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keanureevesisbae · 3 years

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But professor… - c.9

Summary: Walter and Penny can almost welcome their kid, however Penny starts to become very anxious

Professor!Walter Marshall x Penny Townsend (Asian ofc)

Wordcount: 2.3k

Warnings: Just mentions of punching people

Masterlist // But professor… masterlist // Previous chapter //

I’m thirty weeks pregnant and I know that I have around eight to ten weeks to go, however, this pregnancy has been pretty straining on my back, my pelvis and basically my entire body. Moving around is painful and my mom is over at our place a lot of the time to help me out. I’m thanking the heavens that I am not doing cosmetology school now as well, knowing for a fact that I probably couldn’t keep up at all.

If I’m not sitting on the couch reading, I’m crying because I am sitting in the nursery and think about having a little baby and all the bad things that could happen to them.

Walter is drained from a rough day of patrolling and he plops next to me on the couch. Just like any other day, I barely moved, however he still asks me the question.

‘How was your day, princess?’

‘Boring,’ I mumble. ‘How was yours?’

He simply shrugs, probably because something happened and he doesn’t want me to worry. I rest my head against his chest and without thinking it seems, he places his hand on my stomach. ‘Have they been good to you?’ he asks

‘They sure have been,’ I chuckle. ‘Just hate the fact that I’m practically glued to the couch.’

Walter nods, pressing a kiss on top of my head. I know he worries a lot and therefore confides to my mom, asking her what more he can do to help me out. Walter is being the perfect boyfriend, because even my mom said that he is doing literally all he can to help me out. One night I found him scrolling and searching for tricks to ease the pain and discomfort, though he never lets me in on it.

‘If you’re up for it, we could have dinner,’ he says, ‘somewhere other than our living room.’

‘Where do you want to go?’

‘I don’t know what you’re craving. I’m up for anything.’

‘Pizza?’ I ask. ‘I would really love a Hawaiian Pizza.’

Walter frowns for a second—probably remembering how I told him multiple times that I hate pineapple on pizza—but then he nods. ‘Of course, princess.’

✎ ✎ ✎

We’re sitting at a restaurant across from each other and it’s nice to be out and about again. I mean, I go to town with my parents a lot, I hang out with the ladies from the pregnancy class, but going out with Walter has been a while, especially because he has been working long hours and I’m tired after one trip to anywhere basically.

Walter actually stretched out his leg underneath the table, towards my side, so I can rest my feet on it. Every time I have a crust left, I hand it over to him and with a small smile he accepts them. ‘So,’ I say, ‘I’ve been thinking about a name.’

‘Tell me.’

‘I would say that for a girl we could call her Emma.’

Walter tilts his head. ‘Emma Marshall, sounds cute,’ he says with a smile. ‘You have a name for when it’s a boy?’

I shrug. ‘I don’t know. I actually think they’re a girl.’

He starts to laugh. ‘Why do you think that, princess?’

‘Just a gut feeling,’ I chuckle. ‘What do you think?’

‘I have no idea,’ he says, holding out his hand for me to take. When I placed mine in his, he adds: ‘I actually have a name for a boy. Wanna hear?’

‘Always.’

‘Declan.’

Oh, that’s a lovely name. I don’t think I even know someone who is named Declan. ‘Declan Marshall. That sounds so cute. I absolutely adore it, Walter.’

Walter smiles and gives me a kiss on my hand. ‘We’ll see how we name them.’

‘Yeah,’ I chuckle. ‘Just around ten weeks or less,�� I say. ‘Kinda nervous.’

‘Why’s that?’

‘It’s giving birth, Walter. That’s scary. All these other ladies are so confident and proud of what their bodies can do and all. I mean, sure, that’s awesome, but it also terrifies me.’

‘Understandable,’ he says. ‘I’ll be there for you, every step of the way.’

‘I know,’ I chuckle. ‘It’s just that… I don’t know. With being pregnant, it’s just all a fantasy. With a newborn, it’s the real deal.’

Walter nods, taking in my worries. ‘Well,’ he says, ‘you and I can manage.’

‘You’re being awfully nonchalant about it.’

‘That’s because I need to stay calm for you. Believe me, princess, I’m freaking out on the inside.’

I frown, because that’s the first time he actually told me those words. Usually he says that he cannot wait for this baby to arrive, though it is a little scary every now and then, but saying he is freaking out?

That’s new.

‘What?’ I ask him. ‘Are you serious?’

He nods. ‘I mean, being a parent is difficult. Growing up I didn’t have the love and support I needed. I basically raised myself and judging from the person I am today, I didn’t really do a good job.’

‘You did an excellent job,’ I retort. I know about his youth and how he had to raise himself, how you can still notice it in his day to day life. ‘Walter, please tell me about your worries. You don’t always need to be the protective big bear who prevents me from any harm. I’m a big girl and I need you to confide with me. Please?’

He sighs as he is looking everywhere but to me. This is hard, I can see it, but from the looks of it, he is gonna agree with me. ‘Okay, I’ll try.’

✎ ✎ ✎

Dinner ended not so great. As we were walking back from the restaurant to our car, two guys thought it was necessary to whistle at me (I didn’t even notice at first, but then Walter’s entire demeanor changed, so that’s how I was informed about the matter).

Let’s just say, it evolved into an argument and then one of the guys thought it was an excellent idea to push Walter. I applaud him for having the guts to push my boyfriend, but it was honestly one of the stupidest things for him to do, because Walter wouldn’t be Walter if he punched the guy and his friend.

Multiple times.

I have been ignoring him for the entire drive and once we’re home, I still don’t know what to say to him.

‘Princess,’ he whispers, carefully trying to approach me as I’m sitting on the edge of the bed in his shirt. ‘Please talk to me.’

I purse my lips together, as tears burn in my eyes.

He sits behind me, placing his hands on my upper arms. ‘I’m sorry,’ he says.

‘Sorry for what?’

‘For scaring you. I was just protecting you, darling.’

‘What’s wrong with just ignoring the matter, Walter?’ I ask him, turning to the side so I can look at him without craning my neck. ‘You scared me back there.’

‘I’m not gonna let some dip shit whistle at you, especially not when I’m next to you,’ he defends himself.

‘You’re an officer,’ I tell him. ‘I don’t think this is proper behavior.’

‘I wasn’t gonna let anything happen to you,’ Walter retorts.

‘That’s not the point. The point is you put yourself in danger.’

‘Hardly.’

I glare at him. ‘I don’t like this,’ I say. ‘Have you any idea how stressful it was for me? You know what, never mind. I’m going to sleep.’

He scoots back and I wrap my arms around the pregnancy pillow, with my back towards him. I love Walter, I really do, but this… I saw it all unfolding in front of my eyes.

It would start with an argument, some light pushing, until the other guys would pull out a knife, stab Walter, which would result in a trip to the hospital. Possibility of death. Me having to bury the father of my child.

I push my face in the soft fabric of the pillow, as hot tears slide over my cheeks. Walter sighs deeply next to me and starts to toss and turn next to me. His leg bumps into mine and it causes him to hold his breath. ‘Sorry, Penny,’ he says.

I dry my cheeks on the pillow. ‘Walter,’ I whisper, ‘you know I worry when you go to work.’

‘I know,’ he says, ‘but you don’t need to.’

‘You’re gonna be the father of our kid,’ I continue, ‘and I’d like to raise them with you, not in memory of you.’

‘Princess,’ he whispers, ‘we’re gonna raise this kid and eventual others together. You know, before I met you, I was an adrenaline junkie, detective or not. I got into a lot of shit, hence the reason I was suspended and started teaching. You, my love, made me realize that chasing danger like I used to, is not gonna get me further in life. Now I have you, I have the love of my life here with me and I’m never ever gonna do anything that’ll put me or you or our child in danger.’

‘Then why did you punch him?’

‘Because he started it,’ Walter says, only for him to realize how toddler like that sounds. ‘I just want to protect you against anyone,’ he says in a softer tone. ‘Because I love you, Penelope Townsend. You are my everything.’ He wraps his arm around my upper body, pressing a kiss against my temple. ‘I’m sorry I scared you, Penny. I never meant to do such thing.’

‘I know,’ I whisper. ‘Sorry for overreacting.’

‘No, no, no, you’re not overreacting. Maybe I was.’ He pulls me closer to his own body and places his hand on my stomach. ‘Just know that I will forever protect you and the baby.’

I chuckle. ‘I know that. Promise me you won’t do anything stupid anymore, not when I’m around at least.’

He smiles. ‘I’ll tone it down a notch, princess.’

✎ ✎ ✎

‘Is that that colosseum thing you were talking about?’ Walter gestures towards my chest and I look down, spotting two tiny wet patches near my chest area, before bursting into laughter.

‘Colostrum, Walter, not colosseum.’ Oh dear, he is totally blushing, because of his mistake. ‘Can you grab me another shirt?’

I barely asked the question, when he jumps up and rushes upstairs. I rub my stomach a little bit, slightly scared at how much it expanded. I’m close to the end of my pregnancy, having reached thirty nine weeks yesterday. I wonder how it’ll ever go back to normal.

Walter comes down again and without me asking he changes my shirt. ‘Have I told you I loved you today?’

‘A few times.’ I give him a kiss and whisper: ‘I’m proud of you.’

He frowns. ‘Why are you proud of me? You’re the one growing an entire baby here.’ He carefully places his hands on the side of my stomach. ‘The least I can do is to make things as comfortable for you as possible.’

‘But you always do it without complaining,’ I say. ‘I heard that Stacey’s husband is such a pain in the ass. Always complaining, groaning about how much he has to do nowadays.’

Walter scoffs. ‘Well, pregnant or not, I’d like to worship you, make your life as easy as I possibly can.’ He gives me a kiss. ‘What can I do for you, darling?’

‘Sex,’ I say, before I curl my lips in. Oh gosh, never have I been so straight forward. My cheeks heat up. ‘No, please, forget what I said.’

‘Is my girl asking me for sex?’ Walter starts to laugh. ‘The day Penny Townsend asked me for sex has finally arrived.’

‘I’m sorry,’ I laugh nervously. ‘It’s just been awhile.’ Awhile equals three months. I hate how he sometimes initiates, but I simply shake my head. It’s a combination of a very low sex drive, not feeling pretty and being in pain nearly twenty four seven.

He leans forward and kisses me. ‘Want to go to the bedroom, princess or is the couch acceptable as well?’

‘We can stay here,’ I whisper.

‘Then let me close the curtains and lock the door, okay?’

‘Okay,’ I mumble.

When he comes back, he takes off his shirt, so I can admire his beautiful strong body. There is something so special about Walter. He looks strong enough to left a car up with one arm, but he is a mushy man the second the front door closes and we’re together. He kneels in front of me, pressing open mouth kisses on my lips. ‘Shit, I love you,’ he says against my mouth. He disregards my shirt and admires me.

‘Stop,’ I say, rolling my eyes.

‘No, no, no, I could never stop admiring you.’ He places his hands on my expanded stomach and says: ‘You’re so beautiful.’

He gives me a long kiss and then I whimper. Not out of pleasure, but out of shock.

‘What’s wrong?’ he asks me.

‘I think my water broke.’

✎ ✎ ✎

Twelve hours later, I am looking at Walter, who holds the little baby in his strong arms. He sits next to me on the bed and wraps one arm around my shoulders. ‘Penny, princess,’ he says, ‘I don’t think words can describe how proud I am of you and how much I love you.’

I nuzzle my face in his chest. ‘I love you too. Thank you for not freaking out.’

‘Externally freaking out you mean, because on the inside I was fainting,’ he chuckles. He gives me a kiss on my temple. ‘I’m a dad.’

I actually see some tears in his eyes and I cannot stop my own either. ‘I know.’ I place my hand on the little bundle and whisper: ‘We’re officially parents. It’s so surreal.’ I let out a deep and content sigh.

The little baby opens their eyes and I cannot stop my smile.

‘Hi, little one,’ Walter says. ‘Oh no, Penny, we’ve created an exact copy of yours.’

I chuckle. ‘Good luck saying no to him,’ I say. ‘We love you so much, Declan Marshall. So so much.’

#henry cavill #henry cavill fanfiction #walter marshall #henry cavill x you #walter marshall x penny townsend #walter marshall x asian ofc #walter marshall x ofc #walter marshall x oc #asian ofc #penny townsend #but professor

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toto2229 · 3 years

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The Murder of Crystal Cove

TW: Death, Murder, cursing

Welcome to Crystal Cove the most boring place in America that is until Emma, the most popular girl in school is murdered. You must choose who to trust and who to question, remember your choices impact how the story plays out.

Y/N Pov

The day started like no other, you got up and did everything you usually do. Went downstairs to go to your car where your best friend Hansol was waiting for you. “Took you long enough” he joked as you unlocked your car so he could get in. Going to school Hansol usually chose the music as was the agreement that you got to choose on the way back. Once you got to school, he went off to find Seungkwan while you went to look for Steph and Rae. “Hey there you are, you know if you go to sleep earlier you won’t be late,” Steph said.

“It's not like school has actually started,” you said, and its true school didn’t start for another few minutes its Friday anyways so who cared if you miss the first period besides your theatre friends. “You know if you miss class Soonyoung would blow your phone up, literally” Rae joked, which was also true your new best friend would chew your ear off if you missed class. The bell rang indicating for everyone to go inside and you saw Emma the lead cheerleader waving people in. “Rae there you are we have cheer so hurry up and get changed the pep rally is today and we want to be prepared,” she said. Rae ran off after giving Steph a kiss on the cheek as you saw Emma roll her eyes, it wasn’t that she disapproved it was more like she was impatient, at least that's what you thought. You and Stephanie split off to go to separate classrooms.

As you got into the theatre room it was bustling as you took your normal seat next to Soonyoung. “Hey Y/N, you ready for the pep rally today?” he said looking nervously at you. “I guess, I mean I kind of have to be there to take pictures and do interviews.” you said flatly, you knew exactly what would happen the band would play the school song, and everyone would cry about how Mingyu will bring the team to victory like they do every year. “Oh yeah.” and he opened his binder as the second bell rang. You thought it was weird how he was acting, it was very unlike him to do that. Normally Soonyoung would talk your ear off about his weekend plans with his friend Seokmin or ask if Hansol had weed so they could smoke before the pep rally or literally anything else as he had a knack for never running out of things to say. But the blond just stayed quiet unless he had to talk about the lesson that the teacher gave. Even during the theatre exercises, he stayed mostly quiet, ‘Strange’, you thought as the class ended. Soonyoung immediately grabbed his bag and said, “See you later Y/N.” and rushed out of the class before you could ask if something was wrong.

You walked out of class and Hansol walked behind you to go to your right and Steph to your left. “Man are you ready for this article I'm gonna write after the game, Crystal Cove Phantoms win another game.” Hansol said as Seungkwan walked up to him, hugged him, and said, “Of course we’re gonna win why else do you think I'm gonna be on the field for.” “To look hot” Hansol quickly said back as they did a quick kiss so Seungkwan can go to choir while you, Hansol, and Steph can go to Journalism. As you all walked into the room you still were worried about Soonyoung, why was he acting so strange and why would he only ask about the pep rally. ‘Maybe he has something going on at home’ you thought as you took your normal seat and pulled out your sticker-covered laptop and waited for class to start.

~~~~~~~

The last period of the day snuck up on you as you got ready pulling out your school press pass and camera to go to the pep rally. The intercom came on and said, “All students with a ticket to the pep rally start heading to gym one.” you gathered your stuff and headed towards the door flashing your pass at the teacher to let you through. As you walked into the gym you saw that it was plastered in Crystal Cove Phantom banners and other posters in the signature blue and yellow. Steph walked up to you and asked, “What do you want floor, right bleachers or left?” you thought about it and as you were about to give your answer Hansol walked up and said “Left there's better light” as he put down his bag next to you and headed in the direction he chose. “He only wants to be there because he wants to look at Seungkwan's ass” Steph joked as she headed towards the right knowing that you usually like taking floor pictures.

You steadied your camera as the band started with the school song and the banner being put into position so the football players can burst through. You started taking pictures, Soonyoung started the drummers in a beat, as the crowd cheered you saw that he had a weird look on his face. Suddenly the football players started coming through the banner Soonyoung picked up a mallet and rang the gong on his left, and he ran around the gym waving his arms. He even tried to trip Mingyu the football captain as the vice principal ran around trying to stop him. He tore out wires in the PA, trashed some posters, and threw the mascot on the ground. Just as he was about to push over a speaker the schools security guards grabbed him and pinned him on the floor as he was yelling “STOP THE GAME!!!! YOU CAN’T PLAY!!! THE PHANTOM IS OUT THERE!!!” everyone was dead silent just watching as he was dragged out of the gym kicking and screaming.

When the doors closed the gym erupted into chatter as everyone was questioning what just happened you looked over at Hansol who was laughing his ass off and then at Steph who just shrugged her shoulders. ‘What in the world just happened’ you thought, ‘maybe he just smoked too much with Hansol before the pep rally.' You looked back at the principal who picked up the microphone, "Alright everyone settle down, whatever just happened don’t worry about it, the game will continue as planned. Jihoon, can you fill in please, and let's have a fantastic game.” he said as a boy with black hair put down his baton and picked up Soonyoungs drumsticks starting the beat that the drummers had left off. ‘He must be the drum major’ you noted in your notebook to talk to him later maybe he knew why Soonyoung went off the rails.

The pep rally went on as normal everyone hyped up the football players and cried about how they would win. As the pep rally came to an end you knew you had to interview people about their experience but all you could think about was getting to the drum major, ‘Jihoon’ you remembered. As people were exiting the gym you walked up to him and tapped his shoulder “Hi I'm Y/N can I ask you a few questions?” Jihoon looked at your press pass and sighed, “The pep rally was boring as usual and even worse I had to fill in for King Kong.” he looked rather annoyed so you decided another approach, “if I give you a ride to the game will you answer my questions?” He looked at you and contemplated for a bit, bending down to put a cover on the drums he was using. “Look the marching band has to ride the bus to the game, but if you give me a ride home then I'll think about it” you smiled and shook his hand excitedly “Thank you so much here give me your number so I can pick you up.” you said as you let go of his hand and shoved your phone into it. He typed his number and name so you could text him after the game.

“What was that about?” Steph asked as she walked up behind you. “A front-page story for next week's paper, after I ask Soonyoung to use it” you beamed up at her. Hansol walked up to you, and you looked at his eyes “did you and Soonyoung smoke before the pep rally?” “No, I couldn’t skip last period teacher in the hall made me get a tardy slip.” he answered. You knew he was telling the truth because his eyes were normal. “We gotta get to the game guys and I'm sure if you ask him, he'll say yes,” Steph said in desperation to get out of the gym. All three of you started heading to your car so you can go to the game for the first win of the season.

~~~~~~~

The crowd cheered as Mingyu scored another touchdown, you took a picture of him celebrating and turned your camera to get a shot of the cheerleaders. You looked up over your camera at Emma who rolled her eyes as threw down her pom poms and stormed past you. You watched her walk to the parking lot and turned back to the game thinking nothing of it. Taking more pictures of the crowd and players as the game went on. As the game came to a close with the Phantoms winning everyone got ready to leave the game, “Hey Y/N have you seen Emma?” Rae asked coming up to you while looking around. “Yeah, she went to the parking lot, she seemed upset for some reason.” you responded as she sighed and started jogging towards the direction that you told her.

You took your phone out and you texted Jihoon, ‘meet me Infront of the school in 20 mins’ you put it back as you headed towards your car to meet up with Steph, Hansol, and Seungkwan to give them all rides home. ‘Man, I hope Jihoon won't mind sitting in the middle of the back seat’ you thought as you exited the stadium to the parking lot. You took your camera and scrolled through the pictures while walking on the sidewalk until you bump into the back of someone. You look up at the crowd in front of you as you wondered what was going on you pushed through the crowd. You grabbed onto Steph's shirt and asked, “What’s going on?” She turned to look at you, “I think someone died but I can't see who” she said searching for who it is. Hansol and Seungkwan pushed through from the front holding hands to get to you and Steph, “Steph!! it's Rae she's being questioned by police.” Seungkwan said. She started pushing to the front with you still hanging on to her shirt you dig for your keys in your pockets and toss Hansol them. He nodded knowing what you meant, and you looked forward as you got to the front, past the police tape you saw Rae with a blanket wrapped around her talking to an officer with tears in her eyes.

“Rae, what happened? Are you hurt? What's going on?” Steph asked quickly. “It's Emma I came out here to ask her why she was upset and I just..just...” and she burst into hiccups and sobs not wanting to finish her sentence. You look over at a boy standing by the sheriff being questioned, he was tall and had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders as well. He had black hair with blue streaks and spoke calmly. ‘I wonder who that is' you took out your notebook and noted to question him later. Steph looked at you as you put your notes away and said, “I'm gonna take Rae home in her car can you follow, please?” you looked towards your car that was turned on waiting with Seungkwan and Hansol inside. “Sure,��I just have to drop Jihoon off at his house. But I'll come to get you after,” you said before you went over and opened your car door as police started dispersing the crowd. You took off to the front of the school and Hansol got into the back with his boyfriend. Jihoon came out and you flashed your lights indicating where you were.

He got into the car and closed the door, “what's with the police?” he asked looking in the car mirror. You shook your head and said sadly, “Emma was murdered.” He just nodded his head, looked out the window, and stayed quiet until he told you where to turn. As soon as he went inside his house you raced to Rae's house to find out what happened. When you got there you, Hansol, and Seungkwan went inside and knocked on the door. Rae's mom let all of you in. Steph came out of the bedroom with an empty glass and a wet shirt. “Is she ok?” Hansol whispered. “She'll be ok but it’s crazy that it even happened I mean who would do that.” Steph answered as she walked to the kitchen to fill the glass with water. “Did she say anything?” you questioned. “Yeah, she said she was trying to find Emma because Y/N said she was upset but when she got there, she saw Emma on the ground and a phantom-” “Phantom hold on, are you telling me what Soonyoung was screaming about was true?” Seungkwan interrupted Steph as she was talking. That is what Soonyoung was saying, and he also said to stop the game which everyone knew wasn’t going to happen. “But what I find weird is that she said when the phantom saw her, he disappeared, like literally disappeared. And she said Minghao showed up right after.” she continued. ‘That’s who that other guy was’ you knew who he was, the weird artist who lived across town. Nobody really has ever talked to him since he moved to town last year, and even at that all he ever does is go to the library.

“I think you guys should go home, I'm gonna stay here for the weekend just to be sure Rae is ok.” she said as she walked into the room and closed the door. You, Hansol, and Seungkwan looked at each other and headed back to your car. After driving home Hansol and Seungkwan went to Hansol's house next door. You walked inside hearing your parents talking to someone, you went to the dining room and saw the back of a guy with brown hair turn around, “Josh is that you?” you smiled as you gave the older boy a hug. “Hey, haven't seen you since I graduated.” he replied as he took a step back to see your face, “I just wanted to check and make sure you're ok, considering.” you didn’t look surprised at all with your parents being head of the Crystal Cove news. “Yeah, I'm fine.” you replied. “I think you should go and get some sleep honey.” your mom said with a small smile.

“But Josh-” you started to say, but Joshua interrupted, “I'm still gonna be here tomorrow, besides you know I go to the college like fifteen minutes from here.” you felt too upset to argue so you just hugged him goodbye, said goodnight to your parents, and headed upstairs for bed. After doing your nightly routine you pulled your notebook out of your bag and reviewed you notes that you have been taking and circled the important parts. Soonyoung had tried to stop the game at the pep rally, but no one knows why, maybe he knew about what was going to happen and about the phantom. And then there was Minghao who mysteriously appeared right after the phantom disappeared, maybe he was the phantom. Tomorrow after work you only had time to question one, as you wanted to go comfort Rae as well. Who should it be?

Congratulations you got through the beginning, now it up to you who to question. Should it be your funny and talkative theatre friend Soonyoung or the weird and mysterious artist Minghao?

