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#if you have any other questions bout him lemme know I’ll try my best to answer em
hellishgayliath · 7 months
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By the way if you’d like to update pico’s Spirit design completely up to you
(Ya don’t gotta answer. I’m a super secret person ya would never guess who I am🥸)
How’d you know he’s been on my mind lately mystery person that is totally not Coko huehue
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The only tweaks I made for his look was longer ears, a lion’s like mane cuz cmon that’s just cute, and different eye markings but it might change cuz I’m still indecisive on one I want to settle with. And the fun part is you can go crazy with the foliage that grows on his back, there’s no specific one way to do it cuz just like nature, it’s inconsistent and all over the place :D
Some additional stuff I wanted to add onto him. He himself is only tethered to the forest, he can’t leave it whatsoever. Maybe it’s cuz he’s the guardian of it or maybe just some unexplained mystical mojo is at play, but all he knows is he can’t step foot outside the forest. Another thing is the way he laughs, kinda similar to sounds regular opossums make, he gives off a “ch” noise. Also he’s always gonna be dirty and covered in dirt and grass stains and not really care about how he looks. But if those he’s assisting want to offer a lil groom he’s not gonna refuse. He quite likes flower crowns :3
OH and his favorite resting place is a giant weeping willow tree cuz those are my favourite trees to place in a fantasy setting >:0
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(your babie is so cute I couldn’t resist adding him again @cokoweee )
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spacexcowgirl · 4 years
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I Think He Knows - F.W.
Fred Weasley x Reader
Summary: Y/N gets drunk, and decides there's no better time to tell her boyfriend she loves him than the present.
Word Count: 3.9k
Warnings: Alcohol usage/intoxication!! There’s a make out scene. Also food. Otherwise mainly just fluff!
A/N: This is my first fic I’ve ever posted on here and the inspiration for it was born out of a drunken anon ask to @lumosandnoxwriting​ sooo here it is. I’ll probably end up writing another part about the next day and them recouping, but who knows. Totally open to any critiques/criticism/help anyone has to offer! Pictures are taken from Pinterest.
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The flashing lights were bright and the music far too loud, but you didn’t care. You had liquid courage flowing through your veins and it was making it increasingly easier to lose yourself on the dance floor. Typically, you weren’t much of a dancer, but several shots of some pink liquid you had forgotten the name of had you abandoning all traces of your usual self. You swayed your hips to the rhythm of a song you didn’t know, giggling every time you made eye contact with Alicia or Angelina.
As the song playing came to an end, you gripped your best friends’ forearms and dragged them from the dance floor before another could start. You briefly heard their groans of protests but couldn’t find it in yourself to care.
“I want another drink!” You shouted over the music, pulling them towards the bar.
“We don’t need another.” Alicia pointed out, but she was now following you on her own accord, which told you she wouldn’t be protesting too much.
At the bar, you ordered another round of shots for the three of you—asking specifically for ‘whatever the pink one is called.’ The three of you clinked the small glasses together before raising them to your lips and throwing your heads back, allowing the liquid to leave a burning trail down your throat. 
“I’m going to call him.” You announced brightly, slamming your glass down on the bar.
“Y/N, we talked about this!” Angelina whined. “Tonight is supposed to be girl’s night. Plus, Fred’s out with his friends. You should give him his space.”
“Oh please, you act like that boy wouldn’t drop everything to rush over here and be with her.” Alicia rolled her eyes lightly, a knowing smile lighting up her face.
Her words caused you to blush furiously, which you attempted to hide by sliding your cellphone out of your back pocket and bringing it to your face. The screen was too bright, but as you fumbled around with trying to turn it down, you came to realize just how drunk you really were. You quickly gave up on trying to turn down the brightness and instead opened up the call app, clicking at the button that read ‘Recents’ before tapping the name right at the top. You barely registered Angelina’s disappointed groan as you brought the phone to your ear.
“Hello?” 
“Freddie!” You called out, a sweet giggle leaving your lips. You were filled with the most wonderful elation at speaking to your boyfriend, sending a flutter of butterflies alive through your stomach.
“Oh, hello, Y/N.” The voice chuckled. “This isn’t—”
“Where are you?” You interrupted him, rocking slightly on your heels. Angelina was people watching those out on the dance floor, while Alicia had taken up flirting with some bloke next to her.
“We’re still at Lee’s flat.” There was a pause, then he continued. “Y/N, this is George you called. How drunk are you?”
“I don’t think I’m that drunk. Let me ask Angie.” You paused, putting the phone on speaker so your friend could answer for you. “Ang, how drunk am I?”
“Very.” Angelina answered over the music, earning a laugh from George on the other end of the line. “’s that George? Lemme talk to him.”
Angelina took the phone from your hand, ignoring your pout as she did so, and switched it off of speaker mode. At first, you had tried to listen in on the conversation she was having with George, but you quickly got distracted. You hoisted yourself up into one of the bar seats, kicking your legs back and forth as you gazed around. After a few minutes, you were pulled from your drunken thoughts when Angelina nudged you with your phone.
“He hung up?” You pouted as you looked at the black screen. “Are they coming here?”
“No, they’re staying at Lee’s.” Angelina shook her head. “But they said they’d meet us back at your flat when we leave here.”
“Well, let’s go!” You quickly went to jump down from the stool, only for Angelina to place her hands on your shoulders and hold you in place.
“Uh uh, we’re gonna let you sober up a bit first.” She shook her head. “Don’t want you doing something you’ll regret tomorrow.”
“Especially when we know you’ll blame us.” Alicia now joined in, evidently blowing off the guy she had been flirting with only moments before.
Perhaps if you were even a little less drunk, you would have been annoyed by their statements. But currently, you were in a state of almost childlike happiness and wonder. You couldn’t help but let your mind wander to thoughts of your boyfriend, causing a cheesy grin to rise to your face. The past 6 months together had been some of the best of your life, and you often found yourself wondering why you two hadn’t gotten together sooner. You had always been friends during your Hogwarts years, but neither of you ever attempted to take that next step in your relationship until years after graduation. Now, you couldn’t be more thankful with the change.
“I’m going to tell him I love him.” You declared, saying the words out loud as more of a way to convince yourself than to inform them.
“What?” Alicia sputtered, shooting a worried glance to Angelina. “You mean, tonight?”
“I don’t see why not.” You shrugged. “I mean, I do love him. Why shouldn’t I tell him?”
“Y/N/N, don’t you think maybe you should wait until you’re sober?” Angelina looked at you hesitantly. “I mean, that’s kind of a big step.”
“You guys don’t get it,” You sighed, crossing your arms over your chest like a child being scolded. In your drunken mind, you knew that they would never understand the ins and outs of your relationship with Fred. The two of you had never put pressure on things that others deemed ‘the big stuff.’ Everything always had just come so naturally between you two, and you were convinced this should be no different. A small voice in the back of your head told you that the sober version of you would disagree, but you pushed it away. Your decision was made.
“This is like, exactly what we mean by you doing something you’ll regret and blaming us.” Alicia sighed. “So, you better not be mad at us tomorrow.”
“I won’t be, promise.” You affirmed. 
How could this possibly go wrong?
About an hour later, Angelina and Alicia had enough of the club environment and had decided you were sober enough that they could safely walk you back to your flat. The three of you gathered your things and your excitement bubbled inside of you at the prospect of finally getting to see Fred. You nearly skipped out of the club, Alicia and Angelina trailing close behind you, and into the cool night air. Almost immediately, your eyes were drawn to two heads of red hair, backs to you, talking at the edge of the sidewalk. Although they were nearly identical, there was something about one of their postures and energy, and you just knew that it was Fred. Before Angelina or Alicia could stop you, you were running and jumping on your boyfriend’s back, nearly sending him tumbling over.
“Freddie!” You squealed, attaching your arms firmly around his middle as your feet replanted on the ground. He swiveled in your hold, a bout of laughter leaving his lips, as he took in your presence.
“’s good to see you too, love.” He slurred, bending down at a slightly awkward angle to pepper your face with kisses. You giggled at the tickling feeling his lips left behind.
“Thought we were meeting you guys back at her flat?” Angelina questioned as she approached the three of you.
“That was the plan, but Freddie here has had one too many glasses of firewhisky and decided he couldn’t wait that long.” George rolled his eyes. “Said he’d go with or without me to find you guys, so we’ve just been waiting out here.”
“Great, so they’re both drunk off their asses.” Alicia feigned annoyance, but the small smile on her face as she gazed at her two friends public displays of affection showed that she wasn’t truly bothered.
“Alright, love birds, it’s bloody freezing out.” George clapped a hand down on Fred’s shoulder, pulling the older twin’s attention away from you for the first time. “Let’s get going, yeah?”
Fred nodded and held out his hand for you to take, which you happily accepted. The two of you lead the others, swinging your hands between you as you walked down the sidewalk. The entire time, you whispered and giggled back and forth, finding anything and everything to be the funniest thing you ever heard.
“Your hand is so tiny.” Fred giggled, halting your swinging motion to bring your interlaced fingers up and examine them. 
“Is not.” You pouted. You attempted to pull your hand from his, but his grip on you was firm. He used your conjoined hands to pull you closer to him, causing you to stumble slightly, which of course resulted in both of you giggling even more. Fred placed a kiss on each of your knuckles before letting both of your hands fall comfortably between you again.
“It is, but it’s cute.” He looked down at you dreamily, as if you were the most perfect thing he had ever laid his eyes on. In an instant, all of his drunk giddiness seemed to fade and he became uncharacteristically serious. “How did I get so lucky?”
“Hm.” You pretended to ponder the question, bringing your free hand up to tap your chin. “Dunno. I still think you must have me under some spell or potion.”
“Oh, right, how could I forget?” He grinned. “That reminds me, I’ve gotta make another batch of love potion before this one wears off and you leave me.”
“Wouldn’t want that, would we?” You teased back, knocking your shoulder into his.
“Never.” And you could tell, he was serious.
Up ahead you could see the familiar outline of your building. You hadn’t realized just how tired your feet were from walking in your heels, and you longed for nothing more than to slip them off and lie in Fred’s arms for the rest of the night. Nerves began to bubble in your stomach the closer you got, because you knew that meant you were just another step closer to finally telling him. While you hadn’t faltered in your decision, as you began to sober up slightly, you couldn’t help but be anxious for how he would respond. 
“Do we need to help you two get in?” George questioned once you finally were outside your building.
“We’ll be okay.” Fred shook his head. You cuddled into his side for warmth, causing him to raise your entangled hands and wrap his arm around your shoulder. He pressed a kiss to the side of your head, causing a dopey smile to rise onto your face.
“You’re sure?” Angelina looked between the two of you with raised brows. In response, you simply nodded. “Okay, well, call me tomorrow, alright?”
Both Alicia and Angelina sent you one last glance, one that you knew communicated how they didn’t encourage what you had told them earlier, before they all nodded and offered goodbyes, carrying on their way. Fred untangled your hands and removed his arm from your shoulder to open the door, dramatically bowing forward and extending an arm to allow you to enter first.
“After you, m’lady.”
You giggled loudly at his antics, skipping into the building and beginning towards the stairs. Fred  was hot on your heels, causing you to quicken your pace and run ahead of him, his laughter ringing out behind you as he tried to catch up to you.  Just as you turned on the first landing to continue up the steps, Fred’s hands caught your waist and began ticking your sides, causing your laughter to increase. You did your best to wriggle out of his grasp, which was much easier to do in his drunken state, and continued up the steps. Once on your floor, you quickly turned the corner and found the way to your flat, fumbling with your keys to get in before Fred caught up.
Unfortunately for you, you couldn’t seem to find the right key let alone slide it in to unlock the door, so Fred was able to catch up as you fumbled. You forgot your efforts and instead turned around and blocked the door, a drunken smirk on your face as you gazed up at your boyfriend.
“Sorry, you’re not allowed in.” You teased, crossing your arms over your chest.
“You’re really going to leave your sweet, loving boyfriend out in the hall, after he went out of his way to safely walk you back from the club?” 
“Mhm.” You nodded. “That is, unless you can tell me the password.”
Fred pretended to think for a moment, before he swooped his head down and pressed your lips together in a kiss. It was clumsy, both of your mouths seeming just a bit off center, but it was clear that neither of you cared. You tangled your arms around his neck, pulling him as close as possible, as he pressed your back against the door. He pulled back first, leaving you in lovesick bliss.
“Did you kiss the fat lady like that every time you forgot the password?” You teased once you were able to find your voice.
“Only sometimes.” Fred teased back.
You rolled your eyes playfully before unwinding your hands from behind his head and finally, successfully unlocking your front door. You pulled Fred into the flat by his collar, dragging him all the way to your living room before dropping down onto the couch and shuffling to let him cuddle up behind you. 
For a few moments, you both laid tangled in each other’s arms, listening to nothing but his heartbeat. The sound was rhythmic, and you knew if you didn’t speak up soon you’d fall asleep any minute. But, you weren’t ready to fall asleep yet. You wanted to stay up, to talk to him, to tell him exactly what was on your mind. So, you shifted awkwardly and held yourself up on your forearms to gaze at him.
“‘m hungry.” You declared, your bottom lip jutting out into a pout as you put on your best puppy dog eyes.
“’s too late to order something.” Fred sighed. “Lemme go look at what you have in your fridge.”
You sat up to let him get up, resisting the urge to sigh at his absence. From the kitchen, you could hear the familiar clatter as he riffled through your pots and pans and opened and closed various cupboards. Somehow the sound was like the sweetest melody. It was like a soundtrack of pure bliss, a reminder that he was there, with you, and that you were happy. In the simplest terms.
You shifted to lay down on your back and stare up at your ceiling, breathing in what you could only describe as domestic bliss. You were so wrapped up in your thoughts that you didn’t even hear him re-enter the room, your focus only being drawn away when the couch shifted from his weight. He lifted your legs to rest in his lap, his hand lightly rubbing up and down your ankle at a soothing rhythm.
“Got a quesadilla cooking.” He declared, his eyes tracing up and down your figure as you moved to sit up and look at him.
“Couldn’t stay away from me long enough to watch it?” You teased lightly.
“Can you blame me?” Fred grinned at you, giving your ankle a light squeeze.
You giggled at the contact before sitting up further, swinging your legs around to straddle his waist. You let your arms rest around his neck, a dopey smile on your face as you fiddled with the short hairs there. Fred leaned forward and nuzzled his nose against yours, causing you both to giggle further. 
“You’re my favorite person in the world, you know that?” Fred breathed out, bringing your foreheads to rest together. 
His words caused the familiar butterflies to erupt in your stomach, your smile widening even further. Some part of you knew this would be the perfect moment to tell him exactly how you felt. To tell him that your days are just a bit darker when he’s not around, and how he can make you laugh even when you want nothing more than to cry. You wanted to tell him how whenever he was gone on business trips, you could only fall asleep if you were wearing one of the old t-shirts he had left at your flat, or how you always seem to find something that made you think of him no matter where you were. But, your drunken brain was far from articulate, and your nerves seemed to have a firm grasp on your tongue, so instead, you simply pressed your lips to his.
Fred kissed you back passionately, and it was clear that neither of you minded that both of your mouths held the aftertastes of different alcohols. His lip glided along your bottom lip as his hands found your hips, steadying your movements. When you knocked your teeth together in the drunken kiss, you both pulled back for a moment to giggle, before the passion resumed.
Things seemed to carry on like that for several minutes, wanting nothing more than to be close to one another in every way possible, to be tangled up in anyway that you could, but having to pause every little bit to let out drunken giggles at the situation. You were certain no one had ever gotten you the way Fred Weasley got you, that no one could make you feel so comfortable, and that you were irrevocably in love with him.
Your sweet moment together was brought to a halt by the sound of a loud screeching coming from the kitchen. It took a moment for your brain to recognize it as the sound of your smoke alarm, but once it did you both were to your feet and rushing into the kitchen. Fred cursed under his breath at the clouds of smoke rising from the skillet and quickly set to turn off the burner. You grabbed a drying towel from the counter and began to wave it by the alarm, attempting to cease the godawful beeping it was letting out. After a few minutes, the sound did cease and the smoke cleared, allowing you to breathe a sigh of relief.
“It’s burnt.” Fred pouted, lifting the skillet to show you the blackened quesadilla. 
You weren’t sure if it was the childlike expression on his face or the fact that you both had entirely forgotten about it in the first place, but you couldn’t help but erupt into a fit of laughter. Fred looked at you for a moment as if he were offended by your giggling, before turning his attention the burnt quesadilla, then back to you, and beginning to laugh as well. It was all so absurd and truthfully far from funny, but in that moment, nothing could make you laugh harder.
Fred slid the quesadilla in the garbage before placing the skillet in the sink, resigning to washing it later. In the meantime, you had grabbed the bag of shredded cheese and hoisted yourself up on the counter, swinging your legs as you scooped out a handful of the cheese and began to eat it.
Fred turned and smiled fondly at your actions, crossing the kitchen to settle himself between your legs. He opened his mouth and you wordlessly registered what he was requesting, leaning forward to drop some of the cheese into his mouth. Both of you continued to giggle lightly, feeling nothing but elation as you remained in each other’s presence. 
You raised your hand to offer Fred a bit more of the cheese, smiling warmly when he opened his mouth to accept some. The two of you weren’t as in sync as you might normally be, considering your varying levels of intoxication, and as you dropped some of the cheese onto his tongue you were too slow to remove your hand and he was too quick to bite down, causing him to nip your finger lightly.
You pulled your hand back hastily and Fred’s eyes widened as if he had just mortally wounded you. He swallowed the remaining cheese in his mouth before speaking up, taking your hand in his to examine it.
“Did I hurt you? Are you okay? Merlin, I am so sorry. Are you bleeding? You must be bleeding.”
You weren’t. 
His rambling and concern for you caused you to tilt your head back and let out a loud bout of laughter. 
“‘m fine, Freddie.” You assured, leaning forward to press your lips to his and squash his worries. 
Fred brought your hand to his mouth and pressed a soft kiss to the finger he had just bit, nodding to himself after as if to convince himself that now you were fine. Truly, it was just about the cutest thing you had ever seen.
You spent the next few moments polishing off the bag of shredded cheese, Fred abundantly more careful not to nip your fingers anymore. You chatted lightly, talking about every drunk thing that crossed your mind. Once the cheese was gone Fred poured the both of you a glass of water, sloshing it around slightly as he tried to balance them both in one hand and extend the other to you. You hopped down from the counter and accepted his hand, allowing him to guide you back to your bedroom. He spilled nearly half of each water on the way, mostly on himself, but neither of you could find it in you to care. 
Once inside, you threw yourself down into the center of your bed, extending your hands out in a grabbing motion as Fred set the glasses on your nightstand. Neither of you could be bothered to change into pajamas, so you settled by kicking off your shoes and doing your best to get comfortable in the dress you sported. 
Fred kicked off his shoes as well before crawling over to you and collapsing nearly entirely on you. He laid on his stomach and wound his arms around your waist, his head finding the crook of your neck and pressing a few soft kisses there. You wound your arms around his neck, your legs tangling together. Truthfully, it wasn’t exactly comfortable, but you had him close, and that was all that mattered.
You listened to the sound of his breathing as he slowly drifted off to sleep. Your mind was screaming at you to say the words that had been plaguing you almost all night, before it was too late. Now was your chance.
But, then, you noticed that Fred’s breathing had shallowed significantly and light snores had begun to leave his lips. You breathed out a sigh of disappointment from missing your opportunity, mentally cursing yourself and your nerves.
As if the sleeping boy in your arms could read your thoughts, his grip around you tightened, holding onto you as if his life depended on it. The small action brought a smile to your lips as your eyes fluttered shut.
Perhaps you could wait to tell him that you loved him until the morning. Besides, some part of you was aware that he already knew.
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heli0s-writes · 4 years
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pagan poetry*
A/N: Hey-o! After nearly 3 months of being a complete disaster, I ... did a thing. Very much my usual brand of filth. Thanks for sticking around as I continue to navigate this impending sense of oblivion!! 1.6k words of bangin’ Bucky Barnes. Yeeeeeeahhh.
Title is from this song, by Bjork. 🖤
Warnings: Smutty smut and heathen shit, what else is new with Helios?
brooklyn after dark masterlist
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Steve asked if you were religious once.
It was an off the cuff kind of question, prompted by something you can’t remember now—silly banter over drinks and a background party, perhaps. Both grown weary of entertaining a crowd of strangers, etiquette spent nearing the night’s end. You’d shrugged lazily and prefaced that it’s hard to shake an entire childhood of indoctrination but now, by resolute choice, you aren’t.
You lied. You’ve never been more devout.
It was easier than getting into all the semantics, anyway. Where would you start explaining that you now spend more time than ever at worship? Not in the middle of Tony’s so-called “small” get-together of “only” seventy-five people. Certainly not a place to admit to Steve that your knees supplicate more earnestly than the most pious of priests, your throat constantly pouring the sweetest profession of faith—the name of the most divine.
Even if the two of you were somewhere more private, and he was at least half as drunk as you were, it’s a bit blasphemous, Steve, that you fuck Bucky six ways to Sunday and call it religion.
It’s a hard desire to curb when he looks like that. Bucky’s built like a god— his arm the kind of weapon you’d happily split your tongue polishing. Strong, powerful legs. Broad shoulders like lovingly carved marble, worked between the hands of a Renaissance master, tapered sharply down to his wasp’s waist.
His hips. Lord, you could dedicate eternity naming every last inch of his hips.
Such a pretty boy. How he makes you hungry to sin.
“Bucky,” you whisper, enthralled again when he steps out from a quick shower. Smoldering and glorious, and you’re Joan of Arc constantly being descended upon by a burning archangel. Some random night, like any other night, and you’re overtaken again. Hazy with orange glow, the billowing mist makes a halo to crown him and for a second you feel blind.
Then, you feel… hm.
Wet.
He cautions the way you chew on your lip, eyes twinkling brightly because what else is new. You? Turned on? Bucky could be brushing his teeth and you’d start climbing him like your personal jungle gym.
“Sweetheart,” he begins warily, adjusting the towel on his hips—those beautiful, beautiful hips. “One more dinner with us swinging in late and they’re gonna stop inviting us.”
You nod along dumbly, deaf now and set on a singular mission. Crawling on your knees, you reach Bucky halfway as he tries to put an end to your pilgrimage. Tries because your palms are fast over the damp fabric, fingers threading through warm fibers before landing flat against his abs, feeling up to his chest, murmuring stupidly, always so shocked at his everything. You graze up his wrists, his forearms, making paths of taut muscle.
“How bout after dinner?” His thumbs gently brush the swell of your breasts before he holds you back, straightening your spine when you arch into him. “Promise I’ll give it to you good later.”
“Give it to me now?”
He laughs. “You really gotta work on your negotiation skills…”
“Huh… Lemme try again: give it to me… right now?”
Bucky groans in equal measures of exasperation and exhilaration when you fall back on your knees. A few more half-hearted baby, quit it, ‘m serious, and then he gives up completely.
“Steve’s gonna get himself in a mood.”
“Steve’s always in a mood.”
Wilted protests quickly disappear into the hollow of your cheeks, licked away by your clever tongue. He grips the back of your neck firmly, tilting your head the way he likes best, eyes flicking down to meet yours before they close. He keeps you there a little longer, his toes curling into the carpet with each bob of your head.
“Yeah, you’re—always in a mood, too—uhhm—“
And you hum in agreeance, but the sound only vibrates into his skin, making him groan louder.
Bucky’s voice is slurred, as if half drunk. “Can’t hear— mm— you, sweetheart…”
So you make something up to give him what he wants, that buzzing of your throat on his cock, and his thighs tighten in response, the hand on the back of your neck reflexively scrabbling to your shoulder with a hard grip.
It’s a bit counterproductive of you to be so sloppy, considering that Bucky’s freshly showered and cleaned up— the scent of his brisk body wash strong and harsh in your nose— but fucking him like it’s your job allows some insight to what he likes, and it’s easily this:
Dirty, filthy, drooling wet blowjobs. The messier the better and the faster it gets him there. Your radiant Right Hand of God, but goddamn is he a little devil himself.
Bucky’s growling by the time he hauls you toward the bed, depositing your thrilled skin on the mattress firmly. Red lips meet yours with force, plush and full, nipping at the corners of your wet mouth like he’s kissing back every trace of him. He presses on across your jaw, up and down your neck. His voice is husky sweet and breathy in your ear.
“You bad, bad girl.” And you start curling yourself into him, nodding for more. One of his hands is working himself, the sound of your spit slippery in his fist. “You got me all messy again.”
Your skin feels blistering and freezing at the same time, chills racing to your fingertips tightly hooked around his biceps. The outfit you put on for a nice, quaint dinner at Steve and Sharon’s too heavy now, too constricting, but he doesn’t let you take it off.
“Every morning and night not enough dick for you, is it?” Bucky brushes your hands away, taking hold of your chin and peeling your head back until you’re looking at him. His pupils are blown wide, the only thing left of his irises are two thin rings of barely there blue as he scans your face. Your brain is short-circuiting, hanging onto every syllable, every purse of his cherry lips.
He switches on and off like a light. Beautiful, soft, thoughtful one minute, all force and darkness the next. You faithfully take it all, every facet of him. Your angel boy. Your wicked soldier.
Joan of Arc was only hallucinating, but she wasn’t half as lucky as you to have conjured something half as astonishing as Bucky. Gorgeous strong jaw, bristles along his chin and cheek scrubbing noisily against your lips as he kisses you. His mouth— open and wet, sloppy against yours— hardly landing right and you’re toeing delirium by the time his fingers slide up your shirt.
Bucky pushes you down into the sheets, rucking up your skirt until it bunches around your waist. “We’re in a rush, remember?” He tucks two fingers into the elastic of your panties and yanks them to one side. Just enough. In a rush. Your thighs meet with a determined shimmy of his hips— those incredible hips— and then you’re full, so full of him.
The blood in your ears crashes against reality and bends it all sideways. Not religious like that, but since the first time you’d touched him, you’ve been cocksure if heaven were real, it’d be this. It’d be him.
“Everyone’s gonna know,” Bucky promises, “You stumbling in there.”
The image flashes through your addled brain, the tell-tale sign of him screwing you stupid— lips swollen, legs wobbly, outfit crumpled up, smelling like him and sex in front of all your friends.
“You want it, don’t you, want them to know you’re all mine?” He smears your wet around the sides of where he’s connected— spit, slick— up to your clit. And then he pushes you like a button, flicking the pad of his thumb upwards and grins at the way you jerk in time to it like a trained toy.
“Bucky,” you mewl, “Buck.” The syllable breaks, your panting comes out in choked babbling.
He takes the back of your neck again, lowering his body over yours, faster now. Deliberately reckless and the entire bed is rocking, springs squealing under his pace.
“Oh my god,” you smash your brow into the junction of his shoulder, hanging on by a thread as he drives into you, on a mission to break either the bed frame or your brain, both were fine. In a rush. Can’t quit now. A little bit more. Your entire body is folded against him, insides fluttering desperately, maddeningly.
“Come,” he commands, “Come for me right now and I’ll fuck you through it, how you like. Then I’ll make you come again and we can go.”
His grip is tourniquet tight, thumb moving to the middle of your throat, pressing ever so slightly until your breath feels trapped under the swirl of his fingerprint. The curtain of his hair hangs over your face, blocking out the room going blindingly white. Your eyes shut tightly, opening only for a second to catch him panting over you, burning hot, his features flickering from utter control to trembling pleasure to something akin to frenzy.
Your vision shuffles like a deck of cards. His hands are everywhere. Eyes devouring every inch of your skin. There’s a million of him taking a million of you to a million more pieces. You shatter then, clawing his back and arms, singing like a fucking choir the infinity of his name.
Bucky. Bucky. Bucky. He makes your days holy. The altar of his body. The sacrament of his sweat. He breaks you apart into something luminous.
Religion. Not religion. Your heathen soul—whatever tiny fracture you may have—all his, forever. Now, tomorrow, at the end of the world.
So, when the two of you stumble into a nearly finished dinner, as predicted, over an hour late and in terrible disarray, Steve crosses himself before promising, “I’m getting you two a goddamn chastity belt.”
On the couch, Sam clicks the remote to a new channel, snapping his fingers with an offhanded, “A-fucking-men.” 
All you can do is duck your head and grin.
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Diabolik Lovers GRAND EDITION for Switch ;; More, Blood ー Yuma [After Story]
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ー The scene starts in the garden
Yui: ( One year has passed since Yuma-kun and I got married... )
( And now it’s time to harvest the vegetables we’ve been meticulously growing ever since. )
Nn...Just a...little more...!
( And right now, while Yuma-kun is letting me ride on his shoulder, I am in the middle of plucking them... )
( However, there’s just no way Yuma-kun - being the bully he is - would let me harvest them in peace... )
Yuma: Come on, ya gotta extend yer arms some more, Sow!
*Rustle*
Yui: Easy for you to say...!
You’re the one shaking me around...! I can’t get a good grip...!
*Rustle*
Yuma: Aahn? It’s shakin’?
Yui: I-It is...!
Yuma: How so?
Yui: How, you ask...? Kyah!
Yuma: Oi, oi. Don’t want any misunderstandings, do ya?
I’m not the one to blame, ya end up swayin’ from left to right ‘cause you’re too damn heavy.
It’s ‘cause ya haven’t been looking after yer own physique, right? Not my fault.
This is what they’d call ‘ya reap what ya sow’.
Yui: A-Am I that heavy?
( I thought I was around average, so it’s somewhat of a shocker if I actually am on the heavy side... )
Yuma: Aah, so heavy! If I continue havin’ to carry ya like this, Imma bust my shoulder.
Yui: Eeh!? It’s that bad!? 
( ...Uu, I seriously have to go on a diet then...! )
Yuma: ーー As if, there’s just no way.
Yui: ...!? You were lying just now!? You meanie!
Yuma: Aah? Who ya callin’ a meanie?
Yui: B-But...! I was about to fall into a depression for real...!
Yuma: Haah? Why? Aah, ‘cause I called ya a fattie?
Haha! That was obviously a joke?
Do I really look like the type of guy who would struggle carryin’ ‘round a skinny chick like ya on my shoulder?
Oi, what’s yer answer? Come on!
*Rustle*
Yui: W-Wah...!
Yuma: Come on, what’s wrong, Sow? I’m askin’ for yer answer, aren’t I?
Yui: L-Like I said! Stop shaking me like that!
Yuma: That’s not an answer to my question. If ya won’t listen to me, guess I’ll have to punish ya then.
*Rustle*
Yui: Kyah! A-Aaaah, it’s dangerous!
Yuma: Hah! What? Pissin’ yer pants or somethin’?
This is kinda fun, makes me want to shake ya ‘round even more...There!
Yui: Wah! I-It’s scary when I’m up high like this!
Yuma: Hm? Scary?
Do ya have a fear of heights or somethin’?
Yui: I-I don’t but...
( T-Thank god...He stopped moving around... )
Yuma: Damn, ya gave me a scare for nothin’...
For one, you’re to blame for not gettin’ on with it.
Come on, don’t be such a slowpoke!
We’re runnin’ out of time! I have a busy schedule!
*Rustle*
Yui: Even if you say that...!
