#in need of a flea bath and a good home

[wcters]

𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗧 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗔 𝗚𝗜𝗥𝗟𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗬𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗬

pairing: matt sturniolo x fem!reader

summary: the relationship between matt and a girlfriend in cosmetology school

warnings/notes: established relationship, swearing, nudity innuendos?? they are naked together, kinda went off the cosmetology thing but it’s cute so whtv, a bit short but this is my first time doing preferences

- first . . . he’s totally spoiled

- like really spoiled

- you would practice at home, and then whatever you could on matt

- manicure: hand massages, cuticle cutting, nail painting, hair washing: head massages, shampoo and conditioning his hair

- he would let you practice shaving his beard but it would take awhile for him to let you

- not because he doesn’t trust you, but because he was going through a beard phase

- matt would loveeee the head massages and would get you to do them all the time

- eventually it becomes second nature and so you’ll be cuddling on the couch or outside sitting down with him between your legs and your hand will just find it’s way into his hair

- and you have fake nails so you know it feels reallyyy good

- waxing . . . but he would not admit that he lets you do it

- you ALWAYS smell good

- your shampoo and conditioner, perfume, skin/body care

- nick always asks you what you use for your skin

- sleepovers with nick where you do skincare, face masks, nail painting

- and chris begs to join until nick says yes

- matt always finds you three on nick’s bed watching a movie

- you had been obsessed with makeup your whole life

- def the designated hair braider on your sports team

- BATHS TOGETHER

- bubble bath, candles, you talking about your day and drama and he’ll be listening

- he’s just happy to be there

- studying at his house while you’re watching a movie together or if he’s busy with the podcast

- chris coming up to you and randomly asking you a question about what you’re doing when you’re studying

- “why do you push your cuticles back?” “how do perms work? like how do you do them?”

- it makes you smile because he’s genuinely interested

- will show him some things if you can

- you’re super sweet

- everyone likes you

- you’re a girls girl

- someone needs a pad/tampon? you got it. someone doesn’t want to go somewhere alone? they aren’t because you’re coming with

- you don’t gatekeep skincare or makeup

- always have lip balm on you

- you and matt go to the gym together

- always have a matching top and pants for your workout outfit

- matt just can’t believe you’re his 🤍

- like he looks at you like you hung the moon and stars

- i want to wear his initial on a chain ‘round my neck vibes

- you literally have a necklace with his initial, you walked it with it on and his eyes popped out of his head

- totally share jewelry

- you steal his sweaters, shirts, shorts, boxers, basically anything you can get your hands on

- give matt face massages

- he be lookin’ flawless

- pays for you even though you decline because he knows how much money you use for school stuff

- that shit is expensiveeee

- nick asked you first to help him dye his hair red

- ofc you said yes! he’s your bestie

- played ariana, doja cat, clairo, stuff like that

- #danceparty

- your stuff sort of pops up around the house

- chris will find like a bobbypin or a hair tie on the floor

- smells like you because you bought candles for them that you loved

- thrifting and going to flea markets and getting stuff for your apartment like vases, cups to hold jewelry, etc

- your hair is amazing. everyone’s jealous. i’m jealous.

- no split ends, doesn’t get greasy until at least 5-6 days after you wash it, perfect for styling. also sleep with a bonnet because that does wonders for you

- lashes are amazing as well. it’s because you get them done while at school 😉😉😉

- you drive nick and chris around if matt’s not there or busy

- they literally love you

- think you’re perfect for your brother

- so nice, so sweet, literal angel

- you’ve been on the podcast

- made a tiktok account after matt suggested you do

- blew up. and it’s partly because you don’t gatekeep

- you’re so relatable too, being completely honest about how you feel . . . and are so funny

- “hot take . . . men should shave their armpits. like how do you put deodorant on?” “you ever too lazy to wash your face so all it is is a makeup wipe and a rinse with water? me too.”

- will trim matt’s hair if be wants just a trim

- you first said no, didn’t want to mess up, but he believed in you 🤭🤭

- your biggest supporter

- they would totally be there when you graduate

- cheering loudly when you walk along the stage

- like the pricilla movie scene but with no creepy old men

- you love that movie, hate elvis, but love pricillia

- you sometimes cook for them so they don’t eat out all the time

- you’re a good cook 👩‍🍳

- force them to have some form of vegetables

- his parents love you

- go fishing with jimmy and the boys the one time they do (sorry jimmy but it’s true)

- fans will ask for pictures when you visit matt on tour

- who’s the triplets? they’re here for you

- matt is so proud of you

- if you ever need him to pick you up he’ll bring you food or starbucks so you have energy when you’re done

- is at your beck and call

- ask him to jump off a cliff? he’ll hesitate a bit but will ultimately do it

[killjae]

leon catdad fluff cause he’s such a cutiepie, this is for you anon!! i hope you see this :3

this is also my second fic, so please enjoy!! special tags :3 @wriosmilk @scorpiolara

ribbon border made by @cherubify !!!

ermm sweet sickle leon, praise and appreciation, catdad leon!!! you’re surrounded in lovebites!!!!!

it was storming outside, the light pitter patter of rain hitting your windowpanes continuously. the sound of thunder booming every now and then, despite the fact you were huddled under a blanket trying to keep yourself warm while watching a movie.

a ring could be heard from your doorbell as it chimed loudly, the sudden noise making you turn your head towards the door and get up.

your soft footsteps making their way across the floor before your hand reached the doorknob and opened it to a small soaked cardboard box with a wet piece of paper attached to it.

what? who would leave this here? you questioned yourself, unsure of what lies inside of the mysterious box. the thought lingering in your head as you carefully peaked over, the sound of rain filling your ears as it was pouring down outside.

there was no one to be found, who could have done this?

a small mew comes out and startles you. what? it was an animal inside, left out in the rain.

you leaned over and opened the box to find a small calico cat, it was soaked with water and mud in it’s fur as it stared up at you. poor thing. you quickly moved to take it inside despite the water leaving a trail as you brought the box inside along with the note attached.

it read. “i’m giving this cat up for adoption, as i cannot hold another one. i don’t have much time left to foster anymore animals so i’ve been sending them out to be adopted by other loving homes. please take care of her, she’s very loving and energetic when you get to know her.”

the feeling after reading the soggy paper left you with a frown and a feeling of sorrow as you looked down at the kitten once again, another meow could be heard.

you grabbed the kitten despite the mud, fleas and murky water coating your hands before bringing her over to a small bowl and filling it with warm water.

giving her a small dawn-soaped bath getting all the fleas and dirt off of her tiny body as she mewled and whined out, not yet used to the feeling of this new warmth.

she was a beautiful calico cat with a brown heart birthmark on her left cheek, almost reminding you of leon with the way you smiled at her. you wrapped her in a small blanket to keep her warm before calling leon, holding the phone to your ear as you rubbed both her sides in the blanket to warm her up faster.

“i-i found this kitten outside left in a cardboard box, with a note about her owner having a limited time left on this earth. i know you said you wouldn’t want a pet, let alone a cat, but she needs us—“

“…are you kidding? you know i’m not very fond of cats.”

“—leon, come on. she’s a baby, she looks barely 4 years old. plus, i kinda gave her a bath and everything, including the flea treatment and now i just have to get some formula that would be good for her to feed on till she gets big enough on her own.”

“..i’m coming home now.”

“don’t be mad, okay? she’s really cute.”

it wasn’t until twenty minutes later you heard the front door open and leon was taking his work boots off and his uniform before leaving himself in a tanktop and his workpants. you were sitting on the couch, keeping the kitten in your lap as she snuggled into your embrace.

“so, where is she?” leon’s booming voice came from behind as he moved from the side of the couch to sit next to you, his eyes instantly going to the small animal sitting in your embrace.

he lightly gasped seeing her fur pattern and genes before leaning closer to her. “..she’s pretty. you said someone left her on our porch? what a shame they can’t take care of anymore but that doesn’t mean we can foster her.”

“leon. she’s just a baby, a kitten literally. why can’t we keep her?” you tilted your head with a frown, looking at him before he huffed.

“we have to get her spayed, her check-ups, and going to the vet.. that’s a lot, plus YOU like her, i’m not into cats like that.” leon gave you a look, although secretly he was considering the possibilities of keeping the kitten.

“i’ll handle all of that, she’s gonna be my baby. she’s gorgeous and such a beautiful breed.” you smiled, lightly petting the kitten’s fur as she yawned before closing her eyes.

“are you sure? i still think we shouldn’t, and we should wait to get a bigger house.” leon spoke, as he crossed his arms.

little did he know.

months later you three are staying at home on a saturday as he’s throwing a squeaky mouse for your cat to catch. you ended up naming her miri, despite leon’s protest on not keeping her. he protested for a long 12 months, eventually coming to like miri.

“you’re a reall, pretty girl. a good one too, you really like this mouse, huh?” leon chuckled as he watched miri repeatedly chase it with excitement.

you stared at the two of them with a smile, remembering how leon went against keeping her a year ago when she was left on your front porch in the soaking wet rain. that stormy night, you’ll never forget the staying up late and having to change schedules because you two were new cat parents.

“shut up, okay? i know what you’re thinking of. i didn’t realize she’s not that bad and she’s actually pretty adorable.” leon spoke out of nowhere as miri was on his shoulder, nibbling his earlobe and slow blinking to signal she was really comfortable around the two of you.

leon felt a sense of pride and achievement in his life, being a catdad despite his previous attitude in the past.

he was happy to have two beautiful girls in his life that he would die for.

[likedovesinthewindd]

Hobie with reader who loves animals and is constantly bringing them home. Feel free to do whatever with this idea.

💋💋💋this is so cute!!!

"Since when?" Hobie asked, looking down at you, as you sat with the small cat in your lap, gently stroking its back. "Since today," you said softly, smiling up at him. And he wanted to be mad at you; bringing in a cat without knowing if he was allergic or if he would even like the idea. But he couldn't find it in him to be mad at you, not when you were smiling at him like that.

"What if it has fleas or something?" he asked with a grimace, making his way to the bedroom. "She doesn't, me and my friend bathed her real good and gave her all the necessary treatments and stuff. She's squeaky clean," you said following Hobie, the kitten still held in your arms. "And everything it needs? Food and shit," he asked, and you huffed. "I bought enough of everything for now. I'll be fine, I had a cat when I was younger," you reasoned.

