusted the ends of your shorts once your socks and shoes were added again on the walk to the counter where Kovu rang you up and escorted you to the door he opened for you giving you a nice send off.

.

Shortly you were parked at the store and joining the other random shoppers to the self opening doors. Grabbing a cart along the way you made your way inside to start gathering what was needed. A pause however was taken at a pass from one end of the store to the other on the paint aisle. To your cart you added a small can of chalkboard paint making you smirk on your way to the art supplies. Lost to your focus on one end an elated squeal from the other turned your head to the group of teens who snapped a picture of you then darted off after squealing, “Love the show!”

Nodding to yourself you continued to shop flashing quick grins to any who seemed to be looking your way a bit too long until you had paid and loaded up your trunk after having been vented to by both the woman behind and in front of you in line on their love of your shows. Though neither was speaking of the same show making it a tad confusing for you to keep up with the both of them for the walk out of the store and nearly halfway to your car.

.

Straight to the kitchen it all went and you put it away and brought a paint brush to paint over a risen section on cabinet.  From the handle you hung a small bag for the chalk. “Painting?”

Turning at Thorin’s voice you said, “Chalk board, for shopping lists. Since we mainly meet up at meals.”

“Clever,”

Looking him over the plotting grin inching across his lips had your brow twitch up, “What are you up to?”

“Well, felt bad, missing breakfast and all, so we are having dinner, at a place I know you will enjoy with Mal, the boys, Frerin, Dwalin and Bilbo.”

“Ok, should I change?”

“You look perfect,” you nodded and left the brush you’d cleaned on the edge of the sink to air dry after having put the paint away in the garage. “That was a brilliant idea.”

“Well I have plenty left over, thought I might add some on my sisters’ closet doors.”

“Sounds good,” to the garage he led you helping you into your jacket outside, “I’ll drive.”

“You got a package earlier,” you said when he joined you inside his car luring his eyes to you again and his dopey grin out seeing you in your adorably oversized coat reminding him of his first stolen peck on your cheek making him ache to steal another. “From Diaa and Niro looks like.”

“Ah, more pictures sounds like. Those can wait. For now, focus on dinner.” His hand reached over once he’d hit the button to close the garage behind you, “Have some fun.” Right over your hand laying on your lap his folded and for the brief drive you noticed a group of familiar cars joining you to the ax throwing eatery.

Excitedly you joined the others in grouping up beside your parked cars, his hand folded in yours again with fingers interlocked and as you walked inside the curious ravens back at home peered up at the new addition to the kitchen. Though it was Kuu who realized what it was leading to Belly leading the others in pulling out the chalk to scribble notes across the now dried board.

Around the hand carved tables in the cabin like dining section you all enjoyed your hearty suppers and lost to giggles you took your post dessert stop in the ax throwing half ignorant of the diners across the way stealing pictures of you all. Between the identical brothers a series of skeptical shots were taken as to which you were linked to until between rounds Thorin draped around your back pressing kisses to your cheek and forehead, abandoning you shortly for his turns then returning until yours to hold you again. Briefly the spies did however stop over asking for pictures and autographs.

Widely Frerin grinned greeting the ladies who commented on every stitch of him trying to flatter up a compliment in return through the signing then they asked, “Could we get a picture, with Miss Pear too?” Frerin glanced your way seeing you shifting in Thorin’s hold and the woman asked, “Celebrating something? Engagement perhaps?”

Her friend said, “Got to be nice, find yourself on a show about the Durins and land yourself a Durin to boot.”

Awkwardly you let out a breath trying to chuckle and Frerin said, “Just supper, though like a sister already, we couldn’t ask for a more talented person to man a show involving our clan.” Easing his arm around your shoulders keeping you close to his side lessening your contact with the trio folding around you both as Bilbo took the picture. Across the same receipts you signed J Pear inside a small pear making Frerin smirk seeing it next to his own with a tiny ghost doodle from the ghosts that used to be all across his first racing car he still loved to draw hinting to his roots. The cuddling didn’t go unnoticed and by morning was full spin in the media about the fated match yet to be confirmed by the Durin clan, the elders of which were uncertain if they should confirm anything just yet.

