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donutloverxo · 3 years

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NO BUT LIKE CONCEPT: SMUT HC where mob!steve comes back from a rough night that leaves him very much outta it and ur the only one who can help him ... in more ways than one

Please note that my stories are not to be stolen or reposted on any other site. Reblogs are welcome. This blog and this story is 18+. Do not read, follow or interact if you are not 18+.

I'm making this a drabble cause I can't work with HCs. Thank you❤ Warmings -explicit sexual content, dom Steve, daddy kink, spanking, blood and wounds, bullets. Dividers by @whimsicalrogers

You put some distance between your poor ear and your phone upon hearing your friends loud screech, excited since she saw your Instagram post of your new engagement ring.

"It is so beautiful! And so unconventional and unique too!"

"Mm-hm," you hummed, applying a second coat of your fiery red nail paint, to make it more intense, you just knew it'd look amazing against Steve's pale skin, he absolutely loved it when you scratched him and were a bit rough with him.

You never gave him any pointers on what kind of engagement ring you'd like, only thing that was a bit too obvious - which you never actually needed to say - was that you loved shiny things. So he has gotten you a ring with a huge sapphire ruby and tiny sparkly diamonds adorning the band. It was everything you needed and more.

"Makes sense because our relationship is anything but conventional." Where he had never directly said that his job involved a few things that were kind of, sort of, illegal but you weren't an idiot, it didn't take you long to figure out.

You knew he was important and rich when he asked you out, not just because he wore fancy clothes, but the way he carried himself, tall and proud and an aura that dominated any room he was in, two bodyguards always around him, and when you both started getting serious he assigned Peter, who was sort of an intern or newbie from what you gathered, to always escort you places and take care of you.

Maybe it wasn't exactly the most rational thing to do - marrying someone who was as feared as he was respected - but all you knew was that he was a good man and you had faith in him, so you stayed away from that part of his life.

"You must be planning the wedding now," she beamed over the phone.

You scoffed, blowing on your fingers, "No, he's always at work these days. It's so annoying, if it doesn't change then I'm leaving and taking the ring with me."

You looked at it sparkling on your finger, it was too beautiful to part with. Besides it became yours as soon as he gave it to you.

"You're late, but there's nothing new about that," you puffed out your cheeks, hands crosses under your chest, as he loosened his tie and worked on taking off his shoes. He had been coming home past midnight for the last month, enough was enough!

"Doll," he groaned, looking at you and ready to tell you off and ask for some space, but then he saw you. In a satin babydoll that barely covered you, with lace trimmings that did nothing to hide your soft nipples, your toes and nails painted just the color he liked, and you were wearing those ridiculous fluffy slippers with bunny ears that he had grown to love.

His mouth opened and then shut like a damn goldfish, forgetting what he was about to tell you.

"Steven," you furrowed your brows.

He knew he was in trouble as soon as you called out his full name. "Yeah?"

"When are we going to discuss the wedding?"

"I'm sorry, doll, work has been hectic these days. But soon."

"Soon? Soon doesn't do it for me," jutting your hip and leaning against the door to your walk in closet, "I need an exact date."

"I can't give it to you right now, puppy," his jaw clenching as you rolled your eyes, "Watch yourself, sweetheart. I had a long day, you don't wanna get on my bad side today."

"You shouldn't have put a rock on it if you didn't intend on marrying me," rolling your eyes extra hard just to get on his nerves.

"I do want to marry you. But right now... you're sort of making me have second thoughts."

He regretted those words as soon as they left his mouth. Because you looked about ready to smack him.

"Fine then. I guess I'll leave and go live with my mother from now on. She would be happy for sure, she isn't too thrilled about our engage - " you stopped your rant as soon as you noticed crimson seeping through his crisp white undershirt as he took off his coat.

Your eyes as wide as saucers, your heart beating fast and hard in your chest and you could feel your eyes getting watery. You weren't handing out empty threats, you were definitely serious about leaving. Just to remind Steve of just how much he loves you.

It wouldn't be the first time. You had done it once before, when you went back to live at your apartment because he yelled at you for going out with your girlfriends without Peter. You didn't need a babysitter, especially not one who was several years younger than you. You had gathered up your things from Steve's penthouse and went home with a heavy heart. You loved him with all your heart, but there was no way you could make it work with someone who was that controlling and mean to you.

But he came to you, literally got on his knees to apologize and to beg for you to take him back. He even made you give up your apartment and got you a bigger house for you both to live in. Just so you couldn't take off ever again.

"Steve... your bleeding..." you said as you held back a sob. Any anger you had towards him was now gone.

"Oh, shit," he looked down to his side, "Must've ruptured the stitch or something..."

You walked over to him, holding onto his waist and looking up at him, trying not to look at his wound. You weren't that squimish around blood, it rarely ever bothered you, but this was your Stevie, and he was hurt. "What happened?"

"Its... It's nothing, doll. It was an accident."

"Yeah, I guess you slipped and fell on a bullet," you huffed.

"No, the bullet barely grazed me. And you know I don't like talking about those things with you."

"Why? I'm not stupid or weak, I have a right to know."

"Of course, not, puppy. You're my sweet, strong, smart girl," he cooed, bending a bit to peck your lips and then groaning. "Gotta, be careful with this," he said as your fingers worked on unbuttoning his shirt.

"If I'm so strong and smart then tell me what happened," you asked as you pushed his shirt off his shoulders. You didn't stop to marvel at his huge and perfect body like you always do, you looked at the fresh batch on stitches right over his hips.

"No, puppy. You're too good for that world, too good for me," he groaned as he sat down on the little pink couch he had put in the closet for you. Since you spent hours trying to pick outfits, he didn't want you standing too long and hurting your feet.

"Fine then don't tell me," you whimpered, rubbing your tears off with the back of your hand.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm okay. I'm right here, not going anywhere," he tried to pull you into his lap, usually he wouldn't even have to ask for you sit on it, but right now you were pulling away and refusing for some reason, "C'mere, doll," he almost whined. Not used to being told no by you anymore than you were by him.

"No, I don't wanna hurt you," you hiccuped, as your sobs started to calm down.

"You wouldn't. You could never hurt me. C'mere I wanna cuddle you and make you feel better," he tried to pull you into him again but you just shook your head.

"I should be the one making you better. Not the other way around. But I don't know how to..." you swayed from side to side, suddenly ashamed of your brash behavior from earlier. "I'm sorry, I was being such a brat earlier."

"It's okay, puppy. I forgive you. You were right, we need to fix a date and find a venue and get you a pretty dress. I wanna see you in one of those poffy gowns, like a princess."

"That's called a ballgown," you said proudly, having done your research now. You knew all about the styles of the gowns, sleeves, necklines, colors and everything. "And you're not going to be involved in dress shopping process. Grooms aren't supposed to see the dress before the wedding it's bad luck."

He hummed at that, a bit disappointed but he would eventually see it, and then take it off, so it wasn't a huge loss. "Yes, you're right. But, let's not forget, you were a bad girl."

You gasped incredulously, "Well, you were being a bad fiance!" Which earned you a swift smack to your backside, making you yelp and fall forward, holding onto his shoulders for support.

"I didn't mind you calling me out for that. I want you to be honest with me and tell me everything. But you threatened to leave me, again."

You pouted. Offended for being called out so blatantly. Yeah you always made empty threats, packed up your bags just for show, whenever you didn't get your way. Never considering his feelings when yours were hurt.

"Sorry," you mumbled.

"I forgive you. I know you didn't mean it. But I'll have to teach you your lesson. Just so you know better next time."

You nodded your head, which made him spank you once more, "Yes, daddy!"

"Good. How many do you think you deserve?"

"Um... Fifteen. Ten for threatening to leave, and five for giving you attitude."

"See, you're so smart. I'll punish you tomorrow though. I'm tired right now," he groaned as he sat back against the couch, squeezing your hips and admiring your figure, showing through the thin material of your nightie.

"Um, daddy?"

"Yes, angel?"

"Is there anyway I can make you feel better right now?"

"Yeah, you can give me a kiss. You didn't give me one this morning when I left, or when I came back."

"Okay, I'll kiss you. But I also wanted to do more..." you murmured, your face burned hot as you realised that Steve was going to make you say what you wanted to do.

"Like what?"

"Like, take your cock down my throat. Would that make you feel better? I'll try and be careful about your stitches." Truth be told you missed being intimate with him, you needed it as much as he did.

"It definitely would make me feel better. But I want to have you close to me," he stroked the inside of your thighs, hands dangerously close to your cunt, "Why don't you, come ride my cock. Just like I taught you, hm?"

"But - what if I hurt you..." you whined. But he wasn't having any of it, rolling your panties down your legs.

"You wouldn't, puppy, come on we'll be careful. Be quick."

You gave him a meek nod, unzipping him with shaky fingers, giving his glorious cock a couple of pumps before straddling his lap. You made sure to not put any pressure on his lap. Lining his cock up to your pussy with your hands wrapped around his neck, you slowly sanked down on him.

First giving him a nice and thorough kiss to make him for not kissing him goodbye or welcome home like you always do. "I feel so full," you say against his lips.

He hummed, squeezing your ass, "I was made for you, angel. As you were for me." He slid the straps of your nightie down your arms, exposing your breasts to him. He made sure to shower them with all his lips, sucking, kissing and biting and pulling with his mouth. You were making the sweetest of noises, trying to keep your moans in as he helped you bounce on his cock by holding onto your hips.

"You're doing so good. Being such a good girl for me. My sweet, best girl," he cooed, kissing your forehead, he knew how you were still vulnerable to be on top.

"Am I making you feel better, daddy?" you sniffled, his cock hiting you in all the right places, making it impossible for you to keep going and hold off your climax.

"I'm all better already, thanks to you, puppy."

#berry answers #steve rogers x reader #mob!steve rogers #steve x reader

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quirk-incarnate · 3 years

Text

Fall from Grace

Deku has taken time off being a hero. He couldn’t save you, why should others trust him? Being the number 1 was always his goal, but how could he be number 1 if he failed to protect his dearest love?

2k words. No beta

Warnings: Includes smut, character death, F!reader, non canon compliant, angst? Somnophilia, oral m!receiving mentions of squirting

Thank you so much to @rat-zuki for letting me be a part of this collab! I'm new to posting stuff online so if you need me to tag the content with something please let me know!

Another year of the Hero Ratings was approaching, and still no one had heard from Deku in almost 10 months. The Hero Public Safety Commision also hadn’t released an update on Deku since it was announced he would temporarily be stepping away from the public eye. As they put it, he would still be employed as the number 1 hero in his leave, until the next year’s rankings were announced. With the new rankings to be announced within the next two months, the news was speculating where he would place. Forums were abuzz, questioning topics such as paid vacation for heroes and transparency on behalf of the hero commission about how a hero could be considered number 1 to the public if they mainly did classified jobs kept under wraps... It wasn’t possible to talk about the upcoming hero rankings without hearing Deku’s name.

The chatter extended to the hero’s own office where after 10 months of furloughs and layoffs the remaining staff were getting antsy. To keep them busy (and employed) the Deku agency had been helping with other agencies' overtime paperwork, to nobody’s pleasure.

“Izuku, please. Just a small outing in public, please.” Ochaco begged.

“I wouldn’t have gathered everyone with you unless it was an absolute emergency,” Tenya sighed. “You need to think about your future Midoriya. We’re all worried for you.” His old classmates from Class 1-A nodded in agreement. Iida had gathered a few of their old classmates and reached out to other high ranking heroes to help with this intervention.

“This is reasonable. With the new rankings coming out soon, you need to appear to the public so that the Hero Commission can safely and conceivably name you number 1 again. There’s already so much talk, the popularity polls won’t hold out forever.” Shoto pressed. Midoriya hunched over, hanging his head.

“I hear you guys. I do. I promise.” He clenched his fist, eyeing the scarred knuckles. “I’m not ready. I-I can’t protect people like I need to. So I can’t go out there. People will get hurt.”

“Izuku, your rating-” Ochaco started.

“My rating? What does that matter? Even as the number 1, I couldn’t protect- Being number 1 means nothing, changes nothing.” Bakugou slammed his teacup down on the table.

“Oi, get your head out of your ass.” He pointed an accusatory finger at Izuku. “You fought so hard to be number 1, even as a quirkless nobody you were determined to be a hero. You swore you would be number 1 because you were the best and now you’re going to forfeit? I don’t think so.” his glare around the table, meeting everyone’s eyes before holding Deku’s gaze. “We all remember when All Might retired, and Endeavor became number 1, not because he beat All Might but because there was no one else? That’s not gonna be me. I refuse. Not after the dumb sports festival first year. You-” he glared at Izuku. “You can’t just cede the number 1 spot. I don’t want it unless I get it for beating you or Icy Hot.” Izuku couldn’t even bring himself to cry. Ochaco and Tenya tried to lighten the mood, before Shoto and Tenya took everyone’s dishes to the kitchen.

“This was a good idea,” Shoto reassured Iida.

“I’m glad you think so, but I still have my doubts.” Tenya dried the same cup listlessly.” Midoriya didn’t seem to change his stance at all, he still seems miserable.”

“Grief takes time to get over,” Shoto reasoned.

“That wasn’t just grief. After that display, do you really think he’ll do anything to even try and get used to his new normal? The Commission gave him until the next year’s ratings, he’s running out of time.” Iida set down the cup and stared out Midoriya’s back window. "We all miss her terribly, but if he doesn’t try and get back on his feet he’ll lose his house, his legacy, everything. If she could see him now…” Shoto dried his hands before putting a reassuring hand on Iida’s shoulder.

“Like I said, you did a good thing getting us all together. Midoriya needs to know we have his back when he decides to go back to the field. This was a good step forward.” After the two finished the dishes they walked out to see Ochaco comforting a sad Izuku while Bakugou looked… somewhat less harsh.

“You have food for the week, right Izuku? And you’ll call if you need anything.” Ochaco made him promise while bidding his friends goodbye. Once his friends had left, the house was silent. Not even the floorboards creaked or settled. Izuku busied himself with tidying up and then preparing for bed, but once he lay down that wave of sadness returned. Tossing and turning, the bed seemed so much bigger alone. After a few useless hours of that he fell into a restless doze, drifting between consciousness and un. He pulled the pillow closer to his chest, wrapping his arms around it like he used to with his beloved. If he closed his eyes he could imagine the pillow was Y/N, that he could still hold them even now. As he drifted off to sleep his mind wandered.

He opened his eyes to a tent in his pants, Y/N softly rubbing her palm against it and humming. “Baby?” Izuku’s voice was husky with sleep. Paying him no mind, Y/N gently pulled back the waistband of his boxers til his morning wood smacked against his stomach. The little grin she wore on her face while her eyes followed every twitch of his cock only made Izuku squirm more under their gaze. "Morning 'Zuku. Just thought my number 1 hero deserved to wake up to something special.” She sang before licking her lips and enveloping the head of his cock. Izuku groaned and leaned back against the pillows. Y/N bobbed her head up and down, swallowing another inch each time until she was nuzzling the trimmed green pubes at the base of his cock. She looked up at him through her wet lashes as tears threatened to fall just from the sheer size of him, and Izuku whimpered and tried to pull her off his cock so she could breathe. All that did was motivate her to do wicked things with her tongue that had Izuku cursing and tried to keep his hips from snapping up.

“G-get off baby,” Izuku pulled her lips from his cock. ‘Sit on it.” He helped pull her clothes off and got her positioned to slowly sit inch by inch on his cock. He growled at the last inch, when she rocked her hips against his timidly at first then faster. Her head was thrown back as she moaned, Izuku brows were scrunched as he focused on driving his cock to keep that expression on her face. He felt her hips falter as she almost reached her peak but before that he twisted and flipped her on her back so he was above her. He drove himself in flicking that little bud above where they were connected as her nails dug into his wrist by her head. A few more crazed thrusts and Izuku was spilling himself inside her before he felt a new wetness looking down to see if she’d squirted. He jerked awake, realizing he had just came all over himself from humping the pillow under him, his breathing still labored. But instead of slowing, his breathing quickened and his thoughts raced as he caught up to why he’d been having that dream. A strange sort of whimper rose up from his chest and before he knew he’d lose feeling in his limbs he called up the only person he could anymore.

“All Might-” he gasped. “I need your help.”

All Might didn’t live far, but Izuku managed to clean himself up enough before his mentor arrived. All Might let himself in and found Izuku sitting on his patio in joggers and an oversized hoodie.

“Did you have another nightmare?” Izuku grunted, still staring out to the flickering lights of the city.

“More embarrassing, a wet dream.” All Might let out a single, hollow, laugh.

“I mean, was it good at least?” Izuku shrugged

“Til I woke up and reality set in.” All Might sat in the other deck chair for a moment, watching the city lights in the distance.

“I’m going to make some tea, you want some?” Izuku shook his head listlessly. All Might stepped in and helped himself to his student’s cupboards. After Izuku had lost Y/N All Might spent a lot of time over at Izuku's, often even spending the night in the guest room so his protegee wasn’t alone. It was All Might who re-configured the food in the cabinets afterwards, so Izuku wouldn't have to look at some of the special food only Y/N ate. Once he had his tea, All Might went back to join Izuku on the patio. They sat in silence for a while while All Might sipped his tea.

“Some of my Class 1-A came by earlier.” Izuku still didn’t look at All Might. “Ochaco, Tenya, Shoto, and Ka-chan.” All Might smiled softly, still hearing Katsuki Bakugou’s childhood name spoken. “They wanted me to make an appearance. The hero ratings are coming up and if I don’t do anything there’s no way I can still be number 1.”

“You’ve always wanted to be number 1,” All Might murmured. “Not for the title but because that meant you’d helped as many people as you could. Even then you still pushed yourself to make sure that you didn’t miss anyone, just because you were the best because of a number, you wanted to make sure you lived like that in your heart, mind, and soul.”

“Maybe I don’t want to be number 1 any more. Maybe I don’t deserve it. Not after what happened.”

“Young Midoriya-”

“It’s like you said. I wanted to be number 1 to save everyone, to save as many people as I could. After losing her… Maybe I don’t deserve that title anymore. How could I even, how could I even be number 1 anymore? I LOST her. The love of my life, the most important person to Izuku Midoriya, not Deku.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” All Might sternly reminded him. “These things- these things happen, and sometimes no one person alone can stop them. Sometimes not even a whole team can.”

“The number 1 hero should’ve. the world was counting on Deku, but she was counting on Midoriya to save her.”

“It was an ambush, Young Midoriya. Even pros have a hard time escaping situations like that. much less civilians.”

“I should’ve known!” Izuku’s raw power blasted away the patio railing. For the first time that night he turned to look at All Might, and all Toshi saw was raw pain, even almost a year later. “All the signs were there. I’ve gone over that case file a million times, I’ve gone over similar case files relating to kidnapping, hostage situations, ransoms, ambushes. I’ve studied the psychology behind attachment and how heroes need to behave and how judgement is skewed when someone you love is the hostage. I know it all, and still.’ Midoriya shook. “She still didn’t make it.”

All Might set down his tea mug. “All right. You’re so convinced you could’ve done something different. Walk me through it.” Izuku turned to him, puzzled. “Come on. I know in your head you’ve been thinking that situation over and over and thinking you could’ve done something different to save her. Tell me. Like you used to when you were learning.”

Izuku sat down and stared at his hands. “I mean… I could’ve gotten there quicker-”

“When did you find out? It wasn’t until after the gala, correct? Once you heard you tore outta there, I remember that. And by then they’d already moved her.”

“I should’ve been more mindful in tracking her location after I knew she’d been taken.”

“One of their team members' quirks prevented that.”

“I could’ve stayed with her.” Izuku whispered. All Might sat back and stared into the darkness.

“It wasn’t your fault. You were needed at the gala. It comes with the territory of being number 1. She was feeling under the weather and decided to stay home. You equip both your home itself and property with high tech security and there’s a distress signal on her phone. She stepped outside for a moment to take the garbage out and was snatched. They tripped the alarm going in, and the police were on their way. The police met the intruders trying to get out and many were severely hurt trying to stop them. You left the gala the miute the alarm was tripped it's just… a distance. You’ve already surpassed my speed AND your best speed. There’s nothing else left. Even if you think there was, you should focus on getting stronger so that way something like that will never happen to anyone else. That’s why you wanted to be number 1 right?”

Izuku slumped down again. ‘Is it selfish? To not want to be number 1?

“Not necessarily. It’s a tough job, and a lot of pressure. Most can’t handle it all. But your reasoning? Yeah, that's selfish.” Izuku glared but All Might shrugged. “You asked. You just want to wallow in self pity.”

“I do not!”

“Convince me.”

“I can’t trust myself anymore. I couldn't save her. Why should anyone else trust me with their life?”

“Because you’ll prove to them that you’ll meet the odds head on, in favor or no. She knew that about you and loved you for it. Why can’t you carry on that party of her legacy?”

Izuku was frowning but All Might could see the gears in his head turning. “I don’t know if it’ll work,” he said hesitantly. “But I’m willing to try.” As Izuku met All Might’s eyes, All Might saw a small glimmer in his eyes, a small glimmer reminiscent of when they first met, and All Might knew he was taking a step forward.

#the deku agenda escapes no one collab #bnha smut #mha smut #bnha #mha #izuku midoria x reader #midoriya izuku x reader #midoriya izuku smut #izuku smut #midoriya izuku #izuku midoriya #my post

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onlysarah235678 · 3 years

Text

A Little Bit Part 8

Pairing: Billie Dean Howard x female reader

A/N: So here is a break from the death. Just a little dog fluff, annoying people, and flowers and lube as promised. Thanks for reading 😊. Also special thank you to illuminated-blue for helping me figure out what gifs I wanted and then making them for me again (and for listening to me rant today). You’re the best ❤

Warnings: annoying people, brief mention of blood/wound cleaning, and slight dog aggression/distress.

The next day at work you feel like you’re floating you’re so happy. Everything is going well so far with appointments, and you’ve seen at least three happy, healthy puppies today. Not even the reporter waiting for you outside your building this morning could bring your mood down. You and Milo had just waltzed right by them to your car because you were determined to make it through this day unscathed. At least up until you went to Billie’s house.

The two of you had decided that you should come over because then Billie wouldn’t have to worry about the cats being left with the sitter. You felt bad for Heather who always seemed to be watching them, and Billie most likely wouldn’t be able to see you until after dinner time. The teen probably had better things to do than watch kittens all night. Even though they were adorable.

Speaking of cats, you look to your schedule and see that it’s changed a little. You take a minute to review the new client’s information before running up to your desk to finish up some notes while you had the chance. They should be here soon if they were in fact on time.

Claire smiles as she arrives at the clinic with her cat. She shuts the door behind her after grabbing the meowing cat in the back seat. She had specifically taken the day off so she could get her cat’s vaccines updated. Fridays were ideal because they were usually the busiest at the pet store. That’s why she’d picked today. She didn’t want to work. She also had wanted to make sure you’d be here, and that she could schedule an appointment with you. That was the real reason why Claire had taken today off of work.

She hadn’t seen you since running into you and Milo at that bar and that was too long for her liking. That meeting hadn’t gone the way she’d wanted so she was going to try again. She also had never gotten the chance to see you in your element, and she was way too excited for this opportunity today.

As Claire walked in through the front door, she immediately looked around for you, but came up empty. She turned to the blonde at the front desk with a half-smile.

“Hi, I’m here with Jonesy. I have an appointment with Dr. Y/L/N.”

You had never bothered to learn Claire’s last name. However, after being harassed by the brunette numerous times, you’d think that you’d want to have that sort of information. Unfortunately, you realize your mistake too late, and you walk into the exam room with Claire and her cat only to be completely blindsided. Dammit.

You barely hold back the urge to groan as you allow your professional persona to take over. You stomp down your personal feelings toward the brunette for probably the umpteenth time since you’d met her.

“Hi, Claire. Good to see you.”

For fuck’s sake. You had to stop saying that to her.

The exam went pretty well. Claire’s cat was a little shit for some of it, but he wasn’t the worst you’ve had to deal with. You’re at the point where you just need to get samples on him, but you have a feeling that you’ll need a little help. At the end of the exam, Jonesy got a little feisty and not too keen with being poked. For this reason, you asked the assistant helping you, Maria to go get another person to lend a hand, but Claire spoke up before she could leave. They exchange an uncomfortable look before you manage to cut the tension by smiling and effectively shutting Claire down.

“Don’t think you can handle little old Jonesy, Dr. Y/L/N?”

Maria’s jaw drops and you remind yourself to be a professional as you just laugh slightly instead of rolling your eyes.

“Not at all. I just want to make sure that no one gets hurt and that Jonesy is as least stressed as possible.”

Jonesy was very stressed. He hadn’t wanted any of the baby food that was offered and it took two holders wrapping him in a towel to keep him still. You pulled his blood easily enough, despite him having old cat veins that were practically non-existent, but there was no way in hell you were going to be able to get pee on him with how he was squirming.

As you did your job, you pretended not to notice Claire’s eyes on you. It was unsettling to say the least, but you weren’t going to call her out on it and let your assistants know that you’re tense. Well, you were all tense because Jonesy was getting pissed off.

You finish up quickly and pull out the needle from Jonesy’s leg, but you have to hold it for a moment to make sure his blood clots. That’s when he claws you with the nails you hadn’t gotten around to trimming yet. Maria had lifted her hand off of his leg like she was supposed to, and Jonesy took that opportunity to claw the shit out of your hand.

“Oww, okay! Let. Go.”

You pull Jonesy’s nail out of the back of your hand as carefully as possible before dropping his foot back onto the table. You used the towel wrapped around him to wipe up the blood that was already pooling before you go to grab the nail trimmers.

“Are you okay?”