You looked down at the small kitten in your arms, smiling at her small pink nose and beady eyes. "He's just putting up a front, I know he already likes you," you said with a playful pout, and he only raised his brows at your statement. "Where'd you find the cat anyway?" he asked, moving closer and gently stroking from its head to its tail.

"She's a stray. I always see her when I'm walking to work and she always comes to say hello. Sometimes I'd bring her something to eat, but it's been so cold these days so I didn't see her for a while. And when I did see her yesterday, I just couldn't leave her outside like that," you explained, looking up at him to gawk his reaction. "I can keep her, right?" you asked softly.

It definitely wasn't the first time you've done something like this. He's seen his fair share of baby birds in shoeboxes. It was just in your nature; you were a caring person by default, and that extended to animals.

"As long as it doesn't scratch up my stuff, or piss on it," he says, and at once a megawatt smile stretches across your face. "I knew he liked you," you told the kitten. "He's just a big sweetheart, isn't he?" you said, laughing when you heard him scoff in reply.

He is just a big sweetheart.

[mlmxreader]

Are You Ready? | John Price x gn!reader (🍋)

『••✎••』

↳ ❝ Price

35 “One of my biggest regrets was not telling you how much I loved you sooner” ❞

: ̗̀➛ Price is finally home, and you can't quite believe it.

: ̗̀➛ swearing, anal fingering, dry humping, dirty talk, Daddy kink, praise kink

: ̗̀➛ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

•───────────────★•♛•★──────────────•

You fidgeted uncomfortably in your bed, tossing and turning all night whilst the television continued to play quietly, bathing the entire room in a dull blue light; beside you, Price hardly even stirred, hardly even paused as he slept so soundly beside you.

Completely and utterly knocked out from recently coming home from deployment; he was exhausted, in all honesty, but who could blame him?

When he had spent days looking into the eyes of boys hardly older than fifteen, blank and lifeless stares glaring into his soul; when he spent hours hunched over a desk and writing letter after letter to mothers and fathers, telling them that their babies had died. That their babies who would never return home to loving embraces, to hot home cooked meals and to soft, kind and loving words.

When he had spent days marching in mud up to his knees, blisters on his feet, sores on his legs and burns on his fingertips; endless miles of mud, with only rats, fleas and lice to keep him company. After all of that, who could ever say that he was to blame for being so tired, for being so fucking exhausted?

Who could ever say that he was to blame?

But unlike Price, you couldn’t sleep. It wasn’t that you were upset, or that you were tormented by anything, but it was the mere fact that you were just so happy to have him home; you were fucking giddy to have him home, you just couldn’t settle down. It was uncomfortable to lie in bed, but it was so good to have Price home at last.

All you wanted to do was jump on him and scream in his face about how much you had missed him; but you knew that he needed to rest, so you did try and keep yourself a little bit calmer than what you would have wanted. But you couldn’t believe it.

You felt him shift beside you, a harsh groan coming from the back of his throat as his hand drifted down, grabbing your ass and pulling you flush against his body.

“I missed you,” Price grumbled sleepily, pulling you on top of him and gently rocking his hips against you. “Y’know that, right?”

Your hands went to his chest as you pushed back against him, nodding as a breathy moan left your lips. “Four years tomorrow, baby… four years together, and I miss you more and more every time.”

He pushed his hips up against you, grinding. “Four years, and one of my biggest regrets was not telling you how much I loved you sooner.”

You swallowed thickly, pushing down your pyjama bottoms to expose yourself to him, moaning softly when he slipped his ring and middle fingers into your ass, slowly pumping them in and out as you whimpered for him to keep going. “John… fuck…”

“You like that?” He breathed out, and when you agreed, he picked up the pace. Fucking you with his fingers as he felt you clamp down around his thick fingers. “‘M gonna fuck you and fill that pretty little ass… make you so fuckin’ full…”

“Unf!” You squeezed your eyes tightly shut for a moment, hips bucking as you ground down against his fingers, your mouth falling agape and giving him the perfect excuse to capture your mouth with his.

Sucking your tongue before grabbing the back of your neck and harshly grinding against you; you could only whimper, so needy and desperate for him that all your words seemed to fail so miserably, so terribly.

All you could think about was how good his cock would look buried inside your ass, slick with lube and hammering into you; how good his cock would feel as it stretched you until you could hardly take it anymore, until you were sobbing and biting down on the bedsheet as it became wet and squelched with your spit and tears.

“You thinkin’ about it?” Price huffed, gently nibbling at your neck. “How good my cock would look as I bend you over and fuck you… you’re gonna look so good when I stuff you full of my cum… you’re gonna look so good…”

You let out a harsh breath, shuddering against him as you felt it wash over you; your legs shook harshly, thighs trembling as you bucked against him and allowed yourself to let loose at last. Sharp short breaths coming from your mouth as you fucked yourself against his fingers. Your eyes shut tightly, you could feel yourself coming undone as you thought more about it.

The slapping of skin, the smell of sex filling the room, the sounds of grunts and growls and soft whimpers. The feeling of his skin on yours; Price grumbled softly under his breath, slipping his hand to you and letting your cum coat his skin as he tilted his head back slightly.

“That’s it, baby,” he praised softly. “Cum for me, c'mon.”

“D-Daddy,” you gasped out, trying to fuck yourself against him even more desperately, wanting to feel it all over again. “Please… please… wanna… wanna cum twice…”

“Oh, baby,” he breathed out, pulling his fingers from your ass and flipping you onto your back. He settled between your legs, his hands on your thighs as he grinned tiredly. “Do you want my cock, now?”

You nodded desperately, mouth agape and drool slipping from the corner. “Please…”

“Yeah?” He whispered, gently tracing your jaw. “You sure you can take it?”

“John,” you growled softly, tugging at him. “Please don't be a tease…”

Licking his lips, Price smiled down at you, attacking your neck as he kissed and bit and sucked at the skin until you were bucking your hips against him, begging for him. “Four years together, and you've never been hotter than you are right now.”

You laughed softly, playfully slapping his chest and rolling your eyes fondly. “Four years, and I've never wanted you to fuck me as much as I need you to right now.”

“I see your point,” he growled out, palming at himself for a moment. “You ready?”

“Yes.”

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

Dustin Henderson was a curious little shit. When he found an odd looking book full of spells at a flea market, he had to have it, mostly because he didn't think it was real. When he showed his friends, they thought it was cool and begged Dustin to do a spell. They did not think it would turn him into a baby. Now, here they were with Dustin, standing on Steve’s doorstep and banging on his door.

"Jesus! I'm coming!" Steve exclaimed and opened the door. "Huh, you guys actually knocked this time. Hey, who's baby is that, and why is he wearing Dustin's hat?"

"They have a baby?" Eddie asked, peering over his shoulder. "Uh, Steve. . .I think that actually is Dustin."

"Shit, you're right," Steve said and let them in. "What the hell happened?"

They all started talking at once. Robin bounced into the room and stopped.

"You are not the pizza," Robin said. "Aw, cute baby. Wait, did you guys steal someone's baby?"

"Hey, assholes! I can't understand anything that you're saying! How about one person does the talking?" Steve asked.

"Okay, well, Dustin had found this book the other day when Wayne and Claudia took him that flea market. Turns out it was a book of spells, and he kind of performed one," Max said sheepishly.

"Do you guys have the book with you?" Robin asked, and Max handed off the book to Robin, which she began looking through it almost immediately. "Okay, this is in latin. I should be able to translate it."

"In the meantime, what are we supposed to do with him?" Max asked as she watched Dustin wiggle in El's arms.

Robin grinned and put the book down. She grabbed Dustin out of El's arms. She held him out to Steve and Eddie.

"Dustin, this is your mama," she said, pointing Dustin at Steve and then at Eddie. "And this is your dada."

"Seriously?" Steve asked while Eddie cooed at Dustin.

"What? Once he turns back, it's not like he's going to remember," Robin said.

"Mama," Dustin said as he made grabby hands at Eddie.

"Okay, he's a dumb baby," Robin said.

Eddie took him into his arms and began bouncing him on his hip.

"It's the long hair. It confuses everyone," Eddie said as he made faces at him, causing Dustin to giggle.

"You're a guy, Eddie," Mike frowned.

"And you're telling me that a guy can't be a mother, Wheeler?" Eddie asked. "First of all, rude. Second of all, at one point in time, the word "mother" didn't even exist so. . .why can't a guy be called a mother? . . . Yeah, that's what I thought."

"So, how long do you think the translation will take?" Steve asked as he booped Dustin on the nose.

"Well, considering I don't know Latin, hopefully before Wayne and Claudia come home," Robin said.

Wayne and Claudia had gone out of town on a couple's retreat. They had left Eddie and Steve to look after Dustin. This did not look good.

"We're going to need some supplies," Eddie said. "Dustin just pissed on me."

A few days later. . .

"Goddamnit! Where did the little shit go?" Eddie asked. "The one time he's quiet!"

"I did tell you to close the door when giving him a bath! He's about one. If he can walk, he can run!" Steve yelled from the other room.

Eddie rolled his eyes. That's when Eddie heard the tiny giggle and followed it into the kitchen. Eddie put his hands on his hips.

"What do we have here? Do we have a little artist on our hands?" Eddie asked.

Dustin was sitting in the middle of the kitchen, naked and covered in flour.

"Mama! Ook!" Dustin yelled, putting his hands in the air.

(A/N: It's a right of passage for kids to discover the magic of flour, right?)

"Yeah, I can see that," Eddie said. "Daddy's going to be so mad."

While having baby Dustin around did have some challenges, there were a lot more perks, like when Steve walked into the living room to find Dustin asleep on Eddie's chest. Eddie was struggling not to cry as Steve sat down next to him.

"What's wrong?" Steve asked.

"His little tiny baby hand is laying right over my heart, Steve," Eddie said. "It's so tiny, just a little thing, with tiny fingernails. . ."

The last part of his sentence became unintelligible. It was endearing to Steve, and even though he wanted Dustin back to normal, he wanted to freeze this moment forever. Seeing Eddie like this, it made him realize how much he wanted this with him. Steve leaned forward and placed a kiss on the top of Dustin's curls. He grasped Eddie's chin and placed a soft kiss on his lips. When he pulled back, Eddie's eyes were wide.

"You know, everyone looks hot holding a baby," Eddie said.

"Well, with or without a baby, I think you're really hot. You being all parental is just an added bonus," Steve said.

