#like where are the days goin??? i wasn't done with that i was still using it

[thebearer]

Carmen finding out his partner didn’t tell him about an important milestone/achievement they achieved. It can be some academic/job performance they didn’t think to tell him due to being conditioned (family issues) to not celebrate their own achievements and not wanting to bother Carmy with unnecessary things. I imagine he isn’t pleased to find this out.

"Where are the flowers from?" Carmen hummed, finger trailing across the soft petals of the small bouquet on the kitchen table.

"Oh," You turned, watching him push the card attached open gently. "My coworker got them for me."

"Coworker?" Carmen's brow lifted, eyeing you carefully. "Should I be worried?"

"No," You blushed shaking your head. "No, I, uh, one of my projects got chosen to be in the big expo thingy, so she was just congratulating me."

Carmen paused, his body stilling, mind racing through the different things you told him- nothing about this. "Wait, you-you... That's amazing." Carmen grinned, hugging you tightly.

You blushed, shaking your head, trying to hide in Carmen's chest. "It's nothing, Carm..." You mutter.

"No, it's-it's amazing, baby. That's so great. Why..." Carmen almost didn't say it. He didn't want to. He wanted to let you have your moment and not ruin this, but he couldn't ignore that nagging in his head. The same question on a loop.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

You cringed, body going rigid in his touch. "It's-It's nothin', Carm. I was just doin' my job." You mutter, pulling back but still refusing to look at him.

"Yeah, but you-you did better than everyone, and... Why are you bein'- hey, look at me- Why are you bein' like this, hm? What's goin' on?" Carmen's voice was gentle, eyes searching your features while his hands cradled your jaw, lifting your gaze to his.

You couldn't look at him, eyes darting away and down, anywhere but those blue eyes that begged for you to look at him. You couldn't. You felt entirely too vulnerable. That wasn't how things like this worked. You were supposed to get things like this. You didn't celebrate something that should be done, only criticized if you didn't get there. Or at least that's what was always hammered into your head.

"It's just... It's not a big deal, Carmen, it's my job-"

"-It is a big deal." Carmen's tone was firm, hands cradling your jaw. "It's a very big deal. Your project's being used at the expo? You worked so hard on it, and you deserve it, baby. Why aren't you excited?"

"I am." You huffed, the burn of tears swelling in your chest.

"Are you?" Carmen pressed, tilting his head to the side lightly. "Because you're not actin' like you are."

"I just- I-I am excited." You admitted with a shaky breath. "I'm actually really excited."

"You should be." Carmen pressed a kiss to your forehead, thumbs gliding over your cheeks soothingly. "I'm so proud of you. You worked hard. You deserve it, y'know."

Your chest filled with warmth, hiding your face in Carmen's shirt, inhaling the familiar scent of his spicy cologne, faint smells of herbs and spices mixed with the smoke from his spirits. It was overwhelming to your senses but it was Carmen. Carmen was proud of you. It made your hear soar hearing the words you never got to from the ones you wanted most.

The next day, an even bigger bouquet was on your desk. Obnoxiously large with a note attached.

Congratulations. You amaze me every day. I'm so proud of you.

Love, Carmen

[kingslimeball]

Sounds like a dream

Part two here

Gator Tillman x fem!reader

Contents; Angst, fluff, mother!reader

Summary; Y/n visits Gator in jail to introduce him to their son.

It's been a long time since Gator was first sentenced to prison. It was even worse for him to begin with, considering he had to deal with it blindly, too. To help, he'd been given a mobility cane, of which he struggled to use it within the first few weeks.

Gator hasn't had many ways of keeping track, but he assumes he's already been locked up for almost two years now. He assumes so because he can visualise the layout of the prison in his mind – he knows where everything is by now. Every day is Groundhog Day, so it doesn't take very long to learn.

What isn't hard to keep track of is the number of visits Gator has gotten. Two. Both from Dot. Both with cookies. Both several months apart. Other than that, nothing. At least she is a woman of her word.

Gator is sitting on his bed in his cell when he hears a loud bang at the bars with a guard's batton. It startles him, and he looks in the general direction to which it came from.

"Oi, Tillman. You got a visitor comin' in. Get up." The guard says. The recognisable sound of the door creaking open echoes through the jail. Gator carefully stands. He reaches out for the guard's shoulder and keeps it there so he can be lead away.

Gator's mind is filled with wonder. Who would be visiting him? Surely not Dot again. She didn't visit too long ago now, and she rarely visits. But it's not like anyone else does.

Gator is instructed to sit at a table, and then he hears the guard walk off. It seems that he's alone in the room. He can't hear a single sound of someone else. Disappointment floods his heart for a moment, his shoulders sinking.

The sound of shoes on the floor brightens his spirits suddenly. He hears someone sit opposite him. Gator feels his excitement come back.

"Hey, Gator." It's Y/n.

Y/n's voice soothes Gator, somewhat. He hasn't heard the sound in so long, yet it's so refreshing. She was Gator's girlfriend. But, when she found out Gator wasn't as good of a guy as she thought he was, she broke up with him. She was one of the last people he saw before his eyes were taken from him. He'll always remember the sight of her, no matter how long passes.

"Y/n? What're you doin' here?" Gator asks softly, not quite believing that this is her.

"Visiting you." Y/n replies.

"I– I know that." Gator pinches the bridge of his nose just below the black-out sunglasses he wears. "But I mean... Why?"

"I wanted to see how you are." She shrugs simply.

"Well, I'm shit, yeah, I'm in jail." Gator scoffs.

"That's not what I meant."

"It's not?"

"No." Y/n responds firmly. "I meant I wanted to see if you've changed. If this this has done you any good."

The truth is, it has. Even losing his sight was enough to flip his whole world upside down. Now, jail has flipped it about continuously like a washing machine. He's not the old Gator anymore. Or at least he's not the Gator that tried to be a Roy. He's the Gator trying to be a Gator.

"I hope so." Is all Gator musters up to say. "How've you been?" He asks.

"Good. I actually moved out to Chicago not long after all that shit happened." She answers. "I got a new job, new friends, the whole lot."

"New boyfriend?" Gator can't help but ask, a hint of jealousy in his tone.

Y/n laughs and shakes her head, but then she remembers that Gator can't see her and quickly tries to verbalise it. "God, no."

"That's a... shame. You deserve someone nice." He tries not to make it sound too forced, but he's more just excited that he still has a chance with her.

"Thanks. I, uh... I brought someone that I'd like you to meet." Y/n finally says, as if she's been debating to go through with this. Gator hears the sound of her rising to walk away, then shortly after start to walk over to his side of the table.

"What's goin' on? Is this some kinda prank?" He questions, sceptical of her behaviour.

"Turn around." She ignores him. Gator huffs and does as told on the bench, spinning around to face where her voice comes from.

"So who the hell am I–" He starts, but stops himself when he feels someone lowered into his lap. A small someone.

"What's this?" He questions. His hand gently reaches to feel whatever is in his lap. He finds a face and quickly repositions his hand, finding hair instead. "I mean, who?"

"Meet your son."

Gator's whole world stops. His heart stops beating, and his brain stops working. His son? When did he ever have a son? He tries to ask her about it, but he just can't get any words out as his mouth gapes open. His bottom lip quivers slightly, and he gently wraps an arm around the small boy, holding him closer.

"My.. My son?"

"Well, our son." She corrects. "I found out I was pregnant after we broke up."

Gator can't help but smile. "Our son.." He murmurs to himself.

Y/n sits next to Gator. She leans her head on Gator's shoulder to get a view of Gator and their son. Gator feels his skin heat up at her being so close, but she doesn't think much of it whatsoever.

"What's his name?"

"Alex. I couldn't think of anything creative, so I just named him after the midwife. Luckily, she had a gender neutral name." She recalls with a soft chuckle.

"Hey, Alex. It's Daddy." Gator softens his voice, looking where he thinks Alex's face will be.

"Daddy..." Alex mumbles, a small hand reaching up to grab at Gator's face. His heart melts, and he smiles widely.

Gator's smile vanishes, although. The sweetness of his son has quickly become something he doesn't know if he could live with. He'll never see his son. His face slowly falls into one of despair.

"Are you okay?" Y/n asks, peering around to study Gator's facial features that she can read from his eyebrows, cheeks and mouth.

"No, no, I'm–" Gator stumbles on his words. He makes a noise, like he's about to speak, but it just comes out as a shaky breath like he's about to cry. "I'm never gonna see my son."

Y/n gently rubs Gator's back. There's not much she can do besides that. She can't give him his sight back. If she could, she would. She feels bad for him.

Gator tries to calm himself down. He slowly relaxes himself, for now, even though he knows this is going to be keeping him up all night. He won't be able to sleep with that thought. It's terrifying. Terrifying that there's nothing he can do about it.

"What does he look like?" Gator questions after a moment of pure silence. He gently pets Alex's hair, enjoying how soft it is.

"Honestly, better than I'd imagined." Y/n answers. "He's got the same shade hair as me. It's all messy. He's got your eyes and your nose. Freckles. The cheekiest, cutest smile you'd ever see."

"He sounds like a dream." He says, voice wavering as his hand gently combs through Alex's hair.

"He is. He reminds me of you in a way." She chuckles. "Because, he–"

Vzzrt!

The buzzer for the end of visiting.

Gator finds himself sitting on the edge of his bed. His mind is still on Y/n and Alex. She was about to say something good about him. He knows it. Surely she wouldn't badmouth their young son, so surely he's onto something here? Gator wishes he had just a few more seconds to hear what she likes about him. Or to hear more about his son. Maybe next time...

[phrogfungi]

Come on, Bleed

Killer! bakugou x fem! reader

MDNI

WC: 2.5k

Notes: afab! reader, mentioning of drug/alcohol use, stalking, mentioning of death/killing, blood play, mentioning of blood, knife play, sadism/masochism, biting, marking, voice kink, praise, fingering, finger sucking, p in v, unprotected, creampie, dubcon, slight cannibalism, reader doean't know his name, killer bakugou is more of a hitman (lol),

A/N: I was listening to 'love you like an alcoholic' while finishing this </3

•°•°•

❦ this is a collab with the lovely @vampyrsm ❦

•°•°•

The feeling of eyes watching you. You felt it since two days ago. On the train while making your way home from work. At the grocery store as you went from isle to isle. In the street when walking to a friend's party, drunk of your mind and whatever drugs you took only just taking effect. Maybe it was those same drugs that made your brain barely notice the hulking figure you bumped into.

There was a laugh—not a big one, but it was still there. "Sorry sweetheart. Gotta watch where you're goin' y'know." His crimson red eyes peeking through his spiky blonde hair sent shivers down your spine and made bumps appear on your skin.

The voice was husky and deep, and maybe it was the alcohol, but damn was it attractive. As for him, he knew you were drunk. He knew you were high. He knew everything because were the eyes that were watching you for two weeks.

You gave him a quick smile before turning around and continuing to walk in the direction of your house. "Hey, wait! You're drunk right?" You faced him and let out a little giggle.

"Maybe... just a little bit," you responded, bringing a finger to your nose and booping yourself, that smile reappearing on your face.

If you were in your right mind you never would've done that.

"Well, why don't I walk ya home then? It really isn't safe at night, especially for drunks." He let out a soft laugh as you excitedly nodded your head. Turning around, you pointed toward the direction of your house.

As if he didn't already know that. Still, despite knowing all this, he followed your directions leading to your house with you slumped across his back as a cause of your jelly-like legs and drunken stupor. Picking you up was a small task for him, and walking with you on his back as he held your thighs wasn't even making him sweat.

He slowed down in small fear as he felt your mindless chatter die down and your grip around him loosened. Was he supposed to be worried about his victims?

Letting a sigh escape his nose, he tapped on your thigh, "Doin' ok?" He let himself come to a stop when you didn't respond and looked over his shoulder to you. He let out another sigh–a relieved one–and continued walking once seeing you were asleep.

Walking with you on his back wasn't a problem in-and-of itself, keeping you asleep, however, did prove to be an issue. There were multiple other drunks who didn't know how to walk without bumping into everyone and everything–including him. Dogs were barking at him as if they knew he was gonna make your blood spill in your own home. Cars were rushing by and honking at him as praise that he was ‘getting lucky’ or as insults of ‘taking advantage’ of a drunken girl.

As if he would want to fuck one of his victims. Fuckin’ idiots. Sure, he may have imagined you once or twice or ten… or fifteen–either way, he knew he didn’t have a chance.

Waking you up by shaking you and setting you down, it wasn’t long until your brain was awake enough to fish for your house key, unknown of the prying red eyes staring unashamedly at your ass–the round plumpness of it being a feast for the perverted side of his mind.

“D’you wanna come inside?” You asked, turning towards the nameless man with a twirl. The question caught him off guard. It’s true it was getting late, and he needed a way in your house anyway–whether it be breaking in or being invited, the latter being the case at the moment.