You nod before grabbing the first paw with dagger-like nails. Jonesy of course hates it, but you finish quickly enough and manage to get out of there before Claire says anything too inappropriate. First thing you do is go to treatment and grab some gauze and disinfectant to put on your cut. It was still bleeding and you hiss in pain as you scrub it clean. This one is going to hurt like a bitch for a while.

Once done you wave your hand to dry it off before returning to pharmacy. You are about to start writing up Jonesy’s note when Maria comes out of the room you’d just been in with an uncertain look.

“Dr. Y/L/N. She has another question for you.”

You hold in your sigh before you nod and head back into the exam room. Hopefully this goes quickly.

Billie Dean was on lunch when you texted her about Claire. She had been working non-stop since she arrived to the studio at 6 this morning. She was ready for a break long enough to finish a cigarette because she was long overdue for one. She was grateful that Michelle had gotten her lunch and had it waiting for her once she finished her most recent episode. She only had one left to get to, and she was excited to be done. Even though it would definitely take the rest of the day.

After re-recording was done for the season, she was going back on television and radio to promote it. The thought made Billie exhausted, but she had to admit it would be nice to leave this studio for the next one. She had a television interview scheduled for next week, and she had already decided to talk to you about it beforehand.

There was no doubt in Billie Dean’s mind that the interviewer would ask her about her relationship with Y/N. She couldn’t just sit there and dodge it, well she could, but it would be too obvious. She needed to figure out where you both stood with your relationship. It was something she’d have to mention tonight when you came over.

Billie had to stop herself from smiling at the thought of what tonight would bring. You had agreed to come over, and you had even offered to cook. Billie wasn’t very good in the kitchen despite learning a couple of your favorite dishes, but she knew how much you loved cooking. You had practically begged her to let you make her dinner, and of course she’d said yes. How could she have said no to that?

She was eager to see what you made and was certain that the image of you cooking in her kitchen would be enough to get her through the rest of the day.

Billie sighed as she put out her cigarette before grabbing her phone out of her purse. She ignored the emails and immediately looked to your messages. Her brow furrowed in confusion as she reread the texts a couple of times.

Even after doing that, she still had no idea what you were talking about.

You were angrily texting Billie in your office when Erin came upstairs to give you your stethoscope. You’d left it downstairs in your hurry to go vent to Billie and you hadn’t even realized it. You didn’t hear her because you were muttering darkly under your breath, and you nearly fell out of your chair when she spoke up.

“Damn, annoying persistent little--.”

“Uh…Dr. Y/L/N?”

Your feet hit the ground fast as you spun around in your chair to see Erin standing in your doorway with your stethoscope in hand. You smile before laughing awkwardly and reaching out for it. You see Erin look to your phone before shooting you a concerned look.

“Oh, thank you!”

“Everything okay, doc?”

You nod despite the fact that you’re lying. You are annoyed at Claire for reasons you can’t really work out, but it’s enough to tick you off. You were having such a good day, and then she had to come in here and trap you in a room with her. She didn’t really have any questions for you, at least ones related to Jonesy. You try not to think about those same annoying questions before you shrug and decide to tell a little bit of the truth.

“Yeah, I just saw a client who I’ve had not so fun encounters with before.”

This piques Erin’s curiosity and she can’t help but ask who you just saw. You mention her name and how she works at a pet store you go to, and Erin practically jumps at this.

“Wait, is she brunette and kind of lanky?”

You open your mouth to reply, but don’t want to be unnecessarily mean so you just shrug noncommittally.

“Possibly?”

Erin groans as she moves a little closer so she can whisper and not be overheard. You are a little surprised by what the brunette says but you figure you shouldn’t be. She has pets too after all, and she is the one who told you about the store in the first place.

“Oh my god. She is the worst. She’s always there when I go get something for Dex and she-.”

Erin trails off as she looks to you uncertainly before deciding that you should probably know. She was really hoping that what she had to tell you didn’t surprise you. If you were annoyed with her it was very likely that you were well aware of Claire’s creepy tendencies.

“She always asks about you, but I promise I don’t tell her anything!”

Despite the chill you feel travel up your spine at the thought of Claire being that creepy, you smile at Erin. You’re grateful that she can tell when someone’s being a creep, and that she’s smart enough to not give them anything they could use against her. It’s also nice to know that she has your back when it matters.

“Thank you for that. She’s always just a little too pushy.”

Erin frowns a this before nodding to herself and you. She decides that she was going to have to run interference if this Claire showed up again. She leaves you alone after that to go back to work, and you almost forgot that you’d texted Billie when your phone beeps. You jump slightly in surprise before looking to what she wrote.

Who is it that’s bothering you? One of your coworkers?

You look back to the messages you sent to her as if you’d forgotten and cringe at how you let Claire rile you up this much.

This bitch won’t leave me alone.

Her cat’s a little shit too.

Okay, so maybe this had been a little unnecessary. Sure Claire was kind of a bitch and annoying, but you probably shouldn’t have said this. She just wouldn’t leave you alone no matter what you did, and now she was showing up at your work? Next thing you knew she’d be showing up at your damn front door.

The part about her cat was true though. He was a little shit.

You type a response before returning to your records. You write up the last details for Claire’s cat, you’d been waiting until everything else was done before doing that, before heading downstairs. It’s almost 1:30, so you only have about half an hour until your next appointment. You take the steps two at a time going down on your way to the kennels. You see Milo sleeping and smile as he jumps up at the sound of the door opening.

“Hey, Milo. Want to go out?”

He nearly knocks you over in his excitement to get out. You curse before grabbing onto Milo’s harness to lead him outside. As soon as you reach the yard and make sure it is empty, you release Milo and watch him run away. He pees here and there before coming back to jump on the bench that you were sitting on. You sighed before standing up and grabbing a frisbee and holding it up with a smile.

“Ready?”

Milo runs after the frisbee until he’s exhausted and panting ten minutes later. He’s lying in the grass with the frisbee near his mouth because he still had to hold onto it so you wouldn’t take it from him. You walk over to him because you figure he needs to go inside for some water, but Milo grabs the frisbee when he sees you coming. He runs away despite still panting and you sigh as you watch your dog run around with his frisbee. You decide it’s a lost cause and leave him to play with it for a minute as you run inside really quickly to grab something.

You nearly run into Erin on your way inside, but you stop just in time before shooting her an apologetic look.

“Sorry, Erin.”

She waves you off before glancing outside. “Milo out there?”

You just nod and she asks if she can take the twins out there. The ‘twins’ are two golden retrievers that are boarding for about a month while their home is under construction. They’re super sweet like most goldens and Milo loves them. You smile before nodding and continuing on your way into the clinic. You don’t make it very far before you’re stopped again.

“Dr. Y/L/N!”

You turn at the sound of someone calling your name. One of the receptionists is holding a large arrangement of flowers that almost completely hides their face. You smile about to ask who they were for before she hands them to you.

“For you. Do you want me to put them in your office?”

You shoot her a confused look and it takes you a second to respond. You eventually shake you head before reaching out to take them from her. You thank her before watching as she heads back up front before you look to the flowers again.

They’re beautiful and bright and they smell wonderful. The arrangement is a mix of roses, lilies and a couple other flowers you didn’t know the name of. You were halfway up the stairs before you attempted to look for a card. It was hidden and you couldn’t pull it from the flowers easily. You set the vase down on your desk before freeing the card from the petals and flipping it over to read what was written.

Can’t wait to see you tonight.

Billie Dean.

You smile at the note before tucking it away somewhere safe. You were touched that Billie would surprise you like this and you couldn’t wait for tonight either.

It was going to be different from any of your previous dates. You were going to cook because you had been wanting to since you found out how much take-out Billie ate, and it was going to be at her house so you could see the kittens. You were only a little nervous about going over to Billie’s house again, but you were determined not to make it a big deal.

It had only been a few weeks since you met, but you hadn’t felt like how you did with Billie, with anyone else. Certainly not with your horrible exes. Billie Dean made you feel comfortable in a way that no one else ever had. She was different. Obviously because she was a medium, but honestly that wasn’t the difference that mattered to you. You hadn’t been lucky enough to be with someone that was as considerate and understanding as Billie. She never faulted you for your awkward and depressing past, and she was busier than you were so the sporadic texts and the even more sporadic dates didn’t upset her like you feared it would.

You’re pulled from your thoughts by the sound of yet someone else calling your name. This time however it was more frantic than you were expecting and you hurried out of your office. You’re met at the stairs by a slightly panicked Lindsey who must have been on lunch because she still had half of it in her hand.

“What’s is it? Is something wrong?”

Lindsey just hurries back down the stairs and opens the door to treatment. You follow her without question as she nods and fills you in on what’s going on.

“Milo was playing with the twins and he got stuck in the fence chasing the frisbee.”

You have to hold in your groan of disbelief because of course your overzealous and slightly impulsive dog would do this. You just mutter an okay under your breath before heading back out into the yard where you see Erin and Mina standing beside your screaming dog. He’s thrashing and trying to pull himself out, but he’s pretty stuck and really must have been running full speed.

You run over to the trio to try and calm Milo down because it seems like he really is stuck. You crouch down next to him on his right before reaching out for the panicked shepherd.

“Hey! Milo, hey, hi. It’s me, you’re okay. Shh, it’s okay, buddy.”

You reach through the bars of fence to pet Milo’s head and he calms enough for you not to be worried about him injuring himself further. You look him over quickly and don’t see any blood immediately, but then you reach his head and you see some dripping from his nose. You sigh in frustration as you try to figure out what the best thing to do is.

“Could you run inside and get a couple of towels and some lube?”

You figure that’s the best thing to get him out of this jam and you watch as both Erin and Mina leave, the latter leading the twins inside so they don’t get in the way. You turn back to your dog who is still panting in either exertion or stress, you’re not sure, and you do your best to keep him calm while you wait for your supplies.

“It’s okay Milo. You’re alright. We’re going to get you out, okay?”

Milo just whines before he turns to lick your hand that had been scratching his neck. You realize that you should probably take off his harness if you hope to slide him back through the fence, but you only get it halfway off before it becomes stuck.

“Dammit.”

Erin returns first and she stands back a little not sure if you want help before she speaks up.

“Anything I can do?”

You nod before motioning for the brunette to come closer so you can show her what you’re trying to do. If you pull on his harness while Erin pushes him away from the fence post a bit you might be able to get it off. You explain this and Erin just nods before moving to put her hands on Milo.

“Sorry buddy.”

It works but Milo yelps as you do it, so you decide to leave the other side be. Maybe you can slide him forward enough on the other side and figure it out from there. He was trapped from just behind his shoulders with most of his body still inside the yard, so maybe you could just pull him back in. When Mina arrives with the towels and what looks like all of the lube in the hospital, you relay the plan and put on the gloves that Mina luckily had the foresight to bring.

“Okay, Milo. We’re going to put this on you and try to slide you out alright?”

You know that he’s not going to respond or even really comprehend what you’re saying, but you know that hearing your voice will calm him down. He’s always been anxious when having things done to him and this was going to be worse due to the fact that he’s already highly stressed before anything has even begun.

You start to rub some of the lube on his right shoulder through the fence while Mina and Erin take his left side. Milo turns as they talk to him too, but is unable to see and growls as they touch him.

“Hey, Milo, stop that. They’re just trying to help you, okay?”

You try to keep going, you even move one of your hands to his left side but it doesn’t help. Milo just gets antsier and he’s growling louder before you realize it’s not working. You can’t be mad at him for being scared. He doesn’t know what’s going on and he can’t see them so he’s distrustful.

You make the decision to switch sides with them so he can see them and just hear you on his blind side. You berate yourself for not doing this initially because Milo immediately calms down and his tail starts to wag as you scratch him between his shoulder blades.

“Good boy, Milo. Almost done okay?”

Now that Mio is sufficiently lubed, you try and slide him back through the bars. You manipulate one of his legs forward to try and slide him backwards but he’s still too wide. You instruct Erin and Mina to do the same and Milo’s legs are stretched out as far forward as they can go before you try again. You have to readjust as Erin moves to pull him from behind, and you breathe a sigh of relief as Milo finally slides back into the yard. You hold onto him as his head whips around to see who’s at his rear end, and you look at his nose carefully before taking his harness off completely. You try to wipe off some of the lube with the towels, but it’s no use. Milo’s too excited about being freed and he’s already shaking it everywhere anyway.

“Look at you Milo. You’re a mess, huh? You need a bath.”

He just licks your face and you groan in annoyance before thanking both of your helpers. You scratch your dog behind his ears for another few seconds before you stand up and motion for him to follow you.

“No more frisbee for a while, okay?”

It turns out that Milo’s a little sorer than anticipated and after his bath he yelps when you reach underneath him to pick him up. You try again more carefully before just letting him jump up on you. You regret this immediately once all 70+ lbs of him is in your arms, but you put him down quickly as he shakes all of the water off of him. You groan in disgust before covering him with a towel and attempting to dry him off.

He whines when you put him in the kennel with the blow dryer, but you have to get to your appointment. You’ll check on him afterwards, but for now you have to go see a dog about some skin issues.

“I’ll be back Milo. Be good.”

It’s 4 before you are able to take the time to examine Milo again. You are in between appointments when you pull him out of his kennel and bring him into treatment. You brush him out because he looks like a mess and as you’re doing that you notice he’s a little sensitive along his ribs. Not that you’re shocked. He’d forced himself through a damn hole he shouldn’t have been able to fit through.

You listened to him and didn’t find anything else wrong and decided to just give him a little something for the pain that would be worse tomorrow. Your next appointment arrives as you are finishing up with him but it’s taking you a minute to get Milo to take his pill. He’s always been horrible about taking medication.

“Dr. Y/L/N. Billy’s here.”

You’re a little confused by this and you turn to Erin with a frown. You’re currently holding open Milo’s mouth to try and shove this pill down his throat when you realize what she means. Billy. The cat with arthritis.

“Right okay, what’s going on with him?”

Billie Dean checks her phone again once she’s done with work. She hasn’t heard from you yet which makes her think you’re still working. It’s nearly 6:30 which is a little late for you, but she decides to just head home and get things ready.

Other than taking care of the kittens and making sure there were clean dishes for you two to use, she didn’t have much she could do. You had refused to tell her what you were cooking and had insisted on shopping yourself. Billie was already in the car when her phone rang. She answers it without looking to see who it is because she’s driving, but she doesn’t have to wonder long.

“Hello?”

“Hi! Billie I’m so sorry for not calling you sooner! Things got crazy here. Milo got stuck in a fence, a dog came in after getting hit by a car, but thank you so much! The flowers are beautiful!”

Billie chuckles under her breath at your flustered state, but then she registers everything that you said and she frowns in concern.

“I’m glad you liked them, Y/N. Did you say that Milo got stuck in a fence? Is he okay?”

You turned around to glance in the back seat briefly to see him fast asleep. He was exhausted from his exciting day and probably would sleep the rest of the night.

“Yeah, he was having too much fun with some friends and a frisbee and ended up halfway through an iron fence.”

Billie shakes her head at the image this conjures up and she sighs as she turns into her driveway.

“Aw poor baby.”

You laugh at this before pulling up to your apartment building. You still had to go shopping to get groceries, but you had to make sure that Milo was situated first. You weren’t sure how long you would be gone and were a little stressed by this, but you would figure it out.

“Yeah, he had a rough day.”

You both were silent as you turn off your cars and consider what to say next. You were trying to figure out how much time you needed to take care of Milo and shop before you could head over to Billie’s. Billie was trying to figure out things for Milo as well, but you hadn’t even considered what she suggested.

“How was your day?”

“Do you want to bring him?”

You both speak at the same time and it takes you a second to realize what she’s said. You shake your head as you turn around to see Milo still out cold. You hoped you wouldn’t have to carry him. Again.

“No, it’s okay. I’ll just get him set up here before heading to the store.”

Billie’s already out of her car by the time she responds. She doesn’t mind either way, but she has a feeling she knows what you want to do. Not to mention, she supposes that the kittens need to be socialized and Bit possibly scared obedient. As if that would ever work.

“Would you feel better if you brought him?”

You don’t answer immediately which is honestly the only answer that Billie needs. You’re thinking about how you would love to bring him along because you’d be able to watch him and you could see how Milo would act around the kittens. You had always wanted a cat, and you supposed now was as good a time as any to see how it might work. Or not. As long as Billie didn’t mind.

Eventually you answer and Billie has to force herself not to smile smugly at how well she knew you already.

“I guess. I don’t want you to feel obligated though. I can’t exactly promise that he won’t get hair everywhere!”

You jump out of your car quickly before opening the back door startling Milo awake. He sits up quickly and you reach into the back seat and unbuckle him before grabbing his leash. He jumps to the ground a little more carefully than he usually would before you hear Billie reply.

“I want you to do whatever you need, Y/N. I’m fine either way. You know I adore Milo.”

You smile at this as you look to your dog who is yawning as you walk to the elevator. You suppose that you can take him with you. He might actually enjoy it. You just had to make sure he behaved and didn’t hurt any of the kittens. Billie said this before you got a chance to and you laugh as you nod in agreement.

“We’ll just have to see how he plays along with the kittens.”

You follow Milo into the elevator before leaning against the wall with a sigh. You suppose it’s decided then. You feel your excitement for tonight increasing again, now that you know Milo won’t be home alone. You just smile as the doors close and you take a deep breath.

“We will. I’ll feed him and then be over in about an hour. Does that work?”

Billie’s nodding before she greets Heather who is with Mickey in the living room.

“I’ll see you both then.”

Part 9

#american horror story #ahs fic #ahs #my ffic #ahs murder house #billie dean howard x reader #billie dean howard imagine #billie dean howard #a little bit #IS IT TOO LATE TO TAG THIS AS SLOW BURN???#Y'all I promise it's coming

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writeblrfantasy · 3 years

Text

a king and his knight | part 1

from the day he was knighted, the knight had cared for the king. he wasn’t a king then, only a younger brother who would never become crown prince. he was quiet, kept to himself and his books, but snappy and feisty when provoked. he didn’t seem to care much about his future or his family.

the knight had taken oaths of loyalty for the sick king and his strong, eldest golden son, to serve and protect them and put their safety before all else. but while he and his fellows trained hard, worked themselves to the bone, defended and protected and upheld their oaths, his fellows looked to the king and crown prince, and the knight looked to the younger prince.

his fellows would try to curry favor from the older royals by helping them with small tasks or attempting great big ones, quests that either ended in their tragic ends or with beautiful prizes to give as tribute. the knight, meanwhile, gathered roses from the gardens and left them in a bundle by the prince’s door, since he’d never seen anyone give the prince flowers. he searched for and left him books he’d overheard the prince talk about not having, took a long journey to the sea to collect rocks and a jar of sand on his day off all because the prince had said to the librarian, one of the only people he conversed with, that he longed to go there. the knight had been seated at a table a few aisles over, pretending to read his knights’ handbook, as he often was.

he left notes with all of his gifts in his best attempt at courtly script, though he knew how bad it was compared to the prince’s elegant hand. he wrote little phrases that he hoped sounded charming, romantic, instead of creepy. these roses may be beautiful, but they have nothing on you. these stories could not possibly be greater than anything you might come up with. the beaches are just like you to me: breathtaking, untouchable, perfect. the one difference between the beaches and the prince was that the beaches were terribly difficult to reach. the prince was impossible.

these notes were never signed, there would be no point, if the prince even recognized his name.

the knight usually left his gifts at the prince’s door in the mornings just before he had to go to early training, and he’d only once been able to watch the prince find his gifts. that one time was burned into his memory, something precious and holy that still took his breath away to think about.

the knight had woken late after staying up all night preparing his next gift, and scrambled to get ready, knowing his commander would have his hide at morning training. perhaps to delay the inevitable a little longer, he’d stopped at the prince’s doorway on the way, the only royal apartment not guarded at all times. he wasn’t deemed important enough, he didn’t have any servants, either.

the knight had placed the wood box with the straps in them in front of the door, arranging his note so it faced the doorway, when he heard shuffling inside. he’d quickly hidden around the corner, heart beating quick. that’d never happened before. he’d never been almost caught. no one was up as early as the knights were. he was always gone thirty minutes before the prince was even awake, or so he assumed. today his lie in made him catch the prince coming out of his apartments.

it had occurred to him in that moment he didn’t know what the prince did with his gifts. he’d never seen the roses or the jar of sand or the books with the prince. he’d never even seen the inside of the prince’s rooms. he’d never even spoken to the prince. the prince could just be scoffing and throwing his gifts out the window, crumpling the notes, debating telling the knights that he had a stalker. the knight had turned his head, knowing he wouldn’t be able to bear knowing if that was what the prince truly did, but the door opened before he could run away. he was forced to watch, helpless, as the prince tripped on the box.

“another one?” the prince murmured, his back to the knight as he bent to pick it up. the knight held his breath when the prince straightened up and he saw the prince was smiling, in a soft, subtle way unlike the wide grins of his relatives. was it just the sunlight, or were the prince’s cheeks growing red? the knight choked on a breath.

the prince adjusted the coat he always wore, a sky blue with a white fur interior, and cradled the box gently as he opened the lid. he held the note between his teeth as he examined the leather straps and buckles, much like a belt, with furrowed eyebrows. he set the box down to read the note, which said, i wish i could carry your books for you, but here is this instead, so that your arms do not get so tired. the prince could cinch a stack of books up with the straps and carry the loop like a bag. the knight knew how annoying it was to shove books in and out of bags. he’d used straps like these for years.

he’d been bolder with this note, mentioning himself for the first time. it had apparently gone over well, as the prince smiled again and brought his new gift inside his room, into which the knight finally snuck a glance. he saw a writing desk in front of a window, the jar of sand, the books he’d given the prince, before he made his escape. he did indeed get his hide figuratively whipped at training that morning, but it was more than worth it,

what had made the knight fall for the prince, someone so helplessly unreachable, someone who would never love him back? why did he neglect his duties and loyalties to the proper royals in favor of daydreaming about the prince, about showering him in the attention he deserved but never got, protecting him, kissing the back of his hand? well, the prince was breathtaking, with rich brown hair that shone gold in the sun, the loveliest brown eyes, the smoothest milky skin, long delicate fingers and trimmed nails. he was pretty, no, beautiful, the opposite of the knight, who was tall and sandy haired and a strong knight, a good fighter, but one who knew how to serve. just not the people he was supposed to.

the prince was a head shorter than the knight, which opened up all sorts of doors regarding how nicely he would fit in the knight’s arms, safe from the world, easy to protect. he was passionate and talented and had a brilliant mind, but simply because he’d been born two years after his brother, he was passed over, left to himself, without any companions but his books. the knight wanted to give him the world, and he would do it however he could, at whatever cost to himself.

one day, there came invaders from the south, with an army who matched the king’s own. the king and the crown prince assured all that things would be fine and under control, but the knight knew that this would never be the case. the royals were confident of success, the knight’s fellows were nervous but excitedly preparing for battle, and the knight’s prince hadn’t changed at all, still spending his days in the library, where the knight spent every moment he could in the aisles across from him.

the king gave a speech the morning of the battle, when his scouts had seen the enemy close to the royal castle. the king was too old and frail to fight, but his son wasn’t, their golden jewel that every knight drooled over, with his white toothed grin and his muscles and his red cloak and warhorse. the king beamed with pride as he sent his son and his knights off, but the knight slipped away, something easy enough to do in a crowd that large, when everything was chaos no matter how much the king liked to pretend it wasn’t.

going back to the castle instead of going to fight for the king was technically treasonous, but all the knight could think of was the prince, alone in the castle, oblivious or uncaring to the danger he was in. he drew his sword, something he didn’t often wear since it got in the way but was well used to wielding, and climbed the staircases he’d just went down, retracing his steps subconsciously to the prince’s rooms.

he steeled himself outside of it and took a deep breath. he could already hear the sounds of battle in the distance, war cries and blades knocking against one another. he prayed for things to hold just a little bit longer.

he knocked on the prince’s door. when the prince opened it, he looked surprised to see the knight, a bit confused, confirming the knight’s suspicions he’d never even seen the knight before. his heart sank a little. the prince’s beauty was even more stunning up close, long eyelashes and a slight blush to his cheeks.

these were not the first words he’d thought he would say to his prince, he’d have preferred something romantic and charming, but that was a loss he could not mourn right now.

“i’m here to save you. come with me and i’ll protect you, i swear on my life.”

if you read all the way to the end, thank you. i’m going to post part 2 very very soon. this piece means a lot to me, as it’s the first thing i’ve written in months that i’ve been excited for, unable to stop. a mere hour before i started writing this i wondered if i would ever be able to write again, and then i had the most fun writing something i’ve had in a long, long time. this is a reminder to myself and everyone else to write whatever you want, and don’t turn down an impulse to write something you want to because it’s not relevant to your current wip or it’s stupid or anything your brain thinks. write!! life is too short. i had SO much fun writing this and you should write what you want too :)

#writing #writeblr #my writing #writing short #fantasy writeblr #lgbt fantasy #lgbt writing #lila's short stories

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tisfan · 4 years

Text

I’ll Do

for @gilajames request: Doom/Tony happy ending, arranged marriage (could be historical setting, go nuts). Would love to see Pepper and Rhodey as supportive characters.

Summary: Tony Stark must marry for the good of the galaxy. He’s always known that, and he doesn’t resent it now. Love was never on the menu...

But he expected more than a flippant “He’ll do” and to not meet his betrothed until after the ceremony.

Rating: Mature for language. Warnings: None Tags: Arranged marriage, sci-fi AU, bargains and deals

I’ll Do

Finally, Tony thought.

He’d been awakened at dawn for a bath and a little bit of breakfast. He dressed in the ceremonial uniform and didn’t even mention how many fittings he’d been subjected to, in order to get to this point. His hair was freshly cut, perfectly styled and gelled within an inch of his life. Laser swords couldn’t get through the shellac on his head. God, it was giving him a headache. His hands had been scrubbed clean of grease, nails trimmed.

