#perhaps a t shirt that says 'i could be a better father than your husband probably is idk im sure he's fine'

[dendrochronologies]

love of my life is too hot for me, gang. i need a new strategy. what if i just start crying

#perhaps a t shirt that says 'i could be a better father than your husband probably is idk im sure he's fine' #RELENTLESS CRUSH

[littlefreya]

As I was saying

Summary: You recently found out that you’re pregnant and Henry is being all sorts of over-protective and annoying about it and won’t shut up about what you should or shouldn’t eat. So you find a creative way to shut him up...

Pairing: Henry Cavill x Reader (no description of body type or ethnicity thought it’s mention that Henry is taller)

Word count: 1.8k

Warnings: 18+, RPF, fluff to smut, early pregnancy, blow job, bodily fluids, slight FemDom/SubMale, My overuse of poetic sex metaphors, cottagecore!

*No permission is given for reposting my work, copying it, or parts from it.

A/N: This story was born out of a convo I had with my sweet @the-soot-sprite​ about the photo above. Many thanks to @agniavateira​ my solid rock who betas all my work and to @firefly-graphics​ for the dividers

Please comment and reblog if you enjoyed my story. I work hard on each one of them and your validation means the world to me. 🖤

As I was Saying

Henry’s velvety voice carried through the cottage like seductive vapours of honey liqueur. It wasn’t often that he'd sing a blissful tune so casually out of the blue—after earth-shattering sex perhaps, which indeed you had the night before. However, this morning, his chants were laced with a new flavour of sugary bliss. 

Two little pink stripes. That's all it took for his eyes to shimmer the way precious cobalt is kissed by a moonlight glow.

Sneaking about in the mien of a curious little mouse, you trod after the pleasant tune of his voice, which was now accompanied by a soft rustle. Wander laved your face once you leaned against the kitchen door frame, peering at the prodigious man who stood in front of the open fridge. 

Preoccupied, he appeared to be ransacking through the shelves with the song ‘Cheek to Cheek’ thrumming on his tongue.

“Heaven... I'm in heaven…”  

Fingers clutching at the edge of the wall, you pressed into the chilled surface with a relaxed smirk, lingering on the irresistible view when your ease of mind faded with a blink of an eye — while methodically rummaging through the fridge, Henry threw fresh food straight into an open trash can.

“What are you doing?” you asked, your voice rising to a high-pitched yip. 

Henry made a soft flex; the muscles of his back rippled in a tidal motion. Though acknowledging your presence, he proceeded to hover a finger over different products. 

“Cleaning up the fridge," he answered absentmindedly.

With a soft shove, there went your French cheese. 

“That’s brand new!” you protested and rushed toward him, alarmed. 

Towering over the trash can, you considered diving in to salvage the precious bulk of cheese from the dreary pit. Henry glanced at you from the corner of his eyes, testing your resolve while his claw grabbed some papaya salad leftovers and pushed it over the edge of the shelf, joining the rest of the discarded meals. 

“It is,” he nodded and closed the refrigerator door, carrying on to the high cabinets. With a slight wrinkle between his brows and a hand scratching the stubbles of his dimpled chin, he narrowed his eyes to scrutinise the items carefully. “I'm pregnant-proofing the kitchen. I called Hanna while you were asleep. She created a proper daily menu for you with the dos and don’ts: less sugar, more veggies and protein.” 

It took you a moment to process his words, your eyes narrowing while asking, “Hanna? As in Hanna, your nutritionist?”

Henry nodded at your question, a faint crease lining his cheek. “That’s the one. Don't worry, princess, she specialises with pregnant women.”

Unwittingly, a somewhat inhuman growl sounded in your chest. You were only getting used to the idea of developing another person inside you, and here stood your husband, already seeing fit to dictate your diet. Slithering into the narrow space between the heavy man and the counter, you tilted your chin to meet his stare while your fists pressed into your hips assertively. 

“Listen here, Cavill! You might have jizzed me one too many and succeeded in putting a baby in there, but this is still my body. I can take care of my own pregnancy diet.”

With an arm stretched above your head, Henry offered a charming display of pearly whites to pacify your strained nerves. His dimples nearly managed to beguile your senses when your eyes flared at the sight of what was held between his long fingers.

“No! Henry, no! Not the coffee!”

“Oh, I’m afraid so, my love. You shouldn’t have any caffeine at your current state.” Despite his argument, the tenderness of his gaze stroked upon your face like a warm ray of sunlight piercing through heavy clouds. Lazily it dropped to your belly, the cascading heat cradling your unborn child. 

Words of protest left you for a sliver of a moment, too in awe of the dreamy grin on his face. 

Thoughts of how beautiful you’d look rounded and full with his child illuminated him that you swore his skin developed a glow over the night. Didn’t they always say women are radiant when they are pregnant? Well, it seemed that in your case, it applied to your husband as well.

The charming haze of bliss almost swallowed you up; but you quickly slapped yourself back into reality, reaching a hand in an attempt to stop Henry from throwing away your delicacy. Though taller, Henry held his hand far out of reach, a hint of a smugness stretching his lips.

“A pregnant woman is allowed to have a little bit of caffeine!” You muttered and sent both hands in an attempt to retrieve the box while Henry teased you by throwing it from one hand to the other, further fueling your annoyance. 

Vexed to the point of frustration, you stood still and sighed, “you know what else is bad for the baby?” 

Henry paused his foolish games and tilted his head as he waited to hear your answer.

“His father at the morgue after I’ll kill him. Now stop that and hand it over! A pregnant woman can have a cup a day, according to Google.” 

“Nope,” Henry clicked his tongue, his laughter replaced with a severe stare. “Love, I know they say it’s okay to have a teeny bit, but I’ve been doing some research while you were asleep, and it’s not recommended. Caffeine increases heart rate and blood pressure, which is not good for you nor for the baby. It also increases urination, which may cause dehydration.”

Clenching your jaw at the onslaught of information he bestowed, you watched his lips move while none of his words registered. Preoccupied with the rules of a “healthy” pregnancy, Henry was set on being the practical one, completely forgetting to enjoy the moment. And damn, it was the moment to celebrate. All you wanted right now was to stay in bed for a day, ride your handsome husband to hell and back and eat as much ice cream as possible.

“Everything you eat from now on goes to our baby,” Henry proceeded to lecture on a thing you were perfectly aware of.

Ire found you within seconds, embroiled with pregnancy hormones which made him further intolerable at the moment— intolerable

... and delicious.  

Soaked with hunger, your eyes raked his sight: the thickness of his muscles was apparent beneath a plain black t-shirt and those good old grey sweats outlined the source of your current predicament. Your fingers twitched just from thinking about it, mimicking the sensation of squeezing its girth and eliciting those low groans that made your heart flutter. 

But his chatter still interrupted your sultry thoughts. If only there was a way to get him to shut up, you mused. Then your eyes focused on the soft bulge that winked back at your hungry glare.

Unaware, Henry turned toward the table to grab a bulk of informative documents he printed earlier in order to educate you of your pregnancy, he licked his thumb and began to read through, “As I was saying….”

Hastily, you exploited his lack of attention and took a step forward, your fingers latching around the hem of his sweats. With one swift movement, you fell to your knees and tugged his trousers along. 

Lost in his passionate speech, Henry was still muttering nonsense when your hand seized him; but as the lushness of your tongue bedded his soft cock without warning, all that could be heard in the kitchen was a husky gasp. 

Feeling the warm silky flesh swell and harden within your mouth, you sent your eyes up to peer at him, admiring the sight. Nothing spoke of your power better than the wrinkle between his shut eyes and his mouth agape with all air draining from his lungs. There you were, lowered to your knees with a maw full of his cock and yet, he was the one who lost his ability to speak and had his legs quaking of need. 

Unable to help yourself, you sent one palm to feel the tremor that ran through the muscles of his thighs while the other cradled his heavy sac. 

“Uh……” he finally managed to utter, a groan of bemused bliss pushing itself between his parted lips. “What… what are you doing?” 

You crooked an eyebrow in response and answered by dragging your mouth along the length of his shaft. Your pillowy lips ran across ridges and thrumming veins, your jaw loosening until you felt him deep in the back of your throat. 

Locked in the cavernous cage of your maw, he tightened his gut and shuddered with pleasure. Though, the low unbridled groans that sputtered from his chest fueled your enticement just as so; memories of how the same thick girth that brimmed your mouth would split open your narrow canal made both your eyes and abandoned cunt tear of desperation.

It always beguiled you how much arousal could be found in bringing him to his rapture without touching yourself. The harder he throbbed on your velvety serpent, the more you soaked.  

With fervent strokes, you feasted on the briny flavour of his cock; the tendons vibrated with bliss while your tongue twirled and pushed around them. You pulled, sucked, and pumped him in your warm mouth, milking the senses of a man infinitely stronger—a man who succeeded in conquering your womb yet now crumbled to nothing at the touch of your tongue.

“Fuck…. Babe… keep going,” Henry breathed out a plea. The documents held by his hand slipped between his fingers as he pressed his palm to the cabinet with a thud, and began to rock his hips back and forth to fuck back into your mouth. Like feathers, the white slips floated around you, landing onto the ground while you worked him to his ecstasy.  

His other hand found your head, caressing lovingly and trying to take control: yet his strength waned and his head fell back with a moan. Faster, harder, you sucked your husband to the point of submission while hums of admiration laced around his rigid length. Your eyes beamed as you watched his resolve shatter. Your fingertips toyed with the coarse hair at the apex of his thighs, your thumb seeking the tendon at the base of his cock and pressing into it, urging him to spill his gift down your throat.

“I’m going to… I’m going to…. In your throat… fuck.”

With a guttural grunt, he thickened against your tongue; the overflow of salty-sweet cream glazed your mouth and then flowed down your flaring throat.

The room thrummed with the buzz of the refrigerator, Henry’s heavy exhales - these were the sounds of your triumph. Wiping your lips with the back of your hand, you cracked a smile and neatly pulled his trousers back on before you rose to stand straight. 

Overwhelmed and drenched in sweat, your husband scrutinised you while you reached for the box of capsules and tilted your head.

“You were saying?”

#henry cavill rpf #henry cavill #henry cavill x reader #henry cavill fanfiction

[softomi]

I bet my wife is scarier than yours.

Kuroo Testuro

He was always lectured by you to take off his wedding ring when he went to the bathroom, but he was never worried about his ring. It would pass over his head as he washed his hands, urging to himself that the next time he’d do it. But today, his face fallen and pale; it didn’t help that you were already currently angry with him for forgetting to move the wet clothes from the washer to the drier; and now he watched in horror as his wedding ring slipped off his finger and into the drain.

“What are you doing?” Your hands on your hips when you see his hand stuffed into the sink.

Kuroo laughs, “Just thought I’d fix the drain.”

You eyed him before moving your way to the laundry room. Kuroo whips out his phone, emergency texting his friends who gave zero decent input into his situation. He fears that he may have to spend another week sleeping on the couch; or worse, kicked out of his home until he can replace his ring.

But he wasn’t going to let that happen, even if it meant they have to hire a plumber later to fix what he breaks, then so be it; as long as you never find out.

“You lost your ring didn’t you.” Out from under the kitchen sink, Kuroo watches your facial features frown, arms cross, and a deep irritated sigh.

“I swear honey, I’ll get it back. It’s in the stupid drain. Just don’t be mad.” When Kuroo finally manages to unscrew the bottom, he feels triumphant. He shakes the ends a bit and out falls two rings. Kuroo curiously picks up the band that was clearly not his, staring at it until he realizes, it was your ring, “What the? You lost your ring!” Kuroo is using his shirt to clean the diamond, “This cost a fortune and you let it fall through the drain!”

Your hand collides with his head, your lips twitching, “Were you not digging in the drain for yours too?”

Iwaizumi Hajime

Many thought that there was nothing that could scare the man. He was immune to bugs, horror films, even when his friends try to surprise him; it never really works. Nothing scares him; or so they thought. It was one thing for him to bring his kids to work, sure, he’s done it hundreds of times on days when he knew it was going to be slow; but you specifically told him to keep the children off the court. Has he ever listened; no because in his mind, what could go wrong, apparently everything.

“Now what are we going to tell mommy?” Iwaizumi has stopped the car now, parked right in front of their home, he turns to his two children. His beautiful six year old daughter and his two year old son.

The little girl has remnants of ice cream still on her face, “I fell!”

He should have known better than to trust a six year old, the moment she walked through the doors and saw her caring, beautiful, loving mother; she began to bawl uncontrollably. Incoherent crying mixed with child snot, Iwaizumi was praying that you couldn’t understand her and would ultimately just make her stop crying.

“What!” You stood to your feet, “You let her go out onto the court! You know how dangerous that can be with all the guys spiking volleyballs all over the place.” You step forward but he’s using his two year old son as a shield, “Hajime!”

“She was just playing with Atsumu and then she fell!” Your eyes narrow on the male and he concedes immediately, “Okay so Atsumu set the ball, Bokuto spiked it, it landed right in front of her and might of hit her face for a second.” You let out a large gasp, “But I checked! She doesn’t have any major injuries! Right?” Iwaizumi attempts to pat his daughter on the head but she sinks behind her mother’s legs; the ultimate betrayal.

“Hajime.” You take a step forward but he uses his son as a shield again, “Hajime!” The male side steps you, practically skipping to the bedroom with his son, “Don’t even think that you’re sleeping in our bed tonight!”

Bokuto Koutarou  

Bless his soul, somehow you’ve thought it would be the most fantastic idea to leave him alone with his one and a half year old daughter. It wasn’t like he hadn’t been alone with her before, but this would officially be the first time that you actually spend a full twenty-four hours away from the house, the baby, and your husband. You had left him a list of instructions on how to feed her, different house chores needing to be done, and even a detailed timetable of your daughter’s day.

“Oh no, please don’t cry. If you cry, then daddy’s going to cry.” Bokuto sits on the living room floor, his daughter sat right in front of him with the worst cry on her face.

It’s two hours until you said you’d be back and Bokuto is just realizing now that he hasn’t done anything you asked. He thought that if he put his daughter to sleep just an hour earlier, perhaps he’d have enough time to finish the chores; what he discovers is that his daughter wouldn’t sleep, instead she continued to bawl in the bed and even when it neared her nap time; Bokuto made the mistake of letting her have a sugary treat, obviously she wouldn’t sleep.

“I’m home?” Your words are drawn out when you step into the living room, your daughter and husband on the floor just on the verge of tears, the living room a mess with toys all over the floor, the laundry sprawled out onto the couch, and for some reason there’s paint on the floors and walls, “Koutarou!”

You pick up your daughter who crawled to your foot, her crying slows down when she’s in your arms and Bokuto sheepishly looks to you, “Welcome home honey!”

“Do you want to explain?” Your hand gestures to the entire house that is a mess, “I gave you a very detailed list Kou!”

He stands, arms encasing you into a hug, “I’m so sorry!” He’s peppering away your angered expression with kisses and you can’t help but to smile. His hands are leading you to the bedroom, “I’ll clean everything up, just rest!”

He wasn’t able to clean everything up, when you emerged from the bedroom with your daughter napping, you saw that somehow the mess got bigger. Your hands on your hips, a scowl on your lips, when he tries to skip to you with puckered lips, you throw a pillow to his face. Maybe he’d be better off sleeping at Akaashi’s place.

Kita Shinsuke

It hadn’t been long since the both of you tied the knot let alone since finding out you were expecting his first child, so there were many changes in his routine. He’s persistent though, if he could do it one day then the next day he could do it too. Ever since you’ve entered the stage of pregnancy where you want to eat everything and anything, Kita finds himself at the grocery store more often than he would routinely like to.

“Yes dear.” Kita listens to you ramble a list of things you would like from the store, he was absolutely tired and wasn’t writing anything down. You had been in a bad mood all day due to your sore lower back and anything Kita has tried hasn’t worked.

“Are you listening? Honey, I really want watermelon, that’s what I want the most. I don’t want the prepackaged ones, I want an entire watermelon.”

He insists he was listening but when faced with the two different type of watermelon, all Kita can remember is you saying prepackaged. So the frown you have on your face when he pulls out a little clear container of watermelon, his memory rushes back to recall that you specifically asked for a fresh watermelon.

“I’ll go back to the store.” He gulps.

“No.” Your words are sharp, the smile on your face sends a chill down his spine, “It’s okay, maybe our son will be happy that his father has given him poor watermelon instead of listening to his loving wife who asked for a fresh watermelon. Shinsuke! You said you were listening!”

He was dejected to sitting outside, pulling at the random grass as he looked over his rice field. He turns when he hears footsteps, you were pouting while looking down at him. If there was anything that he was glad about with your mood swings, it was that your anger left as quickly as it came. He stands, a hand supporting your back to lead you back to the house.

“Why don’t we go to the store together? I’ll buy you everything you want.”

Oikawa Tooru

It was no secret that the two of you were angry with each other, the restaurant was awfully cheery compared to the silent treatment that you were giving Oikawa and the one that he was giving right back at you. So you two settled on just not talking to each other; but the more you stayed silent, the more Oikawa felt uneasy. Because now you were reaching an entirely new type of mad, one where you looked calm and collected but deep down in your eyes, he was screwed.

“I’m sorry.” He finally spits out in the middle of the meal.

“For what?” You inquire, sipping the soup from your spoon slowly without looking at him.

He lowers his head, “I’m sorry I decided to go hang out with the guys instead of coming home to you, my lovely and adorable wife who I adore and love.” He tries sending you a sweet smile, hoping that his sugarcoated words would bring you back to smile for him.

“Not good enough.” Your words stab him in the back. You set the spoon down, opting to finally look at him before lifting your hand. You place a finger down, “I told you to come home early tonight so we could clean the house.” Another finger down, “You lied to me saying you had to practice longer.” Another finger, “You go over to Iwaizumi’s place because he just got the PS5 and you just had to play.” Another, “You forgot to take out the trash this morning which I told you to do before you left.” One more finger, “If you want to play with Iwaizumi so much then go sleep at his place.”

His heart is wounded, still, he tries to be sweet and caring, “You shouldn’t be so stressed honey, it won’t be good for the baby.”

Your glare causes him to retract in his seat, “Oh! So when it’s convenient for you, you’ll use the baby.”

“No that’s not what I meant.”

You begin to spew more words that dagger into his heart, he’s finally concluded that he can’t do anything to cease your anger at him and as he trudges behind you into the shared home, he can already feel the loneliness of the spare bedroom he’ll be sleeping in tonight. As he turns to head straight for the room, you groan.

“Where do you think you’re going?” You stand at the doorframe of the main bedroom. Your voice suddenly changes, “Sleep with me.”

#haikyuu #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu scenarios #kuroo x reader #bokuto x reader #iwaizumi x reader #kita x reader #oikawa x reader #kuroo scenarios #bokuto scenarios #iwaizumi scenarios #oikawa scenarios

[knchins]

Hunger - Todoroki S.

Summary: Todoroki Shouto doesn’t want to follow the footsteps of his father. On the brink of starvation, he hears the call of a witch who finds a way to fulfill both of their needs.

Pairing: Incubus!Shouto x Witch!Reader

Rating: E+

Word Count: 3.6k

Warnings: Sm*t, v*ginal fingering, v*ginal s*x, oral s*x, c*nnilingus, choking, some mentions of (consensual) breeding, soft!dom Shouto, some begging ig, some mentions of sugar daddy/baby, Shouto is several centuries old and is of age, oh and some fluff

Notes: This was my very first request I think??? I got it months ago lol so idk if this person if even still following me RIP. But I had a lot of fun writing it and I hope they enjoy it wherever they are <3 I did deviate a little bit but not TOO much.Censored words is so I can show up in the gd tags.

 Dealing with demons had become sort of a pastime for her, the young witch living in the secluded wood out in the countryside. She greatly enjoyed the remoteness, though sometimes it did come to a great disadvantage. Travelers would come, asking for potions or spell-work, something to help them with their troubles in life. As a grey witch (one who practiced both white and black magic), she tended to be able to help just about anyone with anything. Of course there were a few lines she wouldn’t cross such as raising the dead or directly causing death. She did have some morals after all, albeit somewhat controversial ones.

 Whenever she needed an item that she simply had no access to, then she would call upon demons to aid her in her work. The first couple times she had been a little reluctant and she would be lying if she didn’t say she had a few close calls, but ultimately demons could be bartered with just as humans could. The lower leveled ones were rarely smart enough to outwit her or ask for something she just couldn’t give. So far, dealings were good and they only became better when she met him.

 On the fourth or fifth time she called out for help, this time she needed a rare desert root for a drying spell, she followed the same procedure as always. She lit her candles, drew a summoning sigil on the floor, and chanted the words that would bring her the closest demonic being that felt the urge to heed her call. She specifically did it in a way that powerful demons would not be attracted. In fact, she would much prefer to keep them away for they were much smarter and more conniving, and ultimately not worth the risk. This time though...this time someone with a little more juice than what she normally found herself bargaining with appeared before her.

 Todoroki Shouto was an incubus with the most prestigious lineage of any sex demon that resided in hell. His father was known by all demonic beings. He was number one in his class, The closest to king that anyone of them could truly be. He had also fathered more children than any other demon, enjoying ruining human women to the point that they could no longer be satisfied by mortal men. Shouto found it distasteful. The way Enji wold flux his hormones so that any woman within a few hundred feet would simply beg for him to fuck her, to breed her, to make her his. He had more half-siblings than he could count in addition to the three full-blooded ones. His mother had also been a high class demon with a pedigree, though her whereabouts were currently unknown.

 He was minding his own business, taking a nice walk through the woods in the mortal realm when he heard the call. There was a tugging sensation on his chest and a melodic voice ringing in his ears. It was not a call for someone like him. Someone capable of such true  power. Yet, something drew him in. Something about that voice had his interest piqued. He couldn’t resist answering her quickly, less some other demon came to her first.

 He appeared before her, hair split down the middle perfectly. One half red like his father’s, the other white as his mother’s. One dark grey eye and another a brilliant blue, his white button-down shirt loose fitting with a few top buttons undone to show off his chest. If he wanted to lure in the opposite sex then he could with ease, but Todorki Shouto had a secret. One that made him much less powerful than he could be.

 The witch was taken aback by the demon in front of her. He was certainly the most handsome she had ever seen, most lower level ones were not very pleasing to look at. It made them easier to deal with. Her curious eyes blinked as if to make sure he was really there. Immediately she could sense that something was off about him. Something wasn’t quite right, however she could not pinpoint what it was.

 Shouto regretted answering the call immediately. The witch he had been summoned by was possibly the most beautiful creature he’d ever set eyes on. She was pure beauty and grace, more stunning than anyone residing in hell or earth. In fact, part of him wondered if maybe she was an angel. However the various bottles of herbs and assorted animal parts quickly led him to believe that she was not divine. She was simply mortal and in need of help.

 “Oh an incubus.” She said, still looking very bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. “What a surprise. I’m not sure if you can help me or not. You’re a little out of my league.” The last part seemed like a joke but Shouto wasn’t entirely sure.

 “Why did you call for me here?” He asked calmly, his face perfectly blank though his eyes were fixated on her.

 “I’m in need of something for a spell.” She said honestly, “Sometimes I call upon demons to help me gather items I cannot easily get.”

 “Is that not dangerous?” He asked, starting to look more intrigued than anything. “Do you not worry about your safety?”

 The witch let out a nervous laugh, “Well, lower levels ones aren’t much of a problem for me. You’re a bit more than I’m used to. I’m surprised you even heard it honestly.”

 Shouto knew immediately why he heard it. Because as it stood, his power level was that of some lower tier demon. He had only fed twice since coming of age. His hunger was almost maddening. It had been eating away at him for decades. But he would not be his father. He would not be a glutton for sex and breeding. He refused to follow in his very heavy footsteps.

 “I was simply within range.” He said, though she knew that him happening to be close by to her didn’t really mean much. The spell was designed to not be heard by anyone over a certain power level. Could an incubus really be below that? “What do you need?”

 “A root.” She replied, flipping through one of the many of her family’s grimoires. She found the page that had a drawn picture, name, and general description. “This one.”

 “You’re doing a drying spell.” He said out loud by mistake. He knew because he had had this particular spell cast on him many times throughout the years, though recently it seemed to be working less and less. It was to dry up sexual desire. It was one of the few things that helped him get by so long without feeding. Without it he would have been driven insane by lust many decades ago.

 The witch cocked her head at him curiously, “yes, I am. For a client. She’s tired of having children but her husband just won’t stay off of her. She’s hoping it’ll get him to stop.” She paused for a moment, “Can you get it?”

 “Yes.” he replied dumbly, as if it were totally obvious.

 “What is your price?” She asked then, realizing he didn’t catch the implied question.

 Shouto thought for a moment, it was about time to recast the spell judging by the lecherous thoughts that were starting to cross his mind. “Can you perform another one?”

 She looked perplexed for a moment before it dawned on her why he heard her incantation. He was starved. And he must have been for some time too. “I can but I think I can do something else for you that will be much more beneficial.”

 “And what is that?” Shouto asked, wondering if perhaps there was another spell or potion out there that was more powerful and thus would be more effective.

 “Just have sex with me.”

 That was how it started. Any time the young witch needed something, she’d do a more specific summoning spell, one that only Shouto could hear. And every time he’d come, no matter what he was doing, to aid her. She would often jokingly call him her demonic sugar daddy because he provided everything for her for the low low price of coitus.

 The first couple times had been a little awkward. Shouto’s abilities were almost dormant. He fumbled his way about her body which was quite embarrassing for a sex demon. However after a few practice rounds the two truly began to find what got the other off the most. And in half a dozen sessions Shouto was feeling power, but with power came hunger.

 When he appeared before her hearth one night, without an invitation, the woman nearly threw an old vase full of nightshade at him in terror. She only put it down when she realized it wasn’t just any random intruder, but her newfound lover. She hadn’t needed anything in quite some time now. Hadn’t called on him because business had been rather slow and the jobs she did get, she didn’t need anything from him. Perhaps it was a little cruel of her to not call on him regardless, but she honestly did not know how much his appetite had grown. How it began to consume him until all he could think about was her, naked and writhing beneath him as he pounded into her. He craved her and only her. It was not something that ever really happened to Incubi. After all they could have anyone they wanted. But he didn’t want anyone else. He only had eyes for her.

 “Shouto.” She breathed out, heart still racing as she set down the clay vase. “I wasn’t expecting you, did you need something?”

 His eyes were fiery as he stepped towards her and she could smell the faint scent of hell on him. She wondered if maybe he had another argument with his father. He had told her a little about his family life during post-sex cuddles. It wasn’t much but she knew he hated the demon that sired him. He always seemed to be wound extra tight after coming straight from hell, and that was usually the reason.

 “Go bend your ass over the bed.” He said, further unbuttoned the flowy shirt he typical wore. Her eyes grew wide, embarrassment heating her face as she took a small step away from him. It wasn’t really out of fear, just a simple reflex. He never really got demanding of her like this, maybe something was wrong.

 But the warmth pooling between her legs told her that despite the interruption, despite having not planned this whatsoever, hearing him order her to get into the bedroom had her flooding with desire, and he could smell it.

 Shouto didn’t really have to use his pheromones to seduce her. He was naturally attractive and had a body that looked as if it had been sculpted out of marble. No, he never used them before but he was definitely using them now and they had her weak in the knees as she trembled. She walked on shaky legs into her bedroom, keeping her thighs pressed together as she walked in an attempt to hide the wetness that was accumulating in her panties. It was pointless though. He could always tell.

 He left his shirt in the living room and kicked off his boots on his way to the bedroom. He lost his pants at the entryway, watching as she leaned over the side of the bed and resting on her forearms. Her eyes large and doe-like at the rush of adrenaline. Sex with with a sex demon was always an unforgettable experience. It was easy to see how people went mad over it. The way he made her feel, the orgasms he gave her, none of it compared to any other lover she had ever had. Perhaps that was one reason why she had been so willing to listen to him just now. She knew he’d make her feel good, and who didn’t like to feel good?

 Shouto padded over, dropping to his knees behind her as he pushed her skirt up over her ass so that the fabric could bunch at her waist. His nimble fingers hooked around the elastic of her panties and he slid them down with an odd amount of carefulness. He practically buried his nose into her sex, inhaling that sweet scent of arousal that had him feeling absolutely feral. His tongue came to prod at her clit, causing a small whimpering sound to come from her.

 He dragged his tongue over every inch of her pussy, savoring it fully until she was a quivering mess with shaking knees that threatened to make her fall down. “Let me breed you.” He said between kitten licks. “You can have anything in return.”

 They had been using protection until then. Sex demons were incredibly fertile and typically had no trouble creating offspring. But at the time when this started, Shouto didn’t want to sow his wild oats like his father had. This witch had him wanting to throw all of that to the wind. He just didn’t care. That drive to fuck without any sort of barrier was maddening.

 Anything from a demon was a very big price tag, and Shouto had never tried to deceive her. He had never been anything other than honest. And despite all her teachers to never trust a demon, she found herself trusting him. Every time their bodies intertwined she fell more and more in love, no matter how much she had tried to resist. She had thought some distance would have helped ease her feelings, but apparently it had been hard on both of them.

 “Y-yes,” She gasped out as he latched onto her clit to suck, “Ple-please, Shouto, fill me with your cum.” She was gripping the old quilt on her bed tightly to try and keep herself grounded, but the way he was eating her out, two lithe fingers now dipping into her dripping core made it impossible to even think straight. All she could think about was her simple need to have him inside of her.

 He didn’t stop working his fingers or tongue until she hit her first peak, moaning out for him in a way that had him nearly cumming prematurely. The strain in his underwear was painful now as he throbbed with need. After one long lick along her slit he stood up, grabbing onto the globes of her ass for pretend support.

 “Tell me what you want me to do, Little Witch.” He said as he pulled down his briefs and kicked them away as if they were the most offensive thing in the world to him. “You’re shaking like you want to say something. So say it.”

 “I need you,” She said, somehow sounding out of breath despite not having done anything besides orgasm. “Shouto, I need you so much.” He wrapped one hand around his cock, pumping in slowly as he watched her continue to tremble. “Please fuck me!”

 The amount of lust he was feeling for this one mortal woman was dizzying. No one had ever told him that one person could have this kind of effect on a demon. Neither his father nor his two older brothers. Was it that far fetched to think that something was happening to him that had never happened to them before? They all had a primal drive for sex but never towards one specific person. Shouto found that he desired no one else in any of the realms. He only wanted her.

 He pushed it without any hesitation, feeling her tense suddenly at his thickness stretching her out. He watched with fascination as he disappeared inside of her cunt, the warm, wet feeling enveloping him like summer rain. “Fuck,” He couldn’t stop himself from cursing and just how amazing it felt to be inside her. It was like taking that first breath of fresh air after being held underwater for an extended period of time. It was so damn freeing.

 The witch relaxed against the mattress, her eyes closed to focus on that beautiful feeling of him completing her with his cock. Shouto took hold of her hips to keep her upright and steady as he pulled out slowly before bottoming out all over again, her slick making for the best lubricant as he moved with ease.

 It started slow. Shouto wanted to revel in the heat. He wanted to drink in the feeling of her walls clamping down around him. The sound of her tiny whimpers when he pushed all the way in after pulling out. But this was much too slow for her, she couldn’t handle such a torturous rhythm. Shouto had eternity but his little mortal did not. Her time was limited and the thought of that made his heart suddenly ache.

 “F-Faster,” She dared to mumble to him, sometimes he’d punish her if she begged too much. If she didn’t let him enjoy himself properly. Today was not one of those days though. Today Shouto wanted to hear her cry for his cock.

 So he obliged, increasing his pace as his fingers dug into the flesh of her hips. His witch began to moan even louder as he hit that sweet spot again and again, making her dizzy with ecstasy. She never lasted long when it came to sex with Shouto, something he took great pride in. He loved nothing more than to give her multiple orgasms.

 But this view just wasn’t doing it for him. He pulled out abruptly, making her cry at the sudden emptiness. He flipped her over onto her back, ripping at her blouse so that it was torn wide open for him. Then he tugged down her bra to free her breasts before reinserting himself into her. He watched her face contort with pleasure, the glossy look in her eyes as he began to pound into her at a relentless pace. The hypnotizing way her tits bounced with every thrust, they were just so perfectly in sync with one another. It was the definition of beauty.

 Shouto brought a thumb to her clit, lightly pressing on it in a way that had her clamping down on him even more. It was as if she was trying to suck him in deeper, never wanting to be without him again. He grunted at this sensation, eyes burning with lust as her mouth made that perfect “o” formation with her eyes rolling back as her second orgasm overcame her.

 He never talked much during sex, choosing to be a silent observer. Every now and then he’d give a command or order, but that was about it. He had never been much one for dirty talk like his father or eldest brother. The witch was fine with this. He made it hard enough for her to think without adding the pressure of comprehending something as complex as language.

 Just when she thought he might be coming to his end, he increased his pace even more. She whined, still feeling incredibly sensitive from the first two orgasms. At least he had the decency to take his thumb from her aching clit. Instead he reached up and wrapped his hand around her bare throat, squeezing just enough to lessen the flow of oxygen and blood to her brain.

 She gasped for air, her moans less audible now as air came out in strangled puffs. He would loosen just enough to give her a small break before tightening back up again. She grabbed at his wrist, and he waited for her sign that it was too much. A double tap anywhere on his body with her pointer and middle finger, or their safe word if she could manage it was all he needed to tell him that he’d gone too far. But neither came and so he continued to abuse her pussy with a pace so fast no human could possibly keep up, and only when she was screaming his name a third time did he finally release himself.

 Shouto came inside her for the very first time. Normally he pulled out even with a condom on. He really wanted to take no risk. This time, this time he had to claim her as his somehow. If any other demon were to come to her then then they’d smell him all over her. They’d think twice before crossing a Todoroki, that was just how well known his family was.

 He removed his hand from her neck, before leaning down to kiss it softly. His nose nuzzled the underside of her jaw in a way that might have appeared to be loving if either of them knew what that word really meant. Her heavy breathing slowly calmed down, delicate fingers squeezing his biceps with care. A simple sign to tell him that she was alright and that he did good. She had found that sometimes he needed encouragement. Sometimes he wasn’t as confident as he pretended to be. But small reassurances were really all he needed to bounce back to normal.

 “Can you stay the night?” She mumbled. Any time she asked, any time she was feeling particularly weak for him, he would turn her down. Saying he had other things to do. Saying it just wouldn’t be proper. Making any excuse he could.

 This time Shouto did not move from on top of her. His mound clouded with the afterglow of such an intense orgasm. He knew then that he’d do anything for her. Anything at all. And because of that realization he hummed back a simple affirmative. He’d stay as long as she would have him.

#todoroki shouto #todoroki shoto #todoroki x reader #shouto x reader #todoroki shouto x reader #bnha #mha #bnha imagine #bnha x reader #todoroki shouto imagine #bnha requests

[beatricethecat2]

"No joy," Myka says, peeking into the static bag.

"That was the correct part, was it not?" Helena enlarges the photo on Myka's phone of a nineteenth-century elevator car housed at the Warehouse.