Eddie leaned forward and captured Steve’s lips with his. The next day, Eddie and Steve were watching Scooby-Doo with Dustin on the floor of the living room. Dustin was sitting in between Steve’s legs while leaning against his chest as he ate cheerios from a plastic bowl. Eddie was using Steve’s leg as a pillow. Every so often, Dustin would drop a cheerio into his mouth or reach up to put one in Steve’s. Eddie had a good view of Dustin's feet. He was missing a sock.

"Dustin, buddy, where'd your sock go?" Eddie asked.

Dustin giggled, curled his fingers into Eddie's hair, and yanked. Eddie yelped.

"I don't think you're allowed to ask," Steve said.

That's when Robin strolled through the doorway. Dustin shrieked and clapped his baby hands.

"Wobin!"

"Well, I've translated the spell," Robin said as she ruffled Dustin's hair. "There is no reversal. . ."

"So, wait, he's stuck like this?" Eddie asked as he sat up.

"If you would let me finish," Robin glared. "There is no reversal spell because it eventually wears off."

"Well, Wayne and Claudia are due back by the end of the week. Hopefully, it wears off by then," Steve said as he hugged Dustin.

"You're totally going to miss baby Dustin, aren't you?" Robin asked as she watched her best friend pout.

"No," Steve said with a sniffle.

Eddie laid back down, this time facing Steve and Dustin. Dustin squealed and placed a very slobby kiss on Eddie's face.

"No, I'm not going to miss baby Dustin at all."

It was the middle of the night, and Steve was fast asleep in Eddie's arms when Dustin's cries woke him up. Steve rolled out of bed, Eddie still snoring loudly, and walked over to Dustin's temporary crib. He was clutching the stuffed dragon Eddie had bought him, crocodile tears in his eyes.

"Hey, little man, did you have a bad dream?" Steve asked. "You want to sleep with me and Mama?"

Dustin raised his arms, and Steve picked him up. Still clutching the dragon, Dustin was snuggled into Steve’s chest as he was positioned in between the both of them. Eddie rolled over, throwing an arm around the both of them.

"Bad dream?"

"Yeah."

It was noontime the next day that Dustin had changed back. The party was over, celebrating the fact while Eddie and Steve watched from the doorway.

"I'm already experiencing that empty nest thingy," Eddie said. "Let's make another one."

"You're ridiculous," Steve said fondly.

"You know that dream with the six nuggets you had? I think I want that with you," Eddie said.

"Yeah?" Steve asked and wrapped his arms around his waist.

"Yeah," Eddie said. "And as cute as it was that Dustin called me mama, I think I want both of us to be daddies."

"Me too."

When Wayne and Claudia returned, they sat down to family dinner. Neither one of them knew what happened, and Eddie had planned on keeping it that way. Eddie passed Dustin the mashed potatoes.

"Thanks, Mama," Dustin said.

Eddie and Steve froze.

"Edward, Steven, would someone care to explain to me why my son is calling his cousin Mama?" Claudia asked.

"So, funny story, auntie. . ."

"Because I thought it was Steve who was his other mother."

[rogersideup]

Nice to be Kneaded

Chapter two

Inhale, Exhale

Series masterlist

Previous part: Welcome to Greenwood Next part: Nice to be Needed

Word count: 4,668

Warnings: My blog is 18+ only. All minors or blogs without an age in bio will be blocked. Minors DNI. Descriptions of anxiety attacks and mental health issues.

When Steve received the key to his own place, it was the first time in a while he felt like life was starting to look up. He had months of insecurity through every aspect possible.

Never knowing where he would sleep next, which country he was going to have to flee to in order to escape a high security prison cell for another day, most times he didn't even know where his next meal would come from.

He spent his days with his head held low, anxiety pumping through his veins over the thought of someone recognizing him, he never went more than a minute or two without looking over his shoulders.

But the key dangling off a metal ring was a promise of four safe walls so long as his relaxed landlord didn't ask many questions, but he planned on never giving him a reason to.

Considering he had nothing but a backpack full of clothes, and money he had stashed away in the event he would ever find himself in a situation like this, he knew he needed to buy some stuff to make his home more comfortable.

Even though he wanted to create a cozy sanctuary in his new house, he still felt a sense of uncertainty. At any given moment his situation could change. His burner phone could ring for help, a neighbor could report him; springing him back to his feet until he could find a new place to settle, or there could be some sort of agreement in favor of him being pardoned. The former is most unlikely, but Steve needed a mental plan for any given situation at any given moment.

Instead of being wasteful and buying all new furniture, he spent the days between getting his key and move in day finding second hand furniture to fix up to his liking.

He either had all the time in the world to restore a beautiful dining room set, or none at all, but either way he needed a place to eat. And sit. And sleep.

The goal he had in mind was for his place to be nice enough to not look suspicious if a neighbor needed to pop in for any sort of reason and for it to feel homey, but he also wanted to be okay with leaving it all behind in the case of an emergency.

He curated quite the collection over the course of a handful of days. Scouring flea markets, thrift stores, and local postings, he made sure to get all the basics and necessities of a good home.

Of course things like cookware and silverware, bath towels and bath mats. A dining room table he actually loved, a couch that was listed as gently used but looked like it had never been sat on before, a bookshelf, a bed frame, a couple of side tables for the bedroom and living room, a desk, and a really beautiful lamp.

He also made sure to pick up a couple things that were less essential but made his house more homey. Fun trinkets to scatter around to make it feel and look more eclectic, a few different rugs for the common areas and his bedroom, some art supplies to keep himself busy, a few second hand puzzles also too keep himself busy, and some framed art to hang on the walls.

He'd get more for himself when and if he got the chance to, but he felt confident that it was a really good start. Especially on move in day when he managed to get himself all set up, and his place looked like it was curated full of well loved stuff.

Like how the little scuff mark on the leg of the entryway table told a story of that one time his nephew was roller skating inside the house and accidentally ate it, or how the little golden book ends holding up his collection of thrifted books were in the shape of a wiener dog. He'd read them eventually, but they already looked like their spines had been cracked and bended as if they were his favorite books. The dining table hosted many dinner parties in his days back in wherever he had come from, he should probably decide that soon. The chair tucked into the desk with art supplies sprawled across the top looked as if he had spent many hours there trying to get the details of a painting juusssstttt right.

It looked like home, and it felt like home. It was convincing enough to be a home.

Tomorrow he decided he would buy himself a few throw pillows for the couch and a couple extra blankets just to make it feel more comfortable.

Maybe a few more shirts and a couple new pairs of pants so nobody wondered why he wore the same outfits on a tight rotation.

Although he planned on staying closely within his home and backyard, only venturing off to the grocery store and empty outdoor spaces to go on runs and get fresh air when he could, the possibilities felt endless.

For the first time in months, he plopped down on the couch with ease, laid back with a deep exhale and closed his eyes. For the first time in months, he could finally sleep.

And sleep he did. For hours and hours and hours, completely on accident. Sure, he slept a bit every night, but it had been ages since he could actually rest. He awoke to the sound of a car pulling into a driveway, so he peaked out the curtains in his living room window to see your black sedan pull up in front of your house.

Familiarizing himself with all the new sounds of this little neighborhood would come with time. Life felt a little unreal as he flicked on the lights in the living room, trying to process how long he had been asleep for, and how long he had been ignoring his body's pleas for some real rest.

He felt as though the sleep should've made him feel refreshed and rejuvenated like a whole new person, like after almost a full 8 hours maybe he would've been energized enough to keep trucking along in the process of hanging up the hooks he got for the front door, or maybe even scrounging up something to eat, but that wasn't the case. His brain was still foggy with exhaustion, ready to force him into another 12 to 24 hours of pure dormancy.

Running his hands through his long hair, and rubbing his face into his palms, his heart rate skyrocketed as he heard footsteps up the path to his front doorway.

His head snapped over to the door, and he was quick to investigate through the little glass window creating a small archway at the top of his door.

You approached with a few things in your hands, and carefully shifted to free one of your fists to politely knock on the door.

Steve knew he recognized your friendly face from somewhere, but he had met so many kind people on his journey of trying to furnish his new place that he couldn't pinpoint where exactly he knew you from. That feeling of familiarity did nothing to ease the anxiety thumping in his chest and scratching at his brain while his hand unlocked and opened the door.

The moment he opened the door, your heart was pounding out of your chest too, he was absolutely gorgeous. Even prettier than you remember all those days ago when he came into Nice To Be Kneaded. Although Georgia shot you a text in the middle of the workday to let you know she caught a glimpse of the dream boat moving in next-door and he had that same luscious beard and dirty blonde hair, you still couldn't be 100% certain it would be him until he was right in front of your face.

And now here he was. With sleepy blue eyes, and his golden brown hair in its full glory. With no hat on his head you got to appreciate the way it fell with a hydrated bounce, and curled upwards around the base of his neck.

"Hey there, Honey." You said calmly, empathizing with his tired eyes. As soon as the word 'honey' fell out of your mouth, he immediately felt that warm feeling he got in the bakery, and remembered you in a heart beat. "I'm sorry, did I wake you up?"

"No, not at all." He shook his head. Kind've a lie, but it wasn't your fault.

"Not sure if you remember me but I'm-"

"From the bakery right? Nice To Be Kneaded?" He cut you off, but only to prove that he did remember you without needing the reminder. Something about you made him want to put in the effort.

"That's the one!" You smiled. "I actually live right next-door in house 306, just wanted to stop by and bring you a few things to welcome you home." He couldn't help the smile on his face as you handed him a pastry box full of cookies, and a fresh loaf of bread. "I saw you unloading your truck when I left for work this morning and remembered you liked chocolate chip, but I kind've mixed in a few other flavors for you to try. I'm also not too sure what else you liked but figured everyone loves some fresh baked bread."

"That's perfect, thank you so much" He smiled and set the box down on the entry way table right next to him. "I really appreciate it."

"Anytime! How's the place coming along?" You made friendly conversation in hopes of getting to know your new neighbor a little better.

"It's coming together, although I think I underestimated how much work it would be to actually get it all done." He responded, happy with the amount of information he was giving.

"You live here by yourself?" You questioned with good intentions, he could practically smell the goodness radiating off of you.

He could tell right then and there that a sweet little thing like you was going to be dangerous in this game of mystery and anonymity he was trying to play.

"I do, not much of a roommates kinda guy." He shrugged with a grin, leaning on the doorway anticipating more conversation to flow.

