thatfanficstuff

[thatfanficstuff]

Color My World - Haldir (LOTR)

Pairing: Haldir x soulmate!reader

warnings: nothing beyond canon

The forest of Lothlorien loomed before a weary band of travelers, known to some as the Fellowship. Their steps were heavy with exhaustion, a mantle of grief weighing them down. Their companion, the wizard Gandalf, had fallen mere hours before. But they didn’t have time to stop, to allow their hearts a moment to heal. The orcs would come and the group needed to be safely within the depths of the forest before they did.

You walked beside Frodo in the middle of the group, your eyes darting between taking in the beauty around you and keeping an eye on your companions. Sunlight filtered through the leafy canopy above you, bathing the world in golden rays. Even the bark of the trees glittered faintly with hints of gold. You could only imagine how stunning it would be if you had already met your soulmate. All the muted, faded colors you saw would be bright and vivid. You never wished for it more than at moments like this.

“Can you feel the trees watching us?” Frodo’s voice, barely above a murmur, broke the fragile silence.

You placed a hand on his shoulder in comfort. “There have been eyes on us since we stepped foot in the forest, little hobbit.”

He looked up in surprise and you squeezed gently as you gave him a soft smile. “No worries. All be fine.”

“Thank you for being here,” he said, his tone hovering between gratitude and fear.

“We all have our purposes in this life, Frodo Baggins. Mine is make sure you complete yours.”

As you continued, you ignored Gimli’s talk of elven sorceresses and enchantments. You were too focused on the force gathering along the edges of your senses. The elves had sent a welcoming party. Of a sort.

Suddenly and almost silently, the Fellowship was surrounded. Elves with arrows drawn in you and your companions faces. With an arched brow you stepped in front of Frodo and pushed the arrow aside that was nearly brushing your nose. Ridiculous. Arrows did much more damage if they had a little room to move.

“The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark,” a rich voice said as the most beautiful man you’d ever seen addressed Aragorn. The elf observed your group, taking each of you in. When his gaze met your own, he lingered ever so slightly before turning back to the king. “Why do you enter the woods of the Lady of Light?”

The quiet words stoked something deep inside you, a yearning that had followed you your whole life. A cascade of vibrant color burst forth with the marchwarden at its center. Greens deepened into a multitude of shades. The golden undertones of the trees shimmered with new life.

As he and Aragorn spoke, every syllable from his lips only brought more beauty to your world. And every word bound your soul more tightly to his. You wove your fingers together, a poor effort at self-restraint as you couldn’t seem to tear your gaze from his profile. You’d heard so many stories of this elf and now, seeing him in person, he was everything you could ever desire in a mate. And he was far too important for someone like you. Finally, you tore your eyes away as he turned to lead the Fellowship deeper into the trees.

You weren’t certain how far you walked or how many stairs you climbed before you were greeted by the ethereal presence of Celeborn and Galadriel. You half listened to the conversation about the fate of your wizard as your attention kept flicking over to Haldir who stood to the side looking straight ahead. It felt odd that you were so connected to him and he didn’t even know you existed. That he knew nothing of your bond. It was for the best, you knew that, but it didn’t make your heart hurt any less.

Feeling eyes on you, you turned your head to find Galadriel looking at you though she spoke to the Fellowship as a whole. You bit back a gasp as you heard her lyrical voice in your head. “Within these woods, bonds deeper than the roots of the mallorn trees are forged. You have felt the stirring of such a bond, child of the outside world. Your connection with Haldir is stronger than you know. An intertwining of souls, a sharing of strengths. Together, you harbor magic that will aid you on your quest.”

“Magic?” you thought back.

Rather than answering, the corner of her lips curled into a knowing smile and she gave you a small nod. “When you need it the most, it will be there,” she said aloud. Your companions frowned in confusion but you ignored their questions as Haldir showed all of you to where you would be spending the evening.  

You managed to leave the elves without Haldir finding out who you were to him. Your friends found it odd that you refused to speak louder than a whisper until you were well on your way down the river but you simply waved off their questions. It was better this way. No matter how utterly alone you suddenly felt.

Days turned into weeks. Frodo and Sam had gone off on their own. Boromir had fallen. Gandalf had returned. And now you stood with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli at Helm’s Deep alongside an army made up mostly of old men and boys. Hope was fleeting that most of you would make it through the night. Gandalf had told you to look for him at the dawn but that was many hours away.