"I'm pretty sure. But that picture's not great." Myka slides the handle out and plops it back in to the tune of no sparks.

Helena noses around the storage space as The Dakota building's manager walks in.

"Maybe what you're looking for's in here," he says, plunking down a milk crate full of parts. "When they renovate, they save anything original."

"It's an elevator handle. From the original manual ones. Just not this one." Myka slips the part from the bag and holds it up.

"Might be in Ms. Shiva's apartment then. Parents took two cars and made them into a bar. Or could be from the one that went missing, the mysterious fourth car."

Myka and Helena share a concerned look, knowing the Warehouse took it without permission.

"Can we see the other two?" Myka asks.

"Look just like that one." The man points toward the ornately carved wooden car on the other side of the room. "Handle's that important to you, huh?"

"As architectural historians? Yes," Helena snips in a clipped, scholarly tone.

"Alright. Gimme a minute." He slips his phone out of its belt clip and walks out of the room.

Helena picks through dust-covered items in the crate. "This may be a lost cause."

"It must be upstairs. The walls are so thick, the ping could have come from anywhere."

"You said 'pickup,' not 'ping.'"

"Claudia called it a pickup yesterday! Today she called it a ping."

Helena huffs a disgruntled breath.

The manager waves a hand from the doorway. "She said it's ok to come up."

Myka follows the man, but Helena hangs back.

"Aren't you coming?" 

"I...should look through this crate."

"You know more about this stuff than me. You should come with."

"Myka, I...."

Myka steps closer and lowers her voice. "I know you're not happy about being here, but I really need your help."

Helena holds Myka's gaze but doesn't move.

"Please."

Helena nods an apprehensive yes.

"You'll tell me what's going on with you later, right?"

Helena nods again, with equal apprehension.

Myka grimaces. "Come on."

They follow the manager out of the room and into the elevator to the fourth floor.

-----------------

The Adventures of Wells and Bering ("Warehouse 13" Season 5 replacement) Season 1: Episode 3 Title: New York City: I'm buggin' out!

Summary: After three blissful days holed up in their Philadelphia hotel room, Myka receives a call from the Warehouse asking for help. Helena proclaims New York "a cesspool" when told the pickup is in the city. Myka laughs when told Helena was last there in 1893. Told she can stay behind, Helena follows anyway, the pair taking the train to avoid driving. Helena tells tales of city adventures with her partner Wolcott as she and Myka make their way uptown. Helena tenses upon arrival at their destination, so much so, Myka can tell something is off.  Later that day, Helena reveals a long buried secret.

Previously: Episode 1, Episode 2

-----------------

***BONUS SCENES***

After a less than jovial dinner (pictured above), Myka and Helena settle into their hotel room. Myka lounges in bed, already showered, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, nose buried in a book. Helena searches through her luggage after emerging from a shower swathed only in a robe.

"I know dinner wasn't great," Myka says, setting her book on the nightstand, "but something else's off. You've been weirdly touchy all day."

"I apologize for not being, as Claudia might say, 'all sunshine and rainbows.'" Helena yanks a t-shirt out of her suitcase. "Perhaps we should call the whole thing off." 

"What 'thing'?"

"This trip."

"Why?" Myka sits up.

"Because me being sullen is not an anomaly." 

"I know."

"Then why on earth would you subject yourself to that again?" Helena turns to face Myka and crosses her arms over her chest.

"Because you promised when you got like this you'd talk to me and I believed you."

"Fool," Helena says, the word filled with fondness rather than bite.

"Come here," Myka says, patting a spot next to her.

Helena stares at the bed but doesn't move.

"Come here..."

Helena's eyes lift to meet Myka's; the longer they stay locked, the less defiance they hold. She huffs a disgruntled breath but does as she's told. She sits stiffly, arms folded over her chest, back propped up against the headboard.

"Now, tell me what happened in that building," Myka says, laying back, turning to face Helena, head propped up by a hand. "Remember, I said I wouldn't judge you."

"You say that now..." Helena says, glancing at Myka.

"I won't," Myka says, slipping her hand over Helena's and squeezing, dragging it down to her lap, breaking her protective arm-fold.

"Where to begin," Helena grumbles, pressing her eyes closed, head falling back against the wall.

"How about..." Myka scoots up, aligning herself with Helena, all the while keeping hold of her hand. "The first time you were there, finding that artifact."

Helena rolls her head to the side and meets Myka's gaze.

Myka raises her brow and grins expectantly.

"Oh, alright," Helena grumps, sighing deeply, then lifting her head from the headboard.

"Wolly posed as an investor, and I, his wife. He and I were given guest accommodations, courtesy of Gustav Schirmer, a music publisher. We had a vague idea of what the curiosity was but needed time and access to suss out its location."

"I bet you and Wolly made a better couple than Pete and I ever did," Myka quips.

Helena huffs a short laugh. "People like us 'acted the part' on a daily basis. Anything beyond that was an extension of those fabricated selves. One had to switch 'on' any number of personas just to keep safe. It was difficult at times to remember our true selves."

"I'm sorry. That sucks."

"Easier for me than others. Though in that regard, I'm glad society seems to have changed for the better." Helena meets Myka's gaze, her eyes falling to her lips.

"Me too," Myka says as Helena cups her jaw, guiding their mouths together.

Their kiss lingers but as Helena's hand slides to the nape of Myka's neck, Myka pulls away.

"Story first," Myka says, slipping her hand over Helena's, lifting it away.

Helena pouts.

"After." Myka caresses Helena's cheek, then places a soft, brief kiss there. "I promise."

"I shall hold you to that."

"Oh, I know," Myka says, smiling. She settles back and waits as Helena collects her thoughts.

"The Dakota was unique,' Helena begins, "its design, the first of its kind in the world. A playground for 'new money,' miles away from 'civilization' further downtown. Few dared travel that far north, so their soirees were rather insular."

"That's good, right? Easier to find the artifact?" Myka says.

"Indeed. Gustav adored hosting events, along with the Steinways. Guests chased tunes all over the building as engagements spilled between apartments. Wolly and I snooped around gratuitously."

"Steinways...as in the grand-piano-maker Steinways?"

"The very same," Helena mumbles. Her eyes turn distant, a thumb rubbing idly over a knuckle, her hands linked primly on her lap. 

"Did you find the artifact?" Myka asks.

"Hmm? Oh...yes. But it took quite some time," Helena answers. "And along the way, I found something far more profound." She looks down at her lap, her hands pulling away from each other, tensing. 

"What was it?"

"I found my One."

"Y-You had a One?" Myka says, stiffening.

"All too briefly," Helena says, then glances at Myka. "To have found another is a kindness beyond anything I'd ever imagined. I'm sorry it took so long for me to believe it possible."

"You mean me?"

"I do." Helena brings Myka's hand up to her lips and kisses its palm.

"I, um, guess it's silly to be jealous of someone who lived over a hundred years ago. Especially since I know nothing about them." Myka scoots closer, cozying up to Helena. "Will you tell me?"

"Would you like to know?"

"I want to know everything about you."

"That may take some time."

"We have time, don't we?"

"Time has never been my ally. Especially with the ones I love."

"Let's change that." Myka tugs on Helena's sleeve, and the pair slip down to lie prone on the bed. She turns and snuggles up, head pillowed on Helena's shoulder, arm resting across her middle. Helena relaxes into Myka's hold and wraps an arm over Myka's.

"Tell me about your One," Myka says. "Or, your 'first' One."

"She...was an extraordinary woman," Helena answers. "Unlike any I'd ever known. We bonded instantly, which was unusual."

"How did you meet?"

"I caught her hiding from the merriment during a soiree, nose tucked in a book. One Mrs. Elizabeth Westcott." Helena smiles, obviously warmed by the memory.

"Mrs.?"

"A marriage for appearances; personal gain for two up-and-coming families. Residing at The Dakota allowed her husband to carry on extramarital affairs with less scrutiny. He cared little about her own."

"So you and she..."

"If those walls could talk," Helena says, her smile bordering on devilish. "We had several glorious years together before she..." Her smile fades in an instant.

"I'm afraid to ask."

"She died, as one does when one's husband's mistress plots to kill you."

"S-She was murdered?"

"Freak carriage accident. Never proven, but everyone knew. To ensure Elizabeth never gave him an heir, after Christina. The irony being we'd planned on running away to California soon enough--"

"Wait, Christina was Elizabeth's?" Myka lifts her head to look Helena in the eye.

"I loved her as if she were my own," Helena snaps, "spirited her away to England as soon as I could, with the housekeeper's help."

"You stole her?" Myka pushes away, falling back on her elbows, mouth agape.

"I rescued her," Helena barks, jerking upright. "That monstrous woman still had talons in her father. There was no doubt Christina wasn't safe. It's what Elizabeth would have wanted." 

Helena moves to leave, but Myka grabs her arm.

"Don't go," Myka pleads. "I'm sorry. I said I wouldn't judge you."

Helena freezes in place, her heart pounding wildly. A few moments later, she returns to Myka's side.

"Did anyone come looking for her?" Myka asks, pushing forward so as not to leave Helena stewing.

"I don't know. I doubt they could find me as only Elizabeth knew my true identity. And I never set foot in New York again."

"So literally 1893."

Helena nods, the sour look on her face softening. "I'd thought to visit her grave but haven't found the courage."

"You should go. We could go together. It'll give you closure."

"You sound so certain."

"I know it will help. I've loved and lost, too, you know."

"Indeed, you have, my love," Helena says, then sighs heavy-heartedly. "What a pair we make."

"I think we're a good match," Myka says, tugging Helena back to lie flat again. "We could take our minds off it. Make some new, pleasant memories." She slips a hand under the tie of Helena's robe.

"You did make a promise earlier," Helena replies.

"And I always make good on my promises," Myka says, drawing the tie free, brushing a fingertip over newly exposed skin. Helena quivers and relaxes back, offering no resistance as Myka fulfills her word.

End of Episode 3

-TBC-

NOTES: According to the internet, the term "buggin'" was coined in New York City. The fourth elevator really did go missing during The Dakota renovations in the 1960's (pre-landmarking). Thank you to the library for being open so I could borrow books and down some facts as this got way more involved than I meant it to become (but that's part of the fun).

This story format is...in my head, I'm calling it "TV POV." If we were watching the show, we'd see things but not hear the character's thoughts, so that's what I'm going for, I think? Broad strokes and quicker resolutions due to the 45 minute-ish run time (or would this show be a 25 minute one? Hmm.) Let me know if that's not working at all. I mean these are obviously pastiches of content - the images come first then the stories materialize afterwards. They are supposed to be short and clippy - plenty of room for the reader to fill in the blanks - but this one got away from me! Also Tumblr keeps making the second image blurry and I can't figure out why...

#BERING AND WELLS #w13 #fan art #fan fiction #Myka Bering #Helena HG Wells #i guess this project is #me making prompts for myself in some way? #like i need more work to do... #but I do hope there's some joy in it for those of you out there reading!

[starlessskies94]

Consequence (Joel Miller x OC)

Summary: What if Joel survived his injuries from the Abby and Fireflies attack but ends up with really bad amnesia. He can’t remember his wife, Ellie, or the Outbreak; only before. How will his family bring back the man they once knew?Pairing: Joel Miller x OC                                                                                      Note: An update? Could It be? After all this time?...Yes. It is I! I come with a thousand apologies for taking so long to update. I didn't plan for it be so long but with Covid and going back to work during Covid and family stuff, I just haven't had the time but I'm back my lovelies and I really hope this chapter doesn't disappoint :)

Chapter Seven 

Tommy woke up late for the first time in weeks; he didn’t often sleep in but given his late night chasing lost cattle through the town after they’d somehow managed to escape the paddocks; he figured he more than deserved it. Maria had woken him when she made to leave and insisted he stay put while she made a start on the morning checks. She kissed him goodbye and they promised to meet later for lunch together.

The morning air was crisp and fresh as he stepped down onto the path, his jacket zipped tight to fight off the dwindling cold. The snow had long since melted and there were clear telltale signs of Spring fast approaching in Jackson.

And while the cold wasn’t as biting as it had been, there was still the odd chill that needed to be shielded from with a layer or two.

It wouldn’t be long before they were preparing for a new harvest to grow throughout the year. The sacks of seeds and planting equipment appearing all over town as families began to prep the soil and start their planting as the wildflowers poked their heads through the ground to bask in the warming sunlight.

Tommy made his way through the streets heading straight for his brother’s house. It was still hard to believe that it had been a whole two months since Joel’s attack.

Two whole months since his sister in law had lost her husband; his niece, her father. And unfortunately for all of them; it didn’t seem like Joel was making any progress to getting his memories back. He tried to help of course but his brother, being the stubborn grump that he was, had only pushed his younger brother away, insisting he was capable of handling the trauma alone.

He hated seeing his brother struggling, especially when it seemed that some details were coming through. It was little things but it was better than nothing. The only problem was, it was things Joel seemed to dismiss without a second thought.

Tommy honestly believed if Joel focused on them, they’d help process bigger things. Though it certainly hadn’t helped matters that the older Miller had stopped going to his weekly check ups to help his mind improve. The head of the infirmary had voiced her concerns to Tommy a few days earlier. His constant dismissal and disregard for their importance to his slow recovery; not just frustrating the Doctor but also Tommy himself.

He just hoped he could talk some sense into his big brother.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He knocked but no answer greeted him as he stepped inside the house. It was quiet but clean. Each room meticulously organised and tidied to within an itch of its life. He figured this was what Joel must have been filling his days with over the past few weeks. The sound of muffled hammering caught his attention, leading him up the stairs to Joel’s workshop room. The door slightly ajar. Tommy had barely entered the room before Joel acknowledged him.  

“What do you want, Tommy?” Joel grunted without even bothering to turn around. Tommy just shrugged silently, his hands awkwardly stuffing into the front pockets of his jeans.

“Well good morning to you too, just stopped by to see how you’re doing.”

“As good as I can be I guess.” He muttered as he continued to work, never taking his eyes off the wood in his hands. It felt nice seeing his brother once again taking an interest in an old hobby that he had enjoyed before his injury. It felt like maybe they were finally heading in the right direction. But Tommy had to hold off, he didn’t want to push anymore than was necessary. He knew Joel well enough to know that if you pushed too far; Joel would only push back twice as hard. “Right, sorry... whatcha making?”   Joel hobbled back a little from the table, giving Tommy a better view of the work in question. The long neck and the four legs beginning to take shape made his heart skip. The older man had always had a talent; that was for certain. The horses he made were always magnificent. The wolves and the deer along with any other animal the people of Jackson had asked for; were always made with utmost care. And it seemed this work of art was no different.

“I think I meant for it to be a giraffe before... everything. Figured I might as well finish it. Hell if I know who it was supposed to be for.”

“Ellie.” Tommy whispered.  

“What?”

Tommy took a second for his brain to catch up with his words as he quickly cleared his throat and tried not to fidget too much. “It’s just...uh.. that it’s her birthday in a couple of months and she always liked giraffes, maybe it was meant for her?” He offered nervously. Joel just hummed casually. With a quick dismissive shake of his head and a sigh; he moved the half carved giraffe onto a nearby shelf along with his other unfinished projects. Turning to face his brother, his arm reaching out to grab his cane to steady his balance.

“Yeah, maybe...maybe Ada asked me to make it for her to give to Ellie as a gift.” He wondered out loud, stopping Tommy in his tracks.

“You talked to her?” He asked almost a little too quickly. Causing Joel to frown slightly in response at his brother’s unexplained eagerness.  

“Who Ada? Briefly, why? Am I supposed to know her or something?”

“You guys were...friends I guess…” Tommy replied weakly. He knew he had to be cautious here, baby steps. They were moving into uncharted territory when it came to Ada and Ellie. Joel had only just started to accept the life they had lived in Boston as smugglers and that was before he had even had the courage to bring up the Fireflies. He needed to steer clear of things deeper than that for now  and ease into the conversation he wanted to have. But his patience was starting to run thin. “Look, the reason I came by is because I was talking to Elizabeth and she said you’ve stopped going to your check ups.”  

“Oh not this again Tommy!” Joel snapped, his brother rolling his eyes in frustration as Joel hobbled away from his work space and further towards the door. But Tommy was quick to stop him, stepping in the threshold and blocking Joel’s exit.

“Look I know I don’t understand what you’re going through but-”

“You’re damn right you don’t!” He yelled. "You have no idea what it’s like Tommy; to lose years of your life in an instant. Forget everything you’ve done and the people you used to care about. I don’t see how bitching about how shitty this is to the damn Doctor is going to help!”

“But you’re starting to remember things Joel! That’s a big fucking deal!”

“How?! All I’m remembering is crap no one cares about! How are horse’s names gonna help me? Or how I take my coffee in the morning? I couldn’t even remember holding my little girl in my arms after she was shot! Oh but thank the lord I could remember what colour shirt I was wearing when it happened!!”

With every word Joel got closer, his nostrils flaring in anger as blood continued to boil. But Tommy never backed down, squaring up to his big brother wasn’t unusual and certainly wasn’t the first time they’d been at odds on how to handle something. Joel’s eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched.

“It’s been two months Tommy...two months of this and it ain’t getting better any time soon. This ain’t your problem so just back off!” He hissed between gritted teeth.

“You can’t just push me away Joel, I want to help. I’m trying but you’re just being so damn stubborn.”

“Then leave, I didn’t ask you to babysit me. And I sure as hell don’t need you sticking around outta guilt.” The words stopped Tommy dead.

“What?”

“I might not remember what happened but I know enough from what you told me about Boston...You survived because of me. All those years I took care of us. Just like when we were kids. So what? You feel like you owe me? You gotta take your turn to take care of me now? You can keep it baby brother because I don’t want it. And I didn’t ask for it.” The words spit venom with every ounce of bitterness Joel had in him. And Tommy felt his lip snarl in response. The ungrateful bastard; he thought coldly, after everything he’d done to keep his brother alive on the way back to Jackson after the Fireflies had almost beaten him to death and this was what he had to say in response.

“How do I know the people who did this weren’t after you. I mean they did a pretty good number on you too right? Big brother to the rescue to save your sorry ass; yet again! You think I want to live like this?! Huh?! Trapped in a life of a man I don’t even know. A house full of memories I can’t even goddamn remember!”

That was it, Tommy was done. Joel was frustrated and angry, he knew that. He understood that. Of course he did. But to blame him for this?! How the hell was that fair? His hands shook in pure anger, chest heaving as he held back his punches as much as he could. He stumbled away from the door. His trembling hand reaching up and running through his beard in a poor attempt to calm himself.  

“You know what screw you! Screw you Joel! You wanna give up, you wanna feel sorry for yourself? Fine! I’m done. You give up on your family-”

“Family?! What damn family? There’s no one left Tommy! Sarah is gone!”

“She ain’t the only one you got!” Tommy cut off without thinking. Joel’s face dropping at his brother's outburst. The younger man’s eyes widened in shock as he realised what he’d said. But it was too late to take it back now. And Tommy knew that. They both did. Perhaps now was the time to tell the truth.

“You want to know who your family is Joel? Take a look in your damn attic.”

Tommy uttered the words into the thick silence left between the two men. Before turning on his heel to leave, never giving Joel a chance to answer. Leaving the man to stew in his confession. He just hoped that somehow...Ada could forgive him for this.  

#joel miller #last of us joel #the last of us part 2 #The last of us part ii #ellie williams #joel and ellie #joel x oc #joel x reader #fanfiction #StarlessSkies writes

[sanders-sides-fics]

Domestic Bliss

Hi @lala-the-rebel, I’m your secret santa for @sanderssidesgiftxchange‘s! Hope you enjoy and happy holidays! Thank you to @rubyredsparks for betaing!

Pairing: Logince

Warnings: food mentions, driving, Remus, Janus, and as always let me know if you need something tagged!

Word Count: 3084

Masterlist

AO3 links will be added in a reblog in the future and in my masterlist!

Roman glanced in his rearview mirror and smiled at his sons, one out cold in his car seat and the other excitedly staring back at him from his booster seat. Roman smiled at his older son, Patton, and turned his eyes to the road once more.

“Excited to see Papa?” Roman guessed, smile coiling into a teasing smirk.

Logan didn’t know his family was coming, but Roman knew their intrusion on his workday would be forgiven. His husband could only hold a grudge for so long and it never lasted long when Patton broke out his puppy eyes. Even if it somehow did, Roman had their secret weapon napping in the backseat. A sleepy Virgil wanting his Papa couldn’t be resisted, no matter how recently he had joined their family.

It wasn’t in their plan to adopt a second child, but neither regretted accepting his initial placement with them. And now, Roman couldn’t imagine their lives without their sons.

“Mhm!” Patton exclaimed. “Gonna see Papa working!”

Roman chuckled and turned on his blinker to change into the exit lane. He checked the rearview mirror to ensure Virgil was still asleep and not disturbed by his brother’s excitement. To his relief, the baby slept soundly. Virgil didn’t like being abruptly woken up and would cry nonstop if he were. Roman’s heart couldn’t take seeing those eyes filled with tears.

“We are! And maybe we’ll get lunch with Papa too. He said he wasn’t busy today,” Roman told Patton as he navigated the rest of the way to the university.

Roman was sure Patton would appreciate being able to eat lunch with both of his dads today. The two were going out on a date for dinner and wouldn’t return home until after his uncles had tucked him into bed. Though perhaps Patton would enjoy an evening with Remus and Janus while his fathers were away.

“So, we’re not gonna see his fishies?” Patton pouted.

Roman smiled sympathetically, “I’m sure Papa will let you see them when we get to his office.”

The first time Patton had gone to Logan’s office at the university, he had fallen in love with the large tank Logan kept in his office. Whenever he went to visit, he made sure to say hello to the fish. Roman found Patton’s commitment to making the fish happy endearing.

“Make sure to bat those big old eyes at Papa and he definitely will,” he promised.

“Okay, Daddy!” Patton agreed.

When Roman pulled into the university, he followed the direction signs to the staff parking outside of the building Logan worked with. Logan alternated cars he drove to work, due to weather mostly, so both of their vehicles had valid parking stickers. It made visits easier because Roman didn’t need to worry about paying for their spot while handling both boys on his own.

Roman smiled when he spotted the car Logan drove to work in that day. He parked a few spots away from the car and got out to help Patton out of his booster seat. Patton took his hand and patiently walked with him as he rounded the car to get Virgil.

“Can I carry the bag, Daddy?” Patton asked.

Roman smiled and nodded his head, allowing Patton to pick it up, “Just tell me if it’s too heavy. If it is, I’ll take it until we get to Papa.”

Roman leaned in and started to undo the buckles on Virgil’s car seat. The young boy opened his eyes with a whine and reached his arms up.

“You want to be carried, little guy? Okay, Daddy’s gotcha.”

Roman hefted the nine-month-old into his arms, where Virgil settled back in and rested his head on Roman’s shoulder. Virgil had woken up a bit early from his nap today, which was probably why he fell asleep in the car.

Roman reached down with his free arm and gently took Patton’s hand.

“Let’s go see Papa, yeah?”

“Mhm!”

Roman walked his sons to the building and smiled at the student who held the door open for them. Patton cheerfully thanked her and told her he was going to see his Papa. The student smiled and they continued their walk.

Patton walked at Roman’s side happily, adjusting the diaper bag every now and again. Roman thought that it might be too heavy for him, but Patton never said a word until they were outside of the office. Patton set down the bag with a huff and knocked at the door.

“Paaaaapaaaaa!” he called. “It’s Patty!”

The door opened after a moment and Logan stepped out, a mug of coffee in his hand. He gave Roman a quick amused look and set down his coffee on the table near the door to crouch down and hug his son.

“Salutations, Patton. Did Daddy bring you here?”

“He did! He did!” Patton cheered. “Brought Virgie too but he’s tired!”

Logan looked up from the hug to Roman and Virgil. Roman glanced down to see Virgil’s eyes had shut again.

“Someone skip his nap today?” Logan asked.

“Half of it, Starlight,” Roman answered. “I tried to get him to go back down but he wouldn’t until we were already in the car on the way here. An hour later.”

“Sounds about right,” Logan sighed, standing so that he could pick up their older son. “That’s the fourth time this week?”

“Counting bedtime, I think.”

Patton wrapped his arms around Logan and squeezed happily. Logan adjusted his hold on his son and smiled as Patton settled into his arms. He carried him into the office and sat in the chair behind his desk, next to the fish tank. Patton gasped and waved at the fish.

“Hi, fishies!”

Roman and Logan smiled at the greeting as Roman settled into one of the chairs on the opposite side of Logan’s desk.

“Did you get more fishies?” Patton asked, pointing at the tank. “The black one is new!”

Logan nodded, “Good observation, Patton. I have. The black fish belonged to a student who graduated last semester and couldn’t take the fish on their flight home.”

Patton pouted, “They couldn’t take their fish? Won’t the fish miss them?”

“Maybe, but he also has many new friends in the tank,” Logan promised softly.

Patton smiled, seemingly satisfied with the answer provided.

“Papa wouldn’t let the fish get lonely, Patton,” Roman added. “He’ll make sure they have a good home here.”

“Like Virgie and me?”

Roman smiled, “Just like that, Patty.”

“Papa’s the best,” Patton concluded.

“Daddy helps,” Logan looked across the desk to Roman fondly.

-

Roman fixed his hair in the bathroom mirror, straining his ear to listen for the sound of the doorbell. If it were his twin coming alone, he would be listening for the door to open, but he found that Janus preferred to ring the bell rather than walk right in. Roman appreciated the gesture, especially with two young children in the house.

The doorbell rang and Roman put down his comb.

“I’ve got it,” he called out to Logan, so he could continue getting ready for their evening.

He exited the bathroom and scooped up Patton as the young boy made a beeline for the door. Patton giggled and Roman poked his nose.

“What did Daddy say about answering the door, Pattycake?” he asked gently.

“Only do it with you,” the little boy answered. “Annnnd you’re right here!”

“I guess I am.”

Roman smiled at his son’s cleverness and set him down when they arrived at the door. He motioned for Patton to open the door and Patton swung the door open enthusiastically.

“Uncle Remus! Uncle Janny!”

“Hey, Squirt!” Remus exclaimed, stepping inside.

Roman wasn’t surprised to see Janus dressed in a suit, knowing he had come from the courthouse; just as he wasn’t surprised to see Remus in ripped up jeans and a t-shirt, both splattered in old and new dried paint stains.

“I’d better not find any paint stains on my couch, Rem.”

Remus grinned at his brother, “Don’t worry, Princey Poo, I’ve been done painting since before Jan got out of work.”

“I would’ve made him change if it were wet paint,” Janus promised.

“Thank you, Janus,” Roman said. “I’m just finishing getting ready and then I can run you through Virgil’s bedtime routine. I think Logan’s written it down somewhere though.”

Logan rounded the corner from their living room to the entryway with Virgil in his arms. He looked ready for the evening and Roman suspected he was soaking in a few more minutes with Virgil before they let Janus and Remus watch the boys for the evening.

“It’s on the kitchen counter,” Logan informed them. “I can show them what to do, this way I can get Virgil warmed up to them before we leave.”

Roman nodded, knowing that Virgil took time to get used to new people. It would be best that he felt more comfortable around his uncles before Roman and Logan walked out the door or the evening would be a nightmare for his uncles. It wasn’t that Roman thought Janus and Remus were strange, but he knew Virgil took a few weeks to like Logan too since he left the house to work daily when Virgil first came home with them.

“He’s met us before,” Remus said.

“He’s a baby, dear,” Janus reminded softly. “He’ll be used to us in no time. A few more visits perhaps.”

Roman smiled and took the opportunity to slip away from the door to continue getting ready. It would only take a few minutes to put on his deep crimson dress shirt and pick his cologne for the evening. Perhaps he would go with the cedar one, he knew Logan liked cologne a lot.

“Oh! Papa! Can I smell pretty too?” Patton stuck his head into the bathroom.

Roman smiled, spraying himself with the cologne, “Alright. But only if you promise to still take a bath tonight. Uncle Remus is running a bubble bath for you.”

Patton’s eyes lit up at the promise of a bubble bath and nodded his head, “Yes, please!”

Roman sprayed Patton lightly with the cologne and Patton sniffed his shirt to make sure he could smell it.

“Just like Daddy?” Roman asked.

“Mhm! Thank you!”

With that Patton ran out of the bath and in the distance, Roman heard his son shouting that he wanted to play with Janus. Normally Roman would correct this shouting, but for tonight he would let it go. Janus was working a high-end case and hadn’t been over to see Patton lately.

Roman checked his appearance in the mirror and adjusted the collar of his shirt. He smirked at his reflection and stepped out of the bathroom.

“Logan? Are you still ready?” he called.

Logan called back, voice trailing down the stairs from Virgil’s bedroom, “In a moment, Love.”

Roman went to the coat closet and selected his brown leather jacket to wear later in the evening when it would be colder. He grabbed his dress shoes and slipped them on, before sitting down on the loveseat to wait for his family to come back down the stairs.

It only took a few minutes for them to come down. Roman grinned when he noticed Virgil was in Remus’ arms, relieved and joyful to see Virgil warming up to his twin.

“Virgil likes his Uncle Remus?”

“He does!” Remus affirmed.

“Or he thinks you’re his Dad?” Janus teased, slipping past him with Patton.

Patton ran to the toy chest in the living room and started pulling out different toys. He offered Janus the rubber snake, knowing he preferred to use that toy. Roman knew Patton would be fine for the evening.

Virgil stretched his arms and looked up from Remus’ shoulder, drawing Roman’s attention away from Patton and Janus.

Virgil looked from Remus to Roman with wide eyes, “Dah?”

Roman snorted quietly and walked over, “Hi, Virgie, it’s Daddy.”

“Dah!” Virgil held his arms out.

Janus snickered from the couch as Virgil was transferred from Remus to Roman. Roman hugged Virgil close and gave Remus a sympathetic smile. He pressed a kiss to the top of Virgil’s head and rocked him back and forth.

“Virgil, this is your Uncle Remus. He’s my brother like Patty is yours,” Roman spoke softly. “He’s going to watch you, yeah?”

Virgil glanced up and hesitantly held out his arms to Remus again. Remus took him with care and allowed Virgil to settle back in.

“Finger painting okay?” Remus asked.

Roman nodded, “As long as you remember to clean him up.”

Roman trusted his brother not to paint anything too scary around the boys, despite knowing what his paintings looked like. Remus may not have cared when they were younger and constantly tried to scare Roman and his friends with his creations, but he had never done that with Patton.

“It’s bubble bath night,” Remus promised.

“Which is waiting on the counter for you, next to towels and a set of pajamas for both Patton and Virgil,” Logan said as he descended the stairs.

“Perfect!” Remus exclaimed. “Now, you two lovebugs get out of here!”

“We will, we will,” Roman promised.

Roman leaned in and kissed Virgil’s head again and looked to Patton in the living room, “Daddy and Papa are going now, Patty. You going to be okay?”

“Mhm! Buh bye!”

“No kisses? You won’t see us until tomorrow,” Logan added, knowing Patton would realize it later and become upset.

Patton gasped and set down the stuffed puppy he had, choosing to run over and quickly kiss both of his fathers.

“Have fun, we’ll call if we need help,” Janus stood from where he sat on the floor, stretching out. “Though I think we’ve got this.”

And finally, Logan and Roman were out the door.

-

Roman checked his phone after the waiter walked away from taking their orders. Logan reached across the table and gently lowered Roman’s phone.

“I am sure they are okay,” Logan assured him, offering a small smile. “Even if they weren’t, your phone’s volume is on, we would hear if they called.”

“You’re right,” Roman put the phone down.

Roman couldn’t help but feel nervous about leaving Virgil with a babysitter for the first time. He trusted Janus and Remus greatly, enough to leave them alone with his sons. But they hadn’t left Virgil with someone else since they brought him home.

Logan stroked Roman’s hand with his thumb and brought it to his lips for a brief kiss, “Janus and Remus are very capable. And you need a night to relax. You’re home with those boys all day.”

“Only because I can write from home,” Roman blushed at the feeling of Logan’s lips brushing against his knuckles.

“Meaning you care for them and still manage to find time for your novels, it’s very impressive, Love. And you deserve more breaks,” Logan spoke softly.

Roman looked up and met Logan’s hazel eyes, which were filled with adoration. Roman squeezed Logan’s hand and sighed happily. It had been a while since they went anywhere without either of the kids. He loved his sons but hadn’t realized how much he missed having time alone with Logan that wasn’t the moments before they fell asleep at night.

The waiter came by with their drinks and the mozzarella sticks Roman had talked Logan into. On the promise that he had a lactose tablet in his wallet that he could take before eating any. He looked to Logan and pouted before letting go of Logan’s hand to take out the tablet. He chewed it quickly and Logan smiled.

“Thank you for taking that, I do not like risking your health, even if it is something minor like a stomachache.”

Roman picked up a mozzarella stick and dipped it in the sauce, “You’re welcome, Lo… I wouldn’t worry you like that.”

“Oh, I believe you have before,” Logan teased, taking one himself.

“I didn’t want anything to ruin our time together tonight.”

Roman ate his mozzarella stick and grimaced at the leftover taste from the tablet. It was meant to taste like vanilla, and it sort of did, yet wrong. He swallowed and grabbed his lemon water to wash the taste out of his mouth.

“I hate the aftertaste of those things,” he whined.

“And the taste is already gone?” Logan asked.

“… It is…”

Roman reached for another mozzarella stick and took a small bite to test the taste. He found no hint of the taste or the grainy particles often left behind. He finished the stick and wiped his hands off on the cloth napkin supplied by the restaurant. When he was sure his hands were clean, he reached out to hold Logan’s hand again, at least until their meals arrived.

“I love you,” Roman whispered.

“I love you too,” Logan murmured back.

Their meals arrived and Logan thanked the waiter, briefly tearing himself away from Roman to do so. They let go of each other’s hands and ate their meals. Roman listened as Logan described the latest research from his chemistry lab. He didn’t care much for chemistry but loved the passion in Logan’s eyes when he talked about it.

By the end of the dinner, Roman was entirely lost but his confusion was worth it. He leaned around the table and kissed Logan on the cheek.

“Ready to go home?” Roman asked.

“I am. When our waiter comes back with my card, we’ll go… Perhaps go to the park first? The boys are already in bed.”

Roman smiled.

-

Roman and Logan were sat down at a bench in the park, leaning against one another. Logan shivered at a cold breeze as it blew by.

“Forget your jacket?” Roman teased. He shrugged off his leather jacket and put it around Logan’s shoulders, “Here you go. Can’t have my husband going cold.”

“Thank you, are you sure you don’t need it?”

“If I get cold, I suppose you’ll have to warm me up yourself.”

Logan snorted back a laugh as Roman wiggled his eyebrows in a teasing manner. He leaned forward and placed a hand on Roman’s cheek. Roman shivered under the chilling touch.

“Well… I do suppose I have to warm you up now, don’t I?” Logan teased.

“I guess you do.”

Logan moved forward and brought their lips together, moving to wrap his arms around Roman. Roman slipped his arms around Logan’s neck and kissed him again.

“I love you,” Logan whispered into the kiss.

“And I, you.”