“Sure,” a faux smile placed on his mouth as a way for you to form a false sense of security. You quickly unlocked your house and pushed the door open, the door making a creaking sound as it swung.

"D'you want something to drink? Coffee? Tea?" You asked, trying to be considerate of your, now-guest.

"No, I'm good. You should go head to bed though," he responded, and it sounded like a good idea. As you entered your room, the man following behind you, you turned on your phone to use as a light source. Walking over to your bed you could hear a sound behind me, like rustling clothing.

"You really shouldn't trust everyone you meet,"

The man you invited into your house was now whispering in your ear, raising goosebumps along with his voice. A knife was pressed against your throat, drawing subtle drops of blood that caused a slight tingle between your legs. An arm was placed around your waist, which you assumed was to keep you in place, and your back was pressed against the firm muscles of his chest.

"I've watched you for a long time." You didn't realize just how husky the voice was until it was in your ear. "Longer than I do my other victims." A pleasurable shiver went down your spine as you rubbed your legs together, seeking some form of friction. You should've been filled with shame, your life was being threatened, but all you could think about was that gruff voice and the pricks of pain your brain was turning into fuel.

"Ya should feel lucky." You could almost hear the smirk he had dancing across his lips. With a breathtakingly fast motion caused by the arms that were just holding you, you were now being pushed onto your bed. Your eyes squeezed shut as the bed sprang to life and made you slightly bounce.

Through the dim lighting, you pried open your eyes to find yourself inches from a smirking face. Drawing in a shaky breath filled with anticipation, you tore your eyes away from his gleaming red ones before he continued. "I don't usually let my victims live this long." Fingers gripped your jaw firmly, which forced your eyes back to his. "Especially when there's a contract."

The hand on your jaw refused to let you look away and you felt the cold of metal pressed against your throat once more. "What?" You were generally confused and it started to feel like ice was passing through your veins. Who would want you dead?

He responded with a light laugh as if it was obvious, then scowled immediately after at the thought of who hired him. "Someone wants you dead but, too much of a pussy to do it themselves." In his own words, he pressed the knife harder, reopening the scab that was already forming. He let out a sigh and your phone automatically turned off, allowing you to no longer see the face inches from your own. "I've been entertained enough by you though. You're gonna die now."

With those words still thumping in your confused brain, you felt him drag the knife down, stopping just above your heart. You felt him adjust so just the tip was below your rib cage and blood was pooling out and collecting at your collarbone. You let out a subtle gasp and gripped the bed sheets and as it wrapped around your fingers, there was a pause of unmoving silence.

Without another heartbeat, you felt the weight of the knife drop on your chest and warm breath fan across your face. "Are you fucking serious right now?" It wasn't aggravation in the question, but more amusement.

You let out a soft mewl at his words and you felt the warmth of his body leave along with the weight of the knife. As your eyes now adjusted to the darkness of the room, you could see how he was standing just above your bed, giving you a look that only read that he was questioning himself. One of his hands was over his mouth, hiding the toothy grin that appeared seconds after, and his other wrapped around his abdomen, still clutching the now-stained knife.

You were about to protest against him, complain that he stopped, until you heard him snicker. Now silent, you watched as he unwrapped his arm to drop the knife beside you. "You must be into some real kinky shit huh?"

As soon as you opened your mouth to respond, you clamped it shut at feeling fingers grazing your throat, lapping itself in the blood that was seeping out the small slit. Another mewl let out as you saw him bend his head down to huff a lick across your wound.

Slowly, he left kisses as he trailed his lips down your neck, the trail soon leading to your shoulder, then collarbone. Your half-dazed attention was brought back to his hands as you felt one of them slip under the hem of your shirt. Unintentionally, you bucked your hips forward when you felt his thumb and index twist your now-hardened nipple, earning a chuckle from the one causing it.

"Patience," he whispered in your collarbone before sucking up the blood that collected in the area. "I wanna enjoy this as much as possible,"

As soon as his words fell from his mouth, he grabbed the knife that landed next to you, a gnarly snarl placed on his bloodied lips. One thing you didn't anticipate was him placing those bloodied lips on yours as the knife dipped under your shirt and slowly cut the fabric, tearing it apart from the bottom up.

While trailing kisses down your neck, he trailed one hand down to your breast, creating pleasurable friction on your perked nipple. A sudden masochistic pain swelled in your neck, making you let out a moan as a cause and a bite mark soon formed.

"You're shaking, love." he chuckled against your neck before leaching your blood from your skin, repeating this action until there were multiple marks on your neck, which he proudly stared at.

"Feels good," you gasped out. As you wrapped your legs around his torso, you could feel his boner pressed against you, making you gasp and become wetter than before. You realized just how wet you were when you felt one of his hands dip down past your panty-line to play with your bundle of nerves.

All you heard was a chuckle form from his throat, making you whimper. He sat up to face you, your faces inches apart, blood staining the edges of his mouth as he kissed you. It was a heated kiss, filled with tongues and clashing teeth. You could taste your own blood on his tongue as he kissed you, making the kiss somehow more feverish.

Just as you began to lean into the kiss, however, your hands moving up towards his jawline, he pulled away and dropped the knife next to you once again. His hand pulled up towards your lips, he slipped his thumb against your tongue. Instantly knowing what to do, you closed your mouth around his thumb and sucked, a sweet taste filling your mouth.

"Good girl," he almost purred, face smirking at his own appraisal. In your drunken mind, you smiled as well, happy to receive praise. He then slipped a thick digit into your dripping wet cunt, making you moan around his thumb. An almost electrical feeling ran through you, as he pumped his finger, pumping it in and out. In and out. In and out. All you could think about was how his finger moved inside you and how good it felt.

You moaned around his thumb as he leaned down to take your breast in his mouth. As he sucked, he left another mark he could swell from pride as he looked at it, glad to finally mark you as his, just as he did in his fantasies multiple times.

You could feel the muscles around your abdomen tighten and he could feel your walls tighten around his finger. Knowing you were about to cum, you tried to let him know, but he shoved his finger farther down your throat, making you gag. "I know," he responded just as you came, your body convulsing as you twitched, your mind becoming fuzzy as your tongue dripped out the side of your mouth.

Before your mind could recover, his thumb exited your mouth and you heard the sound of him unzipping his pants, his pants falling towards his knees along with his boxers. You tried sitting up, supporting yourself with your elbows. You tried seeing what was going on, your scatterbrained mind barely comprehending the sounds you heard. However, before you could see what was going on, he took off your shorts, along with your panties, leaving you completely exposed to him, and he wrapped his hands around your thighs and slipped inside your cunt in one, quick, thrust.

A quiet moan exerted his mouth as he slipped inside you, feeling the tightness of your velvet walls surrounding him. You could hear him panting through his nose above you as he waited for you to adjust to his size, his size stretching you out, making an almost painful burn spread underneath your skin. Once he started moving, however, is when the pain started to subside and pleasure filed in its place.

He started slow at first, slow and gentle, but as soon as you started clenching around him is when he started to go faster, rougher. His hand moved from your hips to your breast, squeezing tightly around it, making a moan slip out from your throat.

Moans and the sound of skin slapping against skin soon filled the room as he thrust in and out of you. Feeling the muscles in your abdomen tighten once again, your orgasm was coming so fast it almost hurt, and he could tell. He placed a hand on your cheek right before speaking mindless words into your ear. The words, however, as comforting as they were, fell silent toward deaf ears, your mind too pleasured to pick up on them.

You let out one last moan before you clenched around his cock as you came, your face contorting into pleasure. As if that was his last straw, he let out one last thrust before he came inside you, his white cum filling your insides as he let out a beautiful moan of his own. He stilled his thrusts, pulling out of you as he panted above you, obviously tired.

Before he could do anything further, his own phone rang. He took it out his pants pocket, the phone vibrating in his hand, and read the number. Instantly knowing it was his client, he answered it and brought it up to his ear. His client's annoying voice filled his ear as he sat down beside you and looked at your fucked-out expression, smirking at what he was about to say and the fact he could bring you so much pleasure.

"Yeah, she's dead, sir. Don't worry," He responded, his hand moving to caress the top of your head, his hand playing with your hair as his white, sticky cum slowly spilled out of you. As if it wasn't any more obvious he wasn't going to kill you, as soon as he hung up the phone, he laid down beside you, pushed your hair out the way of your face, and landed a kiss on your forehead.

[cowgurrrl]

Guuurrllll I don’t even know why I’m about to hurt myself but here we go:

Joel realizes on Baby girls birthday that she is a year older than Sarah and he reflects…just something really emotional that is going to make us all cry. Please and thank you

Thank you for the request honey and I’m so sorry it took so long!! I hope you like it 🫶

Fifteen

Pairing: Joel Miller x fem!reader (but this is all Joel and Charlie)

Author’s note: this image made me think of the girls and I almost cried so I had to add it

Summary: Charlie turns 15 [1.5k]

Warnings: teenage angst, discussions of deceased loved ones, Joel being the biggest girl dad you’ve ever met

The heat inching away from the mountains is the first indication Charlie's birthday is nearby. The second is the countdown Joel inevitably creates, announcing every morning how many days until his little girl's birthday. She loved it for the first few years she actually cared about her birthday, but with the teenage years crawling along, she finds it less and less endearing each year. Nothing, not even teenage angst, could stop Joel Miller from celebrating his daughter. 

Still, Charlie's different this year. She's distant. Every time you bring up her birthday, she shuts you down in that teenage way that makes you feel like you've done something wrong just for asking a question. You cry to Joel about it, and he soothes you, but it still hurts when it's the night before her birthday, and she hasn't so much as told you what she wants for dinner. 

Joel wakes up in the middle of the night for no particular reason. He looks around the room like he's forgetting he had something to do but can't remember it. You're sleeping peacefully next to him, and he kisses your cheek before padding down the hallway. He peeks his head into Charlie's room and finds her bed unmade and empty, but instead of panicking, he has an idea of where she might be. He's found her out there several times in the past few years and always tells her to stay in bed, but she never listens. The anxiety in the back of his head dies down at the sight of Charlie's curly head on the back porch.

"You better not let your mama catch you out here this late." He says, his voice deep from sleep, and Charlie jumps at the sound. She sighs in exasperation as Joel saddles up next to her.

"Sorry. I just couldn't sleep. I wasn't sneaking out or anything." She admits guiltily, and Joel nods, staring at her. Watching her mind work silently like this makes it hard for him to believe that someone so beautiful, smart, witty, and kind ever could've come from him. But when she meets his gaze through the low light of the back porch, she's all big Miller eyes and a crease between her eyebrows. "Why are you out here?"

"Dad Senses were goin' off." He shrugs, and Charlie laughs a little. 

"You do not have Dad Senses."

"No?" He asks, and she shakes her head. "Then, how'd I know you were out here, smart ass?" When she's quiet, only a smile pulling on her lips, he nudges her with his shoulder and makes her laugh again. "Huh? I can't hear you." 

"Alright, alright. Whatever. Maybe you have Dad Senses." She relents, and Joel bows his head graciously.

"Why couldn't you sleep?" 

"Don't know," Charlie sighs. "Just can't stop thinking." 

"Bout what?" He asks gently, and he watches her guards come down. For years, Joel has had this innate talent to get his daughters to talk to him about the hard stuff. You were always jealous because it took a little longer to get the girls to talk to you, but he could get them to spill secrets in no time. You blame it on the fact that he was always meant to be a dad. 

"D'you think she's gonna be okay?" She asks so quietly Joel almost misses it. "Like with my birthday and stuff?"

"That's what's got you all tore up?" He's not malicious in his tone. He's just shocked. Charlie stays quiet and he takes a deep breath before wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her into his side. "Honey, your mama is one of the strongest people I know. She's gonna be just fine. We're never ever gonna be sad about somethin' like your birthday, okay?"

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"So, you're gonna be okay?" She asks, looking up at him, and Joel furrows his brows in confusion.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because I'll be older than her." The fact hits him hard enough to make him hold onto Charlie a little tighter in case he stumbles. He knew this day would come when you found out you were pregnant. He knew it would happen when she turned one and when she became a year older than Jane ever was. He knew it would happen. So, why does it feel so unexpected? 

Maybe because he'd been holding a torch for Sarah all these years, counting the missed birthdays as if he could see her age with them. Maybe because he got so caught up keeping his family safe, he stopped thinking about her fifteenth birthday. Maybe because he was learning to take it day by day, to memorize his daughters' features and laughs, to dance in the kitchen with his wife, instead of waiting for a second shoe to drop and his undeserved soft life to be ripped out from under him. Whatever the case, he tries to recover quickly and kisses Charlie's forehead.  

"You know, when you were born, your mama and I used to have these long conversations bout what you'd be like when you got older. She told me stories bout Jane, and I told her bout Sarah, and you'd just lay there sleepin' or playin' with Ellie," he says wistfully. "And even after all that talkin' and plannin', you are still beyond our wildest dreams. I mean, we knew you'd be amazing, but shit, kid. You really take our breath away." Charlie laughs a little at the praise, and it's enough to give Joel a second to take a shaky breath. 

