#slowly but steady… it would’ve been sooner but I got the flu and now I’m currently speaking like Danny Trejo

[watmalik]

This will get completed… eventually… one day.

[anathewierdo]

Call of the Ocean Chapter 43: The Surface Through New Eyes

Pairing: CEO!Mechanic!Dean Winchester x Mermaid!Reader

Word count: 5908 (get ready y'all cause this one is loooong)

Chapter Summary: Now that Sindarta is finally safe, everybody’s trying to figure out where they fit in the reconstruction of their home.

Series summary: CEO of Winchester Auto Dean Winchester has had enough of the office life. With his father keeping him from what he wants to do, which is work on the plant floor, Dean decides to leave for a quiet life. In Matagorda, Texas, he finds something he never thought he would, a chance encounter with a mythical creature.

COTO Book 3 Masterlist

A/N: I forgot to post this chapter last week (my apologies) But! Here we are! I hope y'all like it... there's only two/three chapters left :) This series is a collaboration with @flamencodiva

When the time came for them to leave for the surface, Y/N noticed her cousin was looking sad. She’d had a chance to try and talk to him, promising that she would visit as much as she could and that she was expecting him to visit as well. Thasman had been quick to shrug off her advances, telling her that he knew all of that. Y/N wondered if he was thinking about his parents, whether Bobby and Thames would be together again, whether Thames would decide to stay… She and Dathan kept a close eye on him as they made sure once more that everyone was ready to leave for the surface.

“Thasman?” The sound of Dathan’s voice interrupted the princess, who slowed down to hear the conversation.

“Yes?” Thasman replied as he focused on looking ahead.

“That merman at the market was wrong,” Dathan said. “The people love you, and you are worthy.”

Y/N could see out of the corner of her eye, Thasman’s lips curling into a small smile. “Thank you, Dathan.”

“Thas,” Dathan looked at his friend, “I have known you since our days in the academy. I know the thoughts that plague you. And I want you to believe me when I say the kingdom loves you. Every citizen loves you, Thasman.”

“I don’t know about every citizen, but I appreciate it, old friend.”

“So, you and Roan,” Dathan smirked at Thasman as they swam through the current towards the cave. “I take it you will need to discuss the ceremony when we get back?”

“I think so,” Thasman glanced back at Roan, who was swimming beside Dean, helping the human try and keep pace.

“So, we are going to Dean’s pod?” Dathan asked as he glanced at Dean.

“The place we are going, Dathan,” Thasman said solemnly, “No one else is to know, is that understood?”

Dathan gave a nod as they continued their journey.

There were a total of three guards, including Dathan, that had been trusted enough and assigned to accompany the royal family to the surface. Dean racked his brain as to what he was going to tell everyone when they got back. Bobby and Ellen weren’t a problem because they knew about mermaids, but what about his friends? That would be harder to explain.

“Dean,” Y/N said as she held his hand. “Are you okay? Do you need to rest?”

“Just thinking what I’m gonna tell everybody if they ask where I was,” Dean said before bringing her hand up to his lips and giving it a gentle kiss.

“That is going to be hard to explain,” Y/N agreed. “But Bobby did tell them that you had something called the Flu?” She tilted her head in confusion at him.

“They won’t just buy that. My friends would’ve wanted to check on me. Cas still lives in my house, not to mention I just lost two days straight of work.”

Y/N nodded and let out a soft hum, “are they trustworthy?” she asked with a slightly shaky voice.

“They are, but you don’t need to do what you’re thinking, alright?” he smiled. “I’ll figure something out. I promise.”

“Dean, sooner or later, they are going to ask questions,” she reasoned. “And they’re your friends. I don’t want to come between your friendship.”

“You won’t. But I’m not asking you to do that. I tried to get you to tell me, and it didn’t exactly go well.”

“If the need arises,” she said as they neared the mouth of the cave that led to the surface, “Then we can show them. I’m just happy you can join me every month for a swim.”

“I think that sounds like a good idea, angelfish,” Dean said as he caressed her cheek.

The group swam through the caves underwater, opening and up into the lagoon. Y/N, Dean, Roan, and Thasman led the way with Thames and the king not far behind. The king stayed back with the guards as he watched his daughter, sister, and nephew swim up to the shore with the people they love. The king looked at his guards and nodded before they all cautiously swam towards the lagoon’s shore. There they saw the group of heroes with legs and putting on strange clothing.

“Father, here,” Y/N said as she handed him a pair of pants and a shirt.

“Thank you,” he said as he got dressed. He looked over to his guards and sighed. “Don’t just stand there. Get dressed and try and keep up.”

A chorus of ‘Yes, Your Highness’ resounded, and soon enough, the three lasting mermen were staring speechless at their own legs, trying and failing to get up and learn to walk before they were offered clothing to cover up. Even the King himself walked a little wobbly, leading to the four inexperienced mermen to have one arm draped over the shoulders of a partner to help them steady themselves as they got down the gist of walking.

Nereus was looking solemnly at his surroundings, taking in the cave that would’ve made everything so much easier if only he had known about its existence. A little flash of worry for the Kingdom coursed through him, but it went away as fast as it came, for he knew Sereia could be trusted, and the council was now back in motion and on the right track.

“Are we all ready?” Y/N asked as she looked at her father. She stood at the cave’s mouth leading towards the human world dressed in a lovely flowy dress and sandals.

“I’m ready,” Dean breathed as he nervously looked at her father before looking back at her, “I take it we’re going to Ellen’s?”

Y/N nodded, excitement beginning to pour out of her by the second. “That’s probably where Bobby will be. And I would like my father to meet the woman who helped us so much during our stay here.”

“Couldn’t agree more, angelfish,” Dean chuckled, “Your Highness, will you be staying for dinner?”

The King stared at empty space for half a second before blinking and shrugging. “Most likely.”

“Sounds good,” Dean said with a smile. “I can show you my dwelling, and you can try steak.”

They led everyone across the beach and towards Ellen’s house. Y/N and Dean leading the way while Thasman and roan pulled up behind. Lifting her fist, she knocked on the door and waited for Ellen to answer.

The door opened, and said human barrelled herself into the closest person she could find, screaming in excitement. “You’re alive!”

“We are, but it was a close call,” Dean said as he waited for Ellen to finish hugging Y/N. “So what did you guys tell the garage?”

“That you had taken an unprompted trip to Austin. And they’ve been asking why you haven’t answered your phone in two days.”

“Shit,” Dean sighed as he ran his hand across his face, “Not sure how I’m going to explain not answering my phone,”  He walked into the house once Ellen let everyone in. “Guess I can say that it was an emergency, and I forgot my charger resulting in my phone dying?”

“Dean,” Y/N said softly as she placed her hand on his shoulder, “I’m sure everything will work out.” she gave him a smile and looked at Ellen, “There is someone I want you to meet, Ellen. This is my father, King Nereus of Sindarta.”

The human stopped short, finally taking a good look at Thasman, Roan, Thames, and the mermen leaning against them for support. She slowly turned to the merman Dean was helping and looked at Y/N. “Seriously?”

Y/N nodded, “Yes, this is my father.”

“Ms. Ellen,” the king said as he gave a soft bow, “Thank you for taking care of my daughter, nephew, and his betrothed. I have no way of repaying your kindness.”

“You don’t have to thank me, Your Highness. I jus’– It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Nereus said as he smiled at Ellen. “Do you know where I could find a Bobby Singer?”

At that very moment, Bobby came from the back porch, not noticing that his son had come back with more than just Roan, Y/N, and Dean.

“Ellen, I tell you, you need to get a damn new car!” he huffed grumpily, “I don’t know how many times you want me to fix your carburetor.”

“Bobby, we have guests, again.”

“Ellen, don’t try to talk me out of telling you that you need a new car,” Bobby growled, only focusing on washing his hands and complaining to Ellen, “That damn truck is older than I am!”

“This is the human you forsook your family for?” Nereus asked as he looked at Thames, “Well, at least he isn’t drunk.”

Bobby turned around quickly, eyes wild and big as he saw how many people were in the house before shaking his hands nervously and putting them in his pockets. “I knew you guys would be just fine.”

Thasman gently pushed through and pulled Bobby into a hug, “I’m so glad to be back, Dad.”

“Did something happen?” Bobby said as he hugged Thasman back.

“We can talk about it later,” Thasman whispered, “But for now, this is my--”

“You?!” Bobby exclaimed, “You came to my house twenty-five years ago looking for Thames!”

“Well, you were the only lead I had to find my sister,” Nereus said as he crossed his arms over his chest, “but you were drunk and looked heartbroken, so I figured she wasn’t with you.”

“You are little Nereus?“ Bobby said, looking at the man who was slightly taller than him.