Do you want to let me harvest these vegetables or notーー
Which one is it, honestly?
Yuma: Are ya stupid?
Why do ya think I’m carryin’ ya, if I wouldn’t let ya help me with the harvest?
Ya don’t understand why I’m goin’ out of my way to lift ya into the air like this?
Yui: W-Well...I think it’s so I can pluck the vegetables.
( I want to believe that’s the case...But! )
Yuma: Then get those hands movin’!
Or what? Are ya doin’ this on purpose ‘cause ya wanna get punished?
Yui: That’s not it!
Yuma: Then get on with it! Geez, ya start cryin’ ‘round like a baby just ‘cause of some minor shakin’...
Come on, those ones on top look pretty good, huh? Hurry up and grab them!
*Rustle*
Yui: Ah! Like I said, it’s dangerous!
Yuma: Hehehe! Yer voice is quaverin’, Yui!
Yui: I-I’m gonna fall...!
Besides, if you keep on messing around like this, I don’t think we’ll ever finish the task at hand...!
Yuma: Aahn? You’re gonna start lecturin’ me...?
*Rustle*
Yui: I-It’s not about...lecturing you...! Kyaah!!
Yuma: Idiot. Ya really think I’d drop ya?
Look at that dumb expression on yer face. Who do ya think I am?
No matter what stupid things I may do on a daily basis, I wouldn’t let ya get hurt.
Yui: Yuma-kun...
Yuma: I’m shakin’ ya ‘round ‘cause you’re too damn slow...
In other words, a punishment...Wait, no.
It’s tough love! (1)
Yui: Kyaah!
( I figured he’d stop but Yuma-kun’s really having a blast...! )
( I don’t want this ‘tough love’... )
Yuma: Come on! Pick them already, Sow!
Yui: Kyah...!
( Yuma-kun really always seems to enjoy himself whenever he’s teasing me. )
( But...I won’t lose. )
( If I give in here, we’ll never get anywhere...! )
( I have to...stretch my arm all the way... )
( Okay...! I got it...There! )
*Rustle*
Yui: Kyaah! G-Geez! Yuma-kun! Ah...Watch...out!
Yuma: Haha, you’re makin’ these really funny sounds.
Yui: Say, if you do this, we really won’t get this done, you know?
We have to properly pluck these in time for the harvest festival...
Yuma: Aah? You’re the one who brought that up though?
Yui: T-That’s true but...
( We managed to get this many delicious, ripe vegetables just in time for harvest season. )
( So I brought up the idea of holding a celebration. )
( Speaking of which, I feel like Yuma-kun was never truly on board with it... )
ー A flashback ensues
Yui: You know, these vegetables from our garden really are delicious.
Yuma: They sure are.
Yui: Say, why don’t we do something with these?
Yuma: Haah? What do ya have in mind then?
Yui: Hm...For example...Why don’t we hold a harvest festival like they do abroad?
Yuma: Harvest festival?
Why do we have to do that shit?
Yui: Look, we could turn it into a garden party and have a meal together with everyone outside...
I’m sure the vegetables we eat every day will taste even better than usual.
Yuma: Ya think so?
Yui: Of course! I’m sure it’ll be fun!
Yuma: But we’re eatin’ these veggies every day, right? What’s the point in doin’ this now?
Yui: ( Uu, seems like Yuma-kun isn’t too stoked about my idea... )
But you spent so much time and effort into growing them, so I just wanted to think of a way to enjoy them even more...
Yuma: ...
Yui: Please, Yuma-kun? Let’s harvest a bunch of vegetables and hold a party?
Yuma: ...
Yui: ...No?
Yuma: ...Che. Guess ya leave me with no other choice.
If ya want to do it that badly, I’ll tag along.
Yui: Really!?
Yuma: In return, you’re gonna be the one doin’ most of the work. That’s my condition.
Yui: Hooray! I’m so happy...Thank you, Yuma-kun!
Yuma: Haah...I always go way too easy on ya.
I can’t be like this...Gotta be more strict...
Soon, she’ll play me like a fiddle...!
She may be the chick I fell head over heels for, I’m not gonna let her use me as her loyal lil’ servant...I gotta think of some sort of plan...
Yui: ...
( I managed to convince him somehow, I guess? )
( Okay, I’ll try my best on the preparations for harvest season! )
ー The flashback ends
Yui: ( He gave me green light back then, but it’s Yuma-kun we’re talking about, so he might be sick of it already... )
Yuma: Whatcha spacin’ out for? Come on!
*Rustle*
Yui: Kyaah!?
*Swoosh*
Yuma: Woah there!
Yui: I-It’s dangerous...You just gave me a heart attack...!
Yuma: See? I caught ya so ya wouldn’t fall, didn’t I?
Even if I spook ya a lil’, I would never put ya through pain. 
Yui: You big dummy...! I was really scared...!
Yuma: Who ya callin’ a dummy, Sow? Ya can’t trust me or somethin’?
*Rustle*
Yui: Kyah! Y-Yuma-kun...?
Yuma: This is what I do...to cheeky women like ya!
ー Yuma bites her
Yui: ...!
Yuma: Nn...
Yui: Ah...
( Geez, Yuma-kun, he suddenly bit my neck...! )
Yuma: Don’t be fightin’ back...! Nn...
Yui: ...Nn...!
Yuma: Nn...!
Haah...Nn...
...Per usual...Your blood’s...Nn...
The sweetest thing ever...Surpassin’ even Sugar-chan...Nn...
Yui: ...Geez...Oh you...~
Yuma: You’re at fault. For having...such delicious blood.
Haah...It’s hella delicious...Nn...Kuh...!
When I drink yer blood, I feel like I’ll let everythin’ else slide, it’s kinda odd.
I might have seriously fallen head over heels for yer blood...Haha!
Yui: Only my blood...?
Yuma: ...Aahn?
Yui: You only like my blood...? How about me as a person...?
Yuma Fool.
Whatcha soundin’ so miserable for?
Yui: W-Well...
Yuma: Whatcha sayin’ at this point? Ya really are a fool.
Yui: H-How could you!
Yuma: Listen to me. ...Yer blood is definitely delicious.
But if that was the only thing, ya really think I would have gone through the trouble of marryin’ ya?
Yui: Yuma-kun...
Yuma: Che. Geez, I really have to spell everythin’ out for ya, don’t I...?
Or maybe this is enough to satisfy ya? Aah?
Yui: ...!
Yuma: Nn...
*Smooch*
Yui: Nn...!
Yuma: ...Geez...
I...love ya.
Didn’t I say that I’m head over heels for ya?
Yet that’s not enough for ya, huh? You’re so greedy.
Yui: Yuma-kun...
Yuma: Che. You’re makin’ me say all the embarrassin’ shit. ...Fuck.
For now, lemme suck yer blood...!
Yui: K-Kyah...! Hold up, Yuma-kun!
*TIMESKIP*
ー The scene shifts to the shopping mall
Yuma: ...Say, there’s still more stuff to buy...?
Yui: Yeah. There’s still some daily necessities we’re running low on...
Yuma: Ahー Fuck! This damn crowd is drivin’ me mad!
Yui: It’s a holiday, so it’s more crowded than usual, isn’t it?
Yuma: Ya really should have just come by yerself.
Yui: But I can’t carry all of this stuff by myself...
Yuma: Hooh? So ya always intended to bring me along just to carry yer bags, huh?
Yui: I’m pretty sure I was honest about that when I invited you along...
Yuma: Yeah. I tagged along ‘cause I felt like I had no other choice after ya came cryin’ to me like that.
Yui: I-I wasn’t crying...!
( I also asked him because I enjoy going out shopping with Yuma-kun though... )
Yuma: Ya didn’t speak a word of this crowd tho!
Ah-ah, if I had known this, I would have much rather taken a nice nap at home.
Yui: ...
Yuma: ...What? Don’t go quiet on me.
Yui: ...But...I didn’t think you’d dislike it this much...
I’m sorry, Yuma-kun...
Yuma: ...Oi, don’t look like you’re ‘bout to cry.
I don’t hate it that much.
If I did, I wouldn’t have come.
Yui: ...Really!? Thank god...!
Then, can we go look at some clothes after getting the daily necessities?
Yuma: ...Excuse me? Ya sure change yer mood from one second to another...
Yui: Eh?
Yuma: Ya were in tears just now! Where did those go?
Yui: But you said you don’t dislike this, right?
ー She holds onto his arm
*Rustle*
Yui: I’m happy to be able to head out together and shop like this!
Yuma: ...Che. You’re a wicked woman.
Yui: Eh? How so?
Yuma: Oh well, whatever. But only use yer charms on me, ‘kay?
Come on, let’s go!
Yui: Kyah! You walk way too fast!
*TIMESKIP*
Yui: Ah, look! There’s so many delicious-looking fruits...!
Yuma: Ahー? We’re growin’ these at home so we don’t need them, right?
Yui: But there’s ones we’re not growing as well. We should buy different ones every now and then...
Yuma: Like I said, we don’t need them...
Yui: But...
Yuma: Are ya even listenin’!? If there’s a kind ya wanna eat, just tell me!
Yui: Eh?
Yuma: If ya want it, I’ll grow it!
Well, I can’t do it overnight ‘course.
But I’ll make sure they will be ripe and ready to be eaten by next year.
Yui: Yuma-kun...
Yuma: Why are ya in tears again?
Yui: B-Because...!
Yuma: If ya actually start cryin’, I’m leavin’ ya behind, got it?
Yui: Eh? W-Wait! Yuma-kun!
Yuma: Che. Don’t go ‘bout shoutin’ like that!
Azusa: Huh...? Yui-san? And...Yuma as well.
Kou: Seems like the two of you are being lovey-dovey per usual~
Yui: Huh? You guys! What brings you all here? Out shopping?
Kou: Yeah, exactly. But the two of you really are close both at home and outside, huh? It’s almost making me jealous.
Ruki: Don’t stand out too much in public.
Kou: You tell them!
Yui: ...Uu, sorry...
Yuma: The fuck? Ya guys appear out of nowhere and you’re already callin’ us out?
Kou: Don’t you think you two are to blame for flirting out in the open like that?
Yuma: Fuck off! That’s our business, isn’t it?
We’re a married couple and she’s my woman.
I obviously gotta keep her close so some weird fucker doesn’t set his sights on her.
ー Yuma wraps his arm around her
*Rustle*
Yui: Kyah!?
Yuma: Come on, let’s go, Sow!
Yui: Y-Yeah!
*TIMESKIP*
Yui: ...
Yuma: ...
Yui: ...
Yuma: ...What? You’ve been quiet this whole time.
Yui: Yeah...Ruki-kun and the others saw us earlier...
Yuma: Ahn?
Yui: It never bothered me up till then, but I suddenly grew embarrassed.
Yuma: Ah? What do ya mean, embarrassed?
What’s so embarrassin’ ‘bout bein’ seen together with me?
Yui: N-No. That’s not what I meant...
It was the first time they all saw us together outside, so I suddenly grew very self-conscious.
Yuma: You’re the one who clung onto me, right? It’s yer own fault.
Yui: That’s...true but...
Yuma: It’s not like we did somethin’ naughty in front of them, so don’t let it bother ya.
Yui: W-Well of course we didn’t!
( Who would do that in public...!? )
Yuma: Hmm?
Yui: W-What?
Yuma: I see.
Yui: Honestly, what?
Yuma: Next time ya give me that kinda cheeky attitude, I should just knock ya out with a single kiss, huh?
Yui: Eh!?
Yuma: It’s fun to see ya cry ‘bout as well, but I guess I should just do this when I want to shut ya up real quick?
Yui: W-W-Wait, Yuma-kun!
Yuma: ...What?
Yui: Y-You can’t? L-Like...kissing and stuff...Out in public...
Yuma: I won’t if ya behave. Yer fate is in yer own hands!
Yui: Eeh!?
Yuma: Well, ya better be careful!
Yui: ( Uu...! I will... )
*TIMESKIP*
ー The scene shifts to the garden at night
Yuma: ...They still won’t bloom, huh?
Haah...
Honestly...What has gotten into me...?
Why am I puttin’ so much effort into growin’ these...?
Do I blame it on her? Or am I doing it for her...?
Haah...
This doesn’t suit me tho...
...
But she was super happy with them the other time.
And she looked rather pretty when I put it into her hair...
It marked...the first step of our relationship after all.
I guess I can’t do much wrong by tryin’ to please her...
For one, it’s out of character for me to even worry ‘bout something like a wedding anniversary.
I guess this shows that love makes a guy go weak...
...
These roses are different from the ones I grew in memory of my comrades back then...
I grew these with her in mind...
I won’t give up, even if they won’t bloom.
I’ll keep lookin’ after them till they grow beautiful flowers...
...
...Che, I’m really not actin’ like myself...
Makes me laugh...
I can’t let her see me like this.
I hope they’ll bloom in time for the anniversary.
Or rather, I’ll make sure of it!
*TIMESKIP*
ー The scene shifts to the dining hall
Yui: Say, Yuma-kun.
Yuma: Ah?
Yui: Things are gonna get busy today!
Yuma: ...Why?
Yui: Did you forget already? Today is the harvest festival! I have to prepare for the party.
Yuma: Aah, that’s today?
Yui: I told you several times yesterday! How come you’re so out of it?
Is it because...you don’t want to celebrate the harvest festival?
Yuma: ...Not really, honestly.
Yui: ...
( I wonder what’s wrong with him? He’s been like this for a few days... )
Yuma: ...Aahn? Why are ya lookin’ at me with that weird look on yer face?
Got a problem with my behavior or somethin’?
Yui: No, I don’t but...
Ah, right.
Yuma: Ah?
Yui: I’m gonna start cooking now, so you lend me a hand too, okay?
Yuma: A hand?
I told ya that you’re gonna do most of the work for this festival, right?
Yui: Of course, I’ll give it my best shot as well. But it’d be a great help if you could at least assist me a little...
I can’t rely on you for help?
I’m sure you would be such an amazing help though...
Yuma: Che, ya always give me that crap. I don’t mind tho.
Yui: Hooray! Let’s start preparing the food right away then.
I’ll leave setting up the table outside up to you!
Yuma: Roger...
...Geez, first she butters up to ya and then starts orderin’ ya around like a slave...
Yui: ...Hm? Did you say something?
Yuma: No? Nothing?
Yui: Really? Okay then...
Well then, I gotta give it my best shot! I have to make sure it’s extra delicious today!
ー Yui walks to the kitchen
Yuma: Geez...Look at her bein’ all excited.
I shouldn’t have agreed to lettin’ her organize this garden party so easily.
Why do I have to help my own wife prepare food for some other guys?
I fucked up...
Yui: Hm? Did you say something?
Yuma: Nothin’! ...Ya sure have some sharp ears...
Yui: Ah! You were talking bad behind my back just now, weren’t you!?
Yuma: ...I wasn’t! Geez...
Yui: Really?
Yuma: Like I said, have some faith in me.
Yui: ( I do trust him but...He definitely said something just now, didn’t he? )
Yuma: You’re gonna make a real feast, right? Hurry up and get started on the food!
Yui: Yeah! Look forward to it, okay?
*TIMESKIP*
ー The scene shifts to the kitchen
Yui: Phew...Guess this is the best I can do...
Yuma: I’m all done. Woah! Looks good!
Yui: Really? I’m glad! Thank you for helping me, Yuma-kun.
Yuma: Yeah. Should I carry these?
Yui: Yeah. I’d appreciate it if you could take all finished dishes with you.
Yuma: Roger.
ー The scene shifts to the garden
Yuma: Oh? Ya guys are already here?
Azusa: Because it’s already...the designated time...
Kou: Wooow~ M-neko-chan’s homemade cooking looks delicious!
Azusa: I’ve gotten...kinda hungry...
Ruki: The meals she makes aren’t half bad for livestock.
Yuma: Hah! Right?
My Sow is well-trained after all!
Kou: And what are you so proud about...?
Ruki: Good grief, how shameless...
Azusa: You’ve become a total softie when it comes to her, haven’t you, Yuma...?
Yuma: Hah! What’s the problem with bragging ‘bout what belongs to me?
Kou: How many times do I have to tell you to stop subconsciously going into ‘loving husband’ mode!?
Yuma: I’m not doin’ that!
Anyway, what is she up to? She’s still not done?
She really is such a slowpoke...
ー The scene shifts back to the kitchen
Yui: Nn...There we go.
This wraps up the final dish...I guess?
What should I do? I’d love to sprinkle some herbs on top of the meat but...
I don’t think we’re growing any in our own garden?
I’ll go take a look.
ー The scene shifts to the garden
Yui: Hm...?
( There’s an enclosure I haven’t seen before...? )
I wonder what it’s for...?
*SCENE SHIFT*
Yuma: Hm...? Why is she there!?
ー Yuma rushes over to her
Yuma: Oi! Yui!!
Yui: Eh? Kyah...!
*Rustle*
Yuma: What are ya doing here!?
Yui: Hey, you’re hurting me, Yuma-kun!
Yuma: I’m askin’ ya a question!
Yui: I wanted to sprinkle some herbs on top of the meat of the main dish...
Yuma: Herbs?
Yui: Then I found this unfamiliar enclosure...So I was wondering what it could be for...
See, over theーー Ow!
You’re hurting my arm, Yuma-kun!
Yuma: Ya...can’t look at that.
Look away! Geez. I really can’t lower my guard for one second ‘round ya...!
Yui: ( Lower his guard...What does he mean? )
Say, what has gotten into you all of a sudden?
Yuma: Ah? ...Nothin’, really.
That’s just none of yer business.
Yui: W-What...?
I was just curious. Why do you have to get so mad?
Yuma: Fuck off! It’s none of yer damn business! ーー That’s all.
Anyway, stay away from it. Understood?
Yui: Yeah...But you could always tell me...
Yuma: Shut up!
Yuma: Just get goin’ and join those guys already!
All ya have to do is shut yer damn mouth and listen to me!
Yui: I know, I will. You don’t need to shout at me like that...
Yuma: Scram!
Yui: ...!
ー Yui walks away
Yuma: ...Che!
I didn’t think she’d come here...
Fuck!
I started panickin’ and accidentally lashed out at her...!
Yui, she seemed frightened...
Haah...
...Fuck...I don’t want to make her cry or anythin’ tho...
Why can I never be honest...?
*TIMESKIP*
*Cling*
Kou: Nnー! This is deliciousー!
Yuma: Oi, stop chowin’ down ya guys! I’m fuckin’ starvin’ too!
Kou: The same goes for us though? Right, Azusa-kun~?
Azusa: Yeah, I’m hungry too...I came here with an empty stomach because I was looking forward to Yui-san’s cooking...
Ruki: You are all being way too gluttonous. It’s a disgrace...
Yui: There’s still plenty left, so you don’t have to eat that quickly, you know...?
Kou: Really? Then keep it coming!
Azusa: I still have plenty of space in my tummy...
Yui: You’ll have some more as well, Yuma-kun?
Yuma: ...
Yui: ( ...Seems like he’s upset after all. )
( He has never given me the silent treatment like this... )
( I must have done something truly upsetting... )
Yuma: ...
...Haah, I’m goin’ to the restroom.
ー Yuma walks away
Yui: ( So he really is mad at me for what I did... )
( What should I do...? )
Kou: Sayー Aren’t the two of them acting kind of off?
Ruki: They are...
Azusa: It’s odd...
Kou: I wonder what happened?
*TIMESKIP*
Kou: Phew~ I’m stuffed! Thank you for the feast! It was delicious!
Yui: Fufu, I’m glad to hear that. Thank you guys for joining us today as well.
Kou: Yeah!
Yuma: ...
Azusa: The food was extremely delicious.
Yui: Thank you, Azusa-kun.
Ruki: See you.
ー The scene shifts to Yui’s bedroom
Yui: Phew...
( Yuma-kun’s mood remained sour the whole time after that... )
( That was never my intention...It should have been so much more fun of a day... )
( ーー Why did things have to turn out like this? )
( Yuma-kun retreated back into his room right away... )
I feel a little...lonely.
*TIMESKIP*
ー The scene shifts to the living room
Yui: ( A few days have passed since but...Yuma-kun’s mood just won’t improve. )
( He won’t shout at me, but he barely talks to me either. )
( It’s obvious he seems to be avoiding me... )
( What should I do...? )
*Ding dong*
Yui: ( Huh? A visitor...? )
Coming!
ー The scene shifts to the entrance hall
Reinhart: Hello.
Yui: Oh? Reinhart-sensei? Hello.
Reinhart: Hey, it’s been a while.
Yui: What brings you here today?
Reinhart: Yeah, I’ve got a little something to discuss with Ruki-kun.
Yui: I see... Ah, please come in. (2) I’ll go call Ruki-kun right away.
Reinhart: Thank you. Sorry for the trouble.
Yui: It’s nothing...
ー Yuma enters the manor
Yui: Ah, Yuma-kun, welcome back. Reinhart-sensei is visiting us right now...
Yuma: ...Heeh.
Yui: Uhm, I’m going to set some tea so would you care for a cup as well?
Yuma: ...Nah.
Yui: ...Really?
Yuma: Yeah.
ー Yuma leaves
Yui: Ah, I’ll go make the tea then.
Reinhart: Thank you.
Yui: ( ...Yuma-kun’s mood really won’t get better. )
( Furthermore, that attitude...Sensei might think of us weirdly now. )
( Sensei was there to witness our wedding vows, so I wouldn’t want to make him worry. )
( What should I do...? )
ー The scene shifts to the living room
Kou: Ah! Sensei’s actually here! Hello~ 
Reinhart: Seems like you’re doing well too, Kou-kun. Hello.
I ran into Yuma-kun earlier and...Did something happen between the two of them? The mood seemed somewhat tense.
Ruki: Right...
Kou: It’s been like that for days now. As fellow members of this household, it’s become kind of awkward for us as well, right?
Azusa: ...Exactly...
*TIMESKIP*
Yui: Sorry for the wait.
*Cling*
Reinhart: Ah, thank you.
Yui: You guys can have some as well if you’d like.
*Cling*
Kou: Thank you, M-neko-chan~
Ruki: I shall have a sip then.
Azusa: Thanks...Eve...
Reinhart: Smells wonderful. Is this a herbal tea?
Yui: Ah, yes. It’s made with the herbs we grow in our garden.
Reinhart: Heeh, you’re growing them yourself?
Yui: Rather than alone, I do it together with Yuma-kun.
Reinhart: Right, about the two of you.
Yui: ...Yes?
Reinhart: Things seemed a little awkward. What happened exactly?
Yui: ...Well...
( So he did notice after all... )
( But I’m not sure how to explain this... )
Things aren’t going so well...
Everyone: ...
Reinhart: Well, I’m sure being together every day comes with its up and downs but...
Since you married out of mutual love, I hope the two of you can talk it out soon.
Yui: ...Yes.
Reinhart: You know, I witnessed the two of you getting married, so I can’t help but be a little worried.
I know I might be sticking my nose into someone else’s business by saying this but...Are you okay?
Yui: ( Sensei’s worried about us... )
( I’m sure Ruki-kun and the others are as well... )
Sensei.
Reinhart: Yes?
Yui: I’ll try my best to make up.
So...We’re okay.
Reinhart: ...I see.
However, don’t push yourself, okay? When you feel like you’re at the end of your devices, make sure to rely on the people around you, okay?
Yui: Yes...Thank you very much.
*TIMESKIP*
ー The scene shifts to Yui’s bedroom
Yui: Haah...
( I told everyone we would talk things out but... )
( In the end, we still haven’t had a proper conversation... )
( It’s almost our one-year wedding anniversary, yet things are still awkward between us. )
( What should I do...? )
( I know that I tried to approach something Yuma-kun wants to keep hidden back then. )
( But if I apologize without knowing why he got so upset exactly, he might only grow even more angry with me... )
( I hope the two of us can have a good talk... )
I wonder how we can make up...?
*TIMESKIP*
Yui: ...It’s finally our wedding anniversary...
( I would have liked to have talked things out with Yuma-kun by today... )
He was so very upset back then...
( However, he wouldn’t become aggressive towards me without a reason. )
( There was definitely some sort of reason behind his anger. )
...
I wonder if he has forgotten that it’s our wedding anniversary today?
( Even if he has, this is an important day to me. I do want to talk things out. )
( I have to talk to him...! )
( I don’t want this misunderstanding to last forever...! )
ー The scene shifts to the hallway
Yui: ( I’ll go see him...! )
*Thud*
Yui: ...Kyah!
Yuma: ...Yui?
Yui: Yuma-kun!?
Perfect timing...I was just about to drop by your room.
You see...I want to talk to you and make up...
Yuma: ...The fuck?
Ya really are...!
Yui: Eh...?
Yuma: Che...! Whatever, just follow me for a sec!
*Rustle*
Yui: Kyah!? Y-Yuma-kun? W-Wait...!?
ー Yuma tugs her along as they move to the garden
Yui: ( This is where we fought on the day of the garden party... )
( I’m sure there’s something here which he doesn’t want me to get close to... )
( ...Even though I didn’t know, I should apologize for upsetting him. )
U-Uhm...Yuma-kun...!
Yuma: Yui. Can ya listen to me first?
Yui: Y-Yeah...
Yuma: Ahー... Ya see...
Yui: Mmh.
Yuma: ‘Bout the other day...
Yui: Yeah...
Yuma: ...
Yui: ( Yuma-kun...? )
Yuma: Well, it’s that...
Yui: ...I’m listening?
Yuma: ...I know that much!
Yui: ( I wonder what has gotten into him? Unlike usual, he seems to be having a hard time expressing himself... )
Yuma: Oi, Yui!
Yui: ーー Y-Yes!
Yuma: ...I’m sorry for what happened the other day.
Yui: ...Eh?
Yuma: ‘Eh?’, my ass!
Knowin’ ya, I’m pretty sure that...Ya haven’t looked ‘cause I told ya not to, right?
At the...flowers from the other day.
Yui: Flowers...?
Yuma: So ya really haven’t looked.
Yui: Which flowers are you talking about?
Yuma: I lashed out at ya the other day, right? ‘Cause ya approached this place.
Yui: Yeah.
Yuma: I didn’t actually mean to get that upset.
But ya were suddenly standin’ here, I got completely thrown off.
Then I panicked and took it out on ya. ...I really do feel bad.
Yui: D-Don’t say that...! It was the first time seeing you so mad for me as well...
I figured I must have done something horrible, so I was going to apologize as well.
...I’m sorry too.
Yuma: Idiot, you’ve got nothin’ to say sorry for. ...I won’t suddenly shout at ya like that from here on out.
Yui: Yuma-kun...
Yuma: Take a look. I just wanted to keep the fact I was growin’ these a secret.
Yui: These are...Roses...!
Wah...Amazing! They’ve bloomed beautifully...
Yuma: Back then they hadn’t bloomed yet...So that’s why I panicked.
But I somehow got them to bloom in time for today.
Yui: Eh? In time...?
Yuma: ...Say, Yui. Do ya remember the wedding ceremony we held here one year ago?
Yui: I do. I could never forget.
( Yuma-kun gave me such a wonderful memory back then... )
( I could never forget about such a lovely day... )
Today is a special day to me as well. That’s why I’ve been looking forward to it this whole time.
Yuma: Heeh?
Yui: That’s why I was on my way to meet you, because I definitely wanted to make things up to you today.
That’s when I coincidentally ran into you.
Yuma: I see. Guess ya were lookin’ forward to it in yer own way as well.
Yui: ...? What do you mean?
Yuma: Listen up.
I proposed to ya last year, right?
Yui: Yeah.
Yuma: Back then, I vowed to only ever love ya, forever.
That feeling hasn’t changed to this day.
Yui: Yes...
Yuma: So...
It was a rocky road but, I chose ya and ya chose me.
Yui: Mmh...
Yuma: But I’m not very smooth.
So there’s times where I can’t always treat ya with care.
And I might take things out on ya like the other day.
...But even so.
My feelings towards ya are the only thing which won’t ever change.
...Even after one year, they’re still the same.
Yui: Yuma-kun...
Yuma: If anything...
Rather than changin’, I treasure ya even more than I did back then.
Yui: ...
Yuma: Che, this shit really is embarrassin’...
Yui: Yuma-kun...
( He’s a little awkward, but despite that, he’s still expressing himself... )
Yuma: Well, I do love ya properly.
It’s our anniversary, so I figured I should tell ya that.
Yui: I feel the same way, Yuma-kun.
Yuma: Ah?
Yui: I love you too.
Yuma: ...Whatcha sayin’ all of a sudden?
I know that already!
Yui: Fufu, but you gave me such a wonderful love confession. I want to return the favor as well.
However...I really can’t believe one year has gone by already.
Back then ーー I felt so happy when you made that vow to me.
Yuma: ...I only stated the truth, that’s all.
Yui: But you usually wouldn’t say those things, right?
Yuma: ‘Course not! Why would I have to proclaim my love to ya 24/7?
Yui: Maybe not 24/7, but I still feel happy when you do.
Yuma: Happy, huh?
Yui: Also back then, I was happy to receive the rose you had so carefully grown.
Yuma: That was...
Yui: You gave me the rose you had grown for the special people in your life.
So I felt as if I had become someone special to you as well...
Yuma: ...You...
Say, Yui.
Yui: Yes?
Yuma: I did raise that rose for Boss and the others but...
These are different...
I grew this one from scratch, with ya in mind.
Yui: Me...?
Yuma: Well, it’s still a rose of course. And both roses are special to me in their own right.
...But ya know.
But I wanted to give ya a rose, which was grown for yer sake.
This might just be my own self-satisfaction showin’ again tho.
How do I put it? I wanted to put my ‘feelings’ (3) in there...
So when ya nearly saw them before they bloomed...
I felt as if they wouldn’t properly convey my feelings so...
Yui: I see...
Yuma: ...It’s bullshit, huh? And there was really no point in fightin’ with ya over somethin’ like that.
Yui: It isn’t ridiculous...
( He’s properly conveying to me his thoughts in his own words. )
( Not a single one of those is pointless. )
Yuma: Well, I guess I wanted to make a distinction for myself.
Also, there’s actually one more reason why I grew these roses.
Yui: And that is?
Yuma: ...It’d be too out-of-character so I’m not tellin’ ya.
Yui: Eeh~? You already hinted at it, so I’d love to hear the rest now though...
Yuma: ...Geez, stop lookin’ at me with those puppy eyes (4)! Ya know I’m weak to those suckers!
Yui: Eh? Sorry...
( That wasn’t my intention... )
Yuma: Then, I’ll only say it once.
Yui: Yeah.
Yuma: I put a rose in yer hair last year, remember?
Back then, ya looked a lil’ different than what I expected...
Yui: What did you expect then?
Yuma: ーー For some reason, ya looked hella stunnin’ back then.
So I wanted to put one in there again, I guess...
It’s a really shallow reason. I just wanted to...see ya with a rose in yer hair again.
Yui: Yuma-kun...
Yuma: So!
This rose I grow with ya in mind...
I’ll put it on ya again.
*Rustle*
Yui: W-Wait! Yuma-kun.
Yuma: ...What?
Yui: You worked so hard growing those roses...It’d be a waste.
Yuma: It’s fine. These are for ya.
Yui: But...
Yuma: If ya really think it’s such a waste, we can just grow some new ones again.