"And even when you were so little, we worried bout you and what tellin' you bout your sisters might do. We even talked about maybe not ever telling you bout them, but that didn't seem right," he shakes his head, and Charlie makes a face at the idea of never knowing about her sisters. "But, the one thing we knew we could agree on was that we never ever wanted you to feel bad for being the one who survived, and I'm sorry that that's what's happened."

"It's not that…" Charlie sighs. "I guess I just struggle. Knowing I'm here and they're not and how much you wanted them to be here." 

"I get it. We struggle, too, but we wanted you to be here just as much as we wanted them. You know the stories, so I won't repeat 'em, but your mama and I were really, really young when we had Sarah and Jane. And it would've been easy to walk away or make a different decision, but we loved them. They were a part of us, and, of course, we miss them, but that doesn't take away from our love for you and Ellie. We want and love all four of our girls, but it… it just wasn't in the plans that you'd get to meet each other." 

"Am I… do I…" she struggles before mumbling a quiet 'fuck it.' If you were around, he'd reprimand her, but because it's just them, he lets it slide. "Do I remind you of Sarah?" She asks, and Joel smiles. 

"Sometimes. "

"And Mom? Do I remind her of Jane?"

"Yeah. She's said a few times that you've done things she did."

"Is that a good thing? That I remind you of them?"

"Of course it is, but, baby, you're so much more than just a reminder of them. You're your own person with your own thoughts, feelings, and opinions, and we love you for that. We love you for so much more than just bein' a reminder, and I'm sorry if that got lost along the way," he squeezes her hard like he's trying to press the words into her. "So, yeah, I might be a little sad bout your birthday, and I might think bout Sarah, but I'm so happy that you're gonna be fifteen." His voice catches on the age, and he shakes his head at the night sky. 

"You're gonna be fifteen, but yesterday I was lyin' on the couch with you so your mama could get some sleep."

"Daddy," Charlie scolds, but it's too late; tears are already falling down his cheeks, and she's already chuckling at him. She steps back and wipes away his tears with a soft smile on her face that isn't completely him or you but a mixture of something new and perfect. "No more of that, alright? You're gonna make me cry."

"I can't make you any promises."

"I know," Charlie says as she wraps her arms around Joel and hugs him tight. She's just tall enough that her head fits under his chin, and she can hear his heartbeat. "I don't need promises." She says. There, on the porch, amidst the fireflies and cicadas of late summer, the clock strikes midnight, and Charlotte Elaine turns fifteen in her father's arms. They don't know it yet, though. Joel still wears a broken watch, and Charlie is in the season of youth where she has nothing but time, so why would she care about it? Why should either of them care about it?

They have time.

TAGLIST: @abbyhaslongshorts @kiwiharrykiwi @sumsworldz @myloveistoolittle @anavatazes @marantha

[roxannarambles]

Hey can I get our boi guzma with a s/o who's always sleepy, like, no matter how much sleep they get they're always still tired for like half of the day

Ooh, a request for headcanons? I don't normally do that, but sure!

• You try not to let it bother you, but it's frustrating sometimes, because it's hard to feel motivated or get anything done when you're like this. You remember that you used to have so much more energy and wonder what's wrong with you.

• Guzma tells you there's nothin' wrong with you, anyone's gonna feel like shit if they're surrounded by the same dismal four walls every damn day. Not your fault. He thinks a moment and then grabs your hand, says he's gonna take you somewhere

• You leave Po Town and you ask him where you're going, he says 'the beach.' You thought there wasn't any beach access this side of Ula'ula. The cliffs are too high. He says, for most people, sure, but not for us

• He leads you down a hidden path cut between the hills, covered by the undergrowth. You eventually reach a secluded beach that looks untouched by people, for the most part. You walk for a while in comfortable silence, feeling the crisp breeze ruffling your hair, listening to the lap of the waves, the wingull cries

• Guzma stops to skip a stone and says he likes to come here to clear his head. Then asks how you're doing. You say you're feeling a bit better, which is true. The fresh air and the walk helped a little. You just wish you weren't always like this. It feels dumb that even simple things are so much work for you. Makes you feel kinda worthless.

• He's quiet a while. He says you're not worthless.

"So you got a weakness. Health's not perfect or whatever. Whatever's going on. So what? Doesn't make you useless. You work around it. Figure out what works best for you."

He takes a pokeball from his pocket, looks at it.

"My Golisopod? He bails the second his health dips below half. I thought he'd grow out of it, he never did. But it doesn't matter. So what if he has to bail and take a break during battle? Found a way to work around it. It's part of the strategy now. Now he can wreck face with his First Impression all the time. He's a monster."

He smiles, the pride in his Golisopod clear to see.

"Everyone says bug pokemon are shit, but I don't give a fuck what anyone thinks. I do what I want, and I know bug pokemon are sick. They're used to getting stepped on by everyone else around them, treated like garbage. People kill them just for the crime of daring to exist. But they keep goin' anyway. Nothin' stops them."

He pockets the ball again.

"Anyway . . . you and me, we know what that's like. But we do our own thing anyway. Nothin' else matters. We're not like everyone else, but so what? I know the amazing stuff you can do."

He cups your face with a hand and gently tilts your chin up.

"So don't worry about it, aight, lovebug?"

[catierambles]

Feral Instincts Ch.27

Pairing: The Rogue’s Gallery (Geralt, Syverson, Mike, August Walker, Walter Marshall) x Stephanie Daniels (OFC)

WC 1564

Warnings: uhhhhhhh *shrug*

It took coordination with Heather, but she had the next couple weeks off from work. Mike, unfortunately, wasn't included in that so he still had to work while Stephanie stayed up at the cabin with the others where they could keep an eye on her. A few of the Betas in the pack were going to stay over in the apartment during the day, as well as a couple of the other Omegas so Albert felt more comfortable. Mike and Hunter had become fast friends, a routine set up where he and Mike played Warhammer 40k twice a week with Hunter’s set laid out on the dining room table.

“I swear to all that is good and holy, Mike,” Stephanie said as she put clothes in a duffle bag, “If I get back when this mess is over and the apartment is trashed, you’re sleeping on the couch until the end of time.”

“Have a little faith in me, babe.” He said, rolling his eyes with a smile.

She and August headed up to the cabin in his truck, Stephanie throwing her bag down on the floor of Mike’s former room once she greeted the others in turn.

“I know this is tough, doll.” Sy said from the doorway, “But we’re just tryin’ to keep you safe.”

“I know.” She said, sitting down on the bed. “First Jordan and now potentially a Council hitman. Can I go back to the most stressful part of my life being work when something explodes?”

“Trust me, this shit ain’t normal. Even for wolves.” He said.

“It’s ridiculous, is what it is.” She said, “If you explained this entire thing to me as an outside observer, I would tell you it's a shitty D movie plot. Direct to streaming, no theatrical release, but no, it’s my goddamn life and I just--” She made a frustrated sound, flopping backwards onto the bed with her hands pressed to her face.

“Geralt is going to talk to his contact on the Council, see if there’s any weight to it.”

“The Council strikes me as a very “the left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing” kinda organization. You know, plausible deniability and all that. The Councilors themselves have no idea what their underlings are doing in detail so it can’t blow back on them. If the shit hits the fan, they just step to the side of the fan.”

“Wouldn’t shock me.” Sy said with a shrug, “I’ve learned more about it in the last few weeks than I have my entire life. They were just this…thing when I was growin’ up. I knew they were there, I knew what they did, but it didn’t affect me none so I ignored’em. They didn’t bother me, so I didn’t bother them. But now…shit Steph, if they try to come after you, I’m goin’ down swingin’.”

“Don’t.” She said, sitting up again to look at him, “Don’t talk like that. Don’t place my life above yours. Don’t any of you place my life above your own. I’m not more important than you, my life doesn’t mean more than yours or anyone else’s.”

“You don’t get it, and I understand why. You weren’t raised wolf.” He said, “You’re our Alpha. More than that, you’re our Mate, and we protect our Mate. With our lives, if it comes to it. It ain’t a matter of choice.”

“I don’t like that.”

“I know.” He said,  “Alphas protect the pack, and Alphas protect their Mates. You just happen to check both boxes. Wouldn’t’ve mattered if you were still human and our Mate, or just a member of our pack but not our Mate. Either way.”

“I really don’t like any of this.”

“I know.” He said, “Hey, maybe when this is all over and done, you can introduce us to your folks.” She gave a snort that was devoid of humor.

“I told you my dad was a SEAL, right?”

“Yeah, retired when you were sixteen.”

“Well, I haven’t seen my dad since I was sixteen.” She said, “He and my mom got divorced right after he retired, and I stayed with mom while he took off for parts unknown. My brother had already moved out of the house at that point.”

“You got a brother?”

“Yeah. Jack.” She said and there was pause.

“You got a brother named Jack Daniels?”

“Mom was sixteen when she had him.”

“Yeah, that’ll do it.” Sy said, “What about your mom? Don’t think she’d approve?”

“Not even remotely.” Stephanie said, “And not because there’s more than one of you, but because you’re wolves, and she doesn’t like wolves.”

“Ah.” Sy said after another moment's pause. “Does she know you’re…”

“Nope, we haven’t talked in years and I plan to keep it that way.” She said, “She disowned Jack after he got married to a wolf he went to college with and she infected him at his request. Getting married to one is one thing, she can just freeze his wife out, becoming one was too much for her. I thought she was going to have an aneurysm when he told her.”

“When’s the last time you talked to him?”

“Couple years back?” She said, “Jordan kinda…alienated me from him after I told him my brother was a wolf.”

“Probably because he woulda seen him for what he is, a Feral. If not him, then his wife.”

“Probably. I tried to call him a little while back, but he must have changed his number because someone else answered who didn’t know who he was.”

“Want me to find him?” Sy jumped about a foot in the air, Geralt having appeared behind his shoulder.

“Shit!” He exclaimed, “Did you know he was there?” He asked, looking at Stephanie and she nodded with a small smile. “Fuck, man, damn near gave me a heart attack.”

“Do you want me to track him down, Steph?” Geralt asked again with a snort, “Him and your father.”

“If you want to,” She said, pulling a leg under her, “But don’t go sweaty on finding my dad. If he had wanted to stay in our lives, he would have.”

"Jack, right?" Geralt asked and she nodded, "Jack Daniels?"

"Their mom was a teen when she had'im." Sy said and Geralt arched a brow at him for a moment before shrugging. "How old was your dad?"

"Seventeen." Stephanie said and he sighed.

"Lemme guess, found out he got his girlfriend knocked up and enlisted in the military, marryin' her when she turned eighteen." He said and she nodded, "Knew a few boys just outta boot with the same story. Seein' as they got divorced…doll, don't tell me…"

"I was supposed to be the fix-it baby." She said, "Because bringing a child into a loveless marriage is always a great idea. It didn't work. Shocker. Jack was seven."

“And she don’t like wolves?” Sy asked.

“Last time I spoke to her, she told me, laughing, how she had called Animal Control on her neighbors while their son was outside doing yard work. He wasn’t shifted, obviously, but she called Animal Control on him saying there was a “rabid dog” in their yard.”

“Fuck.” Geralt said and she sighed with a nod.

“Yeah, and it was the last time I spoke to her.” Stephanie said, “She tries to call me every now and then, but I let it go to voicemail.”

“I’ll see what I can find.” Geralt said, giving her a small smile and walked away, heading back to his room. With an exaggerated sigh, Stephanie flopped back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. She heard Sy come closer before he laid next to her, settling on his side and lacing their fingers together where her hands lay folded on her stomach. She could see him watching her out of the corner of her eye and she started to run her thumb back and forth over his skin.

“Can I switch gears?” She asked and he hummed. “Do you resent me?”

“Why would I do that?” He asked, a scowl furrowing his brow.

“Because I can’t give you kids.”

“I don’t resent you, babe. Not even close.” He said, “Thought about gettin’ it reversed, though? If it’s buggin’ you that bad?”

“I thought about it.” She admitted, “If you had answered yes, or something to that effect, I would have seriously considered it. I got it done for medical reasons, for the shit that runs through my head. Don’t want to pass that onto a child knowing what their life is going to be like through no fault of their own.”

“Yeah.” Sy said, “Not wantin’ a child to suffer is a damn good reason, even if that child is just an idea.”

“Do you think the others--”

“Not even a little bit.” He said, cutting off her train of thought. “I’d say maybe in vitro, as you still got your eggs, they just can’t make the trip, but you’d still be passin’ on your genes.”

“Yeah.” She said, “Kinda invalidates the reason why I did it. If they could single out what causes mental illness and make sure it doesn’t get passed on…maybe.”

“We’ll love you no matter what, Steph.” Sy said and she squeezed his fingers gently. “Pups or no pups, as long as you’re happy, we’re happy.”