"I mean, I was getting more so at the wife and kids type of answer" You giggled.

"Oh! Right! Cause this is a place where most people have wife and kids, huh?" He questioned.

"Nothing but the simple suburban, white picket fence one-boy-one-girl kinda families here" You admitted. "I live alone too, us single folk are a rarity here. We're kinda like the neighborhood unicorns."

"You live alone?" He questioned, eyebrows furrowed in what looked like slight concern.

"I do." You said confidently. "It's a safe neighborhood, kids leave their bikes and toys out all night long an nothing ever happens to 'em. I think you'll love it here."

"I really hope so. So far it seems great, really friendly neighbors." He referred to you, the first one to come say hello to him. "So, you work at the bakery?"

"I own the bakery actually" you stated proudly.

"Oh, no way! That's awesome" Steve enthused. "I was planning on stopping by again soon, I really loved it when I went."

"We would love to have you back anytime" You welcomed him while pulling something out of your back pocket and holding it up to his face. "But when I tell you something is on me, that means it's on me, not leave money when I'm not looking."

In your hand, a crisp $20 bill. A sly and lopsided smile smeared across his face. You were a force to be reckoned with. "You have no proof that was me." He defended himself playfully.

"I have security cameras, Steven..."

"Okay, you have some proof that was me. But that's none of your business. I tip well everywhere I go." He refused to take the $20 from between your fingers. "Plus, your cookies were delicious. Worth every dollar I have to my name."

"You're going to get this $20 back whether you like it or not!" You giggled. "I know where you live"

"This is the second time I've met you, and the second time you've threatened me." He pointed out with a raised eyebrows.

"Well this is the second time you've given me reason to threaten you!" You defended yourself.

"I'm not taking that back" he denied.

"Well I'm not accepting it."

"Well then this is really awkward, isn't it?" Steven asked, obvious stubbornness in his eyes.

A plan popped in your head, and it's started with you faking defeat. "Ugh. Fine. But next time, you better not try this again!"

"There won't be a next time if you don't let me pay" He challenged, still with a grin he was trying to hold back.

"Oh we're going to be having a lot of arguments then" You laughed and his obvious ignorance of what it would be like to be neighbors with you. "In all seriousness, I can't imagine moving to a new place like Greenwood all on your own would be easy. So if you need anything at all I'm right next door, and if I'm not there I'm usually across the way at 309, or over at the bakery."

"Thank you, that's very sweet. Same goes to you, I'll be here." He offered sincerely, mentally slapping himself across the face for opening up far too quick and being way too trusting. Two promises to himself he had already broken after not even one full day in his new place, 304.

"You look sleepy so I'll leave you be now. Have a good night, honey. Don't be a stranger." You gave him a sweet little wave goodbye and started slowly walking away.

"Thanks for the treats, have a good night."

He closed the door and got settled down again, right back on his couch with a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. Though he was exhausted, something about the setting sun made him feel uneasy and on edge.

That feeling remained deep within the pit of his stomach throughout the whole night, as if the moment he fell asleep something bad would happen. He had a vision playing in the back of his head that if he let his eyes close, the next time they opened he would be surrounded by a swat team.

Guns drawn, shouting at him to stay down. He'd see red laser dots all over his chest, tens of different weapons threatening to end his life if he had made one wrong move. He had been in that position before, hands restrained and the authorities taking all his autonomy right back.

Each time he found a way out of the mess he found himself wrapped up in, but this time he wasn't so sure if there would ever be a way out.

Those thoughts kept him up for every dreadful hour of the night. He couldn't even get himself to step into his bedroom, the thought of sleeping in a bed was so suffocating for some reason.

So he stayed on the couch and tried his hardest to turn his brain off. All 12 hours of moonlight were spent with nothing but the soft glow of the television illuminating the living room while clutching his blanket around him as if his life depended on it. He watched lighthearted cartoons, nostalgic period pieces, and comedies, yet nothing soothed his brain.

Every once in a while, his eyes would slowly shut until he gained an awareness of what was happening and his brain would protest.

You're not safe. Open your eyes.

They'd snap open and his thoughts would startle him so much it would take a good while for his eyelids to fall heavy again.

Bucky is in a cryochameber. Where's Nat? Sam? Clint, Scott, Sharon?

You kissed her, then forced her out of her home country.

This is your fault, you monster.

Then, he'd be wide awake for hours. Indulging in a cookie every so often, each one reminded him of the days his mother would bake off a batch for him to raise his spirits when he was far too sick to even get up out of bed.

He didn't know if the buttery, chocolatey goodness in his mouth and the distant memory of his mother was helping him old back or encouraging the tears that welled in his eyes every time his brain started thinking a little too hard.

He recalled some of the last few words Natasha managed to mumble to him before he had to take off. "Things are going to get hard, you're going to be mentally exhausted. You'll hit walls that you'll think are impossible to break down, and when you do, there's going to be another wall behind it. You'll feel like giving up, but don't. Take it one day at a time, and if that's still too overwhelming, take it one breath at a time. I'll see you soon"

So that's what he did until the sunrise. He pondered why tonight or all nights was so hard. Maybe it's because he was experiencing the luxury of a roof over his head and a ever distant promise of temporary stability while he was completely unsure if that was the situation any of his team were in.

He just wanted to know that they were safe, he wanted them to be back on their feet and happy after what they've been going through. Even though they all willingly joined his fight because they were just as passionate about the cause, he couldn't help but to feel like all of this was his fault.

So, he took it one breath at a time. A deep inhale, hold. A deep exhale, hold.

And holding up to the only reliable promise in the grand scheme of the universe, the sun rose.

The glow of its soft morning rays though the sheer curtains of the windows through the house was the only thing that managed to quiet all the thoughts in his head.

He chose greenwood for a reason, he was safe here. No amount of worrying about other people would change their current situation; what's done is done.

Inhale, hold. Exhale, hold. Inhale again.

His tired eyes were begging for rest, but his body and mind were restless. So he picked himself up off the couch, put on some running shorts and sneakers, then set out of clear his head.

He had to run through quite of bit of the residential street before making it to the nature preserve walking trail, so he settled for a slower jogging pace as to not alarm anyone of his faster than average speed and stamina.

A few greenwood residents smiled at him as he passed by like a breeze, and he'd give a small wave in return.

Once he made it to the trail, he paced himself up and down it for miles and miles until his stomach reminded him that it had been a good while since he consumed anything but cookies, and his invasively droopy eyes reminded him that he set out on the run with the only goal being he could tire himself out enough to fall asleep once more.

He remembered there was a little diner only a mile from his front door, which was nothing but a breezy walk in the park for him. So he ran there from the trail, happy that he always keeps a bit of cash with him wherever he goes. He exchanged it for the biggest breakfast burrito he'd ever seen, and jogged it all the way back to his place where he packed it into his stomach. But on his way in, something caught his eye under the doormat.

A tiny corner of something was poking out from underneath the brown bristles, and when he bent over to pull it out in attempts to investigate, he could only smile when his fingers were now holding a $20 bill.

One silly little sign of you, a shower, breakfast burrito, and run later he was finally able to sleep.

Still not in his new room, but sleep nonetheless. It still counted even if it was on the couch.

Just as expected, he woke up as the sun was setting. But he vowed he could make this night a little different from the previous, because he was going to fight off the unwelcome emotions with a deep inhale, a deep exhale, and lay some paint onto a canvas.

That was something he hadn't been able to do in multiple years. Steve always hated that he let his commitment to being Captain America take over and stomp parts of his life that he really enjoyed before it changed.

Artistry was one of them. As he sat down at his desk, the hours passed by pretty quick as he laid down a pencil outline of a pretty lake the trail led him to today. As he finally made it to the paint portion, he discovered that even after everything he had been through, his ability to get paint all over his hands and forearms was still well intact.

He put his brushes down for a bit to let the first layer of paint dry, and decided to work on cleaning out all the boxes he had collected through the process of furnishing his house. He had thrown them in the garage to make it a problem for future him, and there was no better future than right now. Quite literally waiting for paint to dry.

He opened up the garage door for easy access to his recycling bin that was already on the curb for pickup on the morning, then started breaking down all the boxes with a box cutter.

Though it wasn't too terribly late, he still payed the tiniest bit of mind to the house across the street, and two doors over. All it's lights were on and the blinds were drawn allowing him to sneak a little look inside.

It was filled with people, all sitting around a table drinking what looked to be wine. They were all laughing together, and they seemed to be enjoying each other's company.

It made his heart ache a bit, he missed the days where he had a little chosen family and he was the one laughing without a care in the world. A bigger part of him was happy to see other people around him finding joy in their surroundings.

His mind went back to the big cardboard stack in front of him, it stole all his focus until he heard a sweet voice calling out to him.

"You know, you could build a pretty cool castle with all those boxes, Honey?"

As he looked up at sweet little ol' you, his heart skipped a beat and a strand of his hair flopped over his forehead.

You thought it was the cutest thing ever. The muscular hunk in some comfortable shorts and a relaxed t-shirt, his strong forearms covered in splotches of paint. He just looked like the tallest glass of domesticated water.

"Well I wish I would've thought of that about 10 boxes ago" He smiled, you took his good response as permission to walk up his driveway.

"The cool thing about cardboard boxes is that you could tape em' back up and it's like you never even flattened it out in the first place." You pointed out.

He couldn't help but to notice how pretty you looked tonight. With your hair curled, a full face of makeup and a put together outfit, he could only assume you had some plans to get to.

"You know what? I think if I see one more box I might lose my mind." He admitted. "Maybe the cardboard castle is something we can save for a rainy day in the far far future."

“Then don't look down" Your laugh sounded like the most beautiful slice of heaven to him. "What are you doing up this late? And why are you covered in... paint? Did you paint the walls today?"

"I'm a bit of a night owl, and no not the walls. I was painting a picture." He explained.

"Ohhhh, you're an artist?" You questioned. A hot hunk with a creative side? Swoon.

"Artist is a bold word" He declined the title. "I paint every so often as a hobby."

"Oh, so you're a humble artist!" You insisted.

"If you insist" He smiled. "Why are you up so late?" He reciprocated the questions.

"Well, Georgia across the street is hosting game night and I got caught up late at work so I'm just heading over now." She explained. "I was just going to bail since it's getting late but she said they're about to start a round of monopoly."

"That means you guys are going to be up and going until 2am." Steve pointed out with a grin.