Yui: Eh?
Yuma: Next year and the year after all, forever. As long as ya want the roses I grow...
I’ll raise them for ya, year after year.
Right...In that case, I might as well raise 999 roses at some pointーー
Then turn them into a rose bouquet for ya.
Yui: ...Fufu, I doubt I’d be able to carry that in my arms.
( However, I’m not happy just to receive roses... )
( The fact he’s giving me these flowers he grew with me in mind, is what makes me so happy... )
Thank you, Yuma-kun.
Yuma: ...Yeah.
Tumblr media
Yuma: Say, Yui.
Stay by my side another year.
Then next year, lemme vow to ya again. That I love ya...
Next year I won’t just stick to one, but grow lots for ya.
*Rustle*
Yuma: Yui, I love ya...
Tumblr media
Yuma: Better brace yerself for next year, ‘kay...? Nn...
Yui: ...!
Yuma: Ya will be my woman forever. Understood...?
Yui: Yeah...! We’ve made up now, right...?
Yuma: Yeah...We have.
Yui: If we can make up like this, then perhaps having a fight every once in a while isn’t too bad.
Yuma: Don’t be silly.
I seriously don’t want any fights.
Honestly, I thought I was gonna go fuckin’ bald from thinkin’ of a good way to apologize to ya...
Yui: You had such a hard time deciding? You did?
Yuma: I did! ‘Cause I definitely didn’t want ya to hate me.
Yui: Fufu...I don’t want to quarrel with you either.
Yuma: Good to know ya understand...Nn...
*Smooch*
Yui: Geez...Yuma-kun...Nn...
There’s no end...!
Yuma: Oh right. The harvest festival ya were lookin’ forward to so much kind of ended up being anticlimactic as well.
Yui: Yeah, but everyone enjoyed it...
Yuma: Next year we definitely won’t fight.
Even if we do, we’ll make up right away.
We just have to honestly apologize to each other.
Yui: Yes.
Yuma: So...
Let’s hold an even bigger party next time!
We’ll make so much food, even Kou will be stuffed to the point he can’t take another bite...
Yui: Yeah, we will. I’ll cook even bigger of a feast next time!
Also, want to try inviting someone over? The more, the merrier!
Yuma: Who would ya invite then? We barely have any acquaintances, do we?
Yui: How about Reinhart-sensei? He did seem worried about us after all.
Yuma: Well, he was pretty much our Priest too. I wouldn’t mind inviting him.
Yui: Gosh, Yuma-kun. Don’t put it like that.
Yuma: In that case, I wouldn’t mind addin’ one more into the mix by next year. A family member.
Yui: Eh?
D-Do you mean...!?
Yuma: You’re the one who said the more, the merrier, right?
If that’s what ya wish, I wouldn’t mind helpin’ out a lil’?
Yui: Geez...
( However, that might not be a bad idea... )
( Expand our little family by next year...Invite a bunch of people over... )
( And all have a feast together. )
( I’m sure...it’ll be a blast. )
Yuma: Well, either way, as long as you’re here with me, I’m enjoying myself, and feel happy.
Don’t ya dare forget that. ーー Never.
Yui: ...Yeah!
ーー THE END ーー 
Translation notes
(1) In Japanese, the term is 愛の鞭 or ‘ai no muchi’ which literally means ‘the whip of love’. 
(2) When inviting someone inside your house, you can use the verb 上がる or ‘agaru’ which literally means ‘to go up’ or ‘to ascend’. Most Japanese houses have a little step at the entrance hall to indicate, hence why they use said verb. 
(3) When 想い or ‘omoi’ is written with said particular kanji, it doesn’t just refer to ‘thoughts’, but to ‘feelings’ (often in the romantic sense of the word) as well.
(4) Literally he says she’s looking at him with ‘upturned eyes’. 
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psychewithwings · 3 years
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The Canary Pt. 2 Todoroki x F!
hi, this is pt 2 of my Shouto Todoroki x musician!reader where its a hot mess bc its kinda a love triangle with Enji????
Listen if ya missed pt 1... its here
TW: anything on my page is 18+, fuck outta here children and get some juice... manipulative relationships, messy love situation/ love triangle, hints at abusive relationship (between reader and her ex), her ex is also a drug addict... and a criminal... if you're wondering why this is such a messy fic its inspired by my watching the show euphoria... 
and lemme address this: i know enji got a redemption arc but i wanted to write him with a similar vibe to nates dad from euphoria... to explore the manipulative sides of age gap relationships or relationships with clearly unbalanced power dynamics, my portrayal of him here is not what i would deem perfectly canon but more a vessel for the plot and ideas i want to explore with this piece and the complexities within it, now... that being said... i give you a long awaited pt 2 to The Canary
You watch as Shouto opens the front door and slips away into the night. The door closes and upon hearing the latch click you realize you’d been holding your breath. You exhale long and slow, still stunned by Shouto’s vulnerability. He worries he will never be able to save himself. Yes, you very much relate to that problem. There is something about Shouto that scares you, looking at him in person, it feels like he is someone you’d known forever, that you should have memories of him but the place in your mind that they should be, is blank.
How he feels about you is still incredibly unclear. You had been very aware of how carefully he watched you during your meal, his eyes seemingly tracking each of your movements and committing them to memory. Dinner was uncomfortable, you had wanted to hide and simultaneously prove yourself to him; that you were different from his idea of who you must be considering the circumstances. You knew what he thought; that you were just some shallow girl dating his dad for the money. But that wasn’t the truth.
Maybe someday you and Shouto would learn the truth of who the other was, your pasts, desires for the future, and maybe what that feeling was that made him seem so familiar. You could easily picture yourself trying to make him laugh on a warm spring day and you smile to yourself.  
“Well I’m glad to see you smiling,” Enji remarks as he sits next to you on the couch. “Shouto can be a bit harsh, I apologize…” Enji murmurs and wraps his arm around you, a protective and comforting gesture. “No, it’s okay, it’s only natural for him to feel suspicious or confused,” you console. You pull your legs onto the couch and snuggle into the cushions.“I’ll talk to him about it,” he offers but you shake your head. “No, it’s really okay, I think he’s warming up to me.” Enji raises an eyebrow at you and smiles slightly. “Shouto doesn’t warm up to others easily… or at all,” he dismisses and kisses your cheek. You look up at him and blink. “I’m not worried ‘bout it… best to just give it time,” you smile. Enji gives you a single nod before his expression falls stern.  “As much as I enjoy your optimism, we need to discuss Friday, I won’t be able to go and I don’t want you going alone.” You inhale slowly and hold your breath until you can figure out the words exactly.
“Enji, I told you, I can take care of myself for a night, I don't need you to watch over me every time I do a gig.” His gaze bores into yours, eyes piercing. “And I’ve asked  you nicely not to play this weekend, you’re sophisticated now, a place like the Viper Lounge should be considered beneath you.” You move away from his touch, crossing your arms. While Enji is more supportive than anyone else about your music career, he still didn’t understand. He had been a hero, a place like The Viper is considered scummy in his circle but for you it’s the holy grail of performance venues. You explain time and time again and the words are becoming dull and grey with repetition. “It’s one of the best places for someone who’s looking to get scouted to perform… and the Viper  invited me, that's a big deal.” Enji shifts to face you, “I know this feels big to you but it’s just a small set in a shitty dive.”
A part of you wanted to cry hearing those words, but the tears didn’t come. Just a small, sad smile. “There’s going to be talent scouts and agents there… just to see who was selected for the line up and I’m the closing set… It's a pretty big deal.”  
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Shouto walks from the house, his head filled with thoughts of you. Your smile, your voice, that ridiculous yellow guitar. Your eyes, their inquisitive nature. He thinks back to his answer to your question, “I'm afraid that no matter how many people I save, that I’ll never be able to save myself.” He sighs, he can’t remember the last time he could be so honest with someone, let alone someone who was practically a stranger… But there is something about you that seems oddly familiar, though for what reason he felt this way was unclear.
He is about halfway to his car when he feels how light his pants pocket is. His phone… he must have left it inside somewhere, maybe the kitchen? He sighs, he doesn’t want to return to the house, to have to look at you again after being so honest. He had been bold in hopes of- well he isn’t all that sure why he had said something like that so openly, all he knows is the heat is creeping to his cheeks. He takes a breath before hesitantly opening the door. He collects himself, hoping you wont be able to see his embarrassment.
“I told you, there will be plenty more opportunities and you won't have to perform in such a dump,” he hears his fathers voice. He knows that voice… Shouto opens his mouth to call out but shuts it again hearing your icy tone, “you’re not listening... Enji.” Shouto’s eyebrows raise in surprise, you’re not as childish as he first thought. In fact, it seems you’re holding your own against his father in an argument of sorts. He hears Enji laugh mockingly, “I’m not listening? What about Kai?” There’s a long pause, the sound of cicadas filling Shouto’s ears while the name Kai tumbles around his mind. He knew that name from somewhere. “What about Kai?” your voice is so low he can barely hear it. “Is he going to be there?” Enji pushes. Your voice raises slightly in aggravation, “I don't know, I don't talk to Kai, I haven’t said a word to him since the day I left.” Enji scoffs, “Really? It’s suspicious that the Viper Lounge invites you to perform when you’re almost a year out of that scene, he has connections there, what if he’s just using this “gig” as an excuse to get close to you? C’mon y/n, use your head.” Enji’s tone is viciously condescending. Shouto clenches his jaw, waiting for your reply. “I’ve thought about that possibility, but it's an event to showcase new upcoming artists and I haven’t performed there solo before, so I don’t find it totally unbelievable they would ask me.” For once Enji has no rebuttal and you take that as your cue to continue. “Kai isn’t even in the line up… and even if he was, I’m going because this is important to me, this has nothing to do with him.”
Shouto couldn’t keep standing outside listening, he had to get his phone now. He briskly steps inside and shuts the door loudly behind him. “I left my phone,” he announces as he walks through the house to the kitchen. The silence that follows his interruption makes him worry you both figured out he had been listening, though perhaps you were both just embarrassed to be caught arguing. He finds his phone by the kitchen sink and pockets it quickly, before heading back towards the door. He nods towards you both before turning his back.
“Hey Shouto?” The sound of your voice stops him in his tracks. He shifts carefully to face you and sees your eyes glinting with mischief. “You own a hero agency right?” Shouto nods, watching carefully to see where you were going with this. “I’m sure then that you would have a hero capable of a simple bodyguard job, for just this little gig I’m doing on Friday, I know it’s last minute so if you don’t have anyone… I’ll be fine.” He had to play this carefully so as not to expose himself for eavesdropping. “Where’s the gig?” “The Viper Lounge,” Enji scoffs. His father must be furious that you’ve now involved a third party. If there was something Enji Todoroki hated, it was airing his dirty laundry. Shouto was careful not to laugh… you were far smarter than he initially gave you credit for.
“I’ve performed at the Viper before… tons of times-``''You have, but only with Kai Chisaki.” Your face tells Shouto that name hits a sore spot. Hearing his whole name sparks Shouto’s memory and he realises who Kai is. Kai Chisaki, an underground rapper… face tattoos and some nasty habits that earned him a hell of a rap sheet; burglary, assault, possession of unlicensed weapons, public indecency, drug counts too high to keep track of… He’d been arrested again a few months ago, but just like the last, he was bailed out and the charges were dismissed.
“But the Viper asked me to be a part of this gig for showing off upcoming talent… Enji’s just worried for me because he can't be there and my ex has a reputation- ``''That’s putting it lightly,” Enji interrupts, “he’s scum, deserves to rot in prison.” You rub your palms on your thighs and smile gently at Shouto. “I just think the situation would be more comfortable for everyone if I had some protection… Maybe you know of someone that could watch out for me for the night?”
Shouto resists the urge to volunteer, though the temptation of hearing your voice again is overwhelming. “Tch- as if I would trust any of the foolish heroes Shouto babysits to watch after you in that cesspool…” You gaze at Enji with big doe eyes, your body turning, hands inching towards his father’s legs. “You trust Shouto don’t you?” Enji pauses, before he sighs “I do.” You give him a winning smile, “then he’ll pick someone fit for the job.” Enji’s brow creases pensively, “Shouto,” he addresses. Shouto meets his father’s eyes, his heartbeat quickening as he realises what he’s about to ask. “What are your plans Friday? Could you take her?”
Shouto pretends to consider it, but really he counts the seconds until he can agree. He didn’t really know what it was about you that made him want to go with you so badly to this gig. It’s a separate part of himself that Shouto was unfamiliar with, a part of him that wasn’t thinking but desired only to know you… or understand you? There was just something about you. That was all he knew for sure. He nods, trying his best to hide his true feelings. “I could make arrangements to accompany y/n, as long as,” he looks at you, “you’re comfortable with that.” You hold out your hands defensively and shake your head, “if you have to move things around- you’re so busy- I-I don’t wanna cause you any trouble.” Shouto dismisses your statement, “it’s not trouble, I wouldn’t agree otherwise.”
You shift uncomfortably, “as long as you’re sure…” Shouto turns towards the door, facing forward as he leaves you with these words. “It’s important to you, right? Just accept my help.” He opens the door, and holds the frame tightly. He knows he shouldn’t, he hears the chorus of voices telling him not to look back, but it's that one part of him again that takes control and turns his head. He can’t help but smile slightly seeing your expression. Mouth parted and brow raised slightly in surprise. Beautiful.
“We’ll connect about details sometime during the week,” he confirms, “see you Friday.” He hears you call out your gratitude as he closes the door and makes for his car. He slides into the driver's seat and turns on the engine and looks towards his childhood home. The light from the windows casts a glow onto the grass. He finally exhales and with each new breath he gains more clarity about the situation. He shouldn’t care about you, he can’t let himself get any closer. He would help you with this gig and go back to avoiding family dinner like the plague. Shouto leans his head back into the seat and puts the car in reverse. He tries his best to shake off these thoughts but that little devil on his shoulder keeps cackling and whispering suggestions he chooses to immediately ignore.
He pulls out of the driveway and onto the road, pushing thoughts of you away and doing his best to find another topic to think about, something to distract him from the confusion of his swirling emotions. But as much as he tries, he can’t stop thinking about you.
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The Treatment of Captain Syverson-Chapter 11: Discharge Plan
Characters: Captain Syverson x OFC (Shane Dawson)
Summary: The highs of Shane and Sy’s first weekend as a couple are followed up by some big news from Sy, leading to our couple’s first fight.
Don’t miss a session! Click here to catch up on this story or explore my other works!
Word Count: 2.7
Warnings:  Language, mature themes, smut, sort of unprotected sex, rough-ish sex, angst, alcohol consumption,
Author’s Note: First off, I wanna talk about the word “victuals.” I’ve loved this word for a long time, even though it makes no sense, phonetically as it actually rhymes with the “fiddles” or “riddles.”(It’s true, look it up!) It’s very pastoral and somewhat archaic, so you don’t hear it too much anymore in current writing about the present, but I just felt like Sy would say it. Secondly, it was really hard for me to put my darlings through the argument in this chapter. I want them to have only happy times…but that provides no tension or motivation for story development…and I want to keep writing them more than I want them to be happy… I guess I finally understand why authors torture their characters! Lol! It might take a bit of time for me to sort out what their relationship looks like adding the distance factor, but I have some ideas that might work. Also, it might be an opportunity to do a bit more of Sy’s perspective, which I thoroughly enjoy, and may go back and fill in some blanks for him in between chapters I’ve already done. I hope you all enjoy this installment of the Treatment of Captain Syverson! Feedback in any form is always appreciated!
Disclaimer: Unfortunately for me, Henry is not mine, le sigh, and all mention of him, his characters, any characters from his films, or his precious doggy, Kal, are strictly for transformative and recreational use. I neither ask for, nor accept payment for the work I post on Tumblr or AO3. Unbeta’d because this is for fun and escapism.
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Hope I’m not forgetting anyone! If you want to be notified when I post a new chapter or work, I’ll be happy to add you to my tag list! Stricken blogs are getting personal messages from me when a new chapter is uploaded because Tumblr’s faulty tagging system will not stand in the way of me delivering what the people want!(?) lol! (Although…their lackadaisical notification system might…sorry for that. I have no control. lol!)
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The rest of the weekend was spent in blissful relaxation. Sy went to his place to feed Aika and bring her over at Shane's insistence. The dog had been slightly standoffish with her, but Sy assured her that it was in her nature to be aloof, and that she needed to be engaged or instructed to behave more doglike.
"It's her training. She's still a soldier. It's hard for us to shake those habits. Like me calling you 'ma'am' at first."
"She's another die hard. I respect that." she chuckled, scratching Aika behind her perked ears, and eliciting pants of contentment from her.
Sy's skills with a spatula were unmatched. That was to say, he made the best pancakes she'd ever had. They almost didn't need syrup…almost. They ordered an obscene amount of Chinese takeout which lasted them about three meals each. Sunday evening, though, which had a gloom to it no matter the circumstances, required some comfort food. They agreed on pasta, so Shane made up some of her famous alfredo sauce and probably twice the recommended portion of pasta for two humans to consume. There were no leftovers. Sy had three helpings, himself. Three heaping bowls of it. Shane couldn't handle more than one and a half servings, even though she wanted to gorge herself. She knew too much would make her ill.
When they weren't eating, the were cuddling on the couch, or in Shane's bed. They watched more Parks and Rec, and a few other films and shows that Sy requested, just to break things up. Their bodies were constantly wrapped in each other, leading to frequent bouts of making out, fooling around, and sex in almost every room of the house.
Her favorite had been the shower. She insisted on getting cleaned up, but Sy had objections.
~~~~~~~~
"I'll be less than ten minutes, come on, I reek! You can't wanna kiss me when I smell like this!" she said, trying to shut the bathroom door on the human mack truck before her. Broad and formidable.
"You smell like sex, and…me, darlin. I've never wanted to kiss you more," he said, backing her up toward the shower doors. "but I guess if you must. Lemme help, though." he pulled open the glass door, forcing her into his captivating kiss, and maneuvering her backward into the walk-in, stone tile shower. He pulled off her tank top, capturing her breasts in his hands and mouth for a moment before kneeling to remove her shorts and kiss her thighs. He pulled himself away too quickly and started the water flowing.
"Sy, you're fully dressed!" he was barefoot, but otherwise, in jeans and her favorite of his tees. The letters DILLIGAF across a skull, black on red. She always laughed on the inside when she saw it. Because although Sy often had to put on a calloused and brusque act when he'd been an officer in the Army, he was terribly soft and sweet when the occasion called for it. The irony being that although he didn't look like he gave a fuck, he actually did.
"I've got more clothes in the truck and you've got a dryer." he maneuvered her under the pulsing stream of the showerhead. "Gotta get you wet." he let the water run through her hair as he reached for her shampoo, a coconutty concoction that reminded her of summer, squeezed a bit into his hand, and lathered it up. He worked the suds into her wet hair gently, raking his nails across her scalp in a way that excited and ignited every atom in her. She sighed at his touch which made him groan with need.
He tilted her head back to rinse the lather out and reached for the conditioner. He was a bit more generous with it than strictly necessary, but she didn't protest. He pulled her hair forward in two sections, one over each shoulder and worked the emollient into the strands. His hands slick from the product, he ran them over her breasts and her abdomen and hips…between her legs. There her own arousal was primed to combine with the tropical unction. She gasped as he worked his fingers over her, slow at first, but speeding up, only to slow again. When she finally whimpered in frustration, he undid his jeans, and backed her up to the stony grey wall, not giving a fuck, as his shirt had suggested, that he and his clothes were getting soaked. His only care now apparently, was to satisfy the simpering cries of "yes, please." from Shane.
His first few thrusts were slow and measured, knowing that she was still adjusting to his size. But it didn't take long for him to lose control. She wasn't sure what was making him like this, but she was not complaining in the least. The texture of his jeans on her bare, wet thighs was a sensation she wouldn't soon forget. She gripped at him, holding onto his shirt for dear life as her climax built to impossible heights.
She was loving the way he lost himself in the ferocity of the act. And his release led to hers immediately. She wrapped herself around him in blissful embrace, and whispered his name as a prayer.
"Sorry, darlin,' I meant to…"
"It's okay. I'm on the pill and I'm not at a particularly dangerous time in my cycle."
He kissed her tenderly and reached for her bath puff and some body wash. "Well, let’s get ya cleaned up."
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The only good part about Monday was that she'd be treating him. Although, he was scheduled in the afternoon. Her morning would drag on eternal.
He greeted her with a typical "hey, susnshine" and she led him into the gym, feeling his gaze on her ass, wanting, even though they'd just left each other quite satisfied that morning. He was freshly showered, beard well groomed, and his hair growing back in very nicely. He'd asked her weeks ago whether he should keep the buzzed look or not, and she had been entirely for growing it out. She wanted something to run her hands through. She'd be fine if it was at least shoulder length, but she wouldn't push that on him.
They did their normal warm up on the bikes, followed by some plyometric drills, which made him scowl at her in a way that lit her up like a firecracker. But the fact that he was able to jump up onto the box was encouraging. He couldn't have done that a month ago. He was progressing so well and was so close to his long term goals and discharge. It almost made Shane sad. It wasn't as though they wouldn't see each other, but having him break up the insanity of her day three times a week for just an hour was invaluable.
As they were doing their usual end of the session stretch in her treatment room, and she noted the improved range of motion he was getting, he broke the amiable silence with a question.
"Hey, can I bring a pizza or somethin' over for dinner tonight after you get off?"
"Sure!" she could tell there was something he wanted to say, but was holding back. She prodded. "Everything okay? You've been a bit…off today."
"I'm good. Just a little distracted." he deflected by touching her hip, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. She swatted him away.
"Not here, Sy."
"But that makes it fun!" he pouted.
"No, that really could get me fired! Getting frisky on company time!"
"Mmmm, I'd love to frisk you right now." he reached between their legs to try and grab her again, but she thwarted him and pinned his wrists at his ears.
"Cool it, cowboy, or your last two sessions are gonna make you wish you'd never met me." she threatened.
"Ain't nothin', nothin' on God's good green earth could make me wish that, sunshine." His stunning blue eyes softened her resolve and she let go, continuing to stretch him.
"Still…cool it." she grinned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She'd just had time to change into some comfy clothes, wash her face, and put her hair up when her doorbell rang.
Sy stood smiling under the porch light, a modern white knight, carrying a large pizza from Pizza Hut and a six pack of Miller High Life.
"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes! And it's nice to see you too, Sy!" she laughed, teasing him.
"Should I leave the victuals and go?" he asked, mock concern on his sarcastic brow.
"Get in here, soldier."
She got out napkins and paper plates because as horrible as it sounded, she just couldn't think about doing dishes tonight. She was even glad Sy had brought drinks in disposable or recyclable containers, and not wine, which she tended to prefer. She was exhausted, but not upset, which made the silence they ate in bearable. Sy still seemed to have something on his mind, though.
"Did you have something you wanted to talk about tonight, Sy?"
"Kinda, yeah, uh…it's kind of a big thing for me, and I know this is new, what we have, but…well, I'll just tell ya."
"Go on." she encouraged, worried.
"I…I talked to my old CO about jobs in the private sector. He referred me to a company that…well it's sort of an employment agency for vets. Mostly security for private companies and individuals. I had a phone interview with them this past Tuesday. I just got a call this morning that they want to meet me in person to finalize everything. Mostly a formality. When I go for that, I'll also have to stay there a couple of weeks to a month for training."
"Where is this…gig?" She said, flat affect hiding the feelings brewing under her skin.
"The offices are in Charlottesville…Virginia. And there may be some cross country training there in Shenandoah National Park."
"Cross country…by that do you mean survival training?" She was still cool, but getting more livid.
"You could call it that, I guess. But it won't be a challenge for me. I'm more worried about the technical stuff." His bravado and flippancy about the whole endeavor was enraging her. The thought that he'd be in the wilderness alone, was only a fraction of the big picture. He was going away for a month? And he had known about the job for a week now. A week in which so much about their relationship had changed, and shifted. How could he think she'd just accept this without a bit of raging.
"You waited until after we slept together to tell me this. You did it on purpose, Sy." that was the biggest problem, she thought. The fact that he seemed to be hiding it from her. It brought back old trauma that she thought he'd never have subjected her to.
"Yes and no, Shane. I wasn't intentionally keeping anything from you, I just didn't wanna bring it up until somebody bit."
"You wanted to keep me in the dark about something you were excited about? How do you think that makes me feel?"
"I didn't wanna get your hopes up or mine. Honestly."
"Saying 'honestly' doesn't make it honest, Sy. I've told you about everything that Elliott put me through. The lies. The secrets. This puts a bad taste in my mouth. You have to see that. Can't you?"
"Oh, sunshine, I--"
"No, please. Do not do that right now. Don't call me sunshine when all I can see is the night."
"I'm so sorry. My intention was not to make you feel in any way like that asshole ever did. Please hear me when I say that. I want to be the opposite of him in your mind in every way, darlin.' Please believe that."
There was so much sincerity in his voice, now nearing tearfulness that she felt he must be telling her the truth. She nodded. But was still apprehensive about the nature of the job and the training.
"But…what if you get hurt again?"
"I won't. You've all but fixed me, Shane. I'm stronger than ever."
"Can't you just…find a safe job? Here?" She was being selfish. She couldn't help it. Even though she knew she might regret it.
"Sit at a desk, ya mean? Deliver pizzas?" he indicated the box between them on the table. "Call people and ask them if they're happy with their cable services, Shane? Is that all I'm good for now?" he was angry.
"I didn't mean it like that."
"No, of course not. You're a PT. That's what you were meant to do, right? Well, imagine if you couldn't do that no more. Something or another, an injury, perhaps, or just plain ol' shitty situation, left you in a position where you couldn't go back. Couldn't do your dream job. Couldn't fulfill your purpose." he spat. "Wouldn't you do anything you could to be some shadow of what you were meant to be?"
She couldn't speak. Because he was right in so many ways.
"Because right now, I'm nothin'. I'm not doin' anyone any good. I'm a drain on my country, the one I swore to protect with my very life. It's like I've broken an oath. And it's fractured my soul."
"I see that. I truly do. But I need you here. You do ME good, Sy. I'm already half dreading d/c'ing you. I don't wanna have to say a goodbye, too." it was her truth. But it hit him very much sideways.
"So…what is it, Shane? You only want me when I'm broken? You only want me so you can fix me?"
"No, of course not! That's not what--"
"Am I a charity case to ya now? Is that why ya finally gave in and let me in your bed?"
"Sy, no!" she was crying now. It had hurt so much to think that he could have gotten that from what she'd said.
"I think if you can have feelings hurt about this situation then so can I."
He stood to leave, but she caught him by the wrist.
"Shane…you know I would never, ever harm you. But please… don't test my limits. Let… go." She did.
She was still quite a bit faster than him, so she ran ahead and blocked the door.
"Move." he insisted. She didn't.
"Hear me out, and then I'll let you go."
He crossed his arms and nodded, his gaze still one of cold steel.
"Sy, I didn't mean to make this job that you're clearly excited for into a source of anguish or to make it about me. I'm thrilled that you're going to get to do something you want in another field. I really am. I just…being with you has made me realize how good life can really be. And even if you'd told me before we slept together, I would have said the same thing. It was selfish of me to haul my baggage into the conversation when you aren't, have never been, and could never be Elliot. His best couldn't compare with your worst. And I will do my best in the future to think about who you are before I complain about the work you find to do."
"It's like I said about Aika before. She's a soldier. Hard trained. And so am I. It took a lot of hard work for me to get where I am, so much that it fundamentally altered who I am as a person. Now, in my opinion, those changes were for the better. I was kind of a shit before I became a soldier, thought the sun rose and set with me. I got some perspective and met some good people…lost some, too. Saw some shit I can't unsee. Some of it haunts me to this day, and I figure it always will. But I reckon if I can keep fighting the fight somehow. Keep protecting people in whatever way I can, my training and experience won't be a total waste."
"I understand and respect that, Sy. And I will back you in any way I can. I'll water your plants, I'll keep Aika whenever you're gone, I'm here for you."
"Oh, shit! I wasn't even thinking about having to leave my dog behind! Maybe this WON'T work!" he chuckled.
"Second fiddle to another woman already. I knew you were gonna break my heart, Captain Logan Syverson."
"Never intentionally, sunshine." he hugged her, tight, and with his whole body. Their argument in the past and their future an exciting mystery. Shane had never felt so safe and loved.
Up Next: Chapter 12: Final Home Exercise Program
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thousandsunnywrites · 4 years
Note
How about law meeting a girl who has the same energy as Luffy and tends to touch him in some way all the time, her favorite being ridding on his back. He has long since given up trying to get her to stop, only to find out when he teams up with the straw hats she’s Luffy’s sister by blood. The oldest of Ace Sabo and Luffy.
Law
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Law x f!reader; romantic
⤷ a/n: g o l l y this ficlet was a whopping 2.7k words 😭😭i really do love picking on law; also ps this isn’t proofread yet so enjoy the rawness ty
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“traaafFFFYYYY!” He stumbles forward to balance the sudden weight tossed on his back, hands instinctively grabbing the legs wrapped around him. His life was never like this, until you came around.
It was a regular night in the submarine, Law doing his routinely watch through the sub’s finder. What the hell is that, he zoomed in to get a better view of the blurry image, hm, what is that?
He found a floating bucket under the sea with a tightly sealed lid and a hole carved on the upside with a plastic straw sticking out. Confused and hoping it was some lost gold, he made Bepo fish out the container and check it out. Instead of finding what he hoped to uncover, he discovered a limp body of a young female.
“It’s not breathing, captain! What if it’s been purposely tossed into sea... what if...” his words begin to trail off when the horrid realization of the sea being the graveyard to rest the corpse crossed his mind. He shrieked. They messed with the dead! They’re going to die! He watched too many Asian horror films to know where this is going.
Not before long, Law sighed out of annoyance, moving Bepo’s paw from the right side of the chest to the left, instantly calming down his tremors and leaving the poor bear sheepish.
Footsteps approach Law’s office and busted through the door. Low and behold, it was no other than Penguin and Shachi.
“Cap’n!! What’s wrong? We heard Bepo scream!—” Penguin tugged on Shachi’s sleeve, forcing his attention to the corpse curled in the bucket. Bepo covered both mouths before a squall was ripped from their throats, “Shh... it’s alive.”
“Room,” the iconic blue sphere encapsulates the room as Law unsheathes his Kikoku, “Scan.” The sliver glint of the sword flickered against the blue hue as it perused the physique. Producing no results, he sheathed his sword. “None” was all he could report.
“Oh thank god!” Penguin leaned over the large wooden pail, examining the face of the woman. “She’s kinda cute,” his hand reaches out to caress her cheek. “Mind if I say that I saved her?” He bantered with a sly smile.
“Move outta the way, lemme see!” Shachi shoved Penguin, an instant grin apparent inside his face.
“Stop fucking around.” Law jostled the apologetic duo to hoist majority of the body’s upper half out the bucket. “Bepo-ya, grab the feet”
“Roger!” He saluted before doing as told.
“Pen-ya, Shachi-ya,” their attentions turned to him, responding with a “Yes, boss?”, to which Law replied, “Get out.” As they left, the captain and first mate transfer the patient to the resting ward and laid her on a more comfortable bed.