“I love you.”

“Love you more.”

[magicratfingers]

Progress report ! ૮ ºﻌºა ✨ kind of a work-in-progress diary for myself. v indulgent.

intense world of dick terrifying - goin good! got a main character, some supporting characters, figuring out the big rivalry today. Gotta figure out a format. I was thinking of basing it off of the Day at the Airport book bc it's only about 11 spreads but there's a lot going on on each one. Could leave it a comic but I also want it to be printable hmm catnips cantrips chooseyer-by-mail test - learning a lot! the world-building has been reallllllly fun - like the kind of fun where you want to go a little deeper bc you like it not bc you have to. perfect situation. Gotta resolve the mix between the DM roleplay and the actual postcards. Made and branded a whole gmail account and character to handle lost postcards - Pizza Kentucky III of the Isekai Post Office. Haven't been keeping up with the blog. But the blog is supposed to be more of a holding container than a 'thing'. One thing I did not expect to be learning was spreadsheets. Keeping track of names and addresses and choices and paths has given me a new perspective on pacing and structure. Also? Been a great excuse to finally play with UV epoxy and it's so straightforward that I'm mad it took me so long. media thats not just webcomics - dunmeshi is out!!! Laios my beloved. Still afraid to find and read Kotteri's Veil bc it will make me too feelings. Started reading books I loved as a kid (Redwall!!!) and some story craft books (found an NPR list somewhere) WRHP s2 - started to feel like work but changing up the backgrounds freed me up, feels fun again Sorcerer comic - paused while I wait for fashion inspiration to pull the ending together Emotional support paladin - paused till I feel like it. It's got such a specific delivery style that I don't wanna force to get the story out, so i gotta wait for some story aspects to firm up Bonnie & Clawd - more of a character study than a comic - fun to practice cutie pies cuddling. But... how DO birds and wolves smooch. Saw a youtube video about how ravens and wolves are friends and work together. So perfect. Valentines day thing - got some supplies coming tomorrow, gonna try out my idea. If it works maybe sell it? If it doesn't work, oh well, probably will learn something. Wanted to make perforated cards and stickers but got a little overwhelmed thinking about printing. Might just do a digital thing if an idea comes to me. Been wanting to make holographic stickers but when I sit down to think of a motif it feels stressful. Maybe I just test the Poodle Broadcasting System logo? I've always loved the aesthetic of valentines day but never felt like it's been delivered right. I certainly never felt indulged - something is always a little not-cute or too-cutesy. Think it could be really fun to have it be an annual 'surprise box'. I lost my halloween fam in the schmivorce so I could use a holiday to go crazy on. (For years I would drive out and help build a whole haunted house in a garage and it was like a week-long party with great food and movies and laughs. Sad to lose it, sadder still to know it was so easy for them to lose me. ) Dishupon - ok not as many players and responses as I'd hoped. But that wasn't really the point. Point was to invent some sanrio-y characters for fun - which i did. And I will also say that the exercise of coming up with a variety of cozy, fun, silly, spicy ways to think about dishes has made MY dishes mostly effortless. Even made a little foam clay Tiger coach and he's sitting on the window above the sink. Perhaps I will think of a game to get my car inspection done.

Overall January is great. Granted, it's the 4th. Had my ten year work anniversary (idk how old everyone thinks I am but it's Not 20) and got to 1010 followers on twitter on the same day. And the new d20 is out on the 10th so that felt real nice and square. Bit worried that all the good vibes I built up over holiday vacay will get smashed when I'm put on a new work project. But i feel like I'm about to level up a little bit art-style wise. Feelin grateful, feelin warm & cozy

[tinkabelle24]

To Build a Home

Chapter 8: Bad Child

A/N: The altercation between Val and her mother depicted in this chapter is loosely based on an incident I had with my own mother, at sixteen.

This incident is what prompted me to write this story, four years later, to help me cope with the lingering trauma. It's been incredibly therapeutic.

TW! Physical and emotional abuse inflicted by parent onto adult child.

Masterlist / Chapter 7

---

"Hey, you. How's it going?"

"Hey, Val," Liv answered. "Yeah, fine, I guess. School's still shit-"

"Hang on, lemme put you on speaker so I can keep going with this... There. Can you hear me?"

"Yeah... What are you doing?"

"Making dinner."

"At 8 o'clock? Bit late for you, isn't it, grandma?"

"Hardy-har. I have a friend coming over; he couldn't get here any sooner."

"He?" She could hear her sister's grin through the phone.

"Hey, don't get any ideas - he's just a friend."

"You said it, not me."

Val playfully rolled her eyes. "...Any more incidents with that boy?"

"Nope. I think bein' knocked on his ass by a girl finally did the trick."

"Hmm..."

"What?"

"Nothing. I just... I really wish you didn't need to go that far, that's all."

"Yeah, well..."

"I know, I know... I'm proud of you for sticking up for yourself, though."

"Thanks, Val."

"...Where's Noah?"

"In his room - playing his game."

"I wanna say hi."

"Yep... Hey... Hey, shithead! Don’t what me. Take your headphones off. Valerie's on the phone."

"Don't call your brother that, thank you."

"Yeah, don't call me that," Noah parroted. "Hey, short-ass. How's it goin'?"

"Don't call me that, either," Val let out an exasperated sigh. "I oughta wash both your mouths out with soap..."

"Can't do that if you aren't here," Liv retorted.

Was that a passive aggressive remark, or was she still messing around?

"...How's mom?"

"She's fine," her sister answered simply.

"Where is she?"

"In the living room, watching a movie - with Steve."

"Steeeve!" Noah exclaimed in a high-pitched voice.

A small smile pulled at the brunette's lips. "...Is he nice to you guys?"

"Yeah, he's fine," Liv replied. She was using the word 'fine' a lot... "Sleeps over almost every night..."

"Okay..." Val wasn't sure what else to say to that. Her first thought was to suggest her sister inform mom of her discomfort, but it'd likely do no good. She did this herself once, when they overheard mom doing... things, with another man she introduced them to literally that day. It did not go well...

"Hey, it's been forever since we've seen you. Are you coming home any time soon?"

Val could no longer hear her brother’s incessant mouse clicking in the background; Liv must've gone into another room.

"...No, I won't be coming back to the house... I can't. Not yet." She finally replied. "I've got my own place now, remember? But I'd love to see you guys sometime soon. Maybe we could meet up at Central Park after one of my shifts next week? The three of us? ...Or maybe you'd like to check out my new place? It isn't much to look at on the inside, but it has nice views."

"Are you ever gonna tell us what happened with you and mom? Mom still won't tell us anything..."

Mom keeping shit to herself? Must've thought it was pretty bad... Good.

"We had an argument."

"Well duh," Liv was growing impatient. "About what?"

"I'm sorry, Liv; I really can't say any more than that - it's adult stuff."

"Yeah, whatever..."

Val sighed wearily. "Don't be like that, please... You know I'd tell you if I could. But I can't."

"Yeah, you can; you just have to open your mouth and speak."

"I'm sorry, Liv," the eldest sister doubled down. "I'm not gonna do that-"

"Y-you can't just take off like that and not expect me to ask questions!" Liv snapped, voice breaking. "What could mom have done that was so bad that you won't talk to her, or even come to the house? I don't understand. I just want my sister back..."

That last part felt like a stab to the heart...

"Liv, I-I'm so sorry-"

"Whatever. Bye."

Click.

"Liv? Hey, Liv! ... Shit!"

Panicked, Val went to compose a message for her sister. It broke her heart to hear her cry... But what else could she say that hasn't already been said? She wasn't about to involve a thirteen-year-old in adult matters, no matter how much it upset Liv. She wanted to preserve what little innocence those kids had left...

A text notification popped up on her screen. Immediately assuming it was her sister, she opened it without checking the ID.

She really wished she had...

[So, you'll talk to the kids but not your own MOTHER??? I see how it is. You have NO IDEA how difficult our lives have become since you upped and ABANDONED us!!! I'm sorry that I hurt you but YOUR SELFISHNESS drove me to it. In case you forgot, family HELPS and SUPPORTS one another!!! All I needed was a packet of cigarettes because I hadn't had a SINGLE one in THREE DAYS and you couldn't even do that for your own MOTHER. I gave you life and raised you BY MYSELF with NO HELP from anyone!!! And this is how you repay me??? It's been TWO MONTHS and they haven't seen you. We don't even know where you're living!!! I WILL NOT put up with the silent treatment ANY LONGER!!! When you're ready to behave like an ADULT and have an actual conversation, let me know. You're VERY lucky they still want anything to do with you after what you've put them through, because this will be the last time you hear from ME!!!]

Val fought back tears as she read through the wall of text. She knew, as soon as she realised who it was, that she shouldn't have kept scrolling. But, as usual, curiosity got the better of her. Or was it hope? A hope that her mom may actually be offering an apology without a big fat 'BUT' attached to it...

Selfish.

Mom liked using that word. She said it a lot that night; the night Val fled...

Selfish-

"No. Stop it," the brunette chided herself, promptly silencing her phone and placing it face-down on the kitchen counter. She quickly wiped away her tears.

In...and out. That's it, Val.

It'll be okay...

She returned to slicing her cucumber.

A soft knocking drew Val's attention to the window - it was Raph, carrying a backpack. She expected to feel many things in that moment. Excitement, mostly. A bit of anxiety, for sure. But not this...

Not dread.

The urge to hide was overwhelming. If he asked, Val was certain she'd cry again. She didn't want to cry in front of him; not so soon after the first time...

It took everything in her to step away from the counter and approach the window.

It'll be okay, she repeated her mantra. It'll be okay...

In...and out. In...and out...

"Hey," Val greeted, stepping aside to let him in.

"Hey," Raph replied with a warm smile. She attempted imitating it. "Smells great in here. Curry?"

"Uh, yeah- no." She was already stumbling over her words. "It's, um... it's one-pot chicken and rice. I found the recipe on Tik Tok, of all places, heh. It's one of my favourites... I was just finishing up the salad..."

The terrapin quirked a brow ridge at her. Val recognised that look; it was the same one Molly levelled at her whenever her friend suspected she was hiding something.

Please, don't...

"You alright?" He asked, setting down his bag. "You seem... upset."

Keep it together.

"Yeah, I'm fine," the brunette reassured, nodding a little too enthusiastically. She could feel the tears threatening to fall, again...

"Val," he insisted gently.

Hoo boy...

"I-I was just, um..." Val croaked, her entire body trembling with adrenaline. "I, uh..." One tear became two, then suddenly they were streaming down her cheeks.

She could not keep it together...

Raph caught her wrists as she attempted hiding her face, bringing her into his arms. She practically melted into him. He held her firmly while she sobbed, about a minute or so, before she finally pulled away.

"S-sorry, let me get this shit off you..." Val sniffled as she wiped his shoulder with her sleeve. She felt calmer, more clear-headed. But now she was going to have to explain herself; it'd be unfair of her not to.

"My mom... She texted just before you arrived... It wasn't nice to read..."

Raph nodded, compressing his lips; he looked to be contemplating whether to enquire further. After some hesitation, he finally asked: “Wanna talk about it?”

"...Would you like some dinner first?”

---

They decided to eat on the roof. Val passed the food and blankets to Raph from the fire escape, then was helped up herself. Neither really spoke to the other during this time, though she could feel his concerned gaze on her throughout.

“I’d planned on staying home as long as I could, for my siblings,” Val began, once they were settled with a plate of food. “I’d been paying my part of the rent, utilities, whathaveyou, pretty much since I started working. I left school to go full-time, so I could help more... I felt I was doing everything I could for my family... But then...”

She paused to compose herself, before continuing. “...T-the morning I left, my mom asked for my card. I asked her: ‘what for?’ She told me: ‘does it matter?’ … She didn’t say anything else after that; she just left the room... I thought she’d dropped it. I left for work. When I arrived home that afternoon, she wouldn’t speak to me. Wouldn’t look at me. Just completely ignored my existence... I went into mine and my sister’s room, and..."

---

Val barely had the time to register what was coming before it literally hit her.

She shrieked as the large object struck her chest, causing her to topple backward. Fortunately, her bed broke her fall. Once the initial shock wore off, the brunette quickly realised she was holding a suitcase. Confused and alarmed, she looked up - oof.

Another smaller, lighter object flew into Val's face, momentarily blinding her. She swiped it away only to be immediately bombarded with several, similarly weighted items. Arms, legs, chest, face...

When she could finally see clearly, she saw her mother standing before her; red-faced with clothing spilling out of her white-knuckled grip.

Clothes were strewn all over the floor and beds. Behind her mom stood Val's narrow chest of drawers, which had been ransacked. Nearly everything she had hanging up had been pulled down - ripped down. one of her more delicate dresses dangled haphazardly from its hanger with a torn seam.

She was stunned.

The brunette flinched as her mom suddenly slammed a fistful of shirts onto the ground, before jabbing a finger in her face.