Pt 41

[hell-much]

05. your car slid into a snowbank and i’m the mechanic that comes to tow you (For the Sansaery ask prompt =D)

So when I first read this, I had no idea how to make this work... then it started to grow on me and... what do you know a little over 4000 words later -can someone tell me how to write short things, please?!- here we are. Hope you enjoy it and that Sansa as the mechanic works for you. :)

Thanks for the prompt!

---

It was a simple lesson that you read just about everywhere, and everyone and their fathers will happily tell you. If you ever feel your car starting to skid while driving, do not, under no circumstances hit the brakes; instead, get your foot off the gas and slowly try to stir it back into the lane.

Not exactly complicated.

Except it absolutely was.

Margaery's instincts to bring the car to a stop worked a lot faster than any common sense or competent advice. When she felt her car starting to lose grip, at the sixty kilometres per hour she was going, she hit the brakes. Hard.

The next thing she knew, she had slid off the road, the car coming to a forced stop with a solid thud and the inside of the vehicle going completely black.

For the first moment, her hands were trembling and tightly wound around the steering wheel all at once, and she needed a moment to collect herself. It took her an instant to figure out that her lack of vision did not have anything to do with shards of glass from the windscreen damaging her eyes. It was only completely covered in snow.

To her further discontent realising that did not help things along a great deal, nor did turning on the wipers. The lights of the car were buried firmly into the easily two-metre-high snowbank at the side of the road.  Only the moonlight shining through the windscreen offered a bit more vision than before.

A look out of the side and back showed her that she was not too far off the road. Another deep breath later, she put the car in reverse, and gently pressed on the gas pedal. She heard the car's engine roaring up, felt the vibrations of the wheelspin go through every part of the car, but nothing happened; she did not move an inch.

In a mixture out of stubborn helplessness and madness, she tried the exact same thing five more times, not entirely surprisingly with the exact same result.

When, at last, she got out of the car, to try and figure out if there was something she could do, the full extent of how screwed she was here became clear to her. The hood of the car was firmly stuck in the snowbank and the tires more than halfway buried in deep snow.

Shivering, she slipped back onto the driver seat, turned on the reading light and fished her phone out of her purse. As every independent and self-providing adult in her situation, she did the only reasonable thing; she called her dad.

Her father spent the first ten minutes listing all she had done wrong here to land in this situation. And then another fifteen describing things she could try to get the car back on the road -none for which she had the necessary equipment. Eventually, he surrendered and told her he would call his automobile club and have a towing vehicle send to her.

Margaery couldn't help a queasy feeling once she'd hung up the phone, wishing she'd stayed on with him a little longer. The realisation that she was right in the middle of nowhere, all by herself was hitting her full force. Each and every urban legend that started exactly like that came to her mind precisely in those moments, and she quickly pressed the button for central locking and fished in her purse for her pepper spray.

Like that, with the heating cranked up all the way and the radio turned on she found it bearable.

The ninety minutes it took for the light's of the truck to appear in her rear-view mirror were among the longest in her life. Only with them, a new sense of uneasiness settled in her chest. She had absolutely no idea who was coming for her help, but they doubtlessly knew that she was stuck here all by herself.

Her hands tightened firmly around the can in her hand and even as she saw the tall, lean figure in the lights approaching she still shrieked when there was a knock to her window.

How fast this kind of anxiety could be replaced by absolute bewilderment she had not known previous to the pale, friendly looking face, and most definitely feminine features of a woman appearing at her car window.

She rolled down the window, and still a good deal confused. "You're the mechanic?"

As the words left her mouth, she felt incredibly stupid. She decided to put the biased way of expecting a man to the adrenaline that still coursed through every single cell in her body.

The woman did not take offence but merely shot her a smirk. "If that'll work for you."

Margaery allowed herself another moment to collect her nerves before unlocking the car and stepping out into the freezing night air. She stood by and took in the woman taking in the damage with the help of a flashlight.

"My first guess would be a broken front axle," the woman observed after a short while. "But we have no way of knowing until we get you back onto the street.

Margaery stood by as she gathered the towline connected to the truck and attached it beneath the rear bumper of her rental. The truck already being parked in an appropriate distance and angle, left the mechanic to only activate the towing mechanism by hitting a button on the side of the truck. The towline tightened, and after a second or so the car hitched out of the holes it had buried itself into. An ugly scratching noise followed once it moved back onto the concrete of the street.