"Yeah, well, I have the day off tomorrow so I guess I can stay out passed my bedtime" You shrugged, suddenly feeling bad that Steven would be here by himself breaking down boxes while the rest of the block was having fun. "Have you met Georgia and Michel yet?"

"I don't believe I have! Just you and James from a few doors down."

"Really?! Why don't you come join us? Like you said, monopoly goes on for ages so that'll give you plenty of time to get to know everyone." You invited him. "They told me to bring a guest"

In any other situation, he would've said yes. He was a pretty sociable person, most would consider him an outgoing extrovert, but throwing himself into that situation was like throwing meat to a pack of wolves. There would be way too many people who had far too many questions, anybody in there could recognize him at any second.

"I don't see any situation in which I could make myself even slightly more presentable even in the time span of a round of monopoly." Steve declined politely. "But thank you, hopefully next time."

"Hey, I understand! After a whole day's work sometimes you gotta recharge by yourself." You didn't push, and that alone made you feel like a breath of fresh air to him. "And just for the record, I think you still exceed all expectations even covered in paint."

"Oh stop it" He shrugged the compliment off his shoulder, with a giggle. "You're not too bad yourself."

"Just wait until you see me with a hairnet on, Steven. I look like one of the lunch ladies down at Greenwood Middle." You shook your head. "It gets rough."

"So you're a humble lunch lady?" He teased.

"Yeah, something like that" You laughed at his charm. "Would you be free at any point tomorrow? I'd love to show you around Greenwood- take you to all the best spots."

Something in your gut told you that he needed a friend, someone to help him get a hold on the lifestyle that comes with living somewhere like this before he'd open up to more people in the area. He was pulling you in, but you had no problems with that.

"...Yeah" He agreed slowly at first, he definitely had to think about it. "Yes. That sounds great." He said more confidently this time.

"Okay cool, what time works best for you?"

"I'll be here all day." Steve shrugged.

"Well considering I have monopoly on the schedule, how about late morning. Does 11am work?"

"Perfectly" Steve smiled.

"Cool, meet me at my house at 11 am" You smiled right back. "Have fun with those boxes"

"I mean, it's no monopoly but it'll definitely keep me occupied until 2 am" He chuckled. "Have fun at game night."

"Will do. See you tomorrow, Honey."

Next part: Nice to be needed

Tag list: @patzammit @bemysugarbean @buckymydarlingangel @happinessinthebeing @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory @differenttyphoonwerewolf @themotherof10

To be added to the tag list, just let me know <3

[dumbass-tumbler-cryptid]

I totally imagine the Quaritchs as a typical father when the family wants a dog. Quarotch at the beginning: Your dog your responsibility, one mistake and I'll throw it away, don't you dare let her lay on the couch! The dog's place is on the floor or outside.

Also Quaritch two days later: Awww my baby girl, my second kiddo, come on jump on the bed, you can't be cold, Miles, we need to buy her some cute clothes, do you want leftovers from the table? Son, sit next to her and I'll take a family photo of you two for my wallet♥️

Lol yeah that's basically him. I've made it to one ending so far where Spider gets Cupcake the dog but I plan on putting her in as many endings as possible. Here's a snippet from one of the endings I've finished:

The chickens and the roster now had much more room to roam. Then they built a barn for a now very happy dairy cow that father and son had bought off of a shady looking guy at the county fair. Miles Sr enjoyed his livestock. They were useful, served a purpose. The stray dog his son brought home one day did not. The mut was some kind of Collie mix, around two years old, and covered in filth. “Take that thing back to the dumpster you got it out of,” Pa said.

    Miles just shook his head, fighting back the mischievous smile on his face. “Pa, I can’t just abandon her! We’ve bonded.”

   “You bonded,” from his flat tone and raised eyebrow Pa was unmoved.

   “Yep! We shared two cheeseburgers and some fries. We’re bonded for life now.” Miles jr kept a good poker face but his eyes still pleaded for his fathers approval.

    Pa threw his arms up. He was such a sucker for his kid. “Go give the mutt a bath before she gets fleas on everything.” By the end of Cupcake’s second week in the house, Miles caught his Pa giving the dog table scraps, baby talking to her (in his own gruff way) and even once walked into the living room to find his dog and his Pa snuggled on the couch together taking a nap.

[skippyv20]

Hello Skippy, I wrote to you in recent weeks (caregiver for mom with Alzheimer, past foster kittens died) in hopes of having a new kitten despite friends not supporting this idea. Yesterday on a whim I decided I should order kitten food, just to be better prepared. Funny how things turn out…Today I found a kitten behind a car tire doing poorly. Brought him home, and after 2 bathes, multiple combing, must’ve removed at least 100 fleas. Massive flea infestation has caused this kitten to be malnourished and anemic. Fleas were gorging off of him, even crawling all over his eyes!

To help him get hydrated, bottle fed him formula, which thankfully he took to, but little cheeky guy nearly bit the tip of bottle off! He has his canines so he’s probably at least 4-5 weeks old. But awfully scrawny and underweight (.8 oz). His eyes are a light shade of blue-green. I hope he pulls through the night/next 48hours.

See, you really are an earth angel….this fur baby needed you…I will be praying for this precious little one.  I know he is in good hands…God Bless you for taking him in, as I know how painful it can be for you.  Please remember, every moment with him, he will feel loved…🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️

[kickthecan-revolution]

The camera is kind of insane. This is a five point telephoto lens.

Peach and I had a rough night last night. Cats are naturally active at night, ferals particularly so, so she had a lot of energy/anxiety. It was so cute watching her play with her toys, up until the point where she was jumping up on the door, and I realized this smart little sister cat was trying to open up the door, jumping up on it, trying to pull it down. And she could have, or locked herself inside. I froze - she’s only 4 pounds, she would hide somewhere I couldn’t find her, and it would definitely be a danger to the other cats if she got outside, somehow so I slept in my soaker to try to dissuade her but that didn’t even work - for hours I would watch her run around the bathroom try to jump on the door, shush her away, and then she would fall asleep in that kitten exhaustion for an hour. It went on and on like that for the entire night. I finally went outside and slept on the couch for a few minutes, and then got us ready for our vet appointment. When I went to put her in her carrier , she wouldn’t even take any chicken. She was exhausted. When I looked more closely in the fleas were just all over her little face.

That was… Awful, no sleep I couldn’t protect my imagination from the flea infestation in my house, even though I’ve been really good about immediately taking my clothes off that I use with her and sanitizing them and washing everything three times. Still, those fuckers are tricky, still no sign of anything in the house and I give the cats regular flea medication, which apparently will stop the spread if there is any. Mostly though, I just felt so terrible for her.

At the vet, I was exhausted and asked for a flea bath versus the topical and oral medication that she needed, and when they said they didn’t do flea baths, I burst into tears. this whole thing has been pretty intense, I wasn’t planned for it, and my lack of experience and relying upon my vet’s technician who isn’t great on follow through has left l me feeling stuck. In the last couple of days, she’s been a poor communicator, saying someone is dropping by to give peach, a flea topical solution, but never did, and I know how busy she is in her own work, so it was just hard to reach out and constantly hound her She also said she had a foster but the fleas needed to be cleared prior but she’s been so unreliable. I didn’t even know if that was true or not. Just like peach, I don’t trust people and you learn to do it on your own.

So I called her and she was actually great, she confirmed that there was absolutely a foster, we just needed to get her checked out and get the fleas off because the foster has cats that have a really horrible reaction to fleas. And the foster is right across the waterway from me which is even better so I can go visit her. We aren’t out of the woods, if she’s got some kind of respiratory infection and it's serious. She won’t be able to go, but I am just having Faith that she’s OK, and antibiotics will cure it and there’s nothing serious .

I left her for all of her vaccines and flea treatment, and all the testing, came home, and literally scoured every inch of that bathroom reset it so she couldn’t get behind the toilet, and tried to MacGyver something over the doorhandle. They called for me to come and fetch her, but I was an hour late, frantic to get it all done

So she will be here for a couple more days. She is pooped and found the perfect little hiding place, I’m just letting her be. She seems so exhausted, and of course she is with all those chemicals passing through her tiny little body, but at least all the fleas die within an hour or so of the medication so that has to eventually feel so much better.

I’ve learned so much about myself and my own feral, terrified survival energy I don’t even know what is that I’m protecting myself from. Dan is always was incredibly insightful, and I need to do some work here but, I’ve also learned a lot and a feral kitten, playing with her toys, no more fleas, and that torture.

And getting a feral kitten to take chicken from your hand, makes me feel like a giant.

[i-used-to-wear-the-fedora]

This Cat's Out of the Bag

Based on @lunateayart ' s Witch Chrissy and Familiar Eddie AU!

"What the hell is that?"

"A cat! Isn't he adorable?"

Jason stared down at the scraggly little puff of dark brown fur sat on his girlfriend's couch currently hissing at him, clearly angry from the basketball player having sat on it. To be fair, the angry creature blended in with his girlfriend's loveseat. It had a tiny spiked black collar around it's neck with a red charm shaped like a guitar pick attached. If Jason didn't know better, he'd say the creature was glaring at him.

"Yeah. Adorable." It looked like it probably had mange. Watching as the cat padded back from where it had been disturbed and sitting on it's hind legs like a human as it continued to keep eye contact with Jason.

"His name's Eddie." Chrissy explained as she picked the cat up and scratched it behind the ears. The cat visibly calming down as it leaned into the redhead's touch. "I found him on the way home from Hecate's Emporium. I just had to keep him. Isn't that right Eddie?" The creature loudly purred in agreement. Turning it's attention from Chrissy to Jason in a side glance. Was...was it smirking at him?

"Right well ugh, you ready for our date?"

"Date?" Chrissy stared at him before a look of realization crossed the girl's face. "Oh! Crap, I totally forgot." She carefully set Eddie down on the couch as she glanced over at the clock on the wall. "Hey something came up. I Ugh....I have to give Eddie a flea bath."

"Mrrrp?" The cat raised its head at this, as if it was as surprised as Jason was.

"Flea bath? Seriously?"

"Yeah, I mean, who knows where he's been and I just want to be careful." Chrissy was quick to explain as she began to push her boyfriend towards the door. "How about we reschedule? Tomorrow maybe?"

"Okay but I already-" Jason was cut off as he was pushed outside and the door was slammed shut in his face. "....bought....movie tickets....damn it." Jason huffed. All of this for some stupid stray?