You stood on the wall watching a storm roll in while the others prepared themselves for battle. You’d taken care of that hours ago. A horn blasting drew your attention. Elven archers marched toward the keep. You grinned, feeling hope for the first time in days. The smile fell as you saw who was leading them. Haldir. He wasn’t supposed to be here. It was too dangerous. He was supposed to be safe in Lothlorien.

You watched Aragorn greet him, Legolas by his side. Haldir glanced up when they finished, his gaze finding yours. He studied your face for a moment before nodding a greeting. You nodded in return then slipped away into the crowd, making sure the rabble were as prepared as possible for the coming attack.

While Aragorn moved through the ranks of elves on the wall, you stood with Legolas and Gimli. The hordes of orcs and Uruk-hai approached, banging weapons on the ground as they came. You rested a hand on the dwarf’s shoulder trying to calm him as he bounced around. “Steady on,” you told him as you prepared your bow.

And then they came in a flood of anger and teeth. Chaos reigned around you as you slashed and dodged. Rain fell in heavy drops as lightning flashed in the sky and thunder roared. You focused solely on the opponents around you until King Theoden called for a retreat to the inner walls. Aragorn grabbed your arm and pulled you along as he yelled for the men to fall back. When he turned and yelled Haldir’s name, you turned with him.

Haldir acknowledged the order a breath before he was surrounded by iron and hate. A blade stabbed toward him even as he cut the wielder down.

Heat surged through your veins as fear swamped you. You unleashed your fury with a cry torn from the very depths of your soul. The world seemed to slow as a shimmering shield surrounded your soulmate, deflecting the blade that would have run him through. His eyes found yours, wide with astonishment.

You ignored Aragorn calling your name as newfound strength flowed through you. You weaved through the melee, each step bringing you closer to Haldir’s side. Finally, you reached him and helped dispatch the orcs that swarmed him. When there was an opening for you to move, you grabbed the breastplate of his armor and pulled him toward the stairs. “Move, Marchwarden.”

The battle was over after a last minute save from the Rohirrim and the Ents. As soon as you had a moment to breathe a breath you weren’t convinced would be your last, Haldir grabbed your hand and pulled you to the side where you could have some semblance of privacy.

His hands cradled your face as his thumbs traced your cheeks. He looked you over with wonder.

“Why did you say nothing when first we met?” he asked. “Why keep your connection to me hidden?”

You grasped his wrists in your hands. “If the bond was complete, formed on both sides, what would happen to you if I died on this quest?”

The silence stretched as he studied you. “A partial truth at best, hiril vuin.” (my lady)

You sighed and looked away from him, unable to meet his eye as you confessed. “I did not wish to be a burden upon you. I feared the revelation would be a disappointment.”

He ran his thumbs along your skin again to bring your attention back to him. “You are the furthest cry from a disappointment. Your courage, your strength, your heart…they are gifts more precious than the rarest jewels of my people.”

You searched for any signs of deception from him. Finding none, a smile crossed your face. He mirrored it before leaning forward to press his lips to yours. It took only a moment before you returned the gesture with equal fervor.

For a moment, you could forget about your quest.  Forget about the death that surrounded you. Because here in the midst of so many endings, was your beginning and you intended to hold onto it with all of your heart.

#haldir x reader #haldir fanfiction #lotr fanfiction #lord of the rings fanfiction #haldir x soulmate #lotr soulmate au #soulmate au

[thatfanficstuff]

This one is finished if you were waiting until the end to read.

Open Wounds Masterlist

SHIELD has used the knowledge that you are the soulmate of the Winter Soldier to their advantage for years. Then the Winter Soldier is no more and Bucky Barnes has returned. He knows he has a soulmate and he’s desperate to find them before Hydra does. But he’s years too late for that.

Maybe you were stupid to trust Phil Coulson and Nick Fury after everything Hydra put you through but you were a kid looking for a family and they gave you that. SHIELD used you as bait for a decade only telling you the truth when they had no other choice. So, what happens when you discover your soulmate is one of the men you swore to destroy?

Chapter 1              Chapter 11           Chapter 21

Chapter 2              Chapter 12           Chapter 22

Chapter 3              Chapter 13           Chapter 23

Chapter 4              Chapter 14            Chapter 24

Chapter 5              Chapter 15            Chapter 25

Chapter 6              Chapter 16

Chapter 7              Chapter 17

Chapter 8              Chapter 18

Chapter 9               Chapter 19

Chapter 10             Chapter 20

#bucky barnes x reader #soulmate au #series: open wounds

[thatfanficstuff]

Open Wounds - 25

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Soulmate!Reader

Warnings: It's the end folks. Enjoy.