Margaery stepped around the car together with the mechanic, and she grimaced once she saw the hood properly dented in. It looked like she had driven into a brick wall, not a simple snowbank. There went her deposit.

"I'm afraid you are done with driving for tonight," came the remark of the mechanic. "We'll have to take you back to the workshop."

"Shit," Margaery mumbled. So much for her hope to arrive by tomorrow morning.

The mechanic took Margaery in for a flash; shivering, with her arms wrapped around herself.

"Why don't you go ahead and sit in the truck? I'll have this up on the platform in a couple of minutes, and then we can get out of here."

The question of whether she needed any help was on the tip of Margaery's tongue, but she caught herself before she could make a fool out of herself. She did not know the first thing about cars, or any of this, and would be properly useless.

As instructed, she climbed into the driver's cabin, pulling her scarf lose at the comfortably heated air that surrounded her. A quick try at a google search showed her that the internet connection was more or less non-existent, and for a moment, she considered how lucky she had been to make a phone call. A night spent out here in this cold, middle of nowhere was anything but desirable.

Dropping her phone into her lap, she took a look over her shoulder. She saw through the window that the car was already loaded up onto the truck and the mechanic was just putting what appeared to be finishing touches on securing it properly.

The woman climbed into her seat a moment later. She ridded herself off her jacket, and gloves, shooting Margaery an encouraging smile as she moved along. "We'll probably be able to fix it within a couple of days. Nothing too complicated."

A couple of days were an eternity when you hardly had more than that off from work. "Any chance I can get a rental car from somewhere tonight?"

"Tonight?"

Margaery nodded and noticed perfectly manicured nails coloured with bright red nail polish -what kind of mechanic had hands like that?- turn the key in the ignition.

"Low chances to be honest," she answered after a moment of contemplation. "We have a couple of rental companies, but none of them will open before tomorrow morning."

Margaery made a small sound of frustration.

"Where were you headed at this time anyway?"

"Queenscrown," Margaery answered with a sigh. "My connecting flight was cancelled because of the weather."

"And you thought driving in this weather was the better option?" The daunting in her tone was evident, and Margaery glanced in her direction just in time to see her smirking.

Margaery pursed her lips, because, yes, hearing her say it out loud it did sound like an entirely foolish plan.

"You are not from the North, are you?"

"What gave me away? My extraordinary driving on icy roads?"

The mechanic chuckled. "That, yes," she gave her a quick glance up and down while steering the truck onto the road. "And your outfit choice."

Margaery frowned and glanced down on her woollen coat, scarf and leather boots. "What's wrong with my outfit?"

She received a smile and a shake of her head in return. "Forget I said something."

"No," Margaery insisted. "Please do tell."

The woman threw her another quick glance that suggested she'd humour her. "It's pretty." The way she said it did not exactly sound like a compliment. "And Northerners do not really look for pretty in their outfit choice but for practical and preventing hypothermia."

Instinctively Margaery's fingers picked at her Burberry coat and her large scarf. She was not wrong. It did look more like it was made for a stroll through a ski town than anything else.

"I didn't mean to offend you," the mechanic added a moment later.

An instinctive "You didn't." did not make it past Margaery's lips once she spotted the smile the other woman bit away. She had meant to offend her, even if it was just a little.

"It is my first time in the North," she answered instead. "I'm from the Reach."

"Long way from home," the woman noted and flung an intrigued glance Margaery's way. "What brings you to Queenscrown then? Boyfriend there?"

"No," Margaery returned. "My brother is stationed there for the past six months. He's been having sort of a rough time."

"Military?"

"Yes," she sighed in return.

She'd been worried about him; it was the longest time in all their life that they had not seen each other and he'd sounded depressed when they talked. She suspected it had some connection to the drama surrounding his forced transfer to the North, after all the uproar about the affair with his superior.

"I have a cousin who is stationed in Queenscrown," the mechanic gave back after a moment of silence. "It can be rough. Plus it's not exactly the North's advertising location for a vacation."

"No, it doesn't seem to be."

"The good news for you though is that we have a daily train from Wintertown that brings you there in under seven hours."