Question Soonyoung Question Minghao

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loserslibrary · 4 years

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pairing: Bill Denbrough & Eddie Kaspbrak, Bill Denbrough/Mike Hanlon [Hanbrough], Eddie Kaspbrak/Richie Tozier [Reddie] written by: Diana rating: Teen word count: 1,594 prompt: Hi!!!! This is such a cool idea I’m excited to see what you guys come up with it! Can I get some adult losers, like married with kids maybe? Specifically Reddie and Hanbrough if possible

“Oh, thank fucking God!” Bill cried in relief as he scrambled to the front door. He opened it to reveal Richie and Eddie, the latter of which was holding their adorable daughter. “I thought you two would never get here!”

Eddie gave him a sharp look and shushed him as he made his way into the Hanlon house. “I just got her to sleep on the way here.” he whispered as he sat himself down on the couch, covering his daughter’s ear with his hand. “Do not wake my daughter up Bill- not unless you want to face the wrath of a cranky three year old.”

“Sorry, my bad!” Bill whispered back before adding, “Do you wanna go lay her down with Ellie? Mike’s reading her a book, trying to get her to fall asleep.”

“Is he reading her the ending of one of your books?” Richie teased. He smirked at the annoyed look Bill shot him. “Sorry, dude, as one of your best friends, I’m obligated to tell you the truth. Your books are bor—OW EDS!”

Eddie elbowed him, stopping Richie from finishing his sentence. As their daughter began to stir, Eddie elbowed him again and hissed, “Shut up, Richard! If Alex wakes up, I’m making you put her back to sleep.”

Richie rubbed at his side as he nodded his head solemnly. “I would rather not. You know I hate to see her cry.”

Eddie smiled at this, his angry face going soft. “Yeah, and she knows how to take advantage of that.”

“Okay... not that I don’t like a cute domestic moment,” Bill began, interrupting their conversation, “but I asked you guys over for dinner for a reason.”

Richie and Eddie exchanged a glance before looking back over at Bill. “What’s up?” Eddie asked at the same time that Richie said, “Are you two getting divorced?”

Bill just stared at Richie with wide eyes, unable to process what he had just asked. “Wha—NO! We’re not getting divorced...W-Why would you even ask that?”

“Sorry, I don’t know man.” Richie shrugged, not looking apologetic in the slightest. “Your tone was kind of serious. And we all know Mike’s too good for you anywa—OOF”

“That’s it! Get out of here, Rich.” Eddie said as he elbowed Richie again. He handed their daughter over to him. “Go take her to Ellie’s room with Mike.”

“Aww but Eds,” Richie whined as he complied and accepted Alex into his arms, “I wanna hear the hot gossip!”

“You can find out later,” Eddie said with a roll of his eyes. He pointed towards the hallway leading to the rooms. “You know I tell you everything anyway.”

Richie smiled and leaned over to give Eddie a quick kiss on the cheek before getting up. “You sure do. I have all the dirt on all our friends because of you, my love.”

“God, get a room.” Bill said and pretended to gag as Richie left the room. “You two are disgustingly sweet. I can’t stand it.”

Eddie laughed and leaned back into the couch and crossed his right leg over his left. “Says the forty year old man that cried just last week when Mike came home with—”

“Ok, ok, yeah I get it!” Bill lifted a hand to stop Eddie from continuing. “We’re all fools madly in love with our husbands. Can I just tell you what I have to say?”

“Alright,” Eddie said as he crossed his arms. “I’m all ears.”

“Well, Mike and I…” Bill hesitated, unsure of how to begin. “Listen, this is...this is beyond us. We’re going to need back up. I just don’t know how we’re going to handle this!”

Eddie gave him a puzzled look, trying to understand what Bill was saying. He watched Bill gesture wildly for a couple more moments before he reached over to stop his arms from continuing to move. “Alright, enough. What the fuck are you talking about, Bill? You’re kind of scaring me.”

“I just...We really need help, Eddie.” Bill pleaded. “We have no idea what the fuck we’re doing.”

Eddie sighed in frustration.. “Help with what Bill? Come on man, spit it out! I have no fucking idea what you’re talking about.”

“Ellie! What else?” Bill groaned. “Am I not making myself clear?”

“Uh...no??” Eddie looked at him as if he’d grown two heads. “Literally nothing you’ve said has made any sense?? It literally sounded like you were trying to tell me you and Mike were having issues…”

“No! Mike and I are fine. We’re great, actually.” Bill assured him. “It’s just… this whole parenting thing is even harder than we had expected.. Ellie’s our first child, and I don’t want to fuck this up! You know how it was growing up for me, Eddie.”

Eddie watched him worriedly and motioned for him to continue. If Bill needed him to listen, then that was exactly what he would do.

“M-my parents sucked.” Bill said as he choked back a sob. “I mean... my own father hit me with his fucking car and then barely batted an eye. I’m terrified that I’ll fuck this up, Eddie. I don’t want to be a bad father, I want Ellie to have all the love and attention that Georgie and I never got growing up. You and Rich have two adorable daughters that have everything they could ever want...That’s what I want for Ellie. Please, Eddie, tell me how to be a good father.”

“Jesus, Bill…” Eddie wiped a tear from his cheek as he placed a comforting hand on his friend’s back. “Listen…”

Eddie paused and tried to find the right words to say. Bill was right; his parents had been neglectful towards him and his brother growing up, but that didn’t mean Bill would be the same. Why would he be the same? Eddie could see just how worried Bill was about being a father, and he understood. He and Richie had been the same way when they brought home their first daughter, Emma.

Eddie had been scared of smothering her like his mother had done to him. He had even been too scared to hold her at first, worried that he would somehow harm the fragile human being he was now tasked with protecting. Richie had talked him through it, he’d patiently coaxed Eddie into holding her gently in his arms. Now, Eddie was more than happy with the family he had, and he wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

He wanted that for Bill, too. He wanted Bill to see that his experience as a father would be nothing like his experience as a son. Bill was scared, and considering his childhood, it was a completely valid feeling. But Bill had a good heart, and he clearly cared so much about his daughter; he had what his parents lacked—an interest in the well being of his child.

“Listen, Billy...” Eddie said softly while he rubbed soothing circles on Bill’s back. “The fact that you’re even worried about fucking up shows just how different you are from your parents. You would NEVER in a million years neglect your daughter the way your parents neglected you and your brother.”

“Yeah but—“

“If it’s actually parenting tips you need, I’m here for you.” Eddie continued, not letting Bill protest. “I’ve got some nice, healthy recipes I can pass on to you that will trick Ellie into eating her veggies without a fuss. I can send you links to some nice classical music playlists for kids that’ll have her knocked out in no time. You’re bound to mess up, but not the way you think you will. You AND Mike have got this. We’re here for you. Hell, you took care of Georgie by yourself for years. There’s really no reason for you to be worried about messing up, you’re more than capable of taking care of Ellie.”

“Thanks Eddie,” Bill smiled at him, leaning over to rest his head on Eddie’s shoulder. “Mike’s been telling me we have nothing to worry about, that being a new parent is a process. I just...I guess I needed to hear it from an experienced parent that I’m not doing something wrong. I love Mikey, but that man can’t change a diaper to save his life. I’ve been so worried about Ellie getting diaper rash that—Why are you laughing?”

“Oh, it’s just—” he burst into more laughter now. “God, Bill, you sound just like me when we first became parents. This is literally...like this is literally step two of becoming a parent. Step one is the giddiness, the excitement of having a child. Step two is when the panic sets in. Trust me, you’ll get over it and before you know it, you’ll be on step three: relief.”

“Can’t wait for that.” Bill sighed and dreamed of the day he wouldn’t feel anxiety over being the caretaker of a small and vulnerable human being. Eddie was right though, he had taken care of Georgie for years all by himself. He could do this, he just needed someone to reassure him.

“You’ll get there soon.” Eddie assured him as he patted him on the back before standing up. He motioned towards where he had sent Richie. “Now, let’s go check on our husbands. This is the first dinner out we’ve had in weeks and I don’t trust Richie not to ruin it by waking up Alex or preventing your daughter from falling asleep with his Voices that, for some reason, all the kids fucking love.”

#hanbrough #hanbrough fic #reddie #reddie fic #bill denbrough #eddie kaspbrak #richie tozier #mike hanlon #ours #by diana #ours: hanbrough #ours: reddie #domestic #with kids #tw: child abuse #tw: neglect

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randomoranges · 4 years

Text

love potion au part 45

buckle in friends, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride for a bit, yeah?

For you who has dared drink a love potion, heed my warning. There is no known cure to the effects it may have and once it wears off, for it will, the sight will not be pleasant. Oh you might think that it is working, that you have conquered love, but you are greatly mistaken and most likely under the effects yourself. For you see, even if you have not consumed the potion yourself, if you are with the person who has, the effects will also rub off on you. Your only saving grace is that you will not go through the hell that the person who drank the potion will, once it wears off.

Étienne woke up in their new bedroom and stretched luxuriously. He sighed, content with the world and took in the gentle sunlight streaming through the partially open curtains he had peered through moments before. Some of the light reached his dormant lover and illuminated parts of his face and Étienne couldn’t help but think that Edward looked beautiful and peaceful like this in slumber.

Étienne snuggled back down into his previous spot and placed the most delicate of kisses to his forehead, not wanting to rouse him from his sleep. Edward barely even stirred, for now, and Étienne ran careful fingers down his spine, marvelling at this man, here with him, in their bed.

It still sometimes felt as though he was living someone else’s life, as though this particular happy story wasn’t his to have, but just as Emma had told him, perhaps it was time he got his own love story and happy ending.

The events of last night played back in his mind; Edward’s brilliant smile, sharing dessert out on their back porch as they watched the sunset, the gentle feel of his caress down his back, the breathless way he felt after each and every kiss, the tender declarations of love whispered in his ear, the thrill he hoped would never go away from undressing Edward and bringing him to bed, the languid touches that made him gasp and yearn for more...

Étienne smiled to himself and hoped there would be many more nights like that and more mornings like these in their future.

Edward eventually slowly came to and Étienne greeted him with a soft smile and made himself comfortable in Edward’s arms when his fiancé pulled him close. They settled around each other, simply breathing together and enjoying the quietude of the morning and Étienne wished they would never have to leave this haven of love and comfort they had carved out for themselves.

“Tell me we don’t have plans,” Edward murmured, voice still thick with sleep, sometime later, as he kissed Étienne’s bare shoulder.

“None; did you want to do anything in particular?” He asked, caressing Edward’s cheek in reply.

Edward took his hand and brought it to his lips to kiss each knuckle in turn and Étienne couldn’t help the fond smile that broke out on his face, “Hmm, maybe, yeah.” Étienne gave him a curious look at that as Edward twined their legs together, “Thought we could stay in bed for a while longer, make love to you again, and again and again...” He trailed off kissing down the length of Étienne’s neck to his collarbone.

Étienne shivered and wrapped himself around his lover, wanting already, but he smiled and pulled Edward for a deep kiss that left Edward a little dazed, “That sounds like a wonderful plan,” He added, in case Edward wanted verbal confirmation of sorts.

There is no warning as to when the potion wears off. It might take days, like it might take months; it all depends of the strength of the potion. The first sign will be a headache like no other. A deep, stabbing pain that will start as an acute pulse, which will grow until the drinker will be in agony, feeling as though their head is about to burst open. This will pass within a few minutes, but it only gets worse from here.

Étienne noticed something was wrong when Edward started slowing down and didn’t return his kisses with as much intensity. He sat up a little in bed and put a hand on his lover’s shoulder to make him stop, “Are you okay? D’you wanna stop? We can take a break if you want, you know,” He offered with a kind smile. Sex was nice, sure, and he’d been having a blast, but he liked simply snuggling with Edward, holding him close and running a hand through his hair. It didn’t have to be complicated – it never was complicated with Edward and that was one of the many things Étienne loved about being with him.

“It’s – I’m fine, it’s just – bit of a headache all of a sudden. Talk about tim – ow!” He hissed and clutched at his head.

Étienne frowned. This – was very much unlike Edward. His lover wasn’t prone to such intense headaches – at least, not to the point to look as though he was actually in pain. “D’you want me to get you some Advil or something?” He asked, clearly concerned. Edward let out something that could have been a soft moan and Étienne figured it meant yes. He disentangled himself from the bed sheets and padded off to the medicine cabinet in the washroom to get some pills and a glass of water for Edward.

He returned shortly after and found his lover clutching at his forehead and grimacing much more than he had mere moments ago. Worry started to settle in Étienne’s mind and he ran through the list of symptoms that could be associated with literally any disease he was aware of and what the correct protocol was. “Here, Sweetheart, take these and drink this...” He helped Edward sit up and placed the two capsules in his shaky hand.

Edward managed to swallow the pills and drink down a gulp or two of water and once the glass was on the night table, Étienne sat beside him and rubbed his back soothingly, hoping that maybe it would help the headache pass. Étienne noticed that Edward was a little clammy to the touch, but figured it had to do with what they’d been doing before. “Do you need anything? Is there anything I can get you?” He asked, feeling utterly hopeless and very much worried.

“It’s fine – it’ll pass,” He said just as he swore and gripped at Étienne’s free hand tightly, as pain wracked through his body.

“Let’s – let’s lie you down, okay? Maybe it’ll help? D’you want me to call InfoSanté?” He asked as he gently got Edward to lie down. Edward groaned at the shift and tried to curl in on himself, but it only seemed to make it worse.

The drinker’s body will warm up and afterwards, they will tremble and spasm as if their body is suddenly overcome with uncontrollable tremors. These as well will pass, but make sure that there is nothing of danger near the person, if you happen to be there.

Étienne no longer knew what to do. Edward was even warmer to the touch, he was sweating more and he was still in what looked like to be excruciating pain. He’d eventually decided to call InfoSanté, unsure what to do and he tried very hard to keep it together as he explained the symptoms to the nurse on the other end of the line. The nurse was unable to figure out what could be the cause of this and what it might be that Edward was going through, advising Étienne bring Edward to the emergency room, if he could and if he didn’t get better within the next few minutes.

“Everything hurts,” Edward said between halting breaths and a broken sob. His body shook and trembled as if acting by its own accord and Étienne didn’t want to panic, but this wasn’t getting any better. He couldn’t understand what was going on with his lover and he feared that it would be something major.

“I know, Darling, I know. I promise the ambulance is on its way, okay? Everything is going to be okay...” He tried to reassure him – tried to reassure himself. He’d brought a cold compress and dabbed it on Edward’s burning face, but it did little to no good. He’d tried getting Edward to get dressed, before the spasms had started, but had given up after slipping on his briefs, Edward growing heavy as he trembled and became more and more incoherent. “Just, stay here with me, Eddy, okay? I’m right here with you,” Étienne bit back his tears as he sat nearby, afraid Edward might fall off the bed and hit his head.

The tremors and spasms may lead to convulsions and the drinker will no longer be themselves. They will be completely out of it and will no longer be able to hear the people around them. That, unfortunately, still remains the least of anyone’s worries, for the convulsions are the first sign that leads to the internal bleeding and by the time anyone notices, it may already be too late. If the drinker is still alive at this point, it has been mentioned in one case that the drinker passed out and when they woke up, it was as if nothing had ever happened. They had no recollection of the time they had been under the effects of the love potion, leaving their partner in quite a state. Of course, survivors of love potions are rare, so it is unsure as to whether or not this effect happens in all drinkers.

Even though only a few minutes had passed since Edward had complained of the pain in his head, Étienne felt as though hours had gone by. He wondered why the ambulance wasn’t here yet and feared Edward would die on him any second now, as he worsened before his eyes. He was completely incoherent now and Étienne was no longer able to get him to answer his questions. He kept on talking to him though, trying to be reassuring as tears ran freely down his cheeks. He couldn’t believe this was happening to him – to them – to Edward, but now was not the time to worry about that. He felt hopeless as he waited and could only watch as the convulsions wracked through Edward’s body.

Miraculously, he never fell off the bed and Étienne had rushed to get anything that could hurt him out of the way. He’d called InfoSanté again and the nurse who answered stayed on the line with him. The nurse tried to calm him down and gave him instructions on what he could do, while he waited; reported on Edward’s vitals (thank God, he was still breathing,) and such and finally, just as Étienne heard the sirens of the approaching ambulance, two things happened almost simultaneously; the convulsions stopped and Étienne noticed a small trickle of blood dribble past Edward’s lips.

I urge anyone who considers using a love potion to reconsider. They have ruined lives and have been banned for a reason. They leave a path of death behind them, despite their names and have caused more harm than good. Consider yourself warned.

PREVIOUS: XLIV

CURRENT: XLV

NEXT: XLVI

#pc: montreal #pc: edmonton #edward murphy #étienne maisonneuve #au #ficlet #3 sentence fic meme thing #love potion au #lamao ive known how this chapter would play off since this au was like 2 months old. thats like 2 yrs ago lamao #finally got to write it finally #home stretch here we go!

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theonceoverthinker · 5 years

Text

A Tumultuous Embrace (1/5) (Golden Hook)

Summary: Captain Hook and Rumplestiltskin have wronged many a man in their days as villains, so many in fact that they’ve unknowingly overlapped on more than one occasion. What are they going to do when two of those cases want revenge and know exactly how to best take it? Now trapped together in a beyond compromising position, will Killian and Rumple be able to work together to fight against impossible odds and get home, or will their lingering hatred of each other prove to be their shared doom as they literally go down together?

AO3 Fanfiction.net

Dynamics Featured for this Chapter: Golden Hook (mentioned), Rumbelle (mentioned), Captain Swan (mentioned), Swan Beauty (mentioned)

Content Warnings for this Chapter: Assault

A/N: This was supposed to be whump. It started from a freakin’ whump prompt! And don’t get me wrong -- the first two and a half chapters are a decently whumpy, but afterwards...well, you’ll see. But for now, enjoy this chapter of pure, slow burn whump (Yeah, I’m coining that term)!

Tagging @sherlockianwhovian, @black-wolf066, and @killian-whump! If you do (Or don’t, I promise I won’t be offended) want to be tagged in upcoming chapters of this fic, please let me know!

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CHAPTER 1: A TUMULTUOUS BEGINNING

Nine times out of ten, the sound of the bell above Rumple’s shop ringing would have Rumple at the ready beside his shop’s front counter in a matter of seconds. Given how quiet his shop often was -- especially these days -- the noise it made tended to linger in the air for at least a couple of seconds after sounding off. At the very most, it would give him business, and at the very least, the company would serve to make his day more exciting and give him something to tell Belle about over dinner in between bouts of reacting to the literature leanings of Storybrooke’s citizens.

Yes, nine times out of ten, Rumple had every reason to see what goings on had just entered his vicinity and acted on it.

Today, unfortunately for him, was that all too rare tenth time.

And even after the immediacy of the ring, Rumple was in no hurry to so much as pick his head up, let alone actually go to the front of his shop.

But what put Rumple in a state like that?

Well, as with everyone else in the world -- no matter the realm -- some days were simply better than others. For Rumple, today was just about as bad as it could get for him and he hadn’t the energy to deal with anything else aside from the immediacy of his body’s needs.

And right now, that need was for rest was the most pressing, leaving him unable to do anything in the face of such an urgent instinct but relent.

The reason behind Rumple’s exhaustion, apathy, and moodiness came down to two matters.

First, Gideon, now deep in his teething phase, had several of his now quite common bursts of crying fits last night. Despite the ample supply of teething toys Rumple and Belle had on hand to satiate their son’s needs, few sustained Gideon for more than a few minutes at the most.

He must’ve gotten his fickleness from his father.

Knowing Belle had spent the previous night caring for Gideon at the cost of any energy she may have had the following day, Rumple took it upon himself to give her a well-deserved night’s rest. The results did wonders for his wife’s sleep schedule, but horrors for his. He thanked his stars his job was almost defined by how slow business often was because today, Rumple barely found himself able to do anything more than sit in his shop’s backroom and try not to crumple or tarnish any goods under a head that spent more time supported by a table than supported by his neck. Already, he had taken two unintended naps, though neither did anything to help him recover from last night’s trials.

But that first reason was a side effect of a decision that Rumple made of his own volition and truly, he knew that he had no one to blame but himself for it.

The second reason -- the one that made him not only apathetic to the ringing of his shop’s bell, but downright grouchy -- was decidedly not.

This morning, as Rumple struggled to keep his head from falling into a plate of eggs and toast, his lovely Belle announced that later this week, their family would be dining at the Swan house. Rumple was too tired to bother holding in his subsequent groan. That groan resulted in a low-key argument between he and Belle that was decidedly not resolved by the time they parted ways for the day and Rumple had a strong feeling that an end to that argument would be no more in sight when he came home than when he left.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t stand anything about that family -- far from it. Things had been complicated between he and Emma in the past, but nowadays, he got along well enough with her. And Henry was his grandson and someone he’d wished to further connect to for a long time now. Finally, he had been offered something of a chance and in some ways, that felt like a second chance connecting with Bae.

Yes, an evening with Emma and Henry sounded nice. For them, Rumple found no issue in doing his best to not just get along, but thrive in a deeper relationship.

However, neither of them were the problem.

Instead, it was the third member of that household that was causing him enough grief to challenge his wife.

Rumple considered himself lucky. Following the breaking of his mother’s curse, much of the bad blood shared between all manner of people in Storybrooke was forgotten. Facing the possibility of certain death tended to have that effect on people.

And few benefitted from that olive branch more than he did. His trips through town no longer made the levity surrounding his fellow townspeople wilt like a rose during winter. Hell, sometimes, he even had a friendly exchange where he and another would talk about their wives or children while waiting in line for groceries or during trips to the library. Rumple never expected to like that as much as he did, but Storybrooke had really started to feel like home for reasons more than just Belle and Gideon’s presences.

Time had a funny way of doing that.

That said, there were some slates that weren’t as easy to clean as others and one of those was the shared animosity between himself and Captain Hook.

Dealing with Hook wasn’t especially hard, but he wouldn’t call it especially easy either. Rumple had accepted Hook as a part of his existence and they silently agreed to a truce. Their paths crossed few and far between enough that there was no cause to stew in their mutual animosity. They just came and went as they wished and that was that.

It didn’t mean that either of them had to like it, and no, neither of them liked it at all, but given the circumstances, their situation was about as good as they could ask for -- awkward, but not miserable.

Rumple only hoped things would’ve stayed that way.

But then Emma had to go and befriend Belle, and with that friendship, force their two hostile husbands together.

Why couldn’t the two of them just leave well enough alone?

So yeah, Rumple found himself in the emotional crossfires of exhausted and cranky today and thinking about his reasons for either only served to make the emotions ever more intense.

Who knew the phrase ‘like father, like son’ also worked in reverse?

Like his baby boy, he was just tired.

So when the bell went off in his shop, Rumple honestly wasn’t sure if that’s even what it was and thus didn’t bother getting up from the comfort and privacy of the back room to go investigate.

In fact, in quite the opposite move, he started to fall back asleep.

Rumple told himself it wouldn’t be an issue. He had magic set up to alert him if anything was stolen, and beyond that, short of another crisis, he didn’t care about the odd customer or two and their burdensome wants. So what if he ignored them? The worst that could happen would be him pissing off a customer, but then again...who in this town HADN’T he pissed off at this point? One more wouldn’t make a difference.

By the time the subsequent footsteps had entered the back room, Rumple barely resonated them. What fight his brain was putting up against the pull of sleep was losing fast and dissolving quicker by the second.

When that little bit of fight in him gave in, he finally allowed himself to drift off.

That decision turned out to be all that was needed for his guests to take what -- or rather who -- they wanted.

And only hours later would Rumple feel the resulting pain from the baseball bat that soon after his departure to the realm of dreams, would harshly make contact with his head.

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Killian Jones, whether thanks to his naval training or simply the demands of being a captain, could be quite the creature of habit when he wanted to be.