General Taglist (Ask to be added)

@ahoardofsides

@iris-sanders-athena

@evilmuffin

@remythehero

@you-deserve-the-worlds

#logince #roman sanders #Logan Sanders #Sanders Sides #sanderssidesgiftxchange #sandersxchange20 #Janus Sanders #Remus Sanders #Patton Sanders #Virgil Sanders #Human au #tw: food #tw: driving

[ginnympotter]

prompt: jily lives! and somehow find out that Harry is dating Ginny but keep pretending to not know until he's forced to tell them

Thanks so much for this prompt!! I went back and forth on how I wanted to tackle this one and from what POV, but this is ultimately what I decided on. I hope you like it!! 

Harry was just about to pull Ginny’s shirt over her head when they heard the front door slam and Lily call out from downstairs, “Harry? We’re home!”

Harry let go of the hem of Ginny’s shirt and swore under his breath. Then he shouted back, “Hey, Mum!” in a key much higher than his regular voice.

He turned to Ginny, whose hands were still exploring his bare chest, which made it that much more difficult for him to speak with a clear head. “I’m sorry, I thought they were going to be gone for at least another hour…how are we going to get you out of here?”

Ginny stopped her ministrations and looked at him curiously. “Get me out of here? What do you mean?”

“I mean that they don’t know you’re here, we could get in trouble.”

Ginny snorted, rolling her eyes. “Have your parents ever once actually punished you? Your misdeeds are usually lauded by your dad and Sirius.”

“Well, that might be true,” he admitted, “but they still don’t know we’re together.”

“Why not?”

Harry sighed, picking up his discarded t-shirt from the floor. “I mean, I’m not worried or anything. They love you, obviously. I just don’t want them to make a big deal out of it. You know how they are.”

“But we told Mum last week, and she’s way more dramatic,” Ginny pointed out. “She cried of happiness, Harry! I think we’ve seen the worst.”

“You underestimate the Potter dramatics.”

“I’m always up for a show,” she replied with a shrug. 

He could hear his father and mother’s muffled voices talking from the level beneath them as he put his shirt over his head. “Listen, I could distract them and you could come down and use the floo while they’re not looking-“

“You’re being ridiculous,” she said, frowning as Harry’s shirt covered him once more. “Your parents are much more relaxed than my mum. I’m sure if you just told them we’d actually get more alone time together instead of having to sneak around constantly and be interrupted. And besides, I wouldn’t really want to hide it at your birthday next week, so might as well rip off the band-aid now.”

Harry thought this over for a few moments, thinking that Ginny did raise a few valid points, but still felt inexplicably nervous. “I guess, it’s just…it is a big deal,” he stated plainly. “You know?”

Ginny’s soft smile melted his heart a bit. “I’ll hold your hand through it, the whole time if you need me to.”

“Thanks,” he smiled back as she grabbed his chin and tugged his mouth towards hers, kissing him twice; once chaste, once open-mouthed, pulling away too soon, sending tingles throughout his whole body. She stood up and smirked knowingly as he scowled at her. “Was that necessary?”

“Sorry,” she said, with no hint of regret in her voice. “Just wanted to see you squirm a bit more.”

James used Sonorous from the ground floor so Harry could hear him from his room as he announced, “I’m making pancakes for dinner, come down so I know what you want in each.”

She offered her hand, nudging her head in the direction of his door. He exhaled deeply, concentrating on calming his senses. Once he felt safe enough, he reluctantly put his hand in Ginny’s and stood up as well. 

Feeling his heart thump in his throat, he descended the stairs slowly. Ginny became impatient and led them the rest of the way down, tugging Harry behind her. 

“I hear two sets of footsteps,” James noted from the kitchen as they reached the landing. He was flicking his wand over a bowl of batter. “Is Ron here? I’ll have to double the batch, then-“

“No Ron, just me,” Ginny said, brightly and clearly, as they made their way toward the kitchen. “Hi Mr. and Mrs. Potter.”

James whipped around at the sound of Ginny’s voice. Lily, who was sitting at the head of the table, reading a rather dense book, looked up. Her eyes quickly scanned their linked hands, then flickered towards her husband’s gaze for the smallest moment, then back at Ginny and smiled widely. “Ginny, darling!” She stuck her bookmark in her book and closed it. She rose from the table as they approached her. 

“My favorite Weasley!” James greeted her, grinning. “Are you staying for dinner? How do you like your pancakes?”

“Wow, I’ve surpassed Fred and George? They’re going to be so cross,” she joked, as she let go of Harry’s hand to hug Lily. “Um, I wasn’t planning to stay, but-“

“I’ll Floo Molly and tell her,” said Lily at once as she let go of her. “Does she know you’re here?”

“Yep!” Ginny responded. “Thanks so much. Just don’t tell her what we’re eating, she’d send me straight home.”

“Noted,” Lily laughed and walked into the living room. 

Harry looked after his mother suspiciously, and then toward his father, who was beckoning Ginny over to pick what she wanted in her pancakes. After deciding on one strawberry, one blueberry, and one chocolate chip for each of them, Ginny and James began discussing different Chaser plays and strategies. Harry could faintly hear Lily talking in the fireplace.

A few minutes later, James and Ginny were trialing different places in the kitchen she could stand with a plate to catch the pancakes as James flipped them behind his shoulder off his spatula, when Lily walked back in to the scene as if it were just an average Sunday. “Your mum said no problem, dear. She just wants you to Floo back before nine.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Potter!” she called out as she just caught a pancake by the edge of the plate.

Harry walked over to his mother uncertainly. “Er, thanks,” he said lamely, curious as to why they hadn’t been interrogated yet, but still wishing to avoid the inevitable a bit longer. “I thought you and Dad were going to be longer helping Remus and Tonks with the move.”

“It’s no problem.” She kissed his forehead and attempted to smooth his hair. “And so did we, but Tonks wasn’t feeling so well, and once we got the basics like the big furniture moved in we just left them to rest-”

“YES!” James shouted in triumph as Ginny made quite a spectacular catch to top off a stack. She handed them to Lily, laughing. “This is your order, I believe.”

The four of them ate together, and his parents asked Ginny about what each of her brothers were up to, how the wedding planning was going for Fleur and Bill, how many O.W.L.s she got, and more. All the while, Harry continuously awaited James or Lily to break.

But he ended up breaking first, unable to stand it. “Alright,” Harry said quite abruptly after he finished his last pancake. All three of them looked at him. “Why haven’t either of you-“ he cleared his throat, trying to rephrase it. “Don’t you want to know if-“ he stopped again. “Listen, er….” He threw caution to the wind. “Ginny and I are dating,” he blurted.

Lily and James both blinked. “We know,” said James simply.

“You…you know?” Harry asked in a bewildered voice.

“Yeah, we know,” Lily echoed. “Old news.”

Harry looked at his parents, who were both smiling now, exasperated. He turned to Ginny, who didn’t seem as shocked as he felt, but looked curious nonetheless. “Since when?” she asked.

Lily took a sip of her tea, the look on her face indicating she was trying to decide how to break it to them. “Well, we…”

“We saw you two snogging at the platform after the Express came in,” James explained unabashedly, drizzling more syrup over his final forkful. “Might want to be a bit more discrete next time.”

Ginny blushed a little, and Harry attempted to digest this information. “So you’ve known all summer and haven’t said a single thing?” questioned Harry. “That is so unlike you two.”

“We didn’t want to make you uncomfortable,” James said as he swallowed his food.

“Again, that is so unlike you two,” Harry repeated.

“Well, aside from that little incident, I’m surprised it took until today for you to get caught in any way. Pretty good sneaking around.”

Ginny laughed appreciatively. “Thanks?” said Harry, his tone dubious.

“Although, Molly owled us last week saying that you had told her and asking if we knew, so you could’ve covered your trail a bit better.”

“In any case,” Lily interjected. “We’re very happy for you two.”

“Thanks, so are we,” said Ginny, and she put a hand on Harry’s leg under the table, squeezing his thigh reassuringly.

Harry felt the smallest sense of relief wash over him at how normal all of this suddenly felt. “Er, yeah, thanks,” he exhaled. 

But perhaps too soon. James spoke up again. “What we don’t know though is when it started. Has it been all year? The last day of the term? Since Christmas?”

“Ah, there’s the interrogation,” sighed Harry.

Ginny didn’t seem to mind, though. She was smiling, in fact, as she answered, “Just since the Quidditch final.”

“Ah, nothing like the euphoria of a Quidditch victory for a blossoming romance,” James stated, grabbing his wife’s hand. “Isn’t that right, Evans?”

“Mhm,” Lily responded, and her and Harry looked at each other, knowing what was to come.

Harry attempted to put a stop to it. “You don’t have to tell the story, Dad. We’ve all heard it-“

“I haven’t,” said Ginny.

Harry groaned under his breath, while his mother laughed silently into her mug of tea.

“Well,” James began, the same joy in his face that always appeared when he’d recount how he and Lily finally got together. “It was October of our Seventh Year, Gryffindor versus Slytherin…”

And while Harry listened for the umpteenth time against his will to the story of the first time his mother kissed his father, seeing the smile on his mother’s face as he recounted it and Ginny’s genuine interest in the lead-up, he couldn’t stop himself from grinning too. He put his hand atop the one Ginny had on his leg, intertwining his fingers with hers as he sighed happily, surrounded by the people he loved.

#hinny #jily #harry x ginny #harry potter #hp #fanfic #fanfiction #hp fanfic #hp fanfiction #james x lily #james potter #lily evans #lily potter #ginny weasley #au #jily lives

[wouldpollyapprove]

Wanted Home

Requested: Hello! 💞 Could I perhaps request prompt #19 from the angst list with Joe Cole? Doesn’t necessarily have to be a one-shot, if it’s too little to work with 😊 whatever floats your boat

Requested by @smallheathgangsters​

Joe Cole x Reader

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: language, pregnancy, angst

A/n: Guys, the amount of headcanons and oneshots that I’ll be writing that involve babies and children is not good for my health! Baby fever’s about to be high, just leting y’all know. I loved writing this sooooo much. It was the first request in my inbox and I had to do it. I love Joe Cole in everything he’s in and I would literally write for all his characters if I could. And you know who he reminds me of? He kinda reminds me of youtuber Evan Edinger. Idk why but sometimes I just see a resemblense. It’s probably just me, though

Masterlist 

The little hand on the clock was seconds away from ringing in the new hour. Y/n rolled her eyes at the late hour. Joe had always told her not to wait up for him, his schedule was all over the place and she didn’t need to suffer because of it. Normally, she would have agreed with him and gone to bed, but even after filming was over, he still wouldn’t arrive home until hours later.

Joe told her it was nothing to worry about. There was much to be done after filming was over for the day, but she wasn’t buying his excuses. He was most likely drinking with his castmates, wasting time that could have been spent with her.

Y/n went into the kitchen to pour herself a glass of water. Leaning against the counter, she couldn’t help but feel miserable about the position she was in. Only two weeks prior, she had found out she was pregnant and couldn’t wait to share the news with her husband. Y/n had missed her period and that was the first clue that led her to take a pregnancy test. But she didn’t trust them, so she booked an appointment to confirm what the two pink lines had told her.

That appointment was the day before and on her nightstand was the sonogram that proved her suspicions. 

Her eyes teared at the thought of how long she had waited to share new as they had when she’d laid eyes on the child that grew inside her. All Y/n wanted was to see the smile on Joe’s face as she showed him the picture, but as the night grew darker, she only grew angrier. 

This could not continue.

Not if their family was growing. Y/n didn’t want to raise a child, while their father fucked off somewhere. That was never what she imagined when picturing the family she wanted. She wanted Joe to be there. Right by her side during everything. 

Y/n was pulled from her thoughts as the front door opened. She stood straighter against the counter, wiping away a tear that fell from her watery eyes. From the kitchen, she could hear Joe slip off his shoes and hang his coat on the hook before his footsteps grew louder as he neared her. He froze in the doorway when he saw her, his features softened. “What are you doing up?”

Gaze on the floor, she didn’t answer. “Where were you?”

Joe frowned, stepping closer to you. Reaching out to hold her, she brushed his hands away. “Let’s not do this tonight, love,” he sighed, pained as she moved away from him.

A bitter laugh escaped her from the opposite side of the kitchen. “Then when?” She threw her hands in the air. “Tomorrow night, when you come home late once again? Or the night after that?” 

Running a hand through his hair, he rolled his eyes. “This is my job, Y/n! I don’t come home late because I want to!”

It was her turn to roll her eyes, what a bullshit answer. “Why don’t you say that then? If you wish to be home, why don’t you say that instead of going to bed late and wake up early with little more than a hello and goodbye?” She raised a brow.

“That’s what you’re mad about?! That I’ve been too busy to, what? Fuck you? Kiss you?”

Y/n bite back tears as her eyes watered once again. “No,” her words were barely above a whisper.

“Then what?” Joe growled, folding his arms crossed his chest.

“Forget it, you’re a fucking asshole.”

Without another word, the argument ended as Y/n escaped from the room. She couldn’t continue on while her heart was starting to splinter. Retreating to their shared bathroom, Y/n shut the door, back against it, she slid to the floor as sobs filled the room.  

From the kitchen, Joe could hear her sobs, his heart breaking with each one. He should have known better than to yell. That never solved anything. His wife just wanted him home more and he couldn’t blame her. If it was the other way around, he too would wish her home more. 

A guilty consensus and a broken heart drew to their bedroom. Outside the bathroom door, he leaned his forehead against the cold wood. Softly, he tapped his knuckles against the door, “I’m sorry, Y/n. Please let me in.”

“Fuck off,” she croaked between sobs.

“Please,” he begged, earning no answer.

A defeated sigh parted his lips, causing him to move from the door. She would come out when she was ready, that’s what he told himself. Instead of fret about getting the door to open and his wife in his arms, he decided to get ready for bed. It was all he could do to keep himself together.

He should have been home more, that’s what Y/n needed. He should have come home right after filming, instead of taking time to perfect what could be done later. Any offer for celebration by a cast member should have been turned down, leaving time for him to enjoy his wife’s company. But instead, all he was able to enjoy was the fact that they were in the same house together.

Slipping off his dress shirt, Joe let it fall to the floor and walked to your side of bed where two wardrobes sat against the wall. He pulled a drawer open, grabbing a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. He went to pull down his trousers when his eyes caught sight of a glossy paper that sat on Y/n’s nightstand. Straightening, he grabbed it. Turning it over, Joe marveled at the pictured presented to him. 

Against a black background, the gray outline of a baby, looked up at him. He smiled, tracing the child’s features with a finger. He didn’t even have to glance at the name in the corner to know who the patient was. 

Joe was pulled away from his thoughts when the bathroom door creaked open, Y/n slipping through. Eyes red and puffy, she sniffled, refusing to meet his gaze. She was dressed in her clothes from the night before, clearly not wishing to dance around him, which is what they usually did when they went to bed early. 

“Y/n,” he hoped to meet her eyes. When she began shuffling around the room, grabbing a hair tie and putting her phone on the charger, he knew she wanted nothing to do with him. He couldn’t blame her, not when he knew why she had wanted him home so badly. He moved around the bed and gently grabbed her elbow, turning her around. 

She wanted to fight him, tug her arm out of his grasp, but she savored his touch, melting into it. “What?” she let out weakly, not wanting to fight anymore.

Without a word, Joe slid the sonogram into her hand, a smile split his face from ear to ear. Y/n couldn’t help but smile when she looked at their child, the argument from earlier fading from memory. “This is why you wanted me home?” It was more of a statement than a question.

She nodded, being pulled against his bare chest.

“When did you find out?” He pulled away enough to look down at her.

“Last week,” she smiled. “But I went to the doctor yesterday to confirm.”

Joe couldn’t help but dream about the child that would be running around their house in a year or so as his hands went to her flat stomach. Soon, they both knew, it would grow along with their child. “You’re gonna be the best mum in the world.”

“You think?” Y/n asked with a playful smile.

“Oh, yes,” he leaned down to capture her lips in his. “You’ll be amazing, love.”

*~~*~~*

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[massivelycreepypineapple]

Their Perfect Little Family

Request: Ahhhhh! So I am a regular reader on Tumblr & found your blog today! Your writing is beautiful and I loved it soooo much! And that surgeon Jensen fluff story? Omg❤️ I was curious if you can write gynac Jensen where it's his wife's delivery and he is her gynac and their whole 9 months journey? Like just small parts for everything, Injections, sonograms, cravings, sickness? Make it as a 3-4 parts series if you want or some small bits in a single one shot. Also please write if it's not too much ❤️

Pairing: Gynac!Jensen Ackles x Fem!Reader

Warning: So much FLUFF. Be warned guys! It’s sickening. One or two bad jokes too but I'm not sorry. 

A/N: I actually had a lot of fun writing this one. I learnt a lot about pregnancies and gynaecologists caz of all the research I did, which is why it took so long for me to get this out. Sorry bout that! 

Feedback is always appreciated, y’all!

Word Count: 3987 (oops! hehe)

❅ ❅ ❅

Being married to one of the best ob-gyn in the country definitely had its perks. It sure got Y/N a wonderful penthouse that was on the 25th floor, a balcony with a killer view and a lifestyle that was definitely not bad. It wasn’t that she needed this to be happy, but it sure didn’t hurt. But the biggest perk of all was the comfort Y/N took in knowing that she and her baby were in safe hands with her husband. 

It was only yesterday when she found out that she was pregnant. It wasn’t that she and Jensen were trying for a baby. The irony wasn’t lost on her. He delivered so many babies but they never talked about having one themselves. But that didn’t stop her from feeling joy at the prospect of being a mother. At the same time, to say that she was nervous of his reaction was an understatement. So when Jensen came home that night, she lost her nerve and decided to find a better way to tell him. 

Which is why the next day she found herself at the hospital where he works and asked the receptionist for an appointment with him. She knew he didn’t have a lot of patients today and it would be the perfect time and the perfect way to tell him. Y/N sat in the waiting room, drinking water and flipping through a magazine when her name was called. She made her way into the room and saw Jensen typing away in his computer. 

“Please take a seat, I’ll be with you in a moment” He said very professionally and without looking up. 

“Is that how you're gonna greet your wife, Dr. Ackles?” Y/N smirked at him. 

She watched in amusement as he looked at her in surprise and a grin creeping onto his face. He quickly made his way around the table and hugged her. He kissed her softly on the lips.  

“To what do I owe this pleasure, Mrs. Ackles?” 

“Can’t a girl simply make an appointment to see her husband?” She teased. 

“She can,” He said with a smirk and wrapping his arms around her waist. “But she’ll be keeping him from some very important work.”

“Well, in that case, I’ll just have to put you to work huh?”

“Why are you here, Y/N?”

“I have an appointment with you, Jay.”

“Yes, I know” He said before frowning, “Is everything okay? What’s wrong?” He went behind his desk to look at her file for the first time that day. In which he noticed that she was here for a sonogram for being pregnant. Y/N watched his eyes go wide and she bit her lip, unsure of how he’d react. 

“W-what” He whispered. He looked up at her and immediately made his way to her again. “Are you serious? How long have you known, Y/N?”

“Since yesterday, Jay. I wanted to tell you last night but I was nervous and scared. Then I figured I could surprise you here.”

He breathed out with a laugh. “We’re pregnant,” He said in awe. He quickly wrapped her up in his arms and held her tightly. “This is amazing, sweetheart. I’m so happy!” 

“I’m happy too, Jay.” Y/N replied tearing up. 

He wiped her tears with his thumb and kissed her deeply. He held her in his arms for a little bit longer.

“Let’s go get you that sonogram, yeah?”

“Yeah” She grinned.

________

30 mins later

Y/N found herself lying on the bed in the sonogram room. Jensen was setting up the monitor. She was nervous and so was he. She could see him fiddling with the thing and trying to set it up right. He was slightly cursing to himself due to nervousness. When everything was set up, he made his way with the gel and the scanner. He sat down on the stool beside her bed. The nurse had offered to help but he refused. This was his wife and his child. He wanted it to be just them. He pulled her t-shirt up, Y/N helped him out by pulling it higher.

“This is gonna be a bit cold.” He said before applying the gel to the scanner. But Jensen didn’t move. He kept staring at her tummy with a nervous look on his face.

“Babe” Y/N whispered to him. He didn’t budge. She grabbed his hand that was holding her t-shirt and only then did he get out of his trance and looked up at her. 

“I-I’m scared, Y/N. That’s our baby in there. It’s one thing to do this for other patients, but this is ours.” 

“I’m scared too, Jay. But this baby is going to be so lucky to have you as a father. It’s going to be okay.” Y/N sat up a little to place her palm on the side of his face. He leaned into it and they stayed like that for a couple of seconds with her caressing his face. It was calming to the both of them. 

Jensen placed the scanner on her tummy, making her flinch a little because of the cold. The monitor in front lit up with a picture of their little bean and they could hear the heartbeat.

“You see right there?” Asked Jensen tearing up a bit and pointing to a small area on the screen. “That’s our little girl or boy.”

Y/N was sniffling. “It’s so small” She whispered, making him chuckle. 

“Yeah. That’s our little pea, Y/N. You’re about 5 weeks along, sweetheart.” He said, looking into her tear filled eyes with a big smile.

_______

3rd month in

It was 4am and Y/N found herself throwing up her dinner down the toilet. It was all nice and exciting when they first found out about the baby. But as the third month rolled in, morning sickness was royally kicking her ass. She threw up once again into the toilet and right then she felt an arm wrap around her waist as the other pulled her hair back. She felt Jensen kneel behind her as he helped her through this ordeal.

“I hate this, Jay! When will this end?” She said sniffling. 

“I know, honey. I know” He soothed her.

“It was supposed to end by now! You said three months!” She exclaimed. 

“I know sweetheart. But sometimes it takes longer.” He kissed her temple. 

Y/N puked one last time before getting up and washing in the sink. Jensen then led her back to bed and made her drink two glasses of water. He then crawled in next to her. She immediately turned around to become little spoon so Jensen could wrap her in his arms and place his hand on her growing stomach.

Ever since she started showing, Jensen had become more and more touchy. He loved placing his hands on her stomach, talking to the baby or even singing to it on some nights. He even got over protective of her. He worried about her constantly and made sure she drank a lot of water, much to her protest. But it was necessary to keep her hydrated. He noticed that her morning sickness was worse than what mothers normally go through. The doctor part of him knew that it was nothing too bad, but the husband and father part of him worried a lot. 

The next day before leaving for home, he made sure to write a prescription for nausea tablets to help her out a little. He hated seeing her in such discomfort. He also in the last week rearranged his schedule to make sure he was at home with Y/N. She had the liberty to work from home but she didn’t realise that Jensen was home more than usual. Call it pregnancy brain or whatever. Or perhaps she just enjoyed it so much she didn’t question it. Until she didn’t…

Y/N was standing on the dining chair to get something from a high shelf. She wanted to do something nice for Jensen and decided to make his favourite. Just as she was about to grab whatever she needed, she heard the keys in the lock and the door open. 

“Honey I’m home!” He chuckled. 

“Hi baby!” She said, hoping he wouldn’t come into the kitchen just yet and see her. But of course, knowing him the first thing he always did was greet her with a kiss. Jensen came into the kitchen and froze. He immediately placed the medicine bag on the counter and rushed to her side.

“Y/N! How many times do I have to tell you to stop doing this?!” He said irritated. He grabbed her waist and helped her down.

“God, Jensen! Stop babying me! I was fine! I just needed to get some stuff that’s all!” She snapped at him. 

“It’s not fine! It won’t be fine if the chair topples over! It’s not just you okay? It’s our kid who’ll get hurt too!” He yelled.

“I know that! God you never let me forget! The damn nausea doesn’t let me forget! You’re always hovering around me. It’s like you’re home more than at work!” She yelled back. That’s when it hit her that it was only 3:30 in the afternoon and Jensen was home. “Why are you home so early, Jay?” She said her voice softer.

He sighed and rubbed his face. “I want to be here with you ok? So I rearranged my schedule a bit.” 

Y/N wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her head on his shoulder. “You don’t have to do that. You’re a gynaecologist, Jay. You know I’ll be fine.”

He hugged her back and said softly, “I know. But I’ve seen mothers miscarry or sometimes it’s really touch and go for both of them. They fall and get hurt. I can’t have that happen to you or our little bean, Y/N.” 

She hugged him tighter. “I didn’t realise it was harder for you. I’m sorry I’ve been so stubborn and irritable.”

“It’s okay, you get to be. But please just save me the heart attack.” He said chuckling. 

“Yeah okay” Y/N grinned at him before kissing his lips. 

“Let’s order in tonight.”

_______

A week later

Jensen just finished with a patient and walked into the sonogram room. Y/N was waiting for him in there, ready to find out the gender of their baby. An intern, James, was setting everything up and making small talk with Y/N. Jensen was training him and he figured that he could help out with this.

“Hi, honey” Smiled Y/N “Ready for the moment of truth?”

“God, I’m nervous” Grinned Jensen. 

“Me too” She smiled back.

He smiled softly and kissed her forehead. James got the scanner prepared and placed it on her stomach. The monitor lit up and showed their baby. Y/N was holding onto Jensen’s hand really tightly and his grip on her was no less hard. 

“Congratulations guys, it’s a boy!” Grinned James. 

“Thanks, James.” Whispered Jensen, not taking his eyes off the screen. He made his way where James was seated and patted his shoulder. James got the message and passed the scanner to him and left the room with a short goodbye to Y/N. Jensen took a seat and pressed the scanner back. 

“Our baby boy, Jay” Whispered Y/N tearing up. “And he’s so much bigger than the last time.” She gave a watery chuckle. 

Jensen grinned at her, “Yeah, he’s gonna grow up strong like his mamma.”

“He’s going to have the best daddy in the world.” She looked at him with such love in her eyes. 

Jensen dropped the scanner and grabbed her face and kissed her hard and rested his forehead against hers.

“I love you so much, Y/N”

“I love you too, Jay” 

__________

5th month in

“You need to eat healthy, Y/N. It’s good for you and Charles.” Said Jensen sternly holding a plate of green stuff in their kitchen. It was the weekend and they were both having a relaxing day in and Y/N was hoping for junk food and movies that night. But lately, Jensen was becoming this crazy ‘eat healthy’ advocate and it’s been driving her up the walls.

“Firstly Jay, we’re not calling him, Charles. He’s not related to the royal family for Christ’s sake. And secondly, keep that rubbish away from me and my baby.” She said crossing her arms. 

“Hey! Charles is a fine name!” He exclaimed. “And no, you have to eat this, sweetheart. You promised to eat what I say if I go easy on your exercise.” 

“Jay please!” She whined. “I had crappy green stuff for breakfast. I can’t do this again! I want tacos. Your son wants tacos!”

“Okay, how bout you eat this now, and I’ll make you tacos in the morning.” Jensen reasoned. 

“No.”

“Y/N…”

“You eat that crappy stuff if you want but I’m making myself a bacon sandwich.” She said and began fixing herself a sandwich. “With loads of bacon!” 

Jensen groaned at that. She loved testing him. Sure he could be a little overprotective. But he just wanted them healthy. Was that too much to ask? Does being a doctor have no value anymore? But she did have a point, the green stuff was crappy. He threw the thing away, “Make me one too”. 

She smirked at him triumphantly and went about making what normal people considered food. “And definitely not Charles!” 

____________

Few hours later

“Jay” Y/N whispered. It was 1am and they were in bed, Jensen fast asleep. “Jay” she said a little louder, making him mumble and wake up a little.

“Are you asleep?” She asked.

“Y/N, I love you. But I won’t hesitate to gag you.” He mumbled sleepily.

“But Jay, I want ice cream.” 

“There’s some in the freezer, go and get it.”

“But that’s chocolate. I want pistachio.”

Jensen groaned louder at that. “Can you manage with chocolate? I’ll get you pistachio tomorrow.”

“But what if I don’t crave it tomorrow?” 

“Oh my god, Y/N. Just eat the damn chocolate for now! I have an early day tomorrow.” He snapped lightly without meaning to, trying to get back to sleep.

Y/N huffed at him and began to sit up. She teared up at that. Pregnancy hormones were a real bummer. She had no control. She knew she was being unreasonable but she couldn’t help it. She felt guilty for putting Jensen through this, but at the same time she was annoyed with him for being so comfortable. 

The bed shook a bit as she placed her feet on the ground, waking Jensen up again. He noticed her sniffling. He sighed a bit and got out of bed and made his way to her side. He kneeled down in front of her, “I’m sorry sweetheart. I didn’t mean to snap.” 

“It’s okay” She mouthed trying not to sob. But that didn’t last long and she started crying. Jensen immediately sat beside her and pulled her into his side and rubbed her back. 

“Shh.. I got you. It’s gonna be okay. You’re okay.” He whispered to her, placing kisses on the top of her head.

“I’m sorry! I don’t know why i’m crying.”

“Don’t apologise, baby. It’s your hormones. They’re just a little out of whack right now.” He reassured her. “Just let go, honey. I got you. I’m sorry I snapped. I love you so much.”

He held her like that for a while until she calmed down. “Go back to sleep, Jay. You have an early day.” 

“Nope, you come first right now. I’m going to get you some pistachio ice cream okay?” He said getting dressed. 

“Can I come with you? I don’t want to be alone” Y/N asked hesitantly. 

Jensen gave her a big smile. “Midnight snack with the mother of my baby? How could I say no?” 

He gave her his sweatshirt to wear and helped her up to the main door. On the way Y/N stopped suddenly wincing slightly. Jensen panicked, “Sweetheart, what’s wrong?”

“I-I think I felt a kick” She whispered. She took his hand and placed it on her stomach. And as if the baby could feel his dad, he kicked once more. Jensen’s whole face lit up at that. He was grinning so wide. He dropped to his knees and kissed her tummy. “God, this is amazing.” he then began talking to his baby, “Hi, there little man. It’s your daddy. I can’t believe you kicked for the first time. Your mamma and I love you so much, my little pea. We can’t wait to meet you.” 

Y/N was tearing up again but this time it was because of the overwhelming love she had for her husband. Watching him talk to her belly so softly, this was it for her. Her perfect family. She didn’t think she could fall in love with Jensen anymore, but this moment right here. She fell in love all over again, the ice cream long forgotten. 

_________

7th month in

Y/N was sitting on the hospital bed in Jensen’s room. She was due for her first TT shot and she was not happy about that to say the least. 

“Why are we doing this again?” She asked.

“So you and the baby are safe from diseases. It’s a preventative measure, sweetheart.”

“Jay you know how I feel about needles.” She said, staring wide eyed at the monstrosity in his hand.

He wiped her left arm with a cotton swab, making her flinch. “I know, I’m right here and I’ll be gentle. It’s only a tiny prick.”

“How bout we do this later?” She asked nervously.

“Just relax, baby. The more you relax your muscles the less it’ll hurt. Trust me.” He smiled at her sweetly. He kissed her lips hard making her relax a little. “That’s better.” He said. 

“Do you calm all your patients this way, Jay?” Y/N asked, dazed from the kiss.

“Only the ones I’m having a baby with.” He teased, before sticking the needle in her slowly. 

“Jay!” She exclaimed from the sudden pain, not too loud but enough to show her distress. 

“It’s over. See?” He said pulling it out and cleaning up. He sat back down beside her and placed a hand on her stomach. She was getting bigger and he loved it so much. “Now you and little pea are going to be just fine.”

“That was more than a prick, Jay! You’re such a prick yourself!” She pouted at him, making him laugh and kiss her pout away. 

“That was such a terrible pun, sweetheart. Besides, You’re fine. You just need one more two weeks from now and then no more shots for you.”

“Oh hell no, Ackles! Stay away from me!” she glared at him and wobbled out the room. Jensen shook his head at her retreating form and laughed a little. He wasn’t worried, he knew he’d be able to get her back in for one more. God, she was adorable. 

___________

8th month in

Jensen had taken leave until the baby arrived and a little longer. Both of them were getting nervous as they got closer to 9 months. They baby proofed the whole house and began setting up the baby room. Y/N was at the last mile of the pregnancy and it was not fun. Her ankles were swollen like crazy and her back was constantly in pain. Her need to pee became quite frequent, disrupting her peace. She got more emotional and poor Jensen took the brunt of it. But he took it happily understanding what she was going through. 

One afternoon Jensen was called into work despite his holiday. It was an emergency and being head of the department it required his presence. But he didn’t want to leave Y/N alone in the house so he figured she’d be safer with him at the hospital where there are professionals to help her if needed.

That’s where Y/N found herself, bored to death and she sat in his office reading a book. An hour later and there was still no sign of Jensen. She decided to take a small walk to stretch her legs. As she was walking around occasionally greeting familiar faces, she felt a small pain in her abdomen. Jensen had already told her about false labor and what to expect from it. But that still didn’t prepare her for the shock and mild panic. She leant against the wall and clutched her stomach as the pain came again. One of the nurses noticed her discomfort and helped her to a couch. She paged Dr. Ackles and sat with her until he arrived. 

10mins later Jensen got to her and helped her to his room. He made her lie down on the bed and felt around her abdomen, making sure it was just Braxton Hicks and nothing serious. He smiled softly at her and kissed her forehead once he made sure. 

“It’s just Braxton Hicks, baby. Nothing to worry about.”

“Nothing to worry about?! That motherfucker hurt!” She glared at him.

He raised his hands in defence, amused at her, “It’s just your body preparing itself for the actual birth.” He explained. 

“Jeez, can’t wait for that.” She said getting up. “Can we go home now, Jay?”

“Yeah sweetheart, let’s go” 

Man, her mood swigs are going to be the death of him.

______________

9th month in

Y/N was reading a book on the couch in the living room while Jensen fell asleep while watching tv. The due date was almost here and they were as prepared as can be. They had the hospital bag ready to go. Jensen let the hospital know that he’d be the one delivering his child. No one else was allowed near his wife’s vagina. His words exactly. Now all they had to do was wait till their son was ready to come out. They hadn’t decided on a name yet. But they weren’t too worried about that. They’d figure that out eventually. 

Y/N’s thoughts were interrupted when she felt a warm wetness run down her leg. Her eyes widened when she realised what happened. 

“Jay!” She yelled, but the man slept like a log. She threw a pillow at him and he woke up groggy.

“What? What happened?”

“Jay, my water broke!”

“Oh.. well then fix it.” He said, without thinking and in a sleep induced haze snuggling back into the sofa. 

Y/N was taken aback by his reaction. “My husband, the great doctor, ladies and gentleman!” she exclaimed. “Jensen, my water broke! Your son wants to come out! NOW! STAT!” She yelled at him. That did it. It was quite comical the way he sprung out of the sofa and rushed to her.

“What?! Why didn’t you say that!?” He shouted. Making her laugh at him.

They rushed to the hospital, Jensen parted ways with her for a little bit to get prepped. Y/N was taken to the delivery room and they got her into a hospital gown and ready for birth. She wasn’t fully dilated yet and the contractions were getting more and more painful. Jensen sat with her the entire time, checking every so often to see if she was good to go. 

“You know”, began Y/N she was all woozy from the pain, medication and tiredness. “Your profession really helps with the sex.” 