“Catch some sleep, Bepo-ya.”
“What about you Captain? Who’s gonna watch her if she wakes up?”
“I will. Go ahead and sleep. Lack of sleep isn’t good for your fur.”
Bepo bowed, trusting all will go well since the captain was watching over her, and left to do as told. Meanwhile, Law pulled out a chair and raised his feet atop the bed. It was going to be a long night.
Surely, he must’ve fallen asleep because next thing he knows, he’s the one in bed and his crew bustled in the kitchen. It was a different ruckus this time; it wasn’t the same morning liveliness he knew, no, it was something more like... a party?
He made his way to the kitchen, head slightly pounding due to the loud vibrations bouncing off the walls. Swinging the kitchen door open, he’s faced with a festive bunch surrounding a stranger. Who the hell is she and how’d she infiltrate my ship?
Now on alert, he reached for his sword, preparing to attack but was stopped by his lovable white bear, who had multiple syrup stains resting on his fur. “Captain!!! Look!! She’s awake!!”
Who?
Oh yeah, the bucket girl.
“Yeah man that was suuuuperrrr crazy! I really thought I was gonna die out there!” A guffaw rumbled in the room, the crowd listening intently to what you have to say, “dude there was this big—and I mean big— whirlpool! With nowhere else to go, I just hid in a good ol’ barrel and hoped for the best.”
“Woah, you’re so cool Y/n!” The crew chanted as Law made his way through the crowd, sitting rightfully at his bench, head against his propped up hand.
“Hey, you must be the captain!” You greeted him with a hearty laugh while you reached over to the opposite side to pat his back, unintentionally thrusting his body forward with every rough pat.
“Don’t touch me,” he pulled away and dusted himself off, “I take it you’re better. Any pain?”
Completely ignoring his question, you continued, “Yeah how rude of me, I’m Y/n!!! I’m sorry for intruding so suddenly, it’s just I thought I was gonna die out there because—“
He held up a hand and finished the same sentence you said prior, “Yeah, yeah, there was a whirlpool and you thought you were gonna die, so your pea-sized brain said to stuff yourself in a barrel and hope for the best, yes, I’ve heard it earlier.” He said all in one breath. This amount of stupidity reminded him of a certain captain he was supposed to meet soon.
Instead of feeling offended, a big cackle bursted in the suddenly tense room. “I like you!” Slamming down your fist on his table as a sign of determination, he saw that same look of craze. Oh, how he could never forget that gaze.
“From here on out, I’m your crewmate now.” Cheers erupted from your mates, picking you up in rejoice to congratulate your recruitment.
“No, everyone quiet. You are not a part of my crew. Find yourself another place to loiter in. We don’t accept stowaways here.”
“Yeah no, it’s fine! I’ve been looking for a crew anyways.”
“I am captain of this ship and when I say I will toss you overboard if you insist you’re a Heart Pirate, I will toss you—”
“Y’all I’m hungry, got any food? Preferably meat, yeah?”
“Do not feed her.”
They feed you anyways despite his protests. He didn’t need another one like him on his ship, let alone in his crew.
“By the way, what’s your name Mr. Captain?” A piece of meat was ripped right off the bone. What a slob, Law grit his teeth, and as if I’ll accept her messy behavior. I’m tossing her right off the sub when she’s done.
“It’s Trafalgar Law!” Penguin chimes in, beating the captain to his own introduction. He grunts in annoyance. “Address him as Captain or doctor,” added Bepo.
“MMmmmmm,” your face twisted comically after a brief ponder, “Too boring, how ‘bout Lawsy?”
“No.”
“Trally?”
“Not a chance.”
“Gar.”
“Just shut up, I’m losing brain cells from you. Address me accordingly.”
“Okay, Traffy.” You burped as you chugged down the last of the juice.
Law could only sigh, because even if he threw you overboard, he’d still be stuck with you.
And that’s how it all circles back to Law giving you a ride on his back while walking along in the designated plaza. This is how his normal looks like nowadays. And nowadays, he doesn’t complain, even if he hates being ordered around, he just does it. His crew speculates him having only a soft spot for you, but he denies it every time. It was obvious though.
Today was the day he and Luffy agreed to meet at Dressrosa to take down that son of a bitch named Doflamingo. Everything was going as plan.
“Hey, Tra-guy!” The strawhats called putting from the other end of plaza, stirring a commotion contrasting the daily chatter of the citizens. He scans around and only sees Zoro, Usopp, Robin, Franky out of the troublesome gang. Where’s Luffy?
His grip tightened to hold you in place after your legs thrashed around in excitement, that never leaving irksome grin plastered on your features as always. “Stay still,” he sneered as he forced your legs to settle.
“Woah, it’s been a while since I’ve seen Y/n,” Usopp whispered to Nami, to which she nodded in agreement.
“My, they have gotten quite close,” Robin’s chuckle was covered by her hand.
“Wow!” Franky drawled out, his stance in his usual super pose, “Since when did you two get together?” The glint of his shades gleamed as Law approached.
Law simply responded with a “Never” and carried on with discussing the plan that Luffy and most likely his crew won’t follow suit—but it was worth a shot. Hell, he didn’t even bother to explain it to you, knowing you’d do your own thing anyways like what you were trying to do now.
“Traff, Traff, Traff!” With every chant, you kicked your legs outwards to catch his attention.
“What, what, what.” He propped his arms upwards to readjust your sagging position caused by the sudden movements. The strawhats paused their chatter, noting that the stoic doctor had no sign of vexation on his face. That was a first.
“I’m hungry,” you smooshed his cheeks together. With a lilt, you asked, “Food?”
He casually nods, telling you “Later”, inattentive to the cheek smooshing and now cheek pulling. Nobody said anything, but it was obvious he had a soft spot. I mean, nobody can touch him—let alone his face— like that. If they tried, they’d be in a million pieces.
“Guys!!” The scream approached fast along with a mob of angry citizens following, “Got the meat! Now run!” The strawhat captain zoomed by, dragging the rest of his crew and allies along with him until stopping at a hidden alleyway.
During the time of escape, you hung your head down as Law transferred you from his back to his chest, face-to-face, in one swift motion, so you never caught a glimpse of the runner.
“‘Eyyyy, Tra-guy! Didn’t even notice you’re here!” The man gnawed on his meat while stuffing the leftovers into his big orange bag.
“Glad to see you too, Strawhat-ya,” he greeted back, eyes meeting with yours for a hasty second before trailing his gaze to your relaxed lips. It was intimate, seeing you close to him, bodies pressed together, arms around his neck and waist whilst his rested on the underside of your thighs. You and him always been together since the day he was held at gunpoint to recruit you, so it was normal for him to have some form of physical contact, whether it’d be hand holding to prevent you from straying away or the constant elbow hitting the back of his head while you whistled a verse or two. Giving you piggyback rides was common, so why did his heart start racing? This is what he always did, what was so different that could make him feel heated?
His chain of thoughts broke when you ripped yourself off of him to hug Luffy. “It’s been so long,” the shorter make cried, “I missed you Y/n! So nice seeing you out here! Especially with Tra-guy.” Seemingly impossible, your arms drew him tighter to you. “I missed you Luffy. God, I’m so happy to see you alive, I read all those articles. Really making big moves out there, kiddo.” Dramatic tears flowed out both his and your eyes, basking in the nostalgia and memories you shared.
To you, it was a touching moment; but to others, it was a cloud of confusion.
“Wait, you two know each other?” Usopp’s question dripping in disarray. But, their confusion was unparalleled to Law’s. That’s who you reminded him of—Luffy. He fell in love with someone who’s basically Luffy. He fell in love with Luffy’s sister. He fell in lo— no. No he’s not in love, what is he thinking?
“Huh, that’s a shocker,” Law’s lips were dry, mouth slightly agape as he watched the two monkeys hit it off.
Parting ways as the sun retired for business, Law took you to the hotel he had a reservation for. He was definitely gonna ask about Luffy. Grabbing the keys, it was a nonstop travel to the bedroom. Gotta hand it to Mingo, the bastard is a sick fck but he has some classy taste. The hotel was flooded with the natural shine of the moon, decorations silk and simple to compliment each other and the luxurious smell that was hard to miss.
Immediately upon entering the room, the first thing you checked was the fridge, searching for sweets whilst Law leaned idly against the doorframe as he watched.
“Yes, they have kinder eggs,” you shoved an egg in his field of view, “See?” He lowered your hand away from his face and ran his calloused fingers against his hair. It was a long day today, and he was tired as hell, but in this moment, all he wanted to do was to watch you.
“Want some?” Already munching on the Cadbury you found, you waved your face in front of his to break his daze.
“What?”
You simply pointed and broke off a piece to lay it against his outstretched palm.
“No wonder you seemed familiar to me,” he started, “You’re his sister.” Responding in a hum, he continued, “How did that happen? Sister by blood or by choice?”
“By blood dummy,” you popped a jawbreaker in your mouth, “We grew up together. If Ace and Sabo were being a jackass, I’d beat their ass flat. They were such bad influences! But seemingly in a good way..? They were like brothers to me too, ha, I was kinda like their mom if you really think ‘bout it,” Your mouth stopped sucking as the words you said became more and more sentimental. “I miss them. Ace, Sabo, and Luffy. But I’m happy. I guess it’s just... with everything... it’s nice seeing him alive and laughing. Enjoying life. And happy! Must’ve been hard on him all by himself. Besides, I can’t bear to lose another brother, not again.”
“I understand,” naturally that was his response, being that he could empathize since he did lose a sibling, a mother, and a father—twice— because of people. The world was fucked up. No other words were exchanged, effectively ending that convo.
You dug through the multiple bottles of wine, haphazardly throwing them away to search for more candy. A set of hands joined you on this search, crouching right beside you.
“Seems like you need help.” He offered a tiny, yet genuine, smile, to which you smiled back.
After endless digging, you found a can of whip cream and laughed as you sprayed a heaping load on the doctor’s nose before running around. He chased after you, grunting and hitting his long limbs against the small obstacles you placed, and lost you after he moved said objects to clear the path. You climbed onto the wall and pounced on his back, causing him to fall down completely, the cream crushed against his pointed nose and marbled floor.
“I win,” you sat on him as he struggled like a caught spider underneath your weight.
“Okay, I concede. Get off me.”
You flipped him over so his face was towards the ceiling, which was dark after you turned off the lights, and laid back on his chest. His chest had a subtle, yet rhythmic rise to it and made you fall asleep without trying too hard. You peeped a sigh of content before snoring away.
He admired how peaceful you looked when he wasn’t busy babysitting you. The moonlight doused your features in a soft light, turning even the harsh features into something delicate like a flower. The way your lips parted to let out obnoxious snores, the way your hair is tousled in a perfectly imperfect manner, the way your eyelashes contrast your skin tone, the way how there’s something about this moonlight that makes him wanna just lean down and plant a chaste kiss on your lips.
So he does.
You barely felt it graze against yours.
His hand caressed your hair with feathery light touches and his other brushed against your cheek.
Only the moon knew about the endearing look hidden in Law’s eyes that night; it was that same endearing look that showed he was in love.
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atlafan · 5 years
Text
Take it Slow - Part Twenty
a/n: okay this is my first shot at a harry:y/n fic, and it will be multiple parts. y/n had a bad experience with an ex over a year ago, and finally accepts her coworker and good friend Niall’s invitation to go on a blind date with his friend Harry.
(Fluffy part with some smut...Part Twenty-One gets really intense, so I wanted to leave this one on a good note.)
Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six Part Seven Part Eight Part Nine Part Ten Part Eleven Part Twelve Part Thirteen Part Fourteen Part Fifteen Part Sixteen Part Seventeen Part Eighteen Part Nineteen
Masterpost
It only takes you a little over an hour to get back to your apartment. You were so thankful for Harry. He took his button up right off when he walked through the door, but kept everything else on. He sat down on the couch and turned the TV on. You sat next to him and snuggled up close.
“Thank you for everything today, you were such a good sport. I couldn’t believe how well behaved my family was! I hope the tattoos thing didn’t make you uncomfortable.”
“Not at all. It was kinda nice to show them off a bit. Can I ask a question?”
“Of course.”
“Where was your oldest sister, what’s her name? Bridget?”
“She goes to her friend’s house on Thanksgiving. She’s usually there at the beginning because she helps bring food over with my mom. We must’ve just missed her.” You shrug.
“Oh…I was just wondering because no one even mentioned her.”
“There’s nothing to mention.” You keep your eyes glued on the TV.
“Does she still live with your mum?” You sigh heavily. “Sorry, I’m prying aren’t I?”
“No, it’s okay. I just don’t really like talking about it. Her whole life style is just annoying and I hate giving it the time of day to even think about. At some point I’ll tell you all about it, but right now I just don’t feel like it.”
“Alright baby, that’s fine.” He rubs his hand along your arm. You loved the way he called you baby. One time he even called you baby girl and you thought you were going to melt into a puddle. It was a term a lot of people used to call their significant other, but coming from him it felt more special.
“I like when you say baby girl.” You say still watching the TV. He feels his cheeks heat up.
“You do?”
“Mhm.”
“Alright, baby girl it is.” You feel your eyes flutter closed. He looks down at you and sees your mouth parted. It had been a really long day. He was hoping to get lost in you, but he felt equally as tired. Maybe in the morning.
You were half asleep when you felt him lift you off the couch, and carry you into your bedroom. You wanted to see what he’d do, so you pretended to stay asleep. He stood you up and leaned you against his body to unzip your dress. He let it drop to the floor. Next he unhooked your bra and let that drop too. He picked you back and laid you on your side of the bed. He tugged your nylons and panties down your legs. He grabbed one of his t-shirts from your dresser. He sits you up for a moment to put it on you, then he lays you back down and puts the blanket over you. You hear him sigh, satisfied with how he’s taken care of you. Even if had told him you were awake, you wouldn’t have had the strength to get changed.
Harry took his clothes off, leaving his boxers on, and climbed into bed with you. He wrapped his arms around you so he could spoon you. You loved the way his body felt pressed against you, and the way he nuzzled into your hair. You quickly fell back asleep in his arms.
You drifted into a dream. You were running through a field of sunflowers. Harry was running on the other side towards you. You run into his arms, he picks you up and swings you around.
“Oh Harry, I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
“Take me, here, now, in this field.”
“Are you sure?”
“More sure than anything.”
You felt something hard rubbing up against your butt, waking you up slightly. You realize you had been pushing yourself against Harry, clearly exciting him. You hear him grunt into your ear. You’re not sure if he’s awake. You decide to tease him a little, and continue to grind your butt into him. He pressed harder against you, making your head roll back.
“(y/n)?” He said with a sleepy voice.
“Mm?”
“What you doin’?”
“Grinding against you.”
“Right.”
His hand reaches around to your front, he sighs when he feels how wet you already are. He rubs your clit with his fingers while you continue to grind against him.
“Fuck.” You say through your teeth as he rubs you harder. You were turned on by so much, his hand, his hard dick pressed against your ass, and the way you two were just so comfortable with each other.
Harry’s teeth graze your shoulder, biting down and sucking your skin.
“Bite me harder, please.” You gasp out. You don’t have to tell him twice, as he sinks his teeth further into you. You moan out loudly.
“Can I rub myself against you?”
“You are.”
“No, against your wet pu-“
“Yes.” You turn over quickly, and pull himself on you. He keeps his thumb on your clit while he presses himself against you. His boxers were slightly wet with precome.
Your hips raise to his and he moans out your name. It felt so good just to rub against each other. You knew he wanted to just stick it in you, and you were getting closer to wanting that too. You imagined how it would feel to have him stretch out, pumping and throbbing in and out of you.
“Oh, Harry, Harry.” You moan over and over. You were literally fantasizing about him while he was right there with you. He rubs your clit harder, sending you over the edge. Your hands rake through his hair, and pull on him hard as you come undone.
“Can I come on your stomach?” He asks, panting.
“Please.”
He lifts his shirt, just under your breasts. He pulls his boxers down just enough for his dick to come out. Your eyes widen as he grips himself, and jerks off onto your stomach. Thick streams of come shoot out of him and onto your stomach. He flops onto his back next to you, admiring his jizz on your tummy.
“Fuck, I love you.” He says, trying to catch his breath.
“I love you too. You’re such a man, you know that?” He looks at you with a smirk.
“Is that so, baby girl?” You giggle at the words.
“Here, let me go get a towel to clean you up.” Harry rolls his eyes when he looks at the clock. “Jesus, it’s only four in the mornin’.” He grabs a towel from your bathroom, and wipes your stomach clean.
“Plenty of time to sleep still.” He gets back in next to you. “Sorry I woke you up.”
“You’re apologizing?” He smirks. “You can wake me up like that anytime.”
“Good to know.”
“Lemme lay my head on your chest.”
You smile and shift onto your back so Harry can rest on you. You play with his hair until you both drift back off into sleep. The sound of his light snores always help you sleep better.
//
Later that morning you woke up to the smell of toast and eggs. You stretched out in your bed, and got up. You didn’t bother putting any pants on, Harry’s shirt covered you just enough. You pad into the kitchen and smile immediately. Harry is in his boxers, cooking you breakfast. You know he doesn’t eat eggs, but he was making them because you eat them. He sees you out of the corner of his eye and smiles at you.
“Mornin’ beautiful.”
“You’re making me breakfast?” You yawn and rub your eyes like a little kid.
“Mhm.” He sets up a plate for you. “Avocado toast with eggs, your favorite.” You go around the island and nuzzle into him.
“Thank you baby.” You kiss him on the cheek, then take a bite of the toast. Harry eats some avocado with a little hot sauce and olive oil on top. “Mmm, so tasty.” You lick your lips. “You’re such a good cook, have I ever told you that?”
“You may have mentioned it once or twice, but by all means, keep the compliments comin’.” He winks at you.
“You make the best fried eggs I’ve ever had.”
“Go on.”
“And this toast.” You point to it. “Perfectly browned.” You both start giggling. “You know what, I need something to drink. Would you like some coffee?”
“Uh, yeah, please. Can’t believe I forgot about coffee.”
“S’okay, you were busy.” You reach up into your cabinet to grab two mugs. Harry starts choking on his food when he sees you pantieless. You never walked around like that. How did he not notice before? “You okay?” You say, starting up the Keurig.
“Yup, perfectly fine.” It’s not like he hadn’t seen you in the light of day before, but something about you just wearing his shirt, and being so comfortable around him for you to walk around like…it was starting to drive him wild.
You shrug it off, and make both of your coffees. You hand him his with a smile, and he happily takes it. You loved when Harry stayed over. It wasn’t just because it gave you more time to fool around, it was for moments like this. The domestic bliss that you craved as a child. Your home was not a happy one, and now you’ve created one for yourself. The thing is, you were starting to get greedy. You wanted him there more and more. You figured if you two ever decided to move in together, you would need to find a two bedroom apartment. You each would need a place to get work done at home, especially him. Maybe Niall knew of any open places in his building.
“Babe?” Harry breaks you from your day dream.
“Hm?”
“How ‘bout a shower?”
“Good idea.”
You bring your coffee into your bedroom with you and set it on the desk. You grab an elastic, flip your hair over, and put it up in a bun. While doing this Harry can’t keep his eyes off your butt. Without thinking he gave it taut smack. You jump and squeal, rubbing the spot that was sure to leave a bruise. You look up at him confused, and a little annoyed.
“What the hell was that?”
“M’so sorry, it was an accident.” He’s trying to stifle a laugh.
“That’s not funny! That really hurt Harry, Jesus.” You continue to rub your cheek which was still sort of stinging. “I mean you really smacked me, what came over you?”
“It was…there.” He shrugged. “You should really make sure you wear your knickers around me, or stuff like this will just happen.” He walks into your bathroom.
Not taking that for an answer, you watch him bend over to take his boxers off. You wind your hand up, and attempt to smack him as hard has he did you. The sound filled the room, but he didn’t make a noise. He simply stood up straight, and turned around to look at you.
“Sorry, it was just there.” You say in a mocking tone, almost in his accent.
“You know, if you had been bent over a bit more, I could’ve gotten ya right on that little clit of yours. Don’t think you’d be complainin’ then.” He reaches to turn the water on, and crosses his arms.
That was some serious dirty talk that just came from his mouth. He had never really spoken to you like that before. Which Harry was this? You try to wrack your brain around it. Was this another side to your daddy Harry? Or was this a darker Harry? One that wants to spank you until you come.
“So that didn’t even hurt?” You point to the pink spot on his butt.
“Not really, love. Did ya want it to hurt me?”
“I just wanted you to feel what you did to me.” He smirks.
“Didn’t mean to hit ya that hard, promise.” He kisses your nose, and steps into the shower. You strip yourself of his shirt, and climb in behind him.
“Do you like talking like that?” You ask while his head is submerged in the water. He turns to look at you.
“Hm? Like what?”
“What you said a minute ago.” He gives you a confused look, and then he’s struck with realization.
“I don’t really know why I said that. Sorry if it made you uncomfortable.”
“It didn’t…I was just taken off guard.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to stifle my inside thoughts.” He steps aside so you can step into the water. “You know I could get an attachment so this sprays differently, then we wouldn’t have to do this dance every time.” How could he just change the subject so easily?
“Sure, we could go to WalMart or something. Um, so, you think like that often?”
“Why are you so interested all of a sudden?” You weren’t sure exactly.
“Just curious I guess.” You try to shrug it off.
“You can tell me if it was, um, a bit much. It really did just slip out…”
“No, no, it was fine. I just, I don’t know, I didn’t realize you were so erotic?”
“Good word for it I suppose.”
“What word would you use for it?”
“I don’t know, flirting maybe?” You stop and realize that you and Harry never really flirted with each other. Even in the very beginning, it was mostly cute and kind conversations. Then it turned into more sexual moves, but never really flirting. He was also just way more comfortable with you at this point. He figured it would be okay to let it slip once in a while what he was actually thinking and feeling.
In your daze, he grabs a wash cloth and your body wash and starts to scrub himself. He starts wiping up your chest, which snaps you back into reality.
“Need to step into the water, love.” You move aside and watch as the soap falls down his body.
“How do you turn it on and off so easily?”
“What?”
“The way you talk. One second you’re incredibly sweet and thoughtful, another second you’re straight up charming, and another you’re…well saying those other things?” He smirks at you.
“When I saw you bend over to put your hair, and I saw this glorious rump in front of me.” He puts his hands on your butt and gives you a squeeze. “I think all the blood in my body rushed to my dick, and that’s why I said what I said. Plus the fact that you had given me a pretty good smack. It was hot actually, how you just took command of the situation.”
“You didn’t even flinch when I did it.”
“I told ya, it didn’t hurt.”
“How could that have not hurt?”
“Don’t know.” He shrugs. He leans down to your ear. “Didn’t I tell you once before, a while ago, that those little hands of yours wouldn’t be able to hurt me?” A shiver goes up your spine as you remember the first time you really gave his hair a good tug. He straightens himself back up. “All set?”
“Mhm.” He turns the water off. You grab both of your towels, and get out of the shower.
“I have some work to do today, but I brought my laptop with me so I can do it here.”
“Did you want to go back to your place so you can use your big monitor?”
“No, no it’s fine. Just touching up some pictures I took of this couple last week. They’re doing this pregnancy announcement.” You go to your dresser to put on a sports bra and leggings.
“Oh, how sweet!” Harry puts on his dark blue jeans and saunters into the living room, grabbing his laptop bag. You grab your laptop from your desk and join him on the couch. “I have some work I could get done too actually. Days like this are always great for catching up on email.”
“It’s nice that your company gives you the day after off.”
“Yeah, I like working there because of all the benefits we get. They even give us that week off between Christmas and New Year’s.”
“Really? That’s almost unheard of.”
“I think the CEO or whatever really values work-life balance. She really pays attention to the data that shows how to boost productivity and morale with employees. Everyone is happy to get their work done because they know they’ll have the time to relax. I also think she noticed that a lot of people took that week off anyways, so not much was getting done regardless.” You plug your headphones into your laptop, and pull up Spotify.
“What are you doing?”
“I like to listen to music while I work and I don’t want to distract you.” He looks you up and down.
“Not much that can help with that.”
“Says the shirtless guy sitting next to me.” He rolls his eyes at you playfully. “You don’t listen to music while you work?”
“Depends on what I’m working on.” He shrugs. “Do you want to see the photos?”
“Sure!” You lean over so you can see the beautiful pictures Harry took of the couple. It was two women, one of them had a small bump. They both looked overjoyed. The one that wasn’t pregnant was holding up a pumpkin to her belly to match the bump of her partner. “Oh, Harry these are beautiful.”
“Thanks.”
“They both look so happy.”
“They were over the moon.” He sighs. “They told me they felt lucky to find me. Some photographers turned them down because they were afraid of having a gay couple’s photos on their website or something. Can you believe that? In this day and age?”
“That’s so sad! How did they find you?”
“Honestly, I think it was Facebook. I made a page for myself that’s attached to my Instagram. I think one of them had a mutual friend with me or they happened to like my page or something. Either way they had seen photos of a previous shoot I did with these two guys, so they reached out.”
“Can I see those? With the guys?”
“Sure, this was actually really fun.” Harry pulls ups his Instagram page and scrolls down a bit. “They wanted to send out engagement announcements. It was pretty cute. I took them out to this trail that had a waterfall behind it.”
“These are stunning.”
“This was a fun day for sure. I think if someone wants their picture taken, they should have them taken.”
“Agreed.” You give him a quick kiss on the cheek.
You put your headphones in and get to work. You get through a dozen or so emails, and open up Adobe Premiere. You work on a video, marketing a website launch. Harry glances to how your hands move as you cut clips together. How you take a moment to close your eyes so you can concentrate on the sounds coming in, to make sure everything is lined up correctly. You finish up your video and set your laptop on the coffee table to let it render. You glance at Harry’s project. He’s making a digital photo book for the couple. He stops to rub his eyes, and sets his laptop on the coffee table.
“Alright, time for a break.” He sighs. He looks at you and smiles. “Get much done?”
“Oh yeah, I’m way ahead for next week. How’d your book come along?”
“I think it’s good. Just need to make some small changes. Almost done though.”
“When do they need it by?”
“Oh, well the pictures are all good to go. The book is just an extra touch from me. I’m going to email them everything tomorrow.” You stand up and stretch.
“Would you wanna go for a walk? Get some steps in?”
“Sure, lemme just throw some joggers on.”
Harry changes into sweatpants and a sweatshirt. You hand him his beanie before you lace up your sneakers.
“It’s a little cold out.” You smile at him as he puts it on.
“Thanks.”
You go for a nice, long walk. You giggle about the funny things Harry noticed about your family.
“We do not yell!” You laugh.
“Yes you do! It was so funny, you and your dad did it first, and then throughout your sister’s house.”
“It’s mostly just when we need each other’s attention. When you have a big house full of six people, it can be hard to get someone to listen to you. What was your house like?”
“Not the biggest, but not the smallest either.” He smiles. “My favorite thing was that we lived next door to this Chinese food place, and every day after school I’d come home, open my window, and take a big whiff.”
“What do you guys usually do for the holidays? Do you go home?”
“Yeah, usually. We just have a small gathering. I try to go home a couple days early so I have some extra time with my mum. I don’t stay there for New Year’s though.”
“That’s nice you’re able to go home. How often are you able to go back?”
“Typically for the holidays, and then I take about two weeks in the summer, sometimes three. My work lets me take pictures out there so I don’t have to use all my vacation time.”
“I feel like Niall does the same thing. Only he has to use his vacation time in the summer.”
“Yeah, he and I usually try to fly out together. When does Hanukkah start?”
“Couple of weeks. I think the week before Christmas this year.”
“How is it determined?”
“The Jewish calendar is lunar.”
“Ohhhh, okay. Does your family get together?”
“Yeah, my great uncle usually has this big party on one of the weekends it’ll fall on. It’s a lot of fun. As kids, we waited until Christmas to do all our presents, but now we just get together for Hanukkah. It’s just easier because now that my brother’s married, and Erica has Mike, no one has to run around on Christmas.”
“So what do you usually do on Christmas if your family doesn’t get together?”
“It’s just another day. One year I went on vacation with the girls, another year I went down to Florida to see Nannie.”
“Hm, interesting.”
He wanted to take the moment to ask you to go to England for Christmas. He wanted to show you around, see where he grew up. Drive you into London for a day, just completely sweep you off your feet. But he knew you wouldn’t let him pay for the ticket. He needed more time.
“What do you say we go out to a movie tonight?” He asks you.
“Sure! Do you want to go to that theater that has the dinner service?”
“Works for me.”
//
You both decide on going to see Knives Out.
“That was fun, it reminded me of Clue.” You say, walking out of the theater.
“I was going to say the same thing! That’s a movie we should watch sometime.”
“Yeah, maybe we could have the crew over for a movie night sometime.” There were a couple of things you just said that made Harry happy. You said we, as in your place was practically your place. The word crew also delighted him. Your friend groups were merging naturally.
“I think that’s a great idea.” He snakes his arm around you. “The night’s still young, feel like goin’ to have a drink?”
“I like the way you think.”
He drives you two to a bar near the theater. You grab a couple of open stools. You order your usual vodka-tonic, and Harry does the same.
“You look cute tonight, by the way.” He says warmly.
“It’s just jeans and a top. Nothing special, babe.”
“Maybe to you.” He winks. “I like when we get to spend this much time together.”
“Me too…you’re not bored or sick of my place?”
“Not at all. It was nice earlier when we were both just workin’, doin’ our own things, but in the same space.”
“I agree.”
“You don’t feel like suffocated with my stuff there, or me there a lot?”
“No way! I like it better when you’re around Harry.” He takes a sip of his drink.
“I wanna run somethin’ by ya, but I’ll be honest, I’ve been a little nervous to ask.” You give him a warm smile, and put your hand on his thigh.
“Don’t be nervous sweetie, what is it?”
“Well, remember earlier when we were talkin’ about holidays?”
“Mhm.”
“Um, well,” He runs a hand through his hair. “I don’t know why I’m having such a tough time with this.” He sighs. “I’d love for you to come to England with me for Christmas, (y/n). I want you to meet my mum and sister, I wanna show you around London. And I know that’s a lot to plan in just a few weeks, and you may not feel comfortable taking such a big trip with me yet, but I hope you’ll at least think about it.”
You get up from your stool, and wrap your arms around his neck. You give him a few quick kisses on the cheek and start giggling.
“Harry, I would love to go to England!” You squeal, and sit back down.
“Really?”
“Sure! I’ve always wanted to go, and I of course want to meet your family.”
“I want you to let me pay for the plane tickets.”
“Harry, you know I can’t let you do that.”
“I’m inviting you, so I want to do it. I travel enough that it really won’t cost a lot. I can use my miles.”
“I don’t want you wasting that on me though.”
“S’not a waste. Please, just let me take care of it. At least let me book everything, and then we can discuss the payment later.”
“You said the same thing when we stayed at the inn, and you refused to take my check.” You sigh. “I work, I have a good job, I can afford things. If I let you book these flights, you will let me pay for it. I mean it.” You try to be stern with him, assert yourself a little. He clears his throat.
“I never said that you don’t make any money. It’s not about that. This is about me inviting you somewhere.”