After over two hundred years of surprises, from the daily adventures of his life of piracy to the endless twists and turns of Neverland to the magic and monsters that made up so much of Killian’s life after meeting Emma, there was something that could be said about the comfort of a routine. Routines allowed for a relative sense of calm in one’s life. They were a chance to let the brain rest a bit, something all too necessary for life in the near constant state of excitement Storybrooke offered.

And that sentiment it what brought Killian to the docks this evening. It was a nice detour on his stroll home from work as well as quiet and barren from crowds around the end of his shift, so he made visiting the seaside spot a regular part of his week. The calm of the ocean as it laid beside him on a calm night allowed him to release the tension from the day.

It also made for quite the stress reliever.

When Emma and Belle first started hanging out after a trip to the library on Emma’s part that went exceptionally well, Killian was thrilled. Heaven knew they both deserved more friends, especially ones that were a touch more removed from their respective parts of the family, and of everyone they could’ve chosen as a friend, they did a damn good job of it. So Killian encouraged Emma to spend as much time as she wanted with Belle so that they could enjoy what the other could provide for companionship.

But then they had to start involving both himself and his bloody crocodile, and that’s where Killian support found itself waning.

If there was ever anything truly difficult to deal with in Storybrooke these days, it was the idea of letting Rumplestiltskin come and go as he pleased. While many a sin had been forgiven all throughout the town and their very extended family, Killian didn’t care to extend that as much with Rumple as he had with others. It wasn't a war between the two of them by any means -- they had silently settled on something of a cease fire for the sake of their families and the well being of the town they shared, but as for anything beyond that, Killian refused. There was simply too much baggage accumulated over the years to even consider bothering with any niceties beyond his barest efforts.

And Killian held no doubts in his mind that Rumple felt the same way about him. Even with their truce, their encounters were no less awkward. For the most part, thankfully, they’d been kept to a minimum.

However, now that was about to change.

Later on this week -- in four days to be precise -- they’d all be dining together, putting Rumple and Killian far closer together than he and he expected Rumple ever would’ve wanted to be and for far longer than it couldn be reasonably expected for a spat to not break out.

Killian didn’t need to tell Emma of his dislike of the event -- he was certain that his face had done that well enough by Emma’s assurance that it wouldn’t be too bad. With all due respect to his wife -- he begged to differ.

He wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Rumple was trying to weasel his way out of it -- because he was honestly trying to as well…

How weird was it to want his crocodile to succeed for once?

Quite weird, and that’s why he was he needed a level of stress relief.

The sea was one of the few constants in Killian’s life -- perhaps that’s part of why he found it so calming to gaze at. Even during the evening when it resembled tar more than water, it was still beautiful.

Killian stared at the abyss of ocean that stretched into the practically invisible horizon. It had warded off a nice portion his disdain for the dinner, though there was still a good deal of it left.

He had done a good job being a better man. It was okay to have limits as to how good he could be. Killian knew that and he knew that Emma knew that. So he didn’t feel particularly unjustified in not wanting to have to entertain his enemy for an entire evening, especially when he also knew that one evening would inevitably lead to another and another. He wasn’t going anywhere and neither was Rumple. Would Emma and Belle’s friendship end up subjecting the both of them to a lifetime’s worth of discomfort?

It was awful to think that. Killian didn’t WANT to think that.

But he did.

What would he do? He presently hadn’t a clue, but he didn’t think he could just leave it at that. If simply coexisting with Rumplestiltskin proved to be the occasional pain, he couldn’t imagine how awful it would be seeing him on an even more regular basis.

Killian could only imagine how awful that would be -- sharing his home, table, and even more of his time with Rumple than he’d already wasted without Rumplestiltskin being present. And after everything that he’d been put through at Rumple’s hands since he first arrived in Storybrooke, that all only felt worse.

No, he’d have to talk with Emma. He wouldn’t do it. She’ll understand -- she always understands him. At the very least, maybe he’ll grant himself a stay of execution until the moment Emma and Belle’s friendship makes contact between himself and his crocodile completely unavoidable.

A shudder overcame Killian. Just how terrible would that moment be when it was finally here?

Killian didn’t want to know.

The calm of the sea seemed to be failing at its job. Now, he felt more stressed than ever.

Maybe it was time to go back home.

Not even one step away from his location was he when suddenly, he heard a cracking sound.

Before Killian could even turn his head to investigate, the answer made itself known -- someone had broken the street lamp he was standing under, shrouding his vision in darkness. It was a good thousand feet to the next street lamp in either direction, and Killian could only see the twinkle of the lights beaconing in the distances.

Killian reached for his cellphone to call Emma, but just as his hand was started its motion towards his pocket, the arm attached to it was grabbed and twisted.

He tried to shout, but was stopped by a punch to his jawline.

Stumbling back, Killian tried to regain his balance, but was quickly grabbed again.

A gloved hand pushed itself against his mouth and a torso did the same to the back of his head. Killian shouted louder, but little escaped. He bit the hand in front of him, but it remained roughly pressed against him. Between the hand and the torso, it felt like his head was in danger of being smashed.

His eyes peered up to get a look at his assailant.

Or should he say, assailants.

If Killian could describe them in one word, that word would be crooked.

Crooked noses sat above crooked smiles that only gave hints at what were likely crooked motivations.

Killian had dealt with these two men before.

Never did he expect anything to come of their encounter.

But that was the thing about Storybrooke -- problems of the past had their way of coming back and biting them in the ass.

And now, Horace and Jasper were back in his life, with far too much of an advantage for Killian’s liking.

Hopefully, Killian had the power to do something about that.

He swiped his hook at Horace, but Horace caught it mid-swing.

“I think we can get rid of this. Give that wife of yours something to find when she goes looking for you. What do you think about that?”

As Horace pulled the brace connecting his hook to his body off, Killian’s only response came in the form of a steely glare.

“There, that’s better. Jasper,” Horace said, looking just above Killian’s head at his other kidnapper. “Keep your grip on him. I’ll have him out in a bit.”

Jasper, who was still holding Killian’s mouth and head hostage snickered.

“You got it, Horace.”

Killian felt his nostrils flare up with rage as they pulled at whatever air they could to continue living.

Given his ability to survive all manner of environments, they were damn experts at that by now.

But while breathing helped Killian hold on, it did little to help him escape.

With few other solutions, Killian began giving into whatever base instincts -- however limited -- that he had, which in his state, only amounted to convulsing his body in every direction he could.

Still, it did no good, and his position was only made worse with a swift kick against the back of his shins that brought him to his knees.

Even as Killian fell, Jasper’s hold remained as firm as it had been the entire time.

Though Killian’s will to fight had not lessened at all, something deep within told him that he wasn’t getting out of this -- not by a long shot and definitely not by himself.

The last thing Killian saw before blacking out was a wooden baseball bat slamming into his head.

()()()()()()()()()()()()()()

Transporting bodies, if one knows what they’re doing, isn’t hard, and Horace and Jasper knew damn well what they were doing. Neither was a stranger to heists and with a decently sized truck at their disposal thanks to their cursed professions, some careful timing, and a bit of luck, it was almost too easy.

And now, Rumplestiltskin and Captain Hook were theirs to do with as they deemed fit -- and oh did they have a plan for what they deemed fit.

“Get them both settled here, Jasper,” Horace ordered. “Come on, hurry up. We want to get them taken care of before they wake up.”

“IF they wake up, that is,” Jasper shot back, chuckling. “You really did a number on them with those clonks on the head, Horace.”

Horace dismissed him with a casual wave of his hand. “Don’t worry, Jasper. They’ll wake up, alright…After all they put us through, they don’t deserve to get off so easily, and we’re not done with them just yet by a bloody sight. Now start tying them up.”

Jasper seemed a bit put off by the fact that he was going to have to do the hard part of the work this time around, but Horace wasn’t about to allow himself be guilted otherwise. Whether he liked it or not, Jasper was likely the most talented knot tier in history and Horace didn't want to chance even the possibility of a premature escape.

No, Jasper would ensure that their prisoners would suffer their fates side-by-side and helpless, just as they had to do all those years ago.

“How do you want me to arrange them?”

Horace thought about it for a second before a thought struck him.

The Dark One and Captain Hook had screwed up their lives while in pursuit of revenge on each other.

A side-by-side torture was too good for them.

Why not instead put them as they always were: At each other’s throats?

Yeah, Horace liked that idea quite a lot.

“Let’s make them face each other,” Horace instructed. “Put Hook under The Dark One’s pits. That way, the shorty won’t be able to get his arms past his head. And then stick his arms under Hook’s.” It would no doubt be hard to get them like that, particularly that last step, but if it worked the way Horace envisioned it, their last moments on this Earth would be truly hellish.

Jasper smirked. “Good thinking, Horace. One problem though: Hook’s only got one hand. Aren’t you worried he’ll slip out?”

Horace hummed as he considered the problem Jasper presented him with. How indeed COULD he keep Hook in place? Normal binds wouldn’t work when one could just slip their arm out of them.

No, he needed something that would stick.

Horace considered his own body. He balled his left fist and looked up and down his arm. With his right hand, he formed a circle and slowly traced over the outer layer of his arm, looking for a point where he was sure a bond couldn’t slip out. When he arrived at his elbow, he fastned the circle and made a move in the other direction.

Upon seeing that it couldn’t move, he practically beamed.

“Bind his right hand to his left elbow.”

Jasper grinned at him.

“That’ll keep them awfully close,” he said, clearly unable to keep the laughter out of his voice.

“That’s the plan.” Jasper got to work, arranging them as Horace ordered at a quick pace, especially for him.

He supposed, as was the case for his captives, a lust for vengeance could do that to someone.

“That’s it, get them nice and tight.”

When Jasper was done, Horace tested the strength of the binding. Pleased as the strength and layers of the knots, he offered his friend a satisfied nod.

“So what do we do now?” Jasper asked.

“Now?” Horace repeated. “Now, we just sit back and ready ourselves for some sweet revenge.”

#ouat #golden hook #whump #killian jones #rumple #Rumplestiltskin #once upon a time #cw: assault #tw: assault #original characters #sort of #you'll see what i mean #rumbelle #captain swan #swan beauty

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searchingwardrobes · 5 years

Text

Desdichado: 14/19

I know it has been ages since I updated one of my WIP, but it’s not for lack of writing. I just have so many I’m juggling for one thing, and for another, my muse is demanding I write in short spurts for each one instead of plugging away on them one at a time. Anyway, the good thing about that is I have multiple fics almost ready for updates!

Summary: A CS Ivanhoe AU that I wrote because I never liked how the original ended. So we’ve got knights and ladies, the code of chivalry, and sword fights. Set in the middle ages with no magic.

Rating: T

Trigger Warnings: women treated like it’s the middle ages, starts out Sleeping Captain, very anti-Neal (in this fic, Baelfire)

This chapter is about 2,500 words. It ties up some plot points and sets things up for the climax for Captain Swan.

Also on Ao3

Tagging: @snowbellewells @kmomof4 @thislassishooked @whimsicallyenchantedrose @winterbaby89 @kday426 @tiganasummertree @bethacaciakay @teamhook @snidgetsafan @delirious-latenight-laughs @jennjenn615 @mythologicalmango @wellhellotragic @let-it-raines @shireness-says

There was a knock at the door of Emma’s chambers. She frowned, a long sigh issuing forth. She wished she could simply tell him to go away, but she knew it was futile. At least he fancied himself “in love” all of a sudden. She placed a ribbon in the book she was reading, set it on her nightstand, then rose from her bed and smoothed her dress. Another impatient knock sounded, and this time she groaned and rolled her eyes.

“Come in, my Lord.” That wasn’t his title, but Emma had found that using it made him feel in control. The more Sir Baelfire felt in control, the more likely he was to continue his “courtship” of her. Yet she never let her guard down when he visited her. His lust for her was still there, simmering beneath the surface. She knew it was only a matter of time before he succumbed to it. Hopefully she would find a way of escape before that happened.

“Lady Emma,” Sir Baelfire breathed, his face eager as he rushed for her. Emma took a slight step back, but extended her hand for him to kiss. “Sit with me,” he practically begged, pulling her gently towards a fainting couch in an alcove along the wall.

Emma smiled at him sweetly. “Oh no, dear sir, that is highly improper here in my chambers. Join me by the fire instead.”

She sat in the chair on the hearth without awaiting his reply. To soften the request, she extended her hand and smiled at him beneath batting eyelashes. Baelfire gave her an eager, lovesick grin and then complied.

“Emma,” he said, sinking to his knees beside her and clasping both her hands in his, “relieve me of this torture and marry me. I love you more deeply than I thought I ever could.”

Emma forced a smile upon her face even as a pit formed in her stomach. He thought he was in love because she was just out of reach. She had given him just enough hope to keep him at arm’s length. It had been a desperate attempt when she had awakened that first night with him leaning over her. Rejecting his advances outright hadn’t worked the last time, so she prayed perhaps stringing him along would bide her some time. It seemed her time might be almost up.

“But my dear Baelfire,” she told him sweetly, stroking his knuckles, “I am a delicate maiden who hasn’t been around many men. I need more time. Not only that, I wish for my mistress to be here. She is all the family I have ever known. I want her to be here for my happy day.”

A slight furrow formed in the knight’s brow. “Emma, darling, you do realize that your reputation has been ruined beyond repair. You shared a chamber with Sir Killian, unchaperoned much of the time. You should be grateful for my proposal.”

Emma bit the inside of her cheek to keep herself from arguing with his words. Killian had been severely ill and wounded, but even if he had been whole, he would not have laid a hand on her. His integrity and adherence to the code of chivalry was something the man before her could never comprehend. Yet saying such things to Baelfire would be suicide.

“I have spent much time alone with you in this chamber, have I not?”

That glint of lust lit his eyes, the one that made her blood grow cold. “So in the eyes of many, you are already mine.”

She swallowed against the nausea rising up in her. “Therefore, what is the rush, my sweet?” She almost choked on the endearment.

Baelfire’s face hardened as he leaned in close. “Are you stalling, Emma?”

“Of course not.”

His eyes narrowed. “Then seal it with a kiss.”

Emma forced herself not to move as he drew ever closer, his breath hot on her face. At the last moment, she turned away, his lips landing on her cheek.

“That is a proper kiss for a knight courting a proper lady,” she said softly, dropping her eyes to her hands in her lap. She hoped he thought her demure, shy.

Sir Baelfire grasped her face roughly and turned her to face him. The look of a lovesick knight was completely gone. “Will you or will you not wed me tonight? My father demands an answer.”

Emma swallowed hard. “I can’t Baelfire. As much as I care for you, I’m . . . frightened. Just a little more time, please.”

He released her roughly, and Emma forced herself to remain calm, blinking back the tears that pressed behind her eyes. He stood over her, fire in his eyes, and for one terrifying moment, Emma thought her time was up. The lust had won. But then he turned suddenly from her and stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Emma was left trembling all over.

***************************************************

“She still refuses to marry you?”

Baelfire flinched at his father’s barely contained rage. “I have had mere days to woo her, and -”

“She has bewitched you, my boy!” Robert Gold pounded his fist on the dining room table, causing goblets to wobble, sloshing wine onto the tablecloth.

“I don’t deny that,” Bealfire admitted, “for I have never felt this way about a woman before.”

“I don’t mean it in a romantic way,” Sir Robert seethed, “I mean, she has literally bewitched you.”

Baelfire frowned and shook his head. He turned suddenly as the door to the room burst open. His mouth fell open as his father’s guards dragged Emma into the hall. She wasn’t coming easily, twisting and kicking her feet. The men shoved her roughly to the ground at his father’s feet.

“Accusations of witchcraft have followed you throughout the land, Emma Swan,” his father barked at her. “Do you deny it?”

“Interesting line of questioning,” Emma muttered, “you didn’t ask me if I am a witch, you asked if I’ve been accused.”

Sir Gold’s lips twisted in a sinister smile. “Fine then, are you a witch?”

She rolled her eyes heavenward. “Of course not.”

“Yet you are brought in to perform miraculous healings.”

“Simple knowledge of herbs and the human body. But if it were miraculous, shouldn’t we be praising the Lord for His healing hand upon the sick?”

Baelfire gasped when his father’s hand suddenly connected with Emma’s cheek, the sound echoing throughout the dining hall.

“A witch should not speak the Lord’s name.”

Emma’s jade eyes flashed. “So you already presume me guilty?”

“My son left home aligned with Prince James, his mission to see him take the throne. Yet he comes home with you, having failed in that mission, spouting ridiculous proclamations of love.”

“I cannot help your son with his feelings.”

“You could marry him.”

“I thought I was a witch.”

Sir Gold slapped Emma’s other cheek, her head whipping at the contact. Baelfire surged forward, but his father stayed him with a lifted hand.

“Emma Swan, the Knights of the Templar charge you with witchcraft and using the dark arts to seduce Sir Baelfire.”

“Father, no! She's done nothing of the sort!” Baelfire found himself restrained by his father’s guards.

“You will be burned at the stake,” Sir Gold continued, coldly ignoring his son as he strained against the guards, “unless a champion comes to do battle in defense of your piety and honor.”

Baelfire cried out, subduing both guards and wrestling the sword away from one of them. He fell to his knees before his father. “I will be her champion!”

“No, my son, you cannot. You will be fighting as a Templar if a champion comes forward. If that happens, you will slay said knight where he stands.”

*******************************************************

Sir Killian and King David strode into Misthaven’s great hall. Though David was royalty, he was also a man of honor, and as such, he would treat Lord Stefan with respect while in his home. He also hoped to keep his best friend from insulting the man who had raised him with demands for horses and a small army of knights. He couldn’t help the grin playing with the corners of his mouth as he thought of the way Killian spoke of his sister. They would rescue her, of this he was sure, and he knew Killian would have a large part in accomplishing it.

“My lord,” Killian said, sinking to one knee.

“Son!” Lord Stefan exclaimed.

He shocked Killian by rising from his chair, pulling the knight up to his feet, and embracing him warmly. The man had raised him, it was true, but actual affection had been rare. The man stepped back, his hands still clasping his ward’s upper arms, a huge grin on his face.

“My boy, I am so glad to see you whole and hearty.”

“Whole,” King David broke in, “but not hearty quite yet.”

Killian turned a glaring eye on his best friend, and the King suppressed a chuckle.

“His Majesty is being overly cautious, my Lord, I am perfectly capable of resuming my knightly duties, which brings me to -”

“There’s only one duty I wish to speak of on such a joyous day,” Lord Stefan cut him off. “I can’t believe I was so blind to Prince James and his selfish ambitions. I praise heaven above that he was caught and thrown into the dungeon before he could wed my precious Aurora.”

Stefan turned to the alcove nearby where his daughter stood hesitantly beside Sir Phillip. Her face paled, her gaze avoiding Killian, as her father gestured her forward. He took her by one hand, and Killian by the other.

“I see now the honorable man that you are, Sir Killian, and nothing would please me more to join you in marriage to my daughter, to have you as a true son and heir to all my estate.”

Killian had waited so long to hear those very words, yet now they made sadness sweep over him. The face that drifted before his mind’s eye was Emma’s, and he knew with sudden clarity that he had given his heart over to her, no matter how he had tried to guard it. He also knew, with David’s news, that he could never wed her. He, a knight with no title, could never marry a princess. And what of his youthful vows to Aurora? The tender kisses they had shared? He had no choice but to do the honorable thing, so he lowered himself to his knee once again, this time to Lady Aurora.

“If she will have me, my Lord.”

Behind them, King David couldn’t help the scowl upon his face. His best friend’s damn chivalry and code of honor was going to break two hearts at once, and a third years down the road when Lady Aurora realized her husband’s heart was distracted.

Silence descended upon the great hall as Aurora stood pale, trembling, and speechless. She finally hung her head, and whispered to her childhood sweetheart.

“I’m sorry, dear knight, but I cannot.”

Killian’s head snapped up to meet her gaze in shock. He searched her gaze intently. “Has something changed?”

Aurora’s eyes were sad, yet her lips couldn’t help tilting up in a smile as she glanced back at Sir Phillip.

“I’m . . . afraid it has.” She grasped both this hands in hers, tears pooling in the corners of her eyes. “I will always love you, Killian, but in the way of a mere girl. Do you understand?”

Killian’s gaze softened, a smile of understanding dawning upon his face. “Aye, I do. You and I are bound by childhood affection. However, I have come to learn of a deeper type of love.” He kissed her hands. “Who has captured your heart, dear Aurora?”

Her face broke into a full smile as she turned to Sir Phillip. She said nothing, just clasped her hands beneath her chin as she beseeched the knight before her without words.

“Lady Aurora?” Phillip asked hesitantly, scarcely daring to believe this turn of events. In two strides, he was beside her, cupping her face with his hands. “Could I dare to dream that you love me as I have come to love you?”

Aurora nodded as tears slipped down her cheeks. “I do.”

Phillip gave a small, delighted laugh before bending to press his lips to hers. Being in the great hall, with her father present, he kept it chaste. Yet the pleasant warmth that seeped through them both was evidence of what they shared.

“This is . . . an interesting turn of events,” Lord Stefan sputtered.

My Lord,” Phillip addressed Stefan, releasing Aurora and sinking to one knee before him, “I ask permission to wed your daughter.”

“A Norman and a Saxon bound in marriage?” Stefan sputtered, still clearly overwhelmed by this turn of events.

“Sir,” David spoke up, stepping forward, “uniting the two is my highest priority as king. This union will go far in bringing peace to the kingdom. Not only that, Sir Phillip has broken with the Knights of the Templar and pledged his knightly allegiance to me.”

Lord Stefan blinked rapidly, glancing between his daughter and King David. “Well, in that case . . . “ he looked down at the knight still kneeling before him, then released a long sigh, “the ways of the young are baffling to me, but if the King himself smiles upon this union, who am I to protest?”

Lady Aurora squealed in a very unladylike manner, throwing her arms around her father’s neck. “Thank you,” she whispered in his ear.

Killian reached a hand out to his old friend and first love. She took it, giving him a knowing smile.

“Make sure to tell her how you feel, Killian.”

His eyes widened. “I . . . don’t know what you mean,”

Behind them, King David let out a loud guffaw. “Don’t be ridiculous, the way you feel about Emma is obvious to everyone.”

Killian’s face reddened as he lowered his voice so only his King could hear. “You of all people know why my feelings matter not.”

David arched a brow at his friend as he whispered back. “And I of all people can allow my sister to wed whomever she pleases.”

Killian’s jaw dropped as his mind struggled to process the implication of David’s words. Before he could respond, the doors at the end of the hallway burst open, and in strode Robin Hood with Regina close at his heels. David and Killian rushed to greet them. Regina grasped the young knight in desperation.

“Sir Killian, my ward helped save your life, now you must save hers.”

“What’s happened?” Killian asked in alarm.

“Unless a champion comes to fight for her, she will be burned as a witch,” Robin told them gravely, righteous anger shining in his eyes.

Without hesitation, Sir Killian and King David drew their swords.

“Sir Gold doesn’t know who he has threatened,” David growled.

“He wants a champion?” Killian added with a clenched jaw. “Then a champion he shall get.”

#cs ff #captain swan #medieval au #ivanhoe au #killian as a knight #desdichado #starts out sleeping captain

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let-it-raines · 5 years

Note

I saw you were still taking prompts! This might be more of a Drabble request than a prompt request but go Wild! I’ll take all your words. So to the prompt... You talk in your sleep when you’re drunk and are mumbling things about your proposal plans. I’m so excited. Why the fuck is it a month later and you still haven’t proposed!!!! I love you... I’m going to kill you... but I love you. ;)

Killian’s always been a bit of a restless sleeper. He tosses and turns, his legs moving around until he takes up the entire bed and his long limbs practically fall off the bed in their motions. It’s gotten better since they moved in together. Now that she sleeps with him every night in the most innocent of ways (there’s literally no way she could sleep with him every night in the most delicious of ways without her lower body just…falling apart), he’s gotten calmer. She thinks that it helps for her to stretch across him, anchoring his legs down with her own and using his hairy chest as a pillow instead of using the actual pillow she’d grown fond of over the past few years.