And that was just today.

The last four months had been nothing but formality after formality, getting the arrangements and the contracts, preparing the building to welcome his royal highness, getting Tony ready to be worthy of the marriage.

It wasn’t like he didn’t know he was expected to marry for politics. He wasn’t blind or stupid. Love wasn’t anywhere on the menu for a Founder’s child.

But he wasn’t expecting to be married off to the sovereign of another planet.

When the alliances had been signed, Von Doom was given a packet on each of the eligible brides and grooms, had looked through them absently.

“He’ll do,” Von Doom had said, before departing again for months.

He’ll do.

Not exactly a stunning recommendation, but it didn’t matter. Tony was raised to be politically astute; he was a leader and an innovator and the son of one of the richest Founders in the Manhattan Nebula. He brought more than good looks to a marriage contract.

And Von Doom brought armies, which the Nebula’s people desperately needed. They were under attack by Titans, they needed alliances and soldiers, ships and weapons, if they were going to survive.

Doom had all of those in spades.

But now, all the waiting was over.

Tony was going to march down that aisle, make his vows, and take control of his life. Training was over, it was time to put it to use. He’d never even met his spouse-to-be, had no idea what the man looked like under the armor.

It didn’t matter.

Anything had to be better than the waiting.

“You look beautiful,” Pepper said. She was dressed in a similar dress that matched his uniform, somewhat less ornate and a darker color to indicate her position as his attendant.

“So do you,” Tony told her, because that was true. Rhodey grumbled behind them. Bodyguard and brother, friend and mentor.

It had been part of the arrangement. Tony would marry Von Doom and go home with him to the main planet in the Latverian System, but he was getting his entire staff to go with him, of whom these two were the most vital and important. They even had their own cabins on the wedding ship.

Tony tried not to think of the fact that Rhodey would be the next room over during the consummation; if the whole thing was a set up, murdering the new bride or groom on the wedding night was almost a cliche.

He didn’t particularly want to get strangled on his wedding night, either before or after the consummation, but he was pretty sure that Rhodey listening in was going to be damn humiliating.

Well, maybe Rhodey would take it as a duty, as he did many things, and not give Tony grief about it later.

He glanced at Rhodey hopefully. Nah, probably not.

“Are they ready in there?” Tony wondered.

“You’re the one we were waiting on,” Rhodey said. “Are you ready?”

“Waiting on you now,” Tony said.

Pepper signaled the musicians to start playing and the child -- Tony thought the kid might have been Rhodey’s niece or something, adorable little thing that she was -- started down the aisle, throwing flower petals with more enthusiasm than accuracy.

Pepper took Tony’s arm, patting his hand reassuringly. “I’m sure your husband will be a very nice man.”

“I hope not,” Tony said. “We need him to win a war. Soldiers are usually kind of assholish.”

Pepper scoffed. “Behave for once in your life.”

“No? I mean, what even kind of remark is that? To have and to hold, richer, poorer, as long as we both shall live, that’s the deal, right?”

“You are aware that the previous king had like eight wives, right?”

“It’s your job to make sure Von Doom doesn’t kill me until after the war is won, at least,” Tony said.

Finally, he got up the aisle with not too many flower petals sticking to his ankles.

Von Doom was wearing his armor. And a great, green cloak. And a mask.

“I didn’t know this was a masked occasion,” Tony said. “Are we sure it’s Von Doom under there?”

“As long as his seal is on the marriage forms, I don’t care if it’s one of his doombots under the cloak.” That was Rhodey, smoothing out Tony’s veil as they came up to the altar.

“I care,” Tony shot back. “I don’t want to marry a stand in. Are you a stand in?”

Somehow, even masked and caped and armored, Von Doom managed to look affronted. All Tony could see of him were a pair of amber colored eyes behind the mask. “It is I, Victor Von Doom.”

“Great,” Tony said, running off at the mouth because that’s what he did when he was nervous. “Nice to meet you at last, Vickie.”

“Tony--” Rhodey hissed, kicking him in the shin.

“What? It’s too late to back out now,” Tony said. “I mean, the recommendation was never stellar or anything, but I’ll do.”

Von Doom turned his attention to the ceremonial officiant. “Begin.”

Tony was instructed to join hands with his husband-to-be -- who was wearing armored gauntlets. Tony scowled and summoned his nanobots. If his husband didn’t want to touch him, that was fine, but damned if he was going to be the vulnerable one in this situation. His own armor encased just his hand and wrist, enough to protect skin from Doom’s armor, and enough to demonstrate that he was entering this marriage as an equal, not a supplicant.

He didn’t bother to pay attention to what the officiant was saying; as Rhodey said, it was only Tony’s seal that mattered.

Not any vows they took here; all the actual enforceable rules had been put in place before they even walked in the door.

It didn’t take long, not really. But every second seemed to matter, and Tony was completely aware of his new husband watching him from behind that mask.

“I pronounce you wedded,” the officiant said.

“You gonna take that off and kiss me, or is this just a paper marriage?”

Doom snapped his fingers and the room went… fuzzy somehow.

Privacy tech.

“No one may see Doom’s face,” Doom said.

“That’s going to make it hard to kiss you.” He could hear it as the face-shield retracted, but all he could see was a pale blob. Von Doom was likely to be old, probably ugly. Maybe. Tony didn’t really know, and obviously would not be finding out. Too bad. Not reall unexpected. Political marriage. Within a turn, both of them would have their personal lovers housed somewhere in the royal palace, just another service provided.

“Do you never cease speaking?”

“Rarely,” Tony confessed. “It’s not the only flaw I have, but I’ll do, I suppose.”

“You were never meant to hear that,” Doom said. “And if you keep talking, it is going to make this very difficult.”

“Wha--”

And Tony was kissed.

His husband, whose face he still didn’t know, whose name he’d just learned, leaned in and kissed him, sweet and achingly tender. Gentle lips pressed on his, and then a questing tongue pleaded for entry. Tony opened his mouth, more in shock than consent, but when Victor’s tongue slid in, he was entirely eager. The kiss was searingly hot, dangerously delicate. Desperate and needy and urgent, and for a moment, Tony was convinced that he was being kissed by someone who could -- and maybe even would -- love him.

It was everything he could have asked for in a kiss.

His knees were a little wobbly by the time Victor let him go. The mask slid into place and the privacy shield retreated.

No one in the audience hall acted like anything was amiss.

“We will go now.”

“No party?” Tony wondered.

“Wedding breakfast,” Rhodey reminded him. “Consummation now, before you leave the planet.”

Tony took a breath. Great. Fucking someone he couldn’t see. That was going to be exciting. Maybe he could just lay there and think of Manhattan.

“Look, this just isn’t going to work for me,” Tony said, as soon as the door closed behind them, trying desperately to ignore the reality of the bed in the exact center of the room (at least it didn’t have a headboard they were going to slam against the wall for everyone to hear).

“What is not?” Victor asked, pushing the hood of his cloak back. The mask was still on, but now Tony could at least see that he had dark grey hair, shot with white. That didn’t necessarily mean that he was old. Different races had different color schemes, he supposed. Half the people he’d met weren’t even human.

He wasn’t sure if Victor was or not.

“Not knowing what you look like.”

“Does it matter? If I am fair or foul, old or young. I am still your husband, and we are now bound together, by marriage as well as by treaty.”

“Sure,” Tony said. “We’re married, that’s great. I mean, I know all the shit I’m supposed to know to be mannerly and a good diplomat. I probably won’t do any of it, but I’m well trained. I can be your husband. Without having a damn clue what you look like.”

“I sense a conundrum,” Victor said. He took the cloak off, and the matching green robe underneath it to reveal something that looked fairly similar to an earth suit. Jacket, slacks, vest.

“I suppose it depends what you want out of a marriage,” Tony said. “You want just the political shit, sure, I’ll go on my knees and take it up the ass for god and country. Once.”

“All right?”

“But that’s it. One consummation. One time. Once. Never again. You don’t own my body any further than that treaty says you do.”

“Unless I show you my face,” Victor suggested.

“I’m not promising anything more if you do,” Tony said. “But it doesn’t seem fair, or equal, or anything like an actual relationship. You know what I look like.”

“That does not mean that I know you, Anthony Stark Von Doom,” Victor said. “I know you have dark hair and brown eyes and a somewhat crooked nose. With freckles. But it tells me nothing about you. Who you are as a man, a person, a soul.”

“My nose is just fine, thanks awfully,” Tony muttered.

“So, perhaps, we should make additional requirements,” Victor said. “You will know my face, and I will know your mind.”

“How do you propose doing that?”

“If it is a bargain we strike, not being nations, but between men,” Victor said, “then you will join me, every day we are able, for a meal. Alone. And we will talk. I will ask questions, and you will answer them. Or you can ask-- I will learn just as much about you from what is important for you to ask. And I will answer.”

“Take turns?”

“Indeed. No lies.”

“We have an accord,” Tony said.

“Very well, then, my husband,” Victor said. He reached up and pressed his fingers to the joins under the mask and it popped free of its mooring. The strange flittering cloud surrounded him, concealing him. “I agree. And when I feel that I know you--”

“You’ll show me your face.”

“And you may decide if you wish to come to my bed again,” Victor said. “But tonight--”

“No one may see Doom’s face,” Tony grumbled. “I know.”

Victor took Tony’s hand, brought it to his lips. “In darkness, everyone looks the same.”

#IronDoom #Tony Stark x Victor Von Doom #Tony Stark #Victor Von Doom #Tony Stark/Victor Von Doom #arranged marriage au #science fiction au

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jenovahh · 4 years

Text

The Honey Pot - Ch. 15 - Mating Dance

It doesn’t take long after those words for Zenos to announce you would be going home for the night and retiring before it got to be much later. You could feel his pressing stare on you the entire way to the limo where Ardbert waited, the atmosphere tense as you silently rode back to the estate. As soon as you reached the premises you were ordered to spill everything that had occurred while he was distracted, verbatim if you wanted to live.

There was a lot of yelling late into the night, a lot of frustration as Zenos seemed ready to threaten the truth out of you, and you being halfway done with bullshit after having to already be in his father’s presence more than what was required of you. You thought you had placated him enough to have him let you go to bed to rest, but that only gave him the energy to admonish you in the morning.

“I already fucking told you what he had said! He wants to use me as a pawn to go see if I can glean any secrets from kicking the bodyguard’s ass. What don’t you get--”

“What you do not get is my father’s motives are not so simple, you stupid woman--”

You snatch him by the collar and pull him to you with a guttural growl. “Call me stupid again, Garlean.”

“Stop acting like you are, savage.” He chuckles, pulling away fast enough before your fist can connect with his face. “I won’t let you strike me so easily, my beast.” All amusement has drained from his voice as he looms above you, doing his damndest to intimidate you. However you’re too riled up to take him seriously, throwing all caution out the window as you loom right back. “Whether you like it or not, you need my protection.” He murmurs ominously, a chill racing up your spine but you pay it no mind. “Why are you so eager to follow his orders now? Why are you in such a hurry to go run off to that farce of a man who could never match me in might, let alone your own strength?”

You bare your teeth, eyes aflame as you snarl at him. “I’m in no rush. You told me yourself not to disobey your father. But if the thought of a little competition gets you this upset, I’ll go over there in the tightest dress in my closet--” You cry out as he lifts you up by the front of your shirt, his eyes cold as ice. The same murderous intent you had seen in his eyes before but never had he aimed at you. Instinct screams at you to flee, common sense yells at you to go limp in submission.

Naturally, you do none of those things.

“It had slipped my mind how much of a fool you could be, savage.” His voice is on par with how deadly he sounds talking with his father, his grip a reminder of the strength and cruelty he had wrapped in his gigantic form. “Sometimes I fear I’ve let you go unchecked for far too long.”

With a light tut, you grip his wrist tight and swing your legs up to wrap around his arm. Growling, he tries toshake you off but as soon as he reaches for you with his other hand you dig your nails in deep to the wrist that is holding you, making sure to hit a pressure point that has him loosening his grip. Holding tight with your legs, you work yourself out of the shirt you’re in, freeing yourself. Snarling, he moves to try and grab you once more but you are slippery like water, eluding his grasp with your smaller form, dropping to the floor.

Landing on both feet as graceful as a cat, you grab the arm he reached at you with and quickly wrench it behind his back, frowning as he lets out a slight grunt in pain as you put enough pressure to threaten to dislocate his shoulder. Leaning close against him, your lips are just a breath away as you whisper into his ear,“You’ve never had me checked in the first place, idiot.”

With a firm shove, you kick him away from you, leaving him to quickly fling his arms out in front of him to brace himself from falling on his face. He remains like that as you circle around him, moving toward the door. “I am going to follow your father’s orders as much as it pains me to do anything that piece of shit tells me to do. I’m not going to have him breathing down my neck because you can’t share your toys for two goddamn seconds.” You give one glance back at him, confused as to why he hasn’t stood or pursued you. He remains there, long strands of golden hair obscuring his face from view, kneeling upon the floor.

“With any luck I’ll be too shit at espionage to be of any use to your father and he’ll stick me back with you. I’ll at least have the time to go out and actually do something for once.”

With no more to say, you stride out the home gym, not giving another glance back. The halls are still somewhat quiet as you tread down them, the morning a bit quieter due to it being the weekend. You usually did not spend every morning on the weekend working with Zenos, needing to take days to rest your muscles, but due to unforeseen circumstances, things had changed.

I need to clear my head, you think, making a beeline to your room and from there, your shower. It had become your safe place, more than your room had. As many times Zenos had barged into your room unannounced, uninvited, unwanted, he had never gone as far as skulking around your bathroom. You had begun to personalize it before you realized, a few candles lining the shelves, some used bottles of bubble bath for the few times you got to luxuriate.

While a bubble bath sounded absolutely divine at this moment, you had no time to relax and pamper yourself, needing to still get dressed in time to make it to your meeting with Varis. Starting the shower, you turn the knobs to have it fairly warm, letting water cascade over your supple skin. You knew you were to be going to the Garlond estate under the guise of training with their strongest bodyguard, but since it was supposed to be espionage…

Reaching for a flowery, pink bottle, you dump a generous amount of it onto your loofah and lather it well, smoothing the scented suds over your skin. Just the scent of it is enough to brighten your mood and make you a little more eager about your outing today. Rinsing off, you grab your fluffiest towel to dry off, heading back into your room to get dressed. You had already decided to show up in your standard uniform, having packed away a change of clothes into another gym bag that you sling over your shoulder. Taking a glance at yourself in the mirror, you give yourself a nod of approval and head out into the hallway.

Varis' "public" office was thankfully on the bottom floor, meaning you didn't have to run the risk of bumping into Zenos. You had actually never been there yourself, and had to even ask one of the maids which door it was hidden behind. Giving your thanks you stride proudly toward it, head held high as you give a steady knock on the fine wood.

"Enter."

Twisting the knob you push it wide open, greeted with a slightly cool breeze. Like Zenos’ office, Varis' has no windows, but he is not in total darkness, as it is well lit by ornate lamps that stand in the corners. The room's glow is oddly warm for the cold stare of its occupant who sits at a rather large desk on the other side of the room. Between you and him are a grouping of chairs with a table at its center, and just from a glance you can tell it's only the highest quality leather. Shelves holding books line the walls, and there is even a small bar between them.

"You may sit." While phrased as a suggestion, it is uttered more like an order, and you nearly forget yourself before you shut your mouth and take a seat. The chair feels like it practically grabs you and drags you into its softness, the leather feeling amazing beneath your fingertips as you rest your hands on the armrests.

Varis continues to scribble away at whatever papers he's looking at on his desk, and taking a good look at him you notice he's wearing what seems to be a simple pair of reading glasses. They suit his face well and dare day soften his harsh features just enough that you would call him handsome. As usual, his hair is tied back in a low ponytail at the nape of his neck, ends clipped and perfectly trimmed and not a strand out of place.

"I appreciate that you at least have the decency to arrive here in a timely manner." He begins, placing his pen back in its stand. Threading his fingers together, he gives you an almost bored look, and you can see the traces of his son's features in his eyes. "I do not require you to be trained in any specific espionage for this. Simply act as you normally would and do not bring embarrassment to my name." Pushing away from the desk, he opens a drawer to his right and pulls out a small black box. As he stands you fight the instinct to not stand as well, not feeling comfortable with him looming above you.

"Within this box lies a necklace that will be recording all your conversations. It will not be feeding us said conversations in real time and instead be saving them internally where you will turn it in at the end of each visit." He informs, opening the box and taking the necklace in hand. It looks so small dangling from his fingers, but so beautiful. The Garlean logo is held in place by oxidized silver chain, giving it a blackened color. The red of the Garlean logo is made with beautifully cut ruby, making you wonder why he would spend so much money for this purpose, but to a CEO, it’s probably a drop in the bucket.

"At the risk of being rude, do you seriously think they wouldn't be careful with their words?" You blurt, watching as he raises a strong brow.

"Garlond is foolish, but not that foolish." Varis huffs out a chuckle, clearly amused. "However, his bodyguard is stupid. Much like yourself, he had just enough muscle and training to make a decent enough meat shield that Garlond snatched him off the streets. Perhaps you can use that as a talking point." He smirks, reveling in your ire.

"Whatever. Go over there, kick the bodyguard’s ass, act normal. That it?" You snarl, through hiding your distaste for him.

"For someone as simple as yourself to understand, yes, if you must put it so crudely," he scoffs, moving to stand behind you. You move to stand but a firm hand on your shoulder keeps you in place. "I do not want you to just act 'normal'. I am fully aware how closely leashed my son keeps you. Perhaps you may find a kindred spirit in this bodyguard…" His fingers flex and dig into your suit. "Perhaps you might find something else."

"If you are done here," You snap, shrugging his hand away but his other hand comes to slink the necklace around your neck. The chain is cool and light against your skin and hardly noticeable.

"If you are so eager to go, you may. I have already arranged for your transportation to and from their estate. This is a rather important mission I am entrusting to you, savage. I trust I do not need to explain the consequences should you sabotage it, or fail." His fingers drag along the exposed skin of your neck, and despite the obvious warmth of his body, his touch feels so frigid. "If there was ever a time to prove your worth, this would be it."

With one final press of his fingers into your skin he withdraws and you stand to your feet immediately, shooting him a glare that restrains none of your loathing. He looks as amused as his son would, except his expression is like a knife twisting in your gut with how disgusted it makes you feel. "I've nothing to prove to you. Or to anyone here." You hiss, making your way toward the door.

"So you say," Varis hums, walking back to sit at his desk. Reclining in his leather chair, he gives you a slow smile. "I look forward to your reports, Honey."

With a curt nod that maintains the bare minimum amount of respect, you walk out the door. Once in the hallway, you take a few steps before you feel safe enough to run through every cuss word known to you, unable to take out your anger on something physical. Taking some calming breaths, your hand glides up to the necklace that rests on your skin, frowning as you enjoy the feeling of the cool silver on your skin. You'd have to be careful with your own words as well, making sure to give nothing away or never knowing when it was recording. Something told you that the bodyguard, Estinien, was not stupid by any means, and that Varis merely looked down upon him like he did to anyone thay wasn't Garlean.

It's a lovely day outside as you step out, a Lalafellin driver waiting for you under the shaded awning. You greet him in acknowledgement, allowing him to open the door for you so that you may sit inside. As the door closes a sense of excitement bubbles within you, it finally starting to sink in that you are getting to leave the estate on your own for the first time in months. As the driver gets in the car and starts the engine, you gaze out at the sprawling grounds beneath an azure sky, missing the icy eyes watching you as the car pulls away.

The drive to the Garlond estate is longer than you think, as you have to go through the city which takes long enough in and of itself. Once you leave the skyscrapers behind, you're moving closer to the countryside, sitting just on the outskirts of Kugane. You've left the more packed residential areas behind and are left with bigger, more affluent houses that sprawl over the land. Most are as tacky and gaudy as the Galvus estate, making you wonder to yourself if all rich people had a propensity to have so much money and so little taste.

"We've arrived, ma'am." Your driver speaks up, the first words he's uttered since you first got in the car. Turning toward a gate you look toward a more modern looking home, that looks like it drew from neither Garlemald or Kugane for inspiration. All squares and boxes, it still looks eye-catching, protected by a wrought iron gate with a speaker outside that the driver pulls up next to.

Reaching with small arms, you watch as he pushes the button, that is followed by a sharp beep. "Garlond estate," A feminine voice answers.

"Hello, I am the chauffeur for Lord Varis, here to bring his son's bodyguard for her appointment." The driver responds.

There is momentary silence aside from the quick rustle of paper. "All right, you may come in. Please follow the driveway to the main entrance." As soon as she finishes her sentence, there's a loud buzz followed by the front gates slowly swinging open, allowing you inside. The driver does as instructed and follows the brick road toward the opulent house ahead of you. Getting closer, it somehow looks even more magnificent, and you entertain the idea of beating Cid nan Garlond's current bodyguard into the ground so well he'd consider hiring you.

Reaching the front doors, you see the man himself standing outside in simple slacks and a button down. Certainly not casual for being in what you assume is his own home, but definitely dressed for business while maintaining a sense of comfort. The car pulls to a stop, the driver shuffling out the seat to open the door and scuttle around to your side to let you out. Murmuring your thanks, you put one foot in front of the other and step out onto the hand laid brick, enjoying the feel of it beneath your feet. Cid nan Garlond himself offers a hand out to you, and you graciously place yours in his where he pulls you up from your sitting position with surprising ease.

He chuckles, most likely at your unintentional surprise clear as day on your face. “I may not get to be in the shop as much as I used to...but you lift enough machinery, you stay fairly fit.” He grins, giving your hand a firm shake. “I must say, this is already shaping up to be a much more pleasant experience without your employer to interfere.”

His smile is warm and welcoming, and you can’t help but open up to him in kind. “I have to agree. I must admit I had entertained the idea of pummeling your bodyguard so good you might consider hiring me while I was here.”

He releases a hearty laugh at that, releasing your hand with one more good handshake. “Why, I think I like you already, Honey.” Placing a courteous hand on your back, he urges you toward the front door where sweet air conditioning awaits.

Stepping in his home, it looks as beautiful inside as it does on the outside. You stare in awe at everything as you pass by, doing your best to follow behind closely.

“I take it my home is to your liking?” Cid questions, slowing his pace so that you may gawk a little longer.

“I apologize, I don’t mean to linger,” you giggle nervously, cheeks tinting. What a bum you must look like, the street rat Zenos calls you to be slipping on her Cinderella shoes for a taste of luxury.

“It’s more than all right. I’d rather it be looked at after all, I had it built for that reason.” He says with a wink. “I do not miss ‘home’ but I am also impartial to the native architecture. I instead favored the style I saw back from my stay in Eorzea.” He explains, giving you a whole new perspective on his home. No wonder you didn’t recognize anything about it; Eorzea was somehow even more foreign than Garlemald. Celebrities would visit from there all the time, but somehow you just...never...knew anything about it…

She watches over us, my dear. Over all of Eorzea, over your room, over you.

She?

The Mother Crystal, my dear.

“Are you all right?”

Blinking, your eyes slowly refocus back to Cid’s blue eyes that look upon you with concern. You quickly give him a small smile, scratching your head nervously. “I apologize. Just a slight dizzy spell.”

You see obvious doubt flash through his eyes for a moment before he masks it with something else. “Do you need to sit down?” He offers instead of saying whatever it was he was holding back.

“No, no, I’m fine, I promise.” You reassure him, taking a few steps ahead. “I think it was just a wave of fatigue from my earlier spar with Zenos.”

He relaxes visibly then, resuming his walk to wherever he was taking you. “You had sparred knowing you would be coming here?”

“We spar every morning,” you offer vaguely, hoping he doesn’t press you further about it. To think about the nuances of you and Zenos’ relationship was exhausting in itself, and you definitely didn’t want to get into explaining it.

Cid seems to be quick on the pick up and segues the conversation elsewhere. “I see. Well, I’m sure someone as talented as yourself knows their limits and is more than capable of taking on another strong opponent today.”

“Without a doubt, Mister Garlond.”

“Please, if I may call you by your given name, then it is only right I extend the same kindness, at least when your employer is not around.” He turns down a hallway, leading you past a magnificent indoor garden, that despite its large size, it was in no way visible from the outside. “Estinien usually has finished his own training by this time, but I believe he may have delayed it in preparation of your meeting today.”

“I have to say I’m a little excited. It's been so long since I’ve had an opponent outside of Zenos.” You admit carefully, trying not to stare at him too hard as you gauge his reaction.

“I fear Estinien could possibly say the same. Thankfully, I’ve kept myself out of trouble and he’s been more a piece of arm candy than an actual bodyguard.” He jokes, giving you a warm smile.

“Arm candy, am I?”

The two of you turn to find Estinien standing behind you, looking as grumpy as the first time you had met. Brows furrowed, he gives a threatening glare to Cid who seems largely unconcerned.

“Now, now, no need to take offense. After all, it just means you look good, now don’t you?” Cid teases, laughing as Estinien’s brow furrows impossibly further.

Sure enough, Estinien does look good. Dressed in a loose tank top, his usually unbound hair is tied back in a high ponytail, exposing the elegant line of his neck. Unlike Zenos who prefers to wear form fitting gym wear, Estinien has chosen some grey sweatpants that are baggy enough to be comfortable, but snug enough to where they won’t be a hindrance.

And if you give just a glance between his legs--

“But what are you doing out here Estinien? I thought you would be warming up for your little bout with our guest.” Cid comments as he begins to walk again to continue escorting you to wherever it was he was taking you.

“I went to grab something to eat.” He fishes out some dried calamari from his pocket, neatly wrapped in wax paper.