“I just feel like you never let me pay for anything. I appreciate you being a gentleman, but for this kind of trip…”
“Baby girl.” He said it. He knew if he called you that you would immediately give up. You weren’t sure what it was about him calling you that, that made you putty in his hands, but it did.
“I’ll drop it for now, but we’re not done discussing this.” You pout. He leans forward and gives you a soft kiss on the lips.
“How ‘bout another round?”
“Let’s drink at home.” Once again, instead of saying your place, you referred to it as home. Harry’s love for you grew deeper by the second.
“Deal.”
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ddixons-angel · 5 years
Text
Fated: Season 1
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Summary: Gloria Rhee narrowly escapes Atlanta with her brother as the outbreak reaches the city. Luckily, they find a camp outside the city and together, they fend through encounters with the living and undead.
Starts a little before Season 1 and then follows the main storyline of the show.
Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Glenn Sister!OC
Warnings: major TWD spoilers, language, violence (the typical TWD stuff), mild racism 
A/N: I really hope you guys are enjoying this, Season 1 from the show officially starts here. Lemme know what you think! :D
Chapter 4:
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The group had driven to the outskirts of Atlanta, parking their truck outside and walking the rest of the way into the city. They had used Glenn’s planned routes, the ones he had learned of in his experience as a pizza delivery guy. Going through their list of supplies to retrieve, the group scavenge through stores undetected and eventually make it to their main destination: a large department store. Continuing to scavenge the shelves of the store, they suddenly hear a number of gunshots outside within the city. 
“What was that?” Andrea, Amy’s older sister, asks, worry evident in her voice.
“Gunshots, someone’s here other than us.” Gloria points out, “I’m gonna head up to the roof to check it out.”
Gloria rushes to the stairway and makes her way to the roof of the building, followed by Glenn, T-Dog and Merle. Once they get there, they go over to the ledge of the building and see a large horde of walkers in the distance, seeming to be devouring something as the walkers pile in one spot. More gunshots are heard in that direction and they finally see the one responsible for the commotion: a man fighting for his life, shooting walkers as he heads for a tank.
“What the hell does he think he’s doing?!” T-Dog watches in horror as more walkers can be seen entering the vicinity.
“Attracting more walkers straight to us.” Gloria breathes, trying to calm herself as she tries to think of what to do.
Glenn adjusts his hat and the strap of his bag, “I’m going after him.”
Gloria spins around to face him, “What? No! You are not going out there, that’s suicide!”
“We can’t leave him out there alone either, he needs help! Plus, someone needs to stop him from shooting and attracting more walkers to the city.” Glenn tries to reason with her as he walks to the stairway.
“Fine, but I’m coming with you, the hell am I letting you go alone.” Gloria says, following him. 
Glenn turns and stops her, “no, you stay here and make sure he doesn’t kill anyone, keep him in check,” he gestures to Merle who is looking down to the streets from the ledge of the building. 
Gloria sighs, defeated as she remembers that she had promised Daryl to keep Merle in check as well, “Fine... T-Dog, you go with him and make sure the entrance is clear so they have a safe way back.” 
T-Dog nods, “you got it,” 
Glenn and T-Dog rush down the stairway and a little while later, Andrea comes up to the rooftop, wanting to see what the plan is. Gloria is looking off into the distance of the tank as she tries to keep an eye out for Glenn. 
“Is that where the gunshots came from?” Andrea asks, looking in the direction Gloria is facing.
She nods, “Yeah, Glenn went to see if he can help the guy...”
“Oh my god....” Andrea groans out of worry and puts her hand on her forehead, "That guy’s gonna get us all trapped in this city full of walkers.” 
“Try not to stress about it, alright? Once Glenn gets back, we’ll take the planned route out of the city, we already have enough supplies to last us, all we gotta do now is wait for Glenn then get back.” Gloria tries to offer comfort but Andrea doesn’t seem to be having it.
“What we should have done is try to get out of here right when we heard those gunshots! Walkers from miles away might have heard them and are making their way here, what the hell was Glenn thinking wanting to help someone who might not even be a good person?! Does he want a good Samaritan medal or does he have some kind of hero complex?!” Andrea shouts, enraged and distressed. 
Gloria scoffs, about to shout back at Andrea when Merle speaks up, “hey there, sugartits, calm down will ya? Now, I know ya stressed, how ‘bout ya come to Merle and I’ll show ya the best way to relieve ya stress?” 
Andrea looks at him with a disgusted look on her face, “Go to hell.” 
She storms off back down the stairs into the department store. Gloria looks at Merle and she silently thanks him for pissing off Andrea even if he didn’t mean to do it, that woman was getting on her nerves. She looks back to the vicinity of the tank and waits patiently for Glenn to come back. Merle starts to talk, not to anyone in particular, just wanting to strike up a conversation with anyone who would respond or give him a reaction. Gloria sighs as she drowns out his voice as best she can until she hears a loud gunshot coming from beside her. Merle had gotten bored and picked up a sniper rifle the group had brought with them in case of emergency.
“Merle, what the hell are you doing?! Put that down!” Gloria rushes over to him as he continues to play target practice with the walkers on the streets.
Merle turns to her and aims the rifle at her when she comes close enough to try and take the fun away, “Stop right there, sunshine.” he smirks when she holds her hands up, “oh, not so tough now, are ya?” 
Gloria hears the door to the stairway open but doesn’t dare to turn her attention away from Merle who is still holding the gun pointed at her. She hears multiple footsteps then relief overcomes her when she hears Glenn’s voice.
“Hey, Merle, stop. Put that down, you don’t wanna do this.” Glenn says, inching closer slowly with his hand out. 
“And ya know what I wanna do and not do? I ain’ about to take orders from you, chinaman.” Merle glares at him. 
The rest of the group is now on the rooftop because of the commotion Merle’s gunshots have caused. Andrea and Jacqui are in the back as they are afraid and not sure what to do to diffuse the situation. T-Dog, Morales, and the new guy Glenn had saved from the tank all surround Merle. 
“Why the hell you firing shots for? You know that attracts the walkers right up to us! You crazy or something?! You’re gonna get us killed!” T-Dog shouts at him, walking closer to him to try to take the gun away. 
Merle looks over at T-Dog and sees that he’s coming closer to him, he growls and uses the butt of the gun to hit him in the face. T-Dog stumbles backwards and falls on his backside. Merle takes advantage of this and gets on top of T-Dog and starts to punch him continuously. Glenn, Gloria, and the new guy try to pull Merle off of T-Dog but Merle is too strong, he ends up punching the new guy to the ground as well. Angered from getting punched, the new guy grabs Merle’s hand and locks a handcuff to his wrist and uses all his strength to pull him away to a pipe on the ground, locking the cuffs in place. 
“Get these things off o’ me!” Merle shouts in anger, pulling at the cuffs and struggling to get out.
“Yeah, I don’t think so.” the guy who cuffed Merle starts to search his body for any other weapons and backs off when he doesn’t find any.
Jacqui and Andrea are tending to T-Dog, making sure he’s okay. Gloria looks at Glenn and catches his eye, he nods to her letting her know that he’s fine.
“Hey, mister... Sheriff?” Gloria says as she approaches the new guy who she noticed is wearing a sheriff’s uniform, one similar to Shane’s.
“Rick Grimes.” he introduces himself as he looks at her.
“Gloria.” she says, nodding once, “what the hell were you doing down there with just a gun?”
“Heard that there’s refuge at Atlanta, thought I’d take my chances. Didn’t know there’d be no chance to take.” Rick answers with a sigh.
“You got that right, there ain’t no refugee camp, no army to take us in, only place we got is on the outside of the city at a quarry.” Morales explains to Rick. 
“And how do we expect to get back to our safe place, the streets are filled with walkers.” Andrea points out the obvious.
Rick ponders for a moment, “We might not need to use the streets, we could try underground.” 
“He’s right.” Jacqui voices out, “Old building like this built in the 20s, big structures often had drainage tunnels into the sewers in case of flooding down in the sub-basements.” 
“How do you know that?” Glenn questions, worry in his voice.
“It's my job, well, was. I worked in the city zoning office. “ Jacqui explains. 
Rick nods, “Alright, let’s go and check it out. But someone needs to stay behind and keep watch on this guy.” he gestures over to Merle.
“I’ll do it.” T-Dog coughs as he gets up, “I’ll watch over him.”
Gloria looks at him with concern, “Are you sure? I know how you feel about being near him, I can stay.”
“Nah, you deserve a break from this asshole’s bullshit.” T-Dog pats Gloria’s arm, encouraging her to go with the others.
She smiles and nods at him, then rushes to join Glenn and the others who have already made their way to the basement of the building. Once there, the group huddles around the underground sewer system, Glenn confirms that this is the only thing he’s seen that goes down but he’s never actually gone down it before.
“I’m gonna hate myself for saying this... but since I’m arguably the fastest here, I’m going down there and taking only one of you with me. It can’t be Rick, I’d feel better if you’re outside covering us with your gun, and Andrea should go with him, you’re the only other one with a gun. Gloria, I trust you to stay here with Jacqui and holler at us if shit happens. So, that leaves Morales, you okay with that?” Glenn instructs everyone.
Morales nods, “You got it, buddy.” 
“Alright, we all know our jobs, let’s get to it.” Rick says as he starts to head out with Andrea to the front of the department store. 
Gloria and Jacqui stay back as they watch Glenn and Morales climb down the ladder to the sewers and walking into the dark tunnel. Jacqui puts her hand on Gloria’s shoulder as comfort since she knows she’s afraid for her brother’s safety. Gloria forces a smile on her face as she looks at Jacqui, putting her hand on the other woman’s hand as a silent thank you. Shortly after, they hear Glenn and Morales coming back out of the tunnel they had originally went into.
“Nope, it’s a dead end down there. We gotta find some other way.” Glenn says breathlessly as he climbs up the ladder followed by Morales.
Gloria lets out a breath of relief that Glenn is safe, “let’s go get the others and head back up to the roof then, it stinks down here.”
They follow Gloria’s words and head back up to the roof with Rick and Andrea, meeting up with T-Dog and Merle. They explain to him the situation with the sewers and try to think of another way out. As the group discusses and tries to come up with a plan, Rick figures out that they can disguise themselves as walkers to get to a truck then distract them with sound. He nominates himself and Glenn, who is very against the idea but goes along with it anyway. Without having any other plan, the group set to work and dissect two walkers and cover up Glenn and Rick with their insides, but not without Glenn throwing up in the process. Rick and Glenn set off and the rest of the group are on the roof anxiously watching them walk amongst a herd of walkers. 
“Hey... hey! That cop walk out o’ here wit’ 'em keys!?” Merle starts to panic at the realization that he might be stuck on the rooftop.
T-Dog turns around and pulls a key out of his pocket, “Nah, he left them with me.” 
Merle’s face drops at his words and mutters to himself. Suddenly, thunder is heard as the group just realizes how dark the clouds have gotten. Inevitably, rain starts to fall.
“Shit... it has to rain now?! It won’t wash off their guts, will it?” Gloria says, panic full in her voice. 
The group continues to watch, now worried as they see that walkers seem to have noticed Glenn and Rick are alive as the two start to fight off walkers. Gloria silently prays for them to get out unscathed and sighs, relieved when she sees them narrowly escaping the horde.
“Wait... where are they going? They can’t just leave us!” Andrea exclaims in a fear.
“They won’t! Glenn wouldn’t.” Gloria tells her. 
As the group waits for the two to return, Andrea starts to cry, expressing that she thinks they had just left the rest of them to die. 
“Gloria! T-Dog! Guys, can you hear me?!” Glenn’s voice sounds over their handheld radio, catching the attention of everyone on the roof. 
T-Dog rushes over to the device and picks it up, “Yo, we hear you.” 
“Get ready to head downstairs, we’re gonna pick you up!” Glenn says over the radio.
Without hesitation, the group starts to collect their things along with the supplies they’ve scavenged. Andrea and Jacqui are the first ones out the door, followed by Morales. T-Dog and Gloria pack up the last of their things and stop as they notice Merle shouting for them to get him out of the cuffs. Gloria waits for T-Dog to uncuff the man but unfortunately, she watches him as he fumbles and drops the key straight into a drain. T-Dog looks apologetically at Merle who screams at him, saying he did it on purpose. He starts to back out and run to the door of the stairway. 
“We gotta go!” T-Dog says as he calls out to Gloria to follow him out the door.
She looks back at Merle who is still screaming helplessly for them to not leave him behind. Gloria thinks back to Daryl and how he cares for his brother regardless of how much of an asshole he is. She realizes that if they leave him behind, he’ll be coming to the walker infested city alone to come back for him. 
“T-Dog, leave me here, go!” Gloria shouts as she ushered T-Dog out the door.
“Are you crazy?! You know I can’t do that!” T-Dog shouts back, his eyes wide at her instruction.
“You don’t have any time! Go! Daryl and Glenn are gonna come back for us, tell them to bring something to cut the chains! Hurry up and go before they leave you behind too!” Gloria gives him one last shove before he reluctantly shuts the door behind him. 
Gloria grabs a chain and chains up the doors from her side so that no walker can get in. After she locked the door, she makes her way back to Merle who hasn’t stopped shouting. When he realizes that Gloria is still on the roof with him, he stops shouting and eyes her, confused.
“Wha- why are ya still here? Thought ya hated me.” Merle questions her.
“Oh I do hate you, trust me. But do you want your brother coming here to get you alone? I’m his insurance that he has backup.” Gloria responds as she sits down along the ledge of the building, taking a water bottle out of her bag and drinks from it as she waits for their rescue team. 
---
Next Chapter
And there you have it! Gloria is stuck on the roof with Merle.... how will they get out of this one? Well... you probably have a good idea xD 
I would really appreciate any comments left for me! I’ll be replying to any comments in a new post because this is a sideblog! 
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klarolinedrabbles · 5 years
Note
What are some of the tvd to fandoms greatest hits so to speak... I was only in it for a short time and then jumped out because I couldn't stand to
Oh, well allow me to be your guide. This will be under a read more because I already know, I’m gonna write a whole essay. Shout out to my ride or die @hellsbellschime.
I don’t think any overtly crazy happened during the good!TVD years. No wait, I’m lying.
The year the spin-off got announced, I believe it was tvguide, that posted an article with like info tidbits for currently airing shows. And one of them, was that Hayley was pregnant with Klaus’ kid. I remember this shit so clearly, man. Everyone was so confused. And then they were like SURPRISE, APRIL FOOLS. Because it was in fact April 1st. So ha-ha we all had a laugh, great. Fastforward to what, late April? Episode 4x20 airs, and it’s exactly what happened???
That whole day btw, the day the backdoor pilot for TO aired was just insanity. I’ll say that about a lot of days in this answer, but that day was really just something else. Like we were delirious, that’s the only way I can explain what happened on here. It was a nightmare but also one of the funniest night’s I’ve ever spent on here. I gotta go back for old time’s sake and reblog some of the shit from that night because we all snapped. And not in the good way. 
The TVD 100th. Now, we knew Joseph was coming back for that episode so they hype was real. Because up until that point, we’d gotten a huge load of nothing in regards to Klaroline. They released a trailer, a short one, that’s still in my favorites folder on youtube to this day. I rewatch it all the time because it’s iconic. And there was literally .002 seconds of Klaroline. It’s Caroline standing and then Klaus says “hello, caroline” and everyone lost their shit so much when it dropped that ‘hello caroline’ trended ww on twitter. 
THE DAY THE NETWORK THAT AIRED TVD IN AUSTRALIA AIRED A PROMO WITH THE KLAROLINE KISS IN 5X11. ICONIC. I literally woke up, logged on at around 11 AM my time, and my dashboard was on fire. It was the BEST. We didn’t know wtf to do, it was amazing. 
Paleyfest. Ohhhh buddy, lemme tell ya. So TVD/TO got chosen to have the CW panel’s at Paleyfest that year. Everyone was on a bit of edge because TO to that point was what, almost done with S1 and Klaroline had been given the mega cold-shoulder despite being the very thing other than the Mikaelson’s that got used to lure people in? After the pregnancy plot from hell, everyone was ready to peace tf out, but we got halted because it was a ‘ohh of course it’s gonna continue’ then they tried to nip Klaroline in the bud with 5x11 and no one was having it. So Paleyfest was where we were gonna get some ANSWERS, DAMMIT. I live on the east coast and the festival was held in the west coast so I wasn’t awake when it was happening. I remember making a post about how ‘going to sleep, and hoping when I woke up the answers were good.’. So I went to sleep, woke up a few hours later like 2-3 AM my time, and checked my blog and the first message I had was ‘don’t wake up stephanie, everything is a mess, stay asleep where everything’s fine’ I—
The gist of that was, they basically set JoMo up to be the bad-cop in shutting down Klaroline. He gave this long answer that made absolutely zero sense. The girl who asked the question about Klaroline, who was like 13 at the time, got called a bully for even asking a question at an event she paid to be at. A mess. And JP was like NO CROSSOVERS, ORGANIC, BLAH BLAH. And Paul was sitting next to her going “why can’t the show’s just intersect”, he was right and he said it. 
I can’t remember if this was S1 or S2, but somebody tweeted something and Carina replied ‘when you’re found dead in your basement with klaroline written on you this is why’ or something like that, that was a ~fun~ night. And then like half an hour later she was like “I’m sorry, I’ll never tweet about Klaroline again just leave me alone” if you’ve ever seen this fandom refer to ourselves as basement dwellers, this night is why. 
NARDUCCI. Can’t forget him. Talk about a man who just didn’t get it. And I don’t mean Klaroline, he just didn’t get anything, nothing in his head has ever clicked, I’m convinced. He used to pick fights on twitter repeatedly. Admitted once that he missed his flight because he was on twitter…arguing with a fan. AND ONE DAY, he decided to just—snap. Went on this hours long tirade against the Klaroline fandom, essentially calling everyone stupid because no one was appreciating the ‘art’ of the show. So when I say it lasted hours, I mean that. Now, you’d think, that he would be done, right? WELL, apparently that wasn’t enough, so the next day, he continued. I remember because I was in this gc on whatsapp, and I remember Erika sending a message to the gc going “omg, Narducci vs KCers round 2″ when I tell you I screamed. The man went on a two-day rampage against this fandom and it was insane. 
S6/S2 of TVD/TO was not a fun time. I can genuinely say it was borderline a chore to come on here during that time. It wasn’t fun, every day someone was in argument with someone from production on twitter. Truly the worst year of the fandom, imo. So S7/S3 rolls around and that’s where shit went nuclear. 
Hillary and I, are minding our own damn business, when someone come’s to us with information regarding the new seasons. This was post-SDCC, so it’s like the lull of September, waiting for the seasons to start in October. And we get approached with information, talkin bout how Caroline’s gonna be pregnant with Alaric’s twins in S7. When I tell you we didn’t know wtf to do. And we had to like wait on confirmation about it but then we found out it was legit and we were pissed. Literally ask us if we wanted to be in the spoiler game, the answer is no tf we did not. And she and I basically spent two days complaining. LIKE UGHHHH WE DON’T WANNA DO THIS, BUT ALSO THIS IS DISGUSTING, WE CAN’T JUST LET THEM SPRING THIS ON EVERYONE, BUT AGHH WHY US. So we chose collectively, as a duo, because das my other half yo, to blab. 
That went over as best as anyone could hope for it to go. Now, flashforward yet again, this time to around late Novemeber/December. I had been sent word that something was going down. TVD/TO lost their Thursday slots and got bumped to Friday’s, so a plan was going on, and they made one. We’d heard that they were rearranging something mid-season because they were gonna make a crossover work, publicly we found out it would be Paul and JoMo that crossover back-to-back. THEN ONE NIGHT—I call it black friday bc  that day was a fucking mess—, a friend of mine was friends with an SCer, I wanna say, and she was hearing word that the crossover did have Klaus and Caroline interact via phone call, but that it was very definitively an ending. Because they spoke about Camille and Stefan, etc, etc. Like a closing of the book type thing. So okay, we were like devastated, everyone on twitter was losing their shit. Everyone was pissed, and @-ing the writers all these crazy, sad things, we were a wreck. Ask Hillary about this night because she, I remember, describes it as ‘logging on and reading what everyone else had and not understanding why tf everyone was mad about it’. It was the first and last time that our roles were reversed, and bless her for it. 
SO WE’RE SITTING THERE, it’s Saturday, and we kept getting more information and we were like…something isn’t right here. So we did a bit of digging, spoke to a few people and waited it out. LO AND BEHOLD, everything we’d heard about the phone call was false. There was a phone call but the CKers and SCers were so mad about what was actually said in it, that a few of em, ring leaders of the feeble minded, made up a version and passed it around their fandoms as legit till it eventually worked it’s way over to us. So we all jumped the gun on fake information, lmfskdnknsks. Rumor has it, you can still hear Hillary yelling ‘I told you so’ at me through our group chat. 
So all was well, I couldn’t tell everyone why not to panic, just that they didn’t need to. Until, this account popped up called tvdspoiler or something on twitter, also saying false information about the phone call. Sending everyone into a panic yet again. I remember this because I was at  kmart with my mom, and the kmart by my house was in a basement so I had no cell service. I was able to send like a couple of messages, and was basically like ‘tell everyone to chill, I’ll clear it up when I get home’ did that in like a couple of hours cause then I had to leave to the midnight showing of the force awakens with my friends. So that day was chaotic, but fun. It was the first time I reached 99+ messages on my inbox, lmao. 
So that all happened like a good while before we actually saw the episode. But cut to a few weeks later. I woke up at 1 AM my time to drink water, was on tumblr trying to go back to sleep. I checked my inbox and there was this bizarre message talking about ‘got some scoop’ and they were like ‘Finn dies in 3x17, Aurora gets put into some weird sleeping spell in 3x18, Camille and Davina die in 3x19, Lucien dies in 3x20′ and I quite literally laughed??? Literally who wouldn’t. Like who tf would ever believe TO had the balls to do all of that when they never killed anyone off. AND, WHO WOULD BELIEVE THAT SOMEONE WOULD JUST STOP BY, SHARE IT AND LEAVE. So I sent a screenshot to Hillary and was like ‘yo did you get this because wtf’. We often got duplicate messages. And we often got messages of people who were pissed about the two previous times we, from the klaroline fandom of all places, had legit info that wound up being true, that they were just waiting for us to fuck up. So we used to get messages of people pretending they were sharing info, and it was just antis trying to make us look stupid. 
SO, Hillary says ‘just answer it because it’s obviously fake’ top ten moments before disaster. I answer it and am like oh haha, and where did that info come from. And they came back like a minute later, saying ‘I have a source’ THEN THEY ELABORATED. They mentioned that Lucien drags Freya and Vincent to Mystic Falls to do this spell with some bullet and etc. So at that point we were like fUCK because that same day we’d found out was in 3x16, which ended with Lucien and this white-oak bullet, having kidnapped Freya. And that’s when we knew, that someone showed up in the middle of the night, spoiled the whole back-half of TO S3—and then left.
The back-half of S3 was so fun??? Every week the info just kept coming true. On the wikia everyone hated me, probably the most anti messages I ever had was during that time, honestly it was great, 10/10 would recommend. 
THEN, at some point in our blog history, Hillary had been getting quite a few messages about PT. And she had this fucking line in one of the messages about Phoebe’s pronunciation with her accent for the show, or lack thereof. And she said “weeches and woves will always have a place in my heart” SO THEM PHOEBE TWEETED IT. THAT EXACT LINE, and we were like was she...? So we shrugged off okay. A few days later, she tweeted “hellsbellschime enough, there’s plenty of other things to watch on tv, I hear mad men’s great.” And I—
THIS WAS ON SOME RANDOM ASS SUNDAY. Like I was lounging around, waiting for the new episode of game of thrones and then WHAM, chaos. AND AS IF THAT WASNT ENOUGH, Leah joined in too. Putting a target on my friends back...about her blog that no one was making them read. You can’t make that shit up. And Jenn actually replied to Phoebe’s tweet and got a reply back, and she was all “you’re right, I’m sorry” and then deleted the original tweet, which I still have a screenshot of btw. And then Leah showed up in Hillary’s inbox with this ridiculous three part ask about how she shouldn’t criticize women in the acting industry because of how hard it is for women in that industry which is true, but it doesn’t make you exempt from criticism??? So not sure where she meant to go with that one.
SO THERE WE HAVE IT, our fandom’s greatest hits. I’m sure I can elaborate and insert more, but I’ve been typing for a good 40 minutes. 
Told ya, I wrote a whole dissertation, lmaooo.
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psychosistr · 4 years
Text
The Stars of the Stage- Chapter 2
Summary: Jonathan runs into a familiar face while getting breakfast at his local coffee shop- lucky for him, that familiar face is quite handsome.
Notes: Who doesn't love a good old fashioned cute "accidentally met up at the coffee shop scenario"? x3
-First Chapter-
Needless to say, Speedwagon got the part of Sir Haste Dray without any other actors really being considered. Soon enough, the rest of the cast list was set, full scripts were sent out to the chosen actors, and rehearsals were scheduled to begin.
Jonathan was excited to see how well the show would come together. However, first, he had to finish up a few last-minute touch-ups for the script. The lines would still be essentially the same, he was just revising the movements for the climactic final fight to make it more dramatic while still being believable.
To help with his concentration, he went to work at the same place he always did when the weather was nice- his favorite coffee shop situated along the river near his apartment complex, The Ripple. He was seated outside at a table under the awning with his laptop open on the table in front of him and a large covered coffee cup with a plate of pastries off to the side. In the middle of deleting a line he’d just typed and had found less than satisfactory, however, he heard a voice calling his name.
“Mr.Joestar?” A figure accompanied the voice approaching him and he looked up to see a familiar looking blonde man dressed in a white tank top and a dark hat. “Ah, thought that was you. ‘ow’s it goin’, Mr.Joestar?” The man greeted him with a friendly smile.
“Oh! Mr.Speedwagon!” Jonathan smiled at him, taking off his glasses and setting them down on the keyboard to see the other man more clearly. “What a pleasant surprise.” He gestured to the seat across from himself at the table. “Stopping in for a drink? If you would like, you’re more than welcome to join me.”
“Mighty kind o’ y’.” Speedwagon grinned and headed for the entrance to the café. “Lemme just go grab a cup an’ I’ll be right back.” He was quick to return with a much smaller cup than Jonathan’s own and a simple croissant rather than Jonathan’s platter of pastries. “So, do y’ come ‘ere often?”
“Actually, yes.” Jonathan chuckled, pointing to his apartment complex down the street. “I actually live right over there. I usually end up here nearly every day of the week, depending on how busy I am.”
“Ha! Y’ gotta be kiddin’ me!” The other man chuckled and pointed at an apartment complex on the opposite side of the river facing the one that Jonathan had pointed at. “I live over in that one, on the fourth floor. Just moved in a few weeks back an’ I’m learnin’ me way ‘round the neighborhood.”
“Really?” Jonathan looked at where he’d pointed then back to his own, noting how the fourth floor lined up with the floor he lived on almost evenly. “Why, it would appear that we are neighbors then.” He chuckled a bit- life sure did work in mysterious ways. “In all likelihood, we’ll certainly be seeing quite a bit of each other.”
Speedwagon took a sip of his drink with a pleased hum. “Well, I sure wouln’ mind that one bit.” He set the cup down and broke off a piece of his croissant. “Say, while I got y’ ‘ere, there’s somethin’ I’d been meanin’ t’ ask y’.”
Jonathan watched the blonde curiously while eating one of his own confections. “Oh?” He swallowed and gestured for Speedwagon to continue. “What would that be, Mr.Speedwagon?”
The blonde man winced slightly at the title. “Ugh, please don’ call me that..makes me feel old. Just Speedwagon’s fine, or even Robert- but don’ go callin’ me Bob or anythin’ like that or I may have t’ deck y’.”
Jonathan chuckled a bit and nodded in agreement. “In that case, please refrain from calling me ‘Mr.Joestar’- just Jonathan is fine, or even Jojo, as that is how most of my friends and colleagues refer to me.”
“Alrigh’ then, Jojo.” Speedwagon’s smile returned, apparently pleased with the increased familiarity between the two of them now. “I read through the script that y’ sent me, an’ I was wonderin’ if I could ask y’ somethin’ ‘bout me character.”
Jonathan nodded as he listened, wondering if perhaps he’d made something unclear about Sir Haste Dray that he would need to explain in more detail. “About Sir Dray? Of course, what would you like to know?”
“Well..it might jus’ be me readin’ too much of meself int’ the character..but..” He paused, tapping his finger against the coffee cup as if considering his wording carefully. “I know the romantic focus for Lord Samuel Sunstone ‘s Lady Bella Penrith..but..does Sir Dray, y’know, ‘ave feelin’s for Lord Sunstone, too?”
Jonathan’s eyes widened slightly. “What..?” Had he really…?
Speedwagon looked back up at him with a thoughtful expression. “Don’ get me wrong, I love the relationship with Samuel an’ Bella, i’s really sweet an’ a long time comin’..but..I dunno, when I read Dray’s lines, the way ‘e talks about lovin’ Samuel’s good nature an’ ‘ow ‘e completely devotes ‘imself to the guy..it just makes me think ‘e might ‘ave a thing for ‘im, y’know?” He frowned at Jonathan’s wide-eyed stare. “I mean, if I’m wrong, y’ can tell me, I was just wonderin’-”
He was startled when Jonathan suddenly reached across the table with both hands and grabbed Speedwagon’s shoulders with an excited smile on his face and stars in his eyes. “You actually picked up on that?! Oh, I cannot believe it! I did not know if that would still come through, but I am delighted you were able to see it!!”
Speedwagon blinked in confusion. “Wait..so..I got it right..?”
“You did!” Jonathan suddenly realized that he had grabbed the smaller man and released him, settling back down in his seat with a slight flush to his cheeks. “My apologies, I became too excited again..I just..I am so happy you were able to notice the truth about Sir Dray’s feelings!” He was still smiling, he couldn’t help it with how excited he was. “I wanted to write their relationship into the story as well, but William said it would confuse the audience since most don’t associate such things with the time period. I tried to tell him that there was an entire subculture and code-system practiced by homosexuals during the Victorian era, but he said it would feel like too much for the audience to believe. So, I was forced to remove a few scenes with Samuel and Dray having the discussion about Dray’s sexual identity and the implications of such a thing between himself and Samuel, but I did not want to change any of the other scenes with them, so I left the dialogue unchanged. I cannot tell you how happy I am to know that their connection was still able to shine through enough for someone to recognize it!”
Speedwagon smiled too, beaming with pride. “I’m jus’ glad I wasn’ misjudgin’ the guy. People tell me all the time I’m tryin’ t’ projec’ me own ‘preferences’ ont’ characters. Good t’ know I was right on this one.”
Jonathan paused for a moment hearing those words, trying not to blush as a rogue idea crossed his mind. “So then..you are..?”
Speedwagon winked at him with a chuckle. “Yep. Gay as a maypole, mate.”
“O-Oh..I see..” Jonathan glanced away, his cheeks feeling warm. Really, now, how ridiculous was that? He barely knew the man and after one short conversation he felt like a school boy with a crush? Honestly, why was he like this? “Well, in any case, I am truly glad you identified so well with Sir Dray. Honestly, I was overjoyed that William allowed me to caste you for the part- you were a perfect fit.”