Jensen laughed at that and blushed a little. “It sure does, sweetheart.” 

“We did good making our baby boy” She mumbled. “It was so much fun.”

“Alright Y/N, let’s meet our boy, hmm? Push when I tell you to, baby” He said.

After hours of tiresome labour, they finally had their baby boy with them. The nurse took him away for a bit to clean him up and Jensen was tearing up as he made sure Y/N was alright. He kissed her lips before saying, “You did such an amazing job, baby. I’m so proud of you. Love you.” 

“I love you so much, Jay.”

The nurse placed their son in Y/N’s arms and left. The two of them sat in awe looking at the little bundle. Their beautiful son was here and well. And Y/N realised just how lucky she was to share this experience with her husband, who got to deliver their son.

❅ ❅ ❅

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[blishwix]

❝ WE ARE ALL WEARING MASKS. THAT IS WHAT MAKES US INTERESTING ❞

huh, who’s LUKE MITCHELL? no, you’re mistaken, that’s actually JIMBO “WICK” BLISHWICK VI. he is a 35 year old PUREBLOOD wizard who is CEO OF A WIXEN TECH & MEDIA COMPANY. he is known for being CALCULATING, FRAUDULENT, HEDONISTIC, CONCEITED, and AMORAL but also CHARISMATIC, AMBITIOUS, INNOVATIVE, METICULOUS, and PERSONABLE, so that must be why he always reminds me of the song IT’S LONELY AT THE TOP BY BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY and STYLISHLY RIPPED JEANS AND SUEDE SHOES, PURELY AESTHETIC AND MISLEADING SOCIAL MEDIA FEED, NEATLY TRIMMED BEARD AND SANDALWOOD MUSK, HORN RIMMED GLASSES WITH SMUDGES ON THE LENS, MOLESKIN FULL OF ENDLESS CODE AND FUTURE TECH INNOVATIONS, EXTRAVAGANT PENTHOUSE OVERLOOKING THE CITY, WHISKEY STONES AND EMPTY DECANTERS, and CHARMING PERSONABLE SMILES WITH MALICIOUS INTENT HIDDEN UNDERNEATH THE SURFACE. i hear he is aligned with THE DEATH EATERS, so be sure to keep an eye on him.

GENERAL

FULL NAME: Jimbo Dashiel Bartholomew Blishwick VI NICKNAME(S): Wick, Jim, Dash, Bart (yes he legit will go by any of these) AGE/DATE OF BIRTH: 35, 02/16/1994 OCCUPATION: Tech & Media Mogul GENDER: Cis Man PRONOUNS: He/Him/His HOMETOWN: Dallas, Texas CURRENT RESIDENCE: London, I guess ALMA MATTER: Ilvermorny, Horned Serpent BLOOD STATUS: Pureblood

BIOGRAPHY

MEET JIMBO BLISHWICK: THE YOUNG AMERICAN CHANGING THE WIZARDING WORLD ONE STATUS UPDATE AT A TIME. 

I’m not sure exactly what to expect when the invitation comes in. It seems archaic to be communicating over owl. There was even a part of me that thought I should revert to the “email” form which my subject is so fond of. What if the wixen tech mogul’s fondness for typing meant he had poor penmanship? To my delight not only was Mr. Blishwick’s handwriting clear as day, but it came with a gleeful acceptance to be interviewed. So it was on that high note that I made my way to Blishwix HQ in London to meet with the illustrious CEO. What I had expected was some pristine corporate office with dark leather and wood accents, sterile and admittedly cold and disconnected from the world. What I was met with was surprising. Blishwix is anything but old school in its style. Much like the young hip branding that accompanies its many products and services, the corporate HQ of Blishwix is sleek, modern and very accessible. It’s a open space of mostly glass walls, the bull pen dotted with standing desks and stability balls replacing wheeling chairs. Towards the entrance to the main floor there is a food bar, one which changes weekly I’m told. This week it’s a cereal bar, last week it was a sushi bar, the next week it’s expected to be a pho bar. Employees are scattered around it with tablets and laptops, giddily conversing around mouthfuls of rainbow marshmallows and corn flakes. There’s also several corners tucked away with velvet cushions where some team members curl up with headphones and e-readers or handheld video game consoles. Designated comfort zones, the tour guide describes them as. It’s the Blishwix goal to make sure the employees are all comfortable, so whenever they get stressed out or overwhelmed, there’s always a little place they can escape to in order to calm their nerves. In truth, Blishwix looks less like a company and more like an urban hang out for pretty hipsters in crop tops and flannels. Surely the big man on top would have a more professional set up, right? 

Even the display in the bull pen did not prepare me for Jimbo Blishwick’s personal office. It’s one of a few closed off areas to the side of the floor, wide with tall glass walls over looking the bull pen, and predominately empty save for another bean sack, a slim desktop atop a standing desk, and a row of bookcases displaying dozens upon dozens of novels, all of which I can’t place and among the only print media to be found anywhere in Blishwix. “They’re muggle books,” says a voice from behind. When I turn and get a first glance at the figure leaning casually against the glass door to the office, my gut instinct is that this is just another one of those twenty something year olds squeezing stress balls on the work floor. He’s tall, wearing a handmade beanie in a burnt orange color -- One that is, frankly, not a good pair with his golden hair. His neatly trimmed beard and horned rimmed glasses speak of an elegance that doesn’t exactly match the acid wash tattered jeans or the faded t shirt worn under an oversized cream cardigan. The shirt is colorful and bears a phrase that doesn’t come easy to me. Woodstock. Perhaps this is another “muggle thing”. It isn’t until he draws close enough that I recognize the bare footed man. It’s Jimbo Blishwick himself. “Call me Wick,” he easily responds to my surprised expression, knowing full well he wasn’t what I expected. Instead of holding out a hand in a formal handshake and then pulling up a chair for the interview, he engulfs me in a hug and ushers me into the love sack. It’s awkward at first, but eventually I melt into it. It’s just as comfortable as it looks, and their use in the designated comfort zones make more sense to me now. Wick opts to sit crosslegged on the floor, a large coffee in one hand and a bowl of granola balanced on his thighs. He sips the coffee as my eyes wander the space, finding small and interesting little things to ask him about. 

The first thing that draws my attention is a set of crystals sitting on the top of his desk, and when I ask he lets out a howling laugh that echos throughout the office, surely drawing the attention of his hard playing -- and hardly working -- employees beyond the glass walls. “Oh, I had a bit of a headache,” he says with a somewhat amused grin. “My wife said they might help.” The wife in question isn’t some darling stay at home mom you might expect. In Wick’s own words: She’s the reason the “Boss Girl” phrase was invented. Selene Blishwick is as shrewd a business person as her husband is, and perhaps a bit more progressive. As I attempt to shift a bit in the cushion, Wick relays some confidential information about some of their upcoming branding collaborations. Each is more unconventional than the last, and they all have one vital thing in common: Selene Blishwick is the one that found them. I’d go into detail, but Wick swears it would become a marital problem if I spill the big secrets before they’re due to come out. Instead he offers a sly grin and taps a single finger to his lips. “Our little secret, then you can be the cool hip one among your friends who knew all about it before it came out.” An exciting proposition, though I realize that I do need something I can share with the public from this visit, and as Wick’s bowl of dry granola gets emptier I fear I’m running out of time. So I set out to do what I’d planned: a profile on the CEO of Wizarding London’s premiere tech company. 

When I ask Wick what was the event that kickstarted his long journey to bringing the wixen world into the 21st Century, he answers in one simple phrase: “A pen pal program.” I was surprised to say the least, but it all became more transparent as I urged him to elaborate. What ensues is a story about the overweight son of a MACUSA politician who was teased and bullied all his life and struggled to maintain platonic connections. “I had no friends,” he says, a sad truth but it comes out with a light and airy laugh. “But I didn’t make it quite easy for people to be my friend.” Despite his laid back and easy going charm, Wick reveals a disabling shyness and insecurity that kept him from engaging with the world. The only one privy to his thoughts and personality was the journal he carried with him wherever he went. “I always thought I sounded better on print than in person. I could be whoever I wanted to be on paper -- Handsome, smart, clever and fun. I just could never bring that outwards, you know?” I think we can all sympathize with the young Blishwick’s plight. It didn’t help that he had quite the shoes to fill. Sixth in his line, the Jimbos that came before the media mogul were all tied to American politics. They’re all charming and ambitious men, but Wick says he just didn’t have it in him to be a lawmaker. “Big Daddy” -- yes, that’s the moniker his father, Jimbo the fifth, goes by -- “He’s just built to be a Senator, I’m just the apple that fell a little too far from that tree.” Secluded and distant, educators began to worry that Wick’s development would be halted by the lack of socialization between him and his peers. So one Ilvermorny professor had suggested Wick be one of a handful of students elected to partake in a cross continental penpal program. “Fabricating friendship,” he called it. What they didn’t know is that the program would lead to a lot more. When I ask him who his first penpal is, if it’s someone he still has direct contact with, he lets another one of those amusing grins slip. “Oh yeah, very much so. I’m actually married to her.” 

A fifth year at Ilvermorny, Wick was matched with a Hogwarts student a handful of years younger than him by the name of Selene Rowle. According to Wick, their correspondence lasted throughout both of their schooling and beyond, until he had taken a chunk out of his trust fund in order to travel to the United Kingdom to meet in person. He says that’s the only time he used his family’s money to get where he is now -- literally using it to transport across the Atlantic. Leaving behind his family’s estate in Texas and the promising job at MACUSA his father had acquired for him, Wick came to London in order to meet his long distance friend for the first time. The only person “who really knew what he was about” he says. I ask if it was for romantic reasons. He thinks about it while he sips his drink. “I guess in hindsight it does seem a little romantic.” Whatever his reasons, Wick came and he never turned back. He said that one of the first times they interacted in person, he and his future bride had lamented on their past communication and the long waits between letters. “We felt like we’d left things off on cliff hangers so often, and you’d have to wait forever just to get some kind of answer to those burning questions the last letter gave you. It was one of the most frustrating things.” The pair wondered what it would have been like if there had been a more instantaneous way to talk with wizards across the globe. After all, Wick had concluded, the muggles did it just fine. During his teen years, the Texan said he had grown very interested in what nonmagical civilization was like. A “No-Maj Studies Class”, as they call the Muggle Studies program in the states, had a unit on the technological advances of the nonmagical community during much of the modern era. The professors tried to teach the students that this was all building towards a very dangerous threat to the magical community: exposure and the fast spreading of information over the internet. Wick saw something different. “As I thought about how I wished I had a better gateway to my penpal during my teen years, I just kept thinking about how muggles had that already figured out. They could instantly send letters to anyone anywhere in the world. No long wait times for traveling owls or anything like that. It was instantaneous.... And why shouldn’t we be like that?” 

It was this very thought that birthed the company the Blishwicks lead now. 

So how do you bring the magical world safely into the 21st Century as dictated by the nonmagical? That was no easy feat. For his part, Wick said he had to learn all about something that didn’t exist in their world, something that didn’t interact well with magic. And how do you study muggle tech without magic interfering? Simple: You “become a muggle”. That’s when I realized there was a book I recognized on his eclectic shelf of reading material. Daisy Hookum’s best seller My Life as a Muggle. It’s the first book on the shelf, in the most pristine condition. A first edition, and it’s even signed by the author herself, though Wick doesn’t remember the meeting. It has a simple message in it: I hope you enjoy the time you spend in the nonmagical world and make memories as fond as my own. “Oh yeah,” he laughs, “I did tell her I was also voluntarily giving up magic in order to help kickstart my company.” He says it with an air of unfamiliarity, like he only vaguely remembers the moment. Still, he presses on with the story. A controversial choice for the son of a self proclaimed “conservative-traditional” pureblood senator, Wick was shortly disowned by the American Blishwicks for his choice to give up his magic for two and a half years to live among the muggles. But it had purpose. “I may have lied my way into an internship with a tech company in Edingbrugh. I was trying to learn as much as I could about this muggle innovation. If I wanted to create something similar for our community, I needed to master their version.” He says it took more than the two years he gave himself to live among them, and he’s still studying it to this day, but after that amount of time he had the ground work he needed to then create his tech and media empire. The biggest obstacle wasn’t even in creating the highly secret magically encrypted network which allows smart phones to be used in the wizarding world. No, for Wick the biggest hurdle to pass over was the longstanding traditional values the community had. “I think there’s an innate fear in not just advancing the community, but in mirroring any sort of progress than the muggles have done. There’s nothing wrong with it, I mean we have adapted enough of their inventions into our own world already so why not take it a step further?” He refers to radio and electric hook ups that appeared in a lot of wixen homes in the past century. 

Blishwix started out small, creating and selling smart phones and desktops primarily with the idea in mind to change the way we communicate. Email was one of those first muggle digital contraptions that made its way into the wixen mainstream and has stayed, but within a short decade the company’s offerings expanded to mirror exactly what the digital world of the muggles looks like now. It’s becoming more and more rare to see wixen without a Loquix* in hand, or a Blishwix desktop at home. The Wixpix social media app, in which users post photos taken from the cameras on their cellular devices and add witty captions which can then be “liked” or “commented” on by users across the globe, continues to grow in popularity. And now the media and tech giant is rolling out a “streaming platform” -- a sort of home theater in the form of an app that catalogues film and television programs created by wixen for wixen. There’s Accio, an application that allows you to ask random questions and receive an answer instantly; Portky** which allows users to request forms of transportation when they desperately need it, including ministry-approved portkeys (or so it claims, we haven’t used it yet here at the Prophet). There’s even applications for those lonely wixen looking to find a love connection. Erised is one such app where user profiles are made with a handful of photos, a small ‘about me’ section, and a few small details that can be provided to prospective dates in order to help connect those with similar interests and hobbies. The married Wick does not have an Erised profile, but his assistant allows me to scroll through her’s and even swipe a few times on other profiles. I accidentally match her to someone she admits she can’t see herself interested in, but we all have a good laugh about it. These are only a few of many “experiences”, as Wick refers to them, offered by the company in order to branch the magical people from across the globe. “What is more beautiful than seeing people from different cultural backgrounds and walks of life coming together and sharing ideas and thoughts so quickly?” I realize as I’m sitting there in that bean cushion, scrolling through a prototype of the next Blishwix tablet that I know so little about the world beyond my little corner of it. I suddenly understand Wick’s enthusiasm about expanded communication. 

It’s all pretty exciting to see coming together, it’s almost impossible to understand what more could be done by Blishwix. So when I ask him what’s next, Wick gets a very eager look in his eyes. “There’s a lot of places we still don’t have our tech in that I think would be all the better for it,” he solemnly reveals, and I’m shocked to hear it. Since visiting Blishwix, I have seen their product seemingly in every corner of Wizarding London I explore daily. Who isn’t using connected to their expansive network at this point? “I would love to do a partnership with the Ministry. As the governing body, I feel like we can offer them so much that could continue to further develop the community and continue progressing us into the future. If we could get our desktops in every Ministry Department, we can further the sort of work that keeps our world moving. Just imagine how we could expand Law Enforcement, Education or Wellfare departments if we can make all the relevant information they need all the more accessible to their employees? Think about how much easier it would be for them to process information on our fast and reliable network.” 

On the topic of Education, Wick reveals his ambitions don’t stop with the Ministry. “I would love to see Blishwix in schools like Hogwarts,” he says, revealing what may be the biggest bombshell yet. “This whole dream started because of a chubby boy who had no friends in school and wanted a faster way to communicate with the one he made far away. I think a lot about that and how my life would have been different had I had this kind of technology available to me. If there are lonely kids like me who could have that, or even kids who are just struggling to get the information they need to be successful in school, and I could give them what they need to advance in life? Then I could say I’ve done what I initially set out to do. Until that day, I would say that Blishwix hasn’t been a success yet. Even teachers could benefit from the use of the internet and all the resources we have out there which we now have access to.” I begin to wonder if the technological genius is actually more of a philanthropist. “I don’t know, you tell me,” he quips when I muse out loud. Our interview comes to a halt by this point, and I’m left with so many more questions. What is Blishwix cooking up for the wizarding world next? What kind of innovations will define the company’s next decade? These, and so many more, questions are left unanswered as I walk out of Blishwix HQ, a takeaway bowl of fruity cereal in one hand and my previous generation Loquix in the other (scrolling through shopping apps in order to find that “love sack” I spent much of the afternoon lounging in).

The same day I begin writing this piece out, Blishwix has announced the Loquix VI, their most advance smartphone yet. They livestream details of their upgraded OS and hardware reveal on the company’s social media, an event I watch while typing this article up on my worn out typewriter. Halfway through and I’m out of ribbon, and I silently curse myself as I order a new set online. All the while the Blishbook Pro is being revealed on the stream, its sleek wireless keyboard and slim expandable monitor shimmering under the stage lights. I join in with the loud gasps from the shareholders crowding the conference room where the event is being held. The irony of this isn’t lost on me, and as I sit here writing out these last few paragraphs with a quill in my cramped hand I begin to realize exactly why I admire Jimbo Blishwick and his forward thinking. At least he’s not sitting here with ink blotches in obscene places, running to his editor’s office just barely before deadline with a mess of typed and handwritten article. I remember in that moment, drenched in the rain while rushing through the offices of the Prophet, the first line in his owl response to my inquiry for the interview: 

You should have just emailed. 

Touché, Blishwick, touché. 

*Portky app idea comes courtesy of Kim ( @strvngemagics​ ) **Loquix phone name comes courtesy of Vic ( @cfdiggorys​ / @moodyparis​ / @aarlingtons​ ) Both gave permission to use / mention these galaxy brained concepts in the intro and credit for their conception goes to them. Thank you guys so much!!

TL;DR: Wick is full of shit. What can I say? Here’s the ‘Murrican lad who claims to be some hip and cool CEO of a wizarding tech and media company. Okay he’s I guess apple meets zuckerberg. Idk I’m not galaxy brained enough for this afheiahfpea hence the very oddly written bio. Wick’s a pureblood from america who supposedly forsake his family’s purist ways and then decided to create a company modeled after muggle tech in order to “bring the wizarding world into the modern era”. In actuality? He’s a fucking bigot who created a network that he could use to spy on people who may be enemies of the cause. At least that’s how it’s being factored into the DEs. His theme song is “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell bc he’s always watching you. Gives off this very laid back and down to earth and charming persona just so he can gain your trust and meanwhile he’s leaking your information to the DE and helping them further their agenda. Some extra tidbits not seen above: 

He’s got some daddy issues which are leaking into his parenting. Aka he is not exactly excited to be a father but you wouldn’t know that from his Wixpix feed which feature so many “cute” dad photos with his baby boy. In order for him to become his best self, his dad had to make his life a living hell and he believes that’s how he’s gonna have to handle Zephyr as well. 

He is smart, yes, but he’s not some brilliant innovator like the world thinks he is. His empire is built on stolen material which he simply “adapted” to the magical world. He’s not original, but he is clever. 

He’s not a fighter, clumsy with a wand, had a severe stutter as a kid which made it very hard for him to cast spells etc, so he avoids battle often and instead offers up his company more for espionage for the DEs. He’s better suited to behind the scenes mayhem, and that’s kind of the way he likes it. 

He’s a coward. He’s hiding behind computer screens and tbh if things get really sticky he’s likely to try and sell out the DE in order to save his skin. Has an escape plan to the states if things get really sticky but the likelihood of him succeeding are slim to none. 

He acts very charitable and humble and kind but he’s conceited as hell and he’s a real shady bitch sometimes. Talks shit on everyone behind their backs

He’s had a few affairs here and there despite being married. Even with that, he is in love with his wife and feels a sort of fealty towards her. She’s a very important part to the company, she’s pretty much the brand of it and so he relies on her a lot to help manufacture their image even just as individuals to help the rouse. 

BODY IMAGE TW/EATING DISORDER TW. Wick has some body image issues due to his past tbh. He got bullied a lot as a kid for being overweight and quiet, his solace was in food and he was a binge eater. As he got a bit older, he made some desperate choices in order to lose weight to gain a slimmer figure. It wasn’t healthy, it landed him in hospital a few times, and eventually he had to meet with nutrition specialists and therapists in order to work out a more healthy mindset on food. He’s still harbors body imagine issues, but he’s learned to be better about it. Still, he maintains a very strict diet and work out regime because he feels his image is one of the most important things about him. He did meet Selene when he was slim and athletic and therefore thinks it’s best he maintain the figure even just out of fear she wouldn’t find him attractive otherwise. 

is any of the stuff he said in this interview true? Idk, idk

Idk, I hate this man and this bio afheuiahfpea I’ll end up rewriting it eventually. 

MISC

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Bisexual ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: Biromantic LANGUAGES: English FAMILY: Jimbo Dashiel Bartholomew Blishwick V (but they call him “Big Daddy”; father), Cricket Blishwick née Berkeley (mother), Beaufort Harland Blishwick (younger brother), Cora-Lou Blishwick (younger sister), Selene Blishwick née Rowle (wife), Zephyr Blishwick (infant son), and by extension all the fucking Rowles I guess PETS: TBD FACE CLAIM: Luke Mitchell ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Aquarius MBTI: hm PINTEREST: (coming soon)

WANTED CONNECTIONS

interns - a couple new grunts at the blishwix HQ. they can be any affiliation, but if they are DE affiliated then they’ll know a little bit more about what is going on behind closed doors at the company. could be fun for future plotting purposes. 

co conspirators - other DEs who similarly to wick lead a double life in the public eye. philanthropists, media stars, all sorts of “do gooders” who are banning together in order to break “harmful stigmas and stereotypes and join the wixen community globally”. blishwix mission statement aims to create a platform for wixen of all types across the world to interact free of prejudice and judgement and to bring the magical community into a modern era free of harmful ideologies. of course that’s a fucking lie, so if you play a baddy bad who’s pretending to be goody good then this could be a fun collaboration. 

partnerships - alternatively, let’s see some honest to good people and groups get schemed by these fuckers. this would involve some potential screwing over but no worries, at the end of the day blishwix will tank and then your character can get their sweet revenge on this man and his corrupt business. 

idk hmu with ideas. 

#potterintro #sorry fam no fun doodle this time #bad men don't deserve it #ahfieafea i'm sorry this is kinda lame but i wanted to get something out there to help with plotting

[bigfan-fanfic]

Lightning and the Thunder (Son of Zeus Reader x Thor)

Requested by Anon for #14

When the Avengers arrived in New York to fight off Loki, they thought they’d be the only ones there.

So it was much to their surprise that they found a young man wearing what appeared to be Ancient Greek armor over an orange t-shirt and exercise pants.

You had been granted immortality long ago by your father, Zeus, in exchange for always coming to the defense of Olympus when needed. You even remembered Steve from a time when you were forced to stand aside and watch as your relatives participated in the brutality of World War II, forced to remain impartial as the Gatekeeper of Olympus.

“The Olympians have a message for you, ‘god’ of Thunder.” you tell them, Thor in particular, the spear you carry sparking with electricity even as Thor winds up Mjolnir. He snarls a bit when you sarcastically emphasize the word god. “Your presence near Olympus is unappreciated.”

Steve is about to ask who the crazy man is when Thor strides forward, getting in your face. “And do the Olympians think they can threaten me?”

You smile. “They don’t need to. I am sufficient enough threat for you. But I didn’t come here to fight you. As much as my father Zeus bristles at your presence, he dislikes your brother more.”

Natasha clears her throat. “Yeah, hi. And if your father hates Loki so much, why didn’t he come himself? Bring an army, the other Olympians?”

You spread your arms, gesturing to yourself. “Because I am sufficient.”

Clint coughs under his breath. “Cocky bastard.”

“I am the son of Zeus, Lord of the Sky. I am half-brother to gods and heroes and kings. I control one of my father’s lightning bolts; I have slain the Nemean Lion as my brother Heracles before me, and I am the first line of defense for Mount Olympus. I am the greatest demigod warrior alive today, and should you fight at my side, you will win. So yes, I am cocky. For good reason.”

Thor sizes you up, then holds his arm out. You clasp it in a warrior’s shake.

Tony shrugs. “Great. Welcome to the team, 300.”

As the aliens come flooding in, you begin to fly, zipping along buildings to strike out with your spear.

Every so often you hurl the spear, causing it to glow and crackle with electricity, becoming a bolt of white lightning.

The others can easily tell the difference between yours and Thor’s powers because his lightning is blue.

You throw your spear, and it lodges in an alien, sparking.

“Is that the best your father could do for you?” Thor scoffs. You simply smile as the bolt explodes with pure power, thousands of lightning strikes arcing from alien to alien in a might wave.

You sigh. “Hmm, I suppose it is.”

You’ve been fighting on your own for so long, but you work wonderfully with others. You zoom by on the air, and Natasha leaps up and grabs on to your spear. You flick it forward, launching her onto one of the Chitauris’ vessels instead of Cap boosting her.

You and Cap take on a group of aliens in unison, your long reach from the spear complementing his acrobatic style, keeping aliens away long enough for him to throw and retrieve his shield.

And once, you and Thor combine the power of both your pantheons by sending lightning at each other, creating a perfect current of electricity between you and forming a miniature storm.

You and Thor taunt each other in friendly way during the battle

“Thunderer!”

“What is it, half-god?”

“Do you know why you’ll never be as good in battle as I?”

“Why is that?”

“Because thunder is always after lightning!”

But after the battle, you vanish, gone into the Empire State Building to report to the gods.

Aphrodite who is your technically sometimes half-sister (myths are complicated) is giggling like crazy. 

Zeus glares at her before glancing at you. “Y/N... Aphrodite informs me that she... uh... what was the phrase? Ships you and the alien.”

“You...  mean Thor?”

Zeus looks at you, his power rumbling behind his gaze and making his grey eyes light up like lightning in a storm cloud.

“I give you my blessing, otherwise Aphrodite would pester me into the next century. But make sure you remind him who Western Civilization’s true power lies with!”

You scoff at your relatives once alone again. It wasn’t like you felt anything for Thor.

Then again... Aphrodite giggling always meant trouble...

The doors to the shawarma place open, and you enter. Thor grins at your arrival. “Ah, Y/N! Join us, at the table for the saviors of New York.”

He’s grinning, and there’s shawarma on his face... and... uh, oh.

You sit down. “So, I feel like there’s a lot we could learn from each other. Well, you more than me, but...”

Thor takes your taunt in stride. “Ask away, my new friend.”

“Well, what’s it like on Asgard?”

And far above, Zeus and Aphrodite watch.

“Aren’t they just adorable?” she swoons.

Zeus sighs. “I don’t trust that self-proclaimed god. We already have a hammer-wielding god here, and one is quite enough.

“You’ve been scared of hammers since Athena was born.” Aphrodite chides jokingly. “Oh, they’re going to be so cute...”

Down below, Thor claps a hand on your shoulder, and a spark of electricity connects you for a moment.

Tony points and cheers. “Ha! Ha! Point Break and 300 are married now! Zap husbands!”

Natasha chuckles. “I think Tony’s still a little out of it.”

“I forbid you to interfere. Whatever happens, let it take its own course.” Zeus says darkly.

Aphrodite sulks. “Fine. But... Zap husbands!”

As you and Thor smile at each other, the clear sky above rumbles with thunder.

You glance at Thor. “Is that your dad, or mine?”

He shrugs. “It could be both.”

“You’d better go. Take Loki back to Asgard.”

“Yes... Y/N?”

“Hmm?”

“Perhaps I might soon return to Midga - Earth. Do you think I could count on you to show me around?”

You smile. “I think so.”

The sky rumbles more insistently, despite it being completely cloudless. 

“Holy you, I’m coming, Father!” You shout, just as Thor mumbles something to the same effect at Odin. 

#male reader #son of zeus reader #thor x male reader #thor headcanons #pjo x male reader #pjo headcanons #marvel headcanons #headcanons

[nerdforestgirl]

Hey.  I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted a story or anything useful, really. But @milyrita asked me for a story of Sheldon getting a makeover a few months ago.  It took me far too long, but I finally finished it.  I hope you enjoy.  Stay safe.  <3

Sheldon looked at himself in the mirror. It was his 40th birthday, and he frowned. Not that it was his birthday or that he was another year older. His life was great. He was married to Amy who was pregnant with their first child. He had a Nobel and tenure at CalTech. The reason he frowned that his clothes made him look like a 40 year old toddler. He was going to be a father in the matter of months, and he looked less like an adult than when he was nine. At least back in those days he wore a button up on occasion. He sighed, but went to find Amy and whatever he had planned for his big day.

It turned out that the big surprise was just dinner with his friends, which was more or less perfect for Sheldon. It was their regular Chinese food with cake at the end. Apparently pregnant Amy didn't have much energy to plan anything more. It made Sheldon wish he had knocked up his wife during all of the previous birthdays he had with her.

Still, Sheldon couldn't help but think about his appearance. Then he looked over at Penny who seemed to know things about fashion. Or at least she was always looking at magazines about it. He decided to pull her to the side.

“What's up?” Penny asked.

“Do you think you could take me shopping this weekend? I would like to have a few outfits that make me look like an adult,” Sheldon admitted quietly.

“Really? I've been waiting for this moment for over a decade,” Penny said with a clap of her hands. She happily agreed to take Sheldon shopping. He regretted asking immediately, but he still wanted to appear to be an adult. He would try this. Even if it was just one day.

Penny knocked on Sheldon's door on Saturday morning so they could head out to the mall. Penny asked Sheldon about what kind of clothes he was looking for, but he just shrugged and said something about wanting to look like an adult. He didn't really have any ideas beyond that. It was why he had brought Penny in on this with him.

“Let's try a few things,” Penny suggested as she handed him a black button up shirt. Sheldon saw a plaid one in a similar style so he added it to the things to try on.

“That will make you look like a dad,” Penny said.

“Perfect. That is exactly the look I am attempting to achieve,” Sheldon said with a smile.

Penny didn't mean it as a compliment, but she let him try it on anyway. She hadn't known that was his motivation, but she still wanted him to look like a stylish dad. The man was a Nobel Prize winner, not just some guy mowing the lawn and barbecuing on Sundays. Either way, no cargo shorts would be allowed.

“How's this?” Sheldon asked as he walked out in a pink fitted shirt and jeans. He didn't actually mind these ones. The shirt showed off his figure better than his normal baggy clothes. Penny forgot that Sheldon had been working out with Leonard a few times a week until she saw that he had put on a little bit of muscle.

“I think you should be ready for Amy to jump on you when you get home,” Penny teased.

“You think she will hate it so much that she will attack me?” Sheldon asked. He was disappointed. This was the first outfit that he actually liked so far.

“No. She will find you unbearably sexy and will want to have coitus,” Penny explained.

“Oh,” Sheldon said. Then Penny caught a little grin on his face. She was going to insist that he get his outfit for sure. They spent a couple more hours trying out new looks.

“I told Leonard I would be home in time for dinner with him and the baby. Let's get these, and then I'm taking you to get a proper haircut. If you want to look like an adult, we're getting your haircut too,” Penny said when they had a decent pile of new clothes picked out. He was going to wear the pink shirt and the jeans out of the store.

“I don't need a haircut,” Sheldon insisted.

“Sweetie, you do. Let's go,” Penny told him.

Sheldon pouted and continued to insist that he was fine with his hair the way it was. He liked this hairstyle. He had had this hairstyle since he was old enough to choose it for himself. Then he realized that this whole point of this exercise was to make him look like an adult instead of a nine year old. His hair would grow back if he didn't like it. And perhaps he could get used to a new hairstyle. It took very little time for him to fall in love with Amy's shorter hair after all. Adjusting to change was what becoming a father was all about. He might as well start now while he had a couple months to go.

The new hairstyle wasn't vastly different. Just a little shorter in the back and on top. Plus a bit of product to give it some volume. Not nearly as different as Amy's new cut had been all those months ago, but also not the style of a nine year old boy either.

“You look great, Sheldon. I call this a job well done,” Penny proclaimed when she saw the whole look put together. She thought that maybe Sheldon could use some glasses to complete the nerd chic thing going on, but he didn't need them. Maybe in a few years all the screen time would catch up to him.

“Do you think Amy will like it?” Sheldon asked. She was the only person other than himself whose opinion mattered at all in this matter.

“I wasn't kidding earlier. I think you are going to have a late night tonight,” Penny said.

“A late night? Oh. The coitus because I am attractive. Right,” Sheldon said with a nod. It had only been a week for him, which wasn't very much time, but he knew this was a risk when he went shopping.

“Let's go show her,” Penny suggested.

Sheldon opened the door to his apartment with all of his shopping bags in hand. Penny followed close behind because she wanted to see Amy's reaction to Sheldon's new style. She stepped forward when she saw Amy look up from her book and immediately started crying.

“What's wrong?” Sheldon asked as he rushed to Amy. She cried more now that she was pregnant, but he hadn't become accustomed to it. It still upset him to see her cry.

“Well, have fun, kids,” Penny said and let herself out of the apartment. Something was going wrong, and she wanted as far away from it as possible.

“What did you do?” Amy asked her husband. She barely noticed that Penny was there or had left. Sheldon looked completely different. And Amy hated all of it. She walked closer and he smelled of cologne instead of his normal baby powder. It was like he was a whole different person. She wanted her Sheldon. Not this imposter.

“I wanted to look like an adult,” Sheldon said. He had prepared for a very different reaction than his wife crying. He was startled because normally even if Amy hated something like this, she usually had the tact to say it politely.

“Why on earth did you think I would want that? I want my husband. I want him back,” Amy shouted.

Sheldon nodded and ran into their bedroom. He put back on a baggy pair of khakis and a t-shirt. There wasn't much he could do about his hair, but he brushed it back down to his usual style. He also felt deflated. He hadn't done this for Amy, but he didn't think she would hate it the way she did. He slunk back out to the living room for Amy to inspect.

“Why did you change? You never change anything you don't have to. Are you cheating on me?” Amy asked through tears as she inspected the other clothes Sheldon purchased. All of it was expensive high quality clothes. Not a t-shirt in sight.

“Of course I'm not cheating on you. I barely have coitus with you, and I love you more than anyone else on the planet,” Sheldon said. He was defensive because he never would have dreamed that Amy would even suggest something like that.

“So, you didn't change everything because I'm fat, and you want to be with someone else?” Amy asked.

“You aren't fat, and I'd never want to be with someone else. I bought these things because I don't want to take our son to daycare and have the other parents think I am a very large escaped toddler. I am going to be a father, and I want to look the part,” Sheldon explained.

Amy sniffled and wiped her nose with the sleeve of her sweater. Sheldon made a mental note to have it cleaned immediately. Not everything about him had changed.

“You did look very handsome. It scared me because I don't feel like I match such a handsome man right now,” Amy admitted. It took her some time to actually understand why she was so upset. It took until wild accusations started flying out of her mouth to connect the dots. Now that she had, she felt a little ashamed.

“You are very beautiful, but you are also very pregnant. Your body will not stay this way,” Sheldon reminded her as he walked closer to gently hug her.

“You're right. I overreacted.”

“So, I can keep the clothes and the haircut?” Sheldon asked.

“Of course,” Amy said with a smile.

“But you don't want to jump on me?” Sheldon asked.