So it’s not new for her to find her boyfriend doing weird things in his sleep.

But him talking in his sleep right now is, frankly, a little weirder than normal.

He’s drunk. She knows that he is. She watched him throw back multiple glasses of rum with his friends while they were watching the soccer game at the pub, and she’d had to call a cab to take them home instead of simply walking the five blocks back to the apartment.

She has to assume that’s why he’s muttering things under his breath, the Irish in his accent coming out thickly as he mumbles things about green frogs and how pissed he is over Manchester winning the match today. It’s funny and a little bit cute, and she laughs as quietly as she can before resting her head back down on his chest and pushing the hair that’s fallen on his forehead back. She loves his hair, would touch it all of the time if she could, and playing with it often soothes her into sleep in the same way that it soothes him to sleep.

Her eyes are fluttering closed as his steady heartbeat lulls her back into tiredness when she hears her name.

“Emma,” Killian mumbles, his rum-scented breath coming out against her forehead, “I love you.”

She’s about to say the words back out of instinct when she looks up and realizes that his eyes never opened, long dark lashes still pressed against his cheeks while his breathing pattern never falters.

Oh.

So he’s talking about her in his sleep. That’s weird and maybe the tiniest bit romantic.

“We’re gonna…we’re going to get married.”

A squeak emanates from her throat, the words that he’s saying causing her own heartbeat to quicken, and she dares not move to wake him. Married? He wants to get married. Is he…is he going to propose? They’ve talked about it before, but she was kind of starting to think that it was never going to happen. They’ve been together for three years, which she knows isn’t long in the grand scheme of things, but for a man who told her he loved her two months in, it practically seems like an eternity.

Of course, she did take three more months to say it back, and she’s not regretted it for a moment since.

“I’ve got to hide the ring from Emma. She’ll…she’ll find it. It’s so pretty. Just like Emma. So bloody pretty.”

Oh damn. There is a ring.

“I can’t wait to marry Emma.”

Killian eventually stops talking, but the words in her head never cease. She and Killian are going to get married, and she absolutely cannot wait.

She’s tired of waiting.

Okay, so she’d wait forever for Killian. If getting married wasn’t a choice, she’d still stay with him for the rest of time. All she wants is to be with him. She’s never pressured him into getting married, never dropping hints or consistently talking about all of their married friends, but she knows there’s a ring. She’s known there was a ring for two months now, and she’s going to burst if she doesn’t get some type of clue that Killian’s going to ask sometime soon.

She loves him. She’s going to kill him if this takes much longer. But she loves him.

She bursts when it’s been another two weeks, and there’s still no ring on her finger.

Damn, that sounds petty.

“Killian, why the hell haven’t you proposed yet?”

In hindsight, she knows that she shouldn’t have asked while he was shaving, the giant cut on his cheek from where the razor had jerked proof of that, but she wasn’t exactly thinking clearly.

After she’s cleaned the cut up, wiping up the blood and putting a band-aid on his skin, Killian encourages her to sit down on the bathroom countertop while he stands between her splayed legs, hands resting on her hips and rubbing circles into the skin above the waistband of her pajama pants.

“What’s this about now, love?”

“It’s stupid.”

“Hey,” he coos, releasing one hip so that his thumb can rest at her chin and encourage her to make eye contact with him. His eyes are so damn blue sometimes she can’t stand it. “Whatever you have to say isn’t stupid. Tell me.”

Sighing, she tries to build up the courage and push down some of the embarrassment. “About three months ago you were talking in your sleep, and you said a couple surprisingly coherent things about us getting married and you finding a new hiding place for the ring. And I assumed that maybe that wasn’t just sleep talking but something that was real. But obviously I was wrong, and I’ve made a gigantic ass out of myself.”

Killian’s lips part and blush rises to his cheeks, visible even under the cut he has on his cheek and the rest of his unshaven beard. “I said that while I was sleeping?”

“Yep. You were drunk.”

“Damn,” he chuckles, pressing his lips together and shaking his head back and forth. “Emma, darling, I have an engagement ring for you in my dress uniform pocket. I was waiting until next week. I had this whole big plan. I’d ask you to come meet me at work, then we’d go for a stroll together down to the park outside of your old apartment, find that shady tree you used to like reading under on nice days, pray no one was there, and then I’d ask you there.”

“Oh.”

“That’s all you have to say? Oh?”

“Oh, well I feel like an asshole. I’ve completely ruined everything.”

Killian moves his thumb upward so that it rubs against her bottom lip, and she nips at it, not able to resist even with how shitty she’s feeling about all of this.

“You haven’t ruined anything. In fact, I’ll give you two options.”

“Options?”

“Mhm, you wait until next week and we go with that plan or I propose to you in our bathroom kneeling down next to a condom wrapper in the waste bin.”

“Well, when you put it like that…” she giggles before resting her forehead against his and stretching her lips into a smile “…I have to go with you kneeling down next to a condom wrapper in the trash can.”

Killian chuckles before releasing her and jogging out of the room, coming back in with his hands behind his back as he kneels down and beams up at her.

“Emma Anne Swan, light of my life and cutter of my cheek,” he brings the ring out from behind his back, a gold band with a small cluster of diamonds gathered at the top, “will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

She grabs onto his shoulders and helps to pull him up before she answers. Pressing up on the counter and wrapping her arms around his neck while her legs wrap around his waist, she promises, “yes, Killian, I’d love to be your wife.”

When she kisses him, their lips joining together and their bodies pressed against each other as tightly as possible, all she can think about is that this was perfect even if no one else thinks it is. But she doesn’t care. It’s not about others. It’s about she and Killian.

Killian only talks in his sleep when he’s drunk, something they test out that night and many times after.

Emma never talks in her sleep.

Well, okay, so she does. And that’s how Killian finds out he’s going to be a father.

#cs prompt #cs fic #this is a tiny drabble #but not tiny enough to not have a cut #don't want you guys to be scrolling too much #thanks for wanting me to write these things

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formerprincess · 5 years

Text

A tale written with fangs and claws || Chapter 52

Chapters: 52/? Fandom: Teen Wolf (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Liam Dunbar/Theo Raeken, Corey Bryant/Mason Hewitt Characters: Liam Dunbar, Theo Raeken, Mason Hewitt, Corey Bryant, Nolan (Teen Wolf) Additional Tags: Alpha Liam Dunbar, Slow Build, Friends to Lovers, Dunbar Pack, Bisexual Liam Dunbar, Werewolf Theo Raeken, Alpha Theo Raeken, Canon-Typical Violence, Smut, Mates, Liam and Theo are mates, Top Theo Raeken, Bottom Theo Raeken, Top Liam, Bottom Liam Dunbar Series: Part 1 of Morning Dew Pack

Isaac takes the pack in and they all have to adjust to not having a home anymore. Money is a big, big problem and nothing seems to go right for the pack. Liam is struggling as well under all the pressure. Will the pack overcome this?

Isaac had been a literal savior to the pack when he offered to take them in and give them a roof over their heads for a while. It saved them the experience of living in the streets and they were grateful for Isaac being the amazing friend that he was. His apartment was beautiful with black wooden floors and white walls, large windows to overlook the city and also a large balcony, an expansive open kitchen leading into the living room area with flat screen and three couches. Isaac’s room, his office, and the room Nolan had used once were on the opposite end of the apartment alongside a spacious bathroom adjoining Isaac’s bedroom and a smaller bathroom for the guests. It was elegant and beautiful.

But with the whole pack cramming into it, the usual so wide apartment became crowded and figuring out the sleeping arrangements were a horror. “I still have my dorm room. Ever can sleep there too; my roommate's girlfriend has her own apartment and he’s always there. Even some of the others can stay at mine’s as well, he won’t mind,” Caden threw in. Liam grimaced. “This is nice but I rather not have the pack split up. The hyenas could use it and attack, we have no idea what their next step will be.” “I understand your hesitation, Liam, but look around. This place is bursting at the seems. The second bedroom is filled with air mattresses where the boys and the girls sleep, you and Theo sleep on one couch in the living room, Mason and Corey on the other. Having at least some people gone will give all of us more space.” Liam could not argue against that. There were too many people to make it work without someone stepping on someone else’s toes and so he groaned but nodded. “Fine but you’re not going alone. Tim, Mike, you’re staying with them. If you see anything suspicious, you alert us immediately.” They nodded. “Will do.” Liam glanced at the girls trying to blow up the mattresses and he groaned again. “This is horrible.” “But we have a roof over our head at least,” Theo chimed in. Liam gave him a tired look. In their current situation, this probably was the only good thing.

****** The pack’s mood was bad and didn’t change in the next days. Nobody could blame them, they had lost their home and many things they held dear. Thankfully they had grabbed their favorite and most meaningful things before the house exploded and had also managed to save most of the pictures. Liam still had the book Theo made for him and the pictures of his grandfather, Theo still had his letters from Liam, etc... But even those things didn’t console the pack over the loss of their home. It had been such a deep cut in their lives, they all lost the ground beneath their feet and struggled.

At this point, they all needed some good news but life seemed to be out to get them and threw stones in their way. Mike rushed into Isaac’s apartment one day, cheeks flushed with anger, and hair disheveled from grabbing it and running his hands through it in frustration. “My parents froze my bank account! I cannot access any of their money.” “What?” Theo looked up from his homework and frowned. That was a shocker. “They do this from time to time to remind me who calls the shots. The only money I have left is the one I made with my jobs. Thankfully I opened another bank account where I had this money transferred to and my parents know nothing about. But that means I cannot buy another house for us and the insurance for the old house is lost as well. Sorry, guys.” He looked apologetically at his friends. “It’s not your job to buy us a new place to live. You’ve done it the first time and it was wonderful but now we have to think of something else,” Liam chimed in. Mike looked at the Alpha and Liam gave him a comforting smile. “We’ll figure it out.” He really had no idea how but they had to think of something. After living together for several months and sharing such close pack bonds, parting ways and not living together just didn’t feel right. “I really appreciate you trying to lift my spirits up but I’m actually good at math and our money is tight at the moment. No way we have enough to pay for a place for all of us.” Mike shook his head.

Liam sighed. His Beta was right. Theo and Brett were the only ones working on a regular basis, Brett even working fulltime, all the others either had no job at all or only every now and then. But even Brett and Theo could not monetarily carry the whole pack. Money was a problem. A big problem Liam worried about big time. It gave him flashbacks to the time he and his mother had been on their own after his parents divorced. Emmet had not paid one cent and money had been tight for mother and son. They had lived in a hole in the wall apartment, tiny and above a Chinese restaurant, and his mother had worked two jobs to put food on their table at least. He remembered how exhausted she had been and how he learned to take care of the things in the household so she had one less thing to worry about. Mason’s mom had been a great help when she invited Liam to stay over for dinner and even gave Mason one more sandwich to bring to school for his best friend. She also had helped when Liam wanted to learn how to cook so his mom knew her son ate as good as he could to his abilities. Yes, Liam remembered how being poor felt like, how it felt when you had to pinch pennies, and he had hoped to never experience this again. And here he was, Alpha of a homeless pack. It got to him on a deep level and he didn’t sleep well during the nights, but he refused to tell his Betas. They all worried anyway, no need to add to this. Now he understood what his mom went through back in the days. “I’m looking for a job,” he announced to his Betas. Next to college and lacrosse he wouldn’t make much but it was better than nothing. “I think we all are, at this point,” Corey smiled tentatively at Liam. “We will make it work.”

They had to but there were so many things they needed to take care of.

The only good thing at living with Isaac was that they didn’t have to pay for food. Liam had offered it once and Isaac had scoffed. “Yeah, right, keep your money to yourself. You need this way more than me. Stop offering it! I won’t take it. I know a thing or two about not having a real home for a while, you know?”

Isaac had a weekly delivery where his groceries were distributed to his flat. Liam had noticed that the amount of food delivered was enough so they all could eat and he had a sneaking suspicion Isaac had upped the mass he usually ordered. When he asked the older about it, however, Isaac acted innocently. “What are you even talking about, that’s the amount I always get,” he said and kept his eyes on his screen. “Uh uh, enough to feed a whole pack of werewolves.” “I am a werewolf myself, I don’t like starving. What’s with this interrogation?” He typed on his laptop and Liam would have believed him if he didn’t saw the corners of Isaac’s mouth flinch. Yet he decided to not offer to pay for the food. “Thanks for being such a great friend, Isaac.” “Don’t get soft on me, Dunbar. I’m just hosting you, nothing else. It’s nice to have company.” Liam just shook his head with a soft smile and then left Isaac’s office to let him continue doing his work.

****** Nolan sat cross-legged on one of the sofas and held his cellphone in front of his mouth. He talked or rather argued with his mother about their current house situation. “Mom, can’t you even try to understand??” He whined. “No, I do not understand! I get it was nice for all of you to live together in this big house and it was nice of your friend Mike to buy it for you but I was never really a fan of this, to be honest. And now the house is gone, that’s unfortunate and I get you are sad, but you kids are being ridiculous!” Emma Holloway scolded. “Mom!” Nolan hissed. His pack was around and they all heard what his mother was saying. “This is not about how you feel or what you liked or not. It’s gone anyways and now we have to find another place to live for all of us.” “You don’t have to, that’s my point! It was nice while it lasted but now you all can go and request a dorm room. You might not live together but it is the smartest move. Stop being so set on living together, that’s utopistic. You are college students, you should live like college students. In the dorm. With other people. Maybe you will make new friends. And if you have found a job and saved enough money, you can move into a nice little apartment with maybe one or two of your friends. You don’t have to live together. Stop telling yourself that!” “I can’t talk when you don’t accept what I’m saying!” Nolan hissed and ended the call. He dropped his phone on the couch and leaned against the headrest. He groaned. “Arrgh!”

“Mothers, huh?” Mason tried lightheartedly to dissolve some of the tension. “I don’ get her. Why doesn’t she just accept we want to live together? Shouldn’t she be happy as a mother I found such great friends? I don’t want to live in a dorm room with a stranger, I want to live with my pack.” “For a mother who has no idea about the supernatural and just sees her son and his friends living together, it is probably hard to understand why it’s such a big deal,” Isaac calmly offered an explanation from his place at the dining table. Nolan twisted in his seat to able to look at him. “Are you for real?” “Yeah. I mean, you never told your mom you’re a hunter for a pack of werewolves, right? To her, you’re just a bunch of kids and that one rich friend bought a house for all of you to live together. Now some rowdies trashed the house and you can’t live together anymore. She doesn’t see the big deal behind it. Can’t really hold it against her.” “Huh,” Nolan huffed, “I’ve never seen it that way.” “I could tell,” Isaac replied with a smirk and Nolan rolled his eyes. “I still don’t like her saying we all should move to the dorms again. I want to stay with my pack!” “I get you but at this point, we probably don’t have another option,” Liam muttered darkly. “Also the cheapest option.” “Money is really an issue right now, what?” Nolan asked hesitantly. Liam bit his lip but then nodded. “As much as I hate to admit, yeah. When Theo and I moved here we both got jobs to have some money for our apartment. I’m currently unemployed and even if I manage to find a job, I won’t make nearly enough to buy a house for everyone. None of us will make that much money, not even all of us together. Aside from that, getting a job seems highly difficult at the moment, I don’t know why. Every job offer I see somebody else either gets the job or they don’t want a college student. It is frustrating and even with our parents' financial help, we’re having a dry streak.” Nolan made a concerned face. “Oh.”

Money was an issue. There was no use in lying about it or trying to sugarcoat it. That was their main problem. No money meant no new home, meant still being homeless. As much as Isaac told them they could stay as long as they needed, Liam knew the crowded living situation was not benefiting anyone. None of them had a place to be alone at home, none of them could fully rest and recharge their batteries. The mood was bad, as a result, there was barely laughter and they all felt lost and desperate. Liam worried about his pack and he tried to be strong for all of them. He was the leader, the shoulder to cry on, that’s what he was supposed to do. And he tried to take care of his friends. But even he could not prevent bad things happening to them.

Next one to fall victim to life’s fucked up ways was Theo. Since their house exploded, the First Beta had doubled his shifts in the coffee shop and only rested when Liam more or less forced him to do it. He also worked night shifts and the young Alpha seriously wondered where Theo got the energy from to pull this off and still attend his classes, even hold a high GPA. It was impressive and in Liam’s eyes, Theo deserved an award for that alone. He also deserved an award for putting up with his demanding boss. That lady has no ounce of empathy or pity in her body and was a literal slave driver. It only took Theo’s reminder of how much he needed the job for Liam not to storm in and yell at her. But he saw the toll it took on Theo. Hard work his mate could handle, sleeping on a couch and the pile of the workload from his classes were child’s play, but having a boss who screamed at her employees and especially at Theo for being anything but heterosexual was too much. Theo was no stranger to people hating him and taking jabs at him but since she was not able to separate his personality from his work, everything he did was critiqued and wrong. And that was hard to handle for the usually so confident ex-chimera. It went so far, Theo asked Liam not to come to the coffee shop when he was working to not give his boss yet another reason to hate on him. It hurt Liam but for his mate’s sake, he complied and Theo went on with taking the bullying.

Until one day he broke down.

It was late and his original shift had ended long ago but Liam knew his boyfriend took the extra hours to make more money. He expected Theo to come home, completely tired and emotionally drained and was prepared to hug him and pepper him with kisses, tell him how much he loved the older and how proud he was of him, but he wasn’t prepared for the twenty-two-year-old to stumble into the apartment, distressed and shaking like a leaf. “Hey, what’s wrong?” Liam asked worriedly and got up from his place at the table where he attempted to finish his last assignment for tonight. Theo shook his head and blinked against the tears. Seeing the usually so composed wolf completely broken down made Liam worry even more. “Theo, what happened? Talk to me!” “I need to quit. I…I can’t do this anymore. She’s so hateful and she loves to humiliate me in front of everyone. I…Please, Liam, let me quit! I will find another job and get us money but I can’t work there anymore.” It shook Liam to the core. Theo put so much more thought in this than Liam had expected. He knew Theo thought a lot but he had severely underestimated the pressure his mate put on his own shoulders. He now wrapped his arms around Theo and the older clung to him while hiding his face in the crook of Liam’s neck. “It’s okay. I got you. I got you,” Liam murmured over and over again and stroked through Theo’s hair and over his back. “I’ll get another job soon, I promise. I will help you with the financial situation. But I can’t work under this woman any longer.” “Shh, it’s alright. Nothing’s more important than your mental health. We will find a way to make it work. You’ll quit and we will see about anything else soon.” He hugged Theo tighter and tilted his head to kiss his mate’s temple. “I promise we’ll get through this,” he whispered and Theo nodded hesitantly. “I will help you get money,” he vowed. Liam sighed. “I know. But don’t put so much pressure on yourself, okay?” “’kay.”

****** I will help you. Liam had known Theo was serious when he said that. He just didn’t comprehend the lengths Theo would go to fulfill that promise. “You did what now?” He asked his boyfriend a few days later and gave the older a baffled look after hearing Theo’s latest declaration. “I sold my truck. It’s not the newest model but I took good care of it and got a decent price,” Theo explained again and waved the dollar bills he got after the sale in front of Liam’s face. “Why?” Seriously, what else was Liam supposed to say? “Because having two cars is silly. Your car – with all the respect – is too old to make a decent price and like I said my truck was in great condition. Selling it was only logical. It got us some more money.” “But you love that truck.” Liam felt like crying. He knew what that car meant to Theo. “It’s nothing compared to my pack and having money.” He got an impatient look on his face and waved the bills again. “You could say thank you, you know?” “You…Thank you.” Liam would have loved to tell Theo how much of an idiot he had been to sacrifice his truck, a place that had been his home for a while, but he decided to not fight his boyfriend on that. Theo gave a curt nod and stuffed the money in the jar Maya had established a few nights ago. In there came all the savings the pack could make for a new house. Needless to say, the jar was still almost empty. It was depressing and so Sadie had painted some flowers and suns on the glass to make it a bit more appealing.

****** Now, despite how sad their life currently was, there were some minor nice things. Lacrosse for example. The team had picked up some momentum and they worked together better than ever before. Liam was even sure they could score a win in the upcoming game. “You really think we can beat them?” Sadie asked when she and Liam talked about it one afternoon. “I sure hope so. Lacrosse is currently the only good thing in my life, a win would be very nice.” Theo raised his head. “Lacrosse is the only good thing in your life?” Liam gave him a funny look. “I just said that. What? It’s true?” The First Beta raised an eyebrow. “Because being in a relationship with me is not a good thing you have in your life. Totally. Can relate.” “Huh?” You could say Liam was dumb but he had absolutely no idea what Theo was getting at. “You can’t compare those things. What’s your problem right now?” “Oh, I can’t? Lacrosse seems to be the only thing right now that makes you happy. I’m clearly doing something wrong then. Why don’t you tell me what it is? I’d rather have you flat out tell me what’s wrong than saying such bullshit.” Liam barked out a laugh. That was downright ridiculous. “Theo, I really don’t know what your problem is right now. I wasn’t passive-aggressive or something and I didn’t critique you or our relationship. I am happy with you. You know that.” “Could have fooled me. And I’m not so sure you’re happy. Could express it a bit more often.” Okay, that hit a nerve. Liam took a lot of things and he really worked on his anger but Theo claiming Liam was not showing how happy their relationship made him was a no-no. His anger spiked. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” “I don’t think our relationship is a laughing matter.” Theo’s facial expression was calculating. “Do you?” “Stop being so goddamn arrogant!” “Call me arrogant all the way you want. At least, I’m honest.” “Oh and I’m not?” Liam was getting angry. Nobody was better at getting under his skin than Theo. “You really want to call me a liar?” “Well, there’s clearly something wrong and when you’re hiding it…” Theo trailed off and Liam gritted his teeth. That man was infuriating! “I am not hiding anything! You’re just making a fuss over nothing. Yes, I said lacrosse’s the best thing in my life right now. You know damn well I don’t see you as a thing. If that’s your problem, I can’t help you. You’re not a thing, Theodore!” “Of course I’m the one with the problem! You mighty Alpha do everything right, what? You’re never doing anything wrong. Glad to finally know how you really think!” “Stop twisting my every word! I didn’t say that, didn’t mean that, and you know I didn’t. You just want to fight right now and I’m not here for it!” “Funny, usually you’re the one who wants to fight all the time. How does it feel to sit on the other side of the table?” “Oh my god!” Liam jumped from the couch he had been sitting on. Sadie squeaked and then pressed both hands in front of her mouth. She, just like everyone else in the apartment, stared at the fighting Alpha Couple. They had their fair share of fights but this one was one of the worst they ever had. “I can’t talk to you when you are like that. You just want to hurt me right now and I’m not staying to give you any more opportunity to do that. I am not your punching bag! Fuck you!” He yelled at Theo. Not waiting for his boyfriend to respond Liam stormed to the apartment door, grabbed his car keys from the sideboard there and yanked the door open. Mason called after him but Liam ignored his best friend in favor of rushing down the stairs and over to his car. He needed to get away for a while because right now he was angry and sad (so much for only feeling one emotion at a time, Theodore!) and he didn’t want to hurt anyone. It was better to pull himself out of the situation. He didn’t know where he was going when he no pulled out of the parking lot and drove down the street but Liam didn’t care at the moment. His phone rang but Liam ignored it. Right now, he didn’t want to talk.

He drove around aimlessly for a while and then just stopped in an empty parking lot. It was slowly starting to get dark and Liam had not paid attention to the road and therefore had no idea which part of town he currently was in. Not that this was anywhere near important right now. Even an empty parking lot was better than being at the apartment and fighting with Theo. Yet sitting in a lonely car and stare out into an empty parking lot made Liam realize what went down. He leaned his forehead against the steering wheel. “Fuck!” He cursed loudly. “Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” This was a complete disaster, more than their current situation already had been. Fighting with Theo was nothing Liam was new to but this time had been especially bad. It was rare one of them left the house during a fight, they mostly just left the room. Now Liam had run away and he was sure he fucked up even more than already. He was good at that, making a bad situation even worse. Kind of questionable talent. Liam crossed his arms on top of the steering wheel and buried his face in them and then he suddenly broke down. Had he tried to be the rock for his Betas and hold the tears in after they lost their home, he couldn’t help himself right now. The floodgates opened and it took Liam several long moments to compose himself. His body shook violently under the heavy sobs and arms were soon wet with tears. His mother used to say crying was leaning the soul and if that was true, Liam’s soul was clean as freshly fallen snow after that.