“I forgot Thames used to call me that,” the king said between a shudder and a smile. “I think you and I need to talk.”

Nereus placed his arm around Bobby’s shoulder and led him out to the back porch. Thames chewed on her lip nervously, only imagining what would happen between her brother and the father of her child. Both men came in after sharing a handshake. Y/N noticed it was awkward but nonetheless effective. Dean cleared his throat as he looked at Y/N.

“We should take your Dad over to my house for dinner,” Dean said as he caressed her cheek, “We can talk more there.”

“Okay,” She agreed. “What about the guards?”

Dean looked over at them and shrugged his shoulders, “They can come too if they want? Not sure if Thasman needs guards. I mean, he’s freakishly strong.”

Y/N turned to the guards and her father. “Is that okay with you?”

“It is perfectly fine sea star,” Nereus said before looking at Dean, “show us to your dwelling, please.”

Dean had to admit: The merman King looked very out of place sitting at his kitchen table watching him, and Y/N prepare dinner while three merguards who kept looking at everything like it might jump up and harm them sat in his living room. Cas had received Dean with a mix of shock and anger that Dean hadn’t seen since their first year after graduating college, demanding answers to tell him where Dean had been for two days unannounced. Luckily for everyone, he’d calmed down quickly when Dean introduced Y/N’s father and told him he’d finally been invited to visit Y/N’s home… which was, technically, not a complete lie if you think about it.

“Sea star,” he called, once Cas was out on the porch showing the guards the house. “If you’re staying here with this human, have you thought of precautions?”

“I will use Thames’ cuff and go swim every month to prevent drying up. Probably more, considering how close to the ocean we are.”

“What about human currency?”

“The garage got off to a good start, and we’re doing good so far,” Dean piped in. “Y/N has a job at the diner with Ellen, and we don’t make much, but we make enough.”

“What about Dean’s friends?”

“Working on it,” The human confirmed, looking back to the living room where Cas was trying to make conversation with the other mermen.

Nereus pursed his lips at that answer, clearly uncomfortable at the possibility of more humans knowing about the existence of mermaids. “What about visits?”

“What do you mean, Father?”

“I mean,” The King took a deep breath. “Would it be alright if I decided to visit you hereafter Thasman’s coronation?”

Y/N stopped cutting the tomatoes for the salad and sat next to her father at the kitchen table. She smiled softly at him and only smiled wider at feeling Dean’s hand land on her shoulder. She reached up to hold it back and looked at Nereus.

“I would love it if you visited,” She confirmed.

Nereus smiled wobbly at them before clearing his throat. “And will you come home every now and then as well?”

“Of course… would it be okay if Dean came with me?”

“Absolutely. As long as Dean doesn’t expose you, your aunt, or our existence to the human world.”

“Never, sir,” Dean swore.

“Good.”

=====================

After breakfast the following day, to which the guards and the King all marveled at the food before them, Dean and Y/N decided to show the king around the small town. They decided on starting at the garage. Of course, it wasn’t without the four mermen marveling at Dean’s metal beast.

“This is how humans can travel around quickly?” Nereus said as his fingers ghosted over the shiny metal car.

“Father,” Y/N said with a chuckle, “This is Dean’s car. He calls her Baby.”

“So these things have names?” Nereus asked as he tilted his head. “Do all cars have names?”

“No. Baby’s very special to me, is all,” Dean stated proudly, hand patting the top of the car affectionately.

“Ah, I see,” Nereus sighed as he nodded. “Well then, I suppose we will be using this beast to move around?”

“I promise you, father, it’s fun and exciting!” Y/N said as she opened the door for the three guards to slide in.

The guards seemed hesitant to climb in, but one small smile from the princess seemed to help ease them. Once they climbed in, Y/N opened the front passenger door and climbed in Nereus after her, with Dean sliding in on the driver’s side behind the wheel. When Dean turned the ignition, the mermen all gasped once the car roared to life.

“Poseidon’s fury!” the king exclaimed. “This beast sounds angry.”

“Your daughter said those exact words when she first got inside my car,” Dean chuckled. “It’s alright, Your Highness!” he assured. “That’s just Baby’s engine. She’s coming to life, and she does that every time.”

The king nodded as he tried to relax once Dean began to drive. The drive was filled with the music playing low as Y/N started pointing out the different areas of the town on their way to the garage.

“There is Ellen’s diner!” she exclaimed with a smile. “We can visit it after we show you the garage. Father, Ellen’s food is amazing! If you loved the food last night, you will absolutely love and enjoy the dinner food.”

The visit to the garage was not supposed to be something big, mainly because it was Dean’s workplace, and well, it would be kind of hard to drag around four strange men around while showing them everything and just going, oh, they’re Y/N’s friends, don’t worry!

No, Y/N was thinking more about showing her father the front desk and her aunt’s portrait. She didn’t want their presence to distract the other workers of the auto shop.

“Dean?” Benny said as he watched Dean walking in with Y/N and a group of men, “Where have you been? And who are these guys?”

“Uhm, Benny, this–” Dean put a hand on the King’s shoulder, who gave him a ‘did you just do that?’ look, prompting him to take back his hand, “is Y/N’s father. King Nereus of Sindarta. He brought along some guards for protection as well.”

Benny’s eyes widened at what Dean said, “You… is this why you were in Austin? You had to pick him up or use your grandfather’s connections or something?”

“Exactly. Y/N received a message, and next thing we knew, we were picking them up in Austin.”

Benny nodded and sighed, “I’m glad you’re safe, but you know you could have called.” Benny placed his arm around Dean moving him away from the group. “What about the fact that their Island wasn’t on the map?”

“That you have to ask google,” Dean shrugged. “They put in a code to keep the island hidden,” the lie flowed from his lips.

Benny, however, wasn’t completely buying it. “Okay. You alright, though? No funny business while you were gone?”

“Everything is good,” he smiled. “I promise. Besides, Thasman is going to rule. It turns out he’s Y/N’s cousin. Big family secrets came out, and there was a whole legal thing. It and it got sorted out,” Dean rambled.

“We’re going to need to have a guy’s night and talk about all of this,” Benny said as he raised an eyebrow at his friend. “Does that mean Y/N gets to stay?”

The fucking stupid dopey smile that made its way through his face (not like he could help it when it came to his girlfriend) was answer alone, but his friend’s question hit him like a ton of bricks as he realized: “Y/N gets to stay.”

“That’s good news, brotha,” Benny said as he placed a hand on Dean’s shoulder, “I take it you’re going to show his highness around the shop and the town before he goes?”

Dean kept the dopey smile on his face, “Yup. Gonna finish up with Al’s before he has to go.”

“You trying to charm him off his feet?” Benny teased.

“Mark my words, Benjamin: Al’s is the golden bow to Matagorda and after eating the pastries? Even I wouldn’t want to ever leave town.”

Benny let out a laugh, “Can’t disagree with that.” He walked over to the king and extended his hand, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. I’m Benjamin Lafitte. I am the co-owner of the garage.”

“I suppose you are one of Dean’s friends?” The King smiled curiously as he shook the offered hand.

“I am one of his best friends,” Benny confirmed, “I’m sure you met Cas last night?”

Letting go of Benny’s hand, he looked at Y/N before answering, “Yes, I believe so. You have to forgive me, our… Island… doesn’t have cars. We are relatively small and can’t get to different locations quickly.”

“I’ve heard so, don’t worry.”

“Is my nephew here yet?” he asked, looking around for Thasman.

“He’s over at Singer’s house with Roan and the old man. Seems like they had some things to discuss.”

“Father,” Y/N said. “I am sorry for interrupting, but I want to show you something Dean made for me,” she looked at Benny. “It’s good to see you again Benny, thank you for allowing Dean to help us.”

“No problem, Cher. But I want my boy back tomorrow, please. Gonna go check on Andrea. She’d probably like to meet your father as well.”

“I will make sure he wakes up early and ready for a new day to start working,” Y/N said with a soft giggle. “I will be at the diner tomorrow, so it will be a busy day,” she added with a smile.

With that said, Dean and Y/N began showing the king around the garage. They were just about to show him the mermaid wall when the doors burst open.

“Ms. Braden, I told you,” Andrea’s voice growled at the brunette, “You cannot be here. You need to leave before I call the police.”

“Out of my way, secretary,” Lisa sneered.

“Over my dead body, gold digger,” Andrea spat. Benny stood behind her, looking as angry as she was.

Dean looked over and growled, “What is she doing here?” he let out a huff and turned to Y/N and her father. “I’m sorry, I’ll be right back.”

Dean made his way towards the two women and crossed his arms just as Benny came to join him.