Amy looked confused for a moment, but then understood what he meant with the phrase slightly off. “I always want to jump on you. Would you like to show me the rest of the things you bought? We can see which one makes me strip you out of it,” Amy teased. She didn't think they would actually have sex. It had been only a week since the last time. However, if Sheldon was bringing it up, maybe it was on the table.

“I think the suit would really have you going, but it's being tailored. Let me show you the cashmere sweater,” Sheldon said with a renewed smile. He was glad that Amy was coming around. Now they could be the most fashionable couple around.

#NFG fan fiction #shamy fanfic

[softboywriting]

The Perfect Arrangement

Summary: When your father, the king of the southern kingdom, arranges for you to marry the werewolf prince of the northern kingdom to create an alliance, you are less than thrilled. The last thing you expect is to actually fall in love and find a better home than you left behind. Will things go as planned, or will this alliance come crumbling down around you? Will you choose love or your family? [fluff] [royal au] [werewolf au] 

Word count: 19k

|Masterlist In Bio|

Astoria is beautiful this time of year. The trees are all turning bright shades of orange, red and yellow. Under any other circumstances you'd be thrilled to be visiting such a beautiful place. But now, today, you're driving toward a future here. A future you didn't choose for yourself and one you cannot change.

Your dad, the King of Highwater, made a lot of enemies on his way to the throne. You were only a baby when your family took the royal position in the Southern kingdom. Twenty three years later and he's trying to make amends with those he turned against. But to do so he needs allies and there is no ally more powerful or larger than the Northern wolf kingdom of Astoria, and what better way to solidify an ally than to marry into their family.

When you were eighteen your older sister, the favorite child, married a man in the east who was set to take the throne of the Eastern kingdom. Danielle was always the pride and joy of your family. She was the prettiest, smartest and highest sought after woman in the South. Your parents doted on her, gave her everything. Danielle was a princess through and through and you...well you just did your own thing. You didn't have to worry about being princess like, and that was just fine. You hated all that proper royal hullabaloo and stayed out of it. Until now.

Two weeks ago your dad announced during a dinner that you would be sent to Astoria and expected to marry the prince. It came out of nowhere and completely shook your world. Never did you think that your dad would try to marry you off for an alliance. It's wasn’t unheard of but...you weren't a princess. Well you were technically, but you weren't a princess that anyone wanted to be a queen one day. You tried to fight your dad on it, arguing that you were not the way to go with the alliance, that you had no idea what you were doing. He gave you a choice. Don't marry into the North and put all of your people at risk, or do it and create an alliance. You couldn't risk anyone's life, so you took the deal.

So now you are in the back of a car on an eight hour ride from Highwater to Astoria. You've never met this prince before, your kingdom didn't generally interact with the wolves of Astoria. Your father was never keen on the wolves, which surprised you even more when he said he wanted you to marry one. Their king is supposedly a hardened man who rules with an iron fist and takes no shit, having been the king in Astoria for more than thirty years. You're terrified of what the prince maybe like. You've heard his name is Shawn but you didn't go exploring much farther. You have no idea how old he is, what he looks like or what he has done. You were too nervous to look into anything. Now you sort of wish you had, not knowing is absolutely so much worse.

The car winds through the hills of beautiful trees and old brick homes. The castle looms in the distance, a gorgeous white stone structure. Your new home. The car enters locked gates and circles a large courtyard minutes later and stops before a set of steps where there are two people waiting for you. Your heart feels like it's going to beat out of your chest.

The two people walk down the steps and you can see it is an older middle aged woman, beautiful as can be, the queen no doubt, and a young man. He is handsome, stunning as he walks the queen down the steps with a hand on her arm. He's tall, lean but fit and as he gets closer you can see the resemblance between him and the queen. He must be her son, but surely he isn't the prince you're meant to marry. He is far too gorgeous not to be married. He can't be the prince you’re meant to marry.

You step out of the car and grip your bag strap across your body nervously. "Hello," you smile at the two before you. The prince is just as handsome as you thought, not perfect, no, but far more attractive then any of the men you’d met in Highwater.

"You must be the princess." The Queen says stepping forward and holding out one delicately manicured hand. "I'm Karen, the Queen of Astoria."

You introduce yourself, and she smiles sweetly. "Thank you for having me."

"Of course. We're excited to have you, Astoria hasn't had a princess in this castle since I was young. A human princess will be a breath of fresh air around here." Karen guides the man beside her forward. He hasn't said anything, just eyed you silently. "Shawn, you haven't introduce yourself."

Shawn. This was the prince, the man you would call your husband soon. He steps forward so he’s standing before you a foot or less away. He is so much more than you expected. Breathtaking honestly. Surely this is a mistake.

"Princess." He takes your hand and kisses it, eyes locked on yours in a very commanding gaze. "It's nice to meet you, I’m Shawn, Prince of Astoria."

"I- yeah." You shake your head and look away from him. He’s too much, you’re screwed. "Thank you?"

Shawn raises his eyebrows and the Queen chuckles. "Come, let's get you settled in," Karen says, putting her hand on your shoulder and rubbing softly. “We’ve got dinner prepared and everything.”

______________________

Dinner is wonderful, and the Queen is an incredible lady. The King didn't make an appearance and you are told he is out of the kingdom for trade negotiations with the West. The night is winding down, you had arrived late in the evening as it was. Shawn was quiet for the majority of dinner, watching you carefully and you couldn't help but feel uneasy but not unsafe. He seemed distant and unsure, thought you couldn’t blame him. He was in the same boat as you were.

“Shawn, why don’t you show her to her room?” Karen says as she finishes her after dinner tea. “I’m sure she’s tired from traveling. Right dear?”

You nod and fold your hands in your lap. It was so strange to eat with people who were not your family. You feel like every move you make is under scrutiny. Nobody trained you for this, nobody showed you how to be a proper lady. You really hope you’re doing a good job.

Shawn pushes back his chair and walks around beside you. “Follow me.”

You get up and Karen smiles and gives you a little wave. “Try to realx,” she chuckles “Astoria welcomes you.”

“Thank you,” you nod and Shawn puts his hand out for you to take. You put your hand in his and he walks you out of the dining room.

The halls of the castle are a delicate blend of modern design and historical architecture. The structure is clearly old, having stood for decades no doubt. It’s not at all like Highwater castle which was far more recent in terms of construction. But Highwater was not nearly as old as Astoria.  

"This is our room." Shawn says as he opens a set of large double doors. He steps in and you follow so he can close the door behind him. He goes to the dresser and casually starts to take off his watch and bracelets.

You turn to face him in the expansive bedroom suite. "Did you say our room?"

"Mmhmm."

"Why...why are we sharing a room?"

Shawn turns and pulls his shirt off over his head, revealing his trained chest and you can't help the blush that creeps across your cheeks. This had to be a fever dream, you must be sitting in the garden back home experiencing sun stroke. "Wolves share everything with their partners. It's important to building a bond."

You go over to the side of the massive bed and look at the plush rug covering the dark polished wood floor. There are little scratches, like claw marks in the polished wood. You swallow, putting the thought of why claw marks would be there out of your head. Shawn was fine. A little closed off perhaps but he didn't seem inherently dangerous. You were not your dad. You wouldn’t assume things of wolves, it wasn’t fair.

"I guess I can sleep on the floor."

"You can sleep on the bed." He shucks his pants and you really try not to look over at him, not quite used to the familiarity of changing in front of one another, but you do look. He's got a lovely ass, muscled and rounded just right in his fitted red boxers. You look away.

"Why would you sleep on the floor?" he asks as he stretches his arms across his chest.

"I'm not comfortable sleeping with someone I've just met?"

"I'm your fiance. You're going to sleep with me a lot."

"But...nevermind." You shake your head. He just didn't get it and you assume it's because he had different socialization as a werewolf. You open the top drawer of the dresser you figure is yours. Inside is your pajamas, unpacked and put away by the cleaning staff you assume. You take your clothes and head to the attached bathroom, closing the door behind you.

The bathroom is beautiful. It was as if there wasn't a single less than outstanding part of this castle. Shawn's bathroom, no, your bathroom, is black and white themed. White tiled floors with swirled black and white marble counters. A marble tub and black tiles along the walls and floors of the shower. Even the towels match the theme, and it's all lit by a skylight overhead with ivy growing around the edges of it. This bathroom was straight out of a home design magazine and you couldn't be more thrilled.

The freestanding tub is definitely inviting with its curved back and gold fixtures. You could spend hours in that thing reading your favorite books. Maybe living in the Astoria castle wasn't going to be so bad, for sure it has been a massive upgrade from your place back home.

You change into your pajamas, a pair of polka dot shorts and a t-shirt. It wasn't really fitting for the cool northern weather, but you hadn't exactly known what to expect. Though you should have remembered that the North was always colder, and didn't usually get much warmer than seventy degrees in the summer months, and it was fall.

You know you have to go back out there and face Shawn. You look into the mirror at your reflection and sigh. How on earth did you end up here with a prince like Shawn? Surely you did something right, some Gods must be smiling on you. You fix up your hair a bit and splash your face with water. You can do this. You can make the best of any situation if you put your mind to it.

Shawn is asleep in the bed, arm over his face, when you open the door to step out. He's on top of the blankets, legs open, one knee bent up and to the side with his arm over his chest. He looks so comfortable and relaxed. Must be nice. You grab a pillow and make yourself comfortable on the floor. It was going to be a long night.

_____________________

The first thing you learn about Shawn is that he's so damn quiet it's almost unnatural. Well. It is technically. In the first week he scares you at least a dozen times. It's not on purpose, but you think he gets a thrill out of it because he always does this face, just a little hint of a smirk like he is testing you or something.

On your eighth day you discover the library and the garden it lead to. The library is huge, floor to ceiling with books of all sorts. It would seem the family has collected them for many years. You love reading. It was an escape to worlds you could only imagine and dream of, and they made you feel things you were sure you'd never experience. Though now you think maybe with Shawn you will get to experience some of those things.

You grab a book, a romance novel from a shelf labeled "Karen's favorites" and head out into the garden. The plants are still thriving, the flowers long gone but ivy and greenery living on around the trellises and arches. You stroll along, admiring the stone work that lines the raised beds. Each brick looks carefully carved with roses and peonies and leaves. You reach the center of the garden and there is a large sundial in a pond with benches surrounding it.

The air is nice, the sun comes out to warm your face as you take a seat. Peace and quiet. You open your book and start to read, legs crossed under you as you try to get lost in the world in your hands.  

Growling puts you on edge. At first you ignore it, thinking it's nothing more than one of your mom's dogs. But then you realize you're not home and this is a kingdom of wolves. A cold chill runs through you as you close your book and look around the garden. There is no one else as far as you can see. The growling stops and you aren't sure if that's a good thing or not.

Suddenly you see movement, a dark and massive figure to your right and a huge dark brown wolf soars over the bench from the raised garden bed behind you. It lands in the pond and you let out a terrified yell, gripping your book for dear life. The thing is absolutely massive and you are sure it's going to hurt you.

"Go away!" You shout, holding up the book in defense. "I'll scream! They'll find you!"  

The wolf splashes forward and you watch as it reaches the edge of the water. It's then it begins to lower it's head and curl into itself. Before your eyes the wolf becomes a human with wet dark hair plastered to his head.

"You took that pretty well." He looks up and you realize it's Shawn. He shakes his hair out and runs a hand through it.

"Shawn!" You drop your book and literally melt into the bench. "I thought you were going to kill me or something."

He chuckles. "No, I won't do that. You've never seen a wolf before have you?"

"No. Not like that, well, like you."

"I'm about as big as they come, so don't worry about seeing anything more terrifying." He stands up and water pours down him. He's naked as the day he was born and you get a full view of his goods. Apparently he has no modesty. “Also, if you see another wolf like me in the castle, please scream. Let someone know, draw attention to yourself.”

"I was about to scream because of you, so no problem."

Shawn walks over to you, wet feet slapping on the smooth stone pavers of the garden path. You keep your eyes trained on his and he squats down in front of you. "You scream immediately. Understand?" He waits for you to nod and you do. "There shouldn't be any other shifted wolves here. Ever. I'm an alpha so I can shift like that, and only alphas can. If there is another alpha in this castle, aside from my dad, you let me know. Please?"

"Y-yeah." You swallow thickly, no longer concerned about his nudity then you are about the way he's speaking. This was obviously some sort of test, or maybe a warning?

He lays his hand on your thigh and squeezes gently. "You can go back to reading now. I'll be in a meeting for most of the day." With that he stands and goes for the path that lead back toward the castle.

You look down at your book on the ground. Reading didn't seem appealing at the moment. You are still reeling from whatever the hell just happened. Clearly you had a lot to learn about wolves and this seemed to be just the tip of the iceberg.

____________________

"Tell me about your family."

You look up from your book to see Shawn where he's sitting not too far from you in the library. You're in a central area with couches and a desk for studying. You never heard him come in and you definitely didn't hear him approach the sitting area.

"My family?"

"Yes."

You close your book and set it aside. "What exactly do you want to know?"

Shawn stands and walks along the book shelves, pacing lazily as he speaks. "Your dad, what's he like?"

"He's okay. Kind of a jerk, but I just stay out of the way."

"Does he hurt you?"

"No. Gods no. He is very stubborn. Pig headed. His way or the highway y'know?"

"Mmmhmm." Shawn stops and leans against the desk. "Your mom?"

"She's okay too, very much like my dad."

"Do you have siblings?"

"One. My older sister Danielle. She's married to a lord already. She's not the greatest, really full of herself."

"You don't like your family much?"

You curl into the blanket you've laid across your lap earlier. It's very warm and almost looks handmade. "It's complicated, but no not really."

Shawn walks over and takes a seat beside you and lays his hand on your covered feet. It's very tender and possibly the gentlest you've seen him since you met. "You're not like other princesses I've met. It's not a bad thing. I was just curious as to why, that’s why I’m asking about your family."

"I wasn't raised like a princess. I mean I am one, I know. But Dani was the golden child. She is the whole package, pretty, smart, sought after. Our parents put everything into her, teaching her how to be a proper lady and educating her on everything from piano lessons to how to eat properly. I was just left to my own devices most of the time. No one really cared what I did."

Shawn smiles softly and your eyes widen. This had to be the first real smile you've seen and it's beautiful. "You just did what you wanted huh?"

"Yeah. I learned pretty quickly that my parents didn't pay attention to anything I did while Dani was around."

"And what did you do?"

"Mostly I explored the courtyards and went to the library. Sometimes I'd hang out in the woods behind castle or just wander around town."

Shawn smiles. "No trouble making?"

"No." You smile and he smiles bigger. "Though one time I did sneak frogs from the fountain in the courtyard into my mom's coat pockets because she made me mad."

He laughs, full on laughs and you can't help the giggle that comes out of you in response. "You're cute, bold, and cute."

"What about you? Do you have siblings?”

“No, I’m an only child. The only kids I knew growing up were the staff’s kids. My parents let them bring them to work sometimes. It was great, but you know how it is. People grow up and they grow apart.”

“Yeah. I didn’t have a lot of friends.” You shake your head and sigh. “My parents didn’t think I should play with the kids in town.”

“Wow. They kept you in the castle?”

“Usually. Danielle was my friend until she got older and started to really understand that she was a princess. I swear when she turned thirteen her whole demeanor changed and that's when I started hating her.”

“I’m so sorry.” He looks down. “I didn’t mean to bring up a sore subject.”

“No, no, it's fine. It’s over now right? I’m here, living a whole new life. Astoria is a fresh start. What about you? I’m sure you’ve got some stories me from your childhood."

"Another time." He pats your legs and stands up. "I have some business to attend to right now. I'll see you tonight."

"Oh. Okay, yeah." You watch as he walks away, leaving you alone with your books. He was an enigma, but one you were slowly starting to unravel.

_____________________

Shawn doesn't come to bed that night. You wait up, expecting him any time after ten. You even take a bath for the first time in that tub of yours. You had held off, unsure when would be a good time not to be interrupted and to be honest you were nervous because it was so exposed, right in the middle of the bathroom. If Shawn walked in, which he didn't seem like he'd ever really do, he would be able to see everything. The bath had been just as amazing as you imagined. You curl up on the bed instead of the floor afterwards and read for a few minutes before falling asleep.

You dream of Shawn. He's a wolf, bigger than he was in real life and you ride on his back through the woods. There's something in the distance, a fire it seems. He's running towards it but you want to turn back. The trees end abruptly and before you is the castle you grew up in, burning to the ground. You grip his fur tightly and make no move to do something about the fire, as if you could do something anyways. A noise from behind startles you and you turn with Shawn to see a large wolf approaching from the dark forest, it lunges and you wake up, sitting up right in the dark bedroom.

The bed remains empty. You push back a blanket across your lap. You don't remember covering up before you fell asleep and the lights had definitely been on. You can't shake the feeling that somehow the wolf in the dream and your burning home in Highwater we're omens of some sort. They felt too real.

You crawl off the bed and your feet land on the cold floor. Your rug is gone. The cleaning crew must have taken it to wash. You grab your robe from it's hook by the dresser and head for the door. The moment you lay your hand on the curved handle, a voice breaks the silence of the room.

"Where are you going?"

A chill runs down your spine and you squint in the darkness to see where the voice was coming from. "I'm going to the library."

A light comes on and you see Shawn sitting on the floor beside his side of the bed. "At two in the morning?" He sounds rough.

"I had a nightmare. I just need to read for a bit and I'll be tired again. Why are you sleeping on the floor?"

"I'm on the floor because you were in bed." He pushes himself up and walks over to the door with you. "I thought I'd let you have some good sleep for once. I know you're still not comfortable sleeping with me."

"Oh. Well you can go back to sleep. I'm just going to the library like I said."

"I'll come with."

"It's just the library. It's fine."

Shawn puts his hand on your lower back and guides you out the door. "I'm going with."

The library is dark and Shawn goes for the lights, finding them with absolutely no trouble though they are along the wall to the left from the main doors. You can’t help but wonder how he does that. You go for your book you leave on the table between the sitting areas. You purposely leave a sticky note on it so the cleaning crew won't put it away. Shawn goes to a couch and flops down, feet hanging over the end as he crosses his arms and closes his eyes. You take a seat on an armchair beside him and open your book.

An hour passes, the large clock near the entryway chimes as it strikes three in the morning. Time flies when you're engrossed in the romantic world of life on a ranch with a hot new ranch hand. Shawn is snoring away and you wonder why he felt the need to go with you if he was just going to sleep. You aren't tired yet but you decide to go back to the bedroom. Shawn stirs when you get up to put your book back on its table. He says nothing and follows you back to the bedroom.

"I'll take the floor." You say softly as he falls on the bed face first.

"Just sleep on the bed." He mumbles into the comforter. "I don't bite."

"You might." You go to your side and crawl on, one knee sinking into the plush mattress.

Shawn pushes himself up and crawls under the blankets, laying so he's facing you on his side. "I won't even touch you without permission."

You lean back into the pillows and look over at him. His sleepy eyes are half lidded and golden amber colored like they were the first time you saw his wolf form. He’s so...interesting.

"Can we talk tomorrow?"

"I'll see. I have meetings with my dad all day."

"What are your meetings about?"

Shawn shifts against the sheets and pulls his pillow down to wrap his arms around. "Governing stuff. Really boring."

"Should I go to these meetings too?"

"No. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, honey." He growls softly. "Go to sleep."

Honey. Your stomach flutters. You lean over him and turn off his bedside light before settling down under the fluffy black comforter. You aren't going to sleep well, mind not yet off the dream despite reading and now his pet name is also running through your head. This sucked.

_____________________

"What're you doing today?" Shawn asks as he gets dressed a few days later.

You look over from the bed where you're still curled up. You and Shawn have started sharing the bed and it's much better than the floor. Go figure. "I don't know. Probably just going to read or maybe hang out in the kitchen with chef Marty. There isn't much else to do."

"Do you want to do something with me?"

You're surprised. He always seemed so busy. "Like what?"

Shawn turns around as he rolls up the sleeves of his button down shirt. "I thought we might go practice dancing."

"Dancing?"

"Yes. For the announcement ball? My mom told you about it right?"

"Well yeah but I have to dance? I don't really know how."

He chuckles. "I'll teach you. Wear something comfortable and meet me in the ballroom in a few minutes."

You roll over in bed as he leaves. Great. You couldn't dance, well, you could a little bit. But in general you could barely walk without tripping sometimes. Oh well.

You meet Shawn in the huge empty ballroom after putting on a pair of yoga pants and a tee shirt, not bothering to do your hair or anything else. It's crazy how Shawn looks like he belongs in the place. Always well dressed, looking like a real prince. You feel like you must stick out.

"You came," he smiles and your heart flutters. His smile is so damn beautiful. "I thought I was going to have to dance alone."

"You don't have to dance alone, but you will have to teach me a little."

Shawn turns on a radio he's got sitting a few feet away and a beautiful piano ballad begins playing, the acoustics of the ballroom making it louder and seem like it's a live piece of music. He walks up to you and puts his hand on your waist, taking your other in his free hand. "Follow my lead."

You swallow thickly at the closeness. He smells so good, you're not sure what he wears but it's absolutely intoxicating.

"Breathe," he laughs, rubbing his hand up your side. "You're going to pass out and we haven't even started."

"Shit, sorry." You shake your head. Focus.

Shawn leans in close, looking down at you, eyes locked on yours. "Here we go." He steps to the right and you follow easily, letting him guide you to start.

The song picks up and you follow along naturally as he spins you and leads you around with his hands in yours in a very waltz like dance. You can't help but laugh and he does one last spin that ends with you against his chest.

You lay your hands on his chest as he holds your hips. "I can't believe I did it."

"You did." He smiles. "I can't believe how well you did since you said you can't dance. You most definitely can by the way."

"I'm surprised too. Maybe you're just a good teacher."

"Or maybe we're really good partners."

You flush as he leans in and presses his forehead to yours, heart beating wildly. "Can we do it again?" You ask softly.

"I'd love to. How about something a little faster?"

"Alright." You smile nervously and he pulls away to go to the radio. An uptempo dance melody comes on and he takes your hands.

"Follow me." He steps back and you step forward in time with the music, footsteps getting increasingly faster as you go back and forth, side to side, hips turning as you change hands. You stumble a few times but he patiently starts over and guides you along.

Once you have the main steps down, he pulls you in and spins you so your back is against his chest. His hands slide down your arms and he turns you out again before the goosebumps can fully form on your skin. He does this two more times until you flow with him easily.

You slide into him as he pulls you in again, this time face to face. His hands go to your hips and he guides you back and forth with him. Your eyes are locked on his and it's insanely intimate. You can't speak, can't breath. He grabs your hips and lifts you up and you automatically wrap your legs around his waist. He holds you up with one arm as he guides you back against the column of the balcony overhead.

The music keeps playing but the two of you have stopped, frozen in time against the cool marble pillar. His breathing is heavy and so is yours. Your chemistry is undeniable. The tension is so thick you could suffocate.

"I wanna kiss you," he whispers, voice lower than usual.

You nod and he leans in, mouth warm against yours. His hand goes to your neck and he tilts your head up a bit. You grab his hair, and he growls into your mouth. A moan escapes you and he slides you down against the column, body trapped between his warmth and it's cool surface.

He breaks the kiss and you stare at each other. A smile creeps across your face and he breaks out into a little laugh. The two of you part ways, Shawn stepping back while you remain against the marble. He rubs the back of his neck and you bite your lip.

"You're a good dancer," you say softly and he chuckles, looking over at you and then down at his feet.

"You are too."

_____________________

You wake up a few days later to find a small package on your pillow. A rectangular box wrapped with a silky black ribbon. You sit up and look around the room. There is no sign of Shawn. The box has your name on it so you pull off the ribbon and lift the lid. Inside is a book. You turn it over in your hands and smile. The back cover describes a princess falling in love with a non royal werewolf and their forbidden romance. How similarly perfect for your current situation. You open the front page and there is a sticky note inside.

I picked up this book in hopes you would like it. I can only hope to be as good of a man to you as the wolf in this book is to his princess. Their romance is incredible and touching and everything I hope we can be someday. -Shawn

"Good morning."

You look up and Shawn is leaning against the bedroom door frame. "Good morning," you hold up the book. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. I thought you might enjoy it. I can take you to the book store one day if you like."

"Really? I'd love to go."

He walks across the room and sinks on to the bed. "I have a meeting this afternoon but I'll take you soon okay?"

You nod. "I can't wait."

_____________________

The next day Shawn finds you in the library by the window seats overlooking the garden. He walks over carrying one of your jackets.

"What's up?" You ask, looking over your book.

"You wanna go to the bookstore?"

“You’re serious?” Your eyes light up and you uncurl yourself from the window seat.

He holds out your jacket for you. "Yes, I promised you I would. It's chilly so I figured you might want this."

You pull it on and zip up the front. "I need shoes." You wiggles your toes in your socks and he chuckles. "I'll be right back!" You run across the library to the hall that leads to the stairs to your bedroom.

When you come back Shawn is waiting for you outside the library doors. He smiles at you and offers you his hand. You take it and he walks with you to the front doors. The two of you drive to the bookstore in downtown Astoria City. The second he parks the car you're gone, running into the small shop. He follows close behind, as you begin to walk the rows of books. It feels like it's been forever since you were in a place like this. The familiar smell of new pages, binding glue and fresh ink is like home to you.

"Good afternoon Prince Shawn!" A small older guy behind the counter says excitedly, waving at the two of you.

Shawn waves back and smiles. You grab his hand and drag him toward the romantic suspense section. "What can I get?"

"Anything you want."

"Anything?"

He laughs softly. "Yes, anything."

You start grabbing books, not even looking at their descriptions. You don't care, you will read anything by the authors you're grabbing. Shawn offers to hold some and you begin stacking them in his arms. He raises his eyebrows as you add more and more to the pile.

"You're sure?" You ask, holding one more book in your hands and staring at the stack he's holding. "You don't mind?"

"Of course not. Enjoy yourself." He carries the books to the counter and asks the clerk to start totaling them up and bagging them.

You sit down on the floor and browse the very bottom shelf. Shawn sits down behind you and you grab a few titles and hug them to your chest, falling back into his lap. He laughs, staring down at you and your books.

"Thank you so much for bringing me here."

He leans down and kisses your forehead. "I figured you needed some more books. I noticed you had started to reread them."

"You noticed that?"

He nods. "I've been reading a few myself, between meetings and after you've fallen asleep."

You giggle at the thought. "Prince Shawn is reading romance novels?"

He flushes a bit and rolls his eyes. "I figured it's something you enjoy, I should try it out too."

You sit up and look at him. He really did that. He really decided to start reading your books because you enjoyed them so much. "That's so sweet. I-I wish I could return the favor."

Shawn stands and helps you up with your last few books. "You don't have to worry about that."

"No, I want to know what you like."

"Well, I like playing piano, and I like taking long runs." He walks with you up to the counter and smiles at the clerk while he hands over his card and you place your last few books on the counter. "I like to read, before you came I did read as well."

"Well, I suppose I'm not too good at any of those things besides reading."

"No worries. I don't expect you to learn to play piano or start running with wolves overnight." He grabs your bag off the counter and you glance into it. There is at least fourteen titles in there.  

You thread your fingers into Shawn's free hand and he kisses your knuckles. "Thank you. These will keep me busy for days."

"Anything to make you happy, Princess."

You flush and he swings your hands together as you leave the shop to return to the castle. You are happier than ever. You have new books and your relationship with Shawn is getting better every day. You don't feel like this is arranged at all. It feels like you and Shawn are just dating..

_____________________

For the next few days Shawn gets up very early, usually waking you up in the process and saying good morning with a kiss on your cheek. He always leaves, dressed in his pajamas and then appears a few hours later and heads for the shower.

Curiosity gets the best of you after a few days and you want to see where he's going. You wonder if he's shifting, since once he came back completely naked like he did when he shifted that time in the fountain.

On Wednesday you decide to follow him, camera in hand to try and get a picture of his wolf form. You're curious, you can't help it. He makes his way to the lower level at the back of the castle, past the garden and out a set of doors that lead to the private garages. You hang back, watching him from the window as he strips off his black tank top and shorts. Your suspicions turned out to be correct. He shifts into his wolf form, just as big as you remember, and walks into the treeline.

You zoom in on your camera and snap a picture. You stare at the little screen, enamoured with the way the sun highlights the red and brown colors in his dark fur. You want to touch it. Suddenly, fear grips your stomach. Why would he leave every day to go into the forest? Was he meeting someone? Another wolf? Was he really just running? Why was he doing this now?

You step away from the window and head back into the main part of the castle. You didn't mean to upset yourself like this, you just wanted to see him shift again. Now you're all in your head.  

A couple hours go by and you see Shawn pass the library doors that you've left open. You decide to wait until he showers and gets dressed in his regular clothes to ask him what he's up to. It's not long after he passes the doors before you feel something on the back of the couch you're curled up on and you look up to see Shawn leaning against it, his big hands spread out across the cushion.

"Hello?"

"Why were you following me?"

You swallow thickly. Of course he noticed you were tailing him. "Uh...um."

"Hmm?"

"I was wondering what you were doing every day that required you to come back and shower."

He chuckles and walks around to sit on the coffee table in front of you. "And what did you find out?"

"That you are shifting and going into the forest to run I think, because you said you like to do that. I was just curious."

"You're curious? About what?"

You flush. "About you?"

He folds his arms over his chest and his arms look huge. You try not to let the thought of him picking you up like he had when you danced go to your head. Goodness he was so big and you know he's ridiculously strong. "You want to know why I've been going out running every morning?"

"Yeah."

"It's getting close to a full moon. I just need to stretch my legs and burn off some energy." He runs his hand over his hair. "I can...I can bring you along if you want?"

"Really?"

"Yeah. You're curious right? I want you to be comfortable with me in both forms. I know we've spent a lot of time together like this but not so much when I've been shifted."

You set your book aside. "When are you gonna go next?"

"We can go right now if you want. I'll show you where I go in the forest. I think you'll like it."

You stand up and he offers his hand to you. You take it and you feel warm, butterflies in your stomach. Every time he touched you, you felt incredibly alive. This isn't at all how you expected this conversation to go. This is much better.

____________________

If someone told you weeks ago that you would be running through an Astorian forest in fifty degree weather with a wolf at your side, you would have called them crazy. But here you are.

Shawn runs ahead as you start to get tired. Running isn't your forte. You watch as he bounds across fallen trees and boulders. It's the most carefree you think you've seen him yet. He doubles back and circles you, bumping your back with his head to get you to move faster.

"I'm tired," you laugh, pushing at his massive head. Standing, he comes up to your chest. His size was no joke and he could easily overpower you if he wanted, but he won’t. "I'm not running anymore."

He nudges you again and you stumble forward.

"Shawn." You grab his huge face and it's the most surreal thing as you stare at him, knowing behind those eyes is the man you're falling for. "I'm not a wolf, my stamina sucks."

He turns and walks ahead, leading you off the path. There's a cluster of rocks and you can hear water trickling somewhere close by. Shawn disappears and you hear a splash. When you get to a gap in the rocks you see Shawn, human again, treading water in the middle of a large spring.

"Oh wow, this is amazing." You lay your hand on the smooth damp rocks that enclose the water. "Incredible."

"I knew you'd like it. I come here after running to chill out for a while and just relax." He swims over to the edge. "It's warm. Come on in."

"I didn't bring a bathing suit."

"Who needs one? Just strip down and get in."

You pull off your sweater and push down your jeans. Being naked in front of Shawn wasn't something you'd done yet despite your growing closeness. Of course you've seen every inch of him, but he had a very different view of modesty. You still changed in the room with your back to him or in the bathroom.

"I'll just wear my underwear and bra." You put your clothes off to the side and Shawn swims over to look up at you. He smiles and you flush, knowing he's definitely checking you out. "What?"

"You're hesitant aren't you?"

"Of course I am."

"I can turn away if you want to get naked and get in so I can't see anything."

"I'll be fine."

"But you'll have to walk back in wet underwear and it's cold out here."

You sigh. He has a point. "Okay, turn around." You undress completely and get in the warm water beside him, sinking in and going under for a moment. He turns, eyes low as he takes in what he can see of you and you flush. "What now?"

"Are you still curious?"

"About what?"

"Me." He floats closer. "I'm curious about you."

"O-oh."

Shawn pushes a wet strand of hair off your forehead. "Let me know if I'm being too forward. Are you uncomfortable?"

You shake your head. "I'm not used to attention like this...and we haven't really done anything since we kissed when we were dancing."

"I know. Can I touch you?" He asks and you nod. He puts his hands on your waist and runs them up and down. "You can touch me too."

You lay your hand on his chest and it's solid, warm, and you take note of little freckles scattered across his skin. He's broad, much bigger than you, and being this close and naked is so different then when you were dancing. It's intimate in a different way.

"I didn't think I'd like you," you confess suddenly, eyes trained on his chest.

He chuckles. "Why?"

"Because arranged marriages don't usually work out."

"I know I took a while to open up, and that's because I didn't want to rush you. I really think you and I are good together though, great actually."

You smile and laugh to yourself. "Your mom said that too."

"Mmm," he slides his hands up your back and you arch forward, breasts hitting his chest. "Have you heard of the term mates before?"

"Like soulmates?"

"Yeah, something like that," he smiles into his words and you flush. "It's a special bond for wolves, and is what I'm pretty sure humans base the idea of soulmates on."

"Mates for wolves can be humans?"

He nods and cups your face. "Yes, definitely."

You slide your hands down his chest and he cups the back of your head, pulling you against him. You slip your arms around his middle and he lets out a soft hum. The two of you stay in your comfortable embrace for a while, enjoying the new found closeness with each other. You're glad your dad sent you to Astoria, if he hadn't you never would have met Shawn.

_____________________

The next day you decide today you're going to leave the castle and explore Astoria's shopping district on your own, eager to learn more about your new home. The trip to the bookstore was enough to get that itch for exploration in your bones.  On your way to the front doors you pass a guard who stops you just as you get there.

"Princess, you need an escort."

"An escort? Why? I'm just going in town."

"Prince Shawn's rules."

You sigh. "Okay, well, who can escort me?"

"Prince Shawn."

"Really? I can't take a guard with me?"

The guard shakes his head. "No ma'am. We're under strict orders. You can't go out without protection."

"Why?" You cross your arms. You don't like being trapped.  

"That is not for me to discuss Princess."

You turn away and head for the library. There was a gate you could get out of in the garden. You would go into town one way or another and you sure as hell were not waiting for Shawn to take you anywhere. He was in meetings all day again.

Sure enough the garden gate is guarded too. You roll your eyes and take a left to a trellis that you can climb just out of sight from the gate. A few carefully placed steps and you're on the back lawn of the castle, free to explore the town as long as you sneak around the guards out front.

Half an hour later and you're walking through the streets of Astoria City. The place is busy, bustling with life. There are vendors everywhere as if there is some sort of open air market going on. You wander around taking your time at each stall. You didn't bring any money, in fact you completely forgot your purse. It's fine. Window shopping was just as satisfying.