“Your favorite as usual, I see. Did you think to bring enough to share with our guest?” Cid asks, taking clear pleasure out of taunting poor Estinien.

“If she gets hungry I’ll take her to the kitchens,” The Elezen grumbles, frown deepening. “If you’re quite through making fun of me at my expense, I believe I can get the both of us to the gym quite well on my own.”

“Of course, I can see when I am clearly in the way and unwanted.” Cid sighs, unable to resist getting one last barb in. “It was a pleasure to share a few moments with you, Honey. Please do not hesitate to put this grouch in the ground if he tries anything untoward with you.”

You hear Estinien’s breath audibly hitch for a moment, your hands flying up to your mouth to stifle your laughter as the taller man goes red in the face. Before Estinien can even formulate a response Cid is already making a turn down the maze that is his house.

The frost haired male runs his fingers through his snowy locks in exasperation, his cheeks still a slight pink even as he glares down at you. “Ignore him.” He huffs, displacing the once bound strands. “He just likes to get a rise out of me, is all.” He grumbles, moving on past you. You give one last little titter before following along, trying not to embarrass him any further.

“So, did you have anything in particular planned for today?” You ask, following him down the hallway. Opening a door he lets you two outside where another building lies across the way. While smaller by far in comparison to the main house, it is still the size of an average home.

“Not in particular. Figured we’d just hit each other until one of us cried mercy.” He drones, his long legs carrying him across the land with ease. You find that he has a rather nice figure from behind, his shoulders broad and strong, leading to firm biceps that were muscular, but not bulky. His waist was fairly narrow, his thighs’ musculature similar to the rest of him in that it was obvious he took care of himself, but did not care about mass.

And would that you could actually find the opportunity to see if you could bounce gil off that ass of his…

Get your head out of the gutter for two seconds, girl, you mentally chide yourself, instead focusing on the rosy points of his ears. For someone so decidedly irritable, he is, it is clear he takes care of his appearance quite well. While his hair at first glance looks shaggy, it has the luster that only comes from expensive shampoo. Despite him already having looked like he worked up a sweat prior to his snack break, when he brushed by you you caught a whiff of what must be the remnants of his shower that morning.

“Well if you have no preference for how you have your ass kicked, then who am I to complain?” You snark, snickering as he throws a confident glare over his shoulder in your direction.

“We’ll see about that.”

Reaching the building, you find that it really is about the size of a normal house. When you step in, it certainly has that appearance, and you feel that somehow the meeting has taken on a more personal tone. Leading you down a much smaller hallway, he opens a door and flicks on the light, revealing a home gym that is nearly the size of Zenos’ back at the estate.

“There’s water in that fridge over there,” he murmurs, pointing lazily at the miniature fridge nestled on a counter. “You can change in that bathroom over there.”

Nodding, you go do just that, dropping your gym bag to the floor with a thud. Changing out of your stuffy suit, you wonder if you could’ve just shown up in your workout clothes and if that would’ve been offensive. As you tug your shirt off, your hands brush against the cool necklace that has lied hidden beneath your button down. Though the metal still is cool to the touch, it is also warm from having adjusted to your body heat, making you forget its presence. Reminding yourself to watch your words and mind what you say, you continue to dress.

Stepping out, you look around the gym a little more. It is similar in structure to Zenos’ granted instead of katanas and other sword types being displayed on the wall, you instead see--

“You know how to use a lance?” you blurt out, attracted to the glint of the metal on the opposite wall. Your feet carry you there without thinking, hand reaching out to touch before Estinien grabs your wrist with barely a touch of gentleness.

“Lances. Glaives, spears, and pikes. And they are not for you to touch.” He huffs, eyes hard and serious.

Smirking, you twist from his grip unexpectedly, grabbing his arm and swinging him onto his back on the floor. You pin him with nothing more but your weight, your thighs resting near his strong ones, smirking down at him. “Very well. I’m only good with swords anyway.”

He gives his own smirk, and you yelp as it grows wider as he suddenly jerks the both of you to where you now lie on your back beneath him. “An uneven fight. I believe we are both skilled in hand to hand combat.”

“Do you pin all your house guests?” You tut, giving him an offended look.

“Only those that are incredibly cocky and need to be put in their place.”

Riled up, you break free from his hold, the two of you creating space between your two bodies. He slowly slides into a crouch, arms upraised, guarded, his sneer somehow inflaming you further. “Why the face? Afraid you can’t back up all that talk?” He taunts, feet shuffling across the floor.

“I’ll show you talk--” You dash at him, kicking a leg out for his face. His reflexes are fast; he dodges the first kick easily, so you decide to speed it up. What he doesn’t dodge, he blocks, your legs coming into contact with the hard muscle you so shamelessly ogled earlier. You can see a mote of surprise on his face; he clearly wasn’t expecting you to be this swift. Smirking, you press harder, looking to break his guard.

“I think you might be too used to fighting your charge.” He growls, snatching you by the leg on your next kick. Before you can wrench it out, he’s swung his head underneath, hooking your leg practically around his neck. Standing to his full height, he throws you off balance, leaving him able to take the rest of your weight and flip you over his shoulder and dump you on the floor.

For a moment, you stare up at the ceiling in a daze, adrenaline coursing through your veins.

When was the last time you had been surprised?

You haven’t fought anyone else aside from Zenos. He has been your only opponent for months.

You had grown stale.

You had grown weak.

You had found a challenge.

You giggle for a moment, an emotion you hadn’t felt in so long bubbling up from deep within. Estinien casts you a concerning glance, did I flip her too hard an evident question on his face.

“Oh...you’re right pole boy...it has been a long time.”

“Pole boy…?!” He mumbles angrily, watching as you jerk yourself back up to a standing position in one fluid motion.

Dusting yourself off, you roll your shoulders, clench and unclench your fists. When you look him in the eye, he gasps, seeing a different look entirely coming from you.

“Let’s dance.”

It is refreshing beyond words to have a new opponent, so much so you can't keep a smile off your face. Skilled as you are, within the first hour you've got a good grasp of Estinien's fighting style, able to begin countering him with little difficulty. Despite this, despite Zenos being right he would be hardly a match for you, it has highlighted weak points and blind spots you have missed training solely with Zenos. Where Zenos often uses a mix of bulk and speed to overwhelm his opponent with sheer might, Estinien uses his leaner frame to duck and weave, able to strike you where Zenos would've been too slow. Where Zenos rushes you down, Estinien hangs back, poised like a cobra ready to strike.

"I don't think I've seen anyone smile as much as you have during a bout," The Elezen man comments as he moves to grapple you. You slip out of his grasp but he is quick to recover before you can take advantage and land a hit on him.

"Good opponents are hard to come by." You compliment, circling him as you try to debate your next move.

He lets out a rude snort. "You don't have to spare my feelings. I'm man enough to know when I'm outmatched." His lips pull into a smug grin. "But I will take the compliment anyway."

"You're welcome," you grunt, kicking out at him again, prepared for him to catch your leg. He only blocks it so you swing around to bring up the other in hopes he will be too slow. Just before he can bring his hands up to grab hold of your leg bring it back down. You smirk at the confusion etched on his face, watching it turn to shock as you dip low and sweep his feet from under him the same time you give him a hard shove, letting gravity do the rest. Estinien crashes to the floor and you pounce him like a couerl, making sure to actually pin him in place, your hand fisted in his shirt. "Do you give?"

He looks up at you in a daze for a moment, his chest heaving from exertion. Wonder seems to pass through his eyes, before it morphs into a dark appreciation. "I give."

"Good." you grin, relaxing your hold on him. "I think we've had more than a good workout," you breathe, taking note of how far the hands of the clock on the opposite wall have moved. "This has been most enjoyable, but I don't think I'll over stay,"

Before you can begin to rise, his hands grip your thighs, nearly kneading the muscle there. Your face flames instantly, eyes wide as you stare in shock at the brazen, Elezen man beneath you.

"I hope you wouldn't be opposed to making this a...regular thing." He purrs, voice so low you can feel it vibrate through his chest and therefore through you. Interest stirs low in your belly, pink tongue darting out to swipe over your lips unconsciously.

"Are you so...open with all your guests?" You ask, settling your weight on him further.

"Only the ones that kick my ass." He licks his own lips, not bothering to hide the desire swimming in his eyes. "And that happens to be a very small list." His fingers flex and you wish you could feel what it would be like to have his hands touching your bare skin.

"I see." You murmur, bending over, heart racing as your lips lie just a breath away from his. "Though if what I'm feeling beneath me is any indication for how you're feeling...I'm guessing you want more than just tips on how to not get your ass beat."

He scoffs, giving you a mean look. "Has anyone ever told you you talk too much?"

Before you can retort he closes the distance, pressing his lips to yours almost feverishly. It has been so long since you've been kissed like this, where someone so clearly, so unabashedly wants you. You take the lead which seems to startle him for a second as you request entrance into his mouth but he's quick to catch up, your tongues dancing together so well it draws a moan from deep within.

As you part for air, you have to stop your hips from scooting down just that little bit further and grinding down. Usually you would be ashamed; to have more than a peck on the first date so-to-speak was unheard for you. But then again, your other needs had been suppressed for so long…

"Won't your boss find it suspicious if I keep coming over here?" You ask, arching into him as his lips trail down your jawline.

"Hardly. He already expected you would come here often," he trails off, your eyes widening at what he was not saying.

We already knew he would send you to spy on us.

"So come as much as you like." He gives a sharp nip that pulls a surprised squeak that ebbs into a moan as he suckles the skin, leaving a mark. "And if you're willing to give me a chance...I could make you come as much as you'd like too."

"I never took you as one to sleep on the first date," You rasp, unable to keep your hips from grinding down. You shudder atop him, nails digging into his arms.

"Oh rest assured, I am being quite the gentleman right now. I simply find myself unable to resist having my ass kicked by an attractive woman." He purrs, eyes half lidded.

You flush for an entirely different reason now, wondering how long it had been since someone had expressed such blatant affection, how could it be that your enemy--

Wait--

Is he your enemy--

No, no, Varis is, you're here to stop Varis, through Zenos--

Zenos--

He…

"I have to go."

You crawl from atop him, heart twisting as you flee from the building. Stumbling outside, the sun hangs near the top of the sky, giving you nowhere to hide from your shame. Whipping your work phone out you let the chauffeur know you'll be out shortly, thankful that you memorized the path Cid led you down so that you can make it out the house without getting lost in it. One would think you actually did the deed with how fast you book it out of there, feet crashing hard against the driveway as you dash through the open gate and into the tinted car.

The driver looks slightly panicked but you assure him that all is well and make up a lie that you're supposed to have been back to the mansion half an hour ago. He all but floors the gas, peeling away from the Garlond estate and back toward the mansion, your fingers clutching your necklace to your chest.

“You are back later than I expected.” Varis notes as you stalk into his office. Standing by the window, he arches a single brow. He says nothing as you all but slam the necklace down on his desk, doing your best to keep your expression blank and reveal nothing. “How did it go?” he asks as he moves to sit down and finger the necklace between long fingers.

“Isn’t that what the necklace is for?” You snap, wanting nothing more than to shower again for the second time today and crawl in bed.

Thin lips pull into a cruel smirk. “Of course. But that is for someone else to listen to and make sure you have not sold any secrets that would be...problematic for you.” He drawls, playing with the necklace in his hand.

Baring your teeth, you resist the urge to punch him in his stupid face. “I went over there, and I kicked his ass.”

“For three hours?”

“Yes, for three hours.” You sigh, exasperated. He knew you hated him, and clearly was not above dragging this out as long as possible just to irritate you.

At least I can see where Zenos gets it from…

“Interesting.” He muses, holding the emblem between his thumb and forefinger. “And would you like to return?”

It is your turn to arch a brow at him, crossing your arms across your chest. “Would I like to?” you repeat, making sure you heard him correctly. He nods. “I understood it as I did not have a choice in the matter.”

“As I told you before, Garlond is not stupid.” The older man places the necklace upon his desk, threading his fingers together to rest his head upon his hands. “His bodyguard might be nothing but a meatshield, but I doubt he is not competent enough to know how to watch his words if Garlond had debriefed him.” Leaning back, he fixes you with a knowing smirk. “After all, you have nothing of note to report, am I correct?”

“No,” you grumble, wishing you couldn’t give him the satisfaction of being right.

“As I had thought. In which case, if they will be so tight lipped, there is no need to expend the energy or resources of sending you over there. I’ve never been able to understand Garlond’s fondness for the countryside, as that alone makes any wish of visitation dry up like a forgotten well.” He barks out a laugh at the incredulous expression you didn’t even realize you had on your face. “Well if there is nothing else, you are dismissed. I will be sending your outing to some lackey to comb through later.” With a dismissive wave fitting his dismissal of you, he picks up the necklace once more, spinning to face away from you.

You remain shocked for but a few more milliseconds before deciding to take it for what it is and leave.

You didn’t think Varis would let you have any say on whether or not you would return to the Garlond estate, but even he could see to reason that you wouldn’t get anything out of them just by fighting his bodyguard. Thinking about Estinien again makes your lips tingle, about how well he treated you. His lips aside, he really was a decent training partner to help you work out any kinks in your defense, and you could hone his skills as well…

But you still had your commitment to Zenos. Could you really fit in waking up at the crack of dawn to train with him, to spend hours bored at work watching over him, to accompany him as you watch him murderer innocents? You had to, it was your job in more than one way. The Kugane Police were counting on you.

Feeling eyes on you, you glance up, spying cold, blue eyes glancing down at you from a balcony above. No words pass between you, but somehow, seeing him sets your heart racing, racing for so many reasons. What would he think, knowing how you acted over there?

...Why would he care?

Why do you care?

“Oh, Honey...if I wanted you, I would have you.”

Spinning on one heel, you head straight back for Varis’ office. You do not knock as you push the mahogany door open, Varis glancing up from whatever forms he was signing looking fit to chew you out.

“Do you not have manners, savage?”

“I want to continue my visits with Estinien. At the Garlond estate.”

He stares at you in silence, his face relaxing until a dark look overtakes it. Leaning back in his chair, he steeples his fingers together, teeth gleaming along with the traitorous glint in his eye. “Is that so?”

#FFXIV #ff14 #Final Fantasy XIV #zenos #zenos yae galvus #THP

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elmidol · 4 years

Text

The Face of War (NSFW)

Three Blind Tooke Part One Resistance is Futile

Read on AO3

Warnings: injury, mild violence, noncon, dubcon

Three Blind Tooke Part One: Resistance is Futile Chapter Twelve: The Face of War

All alone we are together, And together we are alone.

You stared blankly at the wall across from you. Days. You knew it had been days since you had seen Kylo Ren, and yet you were not certain exactly how many had transpired. Rather than feed you real meals, you were given nutrients through your IV. You wondered if you were going to develop a bladder infection, once more being forced to endure a catheter. You startled at the sound of the door opening. A stormtrooper, you figured. Or else a physician to check your vitals. Maybe even a cleaning droid. Those ignored you whenever they entered. Footsteps told you that it was a visitor of the fleshy kind.

In your peripheral there was a blackness. You glanced to the side with your eyes alone, your mouth opening a minute amount when you took in the identity of your visitor. Your captor. He did not seem to glance your way in the least. “You’ve finally stopped crying.” His altered voice was becoming more familiar to you than his real one. You knew that this was the case for many; it wasn’t as though you were special, you reminded yourself. Replaceable. Not enough to satisfy his sick cravings. “Urvno informed me that your eyes were raw…irritated. Have the drops worked for you then?” It was only then that he lifted his head, his visor pointed in the direction of your face.

“You’re wretched,” you whispered, thinking of the metaphorical punch to the gut he had delivered with his admission. He made no response. You were no stranger to his gaze, to his silence. “How long have I been here?”

“Six cycles.” You felt something brush along your mind; there were no tendrils of pain this time, yet you still found yourself flinching. A strange, almost clicking noise filtered out of his mouthpiece. He stepped closer, his face directly in front of yours. “You’re funny, tooke.”

You clenched your teeth, fighting off the urge to cry. “Glad I can amuse you,” you hissed out.

“You believe I have been having sex with another. It’s funny.” You furrowed your brow, not sure why he found it amusing, and confused as to why he had phrased things as he had. Kylo Ren tilted his head to the side. “I said, ‘Your body is replaceable, tooke’—it is. ‘Do you believe you are my only form of entertainment?’—you are not. Two separate issues.”

“Yet conveniently strung together,” you bit out, your heart hammering in your chest and ears.

“You called me unlovable…so why should you feel betrayed, even if that had been the case?” He was practically touching you, his body and mask so close to you. Your breath fogged against his mouthpiece, condensation forming along it. “You were speaking of wishes. Your need for me to be unlovable, for you to not be seduced, to not care…for me. You’ve missed me.” Now his body did press up into yours. You tensed against your restraints at his touch. His hands were set on the table on either side of your face.

You turned your face to the side so that your breath was no longer hitting against his mask. He pressed the cool metal, more tolerable in temperature due to your breath yet at the same time moist because of it, to your cheek. He stood there for a number of seconds. You did not look his way, keeping your gaze on the metal walls of the ship you were in. After several more seconds of your silence and his, Kylo Ren stepped away from you. Your eyes turned to him and followed the man until he walked out of your line of sight. You could hear the doors opening, his heavy footsteps once more, and then the door closed and those stomping boots faded into the distance.

Hours later when the door next opened, you listened more intently. It was a mere cleaning droid, however. You watched as it did what it was programmed to do. It left not long after it entered, and you were once more alone.

It doesn’t matter whether or not he was with another woman. It means nothing. He’s my enemy. My enemy…enemy…

The doors opened once more. This time Urvno had entered along with a stormtrooper. Your catheter was removed, as was the IV. When you were readied, Urvno turned you over to the ‘trooper. He escorted you to one of the refreshers on the Finalizer. You were allowed a quick shower, during which time you were given a razor to shave. After you were finished, you were dressed in a long black shirt that slipped a little past your thighs. A black bra and underwear as well. That was all.

Officers and stormtroopers alike looked your way when you were escorted down the hallways and corridors of the Finalizer. More than one whistled, and more than one referred to you as a Resistance whore along with stating the crude things they would do to you. You did your best to not shrink at such catcalls and their leers, however you found it difficult to hold your head up high.

Rather than being taken to Kylo Ren’s quarters as you had believed you would be, you were instead escorted to medbay. Once there, you were placed in a secluded area, away from the members of the First Order. A nurse came, took your vitals and trimmed your nails. You then waited for a few minutes before the attending physician drew the curtain closed prior to drawing your blood and performing a pap smear. You winced your way through the physical, trying to retain at least some of your dignity. It was only when this was completed that you were taken to the more familiar portion of the Star Destroyer. You entered Kylo Ren’s quarters without complaint, the stormtrooper pushing you forward regardless of this. Your bare feet hit against the ground noisily, and you hardly had a chance to look over your shoulder before the door closed.

Turning back around to see what was in front of you, you found yourself stilling completely. The book had not been moved from its place on the floor. It did, however, have a boot print on it as well as other evidence that Kylo Ren had walked across it. As if he did not care about it in the least. Your eyes darted about the room, yet you could find no evidence of the man being present. You slowly, hesitantly, made your way to the book. You knelt down on the ground, your fingers brushing over the object. It was torn in a few places, his careless footsteps across it having ripped part of the binding. You scooped it up and wrapped both of your arms around it, cradling the book to your stomach.

It was the only thing that was yours, even if it had been given to you by him; even if he had stomped on it and treated it poorly in your absence.

The door to the refresher opened. Your attention was drawn to the man, who was at last devoid of his robes and helmet. He was covered by a mere towel around his waist, another on his shoulders, which he had evidently been using to pat-dry his hair. His eyes darted to you for but a moment before he turned his attention elsewhere. He crossed the room, taking out clothing. You watched him tug on his pants before he allowed the towel to drop to the floor. The one around his shoulders remained for only a few seconds longer. This, too, was discarded in a similar fashion.

He was saying nothing to you, practically ignoring the fact that you were even in the room. You soon stood, climbed into the chair, and curled up while opening the book. The feel of the crisp paper felt almost foreign. For so long you had read material on a datapad, as it was slim and more easily carried while traveling as you did. You ran your fingers along the page, flashes of your childhood entering your mind’s eye.

A hand entered your peripheral milliseconds before the book was lifted out of your grasp. You made a small noise of protest, turning only to find the man seizing the book on either side with his hands. The muscles in his arms tensed and flexed as he tore the book down the middle. He placed the two halves one atop the other and ripped it once more. You stared dumbly as the pieces fluttered to the floor, and Kylo Ren swerved his hip past the arm of the chair as he made his way over to where he had set his helmet upon the bed.

Your chest heaved, and you slid off the chair and onto your knees, your hands touching portions of the ruined book. Kylo Ren did not place his helmet on his head, though he cradled it in his arm. He made his way back to his closet, tugging out the remainder of his outfit. Once more he was ignoring you. You splayed your hands along the floor, atop the pieces of the only belonging you had had. A single hiccup shook your body. You swallowed thickly, held your breath, and were able to hold off any other such spasms.

You looked over at Kylo Ren, who had pulled on a shirt and was in the process of tugging on his boots. “I…hate you,” you said, feeling yourself starting to cry. “I really hate you.” Still, he did not utter a single syllable. Finished with his boots, he began to dress the rest of the way. You rose on shaky legs and trudged over to him. By then, the only thing he was missing was his helmet. Those dark orbs flew to your face when you braced yourself, readying a fist to strike him. You froze up instantly.

He stepped sideways a little as he turned so that your bodies were facing one another. His hands lifted, slipping under your shirt, his fingers hooking into your panties, which he tugged so that they fell. You then stepped backwards in retreat, however he did not allow you to put any distance between the two of you. Once more he was a predator, you his prey. His body moved with such precision, with such grace, that you found yourself scrambling quicker. His strides lengthened, and then he was on you, pinning you to the bed with a hand pressing down on your abdomen. His other limb had parted your legs, and he had dropped to his knees so that he could bury his face between your thighs.

His tongue thrust up into you, and you gasped and then gulped at the intrusion. You unconsciously ground against his face, and he rewarded your desperation with a flick of his tongue to your clit. When you regained your senses and tried to pull away from him, the hand on your stomach pressed more tightly.

“Stop! I hate you! Stop it!” Your stomach was swimming, intense heat and arousal pooling between your legs. Kylo Ren was moaning, his entire mouth enveloping you. You tried to arch your back, tried to get him to take more of you when he started to concentrate on smaller portions at a time. You could feel him smirking against your cunt. Your inner walls gripped at nothing, the want for something to be buried in you again making you whimper when instead he pulled fully away. Kylo Ren used the end of your shirt to wipe his face then stood. You were still panting as you observed him cross the room, watched as he pulled on his helmet, and nearly cried in frustration when he exited his quarters, leaving your body craving his touch.

You cursed him, cursed yourself, when you squeezed your eyes closed and reached between your legs. You awkwardly pressed two fingers near your entrance, hesitated, and then moved them into you. It felt strange; nowhere near as good as when he was finger-fucking you. You withdrew the digits almost immediately, turned on your side, and stared down at the pieces of your ripped book. You pushed off the bed and walked over to the items that so held your attention. Dropping to your knees in front of them, you started to pull all the pieces towards one another.

It was not as though you could repair the book on a permanent basis; you had no adhesives with which to stick all the pieces together again. Still, you attempted to arrange them correctly. You lined each piece up together as you would a puzzle, working them all into a cohesive picture. Tears started to well up in your eyes, which were still a little raw from all the crying you had done over the past six days.

At last admitting to yourself the impossibility of the task, you picked up all the pieces, entered the refresher, and placed the ruined book into the trash. You then looked around yourself, wondering what you could possibly use as a weapon. Your eyes stopped on your reflection. You grabbed the hand towel from off its hook, wrapped it around your hand, and made a fist. With this, you struck the mirror. It took you a few more tries to get it to crack in a way that allowed you to pry off a piece you could utilize.

You removed the towel from your fist, setting the cloth on the counter before picking up the mirror shard and walking out of the refresher. You moved, once more, to the chair. The shard of glass had dug a bit into your flesh by the time you heard bootsteps coming from the other side of the door. You glanced down at your hand, at the blood that was beginning to drip, and then released a steady breath to strengthen your resolve. You stood from the chair, crossing the room so that when the door opened you were able to strike at him.

Kylo Ren took a step backwards, catching your wrist when the glass was a mere inch from his neck. You trembled in his grasp, waiting for him to squeeze your wrist as he had done so many times in the past. Waiting for him to break it. He raised his other hand, unhooking your fingers from the glass, which remained in your hand, embedded in your flesh from your tight grip on it. He worked it carefully out, more blood spilling now that nothing was obscuring its path. The man stepped forward, forcing you to walk backwards. He steered you in the direction of the refresher, nearly shoving you inside.

You were still waiting for him to break your wrist, to dislocate it—anything! His visor was pointed in the direction of the portion of the mirror you had broken as he reached for the knob and turned on the faucet. He stuck your hand underneath the spray, and you hissed out in pain, jumping at the contact. Kylo Ren seized a fresh towel from a drawer after turning off the water, wrapped the cloth around your hand, and practically dragged you by the wrist back into the other room. He shoved you onto the bed, at which point he finally relinquished his hold on your wrist. You allowed your limb to drop to your lap, staring at the towel wrapped around it while Kylo Ren took out a commlink and placed a call. You could hear him speaking to Urvno, telling the man to report to his quarters along with a kit.

“Aren’t you mad?” you asked in a very quiet voice. “I tried to kill you. Aren’t you mad?”

You were met with pure silence. It was not until Urvno entered Kylo Ren’s quarters that anything was said. Even then, your captor addressed only the physician, stating that you had sliced your hand on glass. While Urvno was sterilizing the area so that he could stitch it up, Kylo Ren used his commlink once more, this time to call a repair team to tend to the broken mirror. When he made the next call, you felt your stomach sink. Mittens and chains, much like you had been forced to endure in the beginning of your captivity.