While seven hours was still a hell of a long time to get from one town to the next, Margaery accepted it as a silver lining. If only because it would save her from any more driving in this icy hell.

Even now, when she was not driving herself, those narrow, dark roads still made her anxious, and she wondered one more time how she had ever considered this a good idea.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she stole the one or other glance at the woman next to her. She was leading the truck so effortlessly and safely along the roads; not even lose her stability when fishing for a water bottle behind her seat that she held out to Margaery a moment later.

Most definitely not what she'd thought a mechanics hands to feel like, Margaery thought once again, when perfectly manicured and soft fingers brushed against her own. "Thanks."

"It'll only be another then minutes or so," the woman informed her when the first lights of the town came into view in the distance. "I have a friend who owns a B&B who might be able to set you up for the night. Chances to get a hotel room at this time are pretty low."

"Does this town have a curfew I am not aware of?" Margaery mumbled with a shake of her head, smiling when it brought a melodic laugh from the other woman.

"In winter it can feel a bit of a ghost town at night," she acknowledged.

Margaery found that statement proven when they drove through an almost empty main street. They passed a total of one other car on the roads, and all restaurants and even bars were pitch dark.

The mechanic pulled the truck into a driveway leading up to a big parking lot and an, in comparison, small garage at the other end of it.

"Let's get inside," she suggested. "I'll call my friend, and we'll finish the paperwork."

Margaery let herself be led through a roll-up gate, into a dark garage and workshop. They came to a stop in front of a door on the other end of it, that she unlocked. Subsequently, she switched on the light and led her into a comfortably heated office room with an adjoining kitchen.

"Have a seat," the mechanic told her gesturing to one of the desks while shrugging off her own jacket and pulling off her beanie.

For just a short moment, Margaery had trouble following the offer, finding herself entirely caught off guard by seeing the other woman in proper light for the first time. Out on the street and inside the truck she'd figured her to be easy on the eyes. Still, that vague assumption had by no means prepared her for the contrast of bright red hair, braided into a delicate updo, and sparkling blue eyes; not to mention her smile.

"How about a coffee?"

Clearing her throat, Margaery pulled at her scarf and fidgeted with the first buttons of her coat; then she managed a smile of her own. "That sounds divine."

The redhead stepped behind the desk Margaery had taken a seat at and pulled two forms out of a filing system, placing them in front of her along with a pen. "Why don't you get started on these and I'll get us some of that divine caffeine ."

Margaery nodded, shrugged her coat off and just as she'd leaned over the form, scanning the required fields. Only a second later her mind forgot all personal details she'd ever known. On her way to the small adjoining kitchen, the redhead had unzipped the top of her white overall, slipped out of the sleeves and tied them around her waist.

The form-fitting black sweater, with a plunging neckline and the dangling silver necklace, was not what Margaery had expected.

"Medium roast, okay?" she asked over her shoulder while fishing for the coffee capsules on one of the shelves.

Margaery nodded, but did not have her face under control fast enough for the other woman to see it. She smiled at Margaery still, turned back and filled the water drunk of the coffee machine.  Margaery focused again on the form in front of her, starting to fill in the first field, when a plate of chocolate chip cookies was placed in front of her.

"Help yourself," she said, taking one off the plate herself. "This is my best batch so far."

Margaery watched her as she spun around back to the kitchenette, taking two cups and saucers out of the cupboard. Absentmindedly she picked one of the cookies off the plate, taking a bite as she brought her attention back on the page before here.

"Oh wow," she muttered after only a short moment.

The redhead shot her a smile, while slipping a capsule into the coffee maker. "Good wow?"

Still chewing Margaery covered her lips with her fingers and nodded. "Absolutely." That had to be one of the best cookies she'd ever tried. She dropped the pen altogether and focused her full attention on eating the delicious treat.

"So you know your way around cars, and you bake?"

Redhead smiled as she took the first filled cup out from under the machine and placed it in front of Margaery. "Not talents you'd consider to go together?"

"No, I just think it an unfair division of talents." Margaery chuckled wiping her hands on a provided napkin. "I am useless in both the kitchen and in anything technical."

The other woman graciously sunk into her office chair, a cup of coffee in front of her; a cookie between her lips while turning on the computer and typing in her password.

"So, you own this place?"