"You can get the fuck outta here if you're gonna continue being a selfish bitch!" She bellowed, trembling with anger. "Go live with your dad, wherever the fuck he is. I don't give a shit. Just get outta my sight!"

Val was sobbing by this point, cowering on her bed while her mom raged. Her mom's done some pretty scary shit in the past, but nothing like this. No matter how angry she became, not once had she intentionally caused any of her children physical harm...

"You know, all I wanted from you was some goddamn cigarettes! Do you know how long I've been without them? Three days! Three days and not a single one, Valerie! I'm going insane, here, and you don't give a shit! ..."

Val was no longer listening. Her mind had taken her somewhere else; somewhere infinitely more pleasant.

By the time she finally came to, she was alone.

Val realised then and there she had to leave. What little hope she had left for a somewhat peaceful cohabiting situation had just been obliterated.

Her own mother assaulted her, plain and simple. She no longer felt safe. This was not something she could easily forgive, if at all.

---

"So, she blew up your relationship over cigarettes?" Raph was incredulous. "Are you serious?"

The brunette averted her gaze, unsure how to respond. She didn't want to believe her mom would be this cruel over something so trivial. Surely, she wasn't that expendable...

The terrapin scoffed, shaking his head. "What a piece of-" he promptly stopped himself. Exhaling slowly to expel his anger, he eventually returned his gaze to hers. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't... She's still your mom."

"Yeah..."

"Were your siblings around durin' this?"

"No, thank God; they were still at school. I haven't told them exactly why I left, just that mom and I fell out. My sister's upset with me right now; she wants to know what's going on and I won't tell her..."

"Why's that?" Raph enquired, confused. "I mean, I'd wanna know if someone close to me was doin' that shit."

"They're kids, Raph," Val countered gently. "I get where you're coming from, I just... I can't. They already know they can't rely on their dad; I'm not about to pull the rug out from under them with their mom, as well..."

"So, you're lyin' by omission."

"I'm trying to protect them," Val shot back, levelling the terrapin with a hard stare. "The things I've seen, the things I was told, at their age... I wished for this. I prayed for someone in my corner, to say: 'hey, this isn't right. She shouldn't know these things. She's only little...'"

At that, Raph's expression softened considerably. He lowered his gaze.

"...Believe me, if something even remotely like what I experienced happens to them, the gloves come off... Until then, it's between mom and me. If that makes me the bad guy, then fine - I'll be the bad guy."

"Fair enough," the terrapin nodded with sad smile.

The pair finished eating in silence.

"So... what'd you decide on - for dessert?" Val finally enquired. She let out a soft chuckle. "I hope it didn't need to be refrigerated..."

"Nah, it didn't." Raph avoided her gaze. "It's nothin' special, just a bar'a chocolate... I tried makin' mousse with avocado in it; figured it'd be somethin' you'd like. Tasted like ass, though, so I chucked it."

Val didn't know whether to be flattered by the gesture or horrified by the fact he threw out perfectly good food. “Did you let it set?” She braced herself for the answer.

Raph stared blankly. “Was I supposed to?”

“Oh, God...” The brunette laughed incredulously, shaking her head. “You’re supposed to let it set; the avocado taste goes away once it’s set.”

“...Oh.”

“Oh, indeed... Oh well, plain old chocolate will do just fine. Chocolate's always good.”

---

Masterlist / Chapter 9

@miss-andromeda @android-cap-007 @happymoonangel

[calisources]

CHARLIE PUTH SONG LYRICS SENTENCE STARTERS. sorted by song, a few of my favorite lines from charlie puth's songs. change pronouns/names however you see fit. warning, some of these songs include topics of the like: cheating, being cheated on, jealousy, breakups, feelings of grief and loss.

ATTENTION

I know that dress is karma, perfume regret

You got me thinking 'bout when you were mine

You just want attention, you don't want my heart

Maybe you just hate the thought of me with someone new

You're just making sure I'm never gettin' over you

What are you doin' to me? What are you doin', huh?

THAT'S NOT HOW THIS WORKS

Saw you with someone and thought that it was closure, but you still tell me that you need me

Can't you just make up your mind?

You can't say you hate me, then call me when you're hurt

You can't walk away, then come back to what we were

Stop remindin' me of when we said "forever", I know exactly what you're doin'

When you say you need to drop off all my sweaters, It's just one of your еxcuses

SEE YOU AGAIN (ORIGINAL VERSION)

We've come a long way from where we began

Why'd you have to leave so soon?

Why'd you have to leave me when I needed you the most?

I know you're in a better place, but it's always gonna hurt

How do I breathe without you?

Hold every memory as you go

WE DON'T TALK ANYMORE

We don't talk anymore, like we used to do

I just heard you found the one you've been looking for

I wish I would have known that wasn't me

Why I can't move on, just the way you did so easily

I just hope you're lyin' next to somebody, who knows how to love you like me

HOW LONG

Can't you blame my head and not my heart?

I was drunk, I was gone, that don't make it right, but. . .

I Promise there were no feelings involved

How long has this been goin' on?

But you gotta believe me, when I say it only happened once

LEFT AND RIGHT

Maybe I should just focus on me instead

Memories follow me left and right

Your love stays with me day and night

How much more do I gotta drink for the pain?

You do things to me that I just can't forget

Now all I think about, Are the nights we were tangled up in your bed

GIRLFRIEND

Baby, would you ever want to be my girlfriend?

This is more than just a phase

We could make this official

Don't we look perfect, baby?

I don't wanna play no games

I'm tired of this conversation

EMPTY CUPS

You wanna go upstairs but you don't wanna sleep

Your boyfriend's no competition

Turn off your phone and blame it on your battery

Turn that television up so nobody can listen

Maybe tomorrow, they'll all have something to say

Let me take you to another room,so it's only us

SMELLS LIKE ME

You´re lonely when you're in his arms, you know I prayed for that

Tell me, do you ever miss me when I'm gone? 

Wonderin' what body I'll be on

Don't even front, you know that you just can't compare, what it used to be

And when you touch him, does it really feel the same?

I hope your jacket smells like me

Are you sleepin' in my T-shirt again?

How's it feel when you press it, press it, up against your skin

DONE FOR ME

You think that you could be better off with somebody new

Well, if you wanna leave, there ain't nobody stopping you

I won't fall to the ground on my knees

But tell me what you've done for me

I never cheated 

I can't apologize for something that I didn't do

LIGHT SWITCH

Why you callin' at 11:30, when you only wanna do me dirty?

Why you always wanna act like lovers, but you never wanna be each others'?

You're the one that I can't deny

You turn me on like a light switch

Do you love it when you keep me guessin'

When you're leaving then you leave me stressin'? 

I say, "Don't look back", but I go right back 

You know how to just make me want you, baby

[akihabaradivision]

ARB Birthday Special: Keiko Yumi

~~ December 22nd ~~

"The first draft is just you telling yourself the story."

Login Lines:

*Sighs* "Finally done! Hopefully once I send these in, my publisher will get off my back for the next month or so. ...And in record time too! Once I drop these off I can head to work and see what assignments Nemu-san has for me. ...Hmm? A message from... Nemu-san? 'Work is canceled. Enjoy your birthday.' My... birthday?!"

"How foolish can I get? I've been so busy with work I neglected to notice today was the day of my birth! I messaged Nemu-san back thanking her, though canceling work was unnecessary. ...She didn't message me back, but I assume it was because she was busy with work of her own. ...But still, what am I going to do with this free time I have?"

Voice Lines:

"I received a lot of 'happy birthdays' and such from the people of Akihabara, which is nice. ...You know, it's funny. Back when I was younger, nobody really paid me any attention. I was just another face in the crowd, so to speak. And if they did pay me attention, it was usually always negative. I can't count the number of times I got bullied back in high school. I definitely don't miss those days."

"...I don't believe it. Otome-sama, herself, sent me a 'happy birthday'! I don't believe it! I always figured that I wasn't worthy enough to be in the Prime Minister's shadow. That I was just one of the many people working under her. I mean, not that I don't mind working for Chuohku, but... too be recognized by the Prime Minister, herself. This is an honor I don't take for granted!"

"What the...? Where did all these gifts come from?! Are these all for me? Most of them are from my friends at school. ...Ha. Like I mentioned earlier, when I was younger I was used to being ignored or bullied. But now, I'm adored. I don't know if its because of my manga or just because I'm in the D.R.B. ...One thing is for sure, I definitely don't miss high school. Uni beats that place any day."

"Sheesh, it's going to take a while to get through all of these gifts. Here's a fancy one! It says it's from... my mom. Tch, great. What did that hag have the audacity to send me for my birthday? ...Some cash for my birthday? How original. And what's this now? ...A photo of my high school graduation? ...Tch, I won't ask how she managed to take a photo of me like this. Probably asked grandma for it. The nerve of her! She thinks me so soft sending me this will make me forgive her?! To hell with that, and her!" *Throws the present in the garbage, not giving it a second thought*

"Criss? What are you doing here? I mean, not that I'm not glad you're here, but I thought you mentioned in your last letter you were stranded on Hokkaido exploring a haunted hospital or something. ...You hitched a ride with someone? How many times do I have to tell you that's not safe? There are a lot of dangerous people out there, Criss. Any one of them could do something to you if you're not careful." *Sighs* "Well, I suppose the important thing is you're back home and safe. But please be more mindful next time."

"...You got me a birthday gift? Not that's it not unappreciated, but how? I thought you were out of money? ...Ah, that explains it, I guess. So, what is it? ...A hoodie? Oh, and it features a manga artist on it. Cute. It looks really nice. Plus, you got it in pink, my favorite color. Thanks Criss. This was really sweet."

"Nikki? You're here? Wow, someone alert the papers! The recluse actually left her room, for my birthday, no less! I'll definitely have to mark this date down on calendar! ...Haha! Sorry, I couldn't help myself. But really, I'm glad to see you've gotten out of your room, at least, once this week."

"Anyway, are you here to wish me a 'happy birthday' too or... A gift? From you? ...Wow, I'm definitely going to have mark this day down. ...A drawing tablet? ...Wait, this is a Wicom Cintiq Pro, isn't it? Do you know how expensive these things are, Nikki?!" *Sighs* "Fine, I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. But I really find it disgusting that you earn more than I do when you work far less. ...Yeah, whatever."

Criss Lines:

"Hey Keiko! Happy birthday! ...I was stranded, but thankfully, I managed to hitch a ride with some nice gentlemen who gave me a lift back to Tokyo! Oh, come on, Keiko! They were really nice gentlemen! Trust me, I have an inkling if I feel someone is dangerous or not. ...Alright, I'll be more mindful, but I'm really okay, as you can see."

"Anyway, here's your birthday gift! ...Oh, my check came in from my YouTube videos! It wasn't as much as usual, but it was enough to get you a gift. Ta-da! It's a mangaka hoodie! I saw it on the way here, and thought it would really suit you! ...Thanks Keiko! Glad you like it. Promise me you'll wear it, okay?"

Nikki Lines:

"Hey Keiko. ...Are you quite finished? ...You know, if you're going to act like this, then I'll just leave. I don't have to stand here and be ridiculed for my life choices. ...Whatever. Anyway, here's your birthday gift. ...Yes, it's a drawing tablet, one of the most expensive ones on the market, FYI. The guy I ordered it from said this would help with artists who draw digitally. ...Look, if you don't want it, I can always return it and get my money back. ...What can I say? Video games are my bread and butter and they earn me money."

[perfectpaperbluebirds]

Sicktember #8

Prompt: Persistent Fever

Fandom/OCs: Cowboy ‘verse OCs (Aaron and Katy)

Words: 1900

Sicknario inspo: Checking for a fever post illness from this post, finding your love sick in bed from this post, patient reassuring caregiver from this post, and sick physically imposing character from this post.

Author’s comments/background: I just love these two so much, and it makes me sad to realize I haven't written them since last Sicktember (check out their first fic here). This would be a perfect fic for a "married people shenanigans" tag. They're crazy about each other, and I love writing about couples who are crazy about each other, if you haven't noticed. Would love to get more prompts for the two of them, hint hint.