The repair crew came, immediately entering the refresher with the purpose of removing completely the broken mirror. You watched them as they walked through his quarters, attempting to ignore the stormtrooper that entered, the aforementioned bindings in his hands. The mitten for your injured hand, you noticed, was different than the other. It would allow your wound to breathe, to heal properly. Everyone in the room addressed Kylo Ren as ‘Sir’ or ‘Lord Ren’. One used the title of ‘Commander’. Such respect and fear. Fear so palpable you could taste it. The stormtrooper stepped forward when Urvno had finished with his task. The mittens and restraints were put into place. You did not fight in the least, only hung your head and stared at the floor.

A new mirror was not brought it, though the repair crew informed Kylo Ren that they would ready one immediately. Urvno lingered for a minute or so before dismissing himself. On his way out, he informed the man that he would be wanting to keep an eye on your wound to see that it healed properly. One by one they all left. You were alone with Kylo Ren, alone in the silence that hung between the two of you.

“Are you—“

“It upset you that I ripped the book.” He sounded almost curious, and you found that you could form no words all of a sudden. “Why?”

“It…it was the only…the only thing that was mine.”

His shoulders slumped the slightest bit as he released what sounded to be a sigh. Kylo Ren lifted his hands so that he could remove his helmet, which he placed down. He stepped closer before moving onto the bed next to you. You dropped your gaze to your hand. It throbbed, and you wondered a little why you had not kept the towel around your hand when you were wielding the shard of glass. You brought your legs up onto the bed, shifting so that you could turn and lay on your side. Your shirt was riding up, and you had never put back on your panties.

You felt the bed shifting, moving in ways that indicated he was readjusting his clothing. You squeezed your eyes closed, opening them not long later when he aligned his body along yours. He wasn’t naked, you realized. He had removed his boots and robe, however he still wore his other clothing. Kylo Ren snaked an arm around you. You waited to see what he would do. He only laid there, holding you.

“I…I’m…hungry…” He rolled over in order to seize the commlink, which he used to order that food was brought for the two of you. “Aren’t you mad?” Kylo Ren turned you onto your back, your arms pinned to your sides due to the way the chain caught along you. His brown eyes ran along your face, his expression completely neutral. “I tried to kill you.”

“You never claimed to attempt otherwise.” He set his mouth to your throat, placing wet kisses against it. You remained perfectly still, your brow furrowed and eyes staring up at the ceiling. You waited, wondering when he was going to kiss his way down your body. It was what he always did, you reasoned. Yet your throat apparently held much appeal for him. He suckled it, nipped, and you could feel him beginning to leave hickeys on you. When he did begin to shift, it was upwards, his lips sealing over yours. He paused upon noticing your look of confusion. His lips parted, and you guessed he would have spoken had the droid not entered his quarters with the food.

As the droid set up the food on a tray, Kylo Ren assisted you in moving back up into a sitting position. You rolled your arms, which had started to fall asleep due to how they had been pinned. You looked at the food that had been brought, wondering how you were meant to eat. It was not as though you could lift the utensils, your hands covered as they were. Kylo Ren lifted a fork, stabbed it into the meat, and then held the bite out to you. It had been quite some time since you had been forced to endure this. You scowled, however obediently opened your mouth for him to slide the bite inside.

It was as you were chewing on your fourth bite that he spoke up. “You have stated that there is no love between us…why should it matter if I had been intimate with another?”

Unsure of the answer to this inquiry, you simply swallowed and waited for the next forkful. It did not come. Kylo Ren was staring at you expectantly. You ducked your head, eyeing the food hungrily and wishing to avoid the conversation. He stabbed the prongs of the fork into a bite, lifted it, and as you were opening your mouth to accept it, you found that he instead slipped it into his own mouth. You felt the muscles in your legs tense, as though telling you to spring at him, to attack him for the food. You were by no means starving, however you were more than a little hungry after not being fed for the majority of the cycle. He fed you the next bite, which caused you to once more relax.

Kylo Ren gestured towards the glass filled with what appeared to be juice. You nodded, allowing him to place the rim to your lips and help you drink. “Would you like something sweet, tooke?” Your pupils grew wide, and you could have sworn your heart skipped a beat. How long had it been, aside from the drugged hot chocolate, since you had last had something sweet? What would he want you to give up in return? Rather than ask for anything, however, he set aside the lid to the other plate, which you had previously believed held his dinner. Instead there were a few cookies, which had your mouth watering. He picked one up from the plate and offered it to you. You stared at it, unsure if you could trust him. As though he were reading your thoughts, his lips quirked upwards. “It’s safe,” he said, a sort of teasing lilt gracing his voice.

You swallowed thickly before at last leaning forward and biting into the cookie. A small noise of pleasure left you, and you closed your eyes while relishing in the rich flavor. After you swallowed, you looked up at his face. The cookie remained between the two of you, his hand holding it ready for you to take a second bite. “Why?”

“Perhaps you’re more hurtful than you realize—or you intended to be so,” he said, resting the cookie against your lips so that you took another bite into your mouth. “I have always appreciated and respected the fight in you…but never the lies.” You chewed without commenting, listening to him speak. He was being civil, and thus you found that you could not deny him a proper audience. “You’re desperate, tooke… Lonely.” Your heart started to pound against your chest. “Terrified that you would serve the cause I am a part of if you did not push me away. The book wasn’t yours. You never accepted it, not for what it was.”

“What it was?” you asked, your mouth at last empty of food.

“A simple act of kindness. Something for you to hold.” His voice was passionless, as if he had personally moved on from the ordeal but was humoring you with an explanation. “You did not accept it, but instead lashed out with your lies.” Kylo Ren started to tilt his head to the side. “You interpreted my response different than I thought you would. It hurt you.” He knit his brow at this final portion, confusion once more lacing his voice.

“I don’t… I don’t know why it hurt. It shouldn’t have. You’re my enemy.” He offered you the final portion of the cookie, and you took it. Kylo Ren was patient as ever, waiting for you to finish chewing so that you could complete your response. “Why did it hurt?” You looked towards your injured hand, imagining the tattoo underneath before glancing at its twin and thinking of the same thing. “I don’t have any sort of romantic feelings for you.”

“Yet you care for me.” He said it with as much confusion as you felt. Why would you care for him? You pitied him, and that you could accept. But to care for him in any form, enough so that it had hurt you when you believed he was being intimate with another?

“You’re the only one I’ve ever…” been with wasn’t quite correct. Had sex with was more accurate, yet still not quite it either. “…had such…experiences with.” It went beyond the sex in some respects. He had been in your mind, seen the views you had thrown his way to deter him from taking what information he had wanted from you. Things from your childhood that you hadn’t spoken with to anyone, or hadn’t shared in quite a number of years. There was a certain intimacy in it that went beyond a physical union. “But…you aren’t mad that I tried to kill you?”

“I had anticipated it.” His gaze fell to the mittens. “But not such a foolish course. Perhaps you’re losing your touch.” His lips quirked up into a sort of smirk. “Do you still hate me?”

“I don’t…know. Sometimes. You’re still killing…killing all my…comrades.”

“All the while they’re murdering mine.”

“I’m aware. I never claimed this was black and white. It’s war.” His mouth met yours, and you did not pull away. You allowed your eyelids to descend partway, though you did not respond otherwise nor return the kiss. When he cupped your cheek, however, you gave him a single kiss, a sort of gesture of appreciation for his kindness—the cookie, the fact that he had not responded to your attempt on his life with violence. He tensed, you could feel him stiffen as though he wasn’t sure how to respond to the fact that you were, even if only momentarily, an active participant. You had taken him off guard. “Why are you keeping me here still? You don’t need me anymore.” You met his eye. “I know nothing about the final cell.”

“You may believe that to be true, tooke, but I know otherwise. The smallest of clues… The First Order will find the other Resistance splinter cell using you as a guide.”

“Dreadful,” you muttered with distaste. “Monstrous deeds.”

“It’s war,” he repeated simply then kissed you.

[All is fair in love and war; Yet they claim life is not fair. Such strange contradictions they tell, When wars are our lives everywhere.]

#kylo ren x reader #kylo x reader #three blind tooke #kylo ren imagine #kylo ren smut #resistance is futile #elmidolfanfic

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shapeshiftersandfire · 4 years

Text

paint the sun.

prompt: fingernail painting fandom: scary stories to tell in the dark characters: ruth steinberg, esau bellows

Esau had gone upstairs just to see what Ruth was up to, while Sarah’s downstairs with Chuck and Auggie telling jokes (he hears his sister laugh, and it warms his heart). Now Esau finds himself mesmerized by Ruth’s activity. He’s pulled up an extra chair from the corner of her room and dragged it up beside her makeup table (that’s what she called it, right? Right.). He watches with his arms propped on the back of the chair, chin on his arms, as Ruth swipes a tiny brush, laden with colorful liquid, over her nail. The brush leaves a thin streak on her nail. Esau watches, entranced, as Ruth repeats the process of dipping the brush into the bottle and running it over her nail until she’s satisfied with the results.

It’s a lot like watching Sarah write.

“What are you doing?” He tilts his head as Ruth goes back to the bottle a third time.

He expects Ruth to jump, but she doesn’t. She puts the little brush—attached to the lid—back into the bottle and looks up at Esau. “Painting my nails,” she says, and shows him her newly painted nail, now with a layer of bright pink. Esau blinks in wonder at the color. He’s never seen anyone paint their nails. Delanie never painted hers, at least that he noticed, and Gertrude certainly never did. Sarah didn’t, either, but she didn’t have access to any…nail paint? Is that what’s it’s called? Sure.

He likes the way it shines in the light, so clean and bright and shiny enough that he can almost see his reflection if he looks hard enough. And it gives him an idea. He perks up, grinning at Ruth. “Can you do mine?”

Ruth blinks at him, surprised, and sputters, flounders for an answer, all while Esau watches her hopefully. “I-well-um…” She pauses and shrugs. “Boys don’t usually paint their nails,” she says softly.

“Oh.” Esau frowns, slightly deflated, but he doesn’t understand why this is a problem. Why shouldn’t he—or any boy for that matter—not be able to paint their nails? He gives Ruth a smile. “Come on and paint mine, Ruthie,” he says. “I could use a little color, right?”

This time Ruth smiles. “Oh, alright. Since you insist.” She reaches into the top left drawer and pulls out a small basket full of more bottles of the same size as the first but with slightly different shapes, each one filled with a different color, or different shades of the same color. Esau can’t count right off the bat how many Ruth has, but it’s definitely more than he would have thought.

How many different colors does a girl need?

He’d ask Sarah, but she knows as much about this as he does.

Ruth pulls out all the bottles—all the bottles—and makes a few neat lines of them for Esau to get a good look at his options. Blues, reds, greens—no, not green, Mother wore green all the time and he’d rather not be reminded of that hideous shade of pear-green with the black trim. He scoops all of them up and puts them back in the basket. Ruth doesn’t ask why.

He puts the two black bottles away, too. His brothers and father and grandmother all wore black, all the time, and it’s just too dark a color for his liking. He’s not even really sure why Ruth has it, unless she uses it for decoration; it’s just too dark a color for a full coat for someone like Ruth. Pink is much more fitting for her.

For him, not so much. He puts that one away too, and keeps narrowing down his options until he’s left himself with two: blue and yellow. He frowns.

“What do you think, Ruth?”

Ruth picks up the bottles and looks each other them over. “Well,” she says, “I think blue is a good match for you, but I think you could use something a little brighter.” And she sets the yellow down in front of him. “Yellow?”

Esau grins. “Yellow it is!” So he settles himself in, and on Ruth’s instruction, he holds out his hand to her, flattening it on the surface of the table. He curls his free arm over the back of the chair, tucks his chin into the crook of his elbow, and watches Ruth repeat the process for his nails that she did with her own: dip, wipe off the excess, and swipe. He watches until he gets lost in the easy pattern, and then until he finds himself zoning out to to where he thinks he might reach the verge of falling asleep. Instead, he tries to focus on the other colors in Ruth’s basket, still sitting on the table, and wonders what color Sarah would pick. He tilts his head.

“What color do you think would look good on my sister?”

Ruth’s rhythm falters a moment at the question. She blinks, swipes the brush over Esau’s nail again. “I was thinking pink…” Two spots of faint red rise in her cheeks. Esau smiles.

“You like her, don’t you?”

The red on Ruth’s face darkens. She sputters for a response. “I-I-well-I—”

“It’s okay,” he says, smiling. “Sarah deserves someone who loves her for who she is.”

Ruth pauses mid-swipe to look up at him. “So do you.”

Esau raises his head. So do you. He’s never had someone be that honest with him before. All his life, he’s always looked after Sarah, always put her first, the one who seemed to catch the brunt of the Bellows’ ire. He’s never had someone tell him what he’s always told Sarah, that she deserves someone outside the family who loves her the way she deserves to be loved. He’s not even sure he ever expected to hear those same words.

And he does deserve it, doesn’t he? After all he had to hear from his family, about him and his sister, all the nasty words that still ring in his ears when he thinks they’ve gone, or when he thinks Sarah doesn’t know he can still hear them—and he wonders if she still hears them, too—he knows he does.

“You love me, don’t you?” The words are out before Esau realizes he’s said them.

Ruth finishes the last swipe of yellow paint across Esau’s thumb and puts the brush away. “Of course I do, Esau.” She lays her hand on his arm. “We all love you. There’s nothing in the world we would trade you for.”

The new pink on Ruth’s nails blurs as Esau looks at it. He blinks the blur away, wipes his eyes on the back of his unpainted hand. “Thank you…” I can’t tell you how much that means. His old family would have traded everything in the world for him. And Sarah.

He doesn’t realize Ruth’s gotten up from her chair until her arms are around him and her head is on his, and damn it she feels so safe, his friends are the safest people on the planet, all of them. He gently closes his hand around her arm.

“I promise,” she whispers into his hair, “we will never let anything happen to you or Sarah.”

Esau turns his head into her shoulder. “Thank you.” He’s been protecting Sarah so long it never occurred to him that maybe he needed some protection, too.

“You’re welcome.”

He and Ruth stay like that for a while; Esau makes no move to push her away. From somewhere downstairs, he hears Chuck’s muffled voice, laced with a smile, and Sarah’s laugh among the others. He can’t hear what she says after, but her voice sounds bright. That’s all he could ask for.

And then he hears the tone of their voices change, wondering where he and Ruth are, “They’ve been up there for almost an hour,” he hears Chuck say. There’s a muffled thud, then Stella’s voice, low and scolding, no doubt warding Chuck of making a joke that would make both of them feel uncomfortable.

Honestly, he expects nothing less.

(Even if he doesn’t understand all of them.)

“I think my hand is dry now,” Esau says with a smile. He’s comfortably warm and relaxed like this, in Ruth’s hug, and really he has no intention of unraveling himself from Ruth’s arms (unless she wants him to, of course), but the rest of the group sound like they’re ready to come looking for them in the next few minutes if they don’t come down soon. “Wanna do my other hand?” He twists his head up to give her a smile.

“Course I do,” Ruth says, and gives him a squeeze. “I can’t let you go out with only one hand painted, what kind of girl would I be?” She grins at him. Esau sees what Sarah likes about her so much. She’s gentle, kind, and her eyes shine when she smiles. “And then you can go show off to your sister,” she adds, sitting down, readying the brush again. Esau watches her go through the familiar motions, dip dip swipe swipe make sure nothing still runs from the bristles, and she holds it up, ready for him.

“Let’s bring the pink bottle,” he says, holding out his unpainted hand to Ruth. “I think Sarah’s going to want her nails painted, too.”

#ruth steinberg #esau bellows #scary stories to tell in the dark #ssttitd #fluff bingo

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keelywolfe · 4 years

Text

FIC: Shifting Intentions (baon)

Summary: Edge knows his brother very well and he doubts that Red came over for a coffee and a heart to heart.

Tags: Spicyhoney, Kustard, Established Relationships, Angst, Brotherly Bonding

Notes: The urge to write the Underfell brothers was overwhelming. Sometimes we get a little reminder that while Edge is a sweet, loving husband and friend, he also grew up in Underfell and some things are difficult to leave behind.

Part of the ‘by any other name’ series.

~~*~~

Read it on AO3

Read it here!

~~*~~

The leaves were mostly fallen from the trees, torn down by the wind and leaving behind bare, creaking branches. They were layered atop the ground, crunching underfoot and scuffed up in rustling bunches beneath his boots as Edge moved around the chicken coop.

With the growing cold, it was time to check over the squat building to make sure it was winterized. No cracks to allow in a chilling breeze, no loose roofing to drip snowmelt down on their sleeping ladies.

And no gaps in the fencing to allow one small, sneaky chicken to escape in the night.

“There it is,” Edge murmured in satisfaction, fingering the small hole in the wires. Twice now Nugget had escaped and found her way into their house. The second time, Edge didn’t bother to wake Stretch. He carried their wayward hen back to the coop himself while she clucked unhappily at losing her place on their bed. That was last night and today Edge vowed to find her method of escape, as Stretch’s suggestion that she was learning to teleport was very low on the list of possibilities.

The gap in the wire was caused by two overlapping sections and wasn’t really visible from any angle. It was a surprise she’d even discovered it, but then, Nugget was surprisingly clever for a small chicken. And troublesome. And frankly charming, scuttling around Edge’s boots, clamoring for attention even as he sealed off her method of escape. She reminded him a little of a skeleton he knew, not that he’d name unnecessary names.

Edge mended the hole carefully, making sure to trim the wire ends closely, and he managed to not clip off the tip of his own finger when a loud voice came from above.

“playing a little handyman today, eh, boss? hope you nail it.”

It came from far over his head and likely meant Red was perched in the overhanging tree branch. Edge didn’t look up, only finished patching the hole. “Is this where I’m supposed to say screw you? I think I’ll pass, and I believe you were the one who taught me about the importance of home security.”

“ehhhhh.” But Edge knew he didn’t imagine the pleased note in that dismissive tone. “didn’t think you’d be applying it to a flock of unplucked dinosaurs.”

It took considerable poise not to flinch when his brother was soundlessly and abruptly at his elbow, crouching down to give Nugget a scratch. The gentleness of that petting was almost as disconcerting.

It was also suspicious, and Edge wondered with no little trepidation why his brother was even here, especially considered Sans’s visit the other day.

He sincerely doubted it was for same reason and still had a lingering regret for refusing Sans’s sidewise attempt at a heart to heart. It was honestly for the best. He couldn’t be the confidant Sans needed, not where his brother was concerned; Edge was the furthest thing from a neutral party. Stretch wasn’t much better, his opinions were colored as well simply by their marriage. He did hope Sans found someone he could speak to, even if it was his therapist. Stars knew Red had probably driven people he wasn’t sleeping with into counseling.

Red was not likely after a coffee and a chat, but so long as his brother was here—“Quit letting her into our house.”

Leaves rustled as Red moved somewhere next to him. He was on Edge’s wrong side, where the crack in his socket interfered with his vision. More than a minor annoyance; it agitated him to have anyone deliberately out of his line of sight and it was always better to assume everything Red did was with intention. “me? why would i do that?”

Hardly a denial. Edge continued with his repair, twisting the wires roughly. “The only reason I can come up with would be that you’re an ass, though I’m sure you believe it’s for some deeper meaning.”

Red scoffed, harsh and low in his throat. “don’t give a shit one way or another about chicken little here.”

Another crunch of leaves, vague footsteps along with ecstatic clucking and still outside Edge’s limited vision. Red was lingering in his blind spot while Edge refused to give in and move, only listening closely enough that the sharp fingertips scraping lightly over his skull weren’t a surprise. “but if i did do anything like that, might be to remind a certain shepherd to keep a better watch over his flock, little brother.”

There was a deeper meaning layered beneath that, a warning. It stung almost as much as the faint scratches left behind by his brother’s touch and Edge silently accepted both. His brother wasn’t wrong, Nugget’s escapades should have been investigated more closely from the beginning. If she’d been hurt or lost, perhaps even hit by a car, Stretch would have been devastated.

That knowledge did not make Red’s admonishment sting any less. He could feel the weight of his brother’s gaze, silently measuring Red’s current mood and weighing the correct path to take. Edge chose the route that allowed him to ask lightly, “How is Ozymandias?”

It was a distraction and his brother knew it, but he answered with a ready laugh, “he’s a shit. chewed off the heel on my favorite boots. he and sans ain’t gonna be best buds anytime soon, either, not with both of ‘em fighting over a little pettin’” Edge barely shuddered his disgust at that insinuation when Red added, slyly, ”if you’re worried about the kitty cat, you and stretch could come see him.”

That needling hit its target and it was enough for Edge to whip around and glare hotly at his grinning brother, “Don’t you dare offer him that. He’d do it to prove he could and be a mess all night for it.”

A sleepless night he did not need. Stretch was upstairs napping right now as it was. Curled up on their bed as he rarely did during the day, holding a strange new stuffed creature in his arms that was perhaps an octopus? The visible curling tentacles suggested something of that nature and Edge hadn’t the slightest idea where his husband even acquired it, only that Stretch seemed to have taken to it as an impromptu pillow. It was strangely enchanting, enough to be worth snapping a quick picture even considering the faint, worrisome shadows lingering beneath his sockets.

Checks still showed his HP as four, but Alphys stopped in about once a week to run a couple quick tests. She’d offer as much with nervous kindness, texted to Edge alone that perhaps it would be easier than forcing Stretch to come to the lab. She and her equipment both assured them that it was still rising, steadily if slowly. A few extra naps here and there would only help and Edge was happy to encourage them. And to not allow him to rise to the bait of any ridiculous challenges from his brother that would cause him to wake in the middle of the night from preventable nightmares.

To his astonishment, his brother’s grin softened. No more than a fraction, hardly visible to anyone who didn’t know him. Edge might not always understand his brother but he knew him, very well, and struggled to keep his shock hidden as Red admitted, “nah, bro, i wouldn’t do that to the honey bun.”

“See that you don’t or I won’t be the only sleepless one.” It was difficult to force the correct amount of cool sternness into his voice, but his brother would be expecting it. “Are you staying for dinner?”

“sure, why not?” Red said easily. That alone was somewhat surprising. His brother was perfectly content to raid his refrigerator at any hour of day or night, but rarely joined them for a meal.

It would either be a terrible mistake or just possibly a reasonably enjoyable meal. Red and Stretch usually got along very well…until they didn’t. Then they could squabble viciously, their insults chosen with deliberate care to draw the most blood. Worse, Edge couldn’t say that the two of them didn’t enjoy those nights just as much. His love had a disturbing cruel streak at rare times, much the same as Red, only Stretch would have regrets about it later and harsh self-recriminations.

What Edge knew without doubt was that he did not personally enjoy being in the middle of their brutal comedy routine. But the possibility of a perfectly nice (normal) meal with his brother and husband was too much to resist.

Edge gathered up his tools, shooing the chickens back into their newly repaired coop. “Come on, then, I need to get started.”

Red fell in at his heels, disturbingly familiar, as was his, “sure thing, boss.” Like falling through a thin crust of repression into bitterly icy memory. Red added on, relentlessly, “the honey bun is waking up, anyway.”

That statement was already an argument waiting to happen. Edge didn’t comment on it, though, let it go.

Because wasn’t there a dark, buried part of him that was grateful that his brother was watching out, pleased that his brother cared enough about Stretch to want him safe? In moments like these, Edge knew himself for the hypocrite he was, irritated with Blue’s incessant overprotectiveness while being comforted by the knowledge that if anything ever happened, his brother’s watchful eye would be over Stretch. Keeping him safe if Edge couldn’t.

It was better to simply not acknowledge that desire; he kept it back, lurking in the secret recesses of his soul where faint voices sometimes whispered slyly that the ring on Stretch’s finger was lovely, but he would be enchanting in a collar, marked with Edge’s colors and name, a bold declaration that none could mistake.

The words were strictly Underfell, whispers that Edge could never entirely banish, hidden ideas he never, ever wanted Stretch to glimpse. He never wanted to try to explain that he truly did understand that this world was different and the meaning behind it was not the same. It wasn’t about ownership, not the way Stretch knew it.

Anyone from Underfell would look at that collar and know that Edge was Stretch’s entirely, utterly devoted to his wellbeing and protection. A warning and a promise of dust to any who did not heed it, and not the illusion one that Red once wore for him.

But what those internal whispers refused to understand was that Edge didn’t need a collar for it to be true. His certainty of love was more than enough and it only took thinking of Stretch, of every treasured memory Edge possessed of his delight, and of his quiet, trembling voice promising to love and cherish to banish those voices back to the darkness where they belonged.

But not before they wondered with unholy glee exactly what his brother’s thoughts were on the subject, and did they concern Stretch or Sans.

Enough. Edge paused at the sliding glass door, taking a deep breath and shaking away those old, unsettling thoughts. When he pulled the door open, he held back, gesturing impatiently for Red to go in front of him.

For a brief moment they stood there, neither of them moving and his brother cast in shadow from the artificial light that spilled out from the doorway. Then Red stomped in ahead of him, the steel tips of his boots ringing against concrete and then kitchen tile. He hissing out as he passed, “there better be fucking chili dogs for dinner.”

The slight shakiness in Edge’s exhale was ignored, gone in his next breath as he followed his brother, closing and locking the door behind them.

-finis-

#kustard #spicyhoney #papcest #keelywolfe #underfell #underswap #underfell papyrus #underswap papyrus #underfell sans #by any other name

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cal-puddies · 5 years

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your kind of heaven || pt 5. to hell and back pt 1. || luke hemmings

pt 1. || pt 2 || pt. 3 || pt. 4 || pt. 5 || Pt. 6 || pt. 7 || pt. 8 || pt. 9 || pt. 10

“I love her so much.” Luke whispers.