Benny leaned in and sighed, “Does this woman know how to take no for an answer?”

“I don’t think she was ever taught to take no for an answer, Benny,” Dean said as his voice dripped with annoyance. “What can we do for you, Ms. Braden?” he looked at Lisa.

“I am here for my contract,” she stated with a smile.

“I’ve told you I am not signing anything, Braden.”

“It’s either you sign or your father ends up in jail for corruption and faulty car equipment,” she said as she pulled out a file.

“John never let a car go out with faulty equipment!” Benny growled. “I was plant manager, and he never approved a car that wasn’t up to standard!”

“That’s not what the media and the government is going to see when I give them these papers,” she said with a devilish smirk.

“Lisa, we both know that sooner or later it would come out to light that you falsified the evidence.” Dean sighed. “You have no leverage, no–”

“Will it?” she said with a tilt of her head. “Not with my father and Nick’s connections,” she pointed out. “And we both know the kind of pull Nick has. And with this, he can take your grandfather's company right out from under him.”

Dean pursed his lips at the response before turning to Benny. “Has John talked to the media yet?”

Benny shook his head, “Not that I know, brotha. But what she’s suggesting is far worse than exposing Adam.”

Dean knew that already. Still, one could only dream. He closed his eyes and steeled himself up. “Miss Braden, if you were so kind to follow me into my office, I’m sure we can come to an agreement on all of this.”

“Drop the diner girl and be with me and I can drop everything,” She said as she watched Y/N walk up to them.

He could barely contain a shudder in disgust at the request. “Whatever fantasy you’ve worked up for yourself is entirely different to the contract and the company, Lisa. My office, now. And we negotiate like actual business people.”

“Did you read the contract, sweetheart?” she laughed. “It’s in the contract. You dump diner girl, and you be with me, and everything will be square. Your grandfather’s company gets the engine, and I will let you keep this--” she sucked in air between her teeth, “dingy garage.”

“Silence!”

At that moment, King Nereus walked up to her and flashed his ring in her face, and smiled.

“I would be very careful with how you talk to my Daughter, Princess Y/N of Sindarta,” he said with a glare.

“Yeah, right.” She snapped back, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow at the king.

The king placed his ring in her face showing the royal crest of Sindarta, “I do not lie. You are a despicable excuse for a human being. I hope they imprison you for the lies you are telling.”

"Ms. Braeden,” Dean said as he was tapping away at his phone and smiled, “He isn’t lying,” he turned his phone to show her the webpage he had found on Sindarta with the royal crest on it.

Lisa stared wide-eyed at the small screen, “No fucking way.”

“She’s the real deal,” Dean said with a smile. “And she has way better manners than you do. Plus, she appreciates hard work. It’s what the people of Sindarta love about her,” he laughed. “Y/N is everything you will never be.”

“You seriously believe this bitch and the delusional old man that they are royalty to some made-up place?” she let out a laugh and shook her head. “I knew you were dumb, Winchester. I just didn’t know how pathetic and gullible you actually are.”

“You believe what you want,” Dean said with a smile. “But I pick her over you every time.”

“Well,” she said and turned to Y/N, “we’ll see just how good she is when I make her face look like ground beef!” she growled and began to charge at the princess.

Before she could get close enough, the three men that had been standing behind the old man and Y/N had stepped in front of her, tall and menacing, growling in a language Lisa hadn’t heard in her life. Two of them had blades drawn, and Lisa found herself stepping back.

“Who are you guys? What language is that?” she looked at them and glared. “I guess you use your body to get these men to protect you. Nice Dean, told you she was a whore.”

Y/N opened her mouth to retort but was beaten by Dathan, who looked as angry as she was. “Call her that one more time,” He snarled.

“What are you gonna do?” Lisa sassed. “You touch me, and you’ll be in jail until you rot. She. Is. A. Whore,” she repeated with malice in her voice.

“Okay, everybody, calm down!” Dean shouted as he came in between the bitch and Dathan. “Lisa, shut the hell up, and fucking go to my office so we can talk about that goddamned contract. And you guys–” he turned to the King. “Nereus, tell them to fucking put away the knives!” Dean closed his eyes, realizing his tone, “I’m sorry, your Highness,” He said in a quieter tone, “Please have them put the daggers away. I will handle her,” he pointed to Lisa.

“Handle me?” she huffed, watching as the men reluctantly listened to him. “you couldn’t handle your own dick, Winchester. Now I see why that Cassie Robinson from your grandfather’s birthday dumped you by fucking another guy behind your back.”

“Agent’s,” A voice called from the front of the garage. “Arrest that woman. She is the daughter of Alphonse Braden, who is scamming people of their money and companies through a Ponzi scheme. His engine is faulty and has caused accidents all over the country.”

At that moment, John walked in, adjusting his suit as he walked in, followed by federal agents. Lisa looked around in a panic and shook her head as she looked at Dean.

“Honey, tell them,” she said sweetly to Dean. “I am not like my father.”

“Oh no, sweetheart, no. Gentlemen, she’s right: she is not like her father. She’s worse. And threatened to frame and falsify information to destroy my grandfather’s company. Please, go right ahead.”

“No!” she shrieked, “You can’t do this to me, Winchester! All for what? A crappy garage and a whore from a diner?”

The next thing Lisa knew, her head was jerking back as she got a punch in the face. When the dizziness caused by the blow went away, she looked up to find Y/N standing right in front of her with her fists still clenched.

“Now you can arrest her,” She mumbled, turning back to her father and guards.

The federal agents grabbed Lisa and placed her arms behind her back as they handcuffed her. Y/N walked over to Dean and caressed his cheek. For a moment, they stood in silence. Dean placed his forehead against hers and sighed in relief that Lisa was going away; far, far, away.

“Sorry to do this in your garage, son,” John said as he placed his hands in his pockets, “It took Mick and Toni a while to find all the dirt they could on Lisa and Nick along with dirt on her father and his schemes,” he explained and turned to see the four mermen who gawked at him. “I’m sorry, where are my manners,” he chuckled and walked up to Nereus, “My name is John Winchester. I’m Dean’s father.”

“Nereus. I’m Y/N’s father.”

John turned to Y/N, “yes, the famous Y/N. I haven’t been formally introduced to her, but she makes my son happy.”

“He makes her pretty happy as well.”

Dean looked at his father and down at Y/N and sighed, “Come here angelfish,” he said to her as he led her to stand in front of his father, “Y/N, this is my father John Winchester,” he said, “Dad, this is Y/N.”

“It’s nice to officially meet you, John,” She smiled.

“You know,” John said, “Mary would love to meet you. Maybe after this whole circus is over, we could come down and have dinner with the two of you?” he asked as he looked at Dean.

He nodded. “Maybe.”

“If you both excuse me, I should go with the agents. We need to make sure Lisa, her father, and Nick are put away for a long time,” he offered them a smile, “It was nice to meet you, Y/N, although I wish it was under better circumstances.” he offered her his hand and smiled when she shook it.

John left shortly after that, leaving the garage to go back to normal once Benny got everyone back to work. Y/N and Dean held each other for a minute before they turned to the four mermen.

“I believe there is something we wanted to show you,” Y/N said as she pulled Dean with her so that her father and the guards could follow.

Her father’s first reaction to the Mermaid Wall was awe at how beautiful it was. Then came the teary eyes once he realized his sister and daughter were the mermaids in the picture, then turned to Dean, asked if it had been his idea, then hugged him after listening to the human answer the question.

“I only added the painting of Y/N,” he clarified. “The picture of Thames was originally Bobby’s.”

“I owe Singer a visit, then.”

“Your Highness, you are always welcome to come and visit,” Dean said, “And Thasman has a place here in the garage to work when he needs to let out some steam.”

“I will hold you to it,” Nereus said as he looked around, “I know my daughter will be happy here.”

=====================

Once Nereus saw that Bobby was living in the same place, Dean and Y/N decided it was time to visit Al’s. The king and guards marveled at the pastries and sweets the human world had to offer. With a box full of pastries, they all made their way back to Ellen’s. She had offered to cook, so a trip to the diner was unnecessary. But once everyone had their fill of food and pastries, it was time for the king to go back.

“I will miss you, my seastar,” he said as they were in the cave, “stay safe.”

Y/N smiled wobbly before clutching Nereus into a hug and rested her head on his shoulder. “You too, Father.”

The king let go and turned to Dean, “I have your word you will keep her safe?”

“You have my word, Your Highness.”

Nereus nodded and turned to Thasman and Roan, who were saying their goodbyes. Thames stood by her brother, avoiding Bobby as their son was talking to him.

“He is taking too long,” Thames whispered as she watched her son hug the man she loves. “We must get back to the kingdom.”