It was nearly a year and a half before you and Bucky returned to the tower. Oh, you’d visited once or twice, but now you were back for good. Ready to be put back on the roster and kick some ass. The peace had been good for you. For both of you. But now you were ready to return to the chaos.

As if thoughts of chaos had summoned him, Wade appeared beside the car before you’d even shut the door. You grunted as he wrapped his arms around you in a bear hug. You returned to embrace with a smile. “Hello, Wade.”

“You’re never leaving again. It’s been too long. I missed you, princess.”

“You just saw her last week,” Bucky said.

You glanced over the top of the car and met his gaze. Amusement danced in his eyes.

Wade threw his head back dramatically. “Exactly. Forever.”

You stepped back and shook your head. “Where’s Matt?”

“With his girlfriend,” he answered with a scoff. “I tried to tell him it was a bad idea to date anyone with widow in their name but does he listen to me? No.”

You patted his shoulder as you stepped into the elevator. “No one listens to you, Wade.”

Bucky coughed to cover his laugh when Wade gasped dramatically. You leaned into your soulmate’s side and he wrapped an arm around you to keep you close as he kissed the top of your head.

You intended to drop your things off in your room before tracking people down and saying hello. However, the door opened on a different floor and you were greeted with a room full of people shouting surprise. You blinked for a moment before looking up at Bucky. He shrugged and stepped out, keeping hold of your hand.

“Surprise, bestie,” Wade said, clapping his hands like an excited kid. “This was all my idea.”

“I hate surprises, Wade.” You voice was flat, emotionless.

“I mean, I didn’t know anything about this. Blame Tony.”

Said billionaire stepped forward. “Thanks, Wade.” He kissed your cheek then looked you over. “You’re looking good, Junior. Healthy. How are you feeling?”

“Back to my usual snarky self, Stark. Thanks for asking.”

He grinned. “Perfect. I’ll let you mingle, but we’re staked out in that far corner when you want to catch up.”

Bucky nodded and gave your hand a squeeze before pulling you into the crowd. It should say something about how long you’d been gone that the two of you were willingly talking to people. You both hated crowds of any sort.

You were in mid-conversation when a hand fell on your shoulder and you glanced back to see your father. Your cheeks hurt with the intensity of your smile as you spun and launched yourself at him. You hugged him tightly and his return embrace was just as firm. The two of you talked fairly regularly but you hadn’t seen him in over six months. “Hi,” you finally said, your voice little more than a whisper.

He chuckled. “Hello, sweetheart. I missed you, too.” He kissed the top of your head as he held out a hand to Bucky. “Barnes.”

Bucky shook the offered hand with a quiet, “Phil.”

Finally, you released him and straightened. He kept one hand on your back as you stayed beside him. Bucky moved back into your space and wrapped an arm around your waist. You were beyond content in that moment.

“This is some party,” Phil murmured before sipping at his drink.

“Stark,” was all you said. That was enough really.

As your two favorite men talked quietly, you ran your eyes over the people that filled the room. Surprisingly, Tony had kept the guest list down to people that you actually knew and were happy to see you back in the city. And there were a lot of them. Some of them you hadn’t even realized you had missed until this moment.

A couple of hours later found you standing on the balcony enjoying the breeze while the party went on in the room behind you.

“You okay, beautiful?” Bucky asked and you turned to him with a smile.

You leaned against the rail behind you as you watched him saunter over to you. “Perfect.”

He placed a hand on the railing to either side of you boxing you in. You tugged him closer by his belt loops and kissed him softly. When you separated, he traced his bottom lip with his tongue and gave you a lopsided smile.

“How are you?” you asked.

“Perfect,” he echoed your words. Closing his eyes, he laid his forehead against yours. “I love you so much.”

The words warmed you as much now as they had the first time you’d heard them. “I love you, too, baby.”

“I need to ask you something,” he said softly, taking a step back.

You tilted your head as you looked at him. “Anything.”

He opened his mouth without speaking. Once. Twice. After the third time you couldn’t help but chuckle in spite of the unease starting to churn in your belly.

“Just ask, Bucky. It can’t be that world changing, whatever it is.”