When he finally managed to compose himself, Liam felt drained and cold. An empty parking lot might be nice for some occasions but right now it only underlined how lonely Liam felt. He missed Theo and he missed how it had been before. The pack dynamic had changed since the hyenas attacked and the couple felt it too. But that didn’t mean he was not happy with Theo. Heck, Theo was probably the reason Liam could still carry on. His boyfriend gave him so much strength and confidence and he was always there when Liam needed him. He blew up so much probably because hearing he didn’t show Theo enough how happy he was, was just unfair. He still didn’t understand what Theo had been angry at. Too tired to even fathom driving back home, Liam crawled into the backseat of his car after he locked it. The street lamp on the parking lot cast a dim glance and in the back, Liam found a light blue hoodie. Theo’s hoodie. He had worn it the other day when it rained in the morning and had shed it during the day to only wear the shirt underneath. Now Liam used it as a makeshift pillow and he inhaled his mate’s scent. “You are a fucking idiot. The biggest idiot I ever met. You’re lucky you’re so gorgeous and I’m in love with you, idiot,” he told the hoodie and closed his eyes.

****** Liam was woken up by the loud horn of a truck passing by. He sat up and it took a moment for him to remember where he was and why he was there. When he remembered the fight and him sleeping in his car, he moaned and rolled his neck to get rid of any stiffness from the night. Looking at his watch Liam noticed it had stopped working and he groaned in displease before he tugged his phone from his pocket. He had a missed call from Mason and several messages which he opened swiftly.

From Mason [7:35 pm] Please drive carefully. I know you’re mad as hell but please, be careful. We all need you.

From Mason [8:22 pm] I just hope you not answering doesn’t mean you were in an accident. Theo would feel this, right? So I guess you’re alright since he’s still ranting about you being unreasonable. If you read this, give me sign you’re okay.

From Theo [8:30 pm] I don’t know how long you planned on driving around but I would prefer if you came home and we could talk.

That message made Liam bite his lip when his anger boiled up again. Why did Theo have to be so freaking stubborn and proud? Did he really expect Liam to come crawling back?

He almost deleted the remaining messages but then decided to be the bigger person and read on.

From Theo [8:49 pm] You’ve never been gone MIA for so long after a fight.

From Theo [8:52 pm] Are you really giving me the silent treatment?

From Theo [9:05 pm] Can you at least let me know you’re safe? Or let Mason know. Anyone of us so we know you’re not hurt.

From Theo [9:15 pm] I can’t feel you through our bond, it’s blocked. But I would feel if you’re injured, right?

From Theo [10:03 pm] Corey told me to stop texting you and give you a chance to calm down. You never not came home after a fight. I don’t know what to do.

From Theo [10:40 pm] What I said was out of line. I was an asshole.

From Theo [11:58 pm] Liam, I am sorry.

From Theo [1:15 am] Please, come home.

From Theo [2:00 am] If you don’t want me around when you come home, I understand that. But please come home for the Betas.

From Theo [2:02 am] I’m going out of my mind here. You might not want to see me but come home.

From Theo [2:02 am] Liam, please.

All those messages made Liam’s throat feel clogged up and he could barely swallow. His vision blurred when new tears welled up in his eyes but Liam wiped them away. Enough crying, now it was time to go home and tell the idiot no matter how angry he was at him he would never send him away. He climbed back into the driver’s seat and turned the key in the ignition.

The drive back home was tricky since Liam had not paid attention where he landed last night and now needed to find his way until he was in a familiar area. When he managed, however, the ride was short and he soon stepped into Isaac’s apartment. Mason just excited the guestroom and breathed out a sigh of relief. “Thank god, you’re okay!” He embraced Liam tightly. “I was worried, Lee.” “I’m sorry. I just needed cool off time.” Liam patted Mason’s back. “Where did you stay the night?” Mason questioned after the friends broke their embrace. “I slept in my car.” “Jesus, Liam, just because Theo’s your mate doesn’t mean you have to make the same experiences as he did.” “I know, I know.” Liam nodded tiredly. “Speaking off: Where’s my beloved idiot?” “On the balcony with Corey and Isaac.” Mason gave Liam’s upper arm a supportive squeeze and then let Liam walk towards the open balcony door. When he stepped closer, Liam heard the three men talk.

“So you do realize how much of an ass you have been?” Corey, classic to the point. Theo sighed. “Look, I don’t need you as my personal Jiminy Cricket. I know I fucked up.” “Yeah, you did,” Liam agreed and stepped out of the apartment. Theo sat on the wooden bench Isaac had placed there, Corey stood in front of him and looked like a stern parent with his arms crossed in front of his chest and the frown on his face, Isaac leaned against the banister. But when Liam arrived, he and Corey soon left the couple and slipped in the apartment to give them room to sort everything out. Theo stared at Liam, obviously caught off guard by Liam suddenly being home again. “Liam…” “No. You sit and you let me talk first. Then you can say something,” Liam ordered. Theo closed his mouth and nodded.

And Liam sighed. He pushed his hands in the pockets of his jeans because he didn’t know what else to do with them. “Telling someone You are the best thing ever happened to me is a figure of speech. You don’t really see them as a thing. I don’t see you as a thing. But when I talked about lacrosse, I was actually talking about things. Theo, you are the best aspect of my life. Yes, life’s cruel at the moment but it would be even crueler if I didn’t have you. You make me happy, you give me the strength to carry on. I wouldn’t know what to do without you. It never occurred to me you might feel attacked by me talking about things, literal things. I still don’t understand how you could get so pissed at that.” Theo opened his mouth again and Liam gave a curt nod to show he was finished for now and Theo could reply. “I was angry. I’m still angry. At the hyenas, the whole situation. I needed an outlet for that and picked a petty fight.” “And you chose me to fight with? Or as a punching bag for your anger? That is not a good thing, Theo!” Liam’s emotions got the best of him again and he tried to control them all. “Liam, I am an asshole. I tear down good things. You know that.” “No!” Liam pointed at Theo. “This doesn’t get to be your excuse this time! You are not that bad person anymore and you build up so much in the last couple of years. You’re not tearing down anymore so don’t you dare hide behind this excuse!” They looked at each other and none of them was able to hide the whirlwind of emotions raging inside them. Anger, sadness, rage, fear, all the emotions up and down. Finally, Theo shrugged sadly. “Want me to go? I can pack my bags and leave asap.” “No, you fucking idiot! I do not want you to leave!! I want you to stay right where you are because you don’t get rid of me that easily! We both made a commitment back then on your birthday and we are in for the long run. Forever is not just a phrase, Theo Raeken! You are the love of my fucking life! I will grow old with you, so help me god!” Liam had gotten more and more worked up the longer he talked and in the end, he almost yelled at Theo. The silence stretched between the two men after Liam had finished and finally Theo cleared his throat. “That was the most threatening declaration of love I’ve ever heard,” he confessed sheepishly. Liam squinted his eyes and glared at him. “Yeah, it was. Maybe that did get through to you. I don’t want you to leave, no matter how badly we fight.” He nodded to confirm his words in front of Theo and in front of himself and then, since he made himself clear and saw no use in further discussing this, brushed past Theo intending to step back into the apartment. A hand closed around his wrist. “Liam,” Theo began softly and the young Alpha stopped walking. His boyfriend gently tugged at his wrist when Liam didn’t turn to face him on his own and only then Liam turned around. Theo sighed. “I am sorry.” The look he gave Liam was a perfect impression of a sad puppy and you would have to need a heart of stone to not melt at that. The insecurity was still eminent in Theo’s eyes, his abandonment issues acting up once again, and Liam huffed out a breath. “You’re an idiot,” he declared and raised his hand to stroke through his boyfriend’s hair. “But you’re my idiot so I’m never letting you go.” He pulled Theo in a tight hug, arms securely wrapped around the older man’s frame. “Mine,” he muttered. In an instant, Theo’s arm wound around Liam’s waist and pressed him closer. “I am really sorry. I love you,” he whispered. “I know you are. I love you too, that’s why our fights have such an impact. Because we care so deeply about each other.” Liam pulled back but only enough to press a kiss on Theo’s lips. Theo’s lips twitched and then his hand was in Liam’s hair and he deepened the kiss. “Guys, dad and papa made up. Everything’s fine again!” Mike yelled from somewhere inside the apartment. Theo snorted and Liam grinned and they both broke the kiss because they were laughing.

****** “What in the name of Gordon Ramsay is that?” Isaac stared at the gray mass on his plate. “It’s a burger.” Theo rolled his eyes. “Stop being so picky, Zac!” “That is not a burger. Burger patties are not gray.” Isaac poked it with his fork and scrunched his nose when the burger bun almost fell apart. Liam could really not blame him, the food looked disgusting. The fries Theo dished with the burgers were coated with grease and he worried about the humans in the pack. They probably would get an instant heart attack if they ate them. The tomatoes and the cucumbers on the patties tasted like rubber and had the consistency of a noodle. “Okay, it’s not that good but it’s eatable. The diner where this comes from has patrons coming there every day, it can’t be that bad. You’re just used to fine dining and baguettes.” “Oh, another French joke, talked to Stiles lately?” Lori snickered into her water at Isaac’s remark and he gave her an amused look. Theo huffed. “The food will get better once I start working there, I think.” “Start working where?” Liam questioned with a cough. Not only were the fries greasy but they were salty as hell. “At this Diner.” Theo raised the plastic bag he used to carry the food home. Al’s Diner, read the bag in bold blue letters. “You work at a Diner? Since when? Why is it easier for you to find a job than for me?” “Because I’m not as picky as you are, honey.” Theo’s response got him a raised eyebrow from Liam and he smirked at the young Alpha. Then he proceeded to tell them the address of his soon-to-be workplace but Liam could not place it. He never heard of it before. “They were looking for a server and sometimes help in the kitchen. It’s not the best-paid job in the whole wide world but it’s something,” Theo finished his little report. Liam had to agree with that. Every job, as long as it was legal, was good, that’s how his mother raised him.

****** It not being the best-paid job in the world was literally the most positive thing you could say about the Diner. Liam and Corey had decided to go and check out Theo’s new workplace a few days after the announcement from the Beta. The other pack members still had classes and when Corey innocently offered it, Liam immediately agreed. He had been happy for Theo yet when they reached the area the Diner was located in, his stomach twisted in knots. Because this area was shabby. It could work perfectly for a movie in a criminal and dirty neighborhood. Upon arrival, they heard police sirens in the distance, three homeless people wandered the streets, right in front of the Diner stood a car with broken windows, some other people gave Liam and Corey dirty looks when they passed by. The Diner itself had its name in neon lights on the roof but several lights were broken. The windows looked dirty and as much as Liam didn’t want to have prejudices, he strongly suspected to meet cockroaches when he stepped in. “Theo didn’t lie when he said he’s not picky when it comes to work,” Corey stated and then glanced at Liam when he got no answer. “Oh boy, you face says it all.” Liam was probably gaping. He was just speechless. “Is he…Corey, tell me your best friend is not serious!” “Hey, you are in a relationship with him, you should know. I surely hope it is a joke. This is not something he should want to work in. Compared to that, the Diner in 2 Broke Girls is a five-star restaurant. You have to hand it to Theo, if he’s looking for a job, he’s looking everywhere.” Liam grimaced. That was a problem. He knew Theo could not get sick from a dirty workplace (he had to check in with Deaton to make sure) but he worried about the area. It was the one in Seattle with the highest crime rates, gangs were a thing here, just like drug trades, car theft, robberies. It wasn’t an area he wanted Theo to be in. He had a strong suspicion, however, Theo would not appreciate Liam butting in.

True to his suspicion, Theo didn’t take it kindly when Liam breached the subject later on. “What is your problem with it? I can take care of myself.” “There are people shooting each other!” Liam argued back. Theo shrugged. “I’ll heal.” “I know you will but that doesn’t mean you actively have to search out streets where you can get shot. I’m sure I can survive falling out of a window on the first floor, doesn’t mean I have to try it.” “You are being melodramatic, Lee.” “I am worried about you!” Liam slammed the knife he had used to cut cucumbers on the counter. Tim reached out and gently pulled the knife from his grip, for obvious safety reasons. “And I don’t see why. Just because this quarter is on the poor side and maybe has some criminal problems doesn’t mean it can’t be good.” “Do you have a death wish?” Brett inquired and stole one slice of cucumber. Liam swatted his hand away. “This is insane, Theo, you’re not working there.” “Liam, with all the love and respect that is not something you can command. You stated your opinion but a job is a job and I will not quit immediately after accepting the offer.” Liam’s eye twitched. “No, you have to quit.” “You’re being unreasonable. Maybe the part of town is sketchy but Theo is a big boy and he can take care of himself,” Mike backed Theo up. He then had the decency to at least shrink in his seat when Liam glared at him. “I’m on Liam’s side. You should not work there,” Corey declared. He sat perched on the counter and had watched the argument take place in front of him until now. Theo gave him an offended look. “Et tu, Corey?” “I’m just as worried about you as Liam. We heal but we are not superhuman. Even we can get hurt or killed by something else than wolfsbane and mountain ash.” “I think you two are just picky. Where is your sense of adventure?” Theo argued back. “I can tell you where it’s not: In that Diner between the cockroaches,” Corey told him flatly.

****** Despite his boyfriend and his best friend telling him not to, Theo started the job. Liam gritted his teeth every time he got a whiff of the old grease on Theo’s work clothes and he had to bite back his snarl. The topic of Theo’s new job was delicate and they refrained from talking about it too much. They knew what the other would say anyway. Theo didn’t understand why Liam was worried and Liam didn’t understand how Theo could not understand why he was worried. It made Liam’s skin crawl with unease but for the sake of the peace in their relationship, he tried to mask it as well as he could. Thankfully he had a best friend like Mason. Mason who sat next to Liam one day and poked his side. “Go and change into some clothes you won’t mind getting dirty. Jeans and a t-shirt should be okay. Go!” Liam gave him a flat look. “Why?” “Because we’re going to do something. Get up your butt, Em.” He had no idea what this was about but Mason had this look on his eyes, the one he always got before dragging Liam into something crazy. He had the same look when he declared Liam his flight attendant. And he had called him by the childhood nickname only Mason was allowed to use. Not even his mom had the allowance to call him Em. A rule little Mason had once laid out. Two reasons why Liam could not say no. So he moved from the couch and dressed in an old pair of jeans and a plain red shirt. He didn’t know when he had bought the shirt and it wasn’t his favorite so he didn’t mind when it got dirty.

“I’m ready,” he announced and Mason grinned. “Perfect. I’m driving.” He kissed Corey goodbye who waved. “Have fun, you two!” “Where are we going?” Liam inquired while he followed Mason to the car. “You will see when we get there.” “Come on, give me a hint!” “No. It’s not a long drive. You will live.” “Have you met me? Hi, I’m Liam Dunbar, impatient Alpha, nice to meet you.” Mason just laughed and got into the car. Liam shook his head but still got into the passenger seat. “Seriously, man, give me something.” “Patience, young man, patience.” “Mason!” “Liam!” Mason parroted in the same way Liam had called out his name. The young Alpha huffed but realized he would not get an answer out of his best friend. So he leaned back and waited to see where the drive would take them.

When Mason stopped at the junkyard, Liam did a double take. “Why are we here?” “Just trust me. We’re doing something here.” Mason gracefully slipped out of the seat and left Liam staring after him dumbfounded. What the hell could you do at a junkyard? “I’m not picking up any dirt,” he declared once he joined Mason outside and the two friends headed over to the entrance. Mason just sighed. “You’re getting more and more impatient with the years. How does Theo put up with that?” “I make it up to him with my mouth and my dick.” “Jesus, TMI!” “You’re one to talk!” The friend’s bickering was stopped when a tall guy stepped out of a tiny container office. He looked like Hagrid’s twin and gave them a questioning look. “I called the other day and made an appointment. Name’s Bryant,” Mason introduced Liam and him and the guy nodded. “I remember. You paid in advance, right?” “Yup.” Mason nodded and Liam watched the exchange with a frown. He wasn’t so sure what to make out of it. “Okay, so the cars are right over there. You’ll find everything you need there. Do as much as you like.” “Thanks, will do.” Mason beamed at Hagrid and then grabbed Liam by the elbow and dragged him into the pointed direction.

There they found an array of various old and broken down cars standing everywhere and also several sledgehammers leaning against a makeshift counter. Liam’s frown deepened. “Mason? Seriously, man, what the fuck?” Mason gave him a sober look. “I know you are angry. Angry at the hyenas, angry because of the current situation, angry at Theo for taking such a job in such a dangerous environment. But you don’t show it. You hide it. Over the past few weeks, you have been our shoulder to cry on. We all came to you and cried about losing our home and you always consoled us. Who consoled you? I know you’re just as hurt, probably even more because you think it’s your fault since you’re the leader. Lee, I know you- in some regards, I know you even better than Theo - and you are an emotional person. And all those things left their marks inside you. We are here so you can let it out.” He grabbed one hammer and held it for Liam to take. “So let it out.” Liam looked at the hammer and hesitated. He could not do that. Mason waited for him but then he pointed at the various cars. “Look, the junkyard offers this service to trash the cars. Which proves my position you can make money with everything but that’s aside from the point right now. Thing is, you can let all your anger out and nobody gives a damn.” He nudged Liam and only then the young Alpha took the hammer. It still felt wrong in his hands. “I’m not that Liam anymore, Mase.” He shook his head and gave Mason an ashamed look. “Right. That Liam would have lost it completely, tracked down the hyenas and beat them to a pulp after destroying the house even more and probably demolish his neighbors' cars. But this Liam? This Liam is different. He is mature, he knows about his weaknesses, and I am so proud of him for keeping his cool, not losing his temper. But it came to a point where he keeps it all in and that’s hurting him.” He put both hands on Liam’s shoulders. “What I’m trying to say, it’s okay to be angry. No one can hold it against you. The shit you’ve been through, somebody tried to kill you, people constantly underestimate you, your house was destroyed. Everybody would get angry at all that, not just somebody with IED.” “And you want me to do what now? Snap and destroy the cars standing around?” “That’s why we’re here, yep.” Mason shrugged and stepped back. “If you want to. I’m not pressuring into anything. I just feel like you need an outlet. Others go boxing or run for many hours. Those cars are literally trash, they’re not your coach’s car who will freak out. Nobody cares about those cars here. Take it all out on them. Better than to bottle it up.”

Liam looked at the car right in front of him. It was a blue Peugeot and it had dents and rust all over. He twisted the sledgehammer in his hands. His palms were sweaty. He remembered how angry he got after being benched and how liberating it had felt to trash the car. And he remembered the shame after the anger had subsided and he saw his mother’s face. It haunted him to this day and he never wanted to go back to that place. “I didn’t bring you here to rip up old wounds or make you feel bad. I know right now you want to fight. But you can’t fight the hyenas at the moment, so you can’t let go off that anger. We both know what anger does to you if you can’t let it out. Even before becoming an Alpha you hurt yourself to stay in control. That is what I’m worried about. That you’re bottling up your anger and hurting yourself.”

His best friend knew him inside and out. How often Liam had broken his own hands to keep in control. At the zoo, in school. Or how he dug his claws into his palms until they were bleeding. All so he didn’t lash out. Yes, he healed, but Mason was right, it wasn’t a healthy coping mechanism. He gulped. Still, there was a difference between destroying a car and breaking his knuckles. Besides, he got better since Theo became a constant in his life and his anchor. Theo, the one currently working at the nasty Diner. The late shift of course, and he would need to take the bus back home. The horror scenarios Liam’s brain came up with...All because he felt the need to earn more money to save for a house they needed because some asshole were-hyenas had destroyed their home.

The car creaked loudly when the sledgehammer collided with the hood. It left a nice dent in the metal and Liam watched with satisfaction. And then he slammed the hammer against the window of the passenger side. It burst after the second slam. From that point, there was no holding back. Liam assaulted the Peugeot again and again and wrecked the car. When he was finally done, he was bathed in sweat, wheezed, and the windows were busted, the hood had several deep dents and the mirrors were missing.

“Feel better?” Mason asked Liam. He had watched the young Alpha take out his frustration and only left for a short moment to get them both a bottle of lemonade from the car. Liam nodded and dropped the sledgehammer. “Yeah,” he admitted. Taking his frustration and rage out on an object and not on himself or a person around him felt good. And to know nobody would freak out about Liam destroying the car felt even better. He now dropped to the ground and leaned against the Peugeot. Mason joined him and held out one bottle for Liam to take. He gratefully took it and gulped down a large sip of it. Mason sipped his lemonade a bit more graciously and the friends fell silent for a moment.

“I still feel it’s my fault,” Liam suddenly admitted. “If I had not been injured, they would have not thought of me as weak and would have not broken into our house.” He swallowed harshly. It was hard to talk about it. Mason played with the label of his bottle. “An Alpha invited you to her territory with the sole intention to kill you. You didn’t force her to do this. You didn’t force the hyenas to be the assbutts they were. None of this was in your control.” “But I am the Alpha, Mason. If I can’t even prevent that, how good am I as an Alpha?�� “Pretty good.” Mason gave him a smile. “Liam, people constantly cast you aside due to your age but they have no idea where you come from. What you’ve been through. You’re just twenty and you already achieved so much. You gathered loyal Betas around you and they’re loyal because you treat them with all the respect and love. Your little brother worships you. You have a mate who constantly gets better thanks to you, his words not mine. Thanks to you, I stopped being afraid. You give us hope. Whenever we need you, you’re there.” He shook his head with a soft laugh. “I know you for so long, I know you always had the odds against you. The little boy with IED coming from a dysfunctional family, with an abusive father, too angry to ever fit in. The boy who got turned into a werewolf without his consent. The Beta who stepped up as an Alpha when his Alpha left to save the world. I told you once and I’m telling you again now: All things considered, you’re doing great.” Liam looked at his emissary and smiled weakly. He remembered them as teenagers, after the fight with the hellhound, sitting in the locker room and watching Liam’s injuries. He had been hurt and scared back then and Mason had been by his side. When Mason told him it was okay, Liam had believed him. Had understood things might take time, but they would be okay in the end. “There’s still so much I need to learn as an Alpha.” “And you will. You already did, nothing’s stopping you now. I am so so proud of you, Lee. And remember: Wounds heal. Things change. The situation currently sucks but we will overcome this. With you as our leader.” Liam wanted to believe Mason like he believed him back then. But this time, it was harder. The situation was different than just heartbreak. “It still hurts.” “Nobody said it would not hurt. It will continue to hurt for a while longer, I know that. I just want you to know, you don’t have to face the hurt alone. You have me. Us. The whole pack. Lately, we have not been the most attentive to you, too caught up in our own sadness, but we are here for you. If you ever need a moment to not be strong, we will take over. Just be open about it and don’t hide it. It’s not good for you.” He smiled, less weak this time. “Thank you, Mason.”

If the house getting destroyed was the season finale is this the first episode of season 2 now? Or, if you see them moving into the house as the beginning of a new time for the pack, is this season 3? Ah, enough of that episode talk. I feel sorry for the pack. They are all good people and they deserve good things happening to them. But the chapter gave me the opportunity to write a bit more of Liam's history and also showcase Isaac more. I love him as a character and I will probably let him appear more. He is a great friend to Liam's pack. And Mason is a perfect best friend if you ask me. What do you think of the chapter? As always, let me know ♥

#thiam #A tale written with fangs and claws #Morning Dew Pack series #alpha!liam #My writing

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theoddcatlady · 6 years

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Surrogacy

The reason this bullshit is happening to me is because I tried to to do a nice thing. That’s all there is too it.