Fun fact: I believe this is the only fic where I didn’t use the prompt somewhere in it verbatim. 

~~~***~~~

Aaron was kneeling in front of the stove, filling it with wood before bed, when he sensed Katy behind him. Guessing what was coming he paused, and sure enough, her small hand was suddenly pressed against his forehead. He frowned almost imperceptibly.

"I'm gonna feel hot, darlin'. I was jest choppin' wood. 'M all sweaty."

"I know, and I wish yeh wouldn't'a done that with how much ya been shakin'. I coulda done it."

He sat back on his heels and turned to look up at her, the frown deepening. "I'll never 'llow ya ta be choppin' wood while I'm home and able ta stand," he said firmly. "I ain't so sick anymore. Ya don't need ta worry 'bout me so much."

"I'm entitled ta worry if I please. I never saw ya sick like yeh were at first, sweatin' and shakin' and cryin' out. And then ya fall down outta nowhere like ya were dead the first day ya try ta get outta bed, burnin' up like ya were holdin' yer face in the fire. I've had my share of worry these last weeks, so I'm keepin' an eye on ya until further notice, buster."

"It was the second day I was outta bed," Aaron muttered.

"Even more reason, then. Yeh've caught yerself a damn stubborn fever, and I'm not takin' any chances until it's done and gone."

Aaron sighed. "Yer the boss, sugar, like I always say." He brushed his hand near his temple. "My head's still sore from fallin' anyway. I ain't keen ta have it happen again."

"I bet it is." Katy kissed the sore lump on his head tenderly. "Which is why ya need ta take it easy." She ran a hand over her braid distractedly. "I wish I wasn't leaving ya alone tomorrow. But Auntie Sarah's bound 'n determined to go into town tomorrow, and she won't go alone…."

Aaron carefully stood as she spoke, his sense of balance not yet fully returned since his illness, but when he was steady he tilted up her chin with a gentle touch, smoothing away the worry line between her brows with the pad of his thumb. "Quit yer worryin'," he murmured. "I'll be jest fine. Nothin's gonna happen, and yeh'll be back home before ya know it."

"I hope yer right," she sighed. "I don't like goin' ta town as is, an' this jest makes it worse. Tomorrow can't be done soon enough."

~~~

Aaron and Katy were up before the sun the next morning, neither in the mood for much talk. Aaron went out to do the morning chores (since that was the only thing Katy was allowing him to do currently) while his wife got ready for town. He finished the chores just as she finished dressing and primping. Katy watched through the bedroom window as her husband shuffled his way from the barn to the house, already (or still?) looking exhausted. She bit her lip in worry as she yet again noted how pale he still was, and how the deep circles under his eyes had yet to start fading. Despite what he said, he still wasn't himself, and she was at a loss of what to do. 

He made a point to put on a warm smile as soon as he came in the door, and she saw pride and admiration in his gaze as he took in her "dressing up" attire.

"Yeh look mighty fine, Miz Rivard," he murmured, pulling her into his arms and kissing her. 

She pulled away with a giggle. "Leave off, now. Yer gonna muss my dress, an' I jest pressed it," she said, though she flushed and smiled at his earnest praise. 

They both turned to the door just then as they heard Aunt Sarah's wagon roll up and come to a stop. Then they looked back at one another, worry puckering Katy's forehead yet again. 

"Ya be safe now, ya hear?" she murmured. "Don't do nothin' ta exert yerself too much. Ya cain't keel over while I'm not here, or I'll take a switch to ya."

"Don't be threatenin' me with a good time, now," he said, raising an eyebrow rakishly.  Then he laughed when she laughed. "I'll behave, I promise. Think I'll take a lil' lie-down this mornin', then I'll prob'ly dig up yer garden fer winter. I'll take it easy, though, don't ya worry none, my Katydid." 

"Okay," she sighed. 

They both jumped as Aunt Sarah began to holler for Katy, then shared a last smile.

"Behave yerself," Aaron murmured, pressing a handful of money into her palm. "And come home safe. I'll be waitin' up fer ya."

She reached up on tiptoes to press her lips to his forehead. "Take care o' yerself. I'll be back as soon as I can." With a wave, she flew out the door, hollering back to her aunt in greeting. 