He huffed a laugh and started to pace. “Why is this so hard? This shouldn’t be hard. I asked your dad. I asked Clint. Hell, I even asked Wade, so why can’t I ask you? It should be simple.”

You stepped in front of him to interrupt his pacing and his rambles. You put your hands on his arms and squeezed gently. “Breathe, Buck.”

He grinned and swooped in for a kiss. It was gentle and loving and happy. “God, I love you.”

“I believe we covered that already. Now, what is going on with you?”

He took your hand and pulled you further away from the railing. “This is good. Now if I drop it, it won’t immediately bounce off the edge never to be seen again.”

You were so confused. “Drop what?”

In answer, he got down on one knee and pulled a small box from his pocket.

You gasped, though you supposed you really shouldn’t be that surprised. It wasn’t as if the two of you hadn’t discussed marriage before.

He grinned at the sound and snapped open the box. The perfect ring was nestled in the velvet. He said your name to bring your attention back to him. “Life has rarely been kind to either of us. There has been more than once that I wanted to tell Fate to fuck off. But then the universe brought me you. And yes, we’re broken and bitter sometimes, but our souls fit together. Even if the universe hadn’t marked us, I would know you were mine. I would have found you in a sea of millions and brought you home to me. We both know you are never getting rid of me, so marry me. Please?”

Tears had been streaming down your cheeks almost from his first word but the please made you laugh. “Of course I’ll marry you, Bucky Barnes. You’re my whole world.”

He surged to his feet and wrapped you in his arms as he kissed you before slipping the ring on your finger. The sounds of cheering drew your attention and you turned to find the party lined up along the windows watching the two of you. You laughed again and wiped the remnants of tears from your cheeks.

Bucky stood behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist while he rested his chin on your shoulder. “You happy, baby?”

Happy seemed like a simple word for the deep feeling of love and contentment that flooded you. You were going to marry the love of your life and all of your friends and family would be there to cheer you on along the way. This man that you were so uncertain of in the beginning, the man that you’d sworn to kill once upon a time, had picked up all your broken pieces and glued them back together. This may not have been the life you once envisioned for yourself, but it was kind of perfect.

“Yeah, I’m happy, Buck. So happy.”

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x soulmate #bucky barnes fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #series: open wounds

[thatfanficstuff]

Normalize going into people’s ask boxes and ask them random ass questions.

Tumblr used to be so much fun with all the asks (anonymous or otherwise), and we need to bring those back, especially now that we finally have a half-decent blocking feature in place.

Ask people things! Message them! Don’t let tumblr inbox die! It’s one of the features that made tumblr tumblr.

[thatfanficstuff]

This is short but lovely.

Congrats on the 10k!! Can i get a Baby Blurb: Tywin x reader. Where reader is nervous to tell Tywin that she's pregnant. Tywin of course its in heaven with the news

Thank you so much and Omg yes yes yes I got a bit carried away w this one lmao

Warnings: arranged/political marriage, pregnancy, canon-typical ideas surrounding women/a woman’s place/duty of childbirth. Westeros is a patriarchal society basically. Significant age gap (reader is early 20s, Tywin is in his 50s)

Wringing your hands nervously, you straightened the (already straight) cutlery for the fourth time. To say you were nervous was an understatement. Tywin Lannister was not a man to be summoned.

And yet you had done so. His wife, a woman thirty years his junior, had sent Tywin Lannister’s own guard to request his presence in your chambers.

“Lord Tywin Lannister, Hand of the King,” the guard announced as he opened the door, and you stood up straighter, smoothing out the front of your gown.

“My lady,” Tywin said, his brow arched and a bemused smirk on his lips. “This is a surprise,”

You ducked your head under his domineering gaze, and gestured for him to sit, pouring his wine as he sat as though you were a common wench.

“I…” you trailed off, too nervous to quip at your relatively new husband. “I thought it would be nice… I’m sure the Hand’s chambers can get… lonely?”

Tywin let out a short laugh. “Sit, wife. You are not a serving wench,” he said, nodding to your seat (though the idea of you being in his service made his blood run a little warmer). Obediently, you sat down across from him, staring at your own empty goblet, unable to look into his sharp green eyes for more than a millisecond.