Smiling eyes glanced away from the computer screen and at Margaery. "You sound surprised?"

Shaking her head already, Margaery still tried to piece her answer together so she would not be offended. "It's just… you don't seem like the type?"

Yeah, that not trying to sound offensive thing had gone down great for sure.

Luckily her opposite looked still more amused than offended, her smirk had turned a little broader, and she raised her eyebrows. "And what type did you expect to own a workshop?"

Not wanting to dig her own hole any deeper Margaery shook her head and shrugged. "Forget I said something, it was stupid."

"No, no, I'd like to hear more about how feminist and knowing how to do an oil change do not go together."

She was teasing her, her tone playful, so much that it actually finally drew a smile to Margaery's face.

She leaned forward then, her chin resting on crossed hands. "It's a family business. My sister owns it and runs the more practical side of it. I just help out with the administrative tasks and with some of the basic things I picked up along the way."

Content that not all her instincts had failed her Margaery focused her attention one more time back at the form.  "This is isn't your full-time job then."

"Does that disappoint you?"

Making a feigned thoughtful face Margaery tiled her head but gave her most dazzling smile. "Maybe a little?"

"I'm finishing my history MA this year."

"Impressive," she noted.

"Not as impressive as," she leaned over the table to get a better glance at what Margaery had managed to fill in on the form. "Surgical resident at KLU Hospital." Her eyes darted to the sheet one more time. "Margaery."

She said her name through a glance up at her and made it sound like it was her new favourite word.

"I couldn't do that," she added then, leaning back again, taking a sip from her coffee. "People's lives being your responsibility… that is a lot of pressure. Do you have a speciality in mind yet?"

"Neurological?"

Red-head chuckled. "That sounds like you are asking me."

Margaery rolled her eyes, "I might have been … struggling with that question for a while now."

Having the legacy of Olenna Tyrell to live up to a challenge she had always been happy to take on and succeed at. But the further she got in her residency, the less her grandmother's field of expertise seemed what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

A soft, so-very-not-a-mechanics' hand reached out and covered her own for a short moment. "I didn't mean to upset you."

Margaery bit her lip, her eyes drawn to the pale, warm hand on her own. She wasn't upset. But she also found that she didn't want the touch to go away.

"I'm fine," she settled on with a small smile. "Thanks."

To her joy the warm palm lingered for another moment, and the smile that was sent her way along with the touch was equally full of warmth.

The moment was interrupted by the buzzing sound of a phone ringing, and yet it still needed a couple of seconds to entirely leave them. Hands retracted, but blue eyes remained firmly on her for a long moment, even while she fished the phone out of her purse. The soft smile only wavering when her eyes darted to the name on the screen.

"Excuse me for a moment?" She pushed her chair back and got to her feet, taking the call into the workshop.

Margaery tried her best to gather her focus for long enough to finally fill out the insurance form but didn't get much further as parts of the redhead's voice reached her through the door cracked open.

She sounded apologetic, Margaery was sure she made out the word "Sorry" a couple of times and something along the lines of "I don't think this will work out.".

The woman's smile had dimmed when she returned to the desk; a frown on her forehead, while she was clearly avoiding to look at Margaery just then, fiercely clicking at something on her screen.

"Is everything okay?"

Margaery could see on her expression how she went from wanting to tell her everything was fine, to actually settling on the truth once she looked at her.

With a heavy sigh, she fell back against her chair. "I'm just so bad at this."

Margaery was unable to help the lopsided smile any more than her words. "I thought we settled on me envying you because you are not bad at anything?"

That managed to wipe the tension of the other woman's face for a short moment, and she chuckled. "Sorry to disenchant you there."

It burned on Margaery's tongue to ask what exactly happened, but it did not feel like within her right towards someone she'd met only a good two hours ago.

Luckily she didn't have to ponder over boundaries, because the redhead rested her chin on a hand, looking at her with a half-smile. "Full disclosure?" she asked with a sigh. "I was sort of on a date when your call came in."

"Oh."

Margaery hoped that it sounded apologetic like she intended and did not give away too much of truckload of disappointment she felt emptied over her head.

It figured that she was seeing someone; looking like she did, she was probably one of those girls who did not stay single for longer than a very short period of time in-between relationships.