“Aren’t you gonna say something to your human?”

She shook her head, “I already said my goodbyes last night.”

“Go to him. Nothing is stopping you now other than yourself.”

“He’s saying goodbye to his son,” she objected in a whisper.

Nereus was having none of it. With a roll of his eyes, he took his sister’s hand and, much to her dismay, led her towards Bobby and planted her right in front of him before apologizing and letting the human know he’d have Thasman back in a couple of minutes.

“I’m sorry,” Thames said as she smiled apologetically. “My brother is not good with the word no.”

“It’s alright,” Bobby chuckled. “I suppose you’ll be going with him and staying with Thasman to make sure he adjusts well?”

“Yes. And until the coronation has passed and Thasman’s wedding with Roan is ready…” she trailed off. “We’ll come back and do another ceremony on land. I’m sure Thasman mentioned that to you.”

“He did,” Bobby nodded as he rocked on his heels. “Thames, if you regret what happened last night--”

The princess blushed at the kiss they shared in his home. Moving a strand of hair behind her ear, she swallowed the lump in her throat. “I-- I’m not sure what there is between us, Robert,” she admitted. “I can’t abandon my home and my son, but--”

“Y/N’s staying here, and she’s not abandoning her father, don’t you agree?”

“Y/N and I are different,” she whispered. “Besides, what would you want with an old mermaid like me? I should go.”

Thames was about to turn when Nereus sighed and walked over, “You are as stubborn as your son,” he muttered. “Stay.”

“Nereus…” Thames sighed. “It will not work. Please let me pass.”

“No,” he said as he crossed his arms, “You lost your chance at love once, Thames, don’t throw it away when you have been given a second chance.”

“I’m not throwing anything away. I just– I’m not leaving Thasman to figure everything about being King by himself. And there’s a coronation and wedding to plan.”

“And you can visit to help,” Nereus said. “You need to rekindle your life with Bobby. I remember how happy he made you, sister, please, stay.”

“It’s okay,” Bobby huffed. “She doesn’t want a grump like me anyways. Guess last night was our goodbye.” He turned to look at his son, “you visit when you can, you hear me?”

“Dad,” Thasman whispered as he looked at his father, “Don’t give up. I know she loves you. She’s just a-- a-- a stingray like me,” he couldn’t help but chuckle.

By then, Nereus had taken Thames by her arm and moved her away from Bobby and Thasman. The two of them speaking in a slew of mermish that the human could not keep up with.

“Son,” Bobby sighed. “Sometimes, you gotta learn when to stop swimming against the current and just go with the flow.” He offered his son a smile. “You go and learn everything you need to rule that kingdom of yours. I’m so proud of you, boy,” he said, placing his hand on the back of Thasman’s neck, holding his tears at bay. “I couldn’t have asked for a better son. I love you. You hear me?”

Thasman nodded, smiling softly. “Yeah.”

“Robert,” Thames said as she cleared her throat and held out her hand, “Goodbye.”

The human cleared his throat as he shook the offered hand. “You will come back this time, right? At the very least tell me about our son’s wedding.”

Thames smiled softly, nodding. Her face made a pained expression before yanking Bobby’s hand and pulling the man in into a kiss. When they pulled away, tears were streaming down her face.

Dean, Y/N, and Bobby watched as Thasman, Roan, Thames, the guards, and the king all dove back into the lagoon to head home.

SOOOOOO WHAT DID YOU THINK?? You liked it?? :D

Gonna tag y'all in a reblog because I can't do it here

Hopefully next chapter will be posted next Saturday. Take care y'all!

[stupidwithu]

I’m the loser (you know I’m gonna come undone)

this is extremely self-indulgent and honestly not that well written but it’s here now

summary: Eddie’s sick and Richie loves him.

Richie Tozier x Eddie Kaspbrak (IT)

__________

Eddie collapses into the hammock with a deep-rooted sigh. Subconsciously, his legs swing over the edge of it, in the direction of Richie’s head, who catches both Eddie’s ankles in a single hand.

“Occupado, asshole.”

“Fuck you,” Eddie says emptily. His voice is unusually subdued, Richie thinks, and the taller boy crinkles his nose at the sound of it.

“What’s your problem?” Eddie glares.

“What’s yours?”

Their banter is jaded. For once, there’s no venom – or even humor – behind Richie’s words. Just curiosity.

Eddie, on the other hand, seems… off.

“Eds?”

Eddie groans.

“You okay?”

Eddie offers a sock-clad tap to Richie’s left cheek. Richie slaps his foot away, rolling his eyes when it comes right back, knocking the rims off the bridge of his nose.

“I’m serious,” Richie exhales. “You look—”

“Like shit,” Stanley finishes. Richie narrows his eyes at him, like he’s just now remembering he and Eddie aren’t alone.

This seems to catch the rest of the losers’ attention. They turn in almost-creepy unison to face the boys with looks that are equal parts interest and concern. Richie blushes. He nudges Eddie away.

Eddie makes himself known with a soft whimper, curling in on himself with his back to the group (Richie can still see his face, all scrunched up and irritated). He doesn’t like the attention he’s getting. Not now. Not like this.

“I just don’t feel good, okay?” His voice is muffled by his own knees, pressed against his lips like he’s trying to make himself smaller. “Leave me alone.”

Richie’s seconds away from a Seriously, Eds? How old are you? when Bill cuts him off.

“What’s wr… what’s wrong, Eddie?”

For some reason, watching his friends fret over the boy before him makes Richie feel strange. An uncomfortable sensation bubbles up in his stomach and his blood goes warm. He swallows hard, opens his mouth, and says nothing.

In a matter of seconds, Beverly is crouched at Eddie’s side, one of her hands finding residence beneath his hair. Bill stands behind her, arms crossed, and Ben’s there too, like he wants to make sure he looks useful and caring, in case Bev happens to look his way.

Stanley and Mike keep their distance, and Richie doesn’t blame them, because a few hushed whispers into the love triangle’s apprehensive exchange and Eddie’s bolting upright, pushing them away – or at least attempting to. Richie scrambles to plant a foot on the ground to keep himself from falling as Eddie rocks the hammock.

“Stop!” He screeches. “Stop fucking touching me. I mean it!”

He’s breathing heavy. Richie can tell he’s got more to say.

“Eddie—” Ben starts, but Beverly gives the smallest shake of her head and he purses his lips. How does she do it?

“Guys,” Mike says then, and all heads but Eddie’s follow his voice. He cocks his head in the direction of the clubhouse entrance. “A word?”

With hesitant, almost shameful movements, they follow Mike and Stan up the ladder and into the afternoon sun.

Richie lingers a few seconds longer. He’s hoping Eddie will ask him to stay.

As if on cue, he tugs feebly at Richie’s wrist.

Eddie doesn’t say anything, not even when Richie tries one of his more annoying nicknames, but he doesn’t loosen his grip, either, and nobody seems to mind when they don’t move at all.

_____

When Eddie wakes, it’s to the feeling of Richie’s hands cupping both sides of his face.

For a moment, the soft yet slightly panicked brush of Richie’s skin against his cheeks makes Eddie think he’s at the Neibolt house again. His arm jolts in protest, but it doesn’t hurt like it did before. It’s not broken, and that’s not where they are.

The clubhouse, Eddie remembers slowly.

While he was asleep, it got dark. Richie switched positions somewhere between Stanley saying goodbye and Bev popping back in to kiss Eddie’s forehead. They’re laying in the same direction now, still in the hammock, bodies pushed together so that Eddie’s fanny pack is pressed uncomfortably to Richie’s torso. A surge of guilt runs through him. He wonders how long they’ve been like this. Eddie almost thinks he remembers Richie playing with his hair, but he might’ve dreamt that.

“Wha—Where’s everyone?”

“Not here,” Richie shrugs. He’s sweating, Eddie notices. How the fuck? It’s freezing. “Bill was the last one to leave, like an hour ago. I would’ve gone, too, but you just looked so adorable laying here all feverish and helpless, I—”

“Beep beep,” Eddie coughs. “R-Richie.”

“Oh, come on!” Richie has an argument on the tip of his tongue (that was not means for a beeping, Eds), but it falls to nothing when the coughing doesn’t stop. “Eddie!”

Eddie tries to sit up, but he’s light in the hammock and Richie’s weighing it down. He makes it halfway up before collapsing into Richie’s chest, pushing against him without an ounce of strength. He starts to wheeze, and Richie springs into action.

He falls to his knees before a now-seated Eddie, who hacks into the crook of his elbow. Richie winces, rather unhelpfully, giving one of his shoulders a tight squeeze. “C’mon, Eds. It’s okay. Breathe.”