“Glad y’ thought so, ‘e caught my attention from the moment I read ‘is description.” He took a sip of his coffee and finished up his croissant. “By the way..mind if I ask y’ one more question ‘bout Dray an’ Samuel?”
“You may ask as many questions as you please- I am always excited to talk about my work.” Jonathan replied honestly, more than happy to discuss such things with someone insightful enough to understand his writing so well.
“Hmh, good t’ know.” Speedwagon smiled and set down his coffee cup before asking his question. “I jus’ wanted t’ know..are Dray’s feelin’s for Samuel one-sided, or does Samuel return some of it? Like I said, I’m fine with Samuel an’ Bella’s romance, but thinkin’ that ‘e doesn’ know ‘bout Dray’s feelin’s or jus’ allows the guy t’ follow ‘im ‘round knowin’ ‘e loves ‘im is kinda sad, y’know?”
“Ah..that is a good question.” Jonathan’s smile softened into something more understanding. “To answer it simply- no, Dray’s feelings are not one-sided. Samuel is quite aware of how his dearest friend feels, and, in one of the scenes I unfortunately had to cut, he discusses with his mentor that he has feelings for both his best friend and his long-time crush. He goes on to say that, in a perfect world, he would be allowed to marry both of them and live a long, happy life with the two who have supported him and showed him such love and kindness right when he needed it the most. His teacher acknowledges that his feelings are pure and that he deserves such a life, but advises him on how, even without the influence of the same dark forces the antagonist controls, that peoples’ hearts are fickle and easily led astray by misconceptions and tells him not to be too public with his affections, for both his own and Dray’s safety. I even wrote a scene towards the end where, after Samuel’s wedding to Bella, when they step into their horse-drawn carriage to be carted off for their honeymoon, Dray was the one waiting to open the door for them instead of a random servant. Dray and Samuel would have shared a loving smile at one another before Dray and Bella winked at each other knowingly and each kissed one of Samuel’s cheeks before all three went off into the carriage together to start their new life.”
Speedwagon listened to his words intently, looking positively riveted by the story. “That sounds beautiful, Jojo! Do y’ still ‘ave a copy with those scenes? I’d love t’ read ‘em some time.”
“Certainly.” He replied with a grin. “Would you like me to bring them to the set during the first rehearsal?”
“Hm..I’d rather not wait that long..” Speedwagon reached into his pocket and pulled out a pen. He then proceeded to write something on his coffee cup as he talked. “Tell y’ what, seein’ as we live so close t’ each other, ‘ow ‘bout we just meet up ‘ere again sometime?” He brought the cup to his lips and chugged the last of his drink before setting the cup down near Jonathan’s hand. “I gotta get goin’, else I’ll miss work, but I usually keep me phone on me.” He gave Jonathan a wink as he stood up and grabbed the rest of his trash before walking away. “Be seein’ y’, Jojo.”
Jonathan’s face heated up again from the wink. “F-Farewell for now, Speedwagon.” He managed a wave and a smile, feeling really shy and screaming at himself internally because DID HE REALLY JUST STUTTER LIKE THAT?!!
Once Speedwagon was out of sight, Jonathan looked back down at the coffee cup and grabbed it. He turned it around until he saw that Speedwagon had written his phone number along the side of it along with a message:
“You’re really cute and I like listening to you talk. Looking forward to doing it again sometime- maybe here, or maybe somewhere else? ;) <3 –Speedwagon”
The heat that had previously been burning at his cheeks blossomed into a full-fledged blush that encompassed both of his cheeks and his ears, leaving his face very red.
So, he wasn’t the only one feeling something? That was good to know…
<-Previous Chapter Next Chapter->
End Notes: That's all I have for now, but will post more when I eventually get the chance x3
Also, for anyone curious about the names of the characters from the play, they're all synonyms or close-enough names to the characters from the regular universe because I am half-lazy and half-bad taste in humor x3
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louiserandom · 4 years
Text
The MadaTobi adventure has been chosen...
AND IT’S SOULMATES EXCAHNGING POWERS WOOOHOOOO (purple and green are the same option i just edited the form like a dumbass)
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However, I’ve come to the inevitable conclusion THAT I WANNA WRITE ALL THESE FREAKIN PROMPTS or at least a couple more, so after this CYOA ends, I might just tackle the rest :D Thank you ALL so much for voting! I seriously didn’t expect this much feedback and I’ll do my best to deliver :3 *sends you all hugs, positivity and rays of sunshine during these trying times and hopes that each one of you is safe* Hopefully the story will provide some fun and distraction from the grim anxiety <3
Now, I couldn’t resist writing the first part before Camp Nano started so I’ll be posting the chapter a bit later today once I’m all done with work stuff :3 And as always, a few more notes on the rest of the survey questions~ 
Thank you for enabling my thotty side. Again ehehehehe
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AND OH LOOK AT THESE VOTES FOR THE ADDITIONAL PROMPTS EH
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+ Virgin Tobirama knows everything about sex; semi-feral tobirama who spends too much time with his summons; Hate to Love; A+ banter, maybe 1 combined w/ secret relationship; shameless Izuna - oh, 3 of these are definitely gonna be in the story ;)
Now, fair warning: it will be long because my brain made me add this huge plot and Zetsu’s fuckery to the mix which will result in his gruesome elimination from existence sorry for spoilers lmao and because I’m hopeless, expect some bijuu shenanigans as well👀👀👀 Granted, some of the plot points and tropes are going to be revealed in the story; like, Tobirama’s obliviousness level and the exact level of Hashirama’s over-protectiveness will depend on your choices :3 Hope y’all have fun with me!
And below the cut, comment responses <3 I’ve had to group some because I’ve got so little time right now but will hopefully be able to answer every question separately as time goes. Again, THANK YOU all for voting!!!
I would really like both options two and four, any chance? This all sounds incredible I am super excited thank you!
The third option also sounds good
I like Plot II and III too actually as well
I wish I could pick all of the story options ;)
I love your work and am so excited for this! I had so much trouble choosing answers in the poll because everything sounds so good!
Chose option I but strongly hesitated with option II cause it could be so funny.
All of these plots sound so awesome!!! It was super hard to pick one.
Argh! Why is choosing so hard? I want at least one of every option in every combination imaginable. That said, I chose plot 2 for the hilarious potential of put upon Tobirama with a sharingan but plot 1 was a very close contestant. I can't wait to see what you cook up. It's gonna be so great! - oz
DUDES ALL YOUR COMMENTS AND MY OWN EXCITEMENT ABOUT THESE PROMPTS MADE ME WANNA WRITE THEM ALL, FUCK IT!!! I definitely want option 4, it’s peak hilarity, tho I wonder if it would work more as a story proper, not a CYOA (I can think of a few interesting conflicts and choices in that verse tho, so we’ll see). But I do love option 1 as well; option 3 may be a little overdone? But basically, just lemme finish this one, try my best to deliver and then put the rest of the plots to another vote <3
I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH AND THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!
p.s. Oz, you’re as always too kind <3
It would be funny if Tobirama was hilariously confident and actually decent at flirting with a flailing Madara but was actually a virgin. Like just completely and utterly shamelessly saying something like, 'yh I'm a virgin so you better make this good. I've got a lot to learn ;)' And of course Madara flails :D
THANK YOU. YES. THIS XD (Tobi would, wouldn’t he. And he very likely will, in this fic ;)
He is the dumbest Bitch alive with Tobi and Hashi running for second place. Bitch should have gotten some Senju dick to calm tf down.
No comments, only applause. You know what’s up
The fandom thanks you for doing God's work ;)
My insecure ass thanks you for your kind words <3
Hurt Tobi to show how protective Madara can be
Bold of you to assume I won’t hurt both of them and have them build each other back up again (lmao ignore my dramatic ass, as I said, nothing but light angst haha. But still some pain because plot said so :o)
Both being stupidly weak when it comes to kids
YEPPPPP YOU’RE READING MY MIND :D CAN’T WAIT TO WRITE THOSE SCENES
CLEARLY. Hashirama, Mito, Touka, and Izuna should all be one giant poly pile. 👀 Also it was impossible for me not to pick the option with Kurama. I love that grumpy asshole fox and I have... So many... Headcanons for him.....
HashiMitoTouIzu poly pile *stares* this... this.... MAYBE NOT IN THIS FIC BUT I WOULD LIKE TO TACKLE THIS IDEA AT SOME POINT LMAO THAT WOULD BE AWESOME :D (will maybe try to write a fic with them for camp nano ehehe)
Also, although ultimately, option 2 was chosen…. I couldn’t resist and added the possibility of Kurama appearing, I love his grumpy ass too much :D (Altho this will depend on the votes👀)
Maybe a child, adopted (kagami) or mpreg
Hmmm, no mpreg, just in this particular fic, but lots of interactions with children ;)
Wasn't he already? ://
ALWAYS
Madara is clearly the dumbest (Hashi is a close second)
YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH DEAR READER, I’M GLAD YOU SEE THE LIGHT
(Personally, I think Hashirama is the dumbest founder lol) But could you maybe make Tobirama and Izuna actually get along? They don’t have to be friends but just no active animosity. Maybe. You obviously don’t have to— would probably love it either way— but ‘tis my request
I may have to write that thesis about Madara’s dumbassery after all lol, be sure that I will convince you
And oh yeah, they definitely get along, don’t worry! Writing Tobirama and Izuna’s friendship warms my heart :3
I love flaily Mads and oblivious Tobes
WHO DOESN’T :D
Madara is not dumb, just a dumbass ^^ Also, bringing in Tobi's sensing is always a YES from me!
Nooooo HE DUMB AND A DUMBASS HOW BOUT THAT XD ehehe oh there’s gonna be a lot of sensing fuckery in the chosen option so I hope you enjoy! :3
At some point please let Mito and Tobirama befriend Kurama 'cause they're all powerful sassy bitches that will bitch slap you into your place and they all put the ultimate smack down on meddling Elders who've teamed up with Zetsu?
Although option 2 has been chosen… Kurama may appear in the story *shifty eyes* AND mf Zetsu lmao I need to kill that bitch. He’ll know pain^-^
Hashirama should be a smiling sociopath a la Symbol of Subjugation style. He knows there's something wrong but, hey, he wants to see his precious all happy :)
Oh, I considered that actually, I adore that fic! But imo it works better with a couple of other plots so I may consider writing him that way for a future CYOA :3 
I can already tell that this is gonna be one hell of a ride and I can’t wait!
Hell yeah go forth you funky lil author, you got this :D
Na
Nope nope I have non good luck
Luv ya <3
AHHHHHH YESSS I AM READY
Have fun
Thank you so much guys! <3 I’M EXCITED AS FUCK AND I CANNOT WAIT TO START :D
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sad-sweet-cowboah · 5 years
Text
Horses and Hard Labor
Summary: Another request from a few months ago! Arthur magically gets a job and reader becomes a concerned mom about it.
“I got a job!”
You froze your action, blinking incredulously at Arthur. Did you hear that right? “What?”
“I got a job, Y/N!” He replied with just as much excitement as before, beaming at you.
Got a job? A job? “Whoa, w-wait,” you stammered, holding your hands out in confusion as you stood back to look at him fully. “What do you mean you got a job?”
Exactly as it sounds,” Arthur responded. “Now I can help with providin’.”
This didn’t seem possible, really. Any type of job these days would require paperwork and proof of identification. Arthur had no such thing, and you were lucky no one was able to recognize who he really was. What the hell was he doing all day while you were at work? “Uh…how, exactly?”
“I found some stables just outside o’ town,” he explained. “Saw some fellers leadin’ the horses around and complainin’ they were short-staffed. So we got to talkin’.”
“And you…got a job there, just like that?” You asked.
“Well,” he folded his arms in thought. “They took me to meet the owner o’ the place. Nice lady. She asked me a few questions n’ I demonstrated my skills, and she hired me on the spot.”
The more of the story unfolded to you, the more in awe and confusion you were. It certainly didn’t sound real, especially if the process was that quick and easy. “Arthur...” you began.
“I know, I need to be careful,” he finished. “Can’t let nobody know about me n’ all.”
“Not even that,” you huffed. “Arthur, getting a job isn’t as easy as it used to be. What you’re telling me is…far-fetched at best. Hiring someone nowadays is an extensive process, and you technically don’t exist! All that paperwork- how can you even-”
“They ain’t ask for no paperwork,” Arthur interrupted, holding his hands up as if to calm your outburst. “Nothin’ of the sort.”
You stared blankly at him, unable to process what exactly he was telling you. Disbelief clouded your mind. It didn’t work like that, it couldn’t. It was never that easy in your lifetime. “Are you sure they hired you? Like, they didn’t just ask you to come in for another evaluation or anything like that?”
Arthur shook his head. “Nah, just told me I’m startin’ tomorrow mornin’ at 7 am sharp.”
Sighing, you flopped onto the couch, pinching your eyebrows in thought. You weren’t sure what to think, actually. This whole ordeal felt like a weird dream. “Arthur…” you began, unable to come up with any type of statement or argument. “I just don’t know…” you managed to say.
He frowned slightly, moving to take the spot next to you. “Y/N…I’m bored just sittin’ here day to day. Meanwhile ya bust your ass workin’ all day to provide for us…and I know it ain’t easy for ya.”
“Arthur-”
“Lemme finish,” he interrupted. “It’s an easy job…ain’t need any type of trainin’. This is stuff I know already, horses n’…hard labor,” reaching for your hand, he entwined his fingers with yours. “You don’t gotta work so hard.”
You pursed your lips, your eyes gazing down to your hand in his, and then to his face. He seemed so genuine with his words, and the soft easy in his face masked the slight pleading that lurked beneath his gaze. In a way, you had to admit he was right. Paying to eat for two people was more difficult than you’d let on. You wouldn’t tell Arthur, knowing he’d probably go hunting again without a second though despite your warnings about the laws.
Part of you had to give him credit for having that concern, yet another part of your mind screamed no, unsure what would happen. Someone may find out about his origin, or he might land himself in a dangerous situation from a misunderstanding. You knew he could be volatile under the right conditions, or wrong…
“Y/N?”
Your mind had wandered with thoughts, and you snapped your focus back to him. “Arthur,” you said slowly. “It’s a big decision…a lot to think about here. I know you mean well, but I’m just worried.”
"Worried,” he repeated. “’Bout what?”
“That…someone may find out who you are, that you technically do not exist in this world,” you emphasized with counting on your fingers. “That you may get into some kinda trouble that I can’t get you out of.”
“Sweetheart,” he said suddenly, his tone somewhat sharp. “You know me, I ain’t the one lookin’ for trouble. Trouble…finds me.”
“And that’s the issue,” you moaned, “I know how you get when you’re provoked.”
He gave you a bewildered stare. “You think I’d beat someone?”
“I don’t know, Arthur!” you exclaimed, jumping back to your feet and beginning to pace. “The problem is I don’t know what could happen to you. You’re still not fully adjusted to the modern world, you still have habits from your old life. I know you want this, but-”
He was on his feet in a heartbeat, catching you mid-pace. His fingers were wrapped around your wrists firmly, yet gentle enough to not harm you. He gazed at you evenly. “Y/N,” he spoke slowly to you, not breaking eye contact. “Give me a chance. Please.”
Those blue eyes could break you, that intense stare that sent your heart into a tizzy each time. Your breath hitched, your mind at a loss of any comprehensible words.
“I know you’re worried, I don’t blame ya,” he continued when you stayed silent. “But I promise I won’t cause no trouble. I’ll do what I need to do, and be back to greet ya at the end of the day. And you’re right, I still ain’t used to your world, don’t think I ever will,” he released your wrists to instead cup your cheeks. “But I know horses, and I know barn work. I wanna help out ‘sides cookin’ you food. It ain’t pretty or ideal, but I can’t rob no stagecoaches or kill a rival gang for money. You said I have habits from my old life? Ya know Dutch always made sure every one of us contributed. I know this ain’t like that, but let me contribute to you. Ya done so much for me already, s’only fair.”
At that moment, you weren’t sure whether to curse him out or completely agree. He described himself as such a simple man, yet presented so much more. Your mind whirled for a moment, unable to form a response. You were caught in an argument with yourself, silently battling his small debate against your concerns. You would always worry about him, but he was a grown man and fully capable of handling himself.
And it wasn’t fair of you to keep him cooped up, even if you did give him permission to wander.
Though no other counter argument was enough incentive to continue refusal, you finally gave a defeated sigh. “All right, you can keep your job.”
Arthur was beaming so brightly as if the sun itself had rested on his face. He kissed you briefly. “Thank ya, darlin’.” He murmured to you before releasing you entirely.
You gave him a small smile, yet your head was swimming. You hoped you didn’t make a bad decision.
--
You’d been used to the sight of Arthur being up earlier than you. Next morning, he greeted you with breakfast as usual, though the reminder of what was to happen today caused your stomach to twist in knots. Awkwardly you swallowed your breakfast, trying to inhibit the growing nasty feeling in your guts. He requested that you drop him off, and you obliged, thankful that you could at least see this place up close.
The horse farm was on the edge of town, as he did note. You’d only driven by it a handful of times, not paying much attention to it aside from admiring the pretty horses that grazed in the pastures lining either side of the long, dirt driveway. Though they were empty at the moment.
As you pulled in, a dust cloud trailed behind you. It didn’t take long to reach the parking lot, observing a few other cars parked already and a few of the workers beginning to bustle around with hay bales and buckets, no doubt starting the morning chores. Even from inside the car, the whinnies and snorts of the horses within the barn echoed.
“I’ll see ya later, Y/N. Dunno if I’ll be back ‘fore ya.” Arthur said, leaning over to kiss your cheek.
Taking a deep breath, you managed to muster a smile for him. “Then work your ass off, cowboy. So you can be home earlier.” You joked, trying to hide the concern that wavered your voice.
He must’ve caught that, as he tenderly took your chin between his thumb and finger, pulling you in for a sweet, lingering kiss. “I’ll be alright, sweetheart.” His tone was gentle and reassuring.
You nodded once, silently. His voice did soothe slightly, the nerves that ravaged your insides began to calm. He gave a smile of his own before exiting your car. You watched him as he walked up to a small group of workers, engaging in their conversation for a moment before they disappeared within the barn.
You breathed slowly, turning your car back down the driveway. The next nine hours were going to be interesting.
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earthseaborealis · 5 years
Text
New Traditions and Worlds
My @homestuckss gift for @dykeiatrist ! I used “Davekat,” “Jane,” and “Hurt/Comfort” (with a bit of DirkJake) to create a cute little holiday fic! Hope you enjoy it :D Have a wonderful holiday season!!
Also on ao3 (@detective_in_space if the link doesn’t work!)
“Twas the week before Christmas,” Dave started before pausing, “Yo Rox, what’s somethin’ that rhymes with Christmas?”
“Ass? Wait, no, no that doesn’t work… Christmas…” Roxy muttered, “Okay so, like, the only thing I’ve got is Christmas, but you absolutely cannot rhyme ‘Christmas’ with ‘Christmas,’ right?”
“You’re definitely right,” Dave sighed as he scratched out the words in his notebook, “Dude, like absolutely nothin’ rhymes with Christmas words.”
Roxy moved over and rested their hand on his shoulder, “Karkat will appreciate the thought at least. Hey, there are other things than Christmas raps, like festive interpretive dances! Or Festive slam poetry?”
“Well, duh, it’s Karkat we’re talkin’ bout,” Dave laughed, but in his defense, it was true. Karkat would yell and insist that he hated Dave’s most ‘ironic’ gifts, but there was a certain fondness in his tone. Like it was just a whole elaborate game. The edges of Karkat’s eyes would wrinkle as his lips curled into a small grin. A small chuckle would escape, which Dave would obviously point out, and in response, Karkat would punch him (before wrapping him in a hug). Oh god, that was the best… 
“Hey sleeping beauty,” Roxy interrupted, as they lightly hit the side of Dave’s head, “Did ya invite me over here just to fall asleep?”
“Nah dawg, I was just thinkin’ about the usual,” Dave brushed their hand aside. 
“So,” Roxy drawled, “Karkat?” Roxy wiggled their eyebrows at Dave. 
“No,” Dave exclaimed, “Fuck, I mean, no. Hey, do ya know any, like, traditions that people do for Christmas and all that jazz.” Now that was a smooth change of topics. 
“Smooth like a baby’s bottom,” Roxy laughed, “But, nah. I didn’t even know Christmas was like a real thing… thought it was an urban myth or something.” Oh, right. Roxy lived in some highly-futuristic society that was enslaved by a fish bitch, but there was none of that oppressive dictatorship on Earth C. Trolls, Carpacians, Humans, and well, any other species were free to chill by the fire and enjoy whatever holiday they wanted. Now that, was what sweet, sweet democracy was about (preach Obama). 
“Lit, lovin’ that we’re both oblivious of any cultural traditions… hey, you think one of the Crocker-Harley-English… berts... would know more about this? I’m feelin’ like they’d be all up in that shit,” Dave said, “Oh fuck, I’m so smart. That’s like totally their thing.”
After quickly picking up all his stuff and saying goodbye to Roxy, Dave picked up his phone and dialed Jane Crocker, the holiday expert, on his way home. Wait, oh fuck, what if she was busy? It’s not like he usually talked to her, so was it out of the question? Oh no, maybe he should’ve just texted John...
The phone picked up, “Hello, Jane Crocker speaking?”
“Oh… oh! Hey Jane, it’s Dave… ya know… Dirk’s cooler bro,” Dave started. He shoved his hands into his hoodie pocket and kicked a stray pebble on the sidewalk. Yes, he could be floating around, but exercise was important. 
“Well, howdy there Dave. It’s been a while since we’ve talked, hasn’t it,” she chuckled, “Anyways, did you need anything?”
“So, like, Rox and I were talkin’ about Christmas and stuff… and well, we’re both dumb and have no idea what people actually do for it, so I thought you might be the expert on the subject? Because it totally seems like it’d be up your ally,” Dave rambled on. 
“Well golly, I’m flattered. It’s been a while since I’ve actually celebrated the holiday, but of course, I’ll help you! Before the game, my father and I had so much fun celebrating… let’s see… Well, I’m sure you already know this, but we’d go out to a farm together and pick out a tree. I’d always search for the fattest tree, and my father would help me cut it down. And then we’d go get Hot Cocoa and pick out ornaments together, and well, oh sorry, I’ve gotten a bit off-topic, haven’t I,” Jane apologized.
“No, no! You’re literally the best… lemme just get a piece of paper to write this on,” Dave fumbled around his captchalogue, and pulled out an old notebook (of course, with Obama on the cover). “Okay cool, I got one, hit me with all that sweet, sweet info.”
“Alright… let’s see, what else… oh, well after we decorated the tree, we’d make and frost sugar cookies and cakes together. Oh! Karkat and you are welcome to come over together sometime and make cookies with me if you’d like,” Jane offered. Hell yeah, she was a literal legend. Roxy and Dirk had the best friends. 
“Yeah, dog, we’d love to! I’ll hit you up with a date once Karkat checks the calendar. You know him and… schedulin’,” Dave said as he continued to write down Jane’s suggestions. 
Jane chuckled, “Sounds good… and one more thing… My father and I would always put cheesy Christmas music on. That was the best… we’d make absolute fools out of ourselves, but it was so much fun. Literally, we’d just dance around and belt the lyrics… those we’re the days,” Jane’s voice started to crack… fuck… had Dave made her cry? “Sorry…” she continued, “I don’t mean to be so emotional. Oh lord, I’m sorry. I… I hope I helped you a bit, and just, feel free to come over whenever for cookies…” 
“Fuck, no,” Dave searched his brain… what would Karkat say… “Sorry for bringin’ up those memories. I know it sucks and all. I’ll give you some time and just hit you up later.” 
“Yes, that’d be great… see you later then,” Jane said as she hung up. 
Well, shit, Dave had already made one person cry and it was only 11 a.m. Maybe Christmas was just an emotional time and stuff. Jane was cool, though, so he hoped that she was okay. Plus, she gave him some kickass advice, and he was so ready to get his holiday spirit on. 
The rest of the walk to his place was boring. Dave tried to come up with some more sick raps for his Christmas album, featuring the new and improved version of “Jingle Bells.” The air was crisp and way too cold for Dave’s Texan roots (he blamed John for the freezing wind), so he was thankful when he finally reached the door. 
“Yo, Karkat, I’m home, and I come with words of wisdom from the one and only Jane Crocker herself,” Dave announced as he closed the door behind him. He attempted to throw his coat and hang it up, but it fell clumsily to the floor. He shrugged it off and continued through the cozy lil’ condo, finding his way into the kitchen, where he found Karkat doing a load of laundry. Yes, the washing machine and dryer were in the kitchen… it was only the most ironic, British mom location for them. Dave, being the coolest man to ever exist, ran up to Karkat and hugged him from behind. 
“Jesus fucking shit Dave! Are you trying to give me a blood pusher attack?” Karkat screeched as he jumped like fifty feet in the air (okay maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration, but it basically happened). 
“Nah dude, you wouldn’t dare be all anime protagonist on me and faint. Like, imagine me runnin’ to cradle you in my arms while you murmur ‘I’m goin’ to have to kawaii the shit out of your desu.’ Literally, imagine that” Dave rambled. 
Karkat groaned at this, “Stop spending time with Dirk. You’re turning into a shitty weeb Karkat said as he pushed Dave away. 
“I can’t help it… it’s who I am,” Dave clutched yo his chest and fell to the ground, pulling the other boy down with him. Karkat’s words. The worst weapon of all. 
“I’m going to go live with Kanaya and Rose,” Karkat grumbled, falling to the ground as dramatically as possible (making sure to land on Dave with as much force as possible). 
“Like you’d do that,” Dave scoffed, “She’s worse than me. Plus, is you did, we couldn’t be all romantic and celebrate human holidays together. C’mon dude, we gotta act like a high school couple. Get all up in each other’s space and kiss under the mistletoe. Oh, speakin’ of that! I talked to Jane, who is literally the best, and she was like ‘oh Dave! Check out this super lit tradition I did back on the o.g. Earth. Like, you get to cut down a tree and decorate with the most ironic ornaments.’” 
“Sound detrimental to the environment and a waste of time. What’s the point of celebrating a fucking tree,” Karkat asked.
“Dude, it’s a pine tree, which is superior to all other trees. Besides,  it’s about family and friends. I mean, I never celebrated Christmas with Bro, but you can’t just diss Karen like that,” Dave said, using his best white mom voice. 
“Fine whatever. I’ll celebrate your dumb human holiday, but I call picking out the decorations,” Karkat bargained as he stood up and dusted off his pants (getting rid of Dave’s germs).
“Hell yeah, deal! Get your coat on, we’re gonna get a tree and bring it in our house,” Dave exclaimed, quickly getting off the ground. 
The boys quickly got ready and we’re out the door, hopping into their car. Dave has gotten it because well, basically of all Karkat and his friends could fly. He has listened to Karkat’s complaining enough and invested in an older, used minivan. And man, did he love the thing. Hey, maybe he’d become a car person after the holidays were over. 
Dave was about to drive to the nearest park with a saw, but Karkat demanded that he call and ask Jane first. Jane recommended a small farm in the middle of nowhere, and with the use of a GPS, they eventually found their way there (after a few hours of trial and error).
“Jane said that fat trees were better, but honestly, I’m lovin’ this tall ass one right here. I mean look at it. It’s taller than the Empire State Buildin’… wait, is that still a thing? Like an Earth C Empire State Buildin’?” In Dave’s defense, it was a totally valid question. Like, did Earth C have the same seven wonders of the world? Who knew. 
“Shut the fuck up. We’re here for a tree, not imperialism,” Karkat groaned, “And besides, our house isn’t big enough for that.”
“But Karkat, the economy,” Dave whined, “But like, what about this tiny one… it reminds me of you, short stacks.”
Karkat shoved him, “And the other reminds me of your flat ass.” 
“I’ll take that as a compliment… since you're lookin’ at my ass and all,” Dave pulled down his Stiller shades and winked.
“Shut up, you fucking twink. Let’s just celebrate your weird human holidays and get the tree,” Karkat grumbled as he attempted to pick up the tree. 
Dave doubled over laughing as he watched the 5’3 troll struggle, but once Karkat shot him an angry glare, he rushed over to aid him (with his huge muscles, of course). “Nice, I can feel it pokin’ me through my mittens. Ten out of ten would recommend.”
After endless trial and error, the pair managed to carry the tree to the register and on top of their car, a red minivan that Dave had picked out.
“So,” Karkat started, “We just put a tree in our block and decorate it? And then some creepy old man flies around the world and gives presents to children by putting them under the tree?” His eyebrows furrowed as he attempted to understand human traditions.
“Dude, I can’t even explain it. Humans can come up with some weird shit when they put their minds to it,” Dave laughed. The rest of the car ride consisted of Karkat rambling about trollian traditions. Their hands managed to find one another and rest comfortably on the center console (Dave, of course, kept one hand on the steering wheel at all times… hey, safety is important). 
Their next stop was the local hardware store. It was owned by a sweet, older Carpacian. In all honesty, she reminded Dave of the Mayor… a kindred spirit whose goal in life was to just lead and help make others happy. She made the place seem like the opposite of a place to buy tools. The place was decorated with festive garlands and cheery music rang through the air. Dave waved at her as the pair walked towards the Christmas section.
“So,” Dave drawled, “What kind of ornaments are we lookin’ for? Personally, I wanna find a dick shaped one… for the memories of cockscotch. Bless that game.”
“This is a family store, dick-muncher! And we’re getting triple-f ornaments! Family fucking friendly!” Karkat screeched, marching ahead (but not before grabbing Dave’s hand and pulling him along). 
“Fine, fine, I get it… gotta make our house grub friendly, for when John comes over,” Dave snickered as they walked the ornaments aisle. Who knew there were so many different variations in fucking decorations? You had some for your Karens, poor college students, newlyweds, too many to count. Karkat busied himself with the… glass ball? Well, whatever that kind of ornament was called. 
“These are nice,” Karkat noted, showing Dave a set of jade glass baubles (haha, like Kanaya).
“But like, dude, they’re so borin’,” Dave whined, “We gotta spruce this tree up… get it? Spruce is a kind of tree.” Dave chuckled at his own dad joke. Shit, he was hilarious. 
“Hey, I’m just trying to make this actually look nice. We’ll get other colors too, and “spruce” it up, as you say,” Karkat said as he went back to check out the boring ornaments. Dave, on the other hand, went to look at the children’s ornaments on the other side of the aisle. Most of them were new pop culture things that Dave didn’t recognize (God was he growing old). However, there were a few that grabbed his attention, and obviously, he was gonna have to show these to Karkat. 
“Yo, dawg. Check out these cool little fuckers. They’ll make our tree look mads cool,” Dave opened his hands to reveal a bunch of little crab ornaments. They were cute and not boring glass balls. Plus, crabs were like Karkat’s thing… he’d definitely appreciate them.
“Crustaceans? Don’t you just know the way to my blood pusher,” Karkat rolled his eyes, “Just put them in the basket before I change my mind.”