Emma was the daughter of one of my mom’s friends. We knew each other as kids but our friendship was mostly we were forced to play with each other because her mom was over or my mom was visiting her and I got dragged along. After middle school, when I could finally watch myself, we didn’t even try to keep in contact.

But now there’s this brilliant thing called Facebook, where you can reconnect with anyone from your life, from your second grade teacher to that girl you used to play together with as kids. Or you can stalk their page to see how much better their life is than yours.

Emma was the one who sent the friend request, and because I didn’t want to be a bitch I accepted it. Emma Buddy was now Emma Smith, she’d gotten married to her highschool sweetheart and they’d both been raking in enough dough from their jobs to afford a yearly cruise. Last year’s they’d gone to Alaska. I didn’t even know there was cruises for Alaska.

But I figured what the hey, I’ve done okay for myself, gotten published a few times in various magazines, I had a German Shepherd named Bailey that could sit up on command and would fetch me tissues whenever I sneezed. I was fine.

Then Emma sent me a message.

Hey, Jennifer! It’s been such a long time since we’ve talked, I’m sorry we’ve drifted apart. You wanna meet up sometime next week for coffee so we can catch up?

I’m horrible at finding nice ways to say ‘I’d rather not thanks’ so I ended up saying sure, expecting us to make plans that we’d never follow through with and then we’d go on with our own lives.

We ended up meeting at a nearby cafe next Saturday.

Emma had grown up from the awkward pigtailed child with a stutter to a beautiful woman with a great smile and a contagious laugh. I had to tell my very gay heart to calm the fuck down as she was happily married to a man.

Said man was a guy named Adam, and he was an optimistic, upbeat fellow that worked as a doctor. They lived in a great neighborhood, with a nice backyard and plenty of space for the kids.

It was when she brought up kids that her laugh seemed to fade and she curled into herself, staring at her Chai Tea. I asked her what was the matter, expecting her to tell me that she was worried about how her career would fair with children or that she was having a little trouble conceiving.

A ‘little trouble’ was an understatement. Emma had found out just a few days prior that she would never have children naturally. She might’ve had everything in her life perfect for a baby, but her womb was never going to let that happen. Adam was also crushed by this news but he was already searching for alternatives- adoption, fertility treatments… and surrogacy. You can see where this is going.

Before I even thought about it I offered to be her surrogate. Around the edges I come off as rather rough, but if I can help someone, there is nothing that will stop me from offering that help.

Of course my help isn’t always accepted, but Emma wrapped me in a crushing bear hug and thanked me.

The process itself was pretty boring so I’ll just skip all that, but lucky for everyone involved my womb was ready for the whole ‘baby making’ thing and once everything was all set up, I was set to carry Emma and Adam’s baby.

The first few months were as expected- morning sickness, sudden bursts of crying, tender boobs, basically your average pregnancy. Emma and Adam were incredibly supportive, they handled all the doctor’s appointments, covered all the costs, and I got two new friends out of the deal.

Then I cut myself and all hell broke loose.

Emma and Adam were over having tacos at my place, I was dicing tomatoes and I’d just turned to laugh at a joke Adam made when the knife accidentally caught my thumb. I’m a klutz, so I just swore and shook off my hand, asking Emma for a bandaid.

Both of them went quite pale before Emma sprung up and had me sit down, asking Adam to get the first aid kit. I laughed and told them to calm down, it was only a cut, but Adam seemed about five seconds away from driving me to the emergency room.

My cut was cleaned and bandaged, and I was given strict orders to remain still and to avoid aggravating the wound as much as possible. Again, I insisted it was just a cut, but Adam looked dead serious as he made me swear to be careful. For a moment, I felt a little panic in my chest, but it faded as soon as Emma brought me a plate of tacos.

What, I’m pregnant, and I was hungry. Besides, I reasoned they were just nervous for my safety. They’d already confided in me that Emma had miscarried twice and I knew losing this baby would crush them.

A week later, I attempted to remove the bandage and get on with my life, the cut wasn’t too deep and it should’ve long been healed.

It looked just as fresh as it did back then. The moment I twitched, the wound burst open again and my hand was soaked in blood. Bailey, who’d just been napping on the other side of the room, shot up to her feet and growled. I’d never heard her make that sound before, she was such a gentle dog and she’d never been aggressive before.

I managed to bandage myself back up but I did call Emma and let her know what happened and asked if I should go to the doctor about this. Emma scolded me about removing the bandage but told me it wasn’t necessary to go to the doctor. Whenever she and Adam came to visit he’d make sure it was all right. She told me that wounds ‘don’t heal the same when you’re pregnant’.

At that point I burst into tears again but I blame that on the hormones.

After that I became incredibly paranoid about getting hurt again. I didn’t shave because I didn’t want to deal with a shaving cut, I let Emma handle the knives for chopping veggies when she came to visit, I was very careful. No matter what I did, that cut didn’t heal. In fact, it seemed to get worse, no longer resembling a cut but more of a gouge, ripping back open if I so much as peeked at it.

I was concerned, yeah, but I didn’t think it was something to panic about yet. Like Emma said, wounds take longer to heal when you’re pregnant, and I was pregnant. Emma was more of an expert on this than I was.

Then I began having the nightmares.

The first time I was surrounded by dark figures, it was so unbearably hot. I was tied up and face down while they all just stared and laughed at me. A voice hissed the words ‘devil’s wife’ into my ear before a red hot brand was pressed against my bare thigh. I screamed and cried as it burned, I know you’re not supposed to feel pain in your sleep but I did, I truly did.

When I woke up the next morning, exhausted and my throat feeling like sandpaper, there was a bruise right where I was branded. One of my neighbors knocked on my door and asked if I was all right, they’d heard me screaming last night.

I don’t know why they didn’t think of calling the cops if I was screaming bloody murder, but some people just don’t want to be involved I suppose.

There were more nightmares, more than I can count. I was whipped. Burned alive. Skinned. I’d wake up with injuries I’d have no memory of getting, bruises and scrapes that I’d have to immediately bandage up before I bled everywhere. Bailey used to sleep in the same room as me. Not anymore. She would remain outside the door and wouldn’t come in until morning.

People at work were genuinely concerned I was in an abusive relationship with how the bandages and bruises popped up. One even offered me a safe place to stay. I declined, saying I was just having bad dreams and that I probably needed to be tied down for my own safety soon enough.

I joke about that to Emma and she took me seriously. I threatened to clock her one if she actually put restraints on my bed. I then burst into tears again and told her how sorry I was for threatening to hurt her, that she was a good friend and I was being horrible, but then Emma screamed.

I was crying blood. It wasn’t that my tears were tinted red, I was crying literal globs of blood down my cheeks. I looked in the mirror and I looked like a fucking horror film.

I’m not going to lie to you- if I hadn’t already been past that point, I would’ve gone for an abortion and not felt guilty about it. Okay, I would’ve felt a little guilty, but clearly my body wasn’t as ‘baby ready’ as the doctors said it was.

I’m staying at Emma’s and Adam’s house now, ready to pop in little over a month and I think I’ve been had.

I don’t think I’m carrying their baby. I think I’m carrying something else. The nightmares have only gotten worse. When I sleep in Emma’s and Adam’s bed, sometimes I get a good night’s sleep, but it’s a toss up. Adam once said he’s doing all he can to protect me, but Emma shut him up before he could explain further. I think he’s feeling guilty about what he’s done to me. I’m not sure if Emma is.

At night I stare at my giant belly and wonder what’s truly inside. I feel like hell, constantly woozy and queasy. I know I’m going to give birth soon.

And I think the part that scares me most is that last night Adam confirmed what they’d thought might been the case earlier on.

I’m having twins.

#horror stories #scary stories #creative writing #creepypasta #writers on tumblr #my stories

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likethetailofacomet · 5 years

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On Location

A/ N: So. this is a thing that happened. I...I don’t really even know. Well, that’s not true. I do know. It happened like this. Yesterday I posted a list of ten words that had to do with my most recent WIP and @ooo-barff-ooo Chaos Queen that she is, decided to take all ten words and come up with scenarios about each one. OBVIOUSLY I have to do at least 5 of them now. This was one. And then it snowballed. Literally? It did snow today so... ?

Pairing: Seth x Emma, Emma x Ben (F R I E N D S) yeah I went there, ya’ll. I DO NOT KNOW.

Warning: Just hang in there. and some light Ns*w. and i think this might quench a few thirsts for things like crinkled eyes and scrunchy faces, so I’m counting it for Thirsty Thursday. YOU CAN’T STOP ME.

Word Count: 2813

OKAY I WARNED YOU.

New York City was in the middle of a deep freeze when Emma was fortunate enough to be there on location for her latest project. She was no stranger to cold, growing up in the mid-west, but the last few years of living in L.A. had warmed her blood enough to make her miss the temperate climate that she’d grown accustomed to, and she found herself shivering on set on more than one occasion, causing teasing laughter and good natured jokes from her co-star.

“Someone get Emma some cocoa, quick, before she turns into an ice pop!” Ben would laugh and crinkle his eyes in that way that made all his fans swoon but just made Emma swat at his arm with the back of her wrist.

“Can it, Barnes,” she’d say, “I can’t convincingly stalk and murder you if my fingers are shivering too much to hold the guns, can I?”

He’d laugh more and shake his head. “No, see, because you’re a West Coast softie, not a fortified Brit like myself,” he gestured proudly at himself but she could see the sarcasm in his eyes.

“Yeah, okay, enough of the tough guy routine. You’re not in character and you’re not fooling me, I saw you shivering earlier Mr. Fortified.” She rolled her eyes and he laughed again.

“Okay, yeah, you got me, its freezing.” He finally admitted through a smile, hugging his arms across his chest and rubbing his own biceps. I just like teasing you.” He’d returned her playful smack with a big-brotherly shove.

They had to cancel the shoot today, again, due to subzero wind chills, and she was grateful as the scheduled scenes all had outdoor settings, and while she was incredibly excited to be on this film, it wasn’t worth the frostbite. It was an action thriller- something new for her- and she was checking a major dream role off of her bucket list getting to play a villain. Hours in hair and makeup to get all the scars and burns right for the fight scenes, incredible costume changes from sequined ball gowns and masquerade masks to tall black leather boots equipped with gun holsters and even designer lingerie for the…adult scenes. It was her first big budget film, and she was loving every minute of it.

Emma got the text from the P.A. that they had another day off, and she sighed, snuggling back into the fluffy whiter -than- white hotel blankets. As much as she was enjoying her time in New York; enjoying working on a film that was stretching her resume and her abilities, enjoying working with an incredible director and incredible co-stars, enjoying the easy friendship she was forming with Ben and the other cast members, she missed Seth. She missed his arms around her and his warm breath on her neck and the laughter that he easily pulled from her on even the toughest, longest, and most draining of days. She missed his snores and the way he talks in his sleep. She missed his burnt French toast. She even missed his absence. At home they would sometimes be separated for work for weeks at a time, but at least she’d be surrounded by his things; his shoes, one on the she rack and one on the floor, his spare keys, “lost” in the kitchen junk drawer, his sweatshirt that had been thrown on the chair in the corner of the living room for five days. She just missed him. As if on cue, she received a text picture of his goofy grin, the lighting dim and his eyes just barely opened. It was 4:30 am in California and she was sure that he was closer to falling asleep than waking up, but he made sure to text her when he knew she’d be waking up. Good morning, Iowa. Give it Hell today xxx Good Lord do I love this man or what? She thought to herself as a goofy grin of her own appeared.

Mornin’ sunshine (or goodnight?) Not shooting today, too cold. Brr. Wish you were here, love you ooo She dropped the phone on the bed and headed to the shower to get her day started. No filming didn’t mean no work. She knew Seth would fall back asleep, or maybe just fall asleep in the first place- he’d been hitting the comedy club circuit again as a way to keep his material fresh in between projects, and that meant very, very, very late nights. When she got out of the shower and checked her phone, she was right- no more messages from Seth. She smiled, imagining him sleeping, wishing she was there raking her fingers through his dark blonde curls.

She made herself a cup of coffee and was just about to sit down to go over the script and the schedule for the rest of their time in New York, when her phone buzzed again. Guess he is awake, she thought, absently entering her passcode to open her phone. She expected another goofy photo, and she got one. But not from Seth.

She nearly spit her coffee onto those fluffy white blankets she loved so much as she opened the text. It was Ben, gritting his teeth against the cold, hat pulled so low all you could see were his eyes, and scarf wrapped so thickly his chin had disappeared into it. He was standing outside in ankle deep snow as if to prove a point. You win, Em, it’s cold. No shoot today, drinks and script review?

She quickly typed back a reply. Sure thing, how’s noon? Get inside! What are you doing you weirdo?! She shook her head and laughed, thinking about how she’d love to get Ben and Seth together because the goofiness would simply be off the charts. When noon rolled around Emma grabbed her script and checked her hair in the mirror on her way down to the lobby bar where they had decided to meet. She found him already at the bar, one long leg bent, his foot tapping against the footrest on the bar’s underside as he chatted amicably with the bartender who was clearly trying to pretend that she wasn’t completely starstruck by him. Emma caught him doing the eye crinkle thing again and though she hadn’t known him long, she knew him long enough to know that the eye crinkle thing was only a result of genuine smiles. Maybe he was a little struck by that bartender, too. Yes! Fuel for the teasing fire! She made her way over to the bar and pulled out the stool next to his. “Hey, Ben, I see you’ve warmed up.” She smiled as he passed her one of the two drinks that were in front of him. Whiskey, neat. Not her usual cup of tea, but then again Pinot Gris wasn’t the most bracing of beverages for the wintertime. “Thanks,” she knocked her elbow into his and they clinked their glasses together each taking a sip.

“Oh my god, it’s you! Emma Nailor! You’re like, my favorite actress, like, oh my god!” the bartender’s jaw dropped as she looked from Ben to Emma. “Tender Nothings is seriously my favorite movie! Oh man, are you two working together on something?” she looked from Emma to Ben expectantly.

Ben chuckled. “Yeah. Sweet innocent Emma here is playing the bad guy and she’s been kicking my butt all over the city.” He took a swig of his drink and narrowed his dark brown eyes over the rim of his glass.

“Bad. Ass.” The bartender gave Emma an approving look. “Hey, I know this is so super lame of me, but can I have a picture with you guys?”

“Not lame at all, here, give me your phone.” Ben took her phone and stretched his arm out in front of him to take a selfie style picture with Emma and the bartender. The young girl smiled brightly with her lips and teeth and cheeks and eyes, a look of joyful disbelief on her face. Emma leaned in and gave a relaxed, effortless smile. But Ben went and did what Ben does- he pulled a goofy face right when he pressed the button and Emma burst out laughing when she saw it.

“Send that to me,” she snorted as he handed the bartender her phone back and she proceeded to pour them another round on the house. He sent her the photo and she forwarded it to Seth. Hard day’s work over here, lemme tell ya! ooo

The bartender, whose name they learned was Lexi, had left them to their work, glancing over every now and then, still in disbelief over meeting two of her favorite movie stars. After an hour or so of running lines and trying different approaches and bouncing ideas off of one another, Emma's phone buzzed against the bar top. “Do you need to get that?” He asked her, motioning to the phone with his glass before bringing it to his lips to finish it off.

“Yeah, let me just,” she grabbed her phone and opened it, a smile already on her face, fully aware of what she'd done. Her smile grew into a full on grin and then a laugh as she opened his text. EMMA ALEXANDRIA NAILOR SOON-TO-BE-LEVINE! IS THAT? ARE YOU? REALLY? I mean I know you're co-starring but like are you friends now because that's like...i mean...oh boy is this? Yup. I'm jealous. Of you, not him. Sorry, love you. *little guy shrug emoji* She closed her eyes and let out a genuine guffaw, slapping her knee and setting her phone down momentarily.

Ben nearly choked on the whiskey that was still in his throat at her reaction to whatever text she'd just received. He placed his empty glass on the bar and coughed, lips scrunched to the left, that cheek lifted up into his eye. “Okay, what's so funny?” he asked, leaning his elbow on the bar.

Emma downed the last of her drink. “Well, I told you my fiance is a comedian, right?”

“Yeah, Seth...” he snapped his fingers and squinted trying to recall Seth's last name. “Seth Levine!” his eyes brightened as he smacked the bar. “Yeah. Seth. I googled him, saw his sets. He's really funny. And he writes screenplays, too, doesn't he?”

Emma nodded, smirking. “Yeah that's the guy. Well, turns out, he's a big fan of yours and he's jealous.”

Ben immediately sat back, putting lots of space between them and holding his hands out in front of him, fingers splayed like he was under arrest. Emma burst into laughter again, reaching towards him and tapping him lightly on the knee. “Relax, Barnes,” she shook her head. “He's jealous of me not you. He's just a big fan. Everyone gets star struck by someone, you know? You two would actually get along really well.” She pointed at him almost accusingly. He ordered them one more round as she responded to Seth's text and the snow began to slow to a stop outside the window. Sure is, Levine. Jealous, huh? Maybe I should be jealous? *pouty face emoji*

She hadn't put the phone down before it was buzzing again. Nope. No need. BE RIGHT THERE. She laughed and sent him a video of her blowing him a kiss...with Ben photo-bombing her in the background, of course. The two of them finished their drinks and he walked her back to her room, thanking her for killing time and running lines and hanging out. It was fun, and easy, being friends, and she was thankful yet again for getting to work on this project. She headed inside and sank into the bed, flicking the television on. It was 4pm and there was nothing to do and it was too cold to go out and she missed Seth. She missed his hands on her skin and his lips on her mouth and his chest pressed to hers. She was a little...no let's face it, Emma, she was buzzed. And horny. And she missed Seth. She fell asleep dreaming of him. Of his teeth grazing her inner thighs, of his tongue tracing along her core, of his fingers gripping her ass. She dreamed of his body and his heat and the way he made her feel like she was the only woman in the world, like she was Iowa, not Emma Nailor, like she was his.

She woke up to a loud knock on the door, shocked that she'd fallen asleep in the first place. The clock read 8:45pm. Wonderful sleeping habits I've got. She stood from the bed and the room spun just a bit as her eyes widened and she caught her balance on the bedside table. Woah. Drinking with Ben is a doozy. Duly noted. She righted herself and blinked a few times as the knocking on the door turned to a familiar pattern. “Seth?” she muttered out loud as the pattern repeated and she jumped, her bare feet springing from the carpeted floor in pure, unadulterated excitement. “Seth!” she ran to the door, her smile growing into her eyes as she ripped it open and there he was. He grabbed her around the waist with one arm, closing the door with the other, and fused his lips to hers. He walked her back into the room as she gave in to the kiss, sighing against his lips and feeling light bursting from her chest. His tongue delved into her mouth as his fingers gripped her side, and she responded, finally, grabbing a fistful of his hair with one hand and pressing the other flat against his broad back. When they parted they were both panting and grinning and laughing.

“Hey, Iowa,” he whispered, eyes twinkling as he laid another quick kiss to her lips.

“Hey yourself, Seth,” she said, kissing him back. “I missed you. I missed you so much! I can't believe you got on a plane just like that! And in this weather!”

He chuckled. “Well,” he kissed her deeply again, drawing another sigh. “I had to show you that you had nothing to be jealous about.” He scooped her up and threw her onto the bed.

“I like where this is headed,” she smiled at him and he smiled back at her knowingly, thanking his lucky stars for giving him this incredible, wonderful, fun-loving, smart, sexy, funny, compassionate, genuine woman to love.

Twenty minutes later, the fort was built, using all the available pillows, sheets and blankets. They'd even used a few of the hand towels. They had both secretly always wanted to build a giant pillow fort in a hotel room-those big white fluffy blankets are just begging for it, Iowa- I know, right?. And now seemed the best time- it was cold outside, they had missed one another, and they'd had an afternoon of laughs. They crawled in the tent and left their clothes behind them, warming one another with their breaths and their bodies and their love.

Seth fell asleep first, his head resting in the crook of her shoulder against her chest. They'd cleaned up and she'd put his shirt on before they crawled back in the tent to hold one another and catch up on the little things they'd missed. She scrolled though pictures on her phone showing him behind the scenes photos of her and the cast and crew; he'd filled her in on details from the last few comedy shows. Before long the travel had caught up to him and he gently dozed off, Emma left looking at the man she had promised her life to and wondering how she'd gotten so lucky. Her phone dinged an incoming FaceTime call and she had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing as she answered Ben's call.

“Shh,” she greeted him with her finger pressed to pursed lips that were just dying to smile. She panned the phone down to show Seth asleep and snoring on her shoulder. “Don't wake him up!” she half whispered, half laughed.

He squinted his eyes and covered his own mouth when he realized he was looking at two full grown adults- one of them asleep- in a pillow fort in one of Manhattan's nicer hotels. “Are we in a pillow fort right now?” he asked quietly on the verge of a laughter meltdown.

Emma nodded. “We are.”

Ben shook his head. “Wonderful. Well, I won't keep you. Just wanted to say thanks again for today. I had fun. But looks like fun follows you around, huh?”

Emma looked from the warm smiling face of her new friend to the sweet sleeping face of the man she loved. “Yeah, guess it does. G'night, Ben.”

He smiled, hoping he'd find his own pillow-fort-girl someday. “G'night, Em.”

tagging: @ooo-barff-ooo @zaffrenotes @sleepwalkingelite @brightpinkpeppercorn I LITERALLY DO NOT KNOW OF A SINGLE OTHER PERSON WHO WOULD CARE L.O.L. but like, now Ben and Emma are friends so I guess he’s a regular?

#why?#seth x mc #seth x emma #seth levine #emma nailor #rcd #ben barnes #emma and ben are besties #pillow fort #all this from the word cold #this is all your doing tru #choices fanfiction #crack fic #thirsty thusrday?#if you're thirsty for eye crinkles that is

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sieben9 · 6 years

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“last rites” impressions

{Quick request to anyone reading: I’m watching OUaT for the first time, and I want to avoid spoilers. So, if you want to discuss something spoilery, I’d be grateful if you could start a new post for that. Thank you!}

::sigh:: God, what a mess.

No, not you.

::even longer sigh::

So, uh… I didn’t like this episode. Shocking, I know. I still have things to say about it, though, so if you want to read them, please read under the cut.

…

::the Longest sigh::

Honestly, did anyone come out of that episode happier than they were before? ‘cause I certainly didn’t…

I’d hear the argument that this is the bleak moment before the triumphant finale, but this Underworld-arc seems pretty much over.

the one (and possibly only) thing i will give zelena credit for.

I mean, it seems fitting that if you go down to the Underworld, bad things will happen, just as it seems fitting that you’d escape with your life and not much more. Not exactly a happy conclusion, but a thematically appropriate one. That the Underworld follows you back home and starts messing things up in the land of the living is just a dose of good, old-fashioned “Nice Job Breaking It Hero”, and I don’t mind that, either. But now, the villain is defeated, the damsel is out of distress (meaning Hook), and the newly dead are buried.

leaving behind an orphaned four-year-old and a literal baby. damn, show, just… damn.

Oh, but Robin isn’t “just” dead (because we have now established that being dead means nothing in this world), no, he’s been obliterated from existence. And for what? What was the narrative justification for killing him off? So that his daughter could have his name? Look, the guy may not have been the most dynamic character or most interesting love interest in the world, but he sure as hell didn’t deserve that.

Poor Regina. Poor Roland. In my ideal world, this ends with Regina adopting the little hobbit, but I don’t really see that happening. (If it does happen, that’s a spoiler I wouldn’t mind hearing, actually. I need happy news after this… mess.)

Observant readers will have noticed that I never cared all that much about Outlaw Queen, but I retroactively feel bad for all the people who were really invested. That was one hell of a brutal shipwreck.