“I know, Luke.”

He hangs up, takes Petunia out; he thinks. Time, what time; how long since you’d left the house? It was about 11. He decides. It’s a little after 5 am, he notes.

“I gotta go check on Mom, pretty girl.” He says to the dog.

Ash lets himself in, he hugs Luke. “You ready?” He asks.

“Yeah mate. I think I have everything.”

“Keys, phone, wallet? Don’t think you’ll need anything else.” Ash says.

Luke pats his pockets and then Ash leads him out to his car.

Cal’s arms are crossed over his chest, he’s tucked in a corner alone, his hoodie swallowing and concealing him the best it could. He became instantly more conspicuous when Luke and Ashton show up.

“Anything?” Luke asks, as he takes a seat next to Calum.

“No mate. Not yet. They won’t tell me anything. Did you check in with the nurses?” He asks.

“Yeah, they’re paging a doctor.” Ash pipes up.

“Thank god.” Calum sighs.

“How long ya been here?” Luke Asks.

“Couple hours. It was impossible to get a hold of you.” Cal says.

“It was a long day… tough morning, bad afternoon, worse evening.” Luke starts.

“What happened?” Ash asks. “You couldn’t keep your hands off of her last night.”

“You know Luke and her and the red bottoms.” Cal smirks, tapping Ashton’s shoulder.

“Right? She did look good last night.” Ash agrees.

“God was that just last night? It feels like a lifetime ago already.” He sighs, wiping his hand over his face. “I guess I called her Sierra this morning. I have no reason to doubt her, and she was rightfully upset. But then Sierra is posting every picture under the goddamn sun from the last three weeks and talking about how much she misses me and it’s not doing any favors for my wife.”

“Yeah… saw those.” Calum looks over at them. “She shouldn’t be ok with that and I hope you realize that.”

“I know… I do. I was being so stupid to think it looked innocent. Of course it didn’t. It wouldn’t. Sierra is all over me whenever she sees me.”

“Mr. Hemmings?” A man in a white coat asks from the door of the waiting room. Luke’s head snaps up and he jumps up quickly.

“Hi, I’m Luke.” He introduces.

“You’re very lucky, Luke,” the doctor starts, “this could have been way worse. She’s bruised, slightly concussed. She has a broken arm and stitches here and there. Her seatbelt saved her life.”

“Can I see her?” Luke’s panic becomes evident to the doctor then.

“Yes, right this way.” The doctor leads Luke toward your room.

The paps were all over this, between the subsequent DUI, though just under the limit, the posts from Sierra, and Luke caught in public with her before it all went down, you were now getting divorced, and you and Luke ‘hadn’t talked’ in weeks.

The last bit wasn’t true, but it was something you’d have to live through. You were now conveniently never seen together even though you were out in public holding hands or kissing more than ever. But every time you’d get coffee with Cal and Duke, the entire world knew, and you were leaving Luke for Cal.

Or Luke was leaving you for Sierra? You couldn’t be sure anymore. Either way, they thought your marriage was in jeopardy and everyone that knew you, knew otherwise.

“Hey, want me to wash your hair?” Luke asks, you’re standing in the bathroom trying to put your hair up to skip yet another day. He grins at you from the doorway. “Or… isn’t it about time for a change? We can go out, have a day. Hair and nails. I need some shoes…” he moves closer, touching you.

“Yeah… that sounds fun. But…” you shrug.

Luke can tell you aren’t all in yet, “but?” He asks, pulling you into him.

“I’m like… exhausted from constantly putting our relationship on display…. like i get it, and I know it’s what management wants so we look like we’re fine. But I feel like we’re fine and I don’t feel like we HAVE to do this. They already wanna tell me when we’re having kids.”

“Well the really nice thing about MY management team is that YOU don’t have to listen to them.” He laughs. “But I do think we should spend the day together.” He kisses your forehead, “starting with… getting clean.”

Luke loves on you, he’s holding you, kissing on you. He’s happy to help with anything you need. He has been since you got home and talked everything out. It wasn’t an easy conversation but now when Sierra is posting, you and Luke aren’t paying it any attention.

“I love you.” He whispers, hoisting you on the counter after the shower.

You wrap your arms around his neck, “ Love you baby.” You whisper back.

“Can I…?” He trails off, but you can feel his hard on and his fingers are slowly pushing the towel up on your thigh.

“Yeah, please.” You nod.

He leans in and kisses you, dropping his towel. He pulls at your towel, so it’s open and pools at your waist. His fingertips gently caress your sides, “so beautiful.” He whispers.

Luke grabs you at your knee, hoisting it up over his hip. He carefully guides himself in. “Luke.” You whine into his chest.

“You ok baby?” He asks, holding the back of your head.

“Yeah Luke.” You whimper, biting into his shoulder.

Luke grips tight onto your hips, he works himself into you. “I never get tired of how you feel.” He groans.

Your finger nails dig into his neck. “Always so good.”

The steam from the shower, and your damp bodies was making this hotter than normal, but you weren’t complaining by any means. You loved Luke and you loved being with Luke. His broad shoulders made you feel safe but you found them incredibly sexy at the same time.

“Love it when you cum on my cock…” He moans, pulling your bottom lip down with his thumb. “Love it even more when I get to fill you with cum.” His lips attach to your neck and he sucks a hickey.

“Holy fuck.” You moan, pulling his hair.

“Already baby?” He chuckles. He presses his lips to yours, “alright then my love, gimme that orgasm.” You whimper as you cum for him and then Luke uses you exactly how he wants you.

He’s careful and sweet when he cleans up. He doesn’t get mad when you steal the shirt he was planning to wear, always encouraging you to use his side of the closet as well. He loves you in his clothes.

Luke’s got his hand tight around yours. You stop at the salon first, fresh haircut, and you get a trim. Then you stop for coffee, and run into Ash and Cal, who are also on their way to the nail salon. Luke wants them to tag along because he thinks more people will notice you two with Cal around.

Then it’s lunch, just the two of you, and some shopping. Luke gets the things he needs and then he’s pulling you around a few of your favorite stores, and you’re getting new clothes and shoes too. He happily follows you around Sephora and lets you swatch anything you want on his arms and hands. You pick up dinner on the way home.

“I had a good day today Luke.” You say after getting settled in the car.

He turns and looks at you and smiles, “I did too baby.” He leans over for a kiss.

By the time you get home, there are pictures of the two of you out together on tons of social media. His team is sending texts to both of you, congratulating you on getting it done. Luke’s happy, but you’re a little annoyed. But it didn’t stop the sex that night.

Luke thought he’d been through the worst with you. But he didn’t realize this would be the last good day for awhile, and he may not have taken full advantage of that. He held you so close as you fell asleep. You could feel each other breathe.

The morning light revealed a new reality that Luke was not prepared for.

You were moody in ways he’d never experienced. You physically and emotionally pushed him away, he had to stand by and watch as you practically avoided him.

He watches as you dig through boxes, pulling out things of your ex’s.

“What are you doing?” Luke asks so so quietly.

“I miss him.” You whisper. “I felt whole… I know I can never feel that way again.”

And he thought you looked innocent, there was no malicious intent in what you said. You were just being honest.

That made it worse… because he couldn’t fault you. He could only watch you fall apart from afar.

And it progressively gets worse. It seems like the more time he had to spend away for the album, the more distant you became. The more tears you cried. The less you needed or wanted him. He didn’t know how to deal.

Luke caught you on a chatty off day, you’d talked to a few friends and exchanged a text or two with Cal. The glass of wine sat in front of you when he returned.

“Hey baby. How ya feelin?” He asks, quietly. Because if he’s too loud, you’ll break. He knew that. He couldn’t take another one, 7 this week was enough.

“I’m tired Luke.” You sniffle, “just tired. I’m sorry.” You shake your head.

“Nothing to apologize for, my love.” He assures you.

It’d been almost 3 months of you just in bed, or avoiding him. You were having trouble writing, and you ‘just didn’t feel like it.’ You weren’t eating much and he could tell, you were irritable all the time. Luke didn’t mind, he figured out how to navigate it.

“We’re gonna be leaving for tour soon.” He reminds you.

And that sends you over the edge. You push yourself against Luke, and bawl your eyes out, holding onto him tightly and mumble about how you don’t want him to go.

“Baby.” He coos in your ear, pushing his hands down your back and gripping your thighs to pull you up. You wrap your legs around him and hold onto his neck tight. “I’ll be back.” He promises.

“But what if you aren’t?” You sniffle. “What if you don’t come back to me? What if something happens? What if… what if you find someone else?” You tuck your face back against his neck, “what if something happens to me?”

“Well… I’ll work backwards,” he hums, finally sitting down on the bed with you. His lips press to the top of your head “if anything happens to you, I’ll come home immediately. I’ll never find anyone else like you. I chose you baby. I’m not gonna choose anyone else. If something happens to me, then you’ll come to me, but nothing is going to happen baby.” He feels you loosen your grip and pull away from him, he immediately wipes at your tears with his thumbs. “Why don’t you come on tour?” He whispers, “just for a little bit. That way you can see that nothing is going to happen. And we’re gonna be fine.”

“Luke…” you sniffle, “I’ve never been that girl that has to be on tour.”

“Well, you don’t have to be there but I want you there. And the guys won’t care. We can call and ask them.” He offers.

“Luke.” You start crying hard again and he pulls you back in.

He rocks you gently, and he starts humming to you. “Hate that you’re so upset.” He whispers, lips right next to your ear. “Do you need something I’m not giving you? We should go check in with the doctor.”

“I’m sorry I’m letting you down.” You sob, pulling away.

“Letting me down?” He asks, “how do you figure?”

“I’m not being a good wife, I’m barely being a good friend… I’m crying and a mess over my ex and you don’t feel like you can leave me alone at this moment, which is ridiculous, I’m almost 30.”

“Baby… if you think I didn’t think you’d always love him, well… you’re wrong. I accounted for that. I still think our love is stronger and can get us over this.” His hands wrap around yours. “And you know I never really wanna leave you alone. I always want you with me, and if you need to be with me for awhile, to feel better, then there is nothing in the world wrong with that. You’re a good wife, always. Just having a tough time right now. And that’s ok.” Luke rubs his hands up and down your back. “It’s ok baby.” He insists.

You push your face back against his neck, where you know it fits so well, and you work on calming yourself, grounding yourself. You can feel Luke’s soft t-shirt, and his warmth, his fingers gripping your skin, and his stubble. You smell his cologne, and the fabric softener you use, and the body wash he uses in the shower. You can hear his heartbeat and the soft hum he’s emitting meant to help calm you. He knows what your doing.

He feels your deep breath. And he knows you’re calming down. He’s patient and he holds you. His lips press to the top of your head. “Wanna have dinner with me?” He asks, gently rocking you.

“Yes.” You sniffle, slightly nodding your head. You let your lips ever so gently press to his neck. “I love you Luke. I know I’m a mess.” You whisper. “But if it’s really ok, I think I would like to go on tour. At least for a bit.” You sniffle again.

“I’ll get it all worked out… and we’re gonna order in. Can I run you bath?” He asks.

“I want you to get in too.”

“Whatever you want my love.” He kisses your forehead, “can’t think of a time I’d ever turn down being naked with you.” He chuckles.

Luke finds a stash of abandoned bath bombs, and picks one with glitter, completely by accident, he swears. And he doesn’t complain when you decide you want to mask, he does one too. He holds you with your back to his chest, and he’s happy to sit quietly until the water is too cold. You shower and he helps you lotion, anything to see you smile.

He lets you lay on him, head on his chest, under the soft blanket you use when your anxiety is at its worst, while he orders dinner and dessert. He mixes you a drink and lets you pick something to watch. He doesn’t care if he hates it or you’ve seen it 1000 times together, he wants you to smile.

He watches as you eat just a little bit, he counted on it actually. He got stuff that’d reheat well for a reason.

You fall asleep on him on the couch, he whispers “I love you” into the top of your head.

Taglist: @cocktail-calum @1dthewantedlove @september09241994 @youngblood199456 @lustingforwunder @calumsphile @neso-k @rosecoloredash @radmcqueen @justayoungandwisefangirl @itsnotmyblood @slimthicccal @softboycal @lietoash @pushthetide21 @5sosfanficrec @pinkbubbles-and-bigtroubles @therealmrshale

gc tags: @sublimehood @sugarcoated-pain @5sosnsfw @angelbabylu @aspiringwildfire @irwinkitten @lashtoncurls @myloverboyash @singt0mecalum

masterlist || ashton || calum || luke || michael

wanna be tagged? go here

#luke hemmings #to hell and back #pt 5 #your kind of heaven #hemmo #cass #5sos #5 seconds of summer #maren morris #inspo #husband!luke #5sos!luke #depression #leave your thoughts

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siempre-bucky · 5 years

Text

Basically a Hallmark Movie|5|

Royal!Sebastian Stan x Reader

Summary: When the photographer reader is made to go to the country of Romania to see and photograph the coronation of the future king, Prince Sebastian, she must overcome her Grinch-like attitude. All before Christmas.

A/N: So excited to pick this story back up with all the Christmas excitement!!! With the Tumblr purge happening and with the threat of this not being shown in the tags I will not be linking to the previous chapters or the Series Masterlist! You can find it on my blog! It’s linked for the desktop and you can search ‘masterlist’ on mobile!!!! TAGLIST OPEN! Enjoy :)

“What is this about?” Sebastian questions as Anastasia as she leads him into her office Anastasia huffs and sits in her comfortable chair. She pulls out a large black book with the families royal crest engraved into the leather, the bearded man’s never seen that before.

“The ball Sebastian it’s a royal family tradition,” she reminds him as she flips to a page, her tone reeks of distaste.

“And I’ve skipped it for the past 12,” he responds with a satisfied smile before sitting down on the couch beside the window. He looks out at the snow as she continues to blabber how it’s important. His eyes boredly shift to the snow Y/N left her imprint on causing him to laugh at the fast its still there.

“Are you listening?”

“No.”

She growls and places her hands on the table, her red nails threatened to dig marks into the nice wood “I need you to focus,” she demands, her neatly drawn eyebrows furrow together in anger, the red in her cheeks making her red blush blend together.

Sebastian laughs at her reaction, he and his father would love to make Anastasia angry even if it angered his mother “Ok, ok, I promise,” he sits up in his chair and places his hands over his lap, poised as a future king should be.

Anastasia clears her throat and stares down at the plans on the embossed paper “This years charity will be the Bucharest Orphanage, all money raised will be given to the shelter for their yearly needs.”

“What about Christmas?” he interrupts.

“It’s not in the budget.”

Sebastian frowned “Not in the budget?” he questioned her with a low growl.

“They have just enough for food and necessities,” Anastasia matched his tone which commenced a staredown between the two royals. Sebastian hated playing the rank card, it made him feel like one of those snobbish jerks that shoved their ranks in people’s faces and that just wasn’t him. Yet this was Anastasia and it was fine!

“Need I remind you that I’m going to be your king in a matter of days, Scarlett will set up a tour of the orphanage for me tomorrow and I will evaluate the amount of decoration and presents needed,” he informs her through gritted teeth.

“Fine,” she spats, getting up quickly and storming off, a strand of curses escaping her lips. With a slam of the door, Sebastian smirks, pleased with himself. He pulls out his phone and sends a quick text to Scarlett to meet him at the entrance, he shoves in back in his pocket and walks out the door admiring the Christmas decorations on the way.

“Your Highness, are you sure you want to be out in the cold before the ball?” Scarlett asks, looking down at her tablet when she sees him arrive. Sebastian grunts to himself, grumpy at the fact that another person wasn’t wanting him to participate in the Christmas spirit. Scarlett looks up and him and sees the angered expression on his face, immediately regretting her questioning. “I-uh, I will talk to Mrs. Saldana about your visit.”

“That’s better,” he laughs, examining the room. His eyes look forward and instantly smiles at the Tree Y/N finished, chuckling at the fact all the ornaments were towards the bottom and so close together.

“Sebastian,” Scarlett pokes his arm with her pen.

“Hmm?”

“Would you like to take someone from the press?” Scarlett knew the future king was developing feelings for the photographer, it was her rightful duty to force them on an outing.

“No. No press.”

“What about Y/N L/N?” He instantly perks up, hiding the smile by keeping his head low. He was taking the bait!

“Well I guess the orphanage could use the press,” Sebastian responded, taking another look at the tree.

The blonde woman smiled “Good, the camera I ordered for her was delivered a little earlier. You should ask her.”

“But her ankle.”

“She’ll be fine. Go!”

Sebastian took the hint and found the package, he thought of wrapping it but remembered her displeasure when she saw Christmas decorations, the plain Amazon box will have to do. He arrived at her door and paused suddenly. But why? His hands were scared to knock on the door, holding onto the brown box for dear life. His heart was racing, but he’d only just met her, he pushes the feelings aside and knocks loudly at the door. While he waits he shifts on the balls of his feet until he hears the door start to open.

Y/N’s face looks up in slight surprise, not thinking the king to be would be standing at her door “Prince Sebastian,” she greets with a smile.

“Just Sebastian please,” he kindly corrects her. She shyly nods and leans against the doorframe while nervously playing with her pink sweater.

“What brings you to my door?” she asks.

“Your new camera arrived,” he tells her, handing out the box. Her eyes light up when she takes the box in her hands itching to pry it open and play with it. Y/N fights the urge and holds it in front of her as he speaks “I’m visiting the orphanage in town and I am in need of a photographer…would you be interested?”

“Yes!” she nearly shouts from the excitement. The smile that emerges from his face makes her knees go weak, she’d pay good money to see that every day. “I-I mean I would be honored to take the photos.”

“Great, the car will be ready at 8, I’ll send Scarlett to get you,” he wasted no time in rushes away from her, leaving Y/N slightly confused.

She shuts the door behind her and grinned stupidly to herself, hobbling back to the bed where she would finally play with the new camera. “Hey Google,” she speaks, “call dad,” she tells her phone as she opens the box.

“Hi honey how’s Romania?” he asks excitedly when he picks up.

“Its fine, the uh country takes Christmas seriously. The Prince is like the king of Christmas.”

“Maybe it’s time for you to like Christmas again Y/N.”

Y/N shrugs her shoulders and inspects the heavy camera “No, its fine,” she dismisses his comments.

“You mom would be disappointed in you, you know how much she loved Christmas.”

“Damnit,” she whispers to herself, she knew he was right. “Yeah I know,” she answers sadly.

“Just give it a chance, have fun Y/N, I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Alright, love you.”

“Love you too!” she hangs up the phone and leans back against the headboard, staring the Christmas tree in the corner. She turned on the camera and took a picture of it, reminding herself to thank Sebastian tomorrow for it…now, what was she going to wear for the event!

The next morning Sebastian stood outside the palace, rubbing his gloved hands together as he waited for Y/N to be escorted down “Nervous?” Scarlet asks, a smirk painted on her lips.

“No, I love children,” Sebastian answers unamused.

Scarlett points her pen to the stairs, making him look at Paul helping Y/N down the narrow steps. She stood out in a bright red pea coat, black pants, black flats, white gloves all brought together by a sturdy ankle brace “That’s what I meant.”

Sebastian didn’t respond to her, instead, he was rushing to the base of the stairs to take her hand “Thank you, Paul,” he thanks as he leads Y/N to the car. “How’s your ankle?”

Y/N smiles and holds on tightly, afraid of slipping on the ice “Better. Took some Advil so I’m ready.” He hums in response and smiling down at her while she looks forward, he’s thankful she couldn’t see the smile. She looked up to catch him staring, he didn’t shy away like he normally would but instead got lost in the moment.

“Your Highness, we need to leave,” Scarlett interjects, interrupting the moment even though she liked seeing the prince happy. It’s been a while since he’s smiled like that, the loss of his parents and a lost love took a toll on the man.

“R-right, will you sit in the back with me?”

Y/N blushes and nods “Sure.”

The orphanage was a large brick building in the middle of town, covered with glistening white snow that fell during the cold night. The excited crowd gathered as the luxurious black car with the gold trimmed Romanian flags pulled around to the front, pulling their photos out to document the occasion. “There’s a lot of people,” Y/N commented, tapping her fingers on her camera.

“I’m used to it…don’t you cover things like this?” Sebastian questions, waiting for the driver to open their doors.

“Yeah but never an international event let alone royal one.” When the doors open Y/N quietly thanks the driver and carefully steps out.

“Hey,” Sebastian calls from the other side of the car.

“What?”

Sebastian gives her a reassuring smile along with a nod “You’ll be great. Just think, all the other reporters at the palace would kill to do this.” Y/N nods in agreement, poking out her bottom lip. She watches him happily walk over to the crowd that lined up to greet him, the smile on his face when he hugs the kids and shook hands with the adults couldn’t be beaten.

It warmed Y/N’s heart, she blamed the butterflies in her stomach on the holiday season of course. The sight in front of her almost made her forget her job, she raised the camera and started taking pictures of the prince. Following far behind him, taking as many photos as she could the warmth of the orphanage was a nice relief.

The prince's face fell, the inside looked so dull compared to the festive décor on the outside. The children remained cheerful as they played with the rundown toys, a Christmas movie playing on the television. “Your Highness, this is Zoe Saldana, she is in charge of the orphanage,” Scarlett introduced as they approached a woman sitting with the children. Mrs. Saldana greeted with a small curtsey and held her hand out.

“Thank you so much for having me on such short notice, ” Sebastian shook her hand kindly and looked around.

“It was no problem, we’re very happy you’re here,” she thanked him.

Sebastian walked around and evaluated the building, there was no question they were in need of help. Things were leaking and the heating was about to give out, Zoe told him how they live ration to ration, thankful for the few donations they receive. It truly broke his heart, the kids had no idea what was going on or what the adults were worried about. They were just focused on getting adopted and being children, he just wanted to make their lives a little easier.

“I have to admit there’s another reason I’m here,” he admits lowly not wanting little ears to hear.

“What’s that?” the woman asks, matching his tone.

“I know the ball we’re having tonight is to help with funds, but it was brought to my attention you have nothing left over for Christmas.” Zoe’s face grows sad, they only had one true Christmas when they first opened and they only had a few children.

“Unfortunately that’s true.”

“I will not let that happen again, I’m personally giving you all the décor and presents for a Christmas they won’t forget.”

Zoe chokes on her words but finally manages a sentence “I would be forever grateful.” They shake on the agreement and turn their attention to Y/N and Scarlett in the corner waiting for them to be done. “Are you dating her?”

Sebastian coughs, choking on air “I-I uh no, no,” he wheezes.

“I’m sorry I assumed, you’ve been staring at each other this whole time. Maybe take her as your date?” Zoe curtseyed one last time and walked away, leaving Sebastian with his thoughts. Scarlett looks at him concerned and rushes over, placing her hand on his back.

“Are you alright?”

“Y-Yeah I’m fine,” Sebastian answers, taking in short breathes. Scarlett pulls away and placed her hand back on her iPad. He finally calmed himself and started walking towards the car Y/N going into the car first.

“You were incredible,” Y/N comments happily, flipping through the photos that showed him playing with the kids. Sebastian looked over and smiled, she was extremely talented he was instantly impressed with her work. Their faces got closer as they gravitated towards the small screen on the camera, they both looked up at each other. He took the plunge as he continued to stare at her and the pink flush that formed on her cheeks due to the cold “Would you like to go to the ball with me tonight?”

She moved away from him and laughed “I would be happy to take the photos.”

“I-I wasn’t talking about photography. Will you be my date?”

“Date?”

“Yes?”

“I’ve never been to a ball before.”

He leaned back against the seat and turned his head towards her “I’ve skipped it for the last 12 years, I basically don’t know what I’m doing,” he jokes, making her laugh in response.

“Sure, yeah why not.”

“So that’s a yes?”

“Yes. Prince Sebastian, I will be your date to the ball.”

Taglist: if your name is italic it means Tumblr won’t let me tag you, I’m so sorry

@thatnikkixx @heimdoodle @goofygooberr @dxftprettyboys @yeeterbenjaminparker @fandom-addict-aesthetics @inmyworstlies @where-karina-gets-lost @mizz-kraziii @scarletthornrose @marvelousmendess @xxxxnatasha @dorkyallen @petersunderroos @shut-it-tinman @captain-maaarvel @5secondsof-beforeyouexit @niallandsebastianaremylife @iamwarrenspeace @lame-lozer @libbymouse @hadesgirl1015 @a-kiddo-with-a-doggo @dragoste-lunes @imaginesofdreams @captainradicalpassion @the-nargles-made-me-do-it @likes-to-smell-books @sebastianstanandremuslupin @inlovewith3 @iamariotgrrl @ynough @xceafh

#sebastian stan #sebastian stan imagine #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan x you #sebastian stan fluff #sebastian stan fanfic #sebastian stan fanfiction #royal!sebastian stan #royal!au #bucky imagine #bucky barnes imagine #hallmark christmas movie #hallmark christmas #marvel imagine #marvel fanfic

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cutiecrates · 5 years

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Cutie Reviews: Doki Doki March 19

Things seem to be taking a turn for the worst again, now there’s drama with our neighbor and we’re thinking maybe our land owner wasn’t lying when he claimed it was their complaints that resulted in his decision... It’s become a frustrating ordeal by now, and we’ve been cleaning up more than usual for pretty much no reason- since we’ll be moving anyway, I’m still convinced.

Also, my missing TokyoTreat finally showed up. For anyone who read my previous review.

“Pack up and get ready to go on a trip with this month’s theme, “Fantasyland Adventure”. We have curated items that are handy on a journey and evocative of a magical fantasyland. These cute tools will you have equipped and ready for any adventure!“

Before we begin, I wanted to show you guys that beginning with this month, the comics featuring Tomomi and her friends were pretty much removed/lessened. They started putting in other features, and for this month we got a cute quiz. If you enlarge the pic you can probably see the answers better.