You approach a booth selling bracelets made of copper like the ones Shawn wore. They're gorgeous, shiny rose colored and intricately designed. You wish you could get one for Shawn. He'd probably really like it, and it would be a sweet gift in return for the books he got you. Just as you pick one up that has a braided design on it, a hand lands on your side and you jump.

"Beautiful isn't it?"

You turn and see a man with dark hair smiling at you. He's close to your age and not bad looking. He's big like Shawn and that makes you worry about what type of wolf he is. "Yeah. It's nice." You place the bracelet back in it's display and pull away from the man's touch to the other side of the booth.

"Would you like one?"

"Ah, no. I'm just browsing."

"Browsing alone?"

You pick up a necklace with your fingertips, admiring it's inlaid obsidian centerpiece, the stone of the royal family. You want to seem disinterested in the man's conversation so he will leave. He's making you extremely uneasy.

"A princess shouldn't be alone."

You swallow thickly and turn to look at him. He's gone, replaced by a woman who is looking at a bracelet. Your eyes dart around the crowd and you don't see him. This couldn't be good. You place the necklace on its stand and leave the booth, hightailing it back to the castle as fast as you can in the throngs of people.

Arms wrap around you just as you slip past the gates and before you can scream you hear a familiar voice. "What are you doing out here?" It's Shawn.

"I-I just wanted to get out of the castle."

Shawn keeps his arm around your back and walks the rest of the way with you up the driveway that leads to the castle's front courtyard. "I can't believe you snuck out. Well, no, I can. You realize that you put yourself in danger?"

"You can't trap me in the castle."

Shawn growls, pulling you aside in the main hall and holding your shoulders firmly. "I'm not trapping you. There are wolves in this kingdom who will try to take you. You're not in Highwater anymore, you can't go unnoticed here."

"Take me? Why?"

"Because you're my fiance. There are people who would do anything to get the upper hand on family right now. Dad and I are undergoing negotiations with other wolves in the north beyond the forests. They’re wild, part of Astoria but never following my dad’s rule. We’re trying to come to terms with them. That's why I have meetings all the time."

"Why didn't you tell me before? Why don’t I know these things?"

"I wanted to protect you, I didn’t want to drag you into all the political bullshit but clearly I just put you in further danger." You look around and Shawn holds your face. "What are you looking for?"

"Nothing, I'm just nervous."

"Oh." Shawn lessens his hold on you and drops his hands to your arms. He looks worried, genuinely concerned. "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be angry with you. You didn’t know. Please, just...just stay in the castle."

"Okay, I will. For now, but I want to explore soon."

"I promise you I'll take you out again." He cups your face and it's gentle, a loving caress. "Promise you won't sneak out or try to leave without me again until things settle down?"

"I promise."

______________________

Two days later you wake up abruptly to Shawn pinning you down to the bed. Immediately you panic. You thrash under him and he holds fast until you start crying, begging him to let go of you. At that he releases your arms and sits up, thighs bracketing your hips.

"Are you awake?"

"Yes!" You shove him and he doesn't move. He's so much bigger than you and it sucks. "Get off me."

"You were screaming in your sleep and when I tried to wake you up, you started attacking me." Shawn runs a hand over his hair. "I didn't want you to hurt yourself. I was freaking out."

"Oh. I...didn't realize."

Shawn crawls off of you and lays on his back. "You scared the shit out of me."

"I'm sorry. I just had a horrible dream. It's fine, just a nightmare."

"Talk to me about it."

"I don't remember."

Shawn turns his head to look at you and you look away. "You're lying. Why don't you just tell me?"

"I'm not lying."

"You are." He lays his hand on your arm. "You always look away from me when you're lying. You never look me in the eye. What is the big deal if it's just a dream?"

You sigh heavily. "At the market the other day I saw a wolf."

This gets his attention and he rolls onto his side to fully face you. He looks irritated already. "Like shifted or something? Because there isn't a lot of alphas in Astoria."

"No not shifted. He was big like you and he approached me in a stall I was checking out. He knew I was a princess and I was alone. I think he was chasing me in my dream."

"What? Why didn't you tell me?"

"You were already mad at me for sneaking out and I didn't want to make it worse."

Shawn gets up and goes to the window that overlooks the garden. "That wolf was probably from beyond the forest. Remember what I said about someone possibly wanting to take you? What did he say to you?"

"Not much, he just asked me about the bracelet I was looking at and asked if I wanted it. He asked if I was alone and then said princesses shouldn't be alone. After that he disappeared and I left."

"Fuck." Shawn closes the curtains. "He is probably looking for a way to get into the castle. How did you sneak out that day?"

"I went through the garden, over a trellis."

Shawn pinches the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes. The tension is rolling off of him in waves and you can't help but feel like you've really screwed up somehow. "We need to alert the guards and have them start searching the castle."

You twist your hands in your blanket and swallow hard. "Why? What is going on? Did I do something wrong?"  

Shawn walks over to you and sits on the bed. He takes your hand and you can feel that he's burning up. He was always warm when he slept and he was generally warmer than you, but this was something different. "That wolf knew you had to of snuck out of the castle if he knew you were alone. He got close to you to get your scent so he could find out how you, a princess, got out without being noticed. He was looking for a way in."

"Oh. I fucked up huh?" You tremble, your dream coming back to you. A man shifting into a big gray wolf and chasing you through the castle, running as fast as you can to get to a hiding place, not knowing your way around suddenly. "I'm so sorry Shawn. I didn't know...I just wanted to go out."

"It's okay." He brushes his hand over your hair. "It won't be the first time someone sneaks in. We'll take care of it."

"What if he's already here? What if he takes me?"

"I would never let that happen. I'll protect you to my last breath." He wipes some tears that fall down your cheeks. "I swear I'll keep you safe."

"Thank you," you mumble, hand in his and he leans forward and kisses your forehead.

"I'm going to go alert the guards. Stay here and lock the door." He gets up and puts on a shirt from his dresser. "And I know it might be hard but you should get some more sleep. I'll see you when you wake up okay?"

"Y-yeah."

"Lock it after me."

You get up and go to the door, holding it open for him. He pauses and lays his hand on your cheek, kissing the opposite one before going out for you to lock the door behind him.  

_____________________

The search for intruders comes up empty over the next three days and you're glad. If something had happened you don't know if you would be able to live with the guilt of knowing it was your fault. You wander around in the afternoon, looking for Shawn since you hadn't seen him since last night. He didn't say good morning or anything which was odd.

You hear the sound of a piano playing somewhere near where you're exploring. You think it might be coming from the grand hall. Sure enough there is Shawn sitting at a huge piano, playing a soft melody. Was there anything he couldn't do? You know he said he likes to play, but he just seems so perfect already it is unreal.

"Hey," he looks over at you as you cross the vast empty room. "What're you doing here?"

"I came to find you. You didn't say good morning."

As you get closer you take in his appearance. He's in a sweater and some jeans. He rarely dressed so casual unless he was planning on shifting, and he actually looks super soft and cuddly.

"Sorry. I've been in my head for the last few days."

"Because of the wolf at the market?"

He nods and scoots over on the bench for you to take a seat. "It really worries me."

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

"It's fine."

There's a silence between the two of you as he plays a few notes. You feel like you've fucked up. Even though nothing has happened, you feel like Shawn is mad at you.  

"You smell really good today." He says softly out of nowhere.  

"Thanks. I don't think anyone's ever told me that."

"You always smell good." He looks over with a little smile. "It's a big deal for us wolves. Scents are everything."

"I'm glad I don't stink then."

He laughs and you duck your head and smile. "Can I tell you something else?"

"Sure?"

"I like when you wear my clothes."

"You noticed that I took a shirt the other day?"

He nods. "Like I said, scents are a big deal. When you walked into the dining room for breakfast I about pounced on you."

"Over a shirt?" You giggle.

"No, over my scent on you. It just drove me wild for a moment."

"Oh. Well, you smell really good too. I like your cologne that you wear everyday."

He plays a few keys and mumbles, "I just really like you."

You flush and look away to stare at the white keys. "I really like you too."

_____________________

Your family would be arriving soon for you and Shawn's announcement ball. It's a huge formal event that includes dancing and a dinner for both parties families and other important figures in the kingdoms. You aren't particularly excited to see your parents, it's been really nice being away from home and being paid attention to here in Astoria. At home it had been nice to do whatever you wanted, but your parents didn't actually seem to care about you and when they did pay attention it was usually to criticize you. Here, Shawn is definitely into you and you're very much into him. Even his parents really like you and you love the castle.

The worst part of your parents coming to visit is that they will be bringing Danielle. Just her, not her husband as far as you know. You almost want to rub it in her face that you got Shawn. Even if it is arranged, you do actually have real feelings for him. He's much more handsome than her husband Jackson and overall a better man. You're sure she'll find some way to make everything about herself though.

You walk into the grand ballroom and take in the incredible architecture. You and Shawn had danced together in there not too long ago and you smile to yourself as you remember. There are a few staff members setting up tables and chairs for the guests who would be there in a few days time, but other then the tables obstructing the view, it's absolutely breathtaking. You walk around the outer ring, a balcony overhead. It reminds you of the ballroom from beauty and the beast and you wonder if the wedding will be held there. If not you might ask if it can be.

You go up to the center steps leading to a landing that goes out to a balcony that overlooks the garden. There are big double doors open and letting in the fall air. You step out and run your hand over the smooth stone railing and look down at the trees and plants that are starting to fade. Most of the leaves are gone and fallen, cleaned up and bagged a few days ago. You had grabbed a few to make a collage with before that happened though. It's hanging in the bedroom now, and Shawn loves it.

There is movement below you and you try to see what it is. There's something in the far area by the gate, slinking low to the ground. It's large and a flash of gray fur between the bricks makes your stomach churns. You know what it is. A wolf. As soon as it registers in your brain, the wolf looks at you.

You turn and look for the staff members in the ballroom but they're all gone. You start across the room, jogging quickly as to get away from the balcony to find Shawn as soon as possible. By the time you reach the big wooden doors you hear footsteps. Claws on the stone floors. You tug the left door open and start running.

"Shawn!" You scream, running as fast as you can. There is no way you're looking back. You don't need to, you can hear the wolf behind you. "Shawn!"

You take the main staircase two steps at a time and doing so bites you in the ass. You misstep and go sprawling on to the landing at the bottom, stomach colliding with the ledge of the last step and head bouncing off the floor. The big gray wolf stalks towards you, teeth bared and growl echoing in the entryway.

"Shawn!" You yell, coughing as the force hurts your chest from falling. You pick yourself up to run but your knees are skinned pink and raw. They feel tight and are resistant to moving and you're dizzy, vision spotty.

From the top of the adjacent stairs you see what looks like Shawn. He's shifted and running but he's not quick enough. White hot pain burns through your back and you collapse, head hitting a step. The last thing you see is a gray wolf standing over you growling before you black out.

You wake in your bedroom, the sky through the window is bright orange with the setting sun. You aren't sure how you got here and you're not sure what happened. You vaguely remember seeing a wolf that wasn't Shawn in the ballroom. No. Outside? Everything is fuzzy.

Beside you, Shawn is curled up, hand over yours at your side. Was it a dream? You move to sit up but you can't, a tight binding around your chest prevents you from moving very much.

"Shawn?" You wiggle your hand in his and his eyes open, gold and dilated. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." He closes his eyes for a moment and takes a deep breath. "Are you in pain?"

"No. I'd like to sit up though."

"You should just stay laying down for now." He leans up on his arm and pulls the blanket down your body and lifts up a white tee you're wearing. Your whole mid section is wrapped in gauze but somehow you don't feel any pain. "I'll have to change your wrap soon."

"What happened to me? I remember a wolf and I fell, and then my back burning and then nothing."

"A wolf broke into the castle. I'm not sure if it was the one you saw at the market but it chased you. He knocked you down and you were clawed in the process. I wasn't fast enough to get to you before him." He closes his eyes. "I'm so sorry."

"Hey," you lay your hand on his cheek. "I'm alive. That's what matters. I'm okay."

"I failed you. I promised I would keep you safe and I failed."

"Shawn. I'm okay. I don't even hurt right now. You fought him off didn't you?"

He looks down and nods. "I did, I tore him apart. But you...I'm sorry."

You guide his face up to yours and he looks broken. His eyes are searching yours, desperate to make this right. "You still saved me. That's what you should focus on."

"And I'll keep saving you." He lays his hand on your stomach. "This will never happen again."

"Nothing can be predicted."

"I know, but I can do my best to prevent a future breach." He sits up and crawls off the bed to walk around to your side. "I should check your bandage. Can I carry you to the bathroom?"

"Can you lift me?"

He smiles and chuckles softly. "You're cute." He slides an arm under your knees and one under your shoulders, lifting you up with ease. "You'd be amazed at how much I can lift, remember when we danced?"

"Yes." Your cheeks heat up. "Of course."

"I carried you with one arm, remember?" He chuckles softly.

"Oh yeah..." you smile softly. "I'm constantly amazed by you."

"I could say the same."

_____________________

Shawn is incredibly gentle with you. He sits you on a stool in the bathroom and carefully unwraps your torso from the cotton bandages. When the cool air hits the wounds you feel a tingling pain and cold wetness on your back.

"I'm going to wipe it down okay?" Shawn says softly, showing you the wet towel in his hand. "I promise I'll be careful. If I hurt you please tell me."

You nod and he goes to work, gently wiping your back clean of whatever was on there. It doesn't hurt as he's cleaning but when he's done you can definitely feel an ache. "It's starting to hurt."

"I know." Shawn picks up something off the counter and brings it around to show you. "I'm going to put this on you."

"What is it?" You take it and turn it over in your hands. It's a small jar, round and unlabeled. "Ointment?"

"It's a healing salve. Wolves use it when they get injured with silver."

"I don't understand."

Shawn takes the jar and opens it, walking back around behind you. "Werewolves are allergic to silver. If something silver cuts us or comes in contact with our skin for an extended period of time, it prevents our bodies from healing."

"So you just have open wounds?"

"Yes. But this salve will heal them and numb the pain."

"I wasn't hurt with silver though? And I'm not a wolf."

Shawn swipes some across your back with his finger tips. "I'm aware. It heals your body quickly as well. It’s like an all purpose ointment."

"Oh."

He finishes and grabs a roll of gauze to wrap your middle with. You keep your arms up while he secures the bandage and helps you get a clean large shirt on. When he's finished he holds your shoulders and stares down at you, still taller than you on the stool. "I'm so, so sorry."

"Stop apologizing. I'm going to be fine."

"But your parents will be here soon, and the wedding. You're going to be bandaged up. It's my fault."

"No one can see the bandages. It's not like my face got hurt. I’m sure I’ll be healed over in a week or two. Everything will be fine."

Shawn lays his hand on your cheek and cups your jaw. "I'm glad you don't hate me."

"Why would I hate you?"

"Because I couldn't protect you and I swore to you I would."

"Shawn. Stop." You lean into his hand. "You've been nothing but good to me and so what? Like I said I'm not dead. If you hadn't been there when you were I may have gotten seriously injured. I could have ended up somewhere with someone much worse and gotten hurt and been left to die. I could be miserable. I'm not miserable here, in fact I think I'd rather be here with you than ever go back to Highwater."

"Really?"

You stand with his help and move a bit to get accustomed to the stiffness of the bandaging. "Yes really. Here I am cared for, loved and appreciated. Your parents really seem to like me too. Back home I would go days without seeing my parents and when I did they had nothing to say to me but how I wasn't as good as my sister."

"Your parents sound horrible." Shawn wraps his arm around your shoulders and walks with you out of the bedroom to the hall. "You really want to have them visit before the wedding?"

"Not really, but what choice do I have? Our dads are making alliance negotiations. I'm the biggest pawn he has, though I don’t know what he expects me to do."

Shawn stops and comes around in front of you and holds your shoulders. "Do you want to marry me?"

"Yes."

"I know we've really been hitting it off and getting close and everything but...if you’re marrying me just for the alliance I don’t know if we should do it. I know it’s the arrangement but-"

"Hey," you cup his face and he looks at you with soft eyes. "I would still want to be with you even if the alliance fell through."

Shawn takes your hands and holds them in his delicately, kissing your knuckles. "I feel the same way." He presses his forehead against yours and you close your eyes. "Let's head down to dinner? I'm sure Mom will want to see you."

_____________________

"How is your back darling?" Karen asks half way through dinner. You look up, startled at the sudden conversation starter. The majority of the meal had been silent.

"It's good. Shawn put some ointment on it and it doesn't even hurt."

"The healing balm." She smiles. "He's all too familiar with that himself."

"Mom, please."

You smile at a clearly embarrassed Shawn. "Tell me more?"

"It's nothing."

Karen balks. "Nothing? He nearly died is what he did." You raise your eyebrows and Karen folds her hands readying herself to start telling Shawn's story. "When he was sixteen he picked a serious fight with a boy from the East. The son of a lord there and he nearly lost. The Eastern boy brought a silver dagger and got Shawn right in the lower stomach before Manny broke it up."

"Mom." Shawn holds his head in his hand. "She doesn't need to know what a dick I was."

"Oh psh." Karen rolls her eyes. "Anyway, that salve saved his life. He's got a nice scar to show for it too. Rare for wolves, but it's there."

You look to Shawn with wide eyes. You didn't really peg him as the type to pick fights. "Where is this scar?"

"My stomach, by my hip bones. I'll show you later."

"I'm surprised I haven't noticed it."

Shawn rolls his eyes. "I don't like to flaunt it. It's kind of embarrassing because it never would have happened if I wasn't being a dick."

"Everyone makes mistakes." You take your last bite of chicken on your plate and shrug. "I've done plenty of dumb things too."

_____________________

Two days later you decide to take a bath. Showers were good and all but your body aches and you just feel like you need a hot bath. You undress in the bathroom, carefully unwrapping the gauze from around your chest and wincing as it sticks to your wounds.

"Need help?"

You turn and Shawn is in the doorway in his pajama pants. "I-I got it."

"Let me help." He says softly, crossing the room and taking the balled up wrap from your hands. "I'll be careful." He unwinds the last few feet of gauze off your chest and sets the bandages in the trash.

"Thanks."

"Are you taking a shower?"

"A bath actually."

Shawn goes to the cupboard where the extra towels and first aid supplies are kept. He digs around for a second before bringing out a paper bag. "Start the water and I'll mix this up."

You get in the tub and turn on the water, sitting in the center of it so your tender skin doesn't touch the back. "What's in the bag?"

"It's a blend of herbs for body aches and wounds. Another thing wolves use when burned by silver or after fighting."

"Oh."

Shawn crosses the bathroom and sprinkles a good amount of the mixture in the bath. He swirls it around and you can see dried flower petals and little bits that look like oatmeal. The water turns a soft purple color and you relax as best you can without being able to lean back.

"Do you want me to stay?"

"You don't need to."

"I'd like to." Shawn cups his hand in the water and pours it over your back. It feels wonderful as the warm water flows over your tender skin. "If you don't mind."

"I don't mind." You yawn big and he keeps pouring water over your back.

"Do you want to try sleeping without the wrap on tonight?"

"Can I?"

He leans forward on his knees and touches your back gently. "I think we should probably let it breathe. You'll have to sleep on your stomach."

"That's fine."

"I'll stay up and make sure you don't roll over."

"Shawn, no, you need to sleep too."

"Shh." He pours more water over your back and you hang your head down, enjoying the sensation. The rest of the bath is quiet and he lets you finish up while he changes the bedding so you could sleep on fresh sheets after you were all soaked and clean. When you walk into the bedroom all dressed up in one of his tees and a pair of sweatpants you find he's made a little nest for you to lay in.

"What's this about?" You chuckle as you crawl between the pillows flanking either side of your half of the bed.  

"It's roll guards." He flops on his side. "So I can sleep for a while and not have to keep a close eye on you at all times."

"I'm sure I'll be fine."

He leans over and kisses your head. "I'm sure you will be too."

_____________________

"That outfit isn't very flattering."

You look up from the book you're reading and standing before you is your sister. She's got her hair down and it's longer than you remember. She is also pregnant, a few months by the look of it.

"Danielle?"

"Yeah it’s me? Why are you wearing old jeans and a huge sweater? You're a princess and you should be dressed up for your future family. Do you let them see you like this?"

"It's just my clothes." You stand and she towers over you. In heels and pregnant. This woman never took a break. "What's wrong?"

"You look like a commoner. A dirty farm girl or something."

You look down at yourself and pull your sweater out a bit. It was one of Shawn's from the back of his drawer. You figured he wouldn't miss it too much and since it was big and roomy you were more comfortable without your bandages. "But it's comfortable."

"Ugh." Danielle rolls her eyes. "How did mom and dad ever pass you off as a princess to these people? Oh wait, they're animals, no wonder you fit in."

You ball your fists up and walk away from her without another word. You can't believe she's here already and if she is here then your parents must be as well. You stalk down the hall to the main entrance and sure enough your parents are standing there talking to Karen and Manny. You turn and go to the hall that leads to the kitchens. You want to find Shawn because dealing with your family alone is not going to go well.

Shawn is sitting on a counter in the kitchens eating a bowl of cereal laughing at something Marty, the head chef, said when you walk in. He knows something is wrong right away because he drops his bowl in the sink and walks over to you.

"You okay?" He gives you a once over real quick. "You look freaked out."

"My family is here." You cross your arms. "And Dani already came to insult me in the library."

"What? Why?"

"I don't know! She hates me. I guess I look like a dirty farm girl but that's okay, because apparently you're an animal."

Shawn growls. He pulls you into a hug. "Danielle can leave if she's going to call us animals and insult my fiance."

"Yeah, good luck. My parents will defend her to their graves." You wrap your arms around his back and he sways you gently. "I would say we should get revenge but she's pregnant."

"Someone is having a baby with her?"

"Yeah. Unfortunate bastard."

Shawn drops a kiss on your head and looks out the doors behind you. "I guess I should meet them huh?"

"I guess."

"Do I have to be nice?"

"That's up to you."

He growls and you pull your head from his chest. "Well let's go then."

_____________________

Dinner is a shit show. Your parents can't seem to talk about anything but Danielle and her baby on the way. You would think you weren't even getting married in a week. You're invisible as always.

"So we are just ecstatic that were going to be grandparents!" Your mom, April, says, beaming at Danielle. "We always knew someday that Danielle would have a baby. She’s just too stunning not to carry on the bloodline."

Shawn clenches his jaw and puts on the biggest smile. "Never expected much from your younger daughter then?"

Your mom looks over at Shawn and you look up from your food to asses the tension filled room. Shawn just keeps smiling as he awaits an answer.

"What does that mean?" April asks fake politely.

"You don't expect grandkids from us?"

"Well, I hope not."

Karen sets her glass down a little loudly and clears her throat. "Excuse me? You hope not?"

"Well a human and a werewolf have no business having children. It's just unnatural."

Shawn lets out a loud growl that clearly puts your family on edge as they shift uncomfortably in their seats.

"Unnatural?" Manny asks over a sip of his drink. "What's unnatural about cohabitation of races?"

"You know, come on Manny." Your dad, Thomas, chuckles nervously. "It's just not right. The children would be ....well, wolves just shouldn't intermingle with humans. It's always been that way."

"You sent your daughter here to build an alliance and you think so poorly of wolves? What do you think will happen when they have a child? You think she’d going to birth a puppy dog? My people are shapeshifters, we are not animals."

Thomas clears his throat and you stare at him, waiting to see how he talks his way out of this one. "We sent her to create an alliance, yes. But as for children, and intermingling of races, I have my opinions and you have yours."

"You expect my people to live and fight alongside a man who thinks nothing more of them than animals?"

"I expect them to uphold our agreement."

Manny scoffs and shakes his head. "Thomas, I think you need to find a better way to win my favor and alliance. Our deal is off."

"What?! I sent my daughter here to make sure we wouldn't have any issues! Your alliance is critical to me, my people could be attacked and we would have no defenses! I'm offering you my youngest daughter and crop shares!"

"Then offer me something better Thomas. My people will never obey me if I ally with a man like you for just a marriage and minor crop shares. Your alliance is nothing to me, and everything to you. I can get southern agriculture through other means. Thinking your daughter's hand would be enough to over rule your inherently racist mindset was a mistake."

Thomas stands and so does Shawn and Manny. "This is your fault girl!" He points at you, red in the face. "You were supposed to seal the deal you little bitch! What have you been doing here?!"

"Thomas!" April shouts, standing up as well.

Karen lays her hand on your shoulder, as if ready to protect you from your dad.

"I didn't do anything! You didn’t tell me what exactly I was supposed to be doing here. You sent me here for a marriage that I still don’t quite understand! What do you gain from me being here? What do you gain? Wait, I know! You got me out of Highwater and out of the castle because I’m a disappointment to you aren’t I? I’ll never be Danielle and I never want to be! Losing this deal is your fault!" You stand and look around at the angry wolves before you and you’re shaking. Years of pent up emotion is coming out right now and you’re not going to stop it. "If anything you ruined this yourself because you’re an asshole and everyone hates you!"

"Don't you talk back to me! I am your father, I am your k-"

"You are not my king!" Your voice falters and you hate it. "I will not return to Highwater, not today, not tomorrow, not ever. I renounce my title as princess."

Shawn moves close to you and puts his arm around your waist, heat rolling off him in droves. "You can stay with us." He presses a kiss to your head. "Stay with me. You're safe here."

"You're a traitor to our house!" Danielle exclaims. "You’re leaving to ally with a foregin kingdom. You could be sentenced for-"

Karen rises and sets her hand back on your shoulder, rubbing soothingly. "Astoria is a kingdom of non-extradition. She is safe here from outside law."

"Your move Thomas," Manny says calmly. "Make a wise one or you'll have another enemy before dawn."

_____________________

Shawn comes to bed late that night. You can't sleep until you know what's going on. Never in your life had you stood up to your dad like that and now the alliance deal was off and it did feel like it was your fault. It wasn't, no, it was the fault of your parents and their small mindedness of wolves.

"Hey," Shawn says softly as he enters the darkened room. "Are you still awake?"

"Yeah."

His weight sinks in the bed a bit and you roll towards him. "Are you worried about the argument at dinner?"

"How could I not be?"

His hand finds yours and you let him thread your fingers together. "You don't need to worry. I swear I'll keep you safe here in Astoria. I know the alliance deal is off and I guess that means we aren't technically engaged, but I won't stop caring for you."

"Oh..."

"What?"

"We aren't getting married in a few weeks anymore? All the planning your mom and I did, it's all for nothing now? I'm supposed to go to a dress fitting in a few days. I thought we agreed we would stay together in the event the alliance went bad?"

Shawn puts his arm over your stomach and you lay your hands on his warm skin. "You seriously want to marry me still?"

"Yes. How many times do I have to say that I want to be with you? I've gotten used to the idea that we’ll be mates, and I’ll get to wake up to you everyday, and I'll be the princess of Astoria. I never wanted to be a princess, but Astoria is wonderful and I'm really happy here. It's like...it's like I'm living in one of my favorite books but it’s real and you’re real. I’ve never felt more at home and more loved before and I don’t want to lose that.”

"I'd absolutely love for you to be my mine, alliance or not. I definitely think you and I are meant to be together. I don’t want to lose you either.”

You play with his arm, running your nails over his skin. He lets out a low rumble and you grin to yourself. You explore a bit more, hand going up his arm over his shoulder and to his head. You hesitate, fingers poised in his hair. He takes the initiative and leans his head into your hand. Your fingertips meet his warm scalp and you scratch gently, working up and down through the mess of hair on the top of his head.

Shawn lets out a tiny groan, more of a sigh almost. He curls the arm on your stomach around you and pulls you closer, careful of your back. He holds you flush against his chest and you melt into his warmth. He presses his face into your neck as you keep up your scratching. There are tiny little noises coming from him, things you'd never hear if he wasn't pressed against your neck. Little groans and whimpers, half caught in his throat growls. He is putty in your hands and you had no idea he could be so easily broken down.

"Shawn?" You ask after a few minutes, he has started to mouth at your neck, wet tongue leaving warm stripes up and down your skin. "Hey." His attention is making you feel warm, the idea of his tongue on your body going much farther than you should be thinking.

"Yes?" He growls, literally growls and you don't know why but that brings a whole new wave of arousal across your stomach.

"I think we should probably sleep."

"Mmm yeah, but you smell so good." He presses his nose against the back of your jaw. "It's going to be hard to sleep." He runs his hand over your stomach, fingers flexing across your skin where your shirt has ridden up and your bandage ends. "So soft."

You giggle as he tickles you with his fingertips and he chuckles. "Shawn, quit!"

He slides his hand away and rolls onto his back beside you. You instantly miss his warmth. "I'm going to shower." He says and gets off the bed. You watch his figure cross the dark room and he pauses at the bathroom door as the light comes on. He looks back at you before going in and closing the door.

Your heart is racing, pounding out of your chest. That was a very intimate exchange. Now all you can think about is his hands on you, his tongue, his body over yours. You have to stop. He's already aroused and you aren't going to help by being turned on still when he comes out of the shower.  

_____________________

You and Shawn head down for breakfast late in the morning, knowing that everyone would be up as well. You know Shawn was up late after his shower because he left the room and didn't come back for a few hours. You're sure your family was up too, well, maybe not Danielle because she never did care about anything but herself. Chances are she doesn't give a fuck about the alliance. She's an Easterner now anyways.

"Look who finally showed up." Danielle says with an eye roll. "I guess I can eat now."

"Sorry?" You roll your eyes in return.

"What took you so long? Because you sure didn't clean yourself up before coming down here."

Shawn wraps his arms around your waist and kisses your cheek. "We were having a little fun.” He grins against your ear. It’s not true but he’s trying to rile her up and her expression says it’s working. “Besides, it's our home, if you don't like how we present ourselves you can leave."

Danielle scoffs and rolls her eyes. "I'd love to."

"Let me call you a cab, or maybe a b- witch like you prefers a broomstick?"

"Excuse me!" Danielle's eyes go wide and she looks to your parents as they walk in from an attached parlor with Shawn's parents.

"What's going on in here?" April asks, eyeing you suspiciously. "Are you bullying your sister?"

"Are you f-"

Shawn cuts you off. "We were just talking. She'd like to leave she says."

"You can't leave until we finish our business here," April says and takes a seat beside Danielle who just huffs and mumbles something under her breath about having someone come pick her up.

The kitchen staff brings in breakfast and begins to set up around you. It's a fairly large amount of food and you're not sure if it's all going to get eaten. Marty only knows how to cook for werewolves. If the food doesn't all get eaten, it goes to the staff for their families so at least you can feel less guilty about not finishing it all.

“How are things with the wild wolves?” Thomas asks as everyone begins to eat.

“Excellent. We made an agreement.” Manny says smugly. He knows why Thomas is asking and it’s because he thinks that he has a shot at negotiations if Manny is under pressure from outside forces.

“Good, good. Glad to hear it.” Thomas sounds drier than an empty bucket in the western desert.

A few minutes later Shawn bumps your hand with his. You look over and he’s grinning. "It's going to snow soon."

"Really?" Your eyes light up, glad for the change in conversation, and shift in the tension filling the room. You've never seen snow before, the south didn't get below freezing. "Can we go out in it?"

"Yeah of course. I'll go out and catch the first snowflakes with you when it does."

"Promise? Even if its the middle of the night?"

"I swear."

____________________

Your parents and Danielle leave without coming to an agreement with Manny. Things didn't get any worse, so Highwater isn't on bad terms with Astoria, but they are not allies either. You know your dad won't give up anything major and the only thing it seemed Manny would accept was open trade and expanding Astoria's border to grow more crops in the southern region. Your dad's dislike of wolves would never allow him to do that, and he would never approve of losing land to Astoria.

Two days after their departure you find yourself sitting in a boutique in Astoria City, waiting for one of the assistants to bring you dresses to try on.

"So you and Shawn are still getting married?" She had been visibly surprised when you came to find her this morning to go to the appointment.

"Yes. I haven't told my family yet since they left, I kind of don't want to."

"I understand. They're not at all like you. I was shocked when April said she hoped you never give her grandkids with Shawn. The way they spoke about us, it reminds me of when Astoria was still a small kingdom of wolves that people didn't understand." She sighs. "The way humans treated us was absolutely disgusting. To think that some people still have such a closed off mindset in this day and age."

"Yeah, I'm still nervous though."

"Why? Well, I mean anyone getting married is nervous."

"The seriousness of it all is a lot to handle."

The attendant brings you three long white dresses with silk accents. They're bulky looking and you already don't like them. "This is our most traditional dress style. All three are by a designer here in Astoria and-"

Karen holds her hand up. "Can we see some more non traditional dresses? Maybe some colors as well?"

"Colors?" The attendant looks to you and back to Karen. "For a royal wedding?"

"Yes. Our bride to be here is not your traditional type, and this won't be a traditional wedding."

"Yes ma'am." The attendant hurries off with the white dresses.

"I don't mind white." You say softly and Karen shakes her head. "It's really okay."

"No. Astoria is entering a new age and with it should come new traditions. I want it to be your choice, and your wedding, not your parents and not following any traditions you don't want to follow. I want you to be comfortable and not worried about it being some uptight affair."

"Thank you." You smile and look down. "It means a lot more than you know."

Karen pulls you into a side hug and leans her head on yours. "You're like the daughter I never had and the carefree princess I never got to be. I want the best for you."

____________________

"You're not technically a princess anymore right?" Shawn says as he walks out of the bathroom towel drying his hair, a second towel slung low around his hips.

"I guess I did renounce my title." You shrug and stand up to stretch, setting your book aside and staring at him. No matter how many times you saw him naked or nearly naked, you don't think you'll ever get used to it. "I guess you're going to be the prince who married the common girl."

He chuckles. "Not quite. You'll be a princess again when we get married."

"How? Marrying royals doesn't change your title."

"I'll coronate you. At the announcement ball tonight, I'll make you the princess of Astoria. I have a tiara picked out already." He smiles shyly and you flush. "It's a new too, not one of mom's."

"You chose it?"

"Yeah. Last night."

You walk over behind him and wrap your arms around his chest, pressing against his back. He's damp and smells like warm vanilla and spice from the shower. "Thank you."

"What's this about?" He chuckles, laying his hands over yours.

"I've never gotten a tiara before, and I've never felt like a princess."

Shawn turns around in your hold and plays with your hair. "Do you want to feel like a princess? Were you ever jealous of your sister?"

"I-I guess I was a little bit."

"I'll treat you like a princess." He drops his forehead to yours. "I'll give you everything you ever wanted."

"I don't want much." You giggle and he bumps your noses. "You've given me more than I've ever dreamed about having."

"I haven't given you much?"

"Love? Attention? Affection?" You run your hands up his bare back. "Protection."

"Oh." He rubs down your back in return. "I'm not sure about that last one."

"You're still beating yourself up about that? I'm nearly healed over. You took care of it."

"I know." He closes his eyes. "I still just can't help but feel like I failed you."

"Shawn." You hold his face, making him look at you. "Do you need me to forgive you? Do you need me to say that?"

He nods.

"I forgive you. I forgive you for everything you feel guilty for."

"Thank you," he whispers, pressing his forehead to yours. "You have no idea how much it helps."

"I'll forgive you everyday if I need to."