While we’re on the subject, I will have to call shenanigans on the Other Novelty Dildo (first one being that glove Rumple brought back from Camelot)

so many jokes, so little time…

Look, I don’t actually mind the magical MacGuffins that crop up all over the place. But would it kill you to introduce them slightly earlier? Like, just as a rule: if you want to use a MacGuffin to solve a problem in episode 20, you have to introduce it in episode 17 at the latest. Now, if you want to use a MacGuffin to create a problem, maybe you don’t need that much advance warning. Though even that works better at the beginning of an arc than at its end.

And magic bullet aside… I get why Zelena killing Hades had more of an emotional impact. And I get why Regina had to be involved—she’s the only one Zelena would actually do this for. Regina worked all this half-season to forge a bond with her sister, and this is where that pays off.

What I don’t get is why Emma wasn’t involved even a little. No, seriously, go back and check. All she does is lure Hades and Zelena away for about ten seconds, so that Regina and Robin can get into the office to get the then-nameless baby back. And that was in no way integral to Hades’s defeat. So, basically, the person who kicked off the events that led to Hades being a threat in the first place had no part in getting rid of him. Well-bloody-done, show. That’s how you protagonist!

So… yeah. Kind of a disappointing villain-defeat. Although I have to say that the acting in that scene was on point. I mean…

My sincere respect for everyone in front of the camera, here, and especially Lana Parilla and Rebecca Mader. They really acted their hearts out here. I mean… you can see how much she wants to just kill Regina and that nagging voice inside her that says she’s doing the wrong thing, and then you see her change her mind. And then the dialogue tells you what just happened, but you can still see each distinct emotion on her face. ::sigh:: Dear Rebecca Mader, why couldn’t you be a character I liked?

Oh, and of course Rumple has the death-dildo now. Or at least a piece of it. Are we… are we doing this “Rumple as the backup badguy” thing again? Really? Fourth time in a row? The man just wants to wake up his wife so they can make an appointment with Archie for some marriage counselling, he hasn’t got the time to be sinister!

then again, that’s less of an action and more of a lifestyle

Oh, and because I’m frustrated and needed a break… have a gif.

I’m sure there was absolutely no other way to get that thing out of the pulverised Hades-remains. None at all. (I’m also amused that they apparently left the godly dustpile just sitting there for at least a full day. Nobody decided to come over with a dustpan? Really?)

Speaking of Rumple and his current troubles…

Moe French, I will beat you to death with the spikiest cactus I can find, and I will laugh while I do it. I think between nearly killing/personality-wiping his daughter because he didn’t approve of her choice in boyfriend and leaving her in a sleep of eternal torment, because he doesn’t like her husband, this asshole bumped himself all the way up to first place on the “shitty parents” list, which is quite an accomplishment. (To be honest, all the serious contenders for first place are equally shitty, Moe is just the most recent offender, so I’m most angry at him.)

My only consolation is that Moe’s kiss would never have worked in the first place, so while his decision is still deplorable, at least it’s not an actual complication. Shame Emma had to burst in so early, though.

Which brings up another point about Emma and responsibility that I’ll saying a bit more on later, but for this scene, just a quick aside: I don’t think Rumple was exactly right—not all of this mess was Emma’s fault. That he had to go to the Underworld? Sure, that’s 100% on her, but frankly, I’m not willing to absolve Hades and assorted assholes from blame here.

So, no, this mess isn’t Emma’s fault alone. But it is her responsibility. She started this mess, she’d better end it. By the way, guess what she didn’t do? (See above for that.)

::long sigh::

OK, let’s deal with the elephant in the room, namely, the almost-literal Deus Ex Machina.

Who though this was a good idea? Seriously, even if they did write themselves into a corner, this was possibly the worst way to do it. The method was bad, the explanation was bad, and the making out next to the coffin of the man who actually helped kill Hades was the worst.

And Hook didn’t help defeat Hades! Hook didn’t do anything except give Emma the hint about the crystal, and Emma didn’t help! I know I’m harping on this, but the longer I keep pulling on that thread, the more this episode unravels. It’s morbidly fascinating, really.

I discussed the main points on the graveyard-makout-session in the liveblog-post already, but to sum up: there’s a version of this scene that both shows Emma’s and Hook’s relief to be alive and together again without appearing entirely disrespectful to Robin’s memory, but this wasn’t it. This was about as tasteless as it could get without them boinking right there next to the coffin.

(My suggestion: let them go home before they take the train to make-out-town. Bam. Problem solved. They can have a really heartfelt hug on the graveyard; honestly, I feel like a hug would have been more emotionally honest, in any case, but what do I know, right?)

This kind of soured me on Emma as a character, too. I liked her better when she had to face actual consequences and took responsibility for her fuck-ups. And no, whining about how “this is all my fault”, only to get consoled by other characters is not the same as taking responsibility. That’s wallowing in self-pity, and it’s not a very attractive quality. (It’s also a cheap trick to tell the audience “see, the good people don’t think she did anything wrong, and so should you!”)

Oh, and just to close this out…

Yeah, this guy gets to be king of the Underworld now. Grrreat. We all still remember that he was a pretty shitty king while alive, right? That’s not just me? Then again, he’s got all eternity to figure out this gig, so who knows. Maybe he won’t be terrible in a millennium or so. (He’ll still be a douche, though. The douchiness is part of his molecular makeup, there’s really nothing to be done there.)

On a somewhat lighter note: Hook, my guy, we have to talk. You were in a position to, as I like to call it, “pull a Kelsier”, i.e. punch a god in the face. The rules declare that whenever you are in a position to pull a Kelsier, you are basically obligated do so. That fact that you didn’t is… look, I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed.

(In an attempt not to be too obnoxious about it: Kelsier is a character from a completely different fandom who did, in fact, punch at least two gods in the face. They kind of deserved it, too, even if Kelsier really had no moral high ground to stand on.)

And, while I’m on slightly lighter things:

Cruella’s face when she saw Arthur and Hook. I was wrong: someone definitely came out of this episode happier than they were before ::eyebrow waggle::

I have honestly no idea where the last two episodes are going to go, because… there’s really not much setup. Rumple still has a comatose Belle in a box, and she’s probably not getting out of there this season (because that’s not how babies work), so… what exactly is he planning?

I mean, I’ll find out, but I’d appreciate some hints, show!

#ouat #once upon a time #ouat last rites #sieben watches ouat #sieben talks #ouat writing critical #anti cs #anti hook #anti emma swan #(ouch)#mostly tagging to be safe #the writing is getting most of the flak #AND WITH GOOD REASON

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plussizeappreciationfics · 6 years

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Headcanon: I got you

Requested by @kilowatt219: Can you do a bucky x black latina reader where he gets taken by an enemy organization, and the reader and steve come to save him. Turns out his girl is a badass (ind of like Melissa McCarthy in Spy) Please and thank you! Your blog is a real gift!

Pairing: black Latina plus sized reader x Bucky Barnes

Other character(s): Steve Rogers, Tony Stark

Warnings(s): language, physical violence

Word count: 1163 words

-Bucky would’ve left at 5 pm in the morning to run with Steve

-You’d continue sleeping until 8 am, your alarm would wake you up

-You’d turn around in bed and reach your arm out for your boyfriend but the spot next to you would be cold and empty. It would make your eyes pop open and immediately sit up straight. Bucky would’ve been lying next to you he’d normally come back from his morning run at 7 pm, and lie with you on the bed until 8

-You’d frown and get out of bed, walking to the bathroom to start your day, all while wondering where Bucky would be

-After you’d have taken a shower and get dressed, you’d leave your shared room and make your way to the kitchen, where the team, minus Steve and Bucky, would be having breakfast

-”Good morning, has anyone seen Steve and Bucky”, you’d ask them while fixing yourself a bowl of cereal. “They went on their morning run”, Tony would answer before taking a sip of his black coffee

-You’d sigh, “I know but normally they should be back by now” you’d answer him before eating your cereal. Tony would shrug his shoulders before continuing his breakfast in silence

-Ten minutes later the team would be finished with their breakfast and clean their plates before leaving you alone in the kitchen

-You’d sip on your water, being worried about Steve and your boyfriend when all of a sudden a bruised Steve would come rushing into the kitchen, holding onto his shoulder while blood would drip onto his fingers. But there’d be no sign of Bucky…

-You’d immediately rush over to him, your heart pounding in your chest. “What happened Steve? Where’s Bucky?” you’d ask in panic while grabbing a first aid kit from the kitchen drawer

-You’d remove Steve’s hand on the wound and apply pressure on it with a sterile gauze dressing pad, making Steve hiss in pain. “Bucky and I were running when suddenly we were jumped by a group of Hydra agents. They took us to into their van and were about to drive off but I was able to escape but got stabbed in the shoulder. Bucky was given some shot which made him lose consciousness”, he’d tell and watch you clean his wound before putting a bandage around it

-You’d feel scared and worried, your boyfriend had been kidnapped by Hydra. Those who had put him through so much misery had captured him again. A shiver went down your spin as you’d start imagine what kinds of horrible things they’d do to him in order to get information out of him

-”We need to save him”, you’d speak sternly. Steve would nod his head and thank you for patching him up

-”Friday please tell Tony to get in the kitchen this is a code AF58″ you’d order the program before pacing up and down the kitchen. Steve would try to calm you down, but it was impossible as you’d picture the worst case scenarios about your boyfriend

-Two minutes later Tony would rush into the kitchen along with his tablet, “Okay Steve, license plate”, he’d ask him. “86K79LB, black van” Steve would answer

-Five minutes later Tony would have all the information about the stolen vehicle while hacking into the traffic lights camera program. He’d find footage of the black van dropping Bucky at an old factory two hours away from the compound. A few minutes later he’d call Fury and ask for a group of well trained agents

-Twenty minutes later Tony, Steve you and the agents would be in the on your way to the old factory. During the ride you kept praying that Bucky would be alright and swear that those bastards would pay

-Once you’d arrive at the destination, the agents would sneak around the factory, beating the Hydra agents down before breaking the door down

-That’d be the clue for Tone, Steve and you to barge in and take the rest of the Hydra agents down

-The fight was hard, you were outnumbered and you almost got shot shot but Tony pushed you out of the way in time for his suit to catch the bullet

-”Where’s Bucky?!” you’d yell at one agent while throwing punches at his face. The agent would keep silent, catching you off guard by kicking you in the stomach. You hunched over in pain as it got harder to breathe. The agents threw a punch to your face, making you hit the ground with a harsh blow

-The agent would hover over you, chocking you but you were able to overpower him by twisting his arm, making him cry out in pain before rolling over and knocking him out

-”[Y/N]! We know where Bucky is!” Steve would yell behind you while literally throwing an agent against the wall and running towards the door at the end of the huge hall. You’d nod before you’d run after him, feeling anxious to finally see your boyfriend

-Steve would burst into the room where you’d find Bucky beaten and tied up to a chair in a small room. His mouth call out for you, while groaning in pain as he’d have a bloody nose, a black eye along with a gash wound on his chest

-You’d rush over to him, tears brimming your eyes while untying Bucky and helping him stand up. Your poor boyfriend wouldn’t be able to stand up straight, he’d almost collapse in your arms as he’d weakly wrap his arms around you

-[Y/N]”, he’d whispered weakly trying to give you a smile. You’d shake your head “I got you babe, you’re safe now. Let’s get you home”, you’d reassure him and help him walk while Steve and Tony would finish off the last Hydra agent before helping Bucky out of the factory in into the car

-Once you’d arrive at the compound, Bruce would take care of his wounds, stitch him up and order him a two weeks bed rest

-”I’m so glad you saved me”, Bucky would whisper as the two of you would be lying on your bed. He’d be in sweats only while you’d be in your night gown. It was an exhausting day, but you were happy to have your boyfriend back again

-”I would never leave you behind Buck, I love you too much to do that”, you’d answer him before pressing a sweet kiss onto his lips. He’d groan into the kiss and try to pull you closer but wince in pain once he’d move his arm

-”Don’t move, just relax I’ll take care of you”, you’d smile at him. “What would I do without you?”, Bucky would whisper and stare at you in awe

-He’d feel so lucky to have such a loving and supporting girlfriend, who would do anything for him. “I love you so much”, Bucky would whisper

-You’d smile softly your heart swelling with joy, “I love you too”.

Taglist: @buckybarnesappreciationsociety @pleasantdreamqueenm @harleycativy @disneymarina @koizorahana

-Emma

#bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x plus size reader #plus size reader

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emospritelet · 7 years

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Cuckoo’s Flight - 3/6

Last time, Gold showed Belle around the library apartment, neglected to call in at Granny’s for the rent, thereby missing Emma, and offered to make Belle something to eat at his house. Here’s what happened next.

AO3 link

Belle felt a tiny surge of adrenaline as he guided her up the path with a warm hand on the small of her back. The street was empty of people, no one to see her enter, and again she wondered at how safe she felt in his presence, as though she trusted him. He let them inside, and she stepped into a wide hallway, the low, heavy tick of a clock the only sound. Gold turned on the lights, and she blinked, her eyes unused to it. The interior was a dusky pink colour, with a carved wooden banister, the staircase turning on its way up to the next floor.

She wondered if he lived alone, and almost before the thought had formed, she knew it to be true. Surprising, that she could recognise the need to be alone in others, having been so starved for contact herself. Solitude rolled off him in waves, the calm, comfortable loneliness that came from self-imposed isolation. She imagined that he didn’t have close relationships with anyone and it made her wonder why he had chosen to let her in, even to this small extent.

Gold let her through to the kitchen, and her eyes widened as she looked around. The room was clean and modern, a table and four chairs next to the kitchen counters, shining appliances ready and waiting to be used.

“Have a seat,” he said. “I’m going to have a glass of wine. A proper glass, not that swill they serve at the bar. Would you like one?”

She nodded, still looking over the place, and he took a corkscrew from a drawer and a bottle of red wine from the wooden rack between two cupboards. Belle slid into a chair as he opened the wine with a practised twist of his wrist and a dull pop. She watched him pour into two large glasses, the wine flowing in a dark red stream, and she nodded her thanks as he set a glass in front of her. She sniffed at the wine, half-expecting the sourness she had experienced earlier in the bar, but this was very different. It was fruity, rich and heady, and she took a sip, the flavours of blackberries and cherries and a hint of spice bursting on her tongue. This was how she had imagined wine would taste. The heat was there too, warming her, sinking down her throat to spread throughout her body, and she took off his jacket, draping it over the back of a chair.

Gold took a sip of his own wine and went to the fridge, rummaging around for a moment before taking out a plastic tub of something and holding it up.

“I made lamb stew a couple of days ago,” he said. “Should be enough for two. It just needs heating through. Is that alright?”

She nodded, trying to remember the taste of lamb. The hospital food was salty and somehow flavourless, eaten with plastic spoons that she had been told were handed out because they couldn’t be used as weapons, not that she remembered ever attacking anyone in her life. She watched as he boiled water in a pan and set a steamer insert on top, chopping potatoes into chunks and dropping them in before putting on a lid. The stew went into another pan, and Gold took a mouthful of wine, stirring with a wooden spoon. The light gleamed on his hair as he worked, and the delicious, savoury scent of rich lamb, garlic and rosemary began to drift into her nose. She had almost forgotten how good food could smell.

There was silence as he moved around the kitchen, other than the clunk of a spoon against the pan, or a mutter from him as he tasted something. She was content to sit back and let him get on with it, too unsure of herself to offer to help, even if she had known what to do. He mashed the seasoned potatoes with butter and milk, and her mouth watered as he set a plate in front of her, cubes of tender meat and vegetables, fragrant with herbs, the rich dark sauce glistening next to the pile of fluffy mashed potatoes. He sat down opposite, refilling their glasses, and took a bite of the lamb, chewing as he watched her. She breathed in the savoury aroma, and he gestured with a fork.

“I haven’t poisoned that,” he said dryly, and she blushed, picking up her cutlery.

The stew was delicious, the meat wonderfully tender, and the first mouthful caused her to make a noise that was almost obscene. He smirked, raising an eyebrow, and she took another bite.

“That’s so good,” she said thickly, and his smile widened.

“Take your time,” he said. “You’re probably not used to it if you’ve been in the hospital for a while.”

She thought he was right, and so she tried to slow her pace, but she still cleared her plate before he did. She offered to clear up when they were finished, but he had a dishwasher, and so she found herself being escorted through to a comfortable lounge, filled with antique furniture, a fire burning low in the grate and a clock ticking on the wall. There were bookshelves stuffed full, and she itched to study them, but he gestured to the couch, and she sat down, hands cradling her wineglass, the alcohol just starting to go to her head a little. There was an oak china cabinet in the alcove near the bay window, its shelves filled with porcelain vases and decorative plates, and she ran her eyes over what looked like part of an old tea set. A pot and two cups and saucers, white with a delicate blue flower pattern. One cup had a chip in the rim, and she was surprised that it was on show. Gold put some more wood on the fire, tiny flames licking hungrily around the logs as he lowered himself onto the couch next to her.

“You have such nice things,” she said, looking around, and he shrugged.

“I’m a dealer in antiquities,” he said. “I own a shop in town, and a lot of the pieces that aren’t there are kept here. I like beautiful objects, you see. Precious things. Sometimes I even plan to let them go, and yet they end up staying.”

“If you enjoy them, and they make you happy, there’s nothing wrong with that,” she said. “I think - I think that it would be worse to keep them locked away, don’t you? To hide them away where no one else can see them.”

“Yes,” he said quietly. “Yes, I think that would be a terrible tragedy.”

He sipped his wine, watching her over the rim of his glass. The fire crackled and snapped, warm reddish light flickering over his face and highlighting his cheekbones. She felt that low-down tug again, and licked her lips. He was still staring at her, but then he looked away.

“We can go over the rental agreement in the morning,” he said. “You’ll need a job if you want to pay rent and feed yourself. Any thoughts?”

“I - no.” She looked down at her glass, the wine rippling. “I hadn’t thought. But - but I’m sure I could find something! If - well, if…”

“If Dr Hopper doesn’t decide that he regrets his decision to let you go,” he finished, and she cringed a little. There was silence for a moment. She could see his fingers drumming slowly on the side of his glass.

“I take it you’re literate,” he said. “Numerate? Could you do stock-taking, for example?”

She looked up.

“Oh, yes!” she said eagerly. “I learned to read when I was three! And I used to help my father with his business, before - well, before I went to the hospital. I’m sure I could pick things up quickly, if there’s a job out there.”

He nodded.

“I might be able to find you something,” he said. “We can discuss it in the morning. You must be tired.”

She was too nervous to be tired, but he drained his glass and stood up, shifting the cane to keep his balance.

“I’ll show you to your room,” he said, and she blinked.

“My - my room?” she asked, her voice suddenly high and anxious.

“Well, the apartment isn’t fit for sleeping in tonight, and I wasn’t about to let you sleep on the couch,” he said dryly. “I assure you that I have no evil intent, Miss Longbourn. You’re quite safe here.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean…” She snapped her mouth shut, and he looked amused. “I wasn’t - you’ve been very kind,” she added lamely.

“Yes, well, don’t tell anyone, I have a reputation to maintain.” He put his head to the side. “Are you done with the wine, or would you like a little more?”

“I - no, no thank you.”

She drained her glass, setting it on the coffee table, and stood up. Gold nodded.

“This way,” he said, and walked out, mounting the stairs. She followed him up to the landing, and he paused outside a door, opening it up and switching on a light.

“The spare room,” he said. “I can give you something to wear. Bathroom’s across the landing. You can shower, if you like.”

Belle stepped inside, looking around. It was a spacious, pleasant room a bay window looking out on the dark woods behind. A large, heavy wooden bed with carved posts was made up with white sheets, a red blanket over the top. She glanced across at him.

“What about you?” she asked, and he looked at her steadily.

“My room’s at the end,” he said. “I have an en-suite, so I won’t need to disturb you.”

“Thank you,” she said. “For everything. You didn’t have to help me.”

“I know.”

“So…” She floundered, unsure what she wanted to say. “I mean, don’t think I’m not grateful, I just don’t understand why. Why you would.”

Gold hesitated, and if it had been anyone else she would have thought he seemed unsure of himself. It was the first time she had seen him look uncertain.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “It just…” He lifted a hand, twisting his fingers before letting his arm fall again, his mouth flattening.

“...feels right,” she finished, and he nodded, his eyes flicking back to hers.

“Yes.”

There was silence again, and she could feel a strange, heavy atmosphere building, as though a storm was coming. As though sparks were dancing in the air around them, crackling over her skin, the tension stealing her breath. Gold blinked, looking away and breaking the spell.

“Let me get you something to wear,” he said quietly, and walked out, leaving her with flushed cheeks and a dry mouth and unfamiliar, rising desire.

He brought her a T-shirt, and a pair of blue plaid cotton pants, and she held them in her hands for a moment, unsure what to do. Gold looked hesitant, his fingers opening and closing around the handle of his cane.

“Right,” he said. “Well, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. Sleep well, Miss Longbourn.”

She was beginning to regret giving him a false name. It sounded strange and jarring in her ears, and she wanted to hear him speak her true name, to hear his mouth caress it and let it fall from his tongue. She nodded mutely, and he turned on his heel, leaving her alone.

“Goodnight!” she called, after he had gone, and hoped he had heard.

Putting the clothes on the bed, she decided to take a shower, and so she went into the bathroom and locked the door. The shower gel smelled of herbs, clean and fresh, and it felt good to stand under the torrent of hot water and scrub the hospital from her skin. She washed her hair too, fingers scraping at her scalp until her skin tingled, and by the time she got out and wrapped herself in thick grey towels, she felt much better.

The house was quiet when she opened the door and peered into the corridor, and she hurried back to her room and shut the door, using the towels to dry her hair before pulling on the T-shirt and pants. There was a brush in the drawer of the dresser, and she sat in front of the mirror, untangling her hair with careful strokes until it was soft and shining. She watched her reflection, her eyes dark in the lamplight, her belly still tight with that crawling, tugging feeling. She set down the brush, taking a deep breath and telling herself to get a grip. It was excitement at being freed, at being out in the world again. The surge of attraction for Gold was her body’s response to someone showing her kindness, when all she could remember from the staff at the asylum was at best indifference, and at worst cruelty. But Gold had been kind. He had saved her from the unwanted attentions of Keith, and had given her food and wine and a safe place to stay. It was natural that she would respond to that. It meant nothing.

She flicked off the light, getting in between the cool cotton sheets of the bed, and lay back with her hands behind her head, trying to relax. Her skin was humming, her heart thudding in her chest, and after ten minutes or so she threw back the covers with a sigh. He had books. Perhaps she could lose herself in one of those and take her mind off his eyes and his tiny smiles and the way his hands moved.

She slipped out of bed, opening the bedroom door as quietly as she could and padding downstairs. The lamps were still lit, and for a moment she paused on her toes, wondering where he was. She heard nothing, though, and so she continued on her way, feet silent on the wooden floors. The fire in the lounge had burnt down, the embers glowing red, and the room was empty, so she trotted over to the bookshelves, running her eyes over what was stacked there. He had a mix of classic and modern authors, Shakespeare, poetry, and even non-fiction books on history and politics. She mouthed the titles, finger stroking over the spines and hooking over the top of a leather-bound book of fairy tales. It came free from the surrounding books with a low, whispery sound.

“There are more in my study.”

Gold’s voice made her jump, and she dropped the book. It landed between her feet with a dull thump, and she dropped to her knees just as he did, their hands reaching for it and touching briefly before jerking back. Her heart was pounding, her breath coming hard in her throat, and she licked her lips. He had taken off his tie and unfastened the top two buttons of his shirt, and she ran her eyes up his chest and over the warm skin of his throat. His pulse throbbed beneath his skin, and she felt an urge to lick it, to run her tongue over him and feel the scrape of new stubble against her. She raised her eyes to his, and they were fathom-deep, ocean-deep, dark as the night and filled with a hunger that made her breathless.