When he’s able, Eddie punches Richie in the chest. “I’m trying, dipshit.”

Richie just smiles.

“I’m sorry you’re sick.”

Eddie frowns. Richie sounds so sincere. “I’m not—”

“Ben said he’d stop by with meds and if those don’t help, I’ll—”

Eddie pales.

“Shit, are you gonna puke?”

Eddie ignores him. “What meds?”

“I don’t fucking know, like, fever reducer…? I’m not a doctor.”

Eddie stands, nearly knocking Richie over in the process. A sudden fury crosses over his features. He fumbles with the buckle of his fanny pack, but his hands are trembling.

Richie rises in a matter of seconds, towering over him in a more natural stance. He covers Eddie’s hands with his own, an uncharacteristic gentleness overcoming him. “What do you need?”

Richie reaches for the zipper just as Eddie gets the belt undone. He tosses the bag as far as he can manage. It hits the wall then crashes against the ground with an empty thud. Richie flinches.

“Eddie?”

“Nothing! I don’t—I don’t fucking need anything in there!”

“Uh,”

“I don’t need medicine, Richie.”

Richie makes a weird face. Eddie wants to punch him. “Oh.”

“Fucking what, Richie?”

“This is about Sonia.”

“What?!” Eddie’s eyes go wide. “No, it isn’t.”

“Of course it is.” Richie runs a hand over his face. “I can’t believe I didn’t see it sooner! That fucking bitch traumatized you.”

“N-no.”

“You’re not sick, Eddie Bear, but you are sick—like with the flu or some shit, it’s actually disgusting—”

Eddie swings, but Richie avoids the hit easily.

“Stop!”

“I’m sorry she lied to you.” Sincere again. It’s not a good color on Richie, Eddie thinks. “That’s, like, a lot to unpack and it’s getting late, but you know your mom’s a piece of shit and I don’t think—”

“Fuck you, Richie.”

At that, Richie stops. Not because of the dark hatred that his favorite person in the entire world just spat at him, but because Eddie’s crying. Actually, openly sobbing. Eddie was furious and screeching and burning red and Richie blinked and now his face is wet and blotchy and he’s hiccupping and fucking crying. Just like that.

“Eds…”

“My mom loves me.”

“I—”

“Shut the fuck up. Just—just, for once in your goddamn life, Richie—”

“That’s not fair.”

“Shut the fuck up!”

Eddie’s furious again, but it’s short-lived. He takes a half-step forward before his knees buckle and he collapses into Richie’s open arms. He’s sick, gross, and mean but Richie doesn’t even blink. He pulls him close, waiting patiently as Eddie cries into his shirt.

“My mom loves me,” he sobs.

One of Richie’s hands snakes up Eddie’s neck, simultaneously testing his fever and taking the ends of his hair between his fingers in a soothing gesture. The other arm’s around his waist, keeping him steady. Eddie’s otherwise completely limp, clenching and unclenching the damp fabric on Richie’s back.

“I love you,” Richie says without thinking. Eddie sniffles. “I just mean… of course your mom loves you, Eds, she just—I don’t know. She just—She doesn’t—”

Richie pauses, takes a deep breath. He knows what he wants to say. He just doesn’t know if Eddie wants to hear it. Honestly, he thinks he already knows.

“The losers love you,” he corrects. “And we don’t want to see you sick, or hurting, like, ever…” he sighs. “Look at you, Eds.”

He’s referring to Eddie’s sickly pale skin – save for the bright pink fever and the tear stains – and his glossy eyes and his chapped lips and the way his tiny body shakes and his voice cracks. Richie knows he’ll be fine, but he can’t help the way his heart breaks.

“I didn’t think about how hard it must be for you. Meds, after everything… You don’t have to take them if you don’t want to. We just thought it might help if you woke up still feeling shitty and it seems like—”

Richie cuts himself off again. He clears his throat. “Anyways, are you done needing consoling? Because I’m not good at it and if you ever tell anyone I’m saying all this sappy shit, Edward, so help me—”

Eddie squeezes him tight. “I’ll take them.”

“Okay.”

“Please don’t take me home.”

“Okay.”

“I’m sorry—”

“Don’t be.”

“—I just wanna be here, just for a little while longer.”

“Okay.”

Richie would stay with him all night, if he asked.

Eddie pulls away, just slightly, and Richie helps him stand on his own. They’re silent for a while. Eddie’s staring, but Richie can’t bring himself to meet his gaze.

“I’m sorry,” he repeats.

Richie wants to kiss the words off his lips. He leans down and kisses his clammy forehead instead.

Eddie’s eyes are wide and Richie’s are closed, until Richie pulls away and they blink their expressions back to normal.

“I, uh, I love you too, Rich.”

[reid-effect]

Anything For You

This fic was inspired by @reid-fiction, I was binging her masterlist the other day and came across one of her head cannons, ”The 5 Best Types of Spencer Hugs”, number 4, “The relief hug” is what prompted me to write this fic. There's also a quick little mention to her fic ”Sugary Sweet” because it's still one of my favorites. I hope you all enjoy this, I’m not quite sure how I feel about it, but I spent a few days working on this so I figured I’d post it. Also, a big thank you to @bookofreid for reading some of this in the earlier stages and making me believe in myself. Let me know what you all think!

Warnings: Mentions of sickness, hospitals, and needles. 

You hadn't been feeling well for the last few days, and unfortunately for you, Spencer was still away on a case which left you hanging around your shared apartment not really taking care of yourself. When you got sick you'd revert into a childlike mindset and you needed someone to take care of you that someone being the one and only Spencer Reid, ever since the two of you started dating two years ago, lucky for you he was always able to be by your side when you needed him to take care of you even if you were just experiencing bad allergies to having the flu, this time was different though he wasn't there for you.

Spencer didn't even know you were sick you had come down with something the night he left for a case and you didn't want to worry him by telling him you felt like you were coming down with something. He’d been so busy on this case that he was only able to text you which you were sort of grateful for knowing how worried about you he’d be.

Things were starting to get worse you could tell you had a fever, but every time you’d go to stand up to get medicine you’d nearly collapse and you knew part of it was because you were severely dehydrated. You were coughing and having trouble breathing. Something was seriously wrong and you knew it. You reached over to grab your phone off your nightstand and dialed Penelope’s phone number.

Penelope had just hung up with Spencer and the rest of the team when she saw your name flash across the screen of her phone. She smiled, always eager to talk to you, and picked up with her cheerful voice. “Hi, Sweetness, What can I do for ya?” You managed a weak smile at her cheerful tone, no matter how you felt Penelope Garcia would always put a smile on your face, You went to speak but broke out into a coughing fit instead “I-I know you’re working on a case, but I didn't know who else to call. C-Can you take me to the hospital?” you managed once you caught your breath.

A look of concern spread across Penelope’s face the moment she heard how horrible you sounded. She knew you wouldn't have called her asking her to take you to the hospital unless something was seriously wrong especially if you knew she was working on a case.

You always kept your space to let the team do what they needed to do, but they always told you that if you needed any of them, no matter what, to just ask and they'd be there for you. Despite not being part of the team they took care of you as if you were one of their own.

“Of course, but Spencer didn't mention anything about you being sick,” Penelope said sounding puzzled, “He d-doesn’t know, I-I didn't want to worry him.” You replied, your voice shaky, “Oh Y/N, I’m on my way.” Penelope said as she got up to grab what she needed to be able to continue working on the case while with you at the hospital.

When Penelope walked into your apartment the first thing she noticed was you wrapped in blankets curled up on the couch and shivering, although the apartment was warm. You met her concerned eyes and managed a weak smile she ran over to you and immediately put her hand to your head “Y/N, You’re burning up. Have you checked your temperature?” She asked shocked by how hot you felt. You just shook your head in response, “I-I haven't been able to move, the thermometer is in the hall closest.” Penelope nodded as she rushed to get it. “Alright, let's see what's going on.” You turned your head as you moved the hair blocking your ear, “Oh my, Y/N, your temperature is 104.4!” Penelope gasped looking down at you, “That’s not too good, is it?” You laughed, both you and Penelope noticed the shift in your tone; you were now delirious. Penelope shook her head and helped you up off the couch, You wobbled a little bit and she held you steady “Hey, you're okay, I got you. Let's go.”

The car ride to the hospital was longer than Penelope would’ve liked it to be. Every time you coughed, sneezed or seemed to have trouble catching your breath Penelope’s concern for you would grow. You looked and sounded horrible. She couldn't believe that you hadn't told Spencer or called her sooner to come help take care of you.