~~

"Way to go Cunningham, totally not suspicious at all." Eddie laid out on the couch, now in his human form with a smirk on his face as he watched Chrissy lock the door behind her. Laying on his stomach and swinging his legs in the air as he watched her walk over.

"You shush." The witch grabbed her fluffy pink bathrobe off a nearby chair and tossed it at the familiar. "Now put this on. You may be cute but you're not going to walk around butt naked."

"Aw, you still think I'm cute like this?" Eddie smiled as Chrissy averted her eyes from his body. Shrugging the robe on and tying the sash around his waist. "Careful there, I think your boyfriend might be a little jealous of us."

"There's no us. Not yet at least. Come on, we need to finish the bonding ceremony so you can be my *official* familiar." She gave a small tug on the collar still around his neck. "If you think you can handle that."

"That a challenge?" Eddie asked with a quirked eyebrow before bowing. "By all means, lead the way my good witch."

[cheeriecherrymain]

Hello! I dont know if you do headcanon requests, but if you do, could we get some more of Viktor and his S/O bringing home random stray cats? I love cats and I'm currently trying to bribe the new neighborhood stray to come into my house to join the family <3 tysm

Omg yes! I've done headcanons for other fandoms in the past, so it's been a while but! I'll give it a try lol

Also good luck getting the kitty inside! I wish you the best!

Viktor x Reader (SFW)

-So the first cat you brought home was before you moved in together, a sad, tiny, black and white kitten that you named Pip. Pip is your first cat, and the only cat you have when you and Viktor start dating.

-Pip remains the only cat you have when you and Viktor move in together as well, which is probably good, because he's not used to sharing his living space with others. Pip is the perfect companion though, and she very quickly wins over you boyfriends' heart.

-And then you bring home another cat. A slightly pathetic, skinny, more-crust-than-fur, tabby.

-And Viktor is...not perturbed, exactly. Perplexed, maybe? As to why you chose this little thing of all the other cats on the street.

-But once you explain to him that 'the other cats are relatively healthy', and that 'this one probably wouldn't make it without intervention' his heart softens.

-Especially when he sees how diligent you are in caring for the poor creature; giving it warm baths with moisturizing soaps, carefully scrubbing away the fleas and scabs and lingering odor of sickness.

-It had been used to being on the street, fighting for every meal and always looking for somewhere safe to hunker down to rest; obviously it wouldn't trust people immediately. But when it did come around, Viktor had expected it to attach to you.

-So it's quite a surprise when the two of you are curled up near each other one evening, reading and working on various projects, and the cat suddenly jumps up onto Viktor's lap, curls up into a little loaf, and starts purring.

-You're unable to hide your smile, and Viktor decides to name the cat Bochník. (You laugh when you realize he's basically named the cat 'Loaf Of Bread')

-Bochník ends up being twice the cuddlebug that Pip is, and at first you worry that he'll be lonely when you and your partner are away at work, until you find the two cats curled up together, sleeping, and you realize that they'll be fine if they have each other.

-The third cat you bring home is not brought home by you.

-You arrive to work one morning, expecting to see Viktor and Jayce already nose-deep in blueprints and experiments. But instead you only find Jayce.

-You bid him good morning, and right as you're about to ask if Viktor had stepped out for a moment, he asks you if Viktor isn't feeling good.

-Anxiety squirms in your stomach. Viktor always left before you in the mornings, often heading out before you were even out of bed. But he always made sure to wish you a nice day, with a kiss or two on the cheek - and you distinctly remember waking at the feeling of his lips on your skin.

-You relay all this to Jayce, who also seems moderately worried at the sudden disappearance of his friend, but the both of you decide to wait for a bit. Something may have come up unexpectedly, and he could be attending to it...

-But when lunch rolls around, and there's still no sign of Viktor, you decide to head out. Jayce looks only slightly annoyed that you're jumping to conclusions so quickly, but you know Viktor; more than that, you know that he knows you.

-If something dire had come up, and he didn't show up, he knew that you'd worry - even if he needed to be somewhere, he would have sent a message letting you know. He wouldn't just disappear.

-So you ask around a little bit, tracing your steps all the way back to your shared home.

-You're surprised to find that he's already there, though. His shoes are on the rack, and his coat is on the hook. There's wood burning in the fire stove, and the dim light of a lamp casts long shadows down the hallway, and whispering?

-No, not quite whispering.

-You tiptoe down the main hall, closer to the light and closer to the sound, confused as all hell, only to find...Viktor?

-Viktor, with a bundle in his arms and a tiny bottle in his hand, talking quietly to whatever he had swaddled up-

-"Did you steal a child?" you ask him, very clearly starling him. You stare at each other with wide eyes for several moments.

-"Perhaps," he replies, "If you consider Pip and Bochník to be our children."

-Oh.

-Oh.

-You move quickly and quietly to his side, peering down at the curious little creature in his arms.

-A tiny white kitten, with a single splotch of orange around one eye, suckling happily on the end of the little bottle Viktor holds. So small, you doubt it's older than two or three weeks.

-"I heard her crying on the way to work this morning," he explains. "Someone had thrown her in a dumpster, as if she was...as if..."

-You quickly blink away tears at his implication, but you knew how cruel some people could be.

-You tilt your head slightly, and press a kiss to his temple, and another to his cheek. "How fortunate there are people like you in the world, then," you tell him, giving him one last kiss.

-Then you disappear into the kitchen to start making dinner, knowing full well that he wouldn't have taken his attention off the tiny cat throughout the day - not even to sustain himself.

-The cat grows quickly after that, always getting into mischief, and making a mess of the clean folded laundry you've yet to put away. Chasing shoelaces as you tie them, and hounding your other cats to play.

-You name her Lucky.

[witchthewriter]

𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 @timetobooooooogey.

Want one? Here’s more info 🦋🌈  

𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞

𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

𝑰 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒆 ... 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚...𝑱𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒂𝒉𝒆𝒚! The man with many talents, the one with all the humour, the comic relief, the man we all want to marry. I think you two would be an absolute HOOT together. A cracking good time, absolutely always getting on Kaz’s nerves with your shenanigans and tomfoolery. 

𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔

・Okay so you’re apart of the Crows, you ended up in Ketterdam when you were young or maybe you were born there, either way the soiled city was your home. But the Crow club was were family. 

・Jesper was a long time crush of yours. I mean... who wouldn’t fall in love with Jesper? Even a little bit? His charm, the way nothing fazes him, his humour in horrid situations... it makes everything easier

・It was Nina who pushed you two together. Always making sure Kaz put you on the same mission, if an item needed buying she would make you two get it etc

・Jesper knew what was happening all along and just went with it. He thought you were cute, but with each outing, he realised just how interesting you are

・Kept asking Nina if you actually liked him. 

   “No but are you serious though-”

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Little Alice by Danny Elfman

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

・Nerd (You) x Jock (Jesper)

・Isn't Scared of Anything (Jesper) x Worries About Everything (You)

・Confident & Flirty (Jesper) x Has Never Been Flirted With Before, Thinks They're Just Being Nice (You)

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Constant Banter

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖

Your heart. Your personality, god he can’t choose one??? The way you light up when talking about your favourite subject, when you ramble on about your crappy day, just everything about you. He absolutely loves. 

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅

Inej, and Nina. Even if you don’t see each other all the time, your bond is the kind where you pick up exactly where you left off. You have so many inside jokes. You’re like the Powerpuff girls (is it Powerpuff or Powder Puff i Literally don’t know). But like you’re own version of it. 

𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆

Wylan mixed with Alina. I think you’re a very strong yet quirky individual. God I don’t want to spoil season 2 so I won’t but there’s a specific scene where you are LITERALLY WYLAN and it would be so representative of your personality. Anyway, you seem like a loving and caring individual who doesn’t know exactly how to show it at times, but you’re loyal to a fault and would do anything for the ones you love. 

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒕

Ketterdam is infested with ... everything. You know this, everyone knows this. So it wasn’t surprising when a cat followed you come one night - you tried to get rid of it but it wouldn’t leave you alone. He kept rubbing against your leg, purring, rolling on the ground, wanting you to rub him. You just ... couldn’t leave him. 

So you did everything you could to get rid of the fleas (he was a very good boy when you bathed him) and he ate like a horse. 

It took you a while to come up with a name...which did you choose?

𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫

𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

𝑰 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑹𝒆𝒎𝒖𝒔 𝑳𝒖𝒑𝒊𝒏! I’m so sorry about the gif, Joseph Quinn is my fancast for youngish Remus and I thought “wow this gif is perfect” but also wow he’s crying. So sorry about that!

 Anyway-

I think you two would work because you said that you don’t want a significant other who takes things too far. And Remus doesn’t do that while James and Sirius ... well...they do sometimes. Remus is also very calming to be around, he would feel like a rock in your life. Someone you can count on. 

𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔

・Likes to knock his knee against yours when you’re sitting next to each other, or give you a wink from across the room when you’re apart

・You’re the only person who knows all of Remus’ secrets. It took a while for him to open up, but you finally got to the stage where he showed every part of him

・Whenever you laugh at his jokes, he nearly dies inside from happiness. Like he’s never felt this overjoyed before. 

・He’s like the mother of the Marauders and that doesn’t diminish when he’s around you. He’ll literally have your favourite things on him when you’re out, just in case you want them. He also has bandaids, an extra jacket, another book etc. Just for you. 

・One time you had to take care of a drunk Remus because he was celebrating with the Marauders and he had a lil too much. When he’s drunk, he’s very honest, gushy and giggly. Not violent at all, and when someone gets aggressive he’s like, “woo someone needs a nap!” 

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Gwen & Arthur by Rob Lane

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

・Closed Off (Remus) x The Person They Warm Up To (You)

・Pair of walking disasters who cannot function without the other 

・Plant Dies (You) x Buys Them A New One (Remus)

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Character That Doesn't Believe The Other Could Ever Love Them Back But They Do

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖

Your creativity and imagination. It’s so powerful and intriguing to him. From that your mind is open and curious. He finds it so attractive. You have this quality to make him think about things that he’s never thought about before. 

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅

Lily; she’s actually extremely humorous in her own right. And yes,, a very bright witch of her age. She showed you a lot of the muggleworld - her world and you fell in love with it. She’s so loyal and would have your back no matter what. 

𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆

A mix of Luna, Neville and Ginny. I can see that you’re so sweet and loving, with a flair of weirdness (in the best way) but also very badass. I feel like you would kick ass when the time is needed

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒕

This little guy somehow wandered into your pocket and never wanted to leave. He could somehow sense that you were a good person, a lovely human to be around. And he loved that you spoke to him about everyting- even if he can’t respond

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐥

𝑫𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

𝑰 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈-𝑪𝒉𝒊! Ooh that boy can fight. I think you two would have such a heart warming dynamic. His feelings for you are so deep but it would take so much convincing from the people around him to get him to do something. But once he steps up ... boy are you gonna be wooed. 

𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏𝒔

・IS THE TYPE OF MAN TO DO ALL THE TRADITIONAL DATE THINGS. Buy you flowers, open doors, tuck in your chairs, offer you his arm, give you his jacket, walk on the side of the road etc. 

・Takes things slow; courts you. He kinda reminds me of Steve in that way, but he’s like Steve but with ... extra spice? Shang is just so kind hearted that he’d always make sure you get home safe and wait until you’ve gone through your front door

・During your relationship he shows you his favourite things to do and yes you have ended up drunk singing karaoke 

・Does that romantic thing when he’s teaching you how to defend yourself but his body is close to yours and you both end up blushing and stumbling over your words

・Loves hearing you laugh and says the most corny jokes just to cheer you up. He would literally do ANYTHING to make you happy. 

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈

Trapped Souls by Brian Tyler

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔

・Shy 'n' Awkward (You) x LOOK HOW CUTE MY PARTNER IS (Shang)

・Brave Warrior (Shang) x Somewhat Self-Assured Damsel (You)

・Always Bringing Them Rocks They Think They Would Like (You) x Keeps The Rocks (Shang)

𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆

Home Is Wherever You Are

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖

How you try to make everyone laugh. He loves that you even though you’re anxious, you still put yourself out there. And that , as well as your creativity, he thinks you’re such an interesting person. He also loves the tarot cards - I mean, you live in a magical world, how can divination not be important?

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅

Yelena Belova! You guys can get so loud when you’re together. Nothing is off limits - she loves talking about anything and everything. And she’ll just say the most randomest things but you go along with it because small talk is too boring. 

𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆

A mix of Peter Parker and Thor - you seem like a funny, charismatic and awkward person but you can turn that awkwardness into something charming. But you’re also someone that people should be wary of, because I thinnk there’s more to you. 

𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒕

Pretty classic pet, he’s a cutie patootie. When you and Shang move in together you decide that you want a pet. And what better pet to get for a golden retriever, than a golden retriever?!

[galtx]

Please help us gently welcome Twyla to the GALT family. She was living stray in the Mansfield, Texas, area. Good Samaritans helped her to safety when she entered a trap on April 13th. She spent last night at the emergency clinic and visited our vets in Dallas today.

Our vets estimate Twyla is 2-3 years old. She only weighs 38 pounds and is anemic. She has demodectic mange, which is not contagious. We will get the bulk of her lab work and fecal results tomorrow and will share an update. Meanwhile she received a dewormer because of her anemia and Bravecto to help with the mange as well as her fleas and ticks. She is taking an antidiarrheal and two antibiotics. She will be sent to a foster home with special biome food and a feeding schedule so that she regains her weight carefully without causing other health issues. She will also need gentle baths every other day with a medicated shampoo.

If you would like to be a part of her recovery and adoption story, please consider a donation to help us with her vet bills. If you do not want to give on Facebook or Instagram, you can also give on our website:

Thank you for helping us help hounds like Twyla!

[shadowwolflady]

Strays

Part 3

Kakashi came home with a skinny stray. He couldn't just leave her. Rai wasn't home yet. He knew she wouldn't mind. He carried the weak dog up stairs and got some old blankets for her to lay on. He started to get some food for her when the door opened.

Rai was surprised to see a nose poking at her from around the door.

"Oh! Hello. Who are you?" Rai greeted. Allowing for the dog to smell her.

"I found her. She doesn't look so good." Kakashi mentioned as he popped his head around the corner from the kitchen.

"Poor baby." Rai assessed her. She had some sores and mats. She didn't see any fleas. She needed a good bath, a vet check, and food.

The dog loved Rai. During her bath, she kept licking Rai. She even jumped out part way through and got Rai all wet.

Kakashi chuckled a bit at her misfortune before helping to get the dog back in the tub.

[beau-rebloga-coisas]

(Slides into your tag with Darius, Alador and Eberwolf HCs)

—HC that Darius, alike to Raine, figured out the abomination thing with his body alone, so it's kinda of one-of-a-kind thing.

—Alador definitely would take fun into studying Darius' abomination form. Making measurements, testing material, asking how he does that, studying how the abomination matter works on his body--- He could ramble during hours about the construction of abomination goo and Darius just nods and let him infodump as hard as he can cause he looks like he could use some attention.

—Darius has to force-bath Eberwolf sometimes especially when it's flea season. Darius can and will use abomination magic to hold Eber in place so he can apply flea medicine. Eber says it's not needed but Darius knows sometimes he hurts himself because of his skin itching with the bites.

—Eberwolf knows how happy Darius (even if he will never admit) gets when Eber himself gets a bath and some products for his fur, so once in a while they'll get spa treatments together. At home. Because Eberwolf was banned from Darius' regular spa place.

—No one is sure of how Eber and Darius talk, but Darius is one of the few high-ranking officials that can have an actual conversation with Eberwolf

—When Darius and Alador start to date, Eber that has heard about the high school break up starts to get very protective of Darius. That's HIS younger brother and he's not letting Alador break his heart again. Instead of a shovel talk is only Eber signaling angrily a death threat to the Blight because he knows Alador can't talk with him

—Alador starts to stay much more with his kids and try to be a good man and that's what wins Darius' heart. He sees that he's willing to change and he'll actually pursue that, so they go on an awkward first-not-quite-date together and discuss what happened back on high school

—"What the fuck Odalia. Look at what you did. You fucked up a perfectly good husband. Look at him, he has gotten anxiety!"

—Alador doesn't talks much at first cause he's afraid to being shut down, but as soon as he gets a green light from Darius he spend hours infodumping. Darius agrees to let him infodump IF he does it while bith have a spa day.

—Eberwolf takes a special interest on Edric and his beast keeping abilities and they hang out a lot.

—Alador has a signature smell that's engine oil, metal and abomination goo. Darius hates to admit he likes the smell.

—Darius hates abomination goo on his skin and he'll do anything to make Alador be clean of it before touching him.

—On the same vein, Darius has a lot of sensory issues with sticky things on his skin, and clothes as well. He is able to combine being comfortable and fashion on the same outfit.

—If you wake up Darius during his "beauty sleep" he'll kill you.

—Eber likes to sleep on top of Darius even though Darius hates dirt. He can stand a bit of dirt for Eberwolf. Eberwolf tries to be as clean as possible when he wants to cuddle with Darius. Cuddling together came from when Darius had insomnia and sleeping with someone would help.

—Darius is jealous that even if he's not trying, Eberwolf has the softest fur.

[ladyinbooks]

About 300 million years ago, @fairflimsyficklefairy talked of a scenario where Hess ends up adopting a dog (and wreaking vengeance on its previous owner). I loved this idea an awful lot, and promised a ficlet. At last, it’s finished! (And @fairflimsyficklefairy I’m so sorry it’s taken so long.)

Title: Worse than his bark Summary: Hespherus Jones: dog dad. Warnings: Usual Hess shenanigans; non-descriptive mention of animal neglect; surprisingly fluffy

“You’ve…got a dog,” Hess says, blinking at Dan.

He’s standing in the living room, shirtsleeves rolled up, hands on his hips as he stares at the bundle Dan’s holding in his arms. He looks disturbingly normal – just another doctor, finished work for the day. A little rumpled and tired, and staring bemusedly at the stray his partner’s picked up.

Were this any other time – any other man, Dan thinks dryly – the whole situation might almost be true.

“He’s a rescue,” he says, and watches the way Hess tilts his head. “We got a call this afternoon from a concerned neighbour. They were going to phone the RSPCA to come and collect him, but –”

“You brought him home instead,” Hess finishes. He blinks again. “And you thought this was a good idea?”

“It’s my house. I can get a dog if I want.”

“You can,” Hess says slowly. “I’m just not entirely sure why you’d want one, but –”

“Because sometimes it’s nice to have someone around who isn’t you!” Dan snaps, a little more viciously than he’d meant to.

The tone of his voice makes the pup in his arms shiver. Guiltily, Dan holds him a little more gently, rubbing his side reassuringly with a thumb. It’s not the poor thing’s fault that he’s been dropped into the middle of a typical Wednesday afternoon meeting of the Hespherus Jones Jealousy Club.

Hess raises an eyebrow. “And does he have a name?” he asks, and for one ridiculous moment, Dan thinks he’s got away with the whole thing.

“Angus.”

“Angus,” Hess repeats. He takes three steps forward and plucks the dog from Dan’s arms, before Dan can stop him.

“No, wait –”

Hess holds the dog up high over his head, face tipped back to look at him. From this angle, the size of Angus’ paws, and the sturdy block of his body are more pronounced. Dan’s not entirely sure what breed he is – a mix of many – but the softness of his big brown eyes had tugged at a part of himself he’d thought long buried.

“Angus,” Hess says again, and this time it’s much gentler. In his grip Angus wriggles a little, smashing one hefty paw down onto Hess’s forehead.

“Give him back,” Dan says. “Don’t you dare –”

The look Hess shoots him from under Angus’s paw is scornful. “Don’t be so bloody ridiculous,” he says sharply. “I’m not going to hurt him.” Carefully, he lowers Angus until he’s cradled against his chest. “He needs a bath.”

“He needs a…”

Oh God. This is it. Dan has finally lost it, hasn’t he? He’s actually standing here, in his own living room, with a man who has so many issues that he’s prepared to murder someone for looking at Dan in the wrong way, and he’s –

Talking about giving the dog a bath.

Dan swallows back a tiny hiccup of hysterical laughter. “Are you going to bathe him?”

“Of course.” Hess drops a small kiss to the top of the dog’s head. “He needs flea treatment too, and a wormer. Is there a vet local to us?”

Yes, Dan’s finally lost his grip on reality. It’s the only explanation. He’s standing here, and the Beast is talking to him about flea treatment. Good God. It really is the end of the world.

“I’ll see if I can find out,” he says, hopelessly wrong-footed.