Dave threw his fist in the air and gave Karkat a side hug, “Hell yeah, you won’t regret this. We gonna get so festive up in this joint. All the moms will be beggin’ to check out the coolest tree in the neighborhood, which if ya didn’t catch on, will be ours.”
“You got me. I’m only doing this to make Carol jealous. She fucking deserves it,” Karkat chuckled. Yes, Dave knew he was doing swell when he made Karkat laugh. If only he could give himself a, well earned, golden star. 
“Dude yes, I fuckin’ hate Carol. C’mon, let’s get more lights. We gotta make this flashy and blow a fuse, speakin’ of which… do you know how to fix a broken fuse? Because I do not wanna call Dirk over to fix it for us. He’ll be like ‘Dave, I’m just tryin’ to celebrate the holidays with my darlin’ boyfriend… have I mentioned Jake’s ass? Damn, lemme just rant about that and never actually fix your broken utilities.’ Can you imagine the pain, Karkat,” Dave lamented? He loved his brother, don’t get him wrong, but he did not want to mess with Dirk this close to the holiday season. 
“I can, actually. Remember what happened the week before Jake’s birthday? Dirk is batshit crazy, but he gets it from you,” Karkat smirked as Dave feigned an offended expression, “Now, can we stop talking about his love life and actually pick out some decorations?”
The pair still had one more destination before they could go home and relax, maybe even decorate the tree… but knowing themselves, they’d probably wait until Christmas Eve to put the new lights and ornaments up. 
“Oh my goodness, I’m so glad you two could make it,” Jane said as she opened the door, “I’ve already got everything out, so all we have to do is bake and decorate cookies… and perhaps eat a bit of dough.” She ushered the two inside. 
“Hell yeah, you’re the best Janey,” Dave said as the pair put away their coats and walked to the kitchen with Jane. Everything was so clean, especially when compared to their house. Karkat would always fuss about his habits, but Dave felt a sort of comfort in the messiness. So what if there were shirts thrown on the floor and an unorganized stack of papers on the kitchen table. It built… character. 
“I’ve never had what you humans call ‘cookies,’ but thank you for having us,” Karkat added. 
“Oh please, it’s no problem. I love baking, and I especially love helping people get into the holiday spirit,” Jane said. The trio fell into a simple routine once Jane showed them the recipe, helping the two boys when need be. Dave filled the silence by rambling under his breath about whatever he deemed important, while Karkat concentrated on making his cookies perfect. 
“Hey look,” Dave exclaimed while holding up one of his doughy creations, “It’s a Karkat angel! A Kar-Angel… a Karkat Van-Angel!” His cookies were shaped into gingerbread men with nubby horns and an uncharacteristic smile. 
“And I made a Dave-Cookie… oh wait, it’s just a blob of dough, my fucking bad,” Karkat retorted, going back to rolling out his dough. 
It was a long process, but after a few hours, the boys had successfully made their first batch of Christmas sugar cookies. A few of the cookies weren’t burnt on the edges, but they were delicious nonetheless. Jane demanded that the pair take home their creations, as she didn’t have enough room in her cabinets for more holiday desserts. 
“Goodness, thank you so much for coming over and making sugar cookies! I haven’t had this much fun since… well, it’s been a while. Feel free to come by and help me whenever you all would like,” Jane chirped. 
“Of course, Janey,” Dave replied, “You best bet we’ll be back for some more goodies! Gotta get my housewife on. I can’t be accidentally poisoning Karkat with some undercooked cake.” 
“You’ve poisoned me with every meal of your’s, except the Kraft Mac and Cheese, but only because Roxy helped you,” Karkat spat. 
“Oh well, we certainly can’t have that. I’ll be seeing you both again soon then. Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!”
It was dark by the time they were home. Karkat and Dave both felt the sleepiness enter the body, as they kept yawning. It was too late to decorate the tree, so it was leaned against a corner. The pair immediately plopped down onto the couch and put on a holiday classic, Tim Allen’s “The Santa Clause,” which Dave argued was the best Christmas movie known to mankind, trollkind, and carpaciankind alike. 
“Y’know, I never imagined that I would celebrate Christmas. Like, dude, that shit was mads uncool,” Dave said out of the blue, interrupting the beautiful sound of Tim Allen interacting with CGI reindeers and kidnapped children.
Karkat groaned, “Well, me either, yet here I am, celebrating a dumb holiday for dumb human grubs.” He was just trying to enjoy this wonderful holiday film, but with Dave, silence didn’t last long. In a way, it provided comfort to the pair. He knew that Dave absolutely hated the silence, as it reminded him of his Bro. For Karkat, Dave’s endless rambling allowed him to take his mind off of his worries. It was an odd relationship, one that had taken years to achieve, but here they were… they had made it, yet Karkat knew there were still shaky moments for the two of them. Like now, for example. The pair both would jump around certain barriers, trying desperately to aid one another, while still attempting to not dig too deep. 
Dave rested his head upon Karkat’s thighs and snuggled into the pile of blankets, reminding him of their time on the meteor, “Y’know, I wouldn’t have this whole thing any other way. ‘M glad my first Christmas is with you, instead of Bro.” His words are slurred together and slightly muffled, and Karkat can’t help the stupid ass blush that creeps onto his face at the sound of them. 
“Fuck that guy,” Karkat spits. After a moment, he starts again, this time with a gentler tone, “And it’s nice to have you here too, no matter how fucking dumb your endless rants may be.”
Dave could almost hear Dirk whispering “Tsundere” in his ear as he chuckled, “Awe, love you too, KitKat.” He sits back up, nearly smacking the top of his head into Karkat’s jaw. He looks away for a second, briefly hesitating, then leans in, closing the distance between the pair. It’s just a brief peck, but it leaves the two of them speechless. Dave looks at Karkat through his shades. A light brush coated his cheeks and his lips curled into a small grin. 
Karkat pulls Dave into his side and looks towards the corner of the living room, where their small, fat tree is leaning against the wall. It was empty and in desperate need of attention (aka Crustacean ornaments). Filled with a sudden burst of energy, he paused the movie and stood up, pulling Dave with him, “Get off your lazy ass and get fucking festive. We have a tree to decorate.”
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petri808 · 5 years
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Can you write how you think Natsu and Lucy's first day would go? 😣😣
Sorry it took a while to write something. Not everything goes smoothly lol.  I hope you like the Drabble :)  
Tied to day 3 orange prompt as well @fortheloveofnaluevents
Nothing’s Perfect
‘I can do this... I can do this...  I...’  “I-I can’t do it!”  Natsu turns back to the table where he and Gray had been sitting.  He sits down, holding his head in his hands.  “I can’t, I’m too nervous.”
“I don’t see why,” Gray quips back, “it’s just Lucy.”
Natsu slams his fist on the table “Exactly!”  Several members turn to see where the noise came from and he scrunches back in his seat mumbling.  “It’s weird to ask her.”
But Gray just laughs at him. “End of the worlds coming and you get all fired up.  Ask Lucy out on a date, and you crumble!”  
“Fuck you!”
“Tch.  Just get it over with and ask her out already. Natsu,” the ice mage leans over the table, “she knows exactly what you’re like.”  He sits back with a smug look.  “Just lay yourself bare, so to speak.”
“What the fuck?!  You want me to strip?!”
“Idiot!  It just means be yourself, show the real you, don’t hide anything.”
“Oh.”
“Think of it like any other mission.  Your objective is to ask Lucy out on a date.”
“And then what?”
Gray rolls his eyes, “seriously?!  When she says yes, you take her out on a real date!”
“Oh, right...”  Natsu chuckles and runs his hand nervously through his hair.  Not that he really knew what he was supposed do on this date.  
“Will you just go and ask her already?!”
“Okay, Okay!” The slayer gets up, muttering under his breath about a meddling ice freak.  When he gets to the table where Lucy is sitting with a couple of the females of Fairy Tail, Natsu taps on her shoulder.  
“Oh, hey Natsu,” Lucy smiles at her partner, “did you need something?”
A blush explodes onto his cheeks, “I-I was wondering if...”  ‘AHHHH THIS IS HARD!’  “...you’d go out on a, um, d-date with me.”
“I’m sorry,” she blinks, “did you say date?”
Levy snickers, “he did.”
Cana grins, “he su—re did!”
“I did,” he cups the back of his neck, “y-you know... I don’t know, like dinner or something.”
“Oh... you really did just ask me out.”  The realization hits Lucy like a ton of bricks.  “I’m sorry, I’m just a little surprised.  Um, yeah, sure,” she smiles, “I wouldn’t mind going on a date with you.”
“Really!  Okay, how about tomorrow night?  I can meet you at your apartment.”
She nods as her cheeks flush a little, “6?”
“6 it is!”  Natsu turns tail and struts away.  It was all an act.  He was on cloud nine but if he stopped to think about anything now, he’d probably faint.  Gray gives him the thumbs up as he walks past their table towards the front door, but he needed fresh air!
Back at the girls table, a giggle fest has taken over with Cana and Levy both teasing and congratulating the blonde.  “And you thought he’d never make a move,” Cana sips her beer.  
“I thought it was sweet,” Levy retorts.  “The poor boy looked so nervous I’m surprised he made it through the question!”
Lucy sighs and props her head on the table, “I wonder if he even knows what a date is?”
After enduring even more humiliation from Mira’s oohing, awing, and light teasing, Natsu thought he had everything planned to where even he couldn’t mess things up.  Keep it simple, was her biggest piece of advice. He knew Lucy better than anyone else, her likes, dislikes, so it all came down to the execution.  When 6pm rolled around, Natsu knocked on Lucy’s door holding a bouquet of pink roses.  He’d been advised that red may have been more appropriate but decided to go with her favorite color instead.
He hears a stumbling sound from inside the apartment, things being tossed, rushing feet.  “Are you okay Lucy?”  
“Y-Yeah, I’ll be right, oww, damn it, I’ll be right out Natsu.”
When she opens the door a few moments later, Lucy is still adjusting her clothes, and slipping on her heels.  Natsu chuckles, “are you sure you’re okay Lucy?”
“I’m fine, I’m fine,” she waves her hand nonchalantly trying to act like she wasn’t a hot mess at the moment.  Truth be told, it had taken her all afternoon to decide on an outfit.  Re-did her hair and makeup a couple of times before giving up on said makeup and just leaving her hair down.  She broke her first pair of heels, that was the stumbling ‘oww’ he had heard, and to top it all off, it was the only one that really matched her outfit.  “You look really nice Natsu,” a light blush filtering along her cheeks.  He’d really gone all out tonight in one of his button-down, off-white collared shirts and beige slacks.
“You look beautiful too Lucy,” his own blush appearing, “here,” he juts the bouquet out at her, “I-I got you flowers.”
“Aww, that’s so sweet!” she giggles, “Lemme put this in water before we go.”  It takes just a couple of minutes till she’s back at her door, closing, and locking it behind her.  
Natsu holds out his hand tentatively, “ready for dinner?”  
Lucy takes it and nods, relishing in the warmth he exuded, but it also made her more nervous.  It wasn’t like this was the first time she’d held his hand, and yet it was worlds apart from the others.  They walked along the canal in a companionable silence, just a young couple, too wrapped up in their anxieties over the whole affair.  
“About time!”
They turn and see the boaters in the canal giving them a thumbs up.  Those guys always gave her grief!
“Sorry ‘bout that Natsu, you know they always tease…”  
“Don’t apologize,” he mumbles, “they’re right, I should’a done this a long time ago.”
She pulls him to a halt, “what matters is you did it when I was ready.”  Lucy blushes, “I mean, yeah I liked you for a while, but I would have been too nervous if you’d asked me before the Quest.”
“Oh, thank the stars,” he breathes out, “I wondered if you actually liked me liked me or was just humoring me on this date.”
Lucy laughs, “no… I Iike you Natsu.”
He squeezes her hand, “we should hurry.  I made reservations at that new restaurant Aomatsu cause everyone said their katsudon is the best in town.”
Well what was she expecting, Lucy thought to herself as she nibbled at her one plate while watching Natsu gobbling up his fourth.  He always ate like it was the best tasting thing in the world or the last meal of his life.  Of course, considering this was an ‘official’ date, he could have tried to be a little less sloppy.  Surrounding tables kept side-eyeing the couple, probably wondering why any woman would put up with such a messy guy.  But Lucy had grown so accustomed to Natsu’s eating habits she merely smiled, shrugged, and ignored them.  She loved him, flaws and all.    
“You gonna finish that?” he points to her half-eaten cake.  When she shakes her head and chuckles, Natsu happily accepts the plate.
Yeah….  She could consider herself ‘Lucky Lucy’ after all. How many people are blessed to have found not only a best friend, but the love of their life rolled into one person? Someone who never judged, always supported, and stayed true to their partnership.  The bottom line was, she could always count on Natsu.  
As he wiped his hands with the napkin, Natsu tips his head, “do I have something on my face?  You’ve been sitting there just staring at me while I ate.”
She keeps her head propped with her hand, shaking it, “just waiting for you to finish.”
“Aww man, I’m sorry,” he finishes wiping up, “I didn’t realize….  Am I ruining the moment?”
“No, no,” Lucy chuckles, her smiling eyes crinkling at the corners, “I don’t mind.”
“Whew!  Okay well I think you’ll like what I got planned next, so lemme just settle the bill.”
They head back in the direction of Lucy’s apartment hand in hand.  When they’re only about a block away, Natsu stops.  He explains of wanting to surprise her and asks that she get on his back in a piggy-back style while closing her eyes.  “No peaking,” he reminds.  
“I won’t.”  Lucy can feel him walking but has no idea of the direction.  Based on the faint smell of brine, she assumed they were still walking along the canal.  A short distance later, the feeling of climbing a flight of stairs.  She hears him open a door before walking a few more feet.
He puts her down, still keeping his hands on her shoulders, “okay you can open your eyes now.”
Her heart flutters at the sight!  They were only on top of her apartment building, but Natsu had set up a furry rug, a couple of pillows, and candles scattered around.  In one a smooth stream of fire he lights them all, then plops onto the rug holding out a hand to her, “join me,” he smiles.
Lucy giggles and sits beside him.  “Thank you Natsu, this is a really sweet end to our dinner date.”
“I’m glad you think so,” he scratches his head, “I thought it was a bit simple, but Mira said you’d like it.”
It wasn’t a surprise that the bar maid had a hand in this.  Lucy leans on Natsu’s shoulder, “Mira was right.”  
After a while, they go from sitting to lying down, making a small bet of who would see a shooting star first.  They chat about little things or simply lets a companionable silence fall over them. It was nice after all, just relaxing together, something rare between them.
A slight breeze picks up, and Natsu’s nose catches an upswing of moisture in the air.  In front of them there was nothing but clear, starry skies, but when he looks behind, the skies had grown menacing.  Natsu gets them to their feet and they start bundling up the rug and pillows.  It was too late.  Another stronger gust and suddenly a deluge of rain strikes.  He quickly grabs the rug and hauls it over their head as a makeshift umbrella, but being made of fabric, the soaked material quickly becomes inundated.
Natsu uses his magic to heat the fabric to a point before it would catch fire.  Steaming off the water as quickly as it tries to soak in.  Lucy clings to his body to stay warm.  
“I’m sorry Lucy, this wasn’t the ending I’d planned for.”
“Oh Natsu, it’s not like you couldn’t have predicted rain.”
“But now the date is ruined.”
She wraps an arm around his neck, while the other hand gently settles on his cheek, “I wouldn’t say that. It makes our first date memorable.”
He pouts, “I was hoping to get something right for once.”
Standing on her tip-toes, Lucy places a soft, exploratory kiss on his lips.  It takes a second to register, but Natsu lets the rug fall, answering her kiss with more of his own.  And as the rain falls around them, with only the rug balanced over their heads, steam wasn’t the only thing being generated on that roof top…  
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rcris123 · 5 years
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“How’re you feelin’?” Arthur asks Kieran that evening after things settled down a lil’.
“Dizzy.” The boy was still nursing his injured arm, looking rather pitiful. Grimshaw bandaged it “But I guess it’ll heal.”
“Unless you catch the fever.” Sean mocked.
It felt isolated the way all of ‘em that went away were the ones around this fire. That and Charles. Isaac fell asleep in Arthur’s arms; must have exhausted him being in an actual gunfight.
“Shut up!” Kieran mused up the courage.
Sean laughs: “Keep tryin’.”
And the kid scowls, and changes the subject: “Sadie, I ain’t got the time to thank you. I-I know you ain’t- I mean-”
“I don’t hate you.” She says drily. “But don’t you think we’re friends either.”
“Yeah, I wouldn’t even think of it.” A pause. “I’m still sorry for what happened to Jack.”
“That’s done now.” Arthur says, brushes a few strands of hair from Isaac’s forehead. “We keep goin’.”
“An’ what ‘bout Dutch?” Sean interrupts.
Arthur just lets out a long sigh.
“Ain’t seen him that... what you call it?” Sean continued.
“Unhinged?” Charles chimes in.
“... Well... Without morals I mean. You went back for me, you did. And that pile of cowdungs that’s Micah.”
Arthur coughs a laugh at that; hearing Sean insult Micah in increasingly creative ways ain’t ever gonna get old.
“Guess I’m still an O’Driscoll to them- to Dutch at least. I mean it ain’t makin’ sense goin’ to rescue me-”
“The fewer O’Driscolls the better.” Sadie’s stone cold. “Just want them all gone. Every. Single. Last one o’em bastard.”
“I’m so sorry, Sadie...” Kieran truly sounds heartbroken and it seems he ain’t ever heard the story of what happened to her. “Truly I am-”
“I don’t want your pity, kid.” She spits.
Sebastian puts a hand on Kieran’s back before the boy gets to speak again.
“I think we all need to rest now-” Arthur tried.
Sean won’t have it: “Can’t rest now thinkin’ Dutch might just lemme rot if I were to get lost even just a lil’ bit, or worse put a bullet in me head ‘cause I said somethin’ he ain’t liked. It gave me the chills hearin’ him talk like that- how long’s it been for you Arthur? In the gang I mean?”
“20 years.”
“20 years and ye think that’ll gain a man some respect...”
“Ye’r thinkin’ too much lately, Sean.” Arthur chuckles.
“Ain’t you always said to use me noggin?!”
“Well it’s better that you don’t right now.”
“That ain’t fair, Arthur.”
A hand comes to rest on Arthur’s shoulders and everyone looks up: Hosea.
“Managed to calm the ol’ man down.” He says, taking a seat by Arthur and Isaac. And Hosea brushes the boy’s head with the same care as his actual father. “You really upset him this time ‘round, Arthur.”
A sigh: “I know...”
“It’s better if you apologize-”
“Yeah.” Arthur didn’t let him finish. “I ain’t meant it to end the way it did... I just-”
“No, I understand.” Hosea continues. “Things are... let’s say complicated.” It’s Sebastian that looks at the old man, knowingly. “And it’s the same for our good ol’ Dutch there. He cares for you, Arthur.”
“I know...” voice drops penitently.
“He fears he’s gonna lose a dear old friend-”
“But I can’t just sit an’ do nothin’!” Arthur sighs.
“Raising the boy made you real caring, ain’t it?”
“I guess...” A scratch of the beard, a purse of lips: “But you know how it was.”
“No, I ain’t blaming you.” Hosea lifted his hands defensively. “I’ve just been thinking that things feel like slipping. Ever since Blackwater.” Charles and Sean nodded. “And with you being gone more often I feel somehow older.” Old man gave a bitter laugh, followed by a dry cough. “I feel-” a drawn-out exhale. “I feel like I don’t have the strength to hold all together anymore.”
Arthur’s silent and if he wouldn’t be holding Isaac he’d try to comfort Hosea with a touch.
“It’s too much to ask this of you, Arthur... But here I am.”
“Hosea-”
“English’s tryin’.” Sean butts in, sounding somewhat more quiet than usual, and still that was some courage from him for all the trouble Hosea gave him for laziness. “I mean I ain’t knowin’ why the hell’ll save this soggy ol’ bread.” He gestured to Kieran and the kid scowled.
“It was certainly lucky.” Hosea replies. “It’s true that if the O’Driscolls found Kieran in the camp they knew where we were and could of come with even more men. But the undead- I mean there were legends among Creoles about something called zonbi. I guess the people around here should know something if there's a plague and if we're in any danger of getting it.”
Arthur nods: "I'm comin' with you."
"Well if you got the disposition.. I think bringing this to Dutch soon will appease him somewhat and make it all seem like less of an act of defiance."
"O'course."
Arthur goes to stand up, almost forgets Isaac in his arms. And he's also reminded of that letter…
"And I guess I'll go see Mary."
"Her?" Sean's surprised. "Ain't you got done with that long ago?... I mean no offense but I heard the stories..."
John couldn't keep his mouth shut, that and Uncle.
"I was, but she popped up again." A sigh. "But I ain't deserving her and she ain't deserving me. So I gotta end things. Proper this time…"
"You want me to come with you?..." Sebastian spoke quietly until voice died down completely and he pursed his lips as if he said something wrong.
"I…" Arthur tried to find words. "I would-"
"Rather do that alone. Yes…" He cuts him. "I get that…"
The world ain't kind to lovers like them.
"I'm sorry, Sebastian…"
But Sebastian gave a smile:
“You and Hosea take care out there.” Arthur nods. “I’ll get Isaac upstairs.” And now, trying his best to not wake the boy up he lifts him up, but Isaac’s eyes flutter awake.
Sebastian holds him up and Isaac mutters a half asleep: “Pa?”
“Go get some rest kid, you earned it” Father smiles to his son and one could see the pride that flushes on the boy’s cheeks as he’s lulled away with care.
And Christ, he'd love to kiss Sebastian right now, to give him the courage to see Mary, 'cause he's feeling like he'll go soft and weak again. A touch of the necklace; he’s still there. A deep breath in.
“Well… guess we should get goin’...” Arthur gets up from the log he was standing on: “Rest up, Kieran. Take blankets from upstairs if you need to.”
“T-thank you, Arthur.”
 The road to Saint Denis he could do in his sleep by now, and with the sun setting like it was he almost did. Hosea didn’t talk, only coughed from time to time. Then:
“Arthur… I… Maybe there’s no good place to ask or say this, but- Do you remember how me and Dutch met? Back in ‘72?”
“ ‘Course I do.” Heart started to shrink in his chest; he knew what came after this.
“And is there anything that you want to tell me about you and...”
“There ain’t much to it...” a sigh; it ain’t even been that long ago. “Man saved my sorry ass just ‘cause Isaac happened to be with me and he happened to have been a childless father-” Another sigh, or maybe it was a defeated groan: “What you want from me, Hosea? ‘cause I ain’t knowin’ how I got here, just know that I goddamn did...”
Hosea remained quiet for a while; there was Saint Denis with all its electrical glory, there to illuminate fossils and human scum, then: “He strikes me as a good man. Sebastian I mean...”
“Ain’t I keepin’ a record of courting people much better than myself...” a bitter laugh. He’s going to see that Mary again; what a sad, deluded fool he was... “Guess we should be splittin’ up about here.”
“I’ll meet you back around here.”
Where were they even? Well that looked like the Police Station, by the way lawmen buzzed around the entrance. She’s at the Grand Hotel just a street further. Sun’s almost done setting by the time he reaches the structure, head’s bowed low and he ain’t even truly looking for her. There’s a pit in his stomach, gnawing at him. And then she hears her from above him:
“Arthur! Arthur you came!”
He dismounts, looks up for a brief moment: “Yeah, I came...”
“Wait there! I’m coming straight down” She had a bright smile on her face as she rushes downstairs.
Arthur takes a deep breath in: there were people staring and he throws them a glance. It ain’t none of their business, and he fears it’s hardly his own. Oh what a fool he’ll make of himself once more; seems to be a trend when it came to Arthur Morgan and love...
Dumb love... Is he going to let this one slip away as well. A scratch of the beard then hand goes down to rub the necklace. Christ!
She’s downstairs already: “Arthur...” She sounds as in love as she ever was, and to think back to how her face drained of color upon seeing Isaac...
“Hello, Mary.” He can’t match her enthusiasm.
“You came...” Arthur just nods. “How’s the boy? Isaac was his name?”
At last he gains the courage to look her in the eyes, it almost sounded like she cared and it’s tearing at him. If only she could of been a mother. If only he could have been anything but an outlaw. But things ain’t changed; she told him they never would. But maybe he just hasn’t been looking in the right places all this time. Sebastian ain’t no woman, but there ain’t no question that man loved Arthur, with all his biggest flaws and the son to boot – or maybe the son was the only reason Arthur was deserving of love in the first place. And with that tightness in his chest thinking of him now when Mary was right before him, Arthur surely seemed to love just as much in return...
He hasn’t replied in a while: “Arthur?... What’s wrong?”
“Nothin’.” He purses his lips, shifts weight from one leg to the other. “The boy’s fine. Been a long day...” But she needed his help with something: “But what you called me for?”
She tucks her hands into each other: “Well... Daddy-”
“Your father!?” He’s offended but not surprised: “Should of known...” He takes steps away.
“Arthur! I’m sure you’d understand, being a father yourself and all...” she follows him, voice pitched.
Arthur spins on his heels: “Well at least I’m aware I’m a no good father, unlike your own.”
She purses her lips: “I know Daddy wasn’t kind to you... but... but can you hate a man for the sin of loving his daughter?...”
“What ‘bout his son? Jaime?” Arthur takes a stride forward. “Look where all that love got him! Running with a bunch of lunatics! And you! Is that where this pure life has gotten you!? Begging me for help?! ‘cause he no doubt went drinking and whoring and gambling?!”
Mary turns away almost putting her hands in her head: “Be kind to me!... Arthur...”
But Arthur spins away once more, his voice low once again:
“Were you kind to me, Mary? Were you kind calling my son a degenerate, tellin’ me I haven’t even tried, when I did. I did, Mary. It’s why I came, but I see now I’ve come all this way for nothin’...”
“Arthur!... Oh Arthur, I’m- I’m sorry...” He lets her draw close. “I... I missed you.”
And he looks at her, how she stretches her hands out for him to hold them. He does, only to fold them in on themselves, back towards the woman’s chest:  
“I missed you for a long time, Mary. But it’s done now. I may be the best man you know at frightening decent people, but for my son, I cannot.”
He withdraws his hands:
“Okay... Arthur...” She’s heartbroken and when she wants to tear her gaze away it falls down on his neckline, the medallion. A moment’s ponder; Arthur already drew away: “Can I at least know if... Is there someone else?”
“Yes.” And he hoped that was enough.
“... Can I know who?”
He climbs back in the saddle with a deep inhale: “You read the name on the medallion...” Her eyebrows knit together before a hand hides her mouth from hanging loose “Be well, Mary...”
She says not a word more and Arthur finds himself sitting on the sidewalk back at the police station, head in hands, rubbing his face until it’s no doubt red. To love a man, what a goddamn fool he is. A moron even. Dug himself into a hole there ain’t no escaping from; all he once had felt torn away bit by bit and all his attempts at stitching it back together with reasons that worked before no longer did. He betrayed Dutch horribly with one simple act. Ain’t it of been better if he was purely ruthless and not wanting to do something that ain’t his domain: kindness? He ain’t a do-gooder, he murders people, animals; he maims whatever he can get his hands on, even hope for the goddamn future. And somehow this broken mess that he was became a father and had to raise the kid ‘cause his Momma was killed – and he thought that’s been in no small part thanks to himself, the way the boy was fathered.
He’s afraid he’s gonna lose the boy too somewhere, sometime... And the thought hurts more than he can bear. He sits up to try to shake the feeling, gets inside, maybe he can make something of use.
And there was a man there putting up a poster.
“That a bounty poster, mister?” Arthur asks with a sniff and a faked cough; he’s keeping the tears away.
“Indeed.” The man had an almost pristine white coat, and what looked like some burn scar on his face. “Are you a bounty hunter, mister?”
“Happen to be, yes.”
“And are you efficient?”
“Took down the Captain of the Lemoyne Raiders so I guess I ain’t too bad neither.”
“Good.” Man stops pinning the poster and hands it over to Arthur, and soon after a card too: “Here’s my address. Bring the bounty to my house please.”
“Not the police station?” That was odd.
“Oh, no. I have a permit for taking care of psychically unstable people. You see, I’m a psychiatrist.”
“And what you needin’ a bounty for?”
“Ah, well, I also happen to be a scientist. And my newest invention is in need of a subject.”
“Yeah, but why a bounty-”
“It’s a device made to administer an effective, painless death, mister.”
Arthur grunts: “ ‘kay. But I’m afraid I ain’t caught your name.”
“Victoriano.”
Another Italian?... Although he sounded British. But that ain’t no business of his; Arthur’ll just return to sitting outside, waiting for Hosea.
He must have fallen asleep ‘cause the man shook him awake:
“Let’s go Arthur. I’ll tell you on the way.”
He snorts and grunts getting back up on Ghost, how late was it even?
“So, what you found out, Hosea?”
“Well, not much, but you definitely ain’t been wrong-”
“I know what I saw, Hosea. People call’em Night Folk.”
“Yes, yes. People are afraid to go out in the Bayou ‘cause of them, especially at night. Some said they were spirits of slaves that died, others claim they’re people turned mad by something in the water.”
That caught his attention. “So the water in the swamp ain’t safe?”
“I fear so too, yes.”
“So what we gonna do about that? Boil all water? ‘cause we’re still in the Bayou.”
“It’s worth the try.”
“That also means that Lakay spot me and the boys found ain’t safe.”
“Yes...” Hosea was terribly distraught.
“What about what Bill and Micah found?”
“Well they said it was full of degenerates, a gang called Murfree’s Brood, I think. Said they acted like animals, that they had a mutilated corpse propped up at the entrance like some kind of trophy.”
“Christ!” No more places to hide for them... “We’re running out of time, Hosea...”
“It’s the last push, this one. We’ll be gone soon. Dutch found a boat, wants us to leave the country.”
A bitter laugh: “And you believe that?”
“Well I can’t have been running a fool’s errand all these years. And if I was I guess I just convinced myself it ain’t true just so I have one last thing to cling to.” Hosea sighs after that. “But I’m old, Arthur. For me it doesn’t matter that much where it ends, how it ends. I lived my life, but Isaac, Jack-”
“I ain’t letting no harm come to that boy, I swear.”
“I know. I raised you two both. Isaac’s the closest thing to a grandson I’ll ever have. Bessie loved him...”
“I remember. She’d smother him all up.” A chuckle. “And the kid loved it to bits, having no mother and all...”
“Don’t blame yourself for that, you did all that you could have done.”
“And still I ain’t been a good father. I ain’t been meant to be a father-”
“Think of it as it could have been a lot worse, Arthur.” Hosea doesn’t stand his self-doubt. Never did.
And still, to think Hosea believed him and the boy should somehow get out of this life came as a surprise but comfort too, and courage.
People were asleep back at Shady Belle. It was crickets, the crackling of fire and the occasional snore that broke the silence. They hitched the horses beyond the bridge before passing over and that’s when he saw Sebastian slumped next to the campfire he left from. Heart sinks to the bottom of his guts.
“Goodnight, Arthur.” Hosea salutes before splitting their ways.
“ ’night.”
Sebastian wasn’t asleep when he reached him; just looked up at him, a bottle of whiskey in hand and a smoking cigarette in the other:
“Everything a’right?” he asked trying on some sobriety.