“Out with it,” he commanded, though his voice was not cruel. “You clearly wish to tell me something. So do it,”

You stuttered slightly, fiddling with the ruby that hung around your neck. “I… my lord,” you began, before taking a deep calming breath. “I… I have reason to believe that… that I may be with child,”

You bowed your head, unable to look at his face. His chair scraped as he stood, but the slam of the door never came. Heavy footsteps echoed through the room, and he came to your side, tipping your chin up to look at him. “Truly? When did you last bleed?” As your face heated, he shook his head. “I am a grown man, wife, I know the workings of women. When did you last bleed?”

“Before our wedding, My Lord,” you whispered. “I thought the first time I missed my moonblood was… was the change of moving to the capital… but then it did not come again… and I have not bled this moon either,”

Tywin Lannister knelt before you, so you were forced to look down at the Great Lion.

“Then we must get you to the maester immediately,” he insisted. “And to the tailor, I will not have my wife walking around in ill-fitting gowns. And I shall have your chambers moved closer to mine,” You smiled weakly. “Do you feel ill? In pain? You must tell the maester of any hurt, no matter how small. You are carrying my son, now YN, your health and his is paramount,”

You glowed under his gaze and affection, but a worried thought crossed your mind and you bit your lip. “But what if… what if it is a girl?" you whispered, and you expected him to glower at the thought.

"if the baby is indeed a girl, my lady," he began, bringing your knuckles to his lips in a rare display of affection. "then we must simply try again. I will have a son off you, no matter how many sisters he must have first,"

#tywin lannister x reader #got fanfiction #other people's fics

[thatfanficstuff]

Not About You - 31

Pairing: Damon Salvatore x OFC

Warnings: nope

Elijah led Lucy to his car before driving them both to a quiet, nearly empty park. She remained in shocked silence as her gaze followed his every movement. She didn’t snap out of it until he opened her door and offered her a hand. “Come,” he instructed.

He led her to a bench and she took a seat at one end. He sat at the other, angling himself toward her and crossing his legs as he draped an arm along the back. “There are things about me—about my past—that I’ve kept hidden. Not to deceive you, but to protect you.” He looked away from her then, focusing on a child playing in the distance. “Being an Original, knowing an Original, carries a burden I did not wish upon you. I would not put you in danger if it could be avoided.”

Lucy studied him for a moment as she organized her thoughts, figured out which of her many questions she wanted to ask. “The boys knew, didn’t they?”

He pursed his lips as his gaze darted to her and back again. “If you are asking if they are aware I am an Original, then yes. The name Mikaelson is rather well known in certain circles. However, I do not believe they had any reason to think I had not been killed as it appeared. Our…resilience is something we keep rather mum about.”

“As much as it annoys me you were all keeping shit from me, I am really glad you’re not dead.”

Elijah shifted his focus to her then, a smirk curling his lips. “Oh, but I am.”

“Don’t be a smartass, ‘Lijah. It doesn’t suit you.”

She slid across the bench to eliminate the space between them and laid her head on his shoulder. His arm immediately wrapped around to hold her close with a sigh. After a brief moment he broke the silence. “I rather enjoy being your Uncle Elijah. I was afraid if you knew the whole truth of what I was, that would change.”

Lucy huffed in annoyance. “My blood is gone. The only family I have left is the one I’ve made. I’d be devastated if you weren’t part of it.” A buzzing sound caught her attention. “What’s that?”

He shifted and pulled her phone from the pocket of his coat. She hadn’t even realized he’d removed it from where she’d had it in her back pocket. “You little thief,” she said in astonished disbelief.

“I would appreciate your silence on the matter of my continued existence for the time being,” he said as he handed over the phone.

She glanced at the screen and cringed. Damon would be fuming. Eight texts and five missed calls. Oops. The phone vibrated again as another call came through. Stefan. She took a breath and answered. “Sorry. I didn’t realize I had the ringer and the vibrate both off. I just went to check the time and saw you’d both been trying to get ahold of me.”

“Calm down,” Stefan’s soothing voice answered. “It’s okay.”

“The hell it is,” Damon snapped in the background. “Why wasn’t she answering her phone?”

“Put him on please,” Lucy said with a sigh. She swallowed the urge she had to apologize to Elijah for being on the phone. This was his fault in the first place. Pickpocket.

“What’s going on, Lucy?” Damon said as he took the phone from his brother. “First you act weird at the café, then you disappear to see some friend. As soon as you leave the windows blew out and I haven’t been able to reach you since.”

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“I’m fine. It’s you I’m worried about.”