He lets out a little half laugh. "No, this is fine."

"Good." You kiss his nose. "Let's get ready for the announcement ball."

_____________________

You step into your dress and pull it up over your shoulders. It’s beautiful, a flowy long black dress with quarter sleeves made of soft lace. There is just enough tule beneath the skirt to give it shape while providing your legs room to move. It was one you picked out with Karen the day the two of you went dress shopping for the wedding. She had recommended getting one for the ball as well since you’d hadn’t gotten one yet.

One of Karen’s assistants, Millie, helped you get your hair and make up done but she had to leave before you got into your dress. You reach back, hand not quite touching the zipper. You can’t finish without someone to zip up your dress. You gather up the skirt and head for your bedroom, you know Shawn is probably getting ready still. He can help.

You knock on the door and wait. Sure enough the handle turns and there is Shawn, standing before you in a fitted black tux, jacket open and blue shirt half buttoned underneath. He looks so good, absolutely outstanding. You realize this is a sort of peek at what he’ll look like on your wedding day and you get jitters in your stomach.

“Hey,” he says softly, touching a curl falling from your temple. “Can I help you darling?”

“I need my dress zipped,” you flush, dropping your skirt and pointing to your back.

“Come in.” He opens the door and you shuffle in until he can close it. He walks over to you and runs his hands up your exposed back. “Your back does look really good.”

“Thanks.” You glance back and him and he’s smiling. “I wouldn't have healed so well if it weren’t for you.”

“Mmm,” he traces a faint scar from the deepest scratch. “The salve and all those herbal baths really made a difference. Your skin looks gorgeous.”

“Shawn,” you giggle and he pulls the zipper closed, looping the top little button to prevent it from pulling open while you danced later.

He wraps his arms around you from behind and rests his chin on your head. “I can’t wait for you to be my princess.”

“I thought I was already?”

He chuckles. “You’re right, I can’t wait for everyone else to know you’re my princess.”

You pull out of his hold and sit on the edge of the bed. “You should finish getting ready.”

_____________________

Your stomach twists into knots as you walk down the stairs from the upper balcony of the ballroom, hand in hand with Shawn. Below you can see all of the most important figures of the Astorian government and their families. There is no one from Highwater, not a single soul and that's the way you wanted it.

"Are you nervous?" Shawn whispers against your ear.

"Extremely."

"Don't worry. You'll have a good time. These are your people now."

The two of you reach the landing at the bottom of the stairs and stand beside Manny and Karen. A man announces the king and queen first and they step down, bowing to the crowd.

"I announce to you Prince Shawn Peter Raul Mendes, heir to the Astorian throne and his fiance..." The man looks at the sheet and over to you before he announces just your name and no title. He is clearly perplexed by the lack of title considering only days ago you were most definitely a princess.

Shawn steps forward and takes the microphone from the man and thanks him for his work. "Lords and Ladies, governors and governesses of Astoria, you'll notice my fiance is no longer a princess." He looks to you and takes your hand. "She has renounced her title and association with the royal family of Highwater."

A soft murmur breaks out across the quiet room and you feel nervous.

"I'd like you all to join me in coronating her as the Princess of Astoria." He grins and people begin to clap. A man walks up with a small white pillow that has a gold tiara adorned with diamonds and obsidian accents on it. It's absolutely stunning. Shawn lifts it off and steps up to you, the delicate adornment in his hands. "Bow your head for me."

You lean forward and Shawn places the tiara gently on your head. You raise back up and look at him as everyone begins to clap, the room explodes in cheers for you.

"How does it feel, Princess?" Shawn whispers with a smile.

"Weird?" You giggle.

He leans in and kisses your cheek. "Get used to it honey."

The rest of the ball is amazing. Everyone takes the time to meet you and congratulate you and Shawn on your engagement. It's incredible, feeling so involved and accepted by the people in charge of your new home. A woman named Alice, the daughter of the head of agriculture, hits it off with you right away.

"So how did you and Shawn meet?" Alice asks when you sit down beside her to take a rest for a bit.

"Um, well...it started out as an arrangement."

"Really?! I never would have thought the royal family would do that here in Astoria."

"It's kind of a long story, but I'm glad I came here. I'm glad I met Shawn." You look over where he's laughing at something with a group of people and you smile. "He's absolutely incredible. I'm so lucky."

"You really love him don't you?"

"I do." You let out a little laugh and pick at the table cloth, it was the first time you've really admitted that to anyone, even yourself. "I really do."

"That's amazing." Alice sighs. "Are you two going to be mates?"

"I think so."

"Are you going to make it official?"

You raise your eyebrows. "We're getting married? Is there more than that?"

Alice grins big. "Well since Shawn's an alpha, he'll claim you."

"Claim?"

"Do you know nothing about wolves?" She asks and you look down. She sets her hand over yours. "I didn't mean to sound so rude. I'll explain."

"Thank you."

"So basically, for a lack of better terms, Shawn's going to want to fuck you senseless."

Your eyes snap to hers and you flush hot. "Alice!"

"What? That's what wolves do! Mates are compatible pairs who are bonded physically. Usually resulting in a baby."

"A baby!?"

"Shh, jeez. You're so loud." Alice looks around and leans in close. "How did you think mates worked?"

"I-I don't know. Shawn didn't really explain it to me, he just said it was like soulmates."

Alice snorts. "Soulmates. That invisible bond that humans supposedly have to another human they've never met? Yeah. Right. Wolves take mates physically. Once he's...inside you...you'll always have his scent on you."

"I-"

"Shawn probably didn't say anything about it because he didn't want to freak you out. He's probably planning on it happening naturally."

"As opposed to unnaturally?"

"No, as opposed to planned."

"Oh."

"Anyway, yeah. But you're getting married and you love him. So a baby is naturally the next step right?"

You nod. Honestly you hadn't thought about kids. Not since the conversation with your family about Danielle. The look on your parents' faces when you tell them you are going to have a child by Shawn...oh the horror. Serves them right. Hell, they'd probably be appalled if you told them you were still marrying Shawn despite the alliance. Who cares though? They left you here where you wanted to be. You have no loyalty to them.

"I need to go talk to Shawn." You excuse yourself and walk out onto the dancefloor to find your fiance.

Shawn actually finds you before you find him. He pulls you aside behind one of the pillars and takes your hands in his. "How's it going?"

"Good. Um, actually, can we talk about something?"

"Anything."

"I was talking to Alice about being mates and-"

"She told you." He sighs softly. "I swear to you I won't push you into anything you don't want. If having a kid isn't what you want, I can just say you're my mate. I'll use condoms. We don't have to-"

"Shawn." You grab his face. "Relax. I just wanted to know if that's the only way to be mated."

"Yeah. I mean, it's okay. I should have told you. I know we haven't discussed the whole sex part of our relationship n detail and honestly if you don't want to ever do it, I understand. I won't think any less of you."

You smile softly and just stare at the nervous man before you. He's so sweet. "I want to have sex with you, for the record. I do trust you and I plan on marrying you next week after all."

"Oh good." He sighs in relief. "Because I really want to as well."

You let out a laugh and he chuckles along with you. "Well now we've settled that. Will you dance with me?"

"Any time." He takes your hands and steps out from behind the pillar. "I'll lead the way, princess."

____________________

The day before the wedding, you and Shawn are separated. It’s some sort of superstitious tradition. You don't like it and you spend most of the day trying to stay calm. You got the bedroom at least, your room with Shawn, so you had everything to remind you of him. All day you spent being fussed over and you’re exhausted.  It's after midnight but you can't sleep. If you just had Shawn you could relax.

You roll over for the dozenth time in an hour. Something in the window catches your eye. A flashing from across the garden. You crawl out of bed and pull back the curtain to get a better look. Across the garden in the window parallel to yours, Shawn is standing there. He's got a flashlight and he is literally signalling to you. He stops once he sees you and you pull open the latch on the window. It's just wide enough for you to squeeze through. You fall down onto a hedge and slide behind it.  

There are two guards in the garden at all times and you have to avoid them. You sneak around, staying low as you skirt the outer edge of the dying hedges. Keeping out of sight was hard since most of the greenery is gone now. It's also freezing cold outside and you are in your thin polka dot pajamas. There is a guard between you and Shawn's window and you aren't sure how to get rid of him, until you see a loose bit of paving stone on the ground. You grab the stone chunk and throw it toward the fountain. Your plan works and the guard goes to see what it is.  

Shawn has the window open when you get to it. He hauls you up off the ground and you collapse on the floor of his temporary bedroom.

"You are absolutely insane." He laughs, staring at you on his floor. "I didn't think you'd sneak out the window! I was just going to try and talk in morse code."

You stand and brush yourself off. "I'm quite good at sneaking, not so good at morse code so that would never have worked. I'm absolutely freezing now."

Shawn latches the window and wraps his arms around you. His warmth seeps into your bones and you melt under his touch. "I couldn't sleep without you," he mutters into your hair.

"Me neither. I'm so nervous I can't relax."

"Me too."

The two of you walk to the bed and you crawl on it with him in front of you, pulling you into his chest. "We aren't supposed to see each other you know? It's bad luck supposedly."

"I don't care." You press your face into his shoulder. "I need you. Traditions be damned."

He runs his hand up and down your back. "I need you too."

"I think I can sleep now."

"Good. Not so nervous?"

"No. Well, just a little maybe."

He chuckles. "I promise tomorrow will go by easily. It's just you and me. Don't worry about anything else."

"I know."

He noses your hair and you relax. "You're my best friend. I can't wait to be your husband."

"You're my best friend too." You hold his hand over your chest. "I love you."

Shawn growls softly, curling around you tightly. "I love you too."

_____________________

Snowflakes. Little white glittering snowflakes catch your eye as they fall against the large glass windows behind the justice as he reads out your vows. You know you should be paying attention to what's being said, this is your wedding after all. But the snowflakes are something you've never seen, not in real life and they are all you can focus on.

Shawn squeezes your hands and your eyes snap to his, tearing away from the windows reluctantly. He gives you a look as if to ask what you are doing. You look back to the windows and then to him and he gets the idea.  

"Snow." You mouth silently and look outside again.

A grin spreads across his face and he pulls you toward him, interrupting the justice and pulling you up the steps to the balcony of the ballroom. "I'm so sorry Justice Holland. But I made a promise and it's time to follow through."

You step out onto the balcony into the cold air. The little flakes fall onto your face and arms and you giggle. "It's snowing!" You grin, looking up at the sky.

Shawn tilts his head back and catches some snowflakes on his tongue. "I promised you I would catch the first ones with you."

You stick your tongue out and giggle as the cold little bits melt on you.

"Shawn, we need to finish the ceremony." Justice Holland says as he approaches the two of you.

Shawn wraps his arms around you and pulls you close. "I think we got the point." He brushes some snowflakes from your hair. "We just need to kiss."

"But-"

You lean up on your tiptoes and kiss him softly. It's perfect. The wind picks up and blows a swirl of snow around the two of you and you both laugh as it chills you to the bone. The justice looks resigned as you walk back into the ballroom.

"I pronounce you Prince and Princess of Astoria. Long may you love and reign in happiness and joy." Justice Holland sighs softly.

The crowd erupts in cheers and you and Shawn walk down the steps smiling and covered in snow. You couldn't be happier than this. A romance and love you never thought you would have is beginning before your very eyes. You couldn't be luckier.  

_______________________

One year later

"Princess, I have news for you." Shawn sing songs as he walks into the library.

You look up from your book and quickly tuck it into the pillows on your window seat. "What's up?"

"Your father has stepped down from the throne of Highwater. He's realized he's outnumbered by the Astorian forces and our western allies. We're taking Highwater as of this morning."

Your eyes widen. For months your dad has been in negotiations with Manny for land and trade since the south had officially begun to fall apart under his rule. Things escalated with the bad blood between the two rulers and your dad declared war. It was a fruitless attempt to bully Manny into agreeing to his negotiations. Thomas had no idea the size of the Astorian forces or their allies. Today marked the end of that war, no bloodshed needed. Your dad had obviously come to his senses once he realized he could never win against the Northern and Western alliance.

"The south will be Astorian land, Highwater is ours."

"Ours?"

Shawn smiles and sits beside you. "Ours as a kingdom. My parents will be going to the castle to meet with the members of government there and decide what to do. We'll control Astoria proper until things are sorted out."

"That's insane." You laugh, shaking your head. "I can finally show you Highwater! I...I actually have some news for you too."

"Yeah?"

"Well," you smile and bite your lip. "Remember how we talked about remodeling the old nursery?"

Shawn raises his eyebrows. "Yes. I said as soon as you are pregnant we could do that."

"We should start remodeling then."

"But I just said-" his eyes go wide. "You're pregnant!"

"Yeah! Six weeks the doctor said. It's a rough estimate but yes!"

Shawn lays his hand on your stomach. "This is perfect. We can raise it in both of our home kingdoms." He closes his eyes. "This is the best news ever."

You take his hand and he leans in close. "Remember when you promised to give me everything I ever wanted?"

"Of course."

"I think you've made good on that now. I couldn't ask for more."

He presses his forehead to yours and bumps your noses together.

"Thank you for the happily ever after I never thought I'd have. I love you."

He presses a soft kiss to your lips and rubs your stomach gently. "I love you too princess. I love you too."

End

------

Than you so so much for reading! I know this was long but i hope it was so worth it :) Big shout out to everyone who’s helped me write this and gave me feedback in the process. I can’t wait to write more and bring yall more stories! 

Please Reblog if you read, enjoyed, or just want to save for later! 

Thank you again. You’re all amazing and so supportive. - A

*****Note: none of my works should be posted anywhere outside of my linked accounts. I do not give permission to repost with or without credit to my accounts. Please notify me of any reposted fics.*****

#stories #werewolf au #royal au

[katefiction]

Revolution, Part 3

by katefiction (Maria) / 2014

A steaming cup of tea appeared beside me.  I leant against the fencepost and looked at it out of the corner of my eye.

‘I thought you might like one’ William said, placing it on the post when I didn’t take it from his hand.

I stared into the distance, watching the haze of the sun ripple through the sky.

‘Are you going to talk to me?’ he said, resting his arms on the fence.

I cast my eyes downwards and mumbled ‘not right now’.

‘You are happy to be here aren’t you?’

What was I supposed to say? ‘I’m happy you’re safe, but I’m not happy’?

I couldn’t so I changed the subject, ‘we should be getting back to Mary’s, she’ll be waiting for us to deliver her stuff’

‘Ok’ he said brightly, ‘wait five minutes while I lock up’

‘You needn’t come William’ I said, leaving the tea on the post to go cold while I went to collect George. He was asserting his independence a few metres away from us, pouring water onto the grass from a small watering can William had found.

‘Don’t be like this, please’ he sighed. ‘Besides I have to help you carry this it into town, and to carry your bags back’.

He looked at me expectantly, hoping for confirmation that we would indeed be coming back here with him.

But a mumbled ‘fine’ is all I gave him.

*

Mary’s head popped up when we entered the bar, ‘finally! I was about to send out a search party!’

‘Sorry’ I smiled tiredly.

William entered behind me carrying her order in his arms, ‘where would you like these?’

She tapped the bar, ‘right here’s good’. She looked at him with that same caution she’d given me, ‘you new around here?’

Mary had clearly made the connection between the man standing in front of her and the one I’d described to her earlier, but she chose not to say anything.

‘Fairly, I’m Bette’s new farm hand’

She nodded approvingly, looking at me. ‘I’m Mary’ she said, sticking out her hand.

‘Bill’ he said confidently and shook it as I bit my lip to stifle an unexpected laugh.

‘I take it you and Libby know each other?’

William looked perplexed as if trying to remember who he knew with that name.

‘Er yes, he’s Alexander’s father’ I interjected, before he could drop us in it.

I saw him glance at me and I knew what he was thinking. Why hadn’t I just said he was my husband?

‘Of course he is, a little doppelgänger’ she cooed at George.

‘Unfortunately!’ William laughed.

‘I better go and collect our bags’ I said. ‘Can you sort out the dollars I owe Mary?’

‘Course’ he said with a pleased glint in his eye.

I went upstairs alone and collected our things together, slowly folding each item into the bags. For some reason, I was biding my time. Perhaps it was the fear of going into the unexpected. Mary’s wasn’t exactly home, but it was the closest I’d got to it since landing in Iowa.

When I got downstairs, William and Mary were chatting easily. Mary was laughing at something William had said, a bad joke no doubt. Nevertheless it sent a pang of anguish through me as I remembered how easily William and I could laugh together. In this place, it seemed like we could never be that way again.

‘I just want to thank you for taking care of the two of them’ William said as we re-entered the bar. ‘I really appreciate it’

Mary tutted, waving her tea towel at him dismissively ‘I wasn’t gonna kick them out onto the street now was I?!’

William smiled, ‘even so, if there’s anything I can do for you. You’ll not pay for the eggs and bread today of course’

‘Have you run that past Bette?’ she asked, conspiratorially and William laughed.

I merely stood by, detached from the in joke. 

William seemed to notice me for the first time since I’d walked back down the stairs, ‘Bette’s quite a firecracker, but she’s lovely, you’ll like her’

I smiled stiffly, ‘I’m sure’

William’s face dropped at my coldness.

‘You planning on making this home?’ Mary said, interjecting the tension.

‘We’re not sure yet’ I said before William could speak.

‘Well make sure you come in to see me every once in a while’

‘We will, thank you Mary. For everything’

She waved her tea towel again, at me this time.

*

As we walked back to the farm in silence I took in the shops that lined the main street. There wasn’t much to see, just the usual collection of shops; a butchers, grocers and a small café were joined by one clothes shop and a pharmacy. King’s Road, it wasn’t, but I wasn’t perturbed by it. For all that I wanted to go home, I certainly didn’t feel unsafe. Especially now we’d found William.

‘So…Libby?’ William said as we meandered down the street. He had taken all three bags and I, George.

I didn’t look at him but could tell he was smirking.

‘It’s better than “Bill”’, I said. ‘At least I didn’t use my first name’

He laughed and I longed to laugh back, but wouldn’t let myself.

‘Middle names are close enough’

‘It was spur of the moment’ I retorted. ‘You had plenty of time to think of one, I was too busy thinking about other things’

The mood dipped and I regretted being so harsh for a second, before I remembered how he’d lied to me.

‘I don’t know how many times I can say I’m sorry’ he said, clearly exhausted.

‘I don’t need you to keep saying it’

‘Then what do you want?’ he said agonizingly, ‘I’ll do whatever it takes to make this up to you’

I looked at the ground, the little puffs of dirt rising around my shoes as I walked, ‘I don’t know what I want’.

For the first time since George and I had arrived, I felt as though I might break down. I’d spent the last two days completely focussed on our destination, but now all I wanted was to go home.

‘So this Bette’ I said, changing the subject. ‘When will she be back?’

‘In about a week’ William said, with what I thought I could hear was a sulk in his voice.

‘Will she mind us being here?’ George was dozing off in my arms and I huddled him close as we re-entered the farm.

‘No course she won’t’ he answered like it was the most obvious response.

I nodded, silently glad that George would have somewhere to sleep every night. ‘So does anyone else work at the farm?’

‘Nope just me and Bette’ he said, smiling. ‘It’s lovely and peaceful’

He expected me to smile back because we’d always talked about how much we wanted somewhere peaceful to live after we left Anglesey.

Instead he was confronted with my blanched face.

‘What’s wrong?’

‘You mean to say you’ve been completely alone and it didn’t occur to you to get out of here while you had the chance?!’

‘Kate…’ William followed me as I strode purposefully towards his outhouse. ‘Can we talk about this?’

‘Not in front of him…unlock the door’ I snapped.

It was our rule that we would try not to argue in front of George. William unlocked the front door and I placed George down on the small torn sofa that sat in the middle of the room. His mouth opened and arm lopped to one side in a satisfied drop.

William lead me back outside.

‘She only went yesterday afternoon’ he said, continuing our conversation.

‘Oh only yesterday afternoon. And you’ve done nothing since then to see if your family’s ok!’ I yelled.

‘It wasn’t like that’

‘You could’ve found a phone in that time…you could’ve walked into town – to Mary’s even – and called us…’

‘Calm dow –‘

‘…but no, you were too busy living out some stupid, pathetic little dream of being free!’ I raged at him and would’ve shoved him out of my way if he hadn’t looked so hurt at my words.

I turned away and steadied my breathing.

‘That was your dream too’ he said quietly.

‘And that’s all it is, it was never going to be reality. This life here isn’t reality’ I waved my arm out into the acres of land.

‘It can be…let me show you’

‘I don’t want you to show me, I want to go home!’ I turned to find him tensed, his jaw braced.

‘It’s not possible right now, it’s too dangerous, you saw that for yourself’

‘I don’t care’ I said petulantly.

For over ten years, I had been living my life according to William’s. Surely it was my turn to make the decisions.

‘I won’t put you in danger’. He was beginning to get irritated again.

‘But you were happy enough to leave us in danger?’ I sneered.

In a flash, William had pounded his fist against the wall. ‘They threatened you ok?! They didn’t just tell me to keep quiet. They said you and George were safe and they wouldn’t harm you as long as I didn’t try to return. They said they would spin you some yarn about why I’d left’

The skin had torn back from his knuckles, revealing dark red gashes. ‘And you believed them?’

‘I had no other choice but believe them. George is a baby, I know they wanted him out of the way but he posed no real threat to them. I had to believe that if they hadn’t hurt me, they had no reason to hurt you. Unless I tried to come back’

I couldn’t stop staring at his hand, flecks of brick were peppered in the cuts.

‘Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?’

He shook his hand, obviously beginning to feel the pain. ‘I was embarrassed’

‘Of what?’

William tutted and looked away. ‘Don’t you think I realise that everything you’ve said is true. I should’ve made sure you were ok, I should’ve protected you, and instead you had to travel across the world to find me. It should’ve been the other way around’

‘I suppose you didn’t have the means I did’

His big blue eyes glinted at me.

‘I was torn; it was like I had one of you on each shoulder. One telling me to do everything to get back. And the other telling me to keep away until it was safe. They fucked with my mind. If I had known…’

‘Hindsight is a beautiful thing I suppose’ I shrugged.

‘You two are all that matter to me’

I was deflated and tired, so much so that I didn’t have the energy to argue any more. Or maybe I just wasn’t as angry any more. ‘I know’.

*

That night after William had bathed George and put him to bed, we sat on the sofa and I silently bandaged up his hand.  

‘Do you have anything I can wear in bed?’ I said as I tied the knot on the bandage. ‘I forgot to bring anything’

‘Will a t-shirt do? It’s quite hot at night’ he said, holding on to my hand for a fraction too long before I pulled it away.

I arched an eyebrow, ‘is it clean?’

He chuckled, ‘yes. We can go and get you some clothes and things tomorrow if you want’

‘Yeh that’d be good’ I rubbed the back of my neck, kneading the flesh with my palm.

‘Are you sore? Why don’t you lie down, I’ll give you a massage’ he said.

I looked down at his hands, dry and tough, they weren’t the hands I was used to touching me.

‘It’s nothing a hot bath won’t fix’ I said and stood up before he could protest.

I know he was watching me as I walked to the bathroom, probably disappointed that I was still keeping my distance.

I sunk into the hot bath later and scrubbed my body and hair free from the dirt casing I felt was surrounding me. I pulled my body and head down under the water, and felt my knots loosen.

Maybe William had made the wrong choice, but at least we were all safe. At least we were together now.

*

I woke the next morning with George squealing at me, bashing his palms on my chest to wake me up.

‘Alright alright’ I heard William say and saw him through foggy eyes standing over the bed.

He was already dressed and I could tell from the sweat on his brow that he’d been working on the farm for a few hours.

‘What time is it?’ I croaked, pushing my hair from my face.

‘Nearly ten’

‘Ten?!’ I exclaimed, ‘you must be starving Georgie!’

‘You were both conked out all night, I thought I better just let you sleep’

He was right; the last thing I remember was my head hitting the pillow. George and I had shared the bed. I didn’t know where William had slept, but I knew it wasn’t in here.

‘Come here bouncer’ he said, grabbing George and kissing him ‘let’s get you some breakfast’

The three of us settled down to breakfast in the tiny kitchen. It was smaller and more cramped than Bette’s, but still had cracked walls and chipped cupboards. What a come down this was from our palace apartment.

William was in full on baby-hogging mode insisting that he would feed, and then later change George. He had prepared some orange juice and toast for me and I tucked into it greedily.

‘Is it alright?, we can go and get some cereal…’ he said, eager to please me.

‘This is fine William’

He looked me up and down, I was still wearing his t-shirt and my hair was a curly mess after sleeping on it damp last night. I felt a slight tingle run through me. It seemed all my senses were returning.

William had his red pickup truck ready once I was dressed and I wondered outside to find the two of them in the front seat, William encouraging George to press the horn over and over again.

I stuck my fingers in my ears dramatically and William stopped.

‘You ready?’ he said enthusiastically.

‘Yep’ I nodded.

I didn’t know where exactly we were going, but William was so excited that I couldn’t bring him down.

I jumped into the passenger seat, ‘urm, does he have a baby seat’

William bit his bottom lip, ‘ah yeh about that…’

‘Will we can’t go for a drive without a baby seat!’ I said sounding like a neurotic mother.

‘I’ll drive slowly…’

‘That’s not the point, and besides what if the police see us?’

A small smirk formed on his face.

‘What?’ I said grumpily.

‘There’s not really a lot of police around here, we share the sheriff with the next town’

‘That doesn’t mean people can go around breaking the law’

‘Kate, nothing as exciting as crime happens in Redfern’ he grinned and started the engine.

He placed George on my lap and I strapped the seat belt over myself and him and clutched him tightly round the waist as he tried to wriggle back over to his dad.

William set off out of the farm, through the main street and out onto the long road out of town. I recognised the route immediately as the one George and I had taken on the bus. Each way we looked was barren land, but somehow it didn’t seem as intimidating as it had two days before.

William flicked the radio on, and a blast of loud country music blared from the speakers. He began to hum along, tapping his thumb on the steering wheel.

I laughed. ‘Since when do you like country music?!’

He turned to me, ‘since the radio only picks up one station! It’s actually alright when you get used to it’

He turned up the volume on the dial and we both rolled down our windows.

‘Life’s like a road that you travel on When there’s one day here and the next day gone Sometimes you bend, sometimes you stand Sometimes you turn your back to the wind

There’s a world outside every darkened door Where blues won’t haunt you anymore Where the brave are free and lovers soar Come ride with me to the distant shore’

I found myself tapping my foot to the song and stuck my arm out of the window to let the hot, fast air run through my fingers as it was doing through my hair.

Next to me, William’s humming became full blown singing, ‘life is a highhhway, I wanna ride it all night long!’.

I giggled and William glanced at me with a smile. He could tell what I was unwilling to say out loud. That I was enjoying myself. I was enjoying the wind through my hair and the way it blew up George’s little tuft. I was enjoying the greens and golden yellows of the landscape and the way our truck left a trail of dust behind us as we drove.

I even didn’t mind the way that dust landed on my eyelashes and in my mouth. I couldn’t help but revel in the clear blue sky and blazing sun that had tormented us two days ago, but now basked over us like a protective blanket. 

I turned around and looked out of the back window. No-one was following us. No security detail, no paparazzi. My heart lifted and I had a sudden urge to do something stupid and reckless just because I could.

In the back of my mind, I knew this was William’s plan. Take us on a drive and show us the simple pleasures of life. He wanted to show me that our ‘dream’ was possible and it was everything we hoped it would be.

‘I’ve missed you’ I blurted out suddenly, unable to hold back.

He placed his bandaged hand on my knee and this time I didn’t stop him, ‘I’ve missed you too’

We continued the drive in a comfortable silence. George yawned and placed his head back against my chest. I looked down at my wrist, wondering if it was his nap time and noticed that my watch had stopped.

It was as if time stood still here. We were no longer constrained by schedules. We didn’t have to limit the time we spent talking to people. I wouldn’t have to check the time and wait for William to come home any more. I pulled off the watch and gave it to George to play with.

So this is what it was like to be free.

*

The next few days passed with a baptism of fire into what I was trying to accept as our new life. Still, it was nothing compared to my induction into the royal family and a life of fame.

We had driven out of town to pick up essentials; clothes from the thrift stores, a cot from a second hand shop and ‘girl stuff’ as William had named my toiletries. Once I’d settled George into a routine, I got William to teach me the ropes of running a farm. He’d insisted that he didn’t need help and that he didn’t really know what he was doing either. His agriculture course earlier in the year had helped, but actually applying it was another story. I was determined to be more than a housewife and it became my task to build a new fence that had fallen in the wind.

We split George’s care between us and after four days had established somewhat of a routine.

‘Are you sure Bette won’t mind us being here?’ I said one evening.

‘Of course she won’t, she’ll be happy for the extra help and it’s not like we’re living in her house’

I nodded, aware that Bette might see me as taking over her home while she was gone.

‘And you’re sure she doesn’t know who you are?’

‘If she does, she hasn’t said anything. As far as I know she put an ad in the paper for a farmhand and was expecting me when I turned up at her door’

‘The men in the blacked out car that left you at the door didn’t make her suspicious?’ I said sarcastically.

William tensed at the memory, ‘they were smart, they used a Chevy and dropped me off at the top of the path’

I put a hand on his arm. I hadn’t thought about how scary it must’ve been for him.

A flicker in his eye told me he wanted to hug me, something we still hadn’t done since I’d arrived. He couldn’t work out whether I wanted to or if I would take it well. And still, even after all we’d talked about, I didn’t know if I wanted to either.

*

On the morning of our fifth day at the farm, I woke up to find George’s cot empty. William was still sleeping on the couch. I’d found him early one morning, his legs hanging over the edge of the two-seater and just a blanket covering his bottom half. It was unfair of me to keep him from the bed, but there a distance between us remained and I wasn’t sure how we were going to fill it.

I walked into the kitchen to find William, with George on his hip, standing over the stove. Around the room were long strips of what seemed to be old magazines and old newspapers that had been cut into streamers. On the tiny kitchen table was a hot pile of pancakes.

I smiled to myself. ‘You remembered’

He turned around, ‘oh morning, of course I remembered’ he said, slightly hurt.

I walked over to George and gave him a big kiss on his squishy cheek, ‘happy birthday pumpkin’

‘I didn’t mean you wouldn’t remember, I just didn’t expect you’d do all this’ I said apologetically.

‘It’s his first birthday, we have to do something’ he said, adding more batter to the pan.

In truth, I’d blocked the thought of George’s birthday out of my mind. Back home we were planning a party for our close friends and family. My mother had already provided a box of decorations other party essentials, and now they sat in a box, useless in a room back home. The thought of George not seeing his family today made me ache.

William read my mind, ‘I thought we could head into town later and see if we can find a phone somehow, maybe try and ring your family?’

I merely nodded because the words to thank him were stuck in my throat.

Later in the morning, we took George outside to play. William had gotten all of his jobs done in the early hours and insisted this would be a day off.

‘I have a surprise for George’ he said as we walked to the stable.

‘Is it a pet pig?’ I said, suddenly thinking of Lupo.

William laughed, ‘not quite’.

He opened the stable door to a majestic brown horse that was munching on some hay.

‘Is he not…um a little big?’ I said politely.

William picked up some reigns and a saddle and threw them over the horse, ‘we’re just going for a ride’

My heart quickened, ‘on that? Will, don’t you think he’s a bit young?’

He placed a reassuring hand on my arm, ‘he’ll be safe with me’

‘But what if the horse buckles…or you fall off…’ I said quickly.

‘Come on, he’s gentle, and besides it’s his birthday, he deserves a treat!’

William had always wanted to teach George how to ride a horse. I didn’t think he’d be starting quite so early.

‘What do you think GB? You wanna go on the horsey don’t you?’

George reached out to pull at the horse’s mane, which William took as a yes.

He got onto the horse with ease and gave the horse a pat. Neither William nor Harry had taken part in polo season this year, and I could see how happy he was to be back in the saddle.

‘Right, pass him up’

I handed George over gingerly and he began to kick his arms in excitement.

‘Are you gonna ride the horsey George?’ William said, placing him securely in front of him.

George smiled from ear to ear as they set off on a slow trot. I instinctively started to move back to the house to collect the camera, before remembering I didn’t have it to capture this picture perfect moment. They rode around in wide circles and I waved to George each time he passed me. He was so carelessly happy.

After fifteen minutes, they came to a stop and I reached up to get George down. He screamed in protest.

‘George’ William said sternly, ‘stop giving your mummy hassle’

He stopped his screaming but carried on making whining noises, just to let us know he wasn’t happy.

Will jumped down from the horse, ‘horsey needs a rest now, ok? We don’t want horsey getting tired do we?’

‘Say thank you horsey’ I said.

George reached over to pat the horse, ‘hossee’

William and I looked at each other, stunned.

‘Did he just say…?’

‘I think he did…’

Tears sprang to my eyes, ‘clever boy! My clever boy!’. I showered him with kisses and William too held back a lump in his throat, his face full of pride.

*

As we walked into town later that day, the two of us had a spring in our step. George knew a few other words like ‘mumum’ for milk, but this was his first ‘proper’ word.

‘Our boy’s a genius I’m telling you!’ William said.

‘I’m pretty sure other babies can say more words at his age’ I teased.

‘Don’t listen to her GB, you’re gonna be a brain surgeon one day aren’t you?’

It was the first time that I realised that George could be a brain surgeon, in fact he could be anything he wanted now. I glowed at the thought of his future, and how proud he would make his father no matter what profession he chose.

We walked through the length of the high street and ventured into the grocery store. The grocer was standing behind the counter wearing a brown apron over his portly stomach and weighing some apples. It was the kind of scene you only say in movies.

‘Afternoon sir’

William greeted him, ‘afternoon, we were looking for somewhere to buy a phone, I don’t suppose you know where we can find one?’

The grocer scratched his head, ‘not around here, you’ll have to go miles out of town’

‘I thought you might say that’

‘But there is that payphone on the corner next to the barbers’

‘There is?’ William said enthusiastically. ‘Brilliant, thank you’

We left the shop carrying a bag of fruit, and walked at a quicker pace than usual to where the barbers were. When we got there we found the phone box, its doors covered in dirt and adverts.

‘I didn’t know this was here’ William said, like he thought I was about to chastise him.

‘I know, it’s ok’ I said.

We pulled open the door and my heart dropped. The cord attaching the receiver to the set was cut clean apart.

William shut the door immediately, noticing my expression. ‘It’s alright, we’ll find something I promise’

Our walk home was much more solemn than our walk to town. We walked without conversation, with William pointing things out for George to look at. Half way home, ahead of me, I noticed a figure hobbling towards us.

‘It’s crow man!’ I said suddenly.

‘Who?’ William said, confused by the sudden outburst.

‘I’ll explain later…’ I said as the man from the bus got closer to us. ‘Hello again!’

‘Oh hello, I said I’d see you again didn’t I?’

‘You did indeed’ I laughed. ‘This is my husband by the way’

He reached out his hand and I saw William notice his flashy watch, ‘good to meet you’

‘I hope you’ve still got those notes’ I said kindly.