“I’m sorry if I startled you, Miss Longbourn,” he said quietly, and she noticed that his accent had thickened a little. She wondered what he was doing here, so far from home. Perhaps he felt as lost and lonely as she. The thought made her want to be honest with him, to strip herself bare and hold nothing back.

“My - my name’s not Lacey Longbourn,” she whispered, and he smiled.

“Yes, I know.”

“You know?” She frowned at him, and his grin widened, the gold tooth gleaming.

“You’re a terrible liar,” he said softly, and she dropped her eyes.

“Oh.”

“Which is no bad thing, really,” he added. “Besides, I presumed you had your own reasons for using a false name.”

“Yeah.” She looked up again. “I - I wasn’t sure if I could trust you at first.”

He gave her a wry smile.

“Well, given my reputation in this town, I won’t bother telling you that you can,” he said. “But I certainly mean you no harm.”

“I believe you,” she said truthfully, and his lips twitched.

He reached out, his hand brushing over her cheek, thumb stroking over her lower lip, and she sucked in a breath, his touch burning her. He pulled back immediately, eyes widening.

“Sorry,” he whispered. “I’m - I’m sorry, I have no idea why I just did that.”

Looking discomfited, he straightened up, holding out a hand to help her to her feet, and Belle clutched the book to her chest. He was having difficulty in making eye contact with her again, and she ached to reassure him, to tell him that she had wanted him to touch her. Her tongue seemed to have swollen and stuck to the roof of her mouth, and she tried to peel it free.

“So.” He grounded his cane, his eyes flicking across to her before looking away again. “What’s your name?”

“Belle,” she said. “Belle French.”

“You’re Moe French’s daughter?” His voice had hardened a little. “I see. I thought he was an unreliable tenant, I didn’t realise he’d locked away his own child.”

She bowed her head, hunching her shoulders a little, and he clicked his tongue.

“Still, none of my business,” he said. “Enjoy the book, Miss French, and feel free to borrow as many as you like.”

“Thank you.” She hugged the book a little tighter. “Goodnight, Mr Gold.”

She took one step away from him, then another, and then it was easier to move, to breathe. Heart thumping, she hurried upstairs, pushing her bedroom door shut with a click and leaning back against it for a moment to compose herself. He touched me. Touched my cheek like I was beautiful and precious. Touched my lip like he wanted to kiss me.

Sucking in a breath, she pushed away from the door, turning on the bedside lamp and getting back into bed with her book. Half an hour later, she heard him come up the stairs, the tap of his cane on the wooden treads somehow comforting. Floorboards squeaked a little as he passed her door on the way to his own room, and for a moment she sat with her hands on the pages of the book, listening. He didn’t pass by again, and she assumed that he had gone to bed.

As beautifully-illustrated as the book was, she couldn’t concentrate on it. The stories of princesses sighing over dashing rescuers didn’t hold her interest, and she found herself drawn to darker tales of cunning sorcerers and dark magic. That only made her think of Gold, for reasons she couldn’t explain, and so eventually she put the book aside, hoping to sleep. Darkness closed in on her when she turned off the light, and she lay there, listening to the sound of her breathing and wondering if he was also awake. He had touched her. He had been surprised by wanting to, as though it was something he couldn’t explain. As though he was drawn to her, as she was to him.

Shaking her head, she threw back the covers for the second time that evening, and bounced out of bed, her breathing unsteady. Do the brave thing. The worst that could happen was that she would make a fool of herself, but she had spent years with everyone around her telling her she was mad. Embarrassment didn’t have the same effect as it once might have.

Mind made up, she opened the bedroom door, staring down the darkened corridor to the door at the end. His room. The first step was hesitant, but she kept going, toes splaying on the cool wood. Her hand shook a little as she reached for the handle, but she turned it and pushed open the door into darkness.

#rumbelle #rumbelle fic #fic: cuckoo's flight

35 notes · View notes

coletteleeblog · 5 years

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Lamai Beach, Surat Thani Province, Thailand

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Erik's post

We are getting close to the end of the second leg of our Adventure. We will leave here next Tuesday and travel to Bangkok overnight and then travel on to Khon Kaen to reunite with Saksay.

I am sure a lot of our readers feel that we have been able to spend the last 5 weeks in paradise, and I would agree that we definitely have. "Paradise" Thai style would certainly not be on a par with "Paradise" Hawaii style but it's a good gig if you can "pull it off". It has allowed us to really get into the flow of slowing down to island speed. The Thais have a saying for it "tsja-tsja".

Most people get to spend about 10 days here so we have been very blessed to have all this time on Koh Samui. Apparently this is what happens to you. You become a smiling, tanned, beach bum! Although the kids would say "middle aged" beach bum because of my body shape, which they commented on quite a few times at the beginning, less so now. If you look close enough (think finding Waldo, Chris, female version) you might see that it will even make your modest wife go out and purchase a 2 piece bikini!!

We got to see and do everything that we had on our list for this part of the adventure and with 10 days left were not sure how we would spend it. What we settled on was talking to some of the locals and asking them what beaches we should see before we go. Emma and Madeline spend about 95% of our time at the beach in the water so that was going to be a fun way to spend our last days here. Lamai beach has had very high waves which is not normal so we wanted to go to a couple of beaches that Hailey would be able to enjoy. When she gets to play in water, that is constantly moving, she has to use her balance and muscles. Our thinking is that this has to be a great way for her to improve her mobility.

We spent a day on Maenam Beach. It faces north and you can see Koh Phangan island from the beach. We found a beautiful french restaurant that had a great selection of wonderful beach chairs and umbrellas to protect us from the sun here. What most people don't realize on Samui is that you can sit in these chairs for free if you buy something off of their menu...and these people will not pressure you to buy more...you have to search them out to order a second time. So you can enjoy the beach like royalty and it doesn't really cost that much...gotta eat and drink something in a 6 hour period. The sun here literally feels like it is ripping your skin off when it hits you, without sunscreen I think it would, so having that umbrella becomes mighty important. We swam and snorkelled for hours while Hailey was finally able to play in the water. The ocean really does cool your body off right to your very inward most parts and allows us to function pleasantly in this +36 degree weather. Emma spent so long in the water she got cold...really...Emma quit being a drama queen.

At the end of this absolutely magical day, which everyone agreed has been one of our best days on this adventure trip, Colette bargained our way into a 4x4 taxi. The driver was late to get home to his wife and decided he could skip the traffic on the main road by taking the backroad across the middle of the island. It wound it's way between two mountains before climbing right over the top of the next one to bring us straight back to Lamai. The kids said I was embarrassing how many times I oooow'd and aaah'd about the scenery and spectacular sights. It really was a great finish to our amazing day.

The next beach we thought we would tackle was Nikky Beach at Lipa Noi. Wow, was it high end. We found a resort that had chairs and plunked ourselves down...ordered our food that makes us a welcome guest and settled in. In this case we ordered a plate of Mexican quesadillas that were very tasty. In fact because this is NOT something that we have had since we got here they were downright heavenly. I am sure we look like a pack of strays fighting over scraps when we sit and share food as a family!! Here is a video of our drive to get to Lipa Noi. The beach here was very shallow, we walked out a looooong ways and it never did get over our heads. It was great for Hailey, except that she lost her spinny toy. She doesn't seem to get that it is GONE forever somewhere on the bottom of the Gulf of Thailand and she will not see it EVER again. I do though and I am concerned, this is a toy that has kept her occupied for literally hundreds of hours of travel and home time. What will WE do to keep her busy NOW.

Another interesting thing about Nikky Beach was how clear the water was, when we first got there no one had stirred the water up and we could see right to the bottom. There were these mounds of "mud" piled up on the bottom that looked like big piles of brains The kids did not like the looks of them but if you didn't know they were there you would never know. We spent the day speculating on what they could be, Madeline decided when she got home google would solve the mystery. She got up close and personal with them after a while and brought some to the surface for Colette to see them. Well she did research it this afternoon and with a little deducing on her part and some help from me we discovered what they are...Sea Cucumber POO...that's right POO. Will wonders never cease. We actually learned that sea cucumbers help to keep the bottom of the ocean clean and can attest to that by how clear the water was at Nikky beach. That is until we went stirring up all the POO and had the water cloudy again! Hailey was a big help with this as she stumbled all over in the shallow water.

The fun didn't end there either, we ended our day off with Colette doing one of her "I am going to scream and scare the heck out of all these creatures that are trying to "attack" me" episodes. I happened to be on a phone call with Dean Pottinger from Thomas windows and so he and I went to investigate what horrible fate had befallen her. It turned out that our pet Too Kay lizard, "Sticky", had decided to get more adventurous and leave the bathroom to have a look in the place where we store our cutlery. Colette had ventured into the kitchen to get something without her glasses on and had interrupted his exploration by reaching for a fork. She says,"something is flipping all over the place and trying to attack me." A bit of an exaggeration as I found "Sticky" hiding on the back of that basket fearing for his very life. HEE HEE. I am telling you life here is exciting when you have all these Ladies along on the trip.

Today it was a flying beetle/ huge bee looking thingy that Emma and I were trying to "discreetly" get rid of without causing a big scene. Colette, true to type, with "perfect" timing burst into the room which resulted in "IT" getting away. She really is a magnet for all these exciting guests. I really think she might possibly be running out of places she considers safe to sleep in this house. I am sure SHE is excited that we only have 3 more sleeps here. Good news for her is we were able to find and take care of the flying thing a bit later in the day.

Turns out our bodies need a day of indoor rest between beach days...who knew that relaxing could be such HARD work! So today was one of those rest/catch up on work days. This is what it looks like to work paperlessly, no desk needed, just a hand held calculator and your laptop...and some patience...it is not the same as spreading out papers all over. It is one of the greatest things that I am learning here concerning business. I am converting most all of the business work that I do to this paperless method and I really appreciate how freeing it is. It is not easy in the beginning but as you develop the habits needed to make it work it gets better and better. And if this "new" workspace has the A/C turned on in it, you end up with your whole tight nit family joining you to "help". I am so pleased to be sharing this adventure trip with my 5 closest friends...I love these girls of mine!

Comments

Thanks for the great posts and updates. We are enjoying your adventure, creature free from here!! LOL!!

From Dad & Mum, Grampa & Nana, on Feb 28, 2015 at 06:39PM

Great post Erik!

From Jodi Lee, on Feb 28, 2015 at 08:32PM

0 notes

babblingbr00k · 5 years

Text

Seek Me & You Shall Find Me

Rule 1: Prescribed medications such as: antidepressants, pain medicine, anti-anxiety medicine, sleep medicine were completely banned at ATWH. The only medication that we were allowed to bring in and take were over the counter medication and Prescriptions that were deemed necessary to prevent harm/or death. The theory behind this is our very first commandment. Thou shall have no other Gods before me.

I remember, as the wind blew the moon and the darkness in, being very anxious and over emotional. I cried uncontrollably. I was petrified of night, scared of being awake and alone. I was completely at the mercy of the monsters my 2nd night wanted to inflict. The only thing keeping me from bolting out the door, was the knowledge that I had nowhere to go.

It had now been over a week since I had my last dose of my Effexor, the antidepressant I had been on for 8 years since my brother died. It had also been 2 days since I had had my beta blocker. The medication that kept my heart from beating too fast.

My body was now detoxing from amphetamines, opiates, antidepressants, and a beta blocker. If I were to label my discomfort on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the worst. I was suffering at an unimaginable 67.3234.

I cannot express to you how much I wanted to die.

I stopped praying for the strength to get through this. I was now praying, begging, albeit DEMANDING for God to give me the strength to kill myself.

Like a child, I was clingy to Emma. Where ever she went I was sure to follow. If she were to sit down or stand still for longer than 2.5 seconds, I would force my way into her arms. Her petting, rocking, and cooing…...helped. But I could tell that, after several hours, she was beginning to get annoyed with the lack of personal space I was willing to give her. It wasn't long till I noticed Emma start to withdraw from me. When I would enter into a room, she would leave. She spent the rest of the evening with Kennedy.

Que private pity party of a catastrophic level. Abandoned again!!!

I was still unable to eat without it coming right back up. I was now crossing into the 48 hour mark of being unable to consume and keep anything of nutritional value in my stomach. I remember not being bothered by this. When I stood on the scale in the bathroom that morning, I was shocked when my weight read almost 270 pounds.

Our bodies start to burn excess fat after 2 days without eating. It’s also around this time that our adrenal glands start to pump endorphins into our system. It’s our bodies way of protecting itself from the pain of hunger pains. I remember looking forward to all small bit of relief that was headed my way within the next 24-48 hours.

Nine o'clock came and it was time for our circle of prayer. We all gathered in the middle of the room, formed a circle and held hands. I angrily “passed,” while the rest of the girls prayed. Immediately following prayers I went and climbed into my bed. Emma, who spent the entire day soothing me, wouldn't even look at me. I layed there wide awake, listening to the other girls drift off to sleep, wondering what kind of hell the dark corners of my mind had to offer the insommed.

I’m not sure how long I laid in my bed, twisting and turning, trying to get comfortable.

The only way I can explain how this feels is: imagine laying down, initially being able to lay still and comfortable for 20 seconds or so. But you start to feel a painful tingling sensation in your feet. It’s similar to the painful tingling your arm or your leg experiences when it’s “waking up” after having been deprived of blood flow for a little bit of time. This “tingle” slowly makes its way up your legs, into your back, then your shoulders, and finally into your arms. Movement of your extremities usually eases this feeling. But once you have done your little bedside boogie and start to get comfortable again, the tingling rallies, crawling up your legs once again for another attack against every inch of your body. It’s called Restless leg. Imagine going through this every couple of minutes for 9 hours straight.

I layed there in that little twin bed for hours, listening to the soft breathing of the other girls as they peacefully slept. I twisted and turned, changing positions every couple of minutes in an attempt to ease the Restless Legs. The sheets were that low thread count, so there were little bubbles that irritated my skin.

I found myself an interesting little rhythm.

Stomach….

Right Side….

Back…..

Left Side….

Now reverse….

Left side….

Back…..

Right side…..

Stomach….

Now do the Stanky Leg and the Dab….

I fought, for what seemed like hours. I didn’t care if anyone saw me. Desperate to try ANYTHING, I even attempted the Hands and Knees Down/Butt Up pose that we all resorted to as a child. It didn’t take long for me to abandon said pose. See, with my bowels being in the shape that they were in due to my detoxing, the only thing that this pose accomplished, was a bit of Brook’s Backdoor Homemade Airfreashner.

Abort!!!!!

Back to the ole Four Turn Tango.

Stomach….

Left Side…

Back….

Right Side….

Now reverse..

Right Side….

Back…..

Left Side….

Stomach...

….Now do the Stanky Leg and the Dab….

I HAVE TO GET OUT OF MY BODY!!!

I jumped out of bed and started running in place, jumping up and down. I was at war with my body. Using my hands, I assaulted every inch of my body. Beating my legs, my stomach, my butt, and finally my head. I thought, maybe, I could beat this feeling out of me.

Winded, I stopped to catch my breath. I realized that I had forgotten where I was. I looked around the room and remembered where I was, and that I wasn’t alone. I closely observed each girl as they laid in their own bed, checking to make sure none of them were awake to witness my self inflicted assault to my detoxing body.

I looked down at my bed and felt a wave of hate wash over me. Hate for my bed, hate for my sick body, hate for Phillip for abandoning me, hate for my parents for throwing me away, and hate for God who had forsaken me.

I never wanted to see that bed again. I grabbed my pillow and blanket made my way into the dark living room on the other side of the house.

I threw my pillow and blanket on the full sized couch and introduced myself.

“Couch...I’m Brook….I wanted to introduce myself. I felt it was the polite thing to do. Ya see….I’m about to lay down and try to get comfortable enough to get some sleep. But...the way this night is playing out….I have a feeling things are gonna be getting real freaky.”

I gave my new friend a gentle pat, laid down, and prayed that I would quickly fall into a peaceful sleep.

I started to count….1…..2…..3…..4…………………

It was around the 27 second mark that I felt the tingling in my feet.

..aaaaannnddddd here we go…..

Stomach…..

Left Side….

Back….

Right Side….

Now reverse…..

I now added the beat from Cat Nie Jo to my new nightly routine.

Right Side…..

Back…..

Insert the Nae Nae

Left Side……

I stopped mid Stanky Leg and burst out into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. I laughed so hard that I started to cry. I even wet my only pair of semi clean underwear.

I know what your thinking, but I’m not going crazy. Well, not completely anyway. See if you have the ability to laugh at yourself or have a little bit of fun in a situation that is fucked up….well...you just learned a valuable coping skill my friend. Good Job!!

I calmed down and finally caught my breath.

I was now pissed off at the couch. She could, literally, kiss my ass. I grabbed my pillow and blanket and shuffled over to the Love Seat.

Politely introduce myself to my new freaky furniture friend.

“Let’s get busy…..”

I remember wondering how long those couches had been there and how many asses they had seen through the years.

Moot…..

Well hello racing thoughts, wouldn’t be a party without you. I was wondering when your ass was gonna show up. Come on in and join this Fuck Fest Of Chaostrophic Proportions!

My thoughts bounced around from one random thought to another.

I went from thinking about the couches to thinking about my 1970’s couch that I got free when I moved into my first apartment when I was 21.

Fox Run Apartments.

What was the name of that Disney Cartoon?

Oh yea...Fox and the Hound.

You ain’t nothing but a hound dog….crying all the time…

What time is it? Where’s the damn clock?

It’s almost midnight.

It’s Tuesday. Almost Hump Day.

Why Hump Day? Who had the bright idea to name Wednesday Hump Day.

Maybe he had a standing reservation with his wife every Wednesday. His designated booty day.

Booty...God my booty hurt. 3 days of diarrhea will put serious wear and tear on the badonk-a-donk spout.

Whale spout. They have to come up for air every 15 minutes.

An alligator can hold its breath 30-60 minutes.

Humans risk brain damage after 3.

Brian Love...the little 5 year old boy that was hit by a car. My first Meritorious Service Award. I got to ride in Air Med because the Paramedic needed an extra set of hands. While he worked on little Brian, I had to squeeze the bag once every two seconds. Delivering oxygen into his little lungs.

Before I could make the transition into my next random, racing thought, I was interrupted by a very familiar high pitched squeaking. I didn’t get up immediately.

I wanted to give God a minute. I prayed that He would take him quickly.

"Please, God, spare me from THIS tonight."

I wasn't too keen on becoming a mouse serial killer. But after a minute or so of waiting for God to do his own damn job, I reluctantly got up. I cursed God, yet again, and followed the trail of audible suffering...my broom at the ready.

This time my dude was in the kitchen. I walked in and turned on the bright fluorescent lights. Curse!! Curse!! Curse!! Damn everything and everyone to hell.

Rule 2:Swearing and taking the Lord's name in vain will NOT be tolerated at All The Way House. If you refuse to abide by this rule, you will be expelled from the program and not allowed to return.

I found my next victim glued to a glue trap under the shelving of cooking supplies. Just one guy, he had only just started chewing off one of his paws.

Broom handle down, heart hardened, tears falling, taking aim, prayer for forgiveness, stab, stab, stab, die, die, die!!!

I stood there with him, watching, keeping him company, until the jerking stopped and he was gone.

“Fuck Forgiveness.” I tried to convince myself that putting the mouse out of his misery didn’t bother me.

But the tears falling down my face told me that that statement was a huge lie.

I disposed of the corpse, then stood in the kitchen and continued to cry. My happiness from new clothes long forgotten. I took stock of the collection of knives and debated on whether I should leave my own corpse for the girls to find.

It wasn’t until after I noticed the 8 foot, side by side freezer that I told myself, "I'll think about that tomorrow," (que Scarlett O'Hara.)

I dropped my killing instrument and made my way to the freezer. I stood there, before this gigantic, silvery door to Narnia, and said a quick prayer.

"Please, for the love of all things good, let there be contents within worthy of my sophisticated pallet."

The doors were heavy and I had to pull past the suction. There was no way in hell I would be denied my, "due and proper."

Once I had the doors opened, I could see stacks of fruit, plate lunches for the next day, and.....gallons of ice cream. Well you could have called me Chunk and told me to do the "Truffle shuffle," for all I cared. As far as I was concerned, God put this mountain in front of me, and by God, I would conquer it.

"Screw this," I said out loud. "If I can't stab myself to death, I'll fucking eat myself to death." I grabbed the gallon of strawberry cheesecake bliss, grabbed a ladle and happily resigned myself to eating my way to 300 lbs, diabetes, heart failure, then finally sweet death.

"How does this fit into your 1st Commandment?" I said under my breath.

I closed my eyes and pretended that I was shoveling Opana laced ice cream into my mouth and down my gullet. It was the severe brain freeze and subsequent nausea that made me stop. I threw my gifts from God to the side and ran to the bathroom, shoved my finger down my throat, and gave the porcelain God the contents of my stomach.

Once everything was up and out, I sat back onto the bathroom floor and caught my breath.

Brook? You are working yourself up. You have got to get a grip. The only thing this is doing is making it worse.

I took a deep breath and opened my eyes. On the toilet and walls was an abstract art piece that would have made Picasso proud. The white, pink, and red spew was a beautiful contrast to the faded green wallpaper. In the corner, an unknown, and suspicious brownish smudge made up a smile that went along with my strawberry eyes and nose.

I looked myself. What a waste. I had regurgitation in my hair, on my face, and down the front of my night shirt. I looked down to the floor and saw that I was sitting In a puddle that I had not noticed before. It was the smell drifting up that informed me that I had soiled myself (#1 & #2) during my peritoneal purge.

You can safely assume that I was at my most lowest point. I didn't just hit bottom. If you had had the desire to seek me out and try to find me, I was there, several 100 feet below rock bottom.

I submit

Uncle!!

I give up!

relinquishing,

86'in this shit,

have no fight left,

abdicate,

retreat,

withdraw,

yield,

abandon!!

I’m going to Davy Jones Mother Fucking Locker!!

I WANTED TO DIE!!! Why have you forsaken me God? Why have you abandoned me in my most desperate time of need?

I laid there, on the dirty, sticky bathroom floor, covered in my own piss, shit, and vomit. As much as I wanted to give up, I decided to give God one last call. This was my Hail Mary.

I distinctly remember whispering,"Help."

Then I waited.

And I listened.

………….

It would have been so easy to lay there, continuing to feel sorry for myself. It would have been easy to admit defeat and finish digging my own grave on the tiled floor. All I had to do was pull that dirt in on top of me.

Bury me here. Peace Out Bitches!!

I, soon, felt my body start to relax as I drifted off to sleep. I started to dream. In my dream I heard a voice and felt a presence that I hadn't felt in over 8 years. It was the comforting, yet insistent, voice of my brother , Coleson.

"Come on El Negro! (that’s what he called me) Not here and not like this. Get up!"

It would be amazing if I sat here and told you that it was the voice of my brother that got me off that floor and into the shower. It wasn't. I sprang up and out of my fetal position with an overwhelming need to throw up again. I dry heaved into the toilet as I #1 and #2'd all over myself for the 2nd time. When the gagging was done, I stood up and glanced over at my strawberry smiley face abstract piece.....and told him to go fuck himself.

For some reason I started speaking in first person.

"Brook is better than this."

“Brook doesn't just give up."

"Brook is a warrior and will fight."

“Brook smells like shit and needs to get her ass in the shower."

After my shower, Laying in my bed, before I drifted off into a semi-peaceful sleep, I promised myself, and whoever else was listening, that I was going to see this through. No more talk of killing myself or feeling sorry for myself. I had two feet, and dammit, I was going to stand on them.

Was that actually Coleson? Taking a minute to boss me around from the afterlife? Or was I finally entering the hallucination phase of death?

Well whatever you wanna call it, it worked. I got up, took a shower, put on clean clothes and went back to bed. It's possible that my self conscious created my brothers voice in a moment of self preservation. My brain told me what I wanted to hear, in a voice I was yearning to hear.

I knew that me giving up wasn't an option. If I wanted to live....I would have to fight.

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