“I’m sorry.” Lucy stopped there, unsure how to explain without revealing too much.

“Just tell me that you’re okay,” he said in a soft voice.

“I’m okay.”

“Do you want me to come pick you up?” A thread of guilt wove through her at the weariness in his voice.

Her eyes darted up to meet Elijah’s and he waved her away with a shake of his head. “No, I’ve got a ride. I’ll be home soon.”

“Stay safe and answer your damn phone, please.” He hung up without waiting for a response.

She turned the ringer up on her phone and slipped it in her pocket. “Anything else you’ve been neglecting to mention?”

He pursed his lips as he considered his next words. “Trouble is coming to Mystic Falls. I’d prefer if you were gone before my brother arrived.”

“Damon and Stefan?”

“I’d rather they remained. They have proven remarkably trustworthy.”

“Then I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be careful but I won’t leave them.”

Elijah stood and straightened his jacket before offering her his hand. “I would expect nothing less of you,” he said as he pulled her to her feet.

Elijah’s car slid to a smooth stop at the end of the driveaway. He turned off the lights and killed the ignition before turning to her. “I ask that you tell no one but the Salvatores of my being alive. I do not the trust the others involved.”

“Of course.” She was just relieved she wouldn’t need to keep the information from Damon. She didn’t like secrets. Not of that magnitude.

“And I must ask that you all continue to keep an eye on Elena. She is still needed.”

Lucy wrinkled her nose. “Really?”

Elijah couldn’t help a small laugh. “Where does this animosity for the girl come from?”

“I don’t know, ‘Lijah. I just don’t like her. She’s rude and entitled and self-absorbed.” She was dangerously close to whining and cleared her throat. “She’s just rude. It’s annoying.”

“So you mentioned,” Elijah said, amusement coloring his words.

She shoved at his arm. “Hush you.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I love you, Elijah. Don’t ever die again, please.”

He cupped the back of her head and turned to press a kiss to her forehead. “I shall do my best, little one.”

She stepped from the car.

“Be safe,” drifted to her as she shut the door. She wanted to stay and watch as he pulled away, to assure herself just a little longer that it wasn’t a dream, but she knew he wouldn’t leave until she was safe inside. She gave him one last wave and hurried up the drive.

Music drifted from the house which meant Damon was probably drinking alone. Her steps picked up a little, excited to tell him about Elijah. As she stepped into the house, the muted sounds of conversation caught her attention. A low feminine laugh set her teeth on edge. Realizing it was Rose, she paused just out of view. What the hell was that bitch still doing here?

“So, have you heard from your little human?” Rose asked, her voice soft.

“Her name is Lucy and she’s fine.” He sounded annoyed.

She hummed in acknowledgment. “Do you trust her?”

“What the hell kind of question is that?” he snapped.

“Well, the timing of her departure was rather coincidental wasn’t it? She leaves and the windows explode? Are you certain she didn’t have something to do with it?”

Stupid bitch.

“What? Do you think she had explosives hidden I her pockets? Don’t be stupid.”

“She did pull a stake on me.”

“That’s you. She hates you. If she knew something was going to happen, she would have taken me with her,” he responded with no hesitation.

Lucy stepped into the room. The vampires’ backs were turned to her as Damon sat in front of the fire, staring at the flames and Rose came up behind him. Lucy tilted her head as she looked the other woman over. Was she wearing a negligee? What the fuck? Rose wrapped her arms around Damon’s torso and rested her chin on his shoulder.

“Maybe you aren’t as important to her as you think you are.”

Damon grabbed her hand and flung it away. “Not interested, Rose.”

“It’s obvious you’ve overstayed your welcome,” Lucy finally spoke up.

Damon was on his feet in a flash, knocking Rose over on the way. He pulled Lucy into his arms. “You scared me,” he said with a low voice.

She returned the hug. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. Why is she still here?” She didn’t even bother trying to keep her voice down.

He shrugged. “She needed someplace to stay for a few days. Stefan invited her.”

“Salvatore,” Lucy hissed, making Damon laugh. She glanced over to Rose. “If you’re going to stay here, put on some clothes. And stay the fuck away from my boyfriend.”

She didn’t wait for a response before grabbing Damon’s hand and dragging him toward the stairs. “You’re cute when you’re jealous, kitten,” he teased.

She shook her head. “Not jealous. Annoyed at houseguests who don’t know when to go home.”

“To be fair, I don’t think she has a home.”