Aaron watched wistfully, making sure they got off alright, then wasted no time in shuffling his way back to the bedroom, yawning wearily. 

~~~

It was just past dark when Aunt Sarah dropped Katy off after a successful day of errands. Katy nearly flew to the house once her aunt was out of sight, but she paused on the stoop, for the windows were dark and not a soul was in sight. She glanced at the garden and found it untouched from that morning. What else would Aaron have gotten up to that day if he couldn't get to the vegetables? She hurried to check the barn just in case, but it was quiet and dark, just like the house. 

She ran back to the house now, panic fluttering in her chest, expecting to find her man collapsed on the ground at any moment. 

"I jest knew shoulda had Andrew check on ‘im," she fretted to herself. "What a fool I am. I shoulda never left ‘im alone."

There was no sign of him in the main rooms, and everything looked exactly as it had when she left that morning. She flew to the bedroom, yanking open the door, then breathed a sigh of relief upon finding her husband safe in bed, wrapped in the coverlet and snoring, the moonlight casting the scene in sharp relief. 

She took several deep breaths to calm herself, knowing he would tease her mercilessly if he knew how worked up she'd been. Though she had a right to tease him right back after seeing all this. He'd promised to wait up for her and had fallen asleep before dark like a tired child instead. 

She moved around him quietly, changing into her night dress and brushing her hair for bed, but he didn't stir until she brought a candle to her nightstand so it shone directly in his face. She surveyed him at last as he stirred and mumbled and her heart plummeted again, because she didn't like what she saw at all. The hectic flush of an angry fever covered his cheeks, and the sweaty, tousled hair and blankets indicated that he hadn't left the bed for several hours. 

"Katy," he croaked, his eyes flickering open weakly. 

"Oh ya poor thing," she sighed, reaching out to brush the hair away from his forehead. 

" 'm not feelin' so good again all of a sudden," he mumbled, letting his eyes slip closed under her touch. 

"I cain see that. When'd it start?"

He thought for a minute. "S'pose it was right after ya left. Haven't had the gumption to get outta bed all day. Feelin' weak as water, jest bin sleepin' and sweatin' or shiverin'."

"It's a damn stubborn fever that yeh've caught, an' no mistake." She sighed again. "Alright, jest wait here while I fetch the basin, then."

"I ain't goin' nowhere. Don't think I'm much up to runnin' away jest now," came the weak, teasing response. 

Glancing over her shoulder, Katy saw the old, familiar twinkle in her husband's eyes, faint though it was under fever-shine, and the dimple in his cheek was flickering. Whenever he smiled like that, she couldn't help but smile back.

They passed the next stretch of time in silence as she bathed his face, underarms, neck and chest with cold water, trying to give him any relief from the heat raging beneath his skin. Katy was less worried this time than formerly, though, since he was fully lucid and even somewhat relaxed, just uncomfortable and sick where he had been delirious and restless before. He so rarely got to spend so much time at home, and when he was home he was rushing around to take care of things before he had to leave again, so this rare chance to simply rest and enjoy his company was a treat she was doing her best to savor.

 He had thrown off most of the blanket and she let herself get lost in momentary admiration. His long, lean legs, stretching nearly to the end of the bed, muscled and toned from a life spent on horseback; the various shades of tanning across his skin from years in the sun; the planes of his abdomen and chest and shoulders, smooth skin over rounded muscle, flexing and shifting each time he moved. Even feverish and miserable, he was beautiful, and his beauty distracted her from her worry. 

Eventually the water became too warm to do further good, but by then Aaron seemed marginally cooler and was resting more comfortably, so she set the basin aside. The sick man said he needed nothing further, so his wife at last slipped into bed beside him. He tugged her closer then, shifting to lie his head in her lap with a contented sigh. She began to trail her fingers up and down his back and neck and through his usually close-cropped hair. 

"We need ta give ya a haircut. Ya bin so sick that I ain't had the chance," she murmured, exploring the unfamiliar length around his ears.

"Mm," he hummed, too close to sleep for a true answer. In that same moment a chill wracked him, and he moaned softly as he shivered and shifted in discomfort.

Katy bit her tongue to keep from expressing her worry, but she couldn't keep a sigh from escaping as she pulled the coverlet over him once more. Out of nowhere his hand reached up, even despite the awkward angle, and he smoothed the worry line between her brows with the pad of his thumb.

"Quit yer worryin'," he murmured. "I'll be jest fine. Tried doin' too much the last few days. If I rest like ya bin tellin' me all along, I'll be good as new in a day or two."

She grabbed his hand and clasped it to her chest. "I jest need ya ta be well," she whispered. "I hate seein' ya so sick fer so long. My heart cain't take it."

His low chuckle was a soft rumble against her. "My soft-hearted woman. What would I do without ya. Ain't no way I cain stay under the weather for long with the good care ya bin givin' me."

"That better be a promise," Katy said, kissing his hand. 

"It's a promise, sugar," he murmured as he once again drifted toward sleep.

[missvelvetsstuff]

Where you goin, Star?

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Rich girl/poor biker

Chapter 5

Warnings: swearing, angst, vague oral.

Right after Bucky left town and Y/N was dealing with the after effects the D&C she had to have done due to her miscarriage, Helen Cho gave her Vicodin to help with the pain and cramping. Y/N kept taking it even after she was healed because it gave her a nice buzz and fogged everything up so it wasn't quite so painful. After a while it didn't help as much and Helen refused to give her any more so she found a doctor that would. The new doctor bumped her up to Percocet and after a year to oxycontin. She regularly took 3-5 pills a day.

Brock had caught on to her dependency but she was able to buy his silence. The cost was, unpleasant, but worth the peace the pills gave her.

Y/N spent the night of the funeral at her parents house after arguing with John about making it easier to go through her parents things. Even after he gave her a split lip, she refused to back down.

After he left she drowned her stress in half a bottle of her fathers good scotch and passed out in her old bedroom.

When she woke up, Brock drove her to her favorite cafe for coffee and ordered her favorite drink. After they drove away she opened her coffee and poured in some whiskey from the flask that she always carried. She mixed it in, replaced the lid and took a long drink, letting the warmth flow through her.

Back at the house she started going through her mother's things. Most would be given to local charities but she saved some items that had personal meaning to them. Time passed without her notice until Brock came to check up on her and she sent him to pick up some lunch even though she wasn't really hungry.

Going through the house was worse than she expected, especially on the third day, when she started on her fathers office. a

She found the receipt for a 1 million dollar cashiers check and the contract that Bucky had signed when he accepted the money. She already knew about it but seeing the physical proof that he left her for money, the day after seeing him for the first time in 3 years, was overwhelming. She couldn't breathe and felt like she was underwater. When she finally got herself under control she quickly popped an oxy and a Xanax, washing them down with the last drops in her flask. She pulled a bottle out from her father bar, refilled her flask and took a few good drinks straight from the bottle.

After she let those kick in she started getting angry. Angry at Bucky, at her father, at John and anyone else she could think of. She needed to see her horses, it had been almost a month since she was able to stop by. She stood up a little too quickly and had to grab the desk to steady herself.

"Brock!" She yelled and waited for him to appear.

"Yes ma'am?" He asked when he arrived.

"I want to go see my horses."

Brock grinned lecherously "You know you're supposed to get the ok from Mr Walker before you go."

She smiled sweetly "Please Brock, you know I won't tell him."

He looked her up and down "What's my incentive sweetheart."

Y/N rolled her eyes "The usual. When we get there."

Brock smirked and walked away "Rollins! Let's go."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bucky, Steve, Sam and Peggy woke up late, had a leisurely breakfast and then headed to Tony Starks office to finalize their business. Once everything was signed champagne was poured.

Tony smiled "Never thought I'd be doing business with any of Nick Fury's Howling Commandos but I believe this venture will be very profitable for all involved. I have other matters to take care of but I will see you all for the groundbreaking tomorrow. Feel free to stay and finish the champagne or take it with you if you prefer." He shook their hands and left.

Steve drank his glass down "I don't know if I'll ever get used to how that man lives. Hell I'm still getting used to the idea of a house for me and Peg without you dirtbags around all the time." He smirked at his friends.

Bucky nodded "We weren't exactly enjoying your nightly reminders of how in love you were. A little house of my own sounds perfect."

Sam grinned "Not too little, Star is used to the finer things"

Bucky scowled at him "I don't want to get ahead of myself. I have to get her to talk to me first."

Steve nodded "Yeah she definitely didn't seem happy to see you. Who knows what Walker and her father have put her through the last few years. Quill has been watching her stable for a week and she hasn't been by once."

A short while later, Steve's phone buzzed and he pulled it out of his pocket. "She appears to be on her way to the stable with her bodyguards, Rumlow and Rollins. No sign of Walker."

Bucky nodded "Not ideal but maybe I can get her to listen."

When they pulled up across the street from her place, Quill came up to the car shaking his head. "You don't want to go in there, Barnes."

Bucky glared at him "yeah, I do."

"I'm pretty sure you don't. They're uh, not decent."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Bucky stormed towards the barn, so angry it took him a minute to notice the sounds. He stoped dead.

"Fuck princess, your mouth is heavenly. John is a lucky man. If I had you in my bed I wouldn't be putting my dick in anyone else. Oh god, yes. Just like that princess. Fuck! I'm gonna cum. Take it slut. Swallow it all down." Brock growled then shouted when he was done.

"Jesus Brock, shut the fuck up. You want someone to hear and tell John? He'll kill us both.

And could you maybe eat some pineapple once in awhile? Too much garlic."

"First of all, your husband doesn't have the balls to kill anyone, that's why he has me. And princess, you should be used to the taste by now."

"It's not like I'm doing it for fun. Now that I've paid for my trip to the stable, could I have some time alone with my horses?

Bucky felt like he was gonna be sick hearing all that but realized he needed to hide before Brock saw him. That confrontation was coming but he needed to talk to Star first so he ducked into an empty stall until Brock passed.

Y/N stood at the door of Lulu's stall talking softly to her when she heard someone coming up behind her "Jesus Brock could I have more than 30 seconds? I'm not blowing you again!"

Bucky felt his heart breaking for her and growing guilt for leaving her to this. "It's not Brock, Star."

She turned around and scoffed "I thought I made myself pretty clear, Barnes. I have nothing to say to you. Run off and find your pet, Dot. Leave me alone."

Bucky just looked at her sadly which angered her more "Barnes! I told you get the fuck out. John will kill us both if he catches us together and while your life is meaningless to me, I'm not quite ready to kick it yet."

"Star, please. I-"

She slapped him. Again. "Have you suffered a blow to the head? Don't call me that."

She started pacing "Why can't you just leave me alone? Haven't you done enough?"

"Please Star, I want to help." Bucky grabbed her and pulled her to him and she fought him

"I don't need or want your help. Let me fucking go. God dammit Barnes. Let me go!!"

He released his grip on her. "Just let me say my piece and I'll leave you alone." He sighed "I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry. I don't know what happened while I was gone but I'm sorry you had to go through it. I never meant for any of this to happen"

"Doesn't matter what you meant to happen, you ghosted me and my life went to shit. Told me how much you loved me, then disappeared without a trace, leaving me in my father's clutches."

Bucky looked at her surprised "Without a trace? No, Star I gave-" she slapped him again.

"Don't fucking call me Star and get the Hell off of my property. Now." She pulled a gun out of her purse. Nothing big or fancy but enough to hurt. "I mean it Barnes, leave me alone."

Bucky's eyes grew wide at the sight of her pointing a gun at him but he sighed in resignation and left.

After he was gone Y/N leaned against Lulu and cried into her mane. Lulu rubbed her head against Y/N and made comforting nickers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Steve was still waiting and saw the look on Bucky's face as he approached the car and sighed. Obviously it didn't go well. Again.

Bucky climbed into the car and grumbled "I don't want to talk about it. It's already beyond fucked and I don't know the whole story."

Sam patted him on the shoulder "It'll help if you get it off your chest. Besides if we're gonna do this we all need to know what we're up against."

Bucky shook his head, the sounds of her with Brock wouldn't go away. He was grateful he hadn't seen anything but he knew it would still haunt him.

"Fine. When I walked in she was blowing Rumlow, I didn't see it but I heard it. She has lost a lot of weight. A lot. I could smell alcohol on her breath. She slapped me twice and when I wouldn't leave she pulled a gun on me." He looked at Sam and spat "Happy?" Then slammed back in the seat with his arms crossed.

Sam shook his head, understanding where Bucky's anger was coming from but knowing that's not what they needed. "Damn, that's pretty bad. You think there's more?"

Bucky nodded "looking in her eyes I could tell. She's taking something. They weren't really red so I don't think it's weed but they were glassy and just a bit off-focus. Coke or maybe pills, I don't know but it ain't sober."

Bucky put his head in his hands and tried to hold the tears back.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this. None of this was in the plan. We were supposed to be back 2 years ago."

He looked at Sam "She said I ghosted her, left without a trace but that's not true I gave Rumlow-" he shook his head "Obviously he didn't give it to her. That bastard got himself a pretty sweet life at her expense." He started breathing heavily, anger morphing into rage

"I'm gonna kill him"

Steve spoke up "Buck, you need to calm down. We need to make a new plan."

Bucky shook his head "Maybe I should just leave her alone. What if I come in to help and make things worse? We just need to get our business going and then I can." He just stopped talking when he saw movement across the street. It was Star and she was headed right for them, she stumbled but caught herself before she fell.

"Steve, Sam, Peggy." She nodded curtly at them "Please don't take this personally but y'all need to get the fuck away from me. I don't wanna talk about it or hear whatever excuses you've concocted. My husband is not above having his men inflict pain on those who cross him. That includes me. I'm not interested in taking another beating because of Barnes.

Just go."

She turned around, taking a second to stabilize herself, and walked back onto her property.

Bucky looked at Steve "Another beating? What the hell?"

Steve shrugged "I don't know Buck, seems like there's quite a bit more to the story. She have anyone close to her that we could talk to?"

Bucky shook his head "her mom was the only one before me and she passed not long after we left. She was close to Peggy but."

The rest of that thought was left hanging in the air as they all considered the situation.

Peggy broke them out of their fog "Let's get back to the hotel and we can brainstorm. After the ceremony tomorrow we'll start working on saving Star."

Bucky shook his head "Even if she needs rescuing, I doubt the so called friends that disappeared on her 3 years ago are the people she's going to trust. She hates me most but there wasn't any love for the rest of you either."

Bucky came to a decision "I need to have a talk with Brock. He should be with her at her fathers house."

After spending the afternoon trying to figure out what to do they ate dinner and settled in for the night.

Except Bucky. He was a man on a mission and Brock Rumlow was about to feel some payback. He bid his friends good night and caught a cab to her parents house.

Chapter 6

[softquietsteadylove]

Love your work. I am always excited to read your next masterpiece. What about a story where Thena and Ikaris get trapped in something (like an indestructible elevator made by Phastos) and while the two are (more than likely fighting) in there, Girl is trying to get Thena out.

Unbearable silence hovered between Thena and Ikaris as they stared each other down after yet another sparring match. It was a rough one today, both of them going at it a little harder than necessary. There hadn't been an attack in a few days, leading them to have some pent up energy.

Thena in particular was crackling with even more temper than usual.

"That's it," Ikaris panted, his chest heaving within his armour. The training arena was a wreck around them. Phastos would have their heads. "Done for the day."

"Fine," Thena acquiesced. It was the only indication that she was as spent as he was, although even she was breathing slightly heavier than normal.

Ikaris just nodded, dragging himself closer to the door. Thena matched him step for step. He clenched his teeth in his jaw, "do you mind?"

"This is the exit," she snarled right back at him. It wasn't her fault that their minds were woven from the same cloth. "Ever heard of ladies first?"

"Is there one present?" Ikaris snarked right back at her. He predicted a wild swing from Thena and floated up and out of its way. It collided with the controls for the door. "Oh-"

"Fuck," Thena sighed, watching the control for the door's automation spark and hiss at them from the damage. She looked up at Ikaris, "this is your fault."

"My-?!" Ikaris glared down at the Warrior Eternal, who was acting like she had pointed out something obvious (instead of accusing him baselessly!). "You insufferable-!"

Thena growled, keeping Ikaris away from her with one hand as she tried to pry the door open with her sheer strength with the other. But it was locked by hydraulics, and she couldn't get her fingers into the seam of the door and its frame anyway. She pounded on the reinforced metal of it. "Hello?!"

"That's your big idea?" Ikaris finally landed, still giving her the stink eye as he stood beside her. "Yelling for help?"

Thena stood back, holding up her hands to let him have at it, "by all means, oh-great Soldier Eternal."

He sneered at her. He made a few attempts at punching it in, the prying it open as she had. He charged his eyes. "Stand back."

She didn't.

Ikaris flinched as the Cosmic Energy of his lasers was neutralised and dispersed against the door. Phastos had reinforced everything in the training arena located in the bowels of the Domo. He had to, lest some collateral damage extend into an engine room or a vent system.

"Yes, that was so much better than my attempts."

Ikaris's nostrils flared and he could feel his veins pulsing in his head. How his sister in arms angered him. "Someone will come to find us."

Thena gave him an even look. Not even disbelieving or disdainful, just an honest look. "Will they?"

Well, perhaps she had a point. They were still getting used to each other as a team, and they in particular were known for being...a little much. Specifically when it came to sparring. And the rest of the family knew that they had been wound up without an attack to fight off.