This determined which creature you are based on how you answer; for example these are what I chose for each question:

1. A - because I always bring video games with me on trips or long periods away from the home. It’s a necessity for me.

2. B - I really enjoy all seasons except for summer, but winter is always the first one that comes to my mind when asked.

3. B or C - I have a lot of trouble with this one <3< wolves are really cool too though...

4. D - I would never want flight because I hate heights. Shapeshifting and mind reading seem cool but how fun would it be to have a whole dark army~ the book never said they had to be an evil army.

5. C - I feel flustered to say that~

6. C - I don’t like beans but if they are magic...

7. B or C again. I’d rather befriend it to gain another partner or person who can be helpful further down the line.

So based on my answers, I’m kind of a cross between the Kitsune and Unicorn. The kitsune is clever, elegant, and outgoing, while the Unicorn is Youthful, kind, and imaginative according to the booklet. For any Tanuki’s or dragons, you are Loyal, diligent, and funny, or Brave, fierce, and deft.

Suteki Crate

As you can see by this, the box is going to be very Sanrio, pastel, magical unicorn themed. So now, let’s take a look at the items ;3

My Melody Case

Our first item is this sweet little Case themed after My Melody’s iconic baby blue and pink color scheme. It has a removable carrying piece, meaning that not only can you attach it to various items, but you can also remove it and put other things through the loop its on. The exterior is very hard to protect the items stored inside from various elements. This is worth/costs 10 points

The inside has plenty of room for a variety of items, like makeup, health care, electronic, etc. It also has a mesh band on the one side to help keep things orderly.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Besides just looking adorable, I think this would be an extremely handy and practical item. As soon as I saw it I thought “This is great! I can use this right away!“ and I’m very excited to begin using it. I love how sturdy it feels and I came to the decision that I will most-likely use it in my bedside table, which despite organizing/cleaning monthly, always gets very disorganized and messy again. I have several small items that I’ll be able to find easier in it.

Also, I really like how it reminds me of my old DS “briefcase“ and my 3DS carrier. I still have them but the one I don’t use anymore since its so old and kind of rusted now, while the other one holds my DS and my 3DS stuff has been put into a Hello Kitty thing I got a couple years ago.

Kokeshi Nail Clipper

Our next functional and sweet little item is this pair of nail clippers inspired by a Kokeshi doll. This was available in a few different colors, but besides mine I’ve only seen one other one pictured. These are small-medium sized clippers and it includes a very small metal file.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I was a little concerned about the quality of these, because I’m so used to using a larger pair of clippers. We got several of them in various sizes but those are the ones I like better because I feel like they just do a better job. But, I also feel like smaller ones are more precise if you’re not having to trim a large amount of nail off.

These are also easier to use than most I’ve tried, didn’t require much pressure at all. I do wish the file part was a little bigger than what it is though.

My Melody Rotating Hook

Next up is our last My Melody piece of the box, an adorably sweet hook piece for hanging up things like clothing or holding various items. As you can see its advertised as a baby carriage-type item, but you can use it in various other locations as well. The smaller hook rotates, so it can be moved in 3 different spots and face both up and down. It can also be collapsed whenever you’re not using it.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Initially I had my doubts over this one. Like I can see its practicality and it’s pretty cute, but I wasn’t actually sure I would have much use for it. But the more I figured out its uses, the more I came to the decision that yeah, I’ll probably use it. Maybe not right now, but maybe after we move I’ll be able to discover its appropriate use for me.

Little Twin Stars Tooth Brush Stand

This is our final Sanrio item of the box, a toothbrush stand that is perfect for travel. Not only can it hold multiple brushes, but you can also unscrew the bottom and put various things in it for storing; like hair accessories, toiletries, etc.

It features a pretty translucent pink base and adorable pastel images of Kiki and Lala.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I think toothbrush stands are pretty useful, but at the same time, I’m the only one who uses a toothbrush in my bathroom. We have two of them, and I share it with my dad (who has false teeth). Not only that, but my toothbrush is electronic and thus too big for it. But I do have some other teeth items and brushes that would fit in it, and if I did have to travel I can think of all sorts of items I could put into the base; like eye drops, hair bands or clips, ear cleaners, cotton balls... even more outlandish things like nail polish and gum!

Unicorn Hairbrush & Unicorn Plush

It only made sense to include the last 2 items together; and as a side note I had no idea that rhymed :D Hairbrush plush~

I’ve always loved unicorns, so I’ve been pretty satisfied as of late due to their popularity. These are two cutie items I was looking forward to pulling out for review~

First up is our Unicorn Hairbrush, featured a dreamy unicorn and various pastel designs. On the corner you can see it even has a little metallic star charm for that added, magical touch.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

As much as I love how it looks... I did have some concerns. This brush seems similar to my usual brush, but I noticed it still hurts a lot when I try to use it when I have knots in my hair, in comparison to my other brush.

Also, the booklet says this is perfect for packing, but I kept mine in my box this whole time and upon pulling it out, I discovered the bristles are super bent and out of shape... and it hasn’t traveled or been touched besides my initial look at it. So I’m not sure how it would actually handle during travel, but I assume it’d be fine as long as it wasn’t pushed against something else.

--------

Our last item is this kawaii little unicorn plush, featuring pretty white skin with a pastel mane and tail, a silk ribbon, blushed cheeks, and a pearl necklace. I definitely got the one I’d have wanted, and I decided to name her Lala. Besides mine, there is also one with yellow hair, purple ribbon, and a green necklace, and a blue haired one with purple necklace and yellow ribbon.

Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

The plush is very soft and squishy, filled with a spongy-like cotton. It’s very sweet looking and in terms of a plush it seems to be really nice quality. But I did notice that because its fuzzy, it attracts stray hairs like crazy. Not really a big deal for me, but I know it might bother some people.

♥ Cutie Ranking ♥

Content - 5 out of 5. I like all of the items and the quality seems to be pretty good. I didn’t really have any complaints this time around or much to say on the items. I feel like they all did their job and were pretty self-explanatory.

Theme: 5 out of 5. With a wide range for a name, this box gave me 2 sort of mini-themes in 1 central theme. By this I mean, the Fantasyland part would imply fantasy, sweet pastels, unicorns, which the box did a great job of including. I don’t really think of fantasy when I see My Melody, but at the same time I can kind of see it? The other part Adventure and the description implies the theme is practical for travel, which the box definitely did keep in mind. The Suteki Crate is also a perfect match for this one!

Total Rank: 10 out of 10 Cuties. I probably don’t make it sound amazing or anything, but I think this would be a great box to pick up if given the chance. Plus they also add a whole pinch load of cuteness~

♥ Cutie Scale ♥

1. Unicorn Plush - I can’t help it, it’s so sweet and huggable x3 I love its shiny pearl necklace and blushed cheeks. I’ll make sure to put it near my bed~

2. My Melody Case - The colors are so sweet~ I’m really excited about using this one just as soon as I return to my bed. The only problem is deciding what items to pop inside~

3. Unicorn Hairbrush - When my hair is a horrible knotted mess, it brushes through it just fine. I love the little charm and colors, but I sort of feel like a few of the designs on the Unicorn weren’t necessary, as cute as it is.

4. Kokeshi Nail Clipper - It’s very cute looking, but I prefer bigger nail clippers. I even have my own set from another box, so I’m not sure how often I’ll actually think to use these...

5. Toothbrush Stand - I love how it looks, it’ll make a really cute decoration when I’m not using it. I also like how I can put things in the base, so it’ll come in handy.

6. Rotating Hook - It’s really cute and I love its pink color, but I feel like it’s the item I’ll use the least in this set.

#dokidokicrate #my melody #little twin stars #sanrio

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autumn-maple13 · 5 years

Text

Lost to Time - Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Rescue

It stormed for a while, with the rain creating a kind of music for them as they continued to play match after match, only pausing to eat dinner when Ravus came to fetch them for it. They played long into the night, neither becoming the slightest bit tired, until just before dawn when a commotion was heard outside, including several loud explosions and what seemed to her to be extremely close lightning strikes in rapid succession. Ardyn left her then, and after finally having a moment to look outside she was surprised to find that her little room was on a base, and even more shocked to see that it appeared to be under attack.

Grabbing a bag that had been so conveniently left in the room the woman threw her things (and the bottle of wine and poetry books) into it, throwing it over her shoulder and took off with her kukris in hand. Knowing it had to be Lucians throwing the Imperials into such a panic, she didn't hesitate to slice the throats of any MT or human troop that crossed her path, grabbing a gun from one of them before she got outside the little compound. A woman in strange clothing was the first thing she saw when she burst out though, and something about the stranger made Amara freeze in her tracks.

"Daughter of Adagium, the Oracle sends you her blessing. She asks for you to continue to serve the Chosen King and awaits you now across the sea. A message will come to you then, should the twelve Arms of Lucis be found in time."

"You… A messenger?"

"Go forth, your power will come to aid the Chosen when he needs it most." Amara blinked, and the strange woman was gone – leaving only a chill to the still damp air in her wake. More confused than she had been in a while, Amara took a moment to look around for anything else strange, only to spot a piece of strangely shaped glass that seemed to have an electric current to it. She reached out to it tentatively, and though shocked when the current absorbed into her and joined her magic, the sight of the glass disappearing in a pile of sand worried her a bit more.

The Stormsender seeks to aid all helpers of the Chosen who can bear his burden. Daughter of Adagium, his blessing to you has been received – use it well.

"Stormsender?"

But the sound of metal striking metal nearby distracted her and sent her running towards it. Slipping between rubble from the explosion and the remainder of the Magiteknology on the base, she soon ran through a gate and spotted Ravus standing before her friends – with Noct having summoned the Royal Arms.

"Should the Chosen fall, that too is fate," she heard Ravus speak just before she warped in between the two nobles, shocking her friends and making Ravus scoff. But she didn't have time to say anything before she heard a sound off to the side – looking over to see Ardyn had joined them. Noctis dissipated the Arms, glaring at the man.

"I'd say that's far enough." The Chancellor smirked at his daughter, strutting over as Ravus turned his back on him. "A hand, highness?"

"Not from you."

Amara let Ignis and Prompto get in front of her, turning her attention to Gladio who was clearly in pain (though the slight dent in the side of the Regalia behind him also caught her attention).

"Oh, but I'm here to help."

"And how is that?" Ignis snarled, standing ready to attack at any moment.

"By taking the army away."

"You expect us to believe that?" Gladio was on his feet again now, and clearly looking for a fight.

"When next we meet, it'll be across the seas." The redhead chuckled. "Just so happens we have business of our own with the tutelary deity. Don't we?"

Ravus turned slightly as he was spoken too, catching Amara's eye for a moment, but saying nothing.

"Fare thee well, your Majesty, and safe travels."

As the Imperial duo left, Prompto looked between his friends before his gaze finally landed on Noct. "You guys, know that guy?"

Ignis muttered for a moment before nodding. "Ravus Nox Fleuret, first son of Tenebrae… and older brother to Lady Lunafreya."

Noctis growled in displeasure for a moment, but Amara was already climbing in the car – effectively reminding them of why they were there in the first place. With Noctis jumping behind the wheel and the guys climbing in after him, they were soon pulling out onto the road outside the base, though only once they were well down the road did anyone speak again.

"Did anything happen to you while you were there, Amara?"

"Other than whatever made your hair grow like that."

"What did make your hair grow so fast? I mean, it's only been a couple days!"

The woman smiled for a moment, looking around at them. "I missed you guys."

"We missed you too Ams, though I think Specs missed you the most."

The Advisor scoffed, lifting some of his friend's hair from her shoulder. "So?"

"Apparently I was in really bad shape after fighting the MTs at the Disc. They had to use so many potions and stuff on me, it made my body regenerate like crazy, which made my hair grow super-fast. My nails did too, but I guess they decided to keep those trimmed so I wouldn't claw their eyes out or something."

"Other than that, though?"

"I was out for a couple of days, and Ravus was the one who got stuck watching me. Once I woke up, I spent most of my time with Ardyn playing chess." She shrugged. "I did learn something about him though – he really sees no need to keep pawns for long. If he issues any kind of commands in the same way he plays, I think we're going to start running into a bit more trouble from the Niffs."

"What? We were stuck running around Duscae, and you were sitting comfortably playing chess the whole time?!"

"I was a captive of the fucking Empire. Ardyn wanted to play chess, I sat my ass in a seat and played chess. I already knew I was still in Lucis and I found out the Regalia was on the base, the only thing I didn't know was if I could get to it and get the hell out to find you guys on my own."

That seemed to sate them for the moment, and she was able to lean against Ignis to enjoy the ride back to Lestallum to meet Iris (and get her motorcycle). Only once they were back in the city limits did anyone speak again, though only to ask about the sudden surplus of Imperial flags donning the city. Amara shook her head, taking a moment to swap her stolen bag for her other one, and quickly checking her bike so she and the guys could head for the Leville. Strangely enough, there wasn't but a few people on the streets – making them pick up the pace to hurry to the hotel. Iris met them in the lobby, tearing up the second she saw her brother.

"Oh, Gladdy."

"What's wrong?"

"I let you down. I never made it to Caem. The empire came while you were gone." Iris choked on a sob, turning to lead everyone upstairs to a room so they could talk privately. Deciding it may be best for her to leave them too it, the older woman hugged Iris's shoulders on the way up the stairs but excused herself to the next room once they reached the top. She ducked into the bathroom, dropping her bag beside her, and began washing her face furiously, then scrubbing her teeth as soon as she had dug out her toothbrush. When it proved to not be quite enough – she threw herself in the shower and ran a soapy rag over herself until she was sure she'd damage her skin if she continued. So she got out, and dried herself to throw on her green pajamas, hesitating when she remembered her father had bought them for her.

The thought made others begin to race through her head as she dressed, with none of the dead nobles giving her a word of advice as they had before. Further clarity concerning her lineage was doing nothing to clear up her forgotten history: to be honest all it was really doing was confusing her – making her feel more guilty.

The product of a union between members of the two most powerful magic-retaining families… she didn't feel like she had what it took to bare the fact proudly just yet.

She was staring at her reflection, the bags under her eyes and the long, untamed mess that was now her hair when a knock brought her from her thoughts. The bathroom door slowly opened, and she was met with Ignis standing there, suddenly looking a lot more tired than she remembered as he peeled off his shirt.

"We're going to Caem."

"When?"

"Tomorrow. We need to see what preparations need to be taken care of so we can head for Altissia as soon as we finish gathering the arms… We should probably look over that map of yours before we set off tomorrow." He looked at her, the bags under his eyes looking even darker with the shadows falling across his face the way they did, as he face his already bare fingers through his hair to make it fall. "A lot happened while we were gone…"

"Some bad things, judging by Iris's crying," she nodded, and looked over at her friend again. "I didn't see Jared or Talcott around."

"It was Jared."

Amara sighed, shaking her head. Although she had met the man several times before and grown fairly fond of him after visiting the Amicitia household as many times as she had, she couldn't make herself feel too upset about it when she thought about how hard Talcott and the siblings would be taking it. "What happened?"

"A Niflheim officer struck him down on the street."

"I see."

The woman let him slip behind her in the bathroom, setting his glasses aside to wash his face while she took a moment to look at him.

"You know, I don't think I've seen you shirtless before Iggy. Didn't you say something before about appealing changes?"

"I didn't think you'd have it in you to joke around after news like that." He was patting his face dry, but still managed to give her a glance out of the corner of his eye.

"Being in the Glaive so long, jokes are the way I deal with bad news now. Sorry." Amara sighed, picking up a brush to try and get the still damp knots out of her hair. Her companion was quick to take it from her, making quick work of the tangles as he watched her reflection in the mirror. He ran his fingers through it as he watched her eyes follow the motions.

"It does look good long, but don't you think it may get in the way in a fight?"

"You think it looks good?"

"Ah… you don't?"

The woman smiled slightly, waiting until he put the brush down to look at him directly. "I do."

"So, we'll have to figure out something to do with it."

"I already have some ideas, but for now I'll just tie it back for bed." She let Ignis watch as she retrieved her ribbon from her bag, and after carefully pulling her hair up back used it to tie it in place, though she let her bangs stay free and frame her face. The man seemed to fight himself for a moment, then reached out to brush a few strands behind her ear. His eyes searched her face for a moment, looking at every scar from the magic ones to the one from Insomnia – which his fingertip traced softly.

"Are you certain nothing happened while you were with them, Amara?"

"No," she admitted, closing her eyes to focus on the warmth from his hand as she tried to figure out what to tell him.

"What?"

"Ignis," the Glaive couldn't meet his eye for a moment, but when she did, she met a gaze full of concern. It was almost overwhelming, and not from guilt this time. "I'm sorry."

"For what? What could you have to apologize for? I don't think anything could top being able to communicate with the old kings."

"Even if it turned out that the reason I can do that is because there's a chance Bahamut has marked me for something? A chance I only ended up in Insomnia on that street for Rosemary Solis to find me because my abilities with the crystal's magic was too important for Bahamut's plan for me to wind up dying alone somewhere?"

"Well it certainly would explain a bit, though not why one of the kings tried to kill you."

"About that… when I got down to the Arm at the Disc, the king – Somnus – actually appeared to me. He was the one I thought tried to kill me, but he wasn't actually trying to. King Somnus was trying to trigger some latent ability to awaken fully, but to do that he had to try and get rid of an issue that one of my parents had passed on to me when I was conceived." She paused, reaching up to wrap her hand around his and pull it from her face. "Every time I speak to one of them and they give me their knowledge and the 'Arm', the power of the Arms hurts me because it's burning away a bit more of it since he couldn't that first day."

"An issue you say?"

"It's not something too bad, it's just really badly affected by light magic like Arms, and Noct's Armiger."

"So, the more Arms he gathers, the more this issue is fixed?"

"Yes, it's just so much more painful because my body is being tricked by the problem into trying to defend it. You know, like when you're really sick and your body tries to reject medicine?"

Ignis nodded slowly, taking a moment to take in the new information. He finally sighed after a few seconds and looked at her again, turning his hand to squeeze her slightly. "I think we should get some rest before you make any more revelations."

"Yeah," she giggled softly, making him smile for a second before she slipped past him and headed for the bed. Peeling back the covers to climb in, Amara watched him turn off the light and join her, though not before ditching his slacks and going to firmly shut the traitorous blinds that were allowing the light of the rising sun to fill the room. The woman allowed herself to press into his side as she had the first night in the caravan, relaxing when she felt his arm wrap around her. But she surprised him when she pulled herself down from the pillows so she could rest her head on his chest properly.

"Are you cold, Amara?"

"I can't be cold around a space heater like you, Ignis," she joked, feeling her face heat up. "I just wanted to be a bit more comfortable."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd almost say you had a fever from as warm as your face feels."

"Shut up, this is not the time for that kind of talk."

Ignis shifted, forcing her back against the mattress as he held her down gently by her shoulders, hovering over her as he sat up. "Then when is the time?"

"Ignis-"

"Amara, you were missing for days," the man looked down on her with a look she had only seen once before when they were still kids - after Noctis had returned from Tenebrae. "Every time we have another success with Noctis you end up getting hurt in one way or another, Chancellor Izunia clearly has something in store for you that I don't even want to try and imagine, and now the Empire has begun to show it clearly could not care less about its image in Lucis which means at any given time we could become a target for their attempts to get to Noct… or die for getting in their way."

"That's exactly why, Ignis. We need to focus on Noctis, and making sure he gets the Arms, and now the covenants. We can't afford these kinds of distractions."

"What if… What if I told you it would be less of a distraction?"

The woman could help but smile again, reaching up to brush her finger tips against his cheek. "Ignis, you're the Hand of the King now. He has to be your first and only priority."

The man frowned, but nodded, though he still didn't release her. Turning his face into her palm, he fixed her in a strangely intense look instead. "Then let me be selfish, just for tonight."

"It won't be just tonight, you know that. Besides, there's a chance I won't want to give you back."

"Then I guess it's a good thing it's not even noon yet." He smirked against her fingertips, ducking his head so her palm came to rest against his hair. Amara gazed up at him, allowing herself to be lost in his gaze before she shut her eyes and leaned up to meet him.

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not-close-to-straight · 6 years

Text

Stetsons and Schoolteachers (Stony)(One)

SAS MASTERLIST HERE

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

“Mornin’ Sheriff.” the blacksmith stepped away from his forge, wiping his hands on the big apron and grinning broadly at the Alpha standing in his doorway. “Welcome home.”

“Thanks, Happy.” Steve grinned right back, always pleased to see the other Alpha. “How are you? How have things been while I was back East?”

“Slow.” Happy grunted. “I dunno if your deputies are doing a damn good job keeping the riff raff away, or they are doing such a shitty job that the bad guys don’t bother coming around. Maybe it's the summer heat. Either way? It’s been slow.”

“I don’t have a problem with slow.” Steve raised his eyebrows. “Wildrock could be crime free, and I would gladly hang up my Sheriff’s star and start ranching.”

“You know you wouldn’t hang up that star.” Happy shook his head. “You like how important it makes you look, don’t lie.”

“Yeah, well.” Steve glanced down at the gold star. “I suppose I’m a little attached to it.”

“A little attached.” the Alpha blacksmith snorted. “You’re practically half a man without it. And I’m always happy t’see you, Sheriff, but what’s the real reason for stopping in?”

“Nomad threw a shoe.” Steve headed out the door to check on his horse, and Happy followed behind. “About a mile and a half out from town. I walked him the entire way in, but he needs checked out.”

“That is the dumbest name for a horse I ever heard, but sure I’ll look him over.” Happy started running gentle hands down the gelding’s legs, tsking over the thrown shoe and the state of the hoof. “It only came a off a little, huh?”

“Yep.” Steve ran his fingers through the thick mane, working at a few of the knots. “I pulled the shoe, pulled any nail I could find-- he was just starting to limp as we came through town so I don’t think the damage is too much.”

“Don’t worry, I got him.” Happy led the horse over to the stable so he could rest. “Say, Sheriff have you met the new schoolteacher?”

“No.” Steve carried over a bucket of water to fill the trough. “Sam wired to let me know that Ms. Lorraine had to step down, but he didn’t say why. And I heard that we found a replacement teacher for the children, so the schoolhouse will be a stop on my route today. How is she fitting in? The children like her alright?”

“They like him just fine.” Happy corrected. “And by the way? He’s an Omega, just so you’re aware.”

“An Omega?” Steve's eyebrows nearly flew off his forehead. “Is he mated?”

“Nope. Unbonded.” Happy raised his eyebrows as well. “And decidedly less spinsterish than our last teacher, if you know what I mean. Real easy on the eyes, that one. Young too.”

“Less spinsterish.” Steve repeated. “What is an unbonded Omega of marrying age doing teaching in Wildrock? Most teachers are Beta’s, and usually single. Why is he here?”

“If you can figure out that answer, we’ll all be grateful.” Happy patted Nomad one last time before heading to get his tools to trim down the hoof and recast a shoe. “Your terribly named horse will be ready tomorrow, yeah?”

“Thank you, Happy.” Steve reached to shake his hand. “I’ll buy you dinner at the saloon tomorrow night. We can catch up, yeah?”

“Sure thing, Sheriff.”

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

“Welcome home, Sheriff!” A young Omega called to Steve as she and her brother walked down the sidewalk, her cheeks tinting pink when he tipped his hat in her direction. “Happy to see you back!”

“Glad to be back, ma’am.” Steve lifted his hand in a wave to her brother and continued on his way.

“Sheriff!” the shop keep shouted, waving from the door of the mercantile. “Glad to have you home!”

“Thank you!” Steve waved back, sending a smile towards the next person who called hello as well.

He loved Wildrock. Loved the land, the hardworking people, how everyone knew everyone else’s name. There was less than three hundred people in town, close to fifteen hundred if he counted the smaller surrounding communities and life just moved at a different pace here than it did back East.

Slower. Friendlier. Easier.

After the war had torn the states apart, Steve had come West hoping that he would never have to fight again. He had been a good soldier, a Captain even, but taking orders from men who thought a body count determined victory, who didn’t care who was hurt in the process, or whose lives were destroyed as the soldiers came through their towns---

--Steve had had enough of that to make him sick, and the minute the war was over, he had packed up and left, his best friend Bucky coming along with him, both of them looking for a new adventure.

They had found the adventure in Wildrock in the form of stopping a bank robbery in process.

Steve had jumped from Nomad’s back and knocked one of the robbers off his own mount, and Bucky had simply reached up and dragged the other one of his horse to the ground, laying him out with one hard punch.

They had snatched the rifles, aimed them at the other two thieves, and the whole incident had come to a screeching halt.

Only a few months later, Steve had taken over as Sheriff of Wildrock, Bucky as Chief Deputy.

Being Sheriff here meant settling land disputes, hauling the occasional drunk from the saloon, and judging contests at the Harvest Fair. Occasional horse thieves came through and they really got some excitement, but after years of war, he and Bucky were content with the slower life. The could still help people, could still take down bad guys, but now Steve could sleep at night, knowing in his heart that he was doing the right thing and Bucky didn’t have nightmares.

Steve had bought a small piece of land a mile out of town, and Bucky lived in the other bedroom. When they weren’t at the department, they were raising a few crops, a few animals, spending their evenings watching the sun set.

It was a good life here, maybe a little lonely, maybe a little predictable, but good.

A good, quiet, life.

“Well, well, look who moseyed back into town!” In a decidedly unquiet voice, the proprietor of the town’s saloon leaned across the rail of her porch and looked him over with an interested eye. “How was the city?”

“Crowded.” Steve tipped his head back so he could see her properly. “How are things, Valkyrie?”