Lucy rolled her eyes. “Not my problem. Come on.”

“Where are we going?” Damon finally asked.

“We need to talk.”

He pulled her to a stop and turned her to face him. He placed his hands on her upper arms and looked down at her, his brow furrowed in worry. “You know that I wasn’t encouraging that with Rose, don’t you? I wouldn’t—”

Lucy laid her fingers against his lips and smiled. “Not that kind of talk, Day. You’re not in trouble.”

“Thank fuck,” he breathed as he steered her to their room.

Lucy laughed and shut the bedroom door behind them before striding into the bathroom and turning the sink and shower on full blast hoping to mask their voices from prying ears.

Damon’s concerned look came back. “What’s going on, sweetheart?”

She took a deep breath and grabbed his hands in hers. “Elijah is alive.” The words tumbled out and made her slightly dizzy. The knowledge was still a shock but being able to say it had her grinning from ear to ear.

“Alive?” The single word was heavy with disbelief and confusion.

She confirmed it with a nod before recounting the details of the day. “He only wants you and Stefan to know at this point. He trusts you.”

Damon stepped away from her and raked a hand through his hair before he began to pace the floor. “This is unbelievable. I mean I’m thrilled, especially for you, but if that didn’t kill him, what the hell could?”

She blinked at him. “I don’t know, Damon, I didn’t ask him the best way to murder him.”

He gave her a look. “That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

Lucy grinned again. Damon would never hurt Elijah. Even if he hated the man, Damon wouldn’t want to hurt her.

He finally stopped his pacing and turned to her. “So what do we do now?”

She shrugged. “We wait. And keep watching Elena. He’ll let us know when we’re needed I guess.”

He arched a brow and stepped closer. “You aren’t going to be needed for anything, kitten. In fact you are going to stay as far away from trouble as possible.”

Lucy didn’t argue, just resting her head on his chest when he stepped closer. She didn’t bother to mention that trouble had a tendency to find her whether she wished it or not.

#damon salvatore x ofc #damon salvatore fanfiction #vampire diaries fanfiction #series: not about you

[thatfanficstuff]

Open Wounds - 24

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Soulmate!Reader

Warnings: not really

A/N: I didn't even read through this. Sorry. One more chapter for this one.

You were curled up on your bed with your head in your dad’s lap while the two of you talked. Your time with him was coming to an end and you were spending every moment you could with him. He kept playing with your hair reminding you of when you were much younger and he’d done it to calm you when you’d had a bad day.

Bucky was off training with Steve and making the arrangements needed for him to take an indefinite amount of time off. You’d both be available if needed but you needed to recuperate and  build yourself back up and you needed your soulmate with you to do it properly.

A soft knock on the door interrupted your conversation. Clint stepped into the room with a soft smile. “How you doing, sweetheart? You look better.”

“Feeling better.” You bit your lip in thought before clearing your throat. “Can I…” Your voice faltered though you didn’t know why. Clint was unlikely to refuse you. “The farm. Can Bucky and I go for awhile?”

He sat on the edge of the bed and rested a hand on your arm. His nod encompassed his whole being as a smile lit his face. “You don’t have to ask,” he said. “It’s your home. You’re always welcome there.”

Once you’d gone over some of the details with him, he left you alone with Phil once more. It didn’t take long for him to clear his throat to break the silence. “I’m glad you’re heading to the farm. It’s time for me to return to my team. I was worried about leaving you.”

You reached up to take his hand in yours, squeezing it in acknowledgment. “I’ll be okay. They had months to get into my head. It’s gonna take a bit for me to get them out, that’s all.”

“I know, sweetheart. You’ll get there.” He ran his thumb over your fingers. “I put my number in your phone under ‘Senior’ if you need me.”

You snorted at the nod to Tony’s nickname for you. “I’ll always need you.”

“Good,” he said. “Don’t save all the calls for when you’re in trouble.”

He stayed with you until Bucky returned. You stood with your dad and gave him a lingering hug. Finally, he kissed your head and pulled away. “I love you, baby. Be good. Be happy.”

You watched him leave, your eyes burning with threatening tears. Having him leave so soon after getting him back hurt more than you’d anticipated.

Bucky wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into his chest. “You okay?”

You hummed with a nod. “I’ll be fine. He’s just heading back to his team. I’ll miss him. That’s all.”

He didn’t say anything to try to make you feel better. Instead, he just held you, lending you his silent comfort.