When you arrived to the hospital you were sent to the emergency room, the woman at the desk directed you to the waiting area, Penelope protested telling her that your temperature was over 104. Immediately you were rushed into a room and a nurse had started taking your vitals; your temperature had risen to 104.6. Penelope’s phone rang while you were being checked on, it was Emily calling to ask about information for the case that they were still stuck on, Penelope went about the call not mentioning where she was, what Emily forgot to mention was that she was on speaker.

There were now multiple nurses in your room trying to get you to stay still so they could put an IV in your arm to get you hydrated again and take blood from your other arm, but you weren't having it. “I-I don't like needles. I don't want it.” You whined loudly, that caught Spencer’s attention, Penelope’s head perked up at this and she noticed the tears in your eyes.

“Garcia? Where are you? Is everything okay?” JJ asked.

No response.

“I need Spencer, I-I need him, I need him here with me.” You cried out.

Spencer immediately stood up ready to run out of the police station if you needed him despite the fact that he didn’t know what was going on. Luke put his hand on his shoulder to calm him down, “Garcia, What's going on?” Spencer said his voice dripping with curiosity and worry. “I-Uh-I’m at the hospital with Y/N.” She said quietly knowing that Spencer surely would be annoyed with her for not calling him the second she knew something was wrong. Penelope continued before Spencer could interject, “She called me about an hour ago asking me to take her to the hospital when I got to your apartment her fever was over 104, the nurses are to take her blood to run tests and hook her up to an IV because she's so dehydrated, but she won't let them.” Spencer sat there a look of shock mixed with worry on his face, “Garcia, put her on the phone.”

Penelope handed you her phone. Instantly you felt relieved by the sound of Spencer’s voice. “B-Baby I need you. I’m scared, I don’t like needles and I don't know what's going on. I need you here with me.” You cried, Spencer grimaced at the sound of your cries, Emily looked at him and mouthed “Go.”.

“Love, I know, I’m coming home to you now, but I need you to let the nurses do their jobs so they can see what's wrong and get you feeling better. You're going to be fine and when I get there I’m not going to leave your side.” He said his voice soft as he grabbed his messenger bag and coat.

“You promise?” You asked finally relaxing, Penelope held your hand as you let the nurses do what they needed to do, “I promise. I’m grabbing a cab to the airport to take the jet, I’ll be with you so, so soon. I love you.” Spencer said. “I love you too.” You said sniffling.

“Thank you.” Spencer said to Emily, She nodded, “Keep us updated.” She said. “Will do!” Spencer yelled back as he ran out of the station.

The doctor diagnosed you with Pneumonia, from what you understood, you had a pretty bad case of it, He said he wanted to keep you under observation for a few days to monitor your fever, immediately you were being given different medications to keep your fever down and treat the pneumonia. Penelope and you both thanked him. “Get some rest, I’ll let you know when Spencer gets here.” She said taking your hand in hers. You nodded drifting off to sleep.

Spencer arrived two hours later immediately rushing into the hospital and heading towards the receptionist's desk to get your room number. He rushed into your room and when he saw you his heart dropped. You looked so weak, pale, and just plain sick. Penelope was still at your bedside refusing to leave you. She assured Spencer that you looked a lot better than when you first arrived at the hospital, but that made Spencer wonder, how bad had you been? Your fever had dropped down to 102. The chart above your bed caught his attention instantly and when he saw “Pneumonia” written at the top of it he grimaced.

Penelope walked out of the room, Spencer silently thanked her as she left, to let Spencer have some time alone with you. He slowly settled into the seat next to your bedside, trying not to wake you up, he took your hand in his and rubbed his thumb over your knuckles.

Your eyes slowly fluttered open, “Spence?” you mumbled, rubbing the sleep out of your eyes with your free hand. “I promised you I’d be here, didn't I?” He said getting up to press a kiss to your forehead. You nodded in response, a genuine smile appearing on your face, “I love you so much. Thank you for being here for me.” You said squeezing his hand. “I love you more, go back to sleep, I’m not going anywhere, I’ll be here when you wake up,” Spencer replied pressing a kiss to your hand. And just like that, you drifted off to sleep again.

Your stay at the hospital lasted a few more days. The doctors waited until your fever had gone down a significant amount. The medication they gave you seemed to be working, you were still far from being 100%, but you were getting closer every day.

The car ride home with Spencer was silent you could tell he had something on his mind, but he didn't know how to approach it. When you arrived home Spencer instantly wrapped one arm around your lower back and the other one was wrapped around your upper body, his hand resting on the back of your head, you felt his body instantly relax the second his arms were around you, but you could tell he didn’t plan on letting go any time soon. 

“I’m alright, baby, I promise,” you said softly burying your face in his chest. You felt him nod his head, the best he could, in response. “I’m going to take off of work until you’re feeling 100% again,” Spencer said pulling back to look you in the eyes, but not letting go of you. You started to shake your head in protest “Spencer, no, your job is what's most important. People are counting on you. I can take care of myself, really it’s–” Before you could finish Spencer cut you off. 

“No. You’re what's most important to me. I have vacation days saved up, I’ll stay with you until I know that you're alright again, I was worried about you every day in that hospital and I’m still worried now.” You just looked up at him with a shocked expression on your face, “I should’ve called you while I was away If I had known something was wrong maybe things wouldn't have gotten so bad.”

“Spencer, stop that. You were doing your job there was nothing you could’ve done. I was sick and I would've just gotten sicker with or without you here, please don't blame yourself. You're here now and I’m doing better, that's what matters most.” Your words seemed to calm him down a bit, but you knew he had his mind made up about staying home with you and you weren't really going to deny his company. 

“So, what do you have planned for us for the next week or so?” You asked a smirk appearing on your face, “Hm, let's see, lots of cuddles, we’re going to watch lots of movies and TV shows, we’ll also play board games and do some puzzles if you're up for it.” Spencer said proudly kissing your forehead. 

”That sounds perfect.” You replied.

“Oh and also, I’ll bake you whatever you want.” He said taking your hands in his, your eyes lit up at that, Spencer was an amazing baker which you had discovered on your third date. 

“So you're going to do all of that with me and make me chocolate cake and brownies?” You said a huge smile on your face. “That's the plan,” Spencer replied pressing a kiss to your nose. “You really are perfect.” You exclaimed hugging him again. 

“I’d do anything for you, I hope you know that, I love you.” Spencer said softly looking down at you. 

“I know and I’d do anything for you. I love you too.” You responded resting your head against his chest once again. 

[boogiewrites]

Who We Were & Who We Are Now 17

Characters: Forrest Bondurant x Tawny Barrett (OFC)

Word Count: 4500+

Summary: Forrest comes back home and immediately rights the wrong he feels he’s done to Tawny. She tells him of the evil she’s done and it only makes him want her more. They make their love official in the same place it all began.

Warnings/Tags: FLUFF. Romance. Wedding. Lovey lovey love love.

Positive feedback is MUCH appreciated! Reblogs, likes, asks and comments feed me to write more! Let me know if you’d like tagged in my work.

My Masterlist.

With Howard's help, you managed to get some sleep after the life-changing night you'd had. With everything your anxious mind could think of checked off your mental to-do list, you lie down and try to gather yourself for the homecoming of Forrest. You don't get any deep restful sleep, but come morning you were running strong off of a pleasant mixture of anxiety and happiness at the arrival of Forrest.

You'd gotten up and fixed yourself up, nothing too noticeable, curling your hair and putting a little color back into your face after the intense night you'd had. You put on a dress you knew Forrest liked, seeing as he'd gotten it for you for no reason you were aware of, you thought he might like to see you in it after going through the trouble of buying it for you. You stand inside the station biting your lip in anticipation, your hands clasped in front of you and wringing in excitement as you got to see Forrest’s form darken the doorway once again. There aren't any customers yet as it's still early, the smell of coffee wafts around the station, your usual signal to your senses that the day was beginning. The air is crisp from the screen door that creaks open, seeing your boys walking in together. It was a sight just a month ago you weren't sure if you'd ever get to see again and now in the golden light of morning, you had the distinct pleasure of seeing all the Bondurant boys come into the station, waddling behind Forrest like little ducks in a row.

Howard and Jack walk in behind him, acting like they were expecting him to stumble at any moment. He didn't look particularly frail, but he was moving very slowly. His face was hard, you assume from hiding pain. His strong squared face was thinner, the color paler than you recall it being the last time you saw him in the hospital. His jaw is clenched, tiny beads of sweat from exertion roll down his stubbled cheeks as he takes no help from anyone.   You don't reach for him or touch him, not wanting to give away your worry for his condition. He was a proud man and you didn't want to insult him. You step forward with a big but closed mouth smile on your face, making sure he knew you'd be happy to receive him no matter what condition he came home to you in He takes his eyes off the floor once he stops and takes a long look at you before your eyes meet. He sees your hands wringing together, itching to touch him, your weight shifted forward on your toes in anticipation. He gives you a subtle half smile, his eyes going soft for you and you try to hide the heavy sigh you want to release at the sentiment behind the stare.