The other woman made a dismissive hand gesture. "It serves me right for making plans when I'm on-call. I simply did not assume anyone would be foolish enough to drive tonight."

She gave Margaery another one of those teasing smiles, that had excited Margaery before, only now it felt border lining on cruel.

"At last an explanation for your outfit," Margaery pointed out, wanting to talk about anything but her date. "I figured that wasn't your typical attire beneath your working clothes."

The redhead looked down on herself. "Oh. No. Sorry to disappoint you."

Oh, you have no idea.

Finding it hard to look at her Margaery glanced own and tapped the pen against the still only halfway finished form. "I'm still sorry for ruining your night."

A shrug went over slender shoulders. "There was not a whole lot to be ruined." Margaery glanced up just in time to see one of those gorgeous smiles sent her way. "If anything I feel I should give you a discount, for giving me a reason to get out of there."

Margaery's finger tightened around the pen, drawing small lines along the edge of the sheet, glad to have something to focus on, despite the tall, gorgeous woman in front of her. "Bad match?"

"Actually no," came the prompt reply. "She was lovely."

She. Margaery had a hard time just about then to suppress a joyous smile that wanted to spread over her face.

"But?"

"But," her eyes were fastened on Margaery in a way that had warmth rise to cheeks. "There was no chemistry."

This woman had a way of emphasising single, harmless words in a way that did things to Margaery. She was not someone who blushed or got flustered, but that woman had her as close to it as she ever was.

"And in my experience, that is nothing that develops over time."

"No," Margaery agreed in a quiet tone. "That's not something you can force."

When her eyes darted from her face to her hands Margaery thought for a moment she'd reach out again; the question that came instead felt a little like a cold shower. "Would you like another coffee?"

"I shouldn't," she pressed out through a forced smile, hands cupping the empty coffee cup.

The soft smile remained in place, but she pushed back her chair. "Perhaps we should be going then. It's late."

Margaery could not say what she had expected, if she should have expected anything, but this felt cut all too short. Still, she followed suit to the other woman getting to her feet. Was it possible that she had read the situation so false? Hyped up on all that leftover adrenaline and caffeine, she couldn't exclude it.

The other woman went on peeling herself out of the rest of her overall, and Margaery failed graciously at not appearing too obvious in not admiring the tight jeans that revealed themselves underneath.

"I just came out of a ten-day night shift," she told her, in an attempt to fill the silence, shrugging her own coat back on. "This is basically lunchtime for me."

"I imagine it's hard to get into a normal rhythm after that." Her curves accented so well by the clothing disappeared underneath a thick black down coat.

"Hence my nightly driving, trying to make the best of a sleepless night." Margaery shrugged, fishing the unfinished forms off the desk. "What do I do with these?"

"You can drop them off tomorrow. No rush." The door leading back to the workshop was held open to her.  

It was cold in the garage and Margaery wrapped her arms around herself while the other woman locked the door behind them. "Did you ever call your friend?" Margaery wondered out loud. "About that room?"

"I haven't."

All the sudden Margaery found eyes looking at her with new intensity.

"I still can if you want me to," she added, taking a slow step towards her, playing with the keys she held between long fingers.

Margaery swallowed, a tentative smile forming on her lips. Every nerve ending in her body felt suddenly on alert; in the very best way. "That depends on the alternative."

"You could come back to my place."

Heat coiled inside Margaery.

Without a doubt she was crazy to consider it; off the top of her head, there were twenty very good reasons why this was a bad idea.

Only she'd also never been more certain she'd regret not doing something for all eternity.

The redhead stood tall in front of her, still in a reasonable distance, but that could not lessen any of the intensity this moment had. For the first time tonight, there was a hint of shyness in her features, an indicator that this was not something she did on a daily basis.

It was just that quality that had Margaery nod her head at last. "If you'll have me."

A soft smile turned into a mischievous smirk. "My pleasure."

She let herself be led to exit towards the parking lot, where she came to a stop in the door that was held open for her. In the lights from the street, she saw blue eyes taking her in.

"One more thing," Margaery said, looking up at her, pursing her lips for a moment.

She received an expectant look in return.

"What's your name?"

The redhead chuckled melodically. "Sansa. Sansa Stark."

Margaery pushed herself off the door frame then and went a couple of steps backwards into the parking lot. "Pleasure to meet you, Sansa."