You took another week to say your goodbyes to everyone. You didn’t know how long you were going to be gone and you weren’t about to invite any of them to the farm. For one, it wasn’t your place. For another, it wouldn’t be much of a refuge if everyone knew where it was.

Clint had offered to fly the two of you out, but you and Bucky decided to drive. You played tourist along the way and let yourself unwind. Sometimes you’d drive for hours without stopping and others you’d hole up in a hotel room for a couple of days with your soulmate. For the first time in your life, you had no agenda. No need to keep busy, to keep to a schedule.

Almost two weeks after you left the city, you arrived at the farm. The gravel crunched beneath the tires of the car as it rolled to a halt, pebbles spitting in its wake. Stepping out of the car, you closed your eyes and took a deep breath. Tension flowed from you as you inhaled the familiar odors of home. It had been too long.

“Wow,” Bucky said as he came to stand beside you. “This is exactly what I picture when I think farmhouse.”

You snorted a laugh and turned to him with a smile. “Isn’t it though? I’m surprised we haven’t been swarmed by Bartons yet.” Laura and the kids must be out. You kept your gaze on the house in front of you while you gestured off to the left. “That’s my place over there.” Clint had built a little cabin on his land just for you, though you had been known to share with Natasha on occasion.

“Looks like you’ve got company, baby.” Amusement colored his words.

You turned toward your little piece of heaven and grinned at the sight that greeted you. Clint was there, leaning against your porch rail with his arms crossed over his chest, a soft smile curling his lips.

“Thought you might like some backup,” he said as you approached, his voice low and sure.

You paused before you reached him. This man, your family, he’d stepped away from his world of chaos to help stabilize yours. He wasn’t here out of some sense of obligation but because he’d never failed to love and support you when you needed it most.

You closed the distance and pulled him into a hug. “Thank you,” you murmured, meaning it for everything. For coming, for staying, for simply being there.

He kissed your temple. “Always.”

“Can we come out now?” A young voice called and you pulled back with a laugh.

A glance at the door showed the two oldest Barton children pressed against the screen. Laura stood behind them with a smile on her face and little Nathaniel in her arms. You opened your arms in invitation and your favorite kids burst through the door.

Cooper reached your first, slamming into you and wrapping his arms around your waist. “Aunt Nikki, we missed you.”

Lila hugged your legs on your other side. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

You wrapped your arms around them and just enjoyed their selfless love for a moment. Laura made her way to you at a much slower pace and leaned over her children to give you a one-handed hug. “I’m so glad you’re home,” she said in a low voice, making you hug her tightly, being careful not to crush your youngest nephew.

When you released her, you quickly wiped away the tears under your eyes as you turned to Bucky as best you could with the kids still clinging to you. “Bartons, this is Bucky. My soulmate.”

“Really?” Lila gasped before instantly letting go and hurrying over to Buck. She held out a hand. “I’m Lila. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” All the adults smiled but bit back a laugh at her formal greeting.

Bucky bent over and took her hand in his. “The pleasure is mine.”

It took only about ten seconds for Lila to abandon the handshake and hug his legs instead.

Cooper wandered over but kept his distance. “I’m Cooper and that’s Nathaniel,” he said with a lazy wave toward his brother that was currently being passed over to you. You balanced the toddler on your hip. Bucky’s gaze softened as it moved between you and the child in your arms.

“I’m Laura,” the woman beside you introduced herself with a nod and a smile. Clint stepped up behind her and looped his arms around her waist. Once Buck returned her greeting, she looked back to you. “We aired it out and stocked you up on food. There’s a pot of stew on the stove.”

Warmth filled you at the display of love from your family. “You didn’t need to do all that, but thank you.”

“Sure we did. Well, we’ll get out of your hair and let you get settled.” She put her hands out for Nathaniel and you turned so she couldn’t reach him.

“Knowing you there’s enough stew for a week. You can get out of our hair after dinner.” You didn’t wait for a response as you walked into the house knowing the others would follow along soon enough.

A chill hung in the early morning air as you stood in living room of the farmhouse. A bleary Clint stepped into the room and said your name in confusion. With cold, lethal precision you ended his life in a blink. You barely twitched as you stared at the body at your feet. Moving swiftly through the house, you eliminated Laura next before moving onto the children. They didn’t even wake as you drove a blade into the back of their skulls.

Little Nathaniel was the last. You found