“Her father’s a no-good bastard an’ she calls me for help with that after degrading the way I raised my son.” A deep inhale and Arthur sits down beside him.
“Oouch.” Sebastian slurred, leaned closer then stopped. “Wanna go stroll a lil’? ‘Round the back of Shady Belle.”
“Sure-” Arthur helps the man up not a moment later.
It’s pitch black for a moment, as the light of the campfires still flickered behind them, but once ‘round the corner, a dim blue light illuminated the side of the manor, the trees and their faces. But Sebastian slips behind his back, wrapping his arms around his chest, face nestled in the crook of his neck, breathing slow. A pleasant shiver runs down his spine and Arthur dares keep that inhale in as he closes his eyes. There’s things he wanna say, things he wanna hear Sebastian speak about, but he just keeps quiet, ‘cause words cram in his mouth and nothing’s right. And there’s that feelin’ croppin’ up again, and those thoughts that he mulled over at the police station come racing back. Arthur’s clinging to him now. Mary ain’t ever touched him like this. But they were different people.
There’s still a whiskey bottle in the man’s hands. Arthur takes it and draws a bit away:
“Bet you I can drink this whole bottle in one sip?”
“Arthur-”
Too late, the bottle’s neck is to his lips and the liquor drains into his mouth and with big gulps down his throat. Higher and higher. It burns, his chest caught flames. Then it’s done and he throws the bottle away. He gives a laugh:
“Told you I can-” then his knees buckle underneath him and he falls to the ground.
Sebastian’s quick enough to catch him, but not quick enough so that they don’t end up on the muddy ground.
What a pitiful man he was; eyes become watery:
“It’s caught up to me... This mess...”
Sebastian rests his head on his shoulder: “You and me both...”
Arthur cups the man’s face as soon as his says that.
“You’re gonna get out-” It’s his only promise, when sober and when drunk alike: “You have to, you and the kid-”
“Shut up-” It’s lips on lips, rough, Sebastian’s hands pinning him down.
And he don’t understand what that’s supposed to mean, just huffs into the kiss.
“Shut up, you fool, you-” It’s sloppy, words panted when mouths ain’t on each other. “I can’t go on alone.” Sebastian stops, bows his head and buries it back in the crook of Arthur’s neck.
“You love me?...” A question, voice is breaking apart.
A kiss on his neck to make Arthur gasp out: “ ‘course I do-”
“For me? I ain’t worth it- Agh!” Sebastian bit into his neck at that remark.
“Who the fuck else...”
“Isaac...”
“You both.” His nose rubs against the itching spot that was left behind. Then man shifts up, cups Arthur’s face, coaxing the head back, exposing the neck. “Arthur...” Another kiss trailing up from his collarbone. “Arthur-” The way that name slips out of his lips makes his pants wanna set up a tent. “I’m starting to make sense of things. With you.” A kiss on his jaw. “With you...”
Arthur strings him up by the thighs, stretching them apart until he’s straddled under Sebastian. And the man pants with the touch:
“You buckstuborn idiot- I thought of you.” Arthur muses, lifting his chin just slightly up, brushing his lips against the other’s where they ghosted above him. “She was right there, in front of me, and I thought of you... I loved her. I missed her...”
And now I miss you.
That he ain’t dare say it’s too much even for a drunken sap like he was.
Sebastian lunges in to devour his mouth once more, body grinds against Arthur’s; there’s whiskey on his breath, on his tongue. Cheap cigarettes, cheap liquor and cheap life choices ‘cause they’re both poor and got nowhere else to go. He’s gotten drunk so he ain’t gotta be afraid, of thoughts, of actions, of whatever the hell. He’s gotten drunk so he can be numb to the meaning of all these feelings. But not to touch.
And no one touched him like Sebastian did. Why is all he could ask. Why’s he deserving, why now, why Sebastian – why this moron that he was- And all this fighting raging on in his mind makes him grind the man against himself. It’s tights now and there’s a bulge bucking against his abdomen. Pants escape him. Wasn’t religion that talked about how the body desires without the mind consenting to it, ‘cause that’s what he wanted now.
“Sebastian-”
“Mhm-” the man purrs into the next kiss, coaxing him up. The grinding don’t stop.
“I-”there’s too much to say, mostly alcohol induced. “Shit-” There’s mud in his hair, on his clothes. It’s dirty work. They’re in camp-
He stops suddenly.
“You okay?” Sebastian runs a hand through sticky hair.
A single huff as he leans against the man’s chest, arms wrapping around his back.
“Isaac’s upstairs- Dutch, Everyone-” A sigh. “Not here...”
 Sebastian presses a kiss on the top of his head, then a chuckle when he’s done laying his face on top of his own:
“We could always keep quiet.”
“Not with this mud.”
“And you don’t fancy bathing in the bayou?”
“At the risk of alligator death? No.” Somehow man’s got him chuckling again. He’s feeling warm now and not in the aroused way; he’s still hard thou.
“Guess I just have to fuck you when no one’s watchin’-”
“Good luck with that.”
Arthur laughs, but before he has time to finish, Sebastian’s hand groped his half hard cock. Lips purse and he bucks his hips up; success came in the form of a barely abstained moan from the other. It’s then followed by a soft kiss on the neck from Arthur’s part. And now Sebastian’s laughing, a throaty, drunken laugher and he leans back in his arms. Arthur sways with him.
“Por favor, dame un beso.” Sebastian coos with a faint smile on his face.
“What?” He doesn’t understand; that ain’t English, was it.
“Un beso-” A kiss on Arthur’s lips. “Just a lil’ one-”
“What you tryina’ pull here?” Arthur’s still quite amused.
“Trying to teach you some Spanish.”
“Why?”
“So you’d know when I tell you besame.”
“What’s that mean-”
“Kiss me-”
And Arthur does, sucking the breath out of Sebastian, that an’ a moan. Why all the doubting from before when he’s pretty goddamn certain that he’s in love... It’s been so long- And he ain’t a good man, no matter how he felt-
“Christ...” he exhales when the kiss is broken. “Sebastian-”
“Arthur...”
He rubs the man’s cheeks with his thumbs, smiling like the fool he really was.
“Te amo.” Sebastian whispers with such grace.
 He wakes up with a headache; it takes a groan to set himself in motion- A blanket?
A hurried look to the side only to find Isaac curled next to them under a thin mat. A drawn out sigh as a hand goes to rest on the boy’s shoulder, offering gentle rubs now. Sebastian’s hardly awake himself, looking through half lidded eyes at the kid with one arm draped over Arthur’s chest. They slept in like that leaned on one of the porch’s posts, drunk again and with some wood to show what they’ve been thinkin’ last night, or it was probably the drink...
He’s been sighing a lot lately, so with the latest one he leans his head onto Sebastian’s.
“The boy really loves you.” Man says, voice gruff, glazed over by sleep and whiskey. “You’ve been a father many’d wish they had.”
A snort: “That ain’t true-”
“You love your son. More than anything.” Sebastian draws a finger across his chest. “I ain’t known any man to fight for their son like you do.”
“I’m coddling him...” Arthur scolds himself.
“Life ain’t of been kind to him if you weren’t.”
There goes one more deep exhale; finally admitting defeat: “Guess that much’s true. Wanted that for him. So he ain’t turning out like me.”
“He ain’t.” And he dips up for a kiss on the jaw before standing up and stretching his bones with a groan. Then a look at Arthur who ain’t yet got the courage to sit up: “And you need a bath.”
That and Sebastian’s gaze checks out the lil’ tent his pants put up with a smirk and for a moment he feared the man’ll put his boot on it. But Sebastian’s got at least that much decency. Instead he helps Arthur up.
By the time Isaac got up, Arthur got him some new clothes and to Miss Grimshaw’s surprise Arthur washed on his own volition, with a change of garments to boot. Sebastian went and fetches them some breakfast:
“Seems Pearson found alligator eggs.”
“Get outta here-” Arthur chaffs then he’s presented with a plate of hard boiled alligator eggs and a yellow sauce that smells like mustard.
“Alligator eggs?” Isaac almost trips over his pants while pulling them up trying to peek at the exotic dish. “Ever had ‘em Pa?”
“No.” And that’s signal that he should dig in already.
“What’s it taste like?” Isaac wastes no time asking.
“Chewy.” He hasn’t swallowed yet. “Fishy. Kinda salty but I think that’s on Pearson’s part.” Isaac giggles. “Sauce is decent thou.”
And once he’s all dressed boy wastes no time chowing down on his own portion. While Arthur should go talk with Dutch. ‘course Isaac notices.
“Where you going?” kid takes a bite. “Talk with Dutch?”
He can’t lie... “Yes.”
“Can I sit by you? ...Promise I won’t talk.”
“Yes...”
Isaac perked up: “Really?”
“Don’t ask twice I might just change my mind. Now c’mon.”
Sebastian didn’t follow; there were flames on the pyre and Sebastian was smart enough not to walk into them. Thankfully Dutch looked to be in a pleasant mood - not the same could be said for Molly O’Shea. She looked miserable, slumped on a crate.
“Mornin’.”
“Good morning to you too, Arthur.”
Here it comes; he sits down and Isaac beside him: “I’m sorry for yesterday.”
“It was very reckless of you.” Dutch’s tone was a note away from scolding.. “But I can’t not forgive you, Arthur.”
Arthur looked at him, trying to find the right words:
“You’re like a son to me.” Dutch continues. “All of us are family.”
He bobs his head: “It’s why I did it, Dutch.”
“I know...” Man sounded like he was just as sorry. “I just got scared.”
“I told you- What could I have done, Dutch?” he’s getting mildly frustrated.
“Distrust me. My judgement.”
“You ain’t lookin like ye’r trusting me very well right now.” Arthur’s real hoping his son either don’t catch what Dutch was saying or don’t stand up. A glance at him and sure enough he had his eyebrows knit
“Can I count on that trust?”
“Always, Dutch.”
Then silence.
“You know Hosea talked with the locals about them undead.” Arthur broke it at last.
“Yeah. He told me.”
“There’s something in the water that’s making it that way.”
Dutch turns to him:
“Would you and Hosea see about that? What’s causing it?”
“Sure.”
“Want to know who’s behind it.” Man rubs his hands with seeming anxiety. “There’s people out to extermin us. As if we’re vermin for not conforming to their uptight rules. Us and everyone who’s poor and unfortunate- Did you talk with the Indians?”
“Yes, saw them a couple of days ago. The father asked me to see his son near Citadel Rock.”
“Good. It might have something to do with that.”
“At this point who knows.”
“You’re right.”
Arthur gets up, urges Isaac to do the same, with permission and all he could go-
“I-...” Dutch utters, coaxing Arthur to turn his head back to him. “I’m sorry, for earlier.”
“Don’t mention it-”
“Are you taking the boy with you?”
“Yes...” Arthur scratches his beard.
“Take care there, Isaac, okay?” Dutch sounded much younger then, almost like someone he used to know a long time ago.
“Sure.” kid replies.
But first he makes sure he checks up on that Kieran kid. And he find him with Mary-Beth carefully tending to his wound.
Arthur leans on the pole keeping up the tent with a smirk. Isaac peeks behind his shoulder and snorts and with that both youngsters grow apart and a deep shade of red almost instantly:
“Ain’t meant to interrupt!” Arthur lifts his arms up. “Just came here to see how dear ol’ Kieran here’s doin’.” A chuckle.
“ I’m fine actually, thank you!” Yet he’s still rubbing his arm.
“Does it hurt?” Isaac asks making one more step forward.
“Not all that bad now.” Kieran darts is head to the side; Mary-Beth was looking down hiding her face behind curled locks. “Thanks to Mary-Beth.” Kieran lights up like fireworks. “B-but I won’t be here without you or your Pappy.”
Isaac’s beaming and Arthur can’t help smiling himself. Then he remembers:
“Weren’t you the one who said you wanted to go fishin’ sometime? For.. uh… that big Bluegill, ain’t it?”
“Oh! Yes!”
“Remind me when I get back and that arm o’ yours is stronger.”
“Sure- but where’re you going? After more O’Driscolls?”
“No. Not yet. Why?”
“ ‘cause there’s some things I wanna say.”
“Can’t you say them now?” Isaac intervenes.
But it’s Mary-Beth that talks next: “I said it’s best if things settle down a little. Dutch ain’t- well Dutch is...”
“I know.” Arthur says.
“I’ll tell you on that fishin’ trip. Promise.”
“Don’t forget.”
“No sir-” Kieran says that out of habit without paying mind that it wasn’t Arthur who said it, but his son. The father laughs.
“Get your strengths back soon, ‘kay?”
“Uh-huh.”
They should probably get goin’ already. He tells Isaac to fetch Sebastian and maybe some warmer clothes, while Arthur’s off to saddle the horses. But there’s something off. There by Pearson’s wagon, Micah’s talking. He listens in:
“Quite the woman.” He catches. “Quite the woman...” Arthur stops brushing Ghost. “You could make a feller real happy... bet you know how.” That’s it Arthur’s off, bagging the brush and that poor mare stretches her neck looking for pats.
“I got work to do now.” Abigail was pissed and after what happened with Jack this was a poor move of the bastard’s part.
But Arthur ain’t thought too far; Micah backs off hands in the air
“Oh, you’re a sneaky one, Morgan...” That inhale through teeth Micah did, tipping his chin up. “But I didn’t know I was your type.”
“Just back off, would you-” Arthur’s still larger than him.
“Woah there-” Somehow that cackle is uglier than he was: “Don’t wanna see you biting the pillows, cowpoke.”
Micah steps away like he’s facing off a wild beast and rest assured that comment sure made him bare his teeth:
“You watch that goddamn mouth-” Micah’s arms rose higher and there was fear at last in those cold eyes. “Lest you want a fist in it.”
“Easy, tough guy.” Man still laughs like he’s got the upper hand and the moment Arthur tears his gaze from him he notices Dutch looking over.
His lips purse as Micah backs even further away before spinning on his heels.
He didn’t even notice John coming by:
“You okay there, Arthur?”
“Don’t you pay him no mind.” Abigail reassures. “He’s all talk and no bite.”
He came there to help not to be helped.
“Sure, but you tell me if he ever gives u trouble again, Abigail.”
“What about you, thou?” John intervenes.
“I got fists and bullets.” Arthur grunts.
“He ain’t worth the trouble, Arthur.” Abigail encourages, the passes on to John: “And where’ve you been?”
Arthur’s already drawing away, back to his horses and saddles ‘cause Isaac’s down with the warmer clothes when John replies: “Been with Jack, playing something.”
“John Marston...” the surprise in Abigail’s tone is bringing him joy too. So the bastard can change.
“Did anything happen?” Isaac, bless his heart, noticed.
“No.” He ain’t gonna expose the boy to that idiot’s cruelty.
“Okay...” A hand rubs the kid’s back with rigour.
“So... Isaac said I can borrow one of your coats.” Sebastian said, packing that coat he called ‘the Grizzly’ ‘cause he made it out of one.
He entirely forgot about Micah; there’s a smile on his face: “I’d love to see you in it.”
Sebastian chuckles; Arthur knew exactly what was on the man’s lips but he ain’t dare say it.
They should be reaching Citadel Rock by Nightfall if all went smoothly. And then the next morning, if all, again, went according to plan, they should be reaching the Grizzlies border near the Heartlands’ Overflow where their bounty was last seen.
Road sure is long enough, and most of it comes quiet. At one point a wild turkey cut their path and Isaac pulled out his bow and with one swift motion downed the bird from a gallop. He almost heard Sebastian gasp then. They hung the bird on Big Sir and went on. A storm caught up to them sometime in the afternoon near Dewberry Creek, good thing they packed the thicker coats ‘cause they sure as shit needed ‘em now. Isaac rode with his arms crossed and hunched over and Arthur got the rear to make sure Big Sir ain’t getting lazy all of a sudden.
The sunset barely shines through the breaking clouds and for the first time in weeks it smells of cold. Citadel Rock’s up ahead and they pass just by Cornwall Kerosene and Tar – rather unbelievable he’ll be robbing Cornwall of all people yet again. Here’s hopin’ this time it’s quiet.
And there’s Eagle Flies on the cliff with that gorgeous splash horse.
“You came.” Lad almost sounded surprised when the lot of ‘em pulled up.
“ ‘Course I came. Said I would.” Arthur dismounts already, Sebastian soon following suit.
And Eagle Flies wastes no time telling them what they gotta do: “There’s a foreman. His name is Danbury. He has the files in the office above the refinery room.” He hands Arthur the binoculars he was using: “It’s that window with the blind drawn up.”
“I see it.” He replies.
“If the files are as incriminating as we believe” Eagle Flies continues taking the binoculars back. “Cornwall’s men will destroy them if they know you’re coming.”
“There’s only one of us goin’ in so I don’t intend on lettin’ ‘em know I’m comin’, son.” Arthur spoke, then turned to Sebastian. “Can you get me outta trouble if it comes knockin’.”
“ ‘course...” man said.
“Isaac, you find a hidden spot and set up camp, far enough away but not too far.”
“Got it, Pa.”
Arthur returns to Eagle Flies who was looking at the boy galloping off already:
“What would the files say?”
“There’ll be a report from Leland Oil Development Company.”
A sigh: “Now any ideas about how I sneak into the place’ll be greatly appreciated.”
“You could crawl under the fence. Or hide in a wagon; they keep rolling in.”
“Wish me luck, Buck.” Arthur’s off without thinking too much about what he just said; there was a wagon ahead and he fully intended to sneak in that way.
He’s lucky enough that a train passes by and the wagon stops just in time for Arthur to crawl inside. It’s empty. And now here’s hopin’ they mistake him for cargo if one as much as looks in the back of it; he’s barely hiding. But he’s soon inside and with the night falling people get to yawning rather than watching out for shadows scurrying in the dark. He makes it pretty easily inside the building. And there people mill about absent-mindedly; it’s easy to sneak by, then upstairs. Maybe he’s got too much confidence opening the office door.
There was a man inside. A chair to the door, some intimidation tactics: raising fists and applying one for good measure to know he’s meaning business, and in the end he’s got the papers. But o’course someone heard it, came around asking what happened.
So Arthur snuck out the window. Where was that Sebastian he can’t tell but he saw him on that roof ‘cause the moment he’s out there’s a loud whistle and the bang of a pistol. Guards gather round and sure enough they give chase to what seemed to be one, no two outlaws drunk or stupid enough, or both, to rob oil coaches alone.
And ‘cause of that madman Arthur get to sneak out with no problems, but soon enough pulled round and shot off some of the pursuers that head out from the refinery.
No more of them and they seem safe enough away:
“Thought you wasn’t getting involved?!” Arthur’s probably sounding too much like a father and much less like a business partner.
“I decided to help.” Eagle Flies comments, eyebrows furrowed. “Because he refused the money.”
So Eagle Flies tried to pay their services to Sebastian. Goddamn reckless fools, both o’em, but at least he’s expecting the ol’ Buck to be that way.
“Thank you.” Arthur says. “You saved my life.” He takes out the papers and gives it to the lad; he looks them over as if it’s a loaf of bread when he hasn’t eaten in days: too little, but still better than nothing.
“I hope...” Eagle Flies spoke. “Well, I don’t know what I hope... but who knows, maybe these will be of some use.” Then he turns fully to face the two of ‘em. “Thank you, Sebastian, Arthur...” He got in the saddle. “I hope we can see each other again on friendlier terms...”
Off he went.
“What you charmed the kid with?” Arthur chaffs.
“Nothing. I’m not the talkative type.”
“Su~re.” Arthur draws the word out and Sebastian paints a smile, closing his eyes. “You’re about the second most talkative bastard I know.”
“Second to who?”
“Dutch o’course.” Arthur laughs, and Sebastian soon follows suit.
“Now I ain’t knowing if I should take that as a compliment or not.”
“Well, I like you, Sebastian.” He draws closer; there’s still commotion downhill at the refinery. “I like you terribly much.”
They should be heading away, finding Isaac, but Arthur dares brush a hand over Sebastian’s chest, just ‘cause he loved him and for a moment he had the man all to himself. And Sebastian blinked at the touch almost in surprise before an arm reached to bring him back again. There’s people wailing in the valley; horse hooves somewhere, and he ain’t caring in the least. Breath’s caught in chest and that urge that came over him when Sebastian’s looking at him like that sweeps him again; and in turn Arthur swoops the man in his arms for a kiss. And Sebastian eats his mouth out, hungry, fingers soon gripped in his hair, making it a mess.
Kiss breaks: “You thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’?”
Sebastian drags him behind himself not a moment later, deciding to throw Arthur in the nearest bushes. Branches scratch his cheeks but he ain’t caring, not when mouth’s on mouth again and that whole man above him. His hands are already working at Arthur’s vest, then shirt, then his head dips down and it had Arthur gasping. Sebastian’s lips trail kisses down from his collarbone to his nipple. Clothes are tugged to the side and one arm arches Arthur’s back, pushing him against Sebastian. His fists clench in the man’s clothes as his lips and tongue make a mess on his chest, lapping, sucking, with the occasional gentle bite. He’s going hard and hot and restless. Arthur’s hands work on undoing his suspenders and pants.
“Christ-”
It’s quick work from there: pants thrown off, Sebastian’s as well, erections spring free, then fingers in his mouth to be pushed wet inside Arthur. Lips purse and eyes squeeze shut. It’s unpleasant at first, but Sebastian’s all gentle. A wet kiss on his mouth, tongue slipping by inside, makes him forget to clench his ass. Fingers’re slick, in and out, scissoring from time to time, turning stings to itching and pressure’s building up inside his navel. Hands don’t sit still; Arthur runs them underneath the man’s shirt, popping buttons as they went, now rubbing thumbs on stiffening nipples. If their mouths ain’t been locked to each other the pants and gasps’ll just roll out. He ain’t letting them, keeps them for himself, frustrated and rushed as they were. They ain’t saints, and they’re gonna indulge this sin much further when Sebastian takes those fingers out, props his ass up on his knees and slowly slips inside him-
“Arthur~” That names slips from those lips again, so goddamn deliberate and so goddamn erotic; hips buck and he regrets it, but Sebastian moans biting his lip and maybe it’s all worth it.
One hand sneaks up Arthur’s navel, ruffling short body hair the other direction, and now once touching his erection. Arthur can’t but exhale through barely parted lips as all this builds heat inside him that he ain’t meant to withstand. Sebastian’s slow, pleasantly, agonizingly slow.
He wants to talk-
“U-agh--” In and out the thrusts pick up: “I hope you know the mess you makin’ o’me. Ahh-”
Sebastian drives that hand to his jaw, and then the other one too to cup his face; rhythm doesn’t slow down and Arthur ends up rolling his head inside the other’s palm.
“If only you knew what you o’me, Arthur-” Forehead’s pressed to forehead as they’re there bucking off. “Arthur--”
It builds and builds this strain between his legs, it twitches and throbs:
“Keep callin’ me that-” Arthur pants out.
“Arthur!”
“Augh-Jesus-” Hands grab at Sebastian’s ass, his hair, pull him close and up, inside. “Keep at it, Seba-astian- Christ!- Keep at it!” ‘cause that’s the spot that’s sweet, right there, right goddamn there.
Legs are wide and ass is high, pounded with some form of cruel mercy. Waves run up him hot, then cool. The night air prickles. And he’s kissing him; kissing Sebastian where he can reach: the neck, the ear, the jaw, the lips, sloppy and wet, leaving trails behind. And Sebastian’s moaning in his mouth, his ear. It’s him; it’s him, for him, with him. How’s he so goddamn enamored. Thrust by thrust he gets a lil louder a lil’ more shameless. There’s hooves nearby; they draw closer than away- Sebastian stops for barely a moment, covering Arthur’s mouth and his own. And that man’s cock inside him pulsating, struck right against the spot that’s sweet and he’s begging that be moved-
He’ll regret that in the morning. He finds his footing and with dexterity he ain’t thought he had, nestles Sebastian to him as he gets up, then laying the man down with a thud. It hurt moving like that, his teeth are clenched and there’s a groan, but that goddamn cock’s still too good and there Arthur moves: up and forward then back again. Slow at first then fast ‘cause he can’t take it. Both his hands rest on Sebastian’s chest now, snuck under the shirt’s fabric where fingers brush against the nipples, as thrusts pick up in speed. And it’s relentless.
Sebastian has to turn his head to the side to let those sweet moans out and what a sight that was; and always will be: to have him at his mercy and be at his instead, ‘cause it ain’t like he’s not there as lustful.
“Arthur—Agh-a-” Faster, harsher, so he says his name out loud like no one ever did. “AGh-Arh-”
That was one fine goddamn dandy. So fine. Arthur’s propped in just one hand, huffing, biting his own lip, so with the other he can run his fingers through that man’s sideburns. And he should be saying something, but he can’t speak now; he just keeps working himself until the knot’s unbearable.
Sebastian catches his thumb into his mouth, and the way the lips and tongue moved to draw him in’s suggestive enough to have him buckle forward under the pressure of the orgasm. He stands still, Sebastian doesn’t: catches his hips and keeps on going-
“AUGH- Ugh- Seba-a-Christ!”
It’s just a few more rough thrusts before he’s done. Sebastian vibrates under him, moans long, drawn out, in hiccups. There’s cum in his ass and he sits right up to get it out. The shirt’s goddamn ruined. He wipes the stains off with one hand.
“What a goddamn mess-” Arthur pants; there’s a smile there and Sebastian looks at him from where he was flat on the ground with leaves in his messy hair and returns the gesture:
“Uh-huh...”
Arthur stretches up: “Shit!” It hurt. Sebastian cackles beneath him: “What?”
“Think of me.” That goddamn grin on the man’s face.
He scoffs: “Always, buck.” Nonchalantly, like it’s always been there.
The faintest gasp; Sebastian props himself on his elbows, lost in thought.
Arthur’s at last tying up his suspenders: “We should get going-”
The man pulls at his legs, shoves Arthur on his knees and on top of him. It ain’t gentle:
“The hell-” Sebastian found his neck to kiss it, warm hand wrapping around his back to hold him there.
“Just a lil’ while longer, Arthur.” Obliged; Arthur lays his head down, finding a way to rest it on his chest, as Sebastian draws lines over his shoulders. “Significas mucho para mí... Arthur. Buck...” the last one sounds like he’s tasting the word.
“You gonna tell me what that means in English?”
“You mean so much to me.” Sebastian combs Arthur’s hair with such grace. “It’s been...”
“So long?... Yeah... Me too.” A kiss to his forehead. “But we gotta get back to Isaac. We left him alone-”
Up they go; Sebastian lifting both of them up before he can finish his sentence.
Dust and fluids get smudged off, clothes buttoned back together before they get back up and set out. Arthur’s whistling and when the whistle returns they know it’s Isaac.
It’s a small fire the boy’s built.
“I burned the turkey a bit.” Isaac says before looking up at them both, then his eyes squint: “You fucked?...” No answer, kid turns his head away, shifts on the spot, then looks back at a loss of words, lips puckered and eyes wide.
The silence is awkward as they sit down; Arthur takes a bit of cooked meat and chews it on. Isaac shortly clears his throats and reaches for the coffee mug:
“I found some berries. We didn’t have any more mushrooms or other herbs.”
“And this’s got mint on it.” Arthur notes.
“Yeah... You like it?” Isaac picks up a more joyous face.
“Quite delicious actually!” Boy smiles wide. “Here. Can you hand me some berries?”
Sebastian’s still frozen in the knowledge that the boy asked him if they bucked it off behind some bushes; Arthur bumps him with his shoulder:
“Eat up, please.”
As if snapped out of some trance, the man does.
 But there ain’t no nice dinner and sweet rest that could’ave prepared them for finding that bounty in a camp that starts shooting right at ‘em. Sure they went after Wofford but this time there ain’t no place to hide.
Isaac’s a decent shot, even in the open like this, but he’s still fearing for the boy’s life. And bullets fly past their target ‘cause he keeps darting back to a panicked Big Sir, galloping with his son in the saddle trying to aim. Sebastian says nothing; he’s effective. Finally, somehow, shots start landing where they need to; it much resembles how he used to be shooting: a few scattered bullets to the chest area until the body don’t flinch no more.
But in that frenzy he almost forgot the bounty’s meant to be alive-
“Pa! He’s escaping!”
Ghost’s a fast horse; he spurs her round and to a gallop, picking up his lasso as he goes. She’s huffing under him but the bounty’s lil’ horse can’t keep up.
Feller falls from his mount with a shout. Arthur pulls the reins while lassoing the man in.
“A’right! You got me!” Arthur dismounts and hogties him good. “I’ll come with you, you son of’a bitch.”
Something snaps inside thinking that this person before him’s gonna end up some scientist’s Guinea pig, but the bastard’s not done talking:
“You’re your own jail keeper, mister. In a prison of your own making.”
“Shut up!” A hard punch to the man’s face and the body slumps. He ain’t dead, just knocked out, but Arthur ain’t in the mood for a philosophy lesson from some goddamn outlaw he’s taking in to be judged.
He damn well knows he ain’t righteous, no need for anyone else to tell him that.
He picks the man up and whistles for the others. Ghost, the sweet darlin’, comes as well and he stows the bounty on her back this time. Isaac comes in view just as he got back in the saddle:
“You okay, kid?”
“Yeah.” He’s huffing from effort. “Sir Lancelot’s a lot to handle when spooked.”
Arthur purses his lips and sighs: “I’m sorry.”
Boy scratches his neck, twists his lips: “Wha-? But you ain’t done nothin’.”
That was the point... He worried too much and got ineffective and-
“Ah, don’t mind me, I’m just an ol’ geezer.”
“You did well, Arthur.” Sebastian chimes in.
A bob of the head: “Then let’s get the bastard back before he wakes up an’ starts talkin’.”
 The road ahead seems interminable. And indeed the bounty woke up, but they gagged him so he’d shut his mouth. The groaning and choking got annoying after a while. About midday they take a break, for the horses and themselves to eat something. A storm was to roll in again. It got cold, frighteningly cold real fast, the smell of rain almost overbearing. It’s electric.
But the downpour don’t come until they pass the Kamasa River and enter marshland. Arthur checks the address on the little card Victoriano gave him; asks Sebastian if he knows where it is. Sure enough, man leads them straight there.
They’re all wet to the bone and the poor feller up on Ghost’s hide stopped struggling, but fear was written all over his face. He writhes as he’s taken down, but only for a moment.
Sebastian knocks on the door and sure enough mister Victoriano opens, who looks at the man before him, then Arthur with the bounty:
“Ah, excellent! You brought him. And in such a short time. Very good.” The professor exists the house, trying up his white coat to shield from the rain and comes to point him where to ‘deposit’ the bounty: “Bring him here, please.”
“He was a pain to deal with-”Arthur heaves flinging the body on a chair in the shed he was shown by the side of the house.
Mister Victoriano then darts back inside the house: “Wait here. For payment.”
Arthur joins Sebastian by the doorframe not a moment later.
He sees the woman: ghostly pale skin, icy blue eyes and hair of such a shade of blond that it almost looked white as well. She stares at them and then gets closer; and Sebastian’s staring back:
“Myra...” man gasps out.
That was his former wife wasn’t she...
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