“Slooooow.” The beautiful Beta female groaned loudly. “I’m not sure if I’m happy or not that you’ve returned, because the bad guys have learned to stay far away from Wildrock when the Sheriff is in town. There hasn’t been hide nor hair of someone interesting in this place for months, and you’re such a stick in the mud, that now it will really be boring!”

“A stick in the mud? I’m hurt. You don’t think I’m interesting?”

“You’re not hurt.” She denied, flicking a long piece of hair off her shoulder. “And you certainly aren’t interesting. Even though, do you know who is mighty interesting? That new schoolteacher.”

“I’ve heard.” Steve nodded. “An Omega, and according to Happy, decidedly less spinsterish than the last one.”

“Decidedly less spinteresih?” Valkyrie said blankly. “Good Christ, you Alpha’s and the way you talk about Omega’s. It’s so stupid. He’s young and beautiful. Almost ridiculously so.”

“How can someone be ridiculously beautiful?” Steve asked, not bothering to hide his amusement over her choice of words.

“Trust me, Sheriff. When you see him, you will understand what I mean. Once you pick your jaw up off the ground, come tell me what you think about him.”

“Ah. Well, thank you.” Steve changed the subject. “So, your saloon is slow, is it safe to assume that all is well upstairs as well?”

“You would have to ask Natasha.” Valkyrie shrugged. “My business is drink, hers is distraction. I couldn’t tell you how the whores--” Steve cleared his throat loudly. “-- how the ladies are doing.” She amended. “But if you come by for food tonight or tomorrow, you can ask. I’ll keep a table for you, I’ll even pay for your meal as a welcome home present. See? Isn’t that nice of me?”

“Thank you ma’am.” Steve tipped his hat and she laughed at him. “I’ll bring the deputies as well. I’m sure if things have been slow they haven’t had reason to come around.”

“Make sure you bring Deputy Wilson.” Valkyrie’s eyes lit. “I’ve been trying to get him in for a drink and a discussion for ages now.”

“Deputy Wilson has a mate.” Steve reminded her. “Having a drink with you--”

“It's just a drink, Sheriff! You’d think I was trying to corrupt the man!”

“Valkyrie, myself and my Deputies are well aware of how quickly you would corrupt us if you could.” He said dryly, but stepped onto the sidewalk to give her a kiss on the cheek, because despite the attitude and general bickering they tended to do, Valkyrie was easily one of his favorite people. “Please let Natasha know I’m looking forward to seeing her soon.”

“Will do, Captain-Sheriff-Sir.” Valkyrie tossed him a mock salute. “I want to know what you think about our new school teacher!”

“I’m going to see the school now.” Steve assured her as he headed towards the other end of town, starting to feel vaguely uneasy about the new teacher, and wondering why everyone felt the need to warn him. “I’ll let you know what I think.”

Valkyrie’s laughter could be heard all the way down the street. “Good luck!!”

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

Steve had every intention of going to the schoolhouse next, bypassing his office entirely in an effort to meet the school teacher and see what exactly was so interesting about him.

He was on the other side of the street, nearly jogging to get to the schoolhouse, when shouting erupted from the Sheriff’s office and he stopped in his tracks.

What the---

Crossing the street and yanking the door to the station open, Steve walked into the middle of a screaming argument.

Harrison Thompson, an Alpha who owned most of the land around Wildrock, and the office of Mayor, was standing toe to toe with an Omega that was gorgeous enough to make Steve’s steps falter.

Wow.

Steve stopped for a full minute and just stared, unable to take his eyes off the man, his eyes traveling from the unruly,curly hair down lean shoulders and slim hips and long long legs and---

“Omega!” Thompson was shouting, and Steve pulled himself out of the day dream and back to the moment. “I own this town! If you think I’m going to let some uptight little prick from the East tell me how to parent my child--!”

“I wouldn’t have to tell you if you had raised him to act like a person and not an animal!” the Omega shouted right back, and just as Steve was moving forward to separate them, to drag the Omega to safety and talk Mayor Thompson into calming down, a hand on his arm stopped him.

“Don’t bother Sheriff.” Clint shook his head and tugged Steve back towards his desk where Sam and Bucky were sitting with their arms folded. “Don’t even bother trying to separate them, it won’t do any good.”

“Won’t do any good?” Steve repeated as Clint pushed him into a chair. “What the hell, you guys? You can’t let them talk to each other like this.”

“Welcome home, Sheriff.” Sam handed Steve a bag of pretzels. “Settle in for a show, this should be a good one.”

“A show? There is an Alpha screaming at an Omega right now! You guys aren’t really going to let this happen!” Steve was halfway to his feet when Bucky clapped a big hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down.

“Stevie. Don’t bother. This is the third or fourth time this month. Let it happen. Tony can handle himself.”

“Tony--”

“The school teacher.”

“THAT’S THE SCHOOL TEACHER?!”

Steve’s shout was so loud that it actually cut through the argument on the other side of the room, and both the Alpha and the Omega schoolteacher turned to look at him.

“Oh thank god.” Mayor Thompson threw his hands up in the air. “Finally someone with a drop of common sense! Sheriff Rogers, tell this Omega--”

“I would think you know my name by now, Mayor Thompson.” Tony rolled his eyes and the Alpha snapped out a growl that had Clint scooting over to sit in Sam’s lap, squeezing at his mate’s hand nervously.

The Omega, Tony, didn’t even blink though. If anything he stood up taller and spread his hands, obviously waiting for the Alpha to correct himself.

“Tell Mr. Carbonell that he needs to change his attitude and learn to be friendly or he won’t survive in this town.” Thompson spat.

“I am not going to make friends with you and excuse your little brat’s behavior to survive in this place.” Tony scoffed, and folded his arms over his chest. “You’re lucky I only threw him out. I should’ve tanned his hide for using that kind of language!”

“ARE YOU THREATENING MY SON!?” Thompson roared. “HOW DARE--”

“IF HE OPENS HIS MOUTH LIKE THAT AGAIN I’LL SERVE HIM HIS TONGUE FOR DINNER!!” the Omega shouted right back. “You are mistaken--!” a finger in the Alpha’s chest and Sam clapped a hand over Clint’s mouth so he wouldn’t laugh out loud.“You are mistaken if you think I will allow that behavior in my school! I’ll kick him right out the front door hard enough to leave a boot print on his ass!”

“Oh shit.” Bucky leaned forward with a grin, rubbing his hands together gleefully. “It’s getting good. Tony might actually growl at him. I love when he growls.”

“Cutest growl you’ve ever heard.” Sam agreed, and when Clint pouted at him, Sam leaned up and kissed his Omega on the lips. “Besides yours, baby. Cutest growl besides yours.”

Clint wrinkled his nose but kissed his Alpha anyway and turned back to the conversation in front of them.

“You have no right to kick my son out of school! He is there to learn and it is your job to teach! You should be willing to work with his behavior!”

“One of the other Omega’s bent over and your son made a crude comment and then grabbed at his ass! I will NOT work with that behavior!”

“He’s an ALPHA! What do you expect?! That is how Alpha’s act!”

“WHAT?! Being an Alpha does not excuse acting like a lecherous cretin! Teach your son some manners or the next time he sets foot in my school I’ll throw etiquette books at him! BIG ONES!”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Watch me!”

“You listen here, Omega--!”

“No, you listen to me, Alpha.” Tony had to stand on his toes to see eye to eye with the Alpha, but he did it anyway, leaning in close and growling as loud as he could, baring his teeth in an outright snarl.

“The next time your son puts his hands on another on of my students, you will be picking him up from that cell right over there because I will drag him down here myself, do you understand?”

The stare down lasted another few seconds, and finally Mayor Thompson turned and stormed away, grumbling under his breath and slamming the door as he went.

“Alright, Tony?” Sam and Clint were the first ones to move towards the Omega, Clint running soothing hands down Tony’s arms, pressing close for a hug. “Alright? You good?”

“I’m fine.” Tony leaned back into Sam’s hand at the back of his neck for only a second before moving away with a brief smile. “Gentlemen.” he waved at Bucky. “Always a pleasure. Same time next week? I should start bringing drinks, huh?”

“Tony.” Bucky cocked his head and looked the Omega over. “When are you gonna come by the station just to say hello? Why does every time hafta be a fight? You’re killin’ me sugar.”

“When are you going to come to the schoolhouse so I can teach you how to speak instead of slurring your words all the time?” Tony retorted, but his eyes were soft. “Thank you for the support, deputies. I thought the Mayor might really push this one.”

“You’re the new school teacher.” Steve finally spoke up, annoyed at being ignored, annoyed that a confrontation like this had not only happened in front of him, but apparently had happened multiple times while he had been gone. “And you are engaging in screaming matches with our Mayor as a regular occurrence?”

“I wouldn’t have to scream at him if he had raised his son to keep his hands to himself.” Tony replied calmly. “You must be Sheriff Rogers. I guess you left a few weeks before I appeared. A trial back East, isn’t that right?”

“Yes.” Steve folded his arms and narrowed his eyes at the Omega. “I had to escort a bank robber and murdered back East to stand trial, and stayed long enough to see him hang. So it’s Tony, is it?”

“It’s Mr. Carbonell.” Tony corrected, and winked at Bucky. “I only let Alpha’s I trust call me by my Christian name. How terribly inappropriate of you, Sheriff.”

“Alpha’s you trust?” Steve’s jaw dropped and behind him, Bucky started laughing, obviously pleased to be one of the Alpha’s Tony trusted. “You can trust me, I am the Sheriff!”

“And that’s the Mayor.” Tony pointed out the door. “A fancy title doesn’t mean you deserve my trust, wouldn’t you agree?”

Steve had nothing to say to that, and Tony blew a kiss at Clint before walking strutting sashaying out the door, humming a tuneless song.

The door had barely shut before Steve jumped out of his chair and pinned his deputies with a severe look.

“That’s the new school teacher? Not one of you thought to wire me and tell me that he was regularly shouting it out with the Mayor? That he is refusing to teach children and throwing them out of the school room? Sam, you wired me to tell me that you two celebrated an anniversary, but no one told me about the school teacher?!”

“You told him about our anniversary?” Clint asked and Sam’s dark skin tinted a little rosy. “That’s adorable!”

“It was important.” Sam muttered, but he opened his arms for Clint to come close, running his fingers through the dark blonde hair, bending down to whisper something sweet into his mate’s ear.

“To be fair, Stevie, he’s got a point. Flash is a menace.” Bucky put his feet up on the desk and crossed his big arms over his chest. “The older he gets the worse he gets. And Tony’s absolutely right for kicking him out if he’s gonna be grabbin’ on the Omega’s, you know?”

“I’m not saying he doesn’t have a valid reason to be angry.” Steve put his hands up. “But what good does a teacher do us, if the Mayor hates him enough to send him packing?”

“I dunno, the kids like him.” Bucky shrugged. “And you know, he’s gorgeous. The Mayor might hate him, but no one’s gonna get rid’a an Omega that pretty.”

“He is gorgeous.” Sam admitted, and Clint echoed it with a grin.

“I don’t care if he’s gorgeous. If he’s going to cause trouble in my town then--”

“Oh please.” Clint interrupted. “You were too busy staring at Tony’s ass as he walked away to care what he does.”

“You mean Steve was too busy staring at Tony’s ass when he walked in.”

“You mean he was too busy drooling when Tony growled to--”

“Enough.” Certainly not about to admit exactly how hard he had been staring, Steve changed the subject. “Catch me up on the last six months. I’ve heard it's been slow, but that was from Happy and Valkyrie, and they are half the trouble in the town anyway. Catch me up.”

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

“Tell me what you really think of him.” Bucky said as he and Steve made it back to the house later that night, laying their holsters on the kitchen table before moving into the living room to relax.

“What do I really think of who?”

“Of Tony.” Bucky shrugged out of his Deputy’s uniform and tossed it into his room. “What do you think about our new school teacher? Tell me the truth.”

“He’s got a mouth on him.” Steve went into his own room to change, coming back out in his favorite flannel. “And a temper. Opinionated. Loud. Stubborn.”

“Beautiful.” Bucky counted off on his fingers. “Kind hearted. A killer smile. Hilarious. Dedicated to the kids. Obviously protective of them. Brave.”

“You sure seem sweet on him.” Steve poured himself a glass of cold milk, snagging a biscuit from the counter and sprawling out on the couch across from Bucky’s chair. “I was gone a long time, Buck, did you give up on Natasha and decide to pursue Tony?”

“Of course not.” Bucky rolled his eyes. “And you were only gone three months. Probably seemed a lot longer for you havin’ to be back east, but it was fine for us. And don’t change the subject. I think you and Tony would be good together.”

“Nope.” Steve jumped up to his feet and started shaking his head. “Nope. Don’t do that, Bucky. You are not going to play matchmaker with me and that--that---”

He closed his eyes, the mental image of dark eyes and fully kissable lips, a sweet growl and a brilliant smile floating through his mind.

“Damn it.” he groaned. “Why, Bucky!”

“You been alone a long time, Stevie.” Bucky said slowly. “You don’t ever smile anymore. Ever since Peggy--”

“Don’t.”

“Ever since Peggy left you’ve been alone!” Bucky said louder. “You went through the rest’a the war like you were half a soul, she broke your heart and you weren’t even mates! It's been years now, it’s time to move on!”

“I’ve moved on!”

“Yeah?” Bucky raised an eyebrow. “When was th’last time you got a knot off?”

“BUCKY!”

“Calm down.” Bucky was laughing now, pointing at Steve’s red face. “I’m just playing. And I’m not sayin’ it has to be love or nothing, I know you are wary of that sort of thing. I’m just sayin’ that maybe a sweet Omega like Tony would make you smile again. He’d be good for you, you’d be good for him.”

“I don’t know, Buck.” Steve started piling kindling in the fireplace. “I haven't tried to court anyone in a long time. Don’t know if I remember how to do it.”

“Don’t worry.” Bucky headed out the door for firewood. “I’ll help you with the charm, Stevie. Make sure you won’t do nothing stupid. That your clothes match and all that. Just like we used to back East when all the little Omega’s swooned over our uniforms, huh?”

“That isn’t encouraging.” Steve called after him. “Every time you tried to help me charm someone, they end up going home with you!”

“I can’t help that!” Bucky protested. “I’m beautiful, Steve! The people love me!”

“Whatever.” Steve grinned and settled back to watch the fire grow.

He was more tempted than he wanted to admit by the thought of courting the fiery Omega. He had never been an Alpha to prefer his Omega’s soft spoken and domestic, which is why he had thought Peggy would be perfect, and why it had hurt so badly when everything had fallen apart between them.

Tony, or rather, Mr. Carbonell, certainly wasn’t soft spoken and didn’t seem domestic.

He would be a challenge to court, a challenge to win over, and an unbelievably sweet prize to earn.

Steve smiled a little.

He could enjoy a bit of a challenge.

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

“Tony.”

Tony looked up when Clint knocked on the door of the school house and waved him through. “Hey Clint, come on in. Is everything alright?”

“Just thought I’d check on you.” the Omega ambled through the room, running his fingers over the desks, glancing up at the chalkboard. “Today was a little intense. I really thought Mayor Thompson was going to lose his mind.”

“What was I supposed to do, Clint?” Tony ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Flash practically groped one of the Omegas! I thought Peter was going to cry! The brat’s lucky I didn’t break his fingers!”

“You’re good for the children, some of them really need a champion.” Clint hopped up on the desk and watched Tony grade for a minute. “So….”

“So?” Tony doodled a quick smiley face on Clint’s hand. “What is the real reason you came all the way out here? I know it wasn’t to talk about the children.”

“So….” Clint drummed his fingers on the desk. “What did you think of the Sheriff? How do you feel about Steve? First impressions? Do you like him?”

“He seems stubborn.” Tony said, flipping his pages over to get to the next sheet of homework. “Arrogant. Loud. You know. An Alpha? All of the things that come along with it?”

“Alright, he is all those things, but he’s also sweet and kind and loyal.” Clint countered. “Dedicated. Strong. Have you seen his arms? Or his thighs? And what about--”

“Stop.” Tony took his glasses off his nose and squinted at his friend. “What are you doing? Not only do you have a mate, and a very handsome one--”

Clint wiggled his eyebrows. “Sam is handsome, isn’t he?”

“Practically drool worthy.” Tony agreed. “So why are you here trying to convince me that the Sheriff is prime Alpha material? You don’t care about that, and you know damn well that I don’t care about any of that.”

“Well, you haven’t exactly warmed up to any of the other Alphas in town…”

“What do you mean, I haven’t warmed up to any of them? I like Bucky just fine, and that man is definitely an Alpha.”

“Yeah, he’s definitely an Alpha but you don’t like him for his knot.” Clint said bluntly. “And you seem lonely all the time, Tony. You always look lonely, or like maybe you’re too suspicious of anyone to relax and engage. We all love you, Tony. Well, everyone besides the Mayor. You’re a sweetheart, and you deserve someone good. I hate seeing you lonely.”

“I’m not lonely, I have you and Sam.” Tony argued, then made a disgusted face, “And you’re right, I don’t like Bucky for his knot. Thanks for bringing that up though, swell of you.”

“I’m just saying, maybe you should give the Sheriff a chance!” Clint encouraged. “He’s nice enough when he’s not in Captain mode--”

“Captain?”

“He was in the war.” He explained and Tony’s eyes dimmed in sympathy. “Came out here to escape, you know? When he relaxes, he’s a funny guy. Sweet, too…. And single. He hasn’t had an Omega in a long time, and he isn’t the type of Alpha to spend time at Natasha’s place, you know what I’m saying? He’s perfect for you.”

“He wears a Stetson.” Tony pointed out. “I will never be able to take a man seriously if he is wearing a hat that big, staring at me from beneath a ridiculous brim. Tipping it all the time. Give me a break.”

“What’s wrong with wearing a hat? Bucky wears a Stetson.” Clint argued. “And so does Sam!”

“Thank you for proving my point.” Tony teased and Clint shoved at him lightly. “Besides, I have no need for an Alpha. You and Sam take care of me when I--” he made a vague motion, and Clint nodded. “-- and Alpha’s tend to be terrible company if they aren’t in bed. What good would spending time with the Sheriff do?”

“It would make you smile.” Clint said softly. “You hardly ever smile, Tony. He’d make you laugh. Just give the Sheriff a chance, yeah? Just one. You won't regret it.”

“I’m not an easy Omega.” Tony went back to his papers. “I’m sure the Sheriff isn’t interested.”

“Tony.” Clint leaned over and kissed his forehead. “I don’t anyone in town thinks you are an easy Omega. Not only am I sure Steve knows what he’s getting in to, I can promise that he is interested.”

“I’m sure he’s not.” Tony grinned and kissed Clint back. “But thank you.”

“Just think about it.” Clint hopped off the desk. “Yeah? Promise me you’ll consider it.”

“I’m not promising you anything.” Tony tossed a pencil at him. “Kiss Sam hello for me.”

“Sure thing, Tony.”

Tony kept grading papers well into the night, keeping his mind firmly on the task, and definitely off the Sheriff.

He didn’t care that Steve was gorgeous, that his voice was deep and growly, that his eyes were a shocking blue and that his pants fit real tight around his--

“Damn it.” Tony put his grading pencil down and reached for his water, fanning himself with the other hand. “Alpha Sheriff Steve Rogers, I think you and that stupid hat are going to be trouble.”

Tony gave up not thinking about the Sheriff and let himself day dream just a little bit.

He might enjoy a little trouble.

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

#ncts fics #stony #western au #alpha!steve #omega!tony

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phantom-of-the-keurig · 6 years

Text

To the little old dog that didn’t make it

So uh, this is sorta odd I guess. I mean, I’ve made posts before about sad cases at work, I’ve ranted and cried on here about difficult clients or fractious patients. But today is different, and I honestly can’t stop my fingers from typing this all out.

Maybe this is a coping method? Maybe writing this all out will help untangle this terrible anxiety and guilt building in my chest.

I don’t know. All I know is the entire drive home I felt this overwhelming need to write down the cluster fuck of thoughts scrambling through my brain. I’m sure none of this will make sense, that’s alright. I just need to get this out, and from here on out I’m writing this to the little old dog that didn’t make it.

You were one of the first patients I saw this morning. I read your chart, inside I cringed. You were scheduled for a splenectomy. I made a mental note to read through your history when I got a chance. You seemed really lively for a dog about to get their spleen removed. I patted your head, I ran my fingers through your black fur with the sprinkles of grey spread throughout, and I naively assumed a dog as upbeat as you surely couldn’t be that sick.

I was really, really wrong.

I’m sorry I got on you a few times for barking. You planted yourself in the back of the kennel and kept barking at the doctor and surgery tech on the other side of the glass. I thought it was funny, I imagined you were demanding to know what they were doing in there. Maybe you were just super enthused about getting to watch the other surgeries before you, maybe you were cheering the doctor on? Anyway, I hope my tone wasn’t harsh, I hope the amusement I felt watching you made it into my voice too.

Soon enough, it was your turn. You really didn’t like getting sedated. I don’t really blame you, I hate shots too and we had to inject you right in your leg muscle. I know it stings, I’m sorry, but you were brave. You were a very good boy.

I want you to know, you were such a good boy.

You were our second to last procedure of the day. You were the first surgery I actually observed that day, I just felt like I needed to watch. The doctor went really quiet, we knew something was wrong. Your spleen was unrecognizable. I’m so sorry you had to walk around with those awful tumors inside of you. We found another mass on your liver.

The other surgery tech started reading your history out loud for the doctor. With surgery and chemo, your mean survival time was 6 months. I thought about your family as the doctor closed you up. My heart went out to them, I knew the road ahead of you was going to be unpleasant. I glanced at the ugly, black tumors sitting by the box meant to ship them out for a histopath one last time as I followed the surgery tech out the door. As we got you settled into your kennel I thought, well, at least his family will have some time to say goodbye. At least we got some of those icky masses out.

The doctor handed me two syringes, antibiotics and pain medicine. The other surgery tech handed me nail clippers. She told me to trim your nails and to remove your intubation tube when you started to wake up. She walked away to prep the next patient and added, “And make sure he doesn’t die.”

I was determined to stay by your side until you woke up. I gave you your shots, I didn’t even walk away to put the needles into sharps. I didn’t want to leave you for a second, I stared at your chest every few seconds to make sure you were still breathing. There had been a few times during surgery you had us worried, a few too many close calls.

I started trimming your nails. It took a long time, I was too afraid to keep my eyes off you for too long. A quick clip, then a pause to look at you.

Clip, pause, stare.

You made a sound, like a small cough. I was happy, I thought you were fighting against the intubation tube. That meant you were starting to come to. I quickly took the tube out and went back to my prior rhythm.

Clip, pause, stare.

Stare

The nail trimmers fell from my hand as I realized, oh my god- you aren’t breathing.

I ripped your lips back to look at your gums. They were almost white.

I actually made my neck pop I whipped my head around so hard. I immediately honed in on the first white coat I saw, and my voice cracked as I called out “Um uh, hey Dr. H canyoupleasecomelookatthisdog???”

Things went really fast then. Dr. H’s face went pale as she frantically ran her stethoscope over your chest. She yelled out for someone to get epinephrine. I grabbed your IV bag off the hook and carried it as Dr. H sprinted to the surgery room with you cradled in her arms.

The surgeon joined us, and suddenly there were two doctors and five technicians surrounding you. I held your IV bag. They hooked you up to oxygen. I held your IV bag. The surgeon ordered a variety of drugs, I couldn’t tell you what he asked for. It was a blur of movement as people went flying to draw up medications. Your breathing was agonal. I held your IV bag. Dr. H started CPR. I held your IV bag. For a second, I thought you’d be okay. She felt a heartbeat she said, a tiny flutter. I held your IV bag.

We tried. We tried so hard to bring you back. Eventually, the room started to clear as we realized there was nothing to be done. I looked up and saw the surgeon massaging your heart as a technician manually breathed for you. It was just us now.

You didn’t wake up. I still held your IV bag as the doctor called it. Your time of death was 11:46am. That’s when you left this world. I know because I was the one who looked at my watch and told him the time when he called it.

The other technician took you away as the surgeon braced himself to call your family. I heard him sigh as I cleaned your blood and waste from the metal table.

“Was this my fault?” I asked.

The surgeon shook his head and assured me it was not. He told me the name of the cancer he suspected you had, how it often spreads and manifests in the heart and lungs. He reminded me how difficult the surgery was for you. I remembered the ugly tumors we pulled from you. You were so sick.

“I was right by him, I only looked away for a second.” I promised.

The surgeon nodded, and said he knew.

I left the operating room only to stand by your kennel in a daze. The nail clippers were still on the floor. Two techs were getting your body ready for your family. I could see the surgeon through the other side of the glass breaking the news to your family.

I hope you know your family loved you, so much. You were loved. They brought a grey blanket with them that morning from home, and we put it in your kennel with you. That was the blanket you stopped breathing on. I made sure to wrap you in it after you left this world at 11:46am.

Dr. H eventually came up to me after some time. “Hey,” she said, “good job. You caught him immediately. It’s so much better than walking by and realizing he’s been gone for a while. At least we got to try. His family knows we tried.”

We really did try. But I still felt so guilty, I failed you. I’m so sorry. Even after speaking with several all people who assured me it wasn’t my fault, I can’t get rid of this guilt in my chest.

I think that’s why I wrote this. I wrote it to you, the little old dog that didn’t make it, because I hope you can forgive me. You were a good boy. You were such a good boy, and I’m sorry you’re not here anymore. I hope wherever you are, you’re not in pain anymore. I hope you’re able to run and jump like a hyperactive puppy again. I’m so sorry you didn’t make it, but I hope you’re running and playing fetch while you wait for your family to join you one day.

To the little old dog that didn’t make it, you mattered. You were loved. And now, I like to think you’re at peace.

#personal #june 2018 #work blog #work stuff

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