[nibbler747]

Caged Birds

Sneak Peak of DeiSaku Fanfic

Caged Birds

“Get your hands off me!  I’m not who you think I am” Sakura screamed.    Her hands were bound with chakra; three ninja were dragging her deep into the forest of the Hidden Mist.  

“Likely story” the largest man muttered.  “You were in the same place we found that Akatsuki freak.  I know the Akatsuki always work in pairs.  Probably looking for him weren’t you?”

“I’m not Akatsuki” Sakura gasped.  She was fading fast, the wound on her arm was bleeding badly.  “My name is Sakura.  Haruno Sakura of the Hidden Leaf.   I am Lady Tsunade’s apprentice.  I was on a mission.  Please listen to me.”

“Then why is your leaf emblem like this?” The red haired ninja pulled out her forehead protector from his pocket. The leaf had been slashed down the middle. “These rats will say anything when captured.  Just toss her in with her partner there.  When the reinforcements come they can sort it out.   We need to get back to the battle.”

The Mist Ninja all stopped in front of a large tree with a big knot in the front. The red haired ninja made a hand symbol. “Dispel” he whispered.  The tree vanished and a small cabin was in its place.  It appeared to be enveloped in a field of chakra.  The third ninja pulled out a scroll, bit his thumb and performed an unsealing ritual.  The field of chakra disappeared.

“This field will only disappear for a few moments.  Toss her in quick, before that other freak can react” the red haired ninja ordered.

The large ninja opened the door to the cabin and tossed her to the floor of the cabin. “Have fun in your prison.”  Sakura grabbed her arm and winced.  She was losing so much blood.

“Don’t forget this, traitor.”  Her forehead protector clanged on the floor beside her.  The room went black as the cabin resealed.

Sakura lifted her head from the floor.  She was in a dark dusty room, she could make out some chairs ahead of her.    Not much was visible in this darkness.  Her arm now had blood running down it from the wound. She would need to stop the bleeding quickly, or she would lose consciousness soon.  As she sat up, she saw a shadow move in the corner.  Quickly she scuttled back to the wall and pulled out her kunai with her bound hands.  

“Who is there?” she yelled.  

Silence met her call.  She decided to risk it and throw her kunai blindly into the corner of the room.  She saw a sudden movement and a black robe with red clouds billowed.

“Akatsuki. I know you are here.  I’ve killed one of you before, and I’m not afraid to do it again” she stated in a low voice.

“Is that so Kunoichi?” a deep voice called from the shadows.

A chill ran through Sakura’s bones.  Who was it? All the Akatsuki were terrors, each one seemingly scarier than the last.  His voice appeared to move.  Where was he now?

“Come out. Face me.  Or are you too much of a coward?” she gasped.  She clutched her arm.  What was she doing?  She was in no shape for a battle.  She didn’t want to go down this way though.  Not lying down.  Not without a fight.  That was not her way.

“Coward?” The Akatsuki started laughing.  “I don’t think I’ve ever been called that before. Hn.”

His voice now sounded like it was coming from above her.  Where was he?  Sakura scanned the room, but still could not see the offending figure.  The room was starting to shift.  She was struggling to blink.  She clenched her arm to try to apply pressure to the wound.  Her vision was starting to dim.

The red clouds billowed in front of her.   She saw clear bright blue eyes and golden hair.  Then she saw nothing.

<hr/>

Sakura woke up to a searing pain in her left arm.  She opened her eyes disorientated.  Where was she?  She didn’t recognize this place at all. She was in bed in a room she had never seen before. She reached for her kunai to discover it was not there.  The memories started flooding back.  The mission.  The Mist Ninja capturing her,  The hidden cabin.  The Akatsuki.

She bolted straight up to see her kunai lying on the bedside table beside her, along with a pitcher of water, a washcloth, a half empty glass and her forehead protector.  She grabbed the kunai and scanned the room.  When she got to the corner her heart stopped.  It was the man with the blue eyes.  Sitting on his cot casually, he was staring at her with a bemused expression on his face.

Deidara. The man who had single-handedly captured Gaara.  The man who had evaded Kakashi sensei.  The man who had been Sasori’s partner.