“If you can’t find anyone, ask Abi,” Hess says absently. “She’ll be able to look someone up.”

“Right,” Dan says, dazed, as Hess makes a gentle little cooing noise at the dog. “I’ll look now.”

He watches as Hess wanders out of the room, talking softly to the bundle wrapped up in his arms. The whole thing is bizarrely normal, to the point it’s making Dan’s head hurt.

If he’s honest, this wasn’t at all what he expected when he brought the dog home. He’d half anticipated a flat-out argument, and Hess banning Angus from anywhere that could be considered shared space at all. Worse, he’d had the worrying thought that Hess might get rid of the dog altogether.

“I’ve fucking lost it,” Dan says quietly to himself, as he hears Hess coo something in the kitchen.

Then he goes to find his phone, so he can look up a vet.

********

“You’ve…got a dog,” Abaddon says, blankly horrified.

The look on her face is priceless, and Hess takes a moment to revel in it.

He’s got Angus perched on his desk, letting the pup gnaw at his fingers. His sharp little baby teeth are wickedly painful whenever they catch a knuckle, but it’s worth it for the lack of destroyed paperwork and Abaddon’s expression.

“Dan found him,” he says with exactly the right amount of cheerful menace to have her frowning. “He wanted to keep him.”

“And you let him?”

“There was no ‘let’ about it. I wanted to keep him too.”

Abaddon eyes Angus dubiously. “You wanted to keep a puppy.”

“No, not just any puppy. I wanted to keep Angus.”

“You’ve named it?” Her expression sours even further. “Now you’ll never get rid of it.”

A particularly vicious nip to Hess’s thumb has him wincing. When he looks down, Angus has his oversized paws wrapped around one of Hess’s wrists. He’s gumming away happily, the look on his blunt little face suspiciously content.

“I’m not planning to get rid of him,” Hess says, softer than he meant to. He hears the small, stifled noise of alarm that Abaddon lets slip, and jerks his head up to look at her.

“Is that a problem?” he asks coldly.

“It’s not really in keeping with your image, is it?” she says. “I mean, having a puppy here while you’re working sends out the wrong message.”

Angus grumbles to himself as Hess pulls his fingers away. He scratches behind the pup’s ears, and raises an eyebrow at Abaddon. “I think it sends out precisely the right message.”

“What, ‘I’ll look after you, if you’re cute enough’?”

“Abaddon.”

It’s the limits of what she can get away with, and they both know it. She scowls, and huffs out an exasperated little sigh. “Fine. Don’t blame me when you push more subordinates in the direction of the rebellion.”

This time he smiles at her, and it is all teeth. Abaddon is too careful to flinch – she knows better than to show such weakness – but she stills. And for a moment, Hess is positive they are both thinking about the last time he was wrists-deep in her, and how she very nearly didn’t walk away after her own little attempt at insubordination.

“If you hear any suggestions that the other side are gaining more of our people,” he says, “then you will tell me immediately. Is that clear?”

“Yes,” she says curtly. Angus lets out a soft little yap, disgruntled now he has nothing to gnaw on. Abaddon’s gaze flickers down to him. “And the… animal?”

“He stays.”

Her mouth very pointedly doesn’t curl into a sneer.

“Fine,” she says. “Just don’t ask for help when it pisses on the carpet.”

********

“You… got a dog,” Raum says, surprised.

The Beast had called him into his office. That hadn’t been a shock – the boss likes to touch base with any demon that’s been Above for a long stretch – but the sight of an oversized mutt gambolling its way across the floor to chew on Raum’s shoelaces is definitely not what he was expecting.

“Is it a problem?” the Beast asks, without looking up from the papers on his desk.

It’s not. But even if it were, Raum isn’t stupid enough to say so. Absently, he reaches down to run a thumb over the fur on the little menace’s head. Its coat is short, but surprisingly soft.

“Not a problem,” he says. From the corner of his eye, he sees the boss glance up, and for a moment he seems to pause. But when Raum looks at him, he’s already shuffling through his papers again.

“Good, because I have a job for you.”

“Oh.”

There’s an odd swelling of something like pride, sitting in Raum’s chest. The boss doesn’t pick just anyone for jobs. There’s only the chosen few: trusted. Loyal. Until now Raum hadn’t even been sure the Beast really knew who he was.

“Paul Stafford. Forty-eight years old. Arrested two weeks ago on a charge of animal cruelty.” The Beast’s lips thin, and Raum feels a frisson of unease. “The arresting officer was PC Daniel Waters.”

Ah. It’s starting to make sense.

Raum has met the Beast’s Consort before, although he doesn’t think the man remembers. Daniel had fished him out of a fountain, saving him from fighting some drunken idiot in Trafalgar Square. Raum hadn’t particularly wanted that fight, and luckily for him he’d been saved in time by a stern-faced handsome man, who hadn’t treated him any differently to anyone else.

It had been… something of a revelation.

“Raum,” the Beast says patiently, and Raum blinks at him.

“Boss?”

“You’re not to let Dan know about this. Do I make myself clear?”

There’s no threat to his words – mostly because there doesn’t need to be. The Beast’s gaze is perfectly level; his expression neutral. He has his hands folded on the desk in front of him, as he watches Raum.

“Not a word,” Raum agrees. He looks down at the puppy still chewing on his shoelaces. “So, when you say a job…”

“I want him dealt with.”

“Painfully?”

A flash of teeth, white and sharp. “Slowly,” the Beast says. “And as messily as possible.” He leans back in his chair, still watching Raum. “I’ll deal with the necessary paperwork in the meantime.”

Humans, Raum has learnt over the last couple of years, do love their paperwork. So it’s generous of his boss to cover that for him – to leave him with the tasty parts of a job, without the tediousness that usually comes with filing for an extraction from Above.

“I’ll get it sorted,” he promises.

He pats the puppy on the head, and carefully removes his shoelaces from its mouth. He gets a sharp little nip in retaliation, but he’s had far, far worse. Besides, he knows it was an accident.

Raum’s got his fingers on the doorhandle, when the Beast clears his throat.

“Oh, and Raum?”

He looks over his shoulder. The Beast is still watching him; still perfectly calm and level. But there’s something sharp in the way he tilts his head; in the small, sly curve at the edges of his lips. He’s human, Raum knows, but nowhere human enough.

“Yes, boss?”

“Be creative.”

********

It’s not so much movement that wakes Dan, as its absence.

Hess has always been a twitchy sleeper. He tosses and turns, digging elbows into Dan’s sides and generally making a nuisance of himself, unless he’s wrapped around Dan so tightly it feels like their heartbeats are pressed together. He talks sometimes, too: muttering to himself in his sleep, in tongues that make Dan’s ears hurt.

Which is why, at half past midnight on a Wednesday, Dan is woken up by a decided lack of restlessness.

When he slides a hand across the sheets, the mattress next to him is warm. It means Hess can’t have gone far. For a moment he contemplates getting up to go and find him. But Hess is unlikely to be causing chaos at this time in the morning, and anyway Dan is half-certain he can hear him moving around in the next room.

He’s almost dozed back off to sleep, when Hess pads back into the room.

Dan cracks an eye open. In the darkness, he can just make out the broad width of Hess’s shoulders; the bowed dip of his head. He’s cradling something in his arms, careful and gentle as he slides back into the bed, settling on his side with his back to Dan.

“There,” he whispers quietly, and there’s a soft little thump as he deposits his burden down too. “Now, stop fussing.”

A little whuff of satisfaction has Dan blinking further awake. He could have sworn that sounded like –

“No,” Hess says softly, and not at all sternly. “Settle down now. You know the deal.”

Another little grumble, and Dan hears the unmistakable sounds of Angus scuffling around, as though he’s looking for a place to collapse. Even with the room so dark, Dan’s almost sure he can see a small little head pop up to look at him from over Hess’s hip.

He watches, and eventually there’s a yawn and the snap of sharp little puppy teeth clicking together. Another soft whump and then everything goes still again.

“He was crying in the kitchen,” Hess whispers, and it makes Dan jump guiltily, caught in the act of watching the pair of them.

“Yeah, but he’s still meant to stay in the kitchen.”

“He was crying,” Hess repeats stubbornly.

Dan’s lost this argument before it’s even begun. He sighs and rolls over onto his side too, staring hard at the bare curve of Hess’s shoulder. “And what happens when he grows? He’s going to be too big to fit on the bed.”

“We’ll get a bigger bed.” Hess says simply.

Of course we will, Dan thinks tiredly. Of course.

Because that makes perfect sense. The Beast, soft over nothing except a mistreated pup who is – apparently – going to be coddled like a little emperor.

“You’re washing the sheets when he moults,” he says to Hess, instead of half the things he’d like to.

“I wash them anyway.”

He does. Dan hasn’t got a leg to stand on, in this not-really-an-argument. “Fine,” he mutters. “But just remember who takes him out for walks when you’re…working.”

“Are you jealous?” Hess asks, sounding amused. He doesn’t roll over to look at Dan, but he shifts, fumbling a hand back until he can pat blindly at Dan’s thigh. “You’ve got nothing to be jealous of, sweet thing. He loves you too.”

Dan sighs. Almost in spite of himself he tips forward a little, resting his forehead against the top of Hess’s spine, near the nape of his neck. The tips of his hair tickle a little, but Dan ignores it. Hess runs hot – he always has – and the warmth of him is surprisingly pleasant. He drapes an arm over Hess’s hip and holds on.

Hess stills at Dan’s touch; then the lines of him relax all at once. “I love you as well,” he adds quietly into the darkness.

It doesn’t sound false. Or untrue. It might be a little unkind, given that he knows Dan’s at his most vulnerable right now – here, in the dark, with no pretence between them – but it doesn’t make it any less sincere.

“I know,” Dan says eventually. The back of his hand bumps into soft fur and a warm body. Under his knuckles he feels Angus chuff out a little grumble, but the pup doesn’t really stir.

Hess hums sleepily. He settles down further; lets Dan press close and hold him tighter. There’s something satisfied in him; something content. Like he’s got everything he needs here, in this moment, with nothing and nobody to gainsay it.

And Dan –

Dan’s got them too, hasn’t he? Both of them. An odd pair of creatures held safe in his arms, even at the risk of sharp teeth and bloodletting. It should be an uncomfortable realisation, and it’s not.

Oh hell, he thinks, resigned and a little soft, as he lets Hess wrap long fingers around his forearm, absent and fond.

We’ve got a dog.