"I'd like a word with Miss Tawny." he says, taking his hat off and setting in on a table, letting his hand rest on it for a moment to hold himself up.

You look to Howard with an inquiring expression. Did he know about Rakes? What was going on? Howard's appearance says he knows as little as you do and shrugs slightly. Both of his brothers nod and bow out of the room to the porch.

His footsteps are heavy and slow and you stand and wait for him patiently. As he approaches, he reaches out and takes your hand. It's a bit weak and clammy, but you don't believe it to be from any indecision, only a by-product of his condition.

"Come with me sweetheart." he says softly, a kind smile that reached his eyes presented to you as you nod happily walk as slow as he needs behind him.

He leads you into his office, letting your hand go and shutting and locking the door behind him. You watch him with intense interest and curiosity. He shuts the curtains on the windows and turns on a lamp on his desk. You stay quiet, you don't offer to help because if he thought he needed it he'd ask. He was as fast as molasses in the wintertime but he was managing just fine.

He noticed you being patient with him, that same sweet and caring expression sent his way anytime he looked in your direction. He knew by you behaving this way, letting him do these things himself, that he was making the right decision. He kneels down, opening up a secret panel in the wall by removing one of the pieces of wood. You're interested but ask no questions as he removes a metal box, his broad form hiding what he was doing and it would seem it might be on purpose. You look down to the floor at your feet, waiting for him. He puts the box back in the wall after a few unidentified shuffling noises, the piece clicks back into place.

He grunts as he stands, using one hand on the wall to steady himself. He turns to face you, hands in his pockets as he starts to speak with his eyes on the floor.

"This ain't how I wanted this to go but...if you wait for things to be perfect you'll be waiting forever." his brow his furrowed, your face is open and waiting in earnest for his words. He shuffles towards you, towering as usual and you were thankful he was able to be upright at all. "I've almost died a few times. But I don't know that I've had to fight so hard to stay alive before. While I was fightin' it this time, all I could think about was you." your face goes soft, your lashes blink slowly at the vulnerable man in front of you. "I don't know that if I didn't have you to get back to, that I would've made it this time." his brow shifts, his voice low and slow, telling you of how strongly he meant what he was saying. "And seein' as I'm on borrowed time already by your hand," his head shifts towards you, he reaches out an takes the hands he referred to into his own. "I realized when I had time to think about it in the hospital... it's been you this whole time ain't it?" he raises his face, his eyes now met with yours and your brow knits as you tilt your head up at him, wanting to understand what he was trying to express. "I beat that flu, thinkin' about what if's. I survived a slit throat because you cared about me. Now I get shot and knowing you'd be here, waitin' on me when I got home...  it kept me alive." Your eyes shine with tears and your breath hitches. What had you done to deserve to hear such words from such a force of nature like Forrest Bondurant? "You're my reason for livin' Tawny. I can see that now." he nods, his hand moving to his pocket. "I apologize for not tellin' you sooner, sweetheart and I hope you know I mean that from the bottom of my heart." he meets your eyes and gives you a series of slow nods. "But I aim to spend the rest of my life making it up to you." he says quietly as he, grunts through the pain, damned and determined to get down to one knee to see this through properly for your sake.

You can't breathe, your throat is sealed shut and your eyes don't recall what blinking is anymore as you try to hide your surging emotions from him.

"I love you more than I can express. And I'd like to spend my whole life apologizin' for that too if you'd let me. Tonya Barrett, "he clears his throat, eyes meeting yours again. "Would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

You'd never seen fear in the man's eyes before. And there it was. Soul bared to you, leaving his heart in your hands willingly. Your mouth opens and trembles, you gulp noisily and nod. You nod and nod it doesn't stop even as you speak.

"Forrest Bondurant I would love nothing more than to be your wife." you choke as he slides the simple, slender ring onto your finger. You don't let him rise, you couldn't wait any longer. You drop to your knees, showing you are at each other's mercy and you hold his face. "I love you so much," you whisper, one single kiss to his lips. You aren't harsh like you wish to be. You want to meld into one being with him, but both on your knees now, one of his hands in your hair, the other around your waist as your rest your hands on his shoulders and kiss gently instead. Your noses nuzzles against each other, he can tase the salt from your tears as he gives you all he can endure in the state he's in. "I missed you so much," you whisper between soft, slow rounds of kisses. "I was so scared, Forrest."

"So was I." he confesses, foreheads pressed together.

"I love you too much for you to leave me." you murmur, your hands on either side of his face as you press your lips to his cheeks.

"I ain't leavin' ya, Tawny. Without you, I'm just a man, but with you, I'm invincible." through the tears that fall, you feel the things neither of you could say in the shaky breaths you share. With your hearts pressed as closely together as possible, they tell each other what words couldn't express. ------ You'd closed the station early and with Forrest being home and alive you had a perfectly reasonable excuse to have had such a smile on your face the entire day. He stayed in bed and Howard stayed around to help you run the station allowing you to go up and check on him a few times. You'd fluffed his pillows as he insisted you didn't, you fed him his lunch even though he said he was perfectly capable of doing it himself and every time he objected to you taking care of him, you got to lean in and whisper that you were going to be his wife now and that meant you took care of him and he had to listen to you. With a kiss to his cheek, you'd ran your hand down the side of his handsome face, sighing heavily as a small amused smile surfaced at your words. Every time you'd lean down to kiss him he'd see the ring hanging from the chain around your neck, worn as such to keep your privacy. The thrill of metal warmed by your skin, the weight of the band against your chest was a constant reminder of how far the two of you had come.

As you settle in to sleep, you make your way to his room. You change his bandages, wash him up and get his medicine down him before slipping into bed next to him. You couldn't exactly snuggle up to him like you were used to, but you made do. On the side of his body that only had one shot to his lower abdomen, you rest your head gently on his shoulder, laying on your side with your hand on his chest and only after he insisted you weren't hurting him by doing so. As your fingertips run through the chest hair, his shirt off from your insistence when you changed his bandages and told him he needed to let them breathe, you take in his profile as he rests with his eyes closed. You know you only have a certain amount of time before his medicine kicks in and you know you need to tell him about Rakes knowing the longer you waited, the harder it would be.

You were nervous, you weren't sure how he'd take it. Howard had reassured you many times, offering to tell him for you since it seemed to make you so anxious, but you refused.

"Forrest?" you say softly into the shadowy room.

"Hmmm?" he hums with a twinge of his brow.

"I have something I need to tell you?" he could hear the uncertainty in your voice and he's surprised by it.

"Hmmm? What is it sweetheart?" he asks softly, turning his head to face you.

"I'm guessin' Howard told you about Rakes gettin' away, right?" your nose twitches as you feel your pulse start to quicken.

"Mmmm." a lower annoyed sound from him.

"Well.. um..." you let out a heavy sigh through your nose.

"Don't you worry about him, Tawny." he says softly, the arm you rested on bending and stroking your hair. "We've got men out looking for him, eyes on the station, he won't hurt you." he says comfortingly and you bite your lip.

"I'm not worried about him, baby." you let out a huff of air that's almost like a laugh and it confuses him. "And you shouldn't be either."

He tilts his head slightly, brow softer and more inquisitive. "Why's that?" he asks casually.

"Because he's dead." you state flatly.

"Dead?" he asks.

"Yeah." your voice stays the same.

"And how would you know that?" his voice drops lower.

"Because I..." you try to force it out.

"Tawny?" he asks more assertively.

"He came to the station last night, and I's alone. Well...I guess the most important part to share is that I killed him." the words come out gritty as you push them, your nose wrinkles, bolstered for a severe reaction.

He's still for a moment, just watching you and you find the nerve to meet his eyes. "You killed him?" his voice is still even, no sign of being offended yet.

"Yeah. I stabbed him and...used your knuckles and then...I shot him in the head." you whisper.

"You? You killed Rakes." he affirms.

"Yes." you almost whimper out, still apprehensive.

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to elaborate, darlin'." he says with a huff of air.

"I was alone, cleanin' up and he came in. He was spewin' all sorts of threats to me about you, sayin' things that don't deserve repeatin' about what he was gonna do to me... then what he's gonna do to you. I had your knuckles on me of course, I've kept 'em in my apron since you've been gone. I caught him off guard and stabbed him, then I hit him with everything I had. He tried to pull his gun but I took it. I kinda blacked out. I remember screamin' about you and the boys and... so much blood. I stabbed him in the chest and then I shot him in the head." you pause after the words come out rushed, your mind still comprehending that what you were telling had really happened. "He's dead, Forrest." your voice sounded exhausted as you retold the story.