“Don’t you come near me, or I’ll kill you.  I swear to God” Sakura hissed.

Deidara got up and leisurely stretched his limbs.  He started laughing.  “Oh Kunoichi. We’re not back to this conversation are we?  If I was going to kill you, I could have done it a thousand times over by now.”

Sakura stared at him.  She had never been so close to him before.   This man radiated energy she had never seen before.  His hair was wild and tied up high on his head so a section was covering one eye.    It was blonde, but nothing like Ino’s which so light in colour.  His was bright yellow like the sun, and his eyes a stunning azure blue.  He looked  young, he couldn’t have been much older than she was.  Maybe a few years at most.  His body was strong and lean, a common body type amongst ninja.  

“Why didn’t you?” she asked.

“Why didn’t I kill you?” Deidara gave a little laugh.  “Well, the day is young.”

Sakura steeled her expressionless face, still holding her kunai out towards him.

“Hmmm….maybe a bit too early for jokes yeah.  Well, I have no reason to kill you.  Unless, of course, you are here to kill me.  Then that could change things.  Why are you here Kunoichi?  How did you end up in this cabin with me?”

Sakura sighed.  “Mistaken identity.  The mist ninja were under the impression that I am your partner.”  She nodded towards the slashed forehead protector.  “That sure didn’t help things.  That happened during my last mission.  Long story.”

“Aah. They think you are Akatsuki. Hmmmm..”  He eyed her up and down thoughtfully.  “The black robe might suit you.”

Sakura scoffed.  The searing pain in her arm overtook her as she dropped her kunai on her bed and clutched her arm.  She looked down at it.  The wound had been covered in a long white bandage.   She looked over at her kunai.  She would have to let her guard down, and heal her arm.  It appeared he was not going to attack her in this moment.

“So, I tried to help your arm.  I have no medical training but I tried to stop the bleeding and wrap it up.” Deidara said.  “I didn’t know how else to stop it from bleeding out.  I’ve used this method on myself before.”

Sakura slowly unwrapped the bandage on her arm.  It revealed a long knife wound that had been cauterized by heat.  She glanced over at the bedside table with water and washcloth.  Her arm had been carefully cleaned.   Deidara had done this?  He had taken care of her?  It was puzzling.  He was not at all how she would expect an S-Class criminal to behave.  She thought he would have either killed her, or tossed her in a room and to let her suffer.  Could he just be putting on an act to get her to trust him?  Well first things were first.  She needed to sort out her arm before she could concentrate on anything else.

She started to gather a healing chakra in her hand.  Deidara walked over, his eyes glued to the ball of green light.  He stood at the end of her bed fascinated.

Sakura closed her eyes and put the healing chakra over the wound.  With great precision she began to repair the damaged tissue.  Slowly but ever so surely, the wound began to repair.  Each layer of epidermis required precise chakra control to heal the damaged tissue.  Each cell needed to be in the exact right place, there was no room for error.  After ten minutes, she lifted her hand away.  

“Well that’s the best I can do. It feels so much better though.”  She twisted her arm and moved it freely.   “Just a small scar to contend with.  That’s the life of a ninja.”

Deidara was still staring at her arm.  “That was fascinating.  I’ve never witnessed a surgery like that.  You are very skilled Kunoichi.”

“Sakura” she said.  “My name is Sakura.  Haruno Sakura of the Hidden Leaf.”

“Sakura” he repeated.  “Like the blossom.”  He gazed at her silky pink hair that was cascading below her shoulders.  “A beautiful flower for a beautiful woman.  Very fitting.”

Sakura felt the hairs on her arms raise.  He made her feel nervous.  The man sitting on her bed was a killer.  A psychopath. He enjoyed blowing things up.  And here she was getting goosebumps because he said she was pretty?   Why was he so distractingly attractive?   She must have lost too much blood, because her first impressions of him were more of curiosity than of fear.   She needed to keep her wits about her, because she didn’t know what kind of game he was playing.

“You look a bit flushed.  Perhaps you should rest.  You did lose a lot of blood.”

“Ummm yeah. You are probably right.  I think I will”  Sakura swung her legs back over into the bed.  She wanted to know more about where they were staying, and formulate escape plans.  The fact was, she was feeling tired from just being up for a little bit.  Perhaps rest was the best idea.