Ikaris sighed, stepping back from the door, "maybe if we scream loud enough in our heads Druig will hear us."

Ikaris drifted away from the door out of agitation. Thena put her hands on her hips, staying rooted on the spot. The door was the enemy, and she was going to keep it in her sights, it seemed. "S'not goin' anywhere."

Thena remained, though, staring at the blank surface of it. Her fingers tapped on the plating sitting around her hips that held the swaying and swishing fabric between her legs.

"Thena?"

Ikaris' head whipped up, but Thena wasn't surprised at all. Had she been expecting him? "Gil--that you?"

"The door won't open."

Ikaris half expected Thena to point out how obvious - needless - that statement was.

But she stepped closer to the door as she spoke, "there was an...incident."

"Thena broke it," Ikaris corrected her earlier statement. She elbowed him in the side for it, but he took it for what it was. "Can you get the door open?"

"I can try."

Thena and Ikaris stood back slightly as they heard what must have been Gilgamesh starting to try and pull the door open by bending the frame away from it.

"If anyone can get us out, it's Gil."

Ikaris was surprised by the sheer and honest faith in Thena's voice as she said it. He was so used to Thena being prickly and unbearable. He could forget that she was, in fact, a real person and not a walking blade.

"Phastos probably could."

She didn't even snap at him for his disagreement with her. She was anxiously waiting for moment Gilgamesh could break through the barrier between them.

"I'm afraid I'm going to damage the wall structure," Gil called out from his side. "I'm going to try and kick the door in. Stand back, Thena!"

Ikaris rolled his eyes; he was in here too, he could remind them. Not that it mattered to those two. Very little mattered to them when they were together. It was baffling to him, and every time he asked Sersi she would just laugh it off.

Thena turned to the side as they prepared for the door to sail past them. Their ears popped as they felt the air compressing in reaction to Gil's energy charging. Not all Eternals had the benefit of such an ability. For many of them, their energy levels simply were what they were--they had limits. But Kingo and Gil - and even Druig - could build and build and build their own Cosmic Energy unto itself.

Ikaris watched as the door flew through the air like it was nothing at all. It had some of its machinery still attached to it as it blew past them and to the far side of the room.

"Thena!" the Strongest Eternal rushed into the room, immediately looking at his fighting partner, "you're okay!"

"Everything is fine," she offered him one of her rare smiles, walking right over to him. "Although someone will have to tell Phastos about the damages in here."

Ikaris was ready to declare that he would not be that someone.

But Gil put a hand on his chest, looking at Thena with warm eyes, "I'm the one who broke the door in. I'll tell him it's my fault."

Such a softie. Ikaris took to the air again, rolling his eyes at his sister and her...Gilgamesh. "You two have fun with that. I'm on watch."

The other two Fighters watched him go, floating needlessly a few inches off the ground and down the hall. Gil put a hand on Thena's back as they headed out themselves, "how did this happen?"

The Warrior Eternal shrugged, although her smile was a little sheepish, "I was aiming for Ikaris, but it seems I have become...predictable."

"Maybe he's just an easy target," Gil chuckled, earning a quiet laugh from her as well. "You feel better after getting it outta your system?"

His understanding of her never ceased to bring a certain peace over her. "I do."

"Good," he nodded with a grin, "because dinner's almost ready and you're going to test everything for me first."

[esoterium]

@xxgotthedevilinsidexx || six word sentence starters || accepting!

❛  please just let me help you.  ❜ ( To Daryl From Sherry )

he's made somewhat of a life out here. doing what he's supposed t'be doing. looking for his brother. keepin' to himself until he finds those kids dad. like he promised. what other use does he got til he comes through with what he says he's gonna? nothing much. man's worth as much as his word these days. least to the ones who still stick by that rule. and he's one of 'em. best he can be. not saying he's perfect. not by any means. but he's seen so damn much hurt and disappointment in their young eyes by now? he can't take them going through anymore. so? he's not goin' back until he gets their dad. or gets the answers that'll give 'em peace. both of them deserve that much. even if little rick junior's never met his dad.

but jude? jude deserves more than just maybe..

what he didn't expect was her. she stumbled on his camp out of nowhere. just like she managed to do those years back on the savior compound. coming out of those faces like a ghost from his past. begging to help him then the same way she's been begging to help him now. ever since he told her she couldn't stay. that what he was doing was only good for him and dog. that he had no room for someone else. cause he didn't know when he'd pick up and go. had no idea where this hunt was gonna take him.

even if it didn't take him anywhere the past couple months far as he could tell timewise. enough that he had himself a small camp with all he needed to get by. but bad weather was coming and he wasn't any use to those kids or what he was doing if he got caught out in it and ended up dead. her, too. which meant she needed to be on her way soon. to find something to get her through the colder and wetter times coming.

he doesn't mention the abandoned cabins he's seen scattered throughout the hills a days walk or so in directions here or there. doesn't want her that close. doesn't want anyone that close. maybe that's the reason why he's out here. the biggest one. distance makes it easier not to see faces that he is pretty fuckin' sure if he loses one more of? he might not be able to come back from..

"don't need no help, sherry. you know that. all the help i need is what dog's for," he murmurs without looking at her as he tosses a two skinned squirrels on his frying pan along with some tater and mushrooms he found growing nearby. least he could do was feed her before he chased her off. just..had to get it done before dark. "sides. ain't going nowhere for a while. so what're you helpin' me with?"

[s1v0n1]

"Southern belle" Bakugo pt.1

an: hehehehe more characters, pls lmk who else youd want this to have!!

cw: cursing, guns (no one or nothing gets shot)

"Go 'n get lost lil shit," you shooed away a horse fly, though it cant understand you, the anger comes across. Barn chores were awful in your opinion, waking up to work until dawn in piles of hay and manure- not your style. But you also knew it had to be done, responsibilities are important. It was just barely 5:30 and you needed to be done with the cattle's feeding troughs by 6, good time this morning. You threw hay bales one by one out of the barn to the gate, then to the troughs, usually you'd load up the bed of your truck and make your rounds of the pastures but you really needed to save gas.

The last trough was filled just as the sun started shimmering on the frosted grass. Sitting on the pasture gate, you breathed for a bit. The cattle were taken care of for the day, part of her wanted to wait for it to warm up a little to go down to the creek and swim. Maybe.

You pushed your boots off by the door and walked into the warm kitchen, the smell of coffee greeting you sweetly. Oh the beauty of automatic coffee machines. You poured a cup, fixed it up how you like and sat down for a while.

It had gotten far warmer outside, and you had put on your bathing suit and a loose button up as a coverup, a towel over your arm. You had been going to the creek ever since you were little and its never changed. The path was simple, down the gravel road, past the gate and into the woods. You knew which trees to turn at and which rocks to follow, and to keep your eyes down for snakes.

Something shines in the leaves, probably a beer can, you go to knock the leaves off with a stick but its not a can. Its a shotgun shell, and its warm. It wasn't safe to be here if someone was shooting hunting or whatever. "HEY DONT SHOOT ME I AIN'T A DEER" you yelled out before moving. Just running could've sounded like an animal running and gotten you shot, just yell until you see them. "FUCKIN LOOK LIKE ONE, DUMB DOE EYES" they yelled back, above you. There was blonde hair poking out of a camo hunting post. You waved up, "JUST DONT SHOOT, ILL GET OUTTA YOUR WAY". They got out of their post and started climbing down, leaving their rifle up there. "Where's your fuckin clothes? this is a forest, snakes and bugs will eat you alive- god you're incompetent" "I've lived here my whole life and never seen you before, this is my land. You're trespassing." He tensed up a little at that, pulling down his camo collar. "My uncle said I could shoot over here, said his friend wouldn't mind if I used her post-" "Who told you that huh?" Your patience was growing thin at his bratty explanation. "John. John Whitney." He was standing his ground. You thought for a moment on what to do, pulling out your phone to call John yourself and explain the situation. "Get your shit down, you're leaving." You hung up the phone and told him straight. He clenched his jaw and spat out curses. He couldn't do anything to you, you had more power and he knew he was in the wrong, but he was still pissed as all hell. Coming back down the ladder, he watched you walk farther down the path. "The fuck you goin doe eyes?" He spat. "Were goin to the creek, John wants me lookin after you until he can come get ya. You really don't have a license?" You chuckled out. "Don't need it when you're famous in the city" "Oh, so you're famous? I never saw ya before" "That's why I'm here, John's an uncle on my dad's side, no one knows me here. paparazzi's fuckin awful I can't take it." he kicked a rock as he walked, he was being genuine. Maybe it was because he was so detached from his hero life right now, maybe it was because you didn't know him, maybe this was a clean slate for him. He liked that, a clean slate.

The water was glistening with sunlight and shade from the trees. You walked into the water, minnows swimming as far as the eye can see. He sat on a small cliff on the edge of the creek, staring at the small fishes. "you really don't know who I am?" he muttered. "I know I'm sick of you callin' me doe eyes and you've got some nerve" you snarked back. He laughed a little, "better lose that attitude doe eyes- just tell me your damn name if you hate doe eyes so much". "Y/n, tell me yours or else I'm just gonna call you jackass", you waded over to his side of the creek, putting your arms on the rock he sat on. "Bakugo. ring any bells?" He was curious now. "nah, I live under a damn rock. I don't care much for that big city drama, 'specially not heroes" You grinned at him, and to your surprise he grinned right on back. It was quiet for a little bit, a comfortable silence, both trying to analyze the other. He tried to memorize everything he saw of you, to recognize you anywhere. The tiniest twinge of fear pinched at him that he would never see you again after this. You felt the same thing, a little bit hoping he would come around again.

John's truck pulled out of the gate, waving at you, still apologizing. You watched them drive down the dirt road, dust billowing behind them as you walked the opposite way home. You need to see him again, you needed to get to know him. Something was pulling you in and you knew it was pulling him too. God he was magnetic.

[backpocketkazoo]

🌼Honeybee [Cagney Carnation x Reader]🌼

[Summary: When your absent father comes back from the casino in crippling debt it is up to you, his adult child to dig him out of his own grave. Seriously, screw him.]

[Word count: 1,587]

[angst w/ a happy ending; hurt/comfort]

Story can also be found here on Ao3.

Context: (Y/n) is a journalist, writing their own newspaper rather than continuing the family fishing business. It's finally starting to kick off then ding dong! Guess who's back and ready to make their life a living hell!] i wrote this so long ago but every time i read it i go insane

🌼🌱🌼🌱🌼🌱🌼

It was an oven even at 8 in the morning, even with the sea's salty breeze leaving kisses on my cheeks, even with being drenched in sweat. I'm so greasy I'm surprised I haven't started frying yet. I collapsed in my pathetic, wooden rowboat; groaning in exasperation. The waves gently rock my boat, almost pitying me. "God, why me of all people have to end up like this? What exactly have I done to deserve this? Being born?", I scoffed and closed my eyes; head resting on my folded arms.

My semi-peacefulness was interrupted by the voice I least wanted to hear.

"(Y/N)!! I'm back!! You best not've slacked off!", my dad yells from back on shore. I groaned and called back, then heard loud slam of the front door. I sigh and roll my eyes. I sat back up and grab the sun-bleached wooden oars. I held onto them tight enough to make my knuckles turn white. With that I hauled me and the fish back to the pier.

I tied the boat to its post and struggled as I heaved the fishing net (fish and all) onto the pier. I put a foot onto the dock as extra leverage. Geez, who woulda thought fish would weigh so damn much? I dropped the net onto a tarp I previously sat out, and finally climbed onto the dock myself. I wobbled about on my two feet, not used to the stability of land.

Once regaining my land legs, I tug on the end of the tarp, dragging it to the fishes's final resting place. I lead them to a large metal tub, it had been sitting out in the sun. It was probably hot enough to fry an egg, let alone a fish.

I dumped the fish into the tub and watched as they pathetically flopped about. I shivered and the stench alone was enough to make me gag. I sigh and wipe my sweaty brow with the back of my hand. God, glad that's over with.

I'm still immensely pissed that I have to pay off my father's debt. I have to fish to pay it off at that. AND I haven't been associated with the bastard since he left! Then whenever his irresponsible ass gets into trouble he comes crawling back and forces me to do his dirty work! And why am I complying??

I guess I'm scared.

What if he takes the house back?

What will happen after that? Where will I go?? I shakily sigh, anxiety curdling in my stomach like spoiled milk. I stroll over to my little garden, it wasn't much but I loved it. I put my whole heart into making sure each leaf, each petal, didn't go untended to. I squatted down closer to the flower's height. "Just when things were starting to get good, lil buddy."

"(Y/n)..?" My head snapped and I jolted at the voice, partially fearing it was my deadbeat dad. My racing heart calmed a bit when I saw the familiar face of my friend. I give a weak smile towards Cagney. "What're you doing? I just saw you fishing,, you despise fishing. W-what's goin' on?"

"Ohh—" I scratch the back of my neck, I could feel the sweat get scraped up under my nails. "About thaatt.." I fumbled with my words. "Dear Ol' Dad's back from gambling his life away, and making it his eldest (and only) kin's responsibility...hehrng.."

I could feel the vibe change from perplexity to something more anger filled. I could feel it in the air, see it in his facial expression, and hear it in the tone of his voice. "Is that so..." His voice softens in the next line, "Do you need any help?" Cagney's voice was filled with concern.

"Nah,, it's okay. I just finished anyways. Thank you though, Cagney. It's sweet of you to offer."

The day carried on like it would if my absent father wasn't present. As soon as he got home he passed out on the couch. I would like to also mention how much of a wreck the house had gotten since he came back. Granted I wasn't the most tidy person, but this was outrageous.

I had managed to clean up a bit while he was sleeping because god, I couldn't stand it. Later on, I went back to tending to my garden. It was the typical time I would normally take care of them, and I'm used to the routine. I had almost forgotten how my life was currently in shambles.

Almost.

"(Y/N) (M/N) (L/N) WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?" I jumped and saw dad pointing towards the silver tub of fish, just beyond yonder.

"T-the fish from today??" What the hell was his damage? I did what he demanded.

"YOU DIDN'T CATCH NEARLY ENOUGH, WHAT? DO YOU REALLY THINK THIS IS GONNA MAKE ENOUGH TO PAY OFF MY DEBT? DO YOU REALLY WANT ME TO LOSE MY SOUL TO THE DEVIL? HUH, (Y/N)?" He interrogated me. He was degrading me, trying to guilt trip me. Playing the victim card, but even the devil himself knew he was god awful at card games.

I stood up. I was pissed.

"And you're acting like I care. You're acting like you haven't been gone for the past SEVEN years of my life. Sorry I don't care about the stupid family business. Sorry YOU screwed over YOUR life. Not mine, YOURS. If you want something done right, do it yourself. It's not my goddamn problem."

"What did ya just say to me?", his voice was low and dangerous. It was arsenic and I was merely foxglove.

"You heard them!", a voice backs me up. My eyes widen and I turn around, almost forgetting how angry I was. I look up and see Cagney looking almost as pissed as I am. Wonder how much he heard.

"And who might YOU be?"

Before I could say anything Cagney spoke, "Cagney Carnation, whatzzittoya?" He growled.

"He's a friend of mine—", I quickly explained. Not that it mattered, neither were paying attention. They were too busy glaring daggers at each other.

"I think this pansy needs to say out of other peoples business, don'tcha think?" I was getting murderous intent from Cagney. I grabbed his hand in attempt to tell him 'don't'. Being honest, it's a bit difficult to actually grab Cagney's hand. Mine was far too small to wrap around his, but it was still effective, methinks.

"I believe the well-being of my friend IS my business. And that you, as a father, should NOT be forcing your adult child to get you out of the grave you dug."

"I believe you should get off my property." I absolutely hated being caught in the middle of this.

"No Drew, you forfeit this place as soon as you were 6 feet under. And I suggest you get off MY property before you start poppin' up daisies."

He tried to retaliate but I didn't let him, "Leave. Now." His blood boiled and he marched up to me. I prepared for the worst. He looked to have hesitated, as he kicked the dirt ground in front of me and hastily left, muttering curses under his breath. The two of us watched him until he was a mere speck.

The adrenaline wore off and my heart dropped to my stomach. The reality hit me like a freight train. "Oh my god." Was all I could squeak out. I was at a loss for words. And like that, hot tears poured from the faucets of my eyes. I fell to my knees, I had never felt so weak before. My silent tears turned into choked sobs. I tightly grip onto my trousers. My head hung low and I violently shook. The raw emotion was too much for my small, restless form to handle. What the fuck had I done?

Cagney instantly panicked. He was never too good at handling other's emotions, let alone his own. Nevertheless, his sunshine needed him. He carefully scooped me up, sweetly shushing me as he did so. "Cmon doll, let's get you inside." He carried me inside and set me on the couch, he grabbed some nearby blankets and wrapped me in them. My sobs were hiccups at this point and I was gasping for air. Cagney grabbed my hand and rubbed it while going through some breathing exercises.

I clung tightly to him, not quite like a moth to a flame. This was sweet and comforting, something I needed. Perhaps a better example would be a bee to a flower. I mean he is a flower after all, maybe I can be his honeybee.

"I hate seeing you upset," he murmured.

"I know this all sucks.. but it'll be okay, especially since I have you, Cagney." My drained eyes were fighting the weight of sleep, but I still look up at Cagney, eyes with a glint of melancholy, and give him a bittersweet smile. "Promise I'll always have you?"

"Promise." Cagney squirmed a bit, not that he didn't mean his words. He meant everything, just as you mean everything to him. But you make him feel things like he hadn't before. You make his stomach flutter at your touch. Your smile. Your laughter. He felt so vulnerable around you. He wasn't sure how you got it, but you stole the key to his heart. His hold on you tightened, and by this point you had succumbed to sweet sleep.