‘Of course ma’am, and see here I picked this up from the thrift store, this’ll be worth something’ he pulled out a sparkling brooch from his pocket.

I didn’t know whether he realised it was cheap tat but I didn’t want to break it to him.

A thought suddenly occurred to me, this was a man who seemed to hoard anything.

‘Sir, I don’t suppose you have a phone we could borrow? It’s an international call but we have more notes if you’d like them’ I gave him my sweetest smile.

He dug around in his pocket, ‘mine’s pretty high tech, it should do international’ he said, and produced a small mobile phone that looked about ten years old. He pressed the on button, clearly he hadn’t switched it on for a while.

William sniggered.

He handed it to me and William dug into his pocket to pay him immediately.

‘Ahh…’ the crow man said, looking at the dollars.

‘Not those notes’ I said to William as I punched in the number. ‘We’ve got the others at the farm, but you can have these too’

The crow man looked relieved as I put the phone to my ear. My heart was pounding as we stood there in the middle of the street.

‘Hello?’ came a distant voice amid the crackle of the phone.

‘Mum? It’s me’ I said, hardly able to speak.

‘Catherine?!’

‘Yes, are you ok?’

‘Oh my goodness, where are you, are you ok, are you safe?!’ she said. I could barely hear her and the line was quickly failing.

‘Mum listen we’re all fine, I can’t say where we are but just know we’re ok’. William and I had agreed that we wouldn’t tell my family where we were in case their line was bugged, which we were certain it would be. ‘Is everything ok there, any news from Wi-, I mean the other family?’

My mother sensed the urgency in my voice, ‘I’ve only spoken to Harry and he says everyone is safe as far a he knows, he so worried about you all’

The phone crackled harshly in my ear, ‘please tell him we’re ok’ I shouted.

‘I will, I’m losing you …’

‘We’ll call when we can ok? I love you!’

The line cut off suddenly and I let out a long relieved breath. William rubbed my back in understanding. I handed the phone back to the crow man and he rubbed his chin.

‘Not much battery left now’ he said. ‘Better keep it off from now on’

‘I’m sorry’ I said, still distracted from speaking to my mother.

He shrugged, ‘I’ll find a charger for it one day, it wasn’t in the dumpster when I found the phone’

William and I smiled, regretting finding out where he’d acquired that phone, but a wash of gratitude was given to him nonetheless.

*

The rest of our day was spent quietly, and by the evening when George was tucked up in his cot, I was still deep in thought.

‘Thinking about the family?’ Will said, as we were clearing up the plates in the kitchen.

‘No actually, I was thinking about the day George was born’

William grinned, ‘it was a pretty amazing day, wasn’t it?’

‘The best’, tears pushed up into my eyes, threatening to overflow.  

‘Hey, don’t cry’ he said, putting down the tea towel and resting his hands over my shoulders. ‘I promise it’ll all work out’

‘I know’ I said, clearing my throat. ‘It’s just a lot to take in; I would never have imagined us to be here a year ago’

‘I don’t think anyone could’ve predicted this’ he said, furrowing his brow.

I moved away from him, suddenly aware of how comforting his arms were. He grabbed my hand as I turned and gazed silently at me.

‘I should go to bed’ I said quietly.

He lifted his other hand and ran it through my hair, ‘stay with me’

I didn’t know what to say or to do. My heart was thumping and I was sure he must be able to hear it. His eyes were locked into mine and he wasn’t letting go. He’d had enough of me pushing him away, I knew that days ago.

Part of me didn’t want to let him close to me, I wanted him to suffer the way I had when he disappeared. But another part, the part that was now surging inside me like a wave, wanted him to take control and show me how much he’d missed me.

The hand in my hair moved down to my cheek and my stomach flipped. I took a step back and he took one forward with me. I threw my arm back to steady myself, looking for something solid to hold onto before he absorbed me completely.

My hand found the worktop and William’s other hand found my waist. He leant down and brushed his lips over my cheek, his hand still clasped over the other side of my face. The bristles on his face sent sharp ripples through me.

‘Come back to me’ he muttered into my ear.

My breathing became shallow and I tried to focus on a chip in the worktop that was under my finger. But it was too late; it was too late as soon as he grabbed my hand.

I leant my body back against the worktop and he kissed me hard on the mouth and I opened it to him so he could push his tongue inside.

He tugged at my lips with his and released my waist so he could take my head in his hands. His body pushed against mine and I felt the familiar hardness against my stomach. 

His face moved across my face and down to my neck and I placed my hand on the back of his head. I was dizzy with need, and it only heightened as he began to groan into my neck. 

We stumbled into the living room, pasting kisses all over each other and William tripped over the coffee table leg, causing a loud bang.

‘Shhh’ I said.

My insistence that he be quiet only made him more fervent and he undid my jeans as I did the same to his. The rest of our clothes followed until I was left with just my underwear.

Suddenly he slowed, sat me down on the couch and knelt in front of me, kissing me from my neck down to my chest. His hand moved around to my back and unclasped my bra and he pulled it off. The hair on his face rubbed over my breasts as he took them into his mouth and I bit down on my lip as his hand moved up my thigh and under my pants. 

Before I could take another breath, they were off and he was on top of me. He entered me slowly but surely, making sure I felt every stroke of him inside me. When the time came, I dug my fingers into his back and bit down onto his shoulder, inhaling his deep earthy scent as our bodies shuddered together, slick with sweat and relief. 

Sunrise came with William’s arm over me and me body curled into his. 

‘What are you thinking?’ he said.

My eyes popped open, ‘how did you know I was awake?’

‘Because your breathing changes when you’ve woken up’ he nuzzled his face into my neck.

‘Just about how nice it is to have you in bed with me’ I turned over and buried my head into his chest. 

‘I better get up and get started baby’

‘Don’t go’ I mumbled.

‘I have to’, he pulled himself away from me and started to get dressed. 

I noticed the faint red mark on his shoulder and smiled. 

‘I’ll be as quick as I can, we can relax later’ he came over to me and kissed me on the top of my head, and then George’s before leaving the room.

I stretched out my limbs in bed and looked over to George who was sound asleep. Being a married couple wasn’t going to be as easy now we shared a bedroom with our son. I slipped on William’s shirt and trot outside, deciding to take the opportunity. 

I could hear William opening the gates outside, ‘Will, George is still asleep, maybe we could…oh’

Standing with William outside our house was a short round woman with blonde and grey wispy hair.

‘Ah, here she is’ William said. I pulled down his shirt which was barely covering me. ‘This is Libby, Libby this is Bette’

‘Oh, of course, lovely to finally meet you’ I walked up to her, red faced and shook her hand.

‘I was just sayin to Bill what a surprise this is’ she said, her accent full and thick.

‘I am sorry, if it’s a problem, I understand, we can go somewhere else’ I grabbed at the shirt again as the light morning wind attempted to blow it up.

‘You and your bub are welcome here, though I’ll warn you now, people round here will expect a few more clothes’ she laughed

I blushed, ‘I’m so sorry of course…’

William gave me an apologetic smile and I scuttled back inside before I made more of a fool out of myself. It certainly wasn’t the impression I hoped to make.

*

Bette was a typical mother hen, she clucked around me and George, making sure we were fed and watered at all times. When we told her I’d been helping out at the farm, she seemed horrified and insisted I didn’t. This wasn’t to say she was completely old fashioned, she ran that farm single-handedly and William was just the brawn.   

Instead of working on the land, Bette taught me how to cook the most comforting food I’d ever eaten. From pecan pies to massive steaks, we gorged on home grown meals. My initial nervousness around her quickly dissolved as I began to see her as a mother figure, which still at thirty two years old, I was missing with my mother so far away.

Time went on before we had a chance to notice. Our days were filled with work, food and teaching George new things. We had managed to call home twice more when passing the crow man on the street. He had become bored of the pound notes we were giving him and on our last phone call, William had handed over his Omega watch. 

I had asked Bette if she had a phone and she’d dismissed the idea, ‘why would I need a cell phone?’ she said. She didn’t have a landline either and William and I worried about what she’d do if she ever needed help.

The one thing she did have was a radio in the kitchen where we listened to country music as we cooked and Bette hummed along merrily. 

The news from home was sparse, the republic were still going strong and the queen and William’s father and step-mother were still in hiding. Harry, we heard from Mum, had left for Africa.

As for William and I; we had repaired our marriage as best we could. It wasn’t the same as back home, and part of me was still angry with him and always would be, but we were stronger than ever. If we were honest, our freedom made us happier too. We were loving life with our little family and the small pleasures we had. Watching the sun go down every night across the land, laughing as William tried to teach George to play football, and talking about all the things we might one day get the chance to do. It was beginning to feel like home. 

I wish our story could’ve stopped there, happy and content with each other and living the simple life we always craved. But things were never that easy and one day, six months on from when we arrived, our past came back.

It was a chilly day in December and I warmed my hands against the oven in Bette’s kitchen to warm them. William and George were at the table cutting out gingerbread shapes while I was supervising the baking. 

‘Look at this one’ William said cheekily and showed me an oblong shaped biscuit he’d made.

‘William!’ I tutted, before turning and smiling.

‘Dada, ooo’ George said, showing him a lump of dough. He was able to speak much more now, and we’d been promoted to ‘mumma’ and ‘dada’.

The radio played in the background, a mix of country and christmas tunes. 

‘Lovely Georgie, Kate can you turn that off or put it on something else? It’s driving me mad!’ William said.

‘I don’t really want to mess with Bette’s radio’ I said reluctantly.

‘You can always turn the dial back goodie two shoes!’ William teased me relentlessly about my desire to please Bette. 

I turned the dial and was surprised to find, that unlike William’s truck, it found another station. 

‘The British Government…’ it said as I continued to turn the dial.

William’s head snapped up, ‘turn it back’

I did so and we listened in silence to the first real news we’d got from back home. 

‘…after the UK suffered one of its worst economic slumps of modern times. The Green Party has not kept its promises of a prosperous new Britain and the people are demanding a reelection before the end of the year. The are calls from opposition groups to reinstate the monarchy and the government is under increasing pressure to make a statement after sources claim that the queen is to return to the country’

I looked at William who placed one hand protectively over George’s back. His face was deep in concentration. He looked up at me and I knew what he was thinking.

In that one moment, we had lost control of our life once more. The blissfully protected cocoon we’d created over the last few months was about to be cracked wide open and shattered. 

#katefiction #royal fanfiction #cambridge fanfiction #kate middleton

[raywritesthings]

Bird in a Storm 16/17

My Writing Fandom: Arrow Characters: Laurel Lance, Oliver Queen, Moira Queen, Thea Queen, Roy Harper, Quentin Lance, Jean Loring, Lucas Hilton, Frank Pike, Athena, Tommy Merlyn, John Diggle Pairing: Laurel Lance/Oliver Queen Summary: The confrontation between the Hood and SWAT on the roof of the Winick Building goes differently, altering the course of Laurel’s career, relationships and efforts to save her city forever, the shockwaves of such an altered path making themselves felt throughout her family and friends. *Can be read on my AO3, link is in bio*

Oliver couldn’t find it in him to try and intimidate his sister’s boyfriend as they drove the twenty miles out of the city to his family’s manor. For one thing, Laurel was keeping up a steady chatter with Roy since the two were friends of a kind, and for another, his mind was too preoccupied with the talk he planned to have with his mother once the visit with Roy had concluded. It was long past time to get to the bottom of his mother’s involvement with Tempest, especially now that he knew for himself how entrenched the company was in the city’s institutions. The campaign contributions to Councilman Kullens and Councilwoman Pollard alone were damning.

He had not turned over to Lance what he knew about his mother’s involvement or the Gambit because he wanted to give her the chance to come clean first. He had to hope that she would. As much as it would hurt him, Thea would be even worse off if he was forced to turn his mother in just two weeks after the news about Walter.

“Mrs. Queen really isn’t as scary as she might seem,” Laurel was coaching Roy. She had put on a white sundress for the occasion with a jean jacket. Her favorite leather jacket that had been torn in the fight with Stein’s people was in her friend Anita’s trusted care, as the woman said she knew how to repair tears in leather. 

“Her main thing is that her children are safe and happy, and since Thea seems pretty happy with you, you have nothing to worry about.”

Roy, for his part, wore his black work pants and a red button-up shirt, probably the nicest clothes he owned. A vase of what Oliver was pretty sure were tulips sat on his lap, courtesy of Green Glades, as Laurel and Pam had helped the young man pick out a hostess gift.

Oliver couldn’t help a soft smile as he watched Laurel continue to talk out of the corner of his eye and thought about the circle of friends and neighbors she had built for herself since moving to the Glades. The cautious, embittered woman wary of letting anyone in that he had found when he returned from the island was gone, and Laurel’s giving heart was once more on full display. She had, to pardon the pun, flourished in the face of adversity.

“Now what are you smiling about?” She asked slyly, whether sensing his gaze or just noticing him, he wasn’t sure.

“Just had a funny thought, that’s all. You’d hate it, it was a dumb joke.”

“Yeah?”

He was about to reply, but Oliver frowned as a cop car raced past them going in the opposite direction. Roy tensed up in the backseat as they passed.

“No sirens,” Laurel murmured. “Maybe a dispute they settled at one of the manors out here?”

“Maybe.” An uneasy feeling settled in his gut, solidifying as they pulled into the drive and he spotted Thea’s hunched form on the steps, the front door wide open. A second cop car was still pulled off to the side, though the officers were nowhere in sight.

Oliver threw the car into park and was out the door, Roy right on his heels. Laurel met them around the other side. “Thea?”

His sister looked up and flung herself into his arms as soon as he reached her, sobbing into his shoulder. Oliver looked around, trying to spot some sort of source for whatever had caused this kind of distress. He noticed Raisa enter the doorway, drying her hands on a towel.

Laurel saw her, too, and walked up to his family’s maid. “Raisa, did you see what happened?”

The older woman shook her head. “No, I was finishing icing the coffee cake, but I heard raised voices. There are officers upstairs, but I did not find Mrs. Queen.”

“They took her,” Thea said in a shattered voice. 

Oliver looked down, trying to get her to meet his eyes. “The police?”

“The police. Detective Lance,” she added, spitting the name out. Laurel winced. “He’s accusing her of murder just like he did to you, Ollie. Why can’t he leave our family alone?”

Oliver swallowed. It was obvious Thea was angry and didn’t believe Lance’s accusation in the least, yet he couldn’t share her certainty given the little that he knew. His mother, after all, had covered up the Gambit wreckage. But that hadn’t been because she was involved. It wouldn’t make sense.

“Look we’ll- we’ll head down to the station, okay? Get this sorted out.”

“I’ll talk to my father,” Laurel promised, coming back down the steps and laying a hand on Thea’s back. “See what has him acting like this this time.” She met Oliver’s eyes, and they shared a significant look. Whatever Lance’s intel was, Laurel was their best way of getting a hold of it short of using another worm on the SCPD’s systems.

“He said s-something about Unidac,” Thea told them, wiping at her eyes and clearly trying to calm herself down. “The company Walter bought last fall.”

“Excuse us, ma’am.” Two officers carrying what looked like his mother’s computer monitor and hard drive stepped past Raisa through the front door.

“Why do you need her stuff?” Roy asked, scowling at the officers.

“This is an ongoing investigation, young man. These have to go downtown, and that’s all we’re allowed to say about it.”

“We’re coming downtown with you,” Oliver told them firmly, and the officers seemed to know better than to argue. “Speedy, I have to drive, so…” He slowly extricated himself from his sister’s hold and gestured Roy forward. Roy seemed to not know what to do with the vase in his hands now that he was also being given charge of his girlfriend.

Thea’s hand went up to her mouth and a half-laugh, half-sob left her. “You brought flowers.” She hugged her boyfriend and Oliver heard her murmur a muffled “Thank you.”

Raisa came and took possession of the vase, and Oliver led the four of them back to the car, Roy helping Thea into the back while Laurel sat up front with him again. He quickly caught up to and surpassed the officers in their squad car, his first priority reaching his mother. “Could you call Jean for me? I don’t know if mom will have yet or not.”

Laurel nodded, taking out her phone. “And John?”

“Not yet. He was taking A.J. to the park.” He had thought, aside from confronting his mother, that today would be a relatively normal one. How had things changed so abruptly? If nothing else, the confrontation was being forced. He needed to know what his mother knew if he was going to help her.

Once Laurel had finished arranging for Jean to meet them at the station, it was an otherwise silent drive. Thea rested her head on Roy’s shoulder the whole way, while Oliver took the hand that Laurel offered palm-up. What were the charges his mother was facing? Was she guilty, or was this truly all a misunderstanding? Something told him it wouldn’t be so simple, no matter how much he wanted it to be.

---

Moira sat in an interrogation room, the same one which her son had sat in several months prior when Detective Lance had attempted to blame him for the Hood’s crimes. Moira didn’t have the same hope of having the charges dismissed as her son’s had been, however. What little she knew of them meant that they might not be so inaccurate.

She had requested her lawyer and stated her intent not to speak until Jean had arrived, so the officers had left her alone in here with her hands chained to the table. The phone with which to make her call seemed to be taking its time to arrive, and she didn’t doubt it was meant to be an intimidation tactic. That was fine; Queens were not so easily intimidated, not with tricks like this. No matter where her speculations took her, outwardly she maintained an aura of calm.

Detective Lance had mentioned what Unidac was building. That could only mean the earthquake device. For the police to know about it, this meant she had been betrayed, but by whom? Had one of the others decided to make their own move to get out from under Malcolm’s plans? Had it been Frank? He’d been suspicious of her at the memorial, but she had counted on his cowardly nature keeping him from doing anything rash. Unless perhaps the police had caught on to him, and he was throwing her over to save his own hide.

The door opened at last, admitting Jean herself to Moira’s surprise, though it faded somewhat as Oliver and Thea followed her into the room. One of her children must have placed the call for her.

Jean took the chair across the table while her children pulled chairs around either side of her, Thea reaching for her hands. Her daughter’s eyes teared up as she looked at the handcuffs. Oliver’s expression, by contrast, was unreadable.

Jean set a folder down on the table and sighed. “I’ll come right out and say it, Moira. The charges you’re facing are incredibly severe. We need to do what we can to disprove them immediately.”

“They read me some of the charges, but not the specifics,” Moira said, side-stepping around the question of if they could disprove them for now. “Who is it that I’ve kidnapped and murdered?”

“I don’t like this one bit, but the kidnapping charge is for your second husband, and the murder charge is for you first along with the crew of the Queen’s Gambit, Miss Sara Lance… and there’s an additional charge for Malcolm Merlyn.”

Moira couldn’t quite stop herself from sucking in a breath at the last name. The others, she was not guilty of anything other than knowing about them, but Malcolm… what was to be done about Malcolm?

“That’s crazy,” Thea exploded beside her. On Moira’s other side, her son only bowed his head.

“Oliver?”

He looked up, pain in his eyes. “Dad… he thought that something wasn’t right about the Gambit’s destruction. That it could have been sabotaged.”

“Okay, but mom didn’t do it, Ollie,” Thea said pointedly.

“Of course not, but — is there something you know about it, mom? Something the investigators could have found out?”

“The more we can cooperate with them, the greater our chances are of seeing a better outcome,” Jean advised.

Moira’s hands shook. What could she say? Someone was blaming her for Malcolm’s crimes, but without Malcolm present who could she point to as the true guilty party?

“Mom.” There was something far more serious in Oliver’s voice, the way he had sometimes gotten this year. She found it hard to look away from him. “What is it you know?”

“I think,” she began, “I think I’m being framed.”

“Wait, so the Gambit was actually sabotaged?” Thea asked. “Why?”

Her world was coming down around her, and Moira didn’t see a way out of this. Not fully, at least. The lies she had told and the pretenses that she had put up could not withstand this, not when the police had in their possession a device designed to create an earthquake built by a company under her purview. She had always suspected Malcolm had not wished to bid on Unidac personally in order to separate himself to some degree should the worst happen, and Moira fervently wished someone else at Tempest had been given the instruction to purchase it instead.

If the police had taken her things, they would be able to see for themselves that she was not the mastermind behind this. It would be better for Moira to come clean about Malcolm’s role at the head of Tempest and what he had done to ensure her cooperation before they read about it. But first, she needed to come clean to her children, before they assumed the worst.

“What you both need to understand is that this family has been under threat for a long time,” she finally revealed. “And everything I have done is to protect you both.”

Oliver and Thea exchanged a nervous glance, and Jean’s lips pulled into a thin line.

“Your father was going on that trip all those years ago because he had learned about a terrible plot. A plot I asked him to put a stop to. If I hadn’t, he might still be alive.”

Thea gasped, but Oliver remained almost totally still as he asked, “Who was behind it?”

“Malcolm,” she answered, watching all three of their eyes widen. “And when he had the Gambit destroyed, I had no choice but to become his accomplice in order to protect Thea.”

“His accomplice in what, mom? What was his plan?” Her son could have passed for one of the officers wanting her confession if he put on a uniform, and the hairs on the backs of her arms seemed to stand up as Moira couldn’t help but be reminded of a different man’s pointed questions to her months ago. But it couldn’t be. She didn’t want to think what that would mean if it was true.

“He… he commissioned a device.” Moira’s mouth had run dry, and she swallowed once. “To level the Glades and everyone in it.”

Her eyes squeezed shut, unable to stand watching the shock and revulsion she knew had to be there in their eyes.

“Oh God,” Jean murmured under her breath.

“Mom, no,” Thea begged, her hands drawing back. “Please.”

A chair scraped back, and Moira could not stop herself from looking. Oliver had stood up, a hand passing over his face and eyes betraying far more emotion than she was used to seeing in him ever since he had come home. “Oliver…”

He shook his head, turning away as both hands braced the back of his neck. Her own son couldn’t even look at her.

“Did Malcolm Merlyn have Walter abducted?” Jean asked, seeming to have gathered herself enough to get down to work.

“Yes. And killed,” Moira added.

“The police don’t have Walter’s death listed as one of the charges. There’s no record of his death here,” her old friend said, sorting through the papers.

“It was a federal agency that found the proof, wasn’t it? Oliver?” She looked back to him in time to see him freeze for a moment.

He turned around slowly. “Yeah. Yeah, I’ll have to see if Mr. Diggle’s friend can send us the proof. But mom… why?”

“I told you, I had to protect—”

He raised a hand. “Not why did you do it. Why was Malcolm going to do it?”

The absolute disbelief in his eyes caused her trembling to finally stop, and as she looked around she realized he was not the only one struggling to process this. It was difficult remembering that to most people, Malcolm had been a well-liked and respected figure. That he had seemingly died a martyr. They would never have the opportunity to know him like she had.

“It was for Rebecca,” she finally managed to answer. “He never forgave the city for her death. The Glades in particular. He believed it needed a ‘fresh start’, and he was going to provide it.”

“But he — what about the people, mom? What about Roy? Laurel? Everybody going to Ollie’s club at night?” Thea seemed to be shocked beyond the point of tears, though her eyes looked glassy with water that had gathered in them and not fallen.

“I did what I did to keep you and your brother safe.”

“Then you’re going to need a better defense,” Oliver snapped, his voice harsh once more. “This isn’t — we’re talking hundreds or maybe thousands of lives. We weren’t worth that.”

“You are to me,” she argued back. “I don’t expect you to understand that. You’re not a parent. There is nothing you aren’t willing to do for your children. It’s why I- I tried to put a stop to Malcolm’s plans after the Hood attacked me.”

She watched as Oliver seemed to lose all color. He drew back from the table again, totally silent.

“So the hiring an assassin charge…” Jean trailed off. Moira bowed her head.

“I can’t believe this,” Thea muttered, and she stood as well, opening and shutting the heavy metal door with a slam. After a moment’s hesitation, Oliver followed more quietly.

She had lost them. The one thing above all else she had wanted to avoid.

“Let’s just try to get our facts together, Moira, to present your case in the best light possible,” Jean advised. “I can’t make any promises as to how this will turn out, not without definitive proof that what you’re saying about Malcolm Merlyn is true.”

“My files should take care of that,” Moira replied. It wasn’t the smoking gun of the Gambit wreckage, but it was better than nothing. And if she could just determine who had placed her in this position, she would know who among Tempest might be her potential allies still. And who were her enemies.

---

Laurel’s heart seemed to plummet further and further with each line she read of the file. If all of this was true, if Mrs. Queen had really been planning to detonate a bomb underneath the Glades, how many people could have lost their lives? Anita, Jerome, Pam, Hank and his son, Mrs. Ross, Ted and his gym patrons, the members of her capoeira class, John and his sister-in-law and her son, Raisa and her family, Roy, her. Every person whose life she had protected the last couple months, all gone in a terrible catastrophe.

How would she have died? Falling into a newly-created ravine? Crushed by a falling building? Suffocated while trapped under a pile of rubble in a depleting pocket of air? It was horrific. How could a person even plan such a thing?

“You’re not supposed to be looking at that,” her father scolded in a low voice as he came back into the interview room with two coffees.

“I needed to know what’s happening so I can support Oliver and Thea through this,” she excused, accepting her own cup as she added, “And it’s not as if you haven’t snooped on me, you might recall.” That wound was still fresh thanks to her father’s recent use of the vigilante phone, not that she could ever tell him she knew about that.

Predictably, he grumbled something that was an attempted apology. Laurel let it go. What was done was done, after all.

“I just can’t believe she could have been planning this.” Both of her children worked regularly in the Glades, had friends or loved ones there. Did Mrs. Queen even realize she was dooming her own longtime cook and housekeeper with this kind of monstrous machine?

“Well, soon as she’s done speaking to her lawyer, we’ll find out why.”

“She couldn’t have been doing this all by herself,” Laurel mused. She knew for a fact that at least one other person had known about the Gambit since John had overheard the woman talking about it with an unknown man. “Who even is the source of this information?”

“Honey, you know I can’t tell you that. Even if you weren’t so close to the family.”

Laurel frowned. “She has a right to face her accuser.”

“Yeah, in a court of law,” her father said. “That’s not right now. Look, this source has reason to be worried for their life, alright? She‘s had more than one whistleblower dealt with.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean both her husbands, for one thing. According to our source, Robert Queen had just found out about this plan before she had his yacht sabotaged.”

“What, so she was stopping him from traveling?” That didn’t add up with what Oliver had said about his father. Mr. Queen hadn’t told Oliver to right his mother’s wrongs, but his. “Why would she have let Oliver go on the trip if she was planning to blow up the yacht?”

Hilton came back into the room. “Frank thinks we give them five more minutes.”

“Alright. Look, why don’t you go keep an eye on that Harper kid for me while you wait for Queen and his sister?” Her dad suggested.

Laurel knew she couldn’t expect to keep sitting in on this with her father’s coworkers and superior coming back soon, so she slipped back out the door. She felt a little silly passing by other cops and detectives in their practical gear while she was dressed for brunch, but she soon found Roy sitting in a chair out in the hall.

“How bad is it?”

“Pretty bad,” she told him bluntly. “But I think they’re missing something.”

“Like the evidence?”

Laurel raised an eyebrow.

“The cops with her home office stuff should’ve gotten here by now,” Roy pointed out. “They weren’t that far behind us.”

“They haven’t come through?”

The door to the interrogation room flew open, Thea storming out with teary eyes. Roy immediately stood up. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing. Just my mom’s a crazy murderer.”

Laurel shushed her younger friend, glancing back down the hall towards the bullpen. “Thea, whatever you’re feeling right now, you need to be careful. Anything you say has the potential to be used against your mother, too.”

Oliver had stepped out by this time as well, far more calm though that said little for what he might really be feeling. He was far better at hiding that than most people. Laurel walked up to him.

“Hey.”

“Hey, can we?” He jerked his head in the direction of the back alley. Laurel nodded, leading him away from the younger couple. Thea had at least let Roy wrap her in another hug, so hopefully that would avoid any further outburst.

When they exited and headed down the short few steps, Laurel glanced around to make sure the alley was empty. “You mother confessed?”

“Not to everything. She- Tommy was right. Someone did hire a hit man to kill his father, and it was her.” Before she could react to that, he continued, “The thing is, she’s claiming he was the one who had the Gambit sabotaged and commissioned this device to- to—”

“The earthquake device, I read my father’s file,” she finished for him. “Oliver, if Mr. Merlyn was the one behind everything, then why would someone be framing your mother for it? Why not just expose him?”

He frowned in thought for a long moment. “Because exposing him isn’t their goal. I’m not even sure exposing this plot was the goal. It’s revenge.”

“Revenge for having Malcolm killed? But then…” She didn’t even want to voice it. The deep pain in Oliver’s eyes said it all.

“Tommy’s their source.”

Only weeks ago she would have denied it. Tommy would never do something so underhanded. But he had changed so much this year. They all had. But how could he have condoned what his father had been planning enough to want to avenge him while still knowing those plans would damn Moira Queen in the eyes of the law? How did he reconcile it?

The precinct’s back door burst open. “Ollie, the cops are really upset about something,” Thea said in a panic. “I think there’s more people dead!”

They exchanged a quick look before hurrying back indoors. A number of officers were arguing heatedly in the bullpen, one shaking an evidence bag containing two black-tipped arrows stained with blood. She felt Oliver tense behind her.

“By the time we made it to the car, Groves and Jones were dead. Shot straight through the heart,” the partner of the officer holding the bag of arrows said, a deep scowl on his face shared by many. “Evidence was gone.”

“What would the copycat archer want with it?”

“Could Queen have hired him?”

“She’s been in our custody the whole time,” Hilton pointed out steadily, but Laurel’s heart sank when he asked, “How do we link it back to her?”

“This isn’t good,” Laurel said, looking back at Oliver. “If your mother’s computer had communications between her and Merlyn on them—”

“Then the Dark Archer just took care of them,” Oliver said through gritted teeth. He glanced at Thea and Roy, who remained close by them watching the officers. Laurel knew he didn’t want to risk saying anything more.

It wouldn’t matter what he said, especially to her father and his precinct right now. This case had become about more than the Glades for them; they were going after a cop killer, and Laurel knew Mrs. Queen’s situation had just gotten a whole lot worse.

Officer Washington, who Laurel remembered had been put on desk duty while completing his full physical therapy regimen after the injury he sustained from the Royal Flush Gang last fall, came into the bullpen. “Detectives! We’ve got press in the lobby. Somehow they got a hold of the Queen case.”

“Damn,” Laurel muttered under her breath, and it was echoed around the room at varying volumes. If she’d had any doubt about this being a play for revenge rather than justice, that was out the window now.

“How did they find out?” Thea asked, though only their group of four seemed to notice. 

Lieutenant Pike was busy joining Washington, though he turned to point around the room. “Nobody talks to the press! This is an investigation, not a TMZ exclusive!”

“They’re really gonna want to talk to you and your brother,” Roy said to Thea. “We better get out of here.”

“That’s a good idea,” Oliver agreed. “We’ll head out the back for the car, hope to avoid them. Come on.”

Oliver had her take the lead while he brought up the rear, keeping Roy and especially Thea sandwiched between them.

They made it around the side of the building and halfway to the car before they were spotted. “Oliver! Thea!”

A woman from Channel 52 led the charge towards them, but Oliver quickly wrenched open the back door and lifted his sister bodily inside. Laurel jumped into the passenger seat before he felt the need to do the same to her, and so he and Roy ran around the other side of the car and got in, Oliver starting the engine and swerving straight out into traffic.

“What now?” Laurel prompted him. She could see his mind working hard to play catch-up to all these developments; his mother’s confession, the Dark Archer’s reappearance, the media picking up the story, Tommy’s very likely part in all this. They couldn’t afford to just keep reacting, though.

“Now, we need to figure out how far this goes. Thea, you’ll come with us to the club and stay there with Roy. I’m keeping it closed tonight, so it’ll be safest there.”

“Okay,” his sister agreed. “Where are you going?”

“I’ll just be in my office,” he replied. “Trying to do damage control.”

His phone started buzzing. Oliver took it out of his pocket and passed it to her without looking. Laurel glanced at the caller ID. “Looks like John isn’t waiting for one of us to call. Hello?”

“Laurel? Where’s Oliver?”

“Driving. He’s with me, and so is Thea and her boyfriend.”

She thought she heard John release a breath of relief. “I’m guessing he’s seen the news?”

“Not exactly, but he knows what’s going on. We’ll be at the club in ten.”

“Then I’ll be there.” He hung up, and Laurel set the phone down in the cup holder. At Oliver’s questioning look, she nodded.

“We’ll do what we can, Ollie.” She couldn’t promise it would be okay. As they passed by clumps of people watching screens both in windows or on their phones, Laurel truthfully didn’t know how it could be.

---

Athena returned to the top office of Merlyn Global, removing the head covering of her League uniform as she went. She carried the hard drive to Moira Queen’s personal computer under one arm; the rest was unnecessary and had been left behind.

“As you all just saw, the children of Moira Queen were indeed at the downtown precinct just now but left without answering any questions,” a female news anchor spoke on the screen at the desk. “This seems to indicate that they are not under arrest along with their mother, though it is unclear how much they know about what documents have identified as the Markov Device. We’ll keep those of you at the station and at home updated as events unfold. This is Susan Williams, Channel 52.”

Athena took the liberty of shutting off the video feed rather than listen to inane jingles and set the hard drive on the desk. “It is done.”

Thomas turned away from the windows overlooking his city, a city that was just about tipping over the edge into chaos. Athena had to admire it in a way; for all his aversion to killing, the man had a vindictive streak beyond anything she had seen since his father.

As if to reiterate that point, he asked, “Did you have to kill them?”

“No matter how similar my uniform is to your father's, the authorities would have realized their Dark Archer had suddenly shrunk a foot. It was better to remove the witnesses and leave the rest something to remember me by.”

Thomas sighed, but nodded with closed eyes. “Alright.”

“You will soon learn the art of killing or not killing yourself,” Athena reminded him. “You have made an enemy who deals in such extremes. It is time to train you to be ready for him. Have the preparations been made?”

“My father’s things are packed, and an acting CEO has been assigned,” the young man confirmed. “My private plane is ready to leave at my signal.”

“Very good.” She looked forward to leaving the trappings of modern life behind and to re-educating the son of Al Sah-Her in their ways. As much as she regretted the father’s death, Athena was beginning to realize that none of this would have been possible without it. Rather than switching her allegiance from one strongman to another, she would be creating her own in her image.

Thomas got out his mobile device, glancing at the screen. “Just like I thought. An advisory not to go to the Glades tonight. They’re already looting and rioting.” His face twisted with contempt. “These are the people Ollie and Laurel are so determined to save, people who can’t even keep from destroying their own property and livelihoods.”

“Sickness and evil, when faced with nothing else, will consume itself,” she agreed. “And we shall let it burn. There are greater things waiting for you, Thomas. Let us depart.”

He nodded and picked up the hard drive.

“Why did you wish to keep it?” Athena could not help asking. She would have burned it without hesitation if he had asked, to ensure the true nature of Tempest never was revealed.

“Call it insurance,” he said. Then he strode to the elevator.

Athena followed in his wake.

#lauriver #laurel x oliver #laurel lance #oliver queen #arrow #green arrow #black canary #my writing #bird in a storm