"Where is he now?"

"I gave Howard the idea to chop him and feed him to the pigs. He burned everything else and I cleaned up the station."

"Howard helped you?"

"He showed up about halfway through the whole...fight. I didn't even notice he was there."

"And he didn't help you?" the first sound of anger is in his voice.

"I didn't..." you huff out an uneasy laugh. "I didn't really need it at that point?" your purse your lips. "I made him not tell you, I wanted to tell you myself. Thought that was the best approach."

He's quiet, eyes looking past you, brain whirring with thoughts.

"If you're mad I understand." you mutter, your hand placed flat on his chest as your eyes go wide and beg for forgiveness as he turns his face to meet yours.

"Mad? At you?" his face might've been as dramatic as you've ever seen it, it was a shame it was so dark in the room.

"Yeah... 'cause... I figured you wanted to be the one to do it and I didn't know if you'd want a woman who'd do and say the kinda things I did last night." your voice is small as you shake your head, lowering your eyes.

He grunts, moving slowly to his side to face you, his hand moving to your face to make you look at him. "Tawny. Why would I be mad at you for doing exactly what you should've done?" he whispers, eyes not leaving yours as you slump with relief. "The only thing that makes me mad about it is that it goes to show I should've made you a Bondurant sooner." he says with a purpose in his voice that makes your stomach butterflies excite. "You..." he lets out a sigh, kissing your forehead and pulling you close, injuries be damned. "My little Tawny killed Rakes," he says in disbelief as your head rests against his chest. "But of course you did." he clutches you against him. "It's fittin' the matriarch of the Bondurant's would be the one take out their biggest enemy wouldn't it?" he whispers into your ear, a kiss to your temple follows. "You took care of us."  he moves you away to gaze at your face again. "You took care of this entire family." his heart swelled and pumped at the admiration and pride he felt.

Anytime he'd spent in the hospital that wasn't thinking about you, he was thinking about how he was going to kill Rakes. He'd think about how he would manage to protect you and everyone from Rake. And while he wasn't able to you'd stepped up, just like you told him you would. You had it handled. Even though he had no doubts before, the fact that you stood up for him, his family and yourself against someone that had sworn to destroy all of you.

"I had to do it for us, Forrest. For me and you and the boys. I wasn't going to let him hurt you again. And I made him suffer. I'm still a little shaky about it truth be told, but I hurt him as much as I could before he died. For you. For everything he's done." your voice is so small and thinks you should have more pride for what you've done.

"Tawny...baby..." he smiles at you. "Don't you ever feel ashamed for doing what you have to to survive. Don't even think I'll hold it against you for doin' somethin' like this, alright?" he says, thumb caressing your cheek.

"Yes, Forrest." you nod.

"I'm so proud of you." he leans forward despite it being difficult to and kisses you. "My perfect little wife." he hums against your lips.

"Forrest." you huff out, blushing with embarrassment from the praise.

"I'm not waiting another day to marry you. I'm callin' the preacher tomorrow. We'll get the paperwork and we'll go somewhere secret, just me 'n you." he gives you a soft peck to the lips. "Don't worry 'bout workin' tomorrow, you go get you a nice dress, flowers, whatever it is you want." another kiss.

"I know where I wanna do it." you say with a smile, he's so thankful to see your eyes bright again.

"Where's that?" he settles back into the bed, not wanting to push himself. Especially with a big day coming.

"The one place that's always been just for me 'n you." you smile happily, returning to the crook of his arm, your fingertips brush across his chest again.

He lets out a small huff of breath. "Mmm Hmm." he nods. "That'll be perfect, sweetheart." he sighs. --------------- The morning is a blur. You get up before the sun and do exactly as he said, you buy a charming vase of flowers, tying them yourself to form a bouquet and buy a modest white dress. Nothing about it was anything you'd ever thought of when you'd entertained the fantasy of getting married, but it was difficult to imagine it going any other way with the life you were combining yours with. It was slightly chaotic and full of nervous energy, but ask any other bride and they'd say their intricately designed day felt much the same to your spontaneous one. Amidst the sneaking and the hurried errands, nothing ever felt as if it shouldn't be happening the way it was, you were going to be a Bondurant and despite every bit of anxiety, it felt like everything was as it should be.

You gather your dress in paper, hiding it in the bottom of a basket with your flowers. You go to the woods under the guise of picking mushrooms and plants and no one seems to bat a lash at the excuse. Forrest had left before you, knowing it would take him longer to get to your rendezvous point and trying to make the meeting less obvious. You make your way through the springtimes woods, being sure to take in the air, fingers grazing over the tree's you'd ran past hundreds of times in the dark as kids. You follow the beaten, unmarked trail down to the pond and make yourself emotional thinking about all the times you'd been down this path before. You'd only ever been down this way a handful of other times in daylight, and you found it poetic that all the times before you'd been running full speed, recklessly in the dark to be alone before. But today everything was clear and bright and alive and you knew without a doubt what you were headed for. Growing up you'd wanted the rock for isolation, to hide and lament your life where no one else could see. Forrest always seemed to ignore that and despite your wordless attempts to get him to leave you alone he never would. It was as if he knew long before you did that you didn't come here to be alone at all, you came here to be with him. So it was befitted you were headed to the place that would signify the end of you being alone and the beginning of something to share with vulnerability, a life to revel in together.  

You change behind a bush in the woods into your dress, a nontraditional approach to say the least. But as you see him standing in his proper suit jacket, proud as could be, watching you walk down the embankment to the pond you couldn't imagine reaching this milestone in your life any other way. He'd paid a hefty amount for the preacher to keep his mouth shut about it and that was fine with you. Would it have been a Bondurant wedding if bribery wasn't involved somehow, anyway?

Your steps are light as you stand beside the moss-covered boulder that always stood as a marker of your affections for one another. WIth no one else to witness, you take your bouquet and lay it on the stone before reaching out to join hands together for the last time as a Barrett. Your eyes were bright, delighted and full of the best sort of nervousness you'd ever known. As is typical of your Forrest, his brow was low over those stormy blue eyes that kept tight to yours. As your hands shook he grasped them tighter, an appropriate indication to join the metaphor of the ceremony. It went by the book and it was all either of you needed. It was simply a formality but for plenty of reasons, the most important to him being that you deserved to be made his wife and a Bondurant at an official capacity. Your vows are those that had been said by countless others before you, the charming simplicity in them now hitting you as you connected your life to his with words that weren't your own. But words had never really been how you two expressed your feelings and you didn't need them starting now.

After a repeated vow and an "I do." from both, the man was even shy to kiss you with only the preacher there and you couldn't help but let out a giggle through the building veil of tears. Forrest as he always was around anyone else was reserved and stoic and you were entirely the opposite. You'd become a young girl again, bubbling over and splitting at the seams with visible joy as if you'd never known heartbreak in its many forms intimately as you had.

You found his anticipated behavior to only be endearing, as you knew the real Forrest and that's all that mattered to you. You heard the loving things he whispered into your ear at night, you knew how he held you, cherished you when you were alone and that would always be more than enough. And your love was exactly that, yours. No one else's. No one else needed to know how lucky the two of you were. Whether it was for safety or him not wanting anyone knowing his business, it was his decision as your husband now and you couldn't bring yourself to mind in the least. You got to keep him like a secret, and he you. It seemed that was how it'd always been with the two of you, and you found it apt that should be how it was now.

With it still being under three weeks of him being shot, his health still wasn't great. Your wedding night was spent together in each other's arms with more kisses and sweet words than either of you had ever spoken and that was the beginning and end of it. And despite his apologies for not being able to make it "proper" as he'd put it, you couldn't have cared less. There would be time for that later, there were more important things than that to focus on. Like how the light hit the stone of your rings that you got to wear on your hands and not around your necks as you lay in bed, the fingers bearing the jewelry laced together. It felt better than you'd ever hoped, being someone else's. It was something you had thought might've not been for you, and if you'd stayed in the city it wouldn't have been. You felt an ease come over you that you hadn't anticipated. It was as if you were finally letting go of all the darkness that brought you to this place in your life. If it hadn't been for all the wicked things, you wouldn't have ended up here in with him. The love you felt that far exceeded any expectations you'd ever had made it feel worth it in hindsight. You'd made it through the storm and now you were left in the calm wake of it with Forrest, the darkness now behind you both. You were starting something new together, something chaste, wholesome and true. It felt like it'd been lifetimes since either of you had been able to recall such a sentiment.

Chapter 18 (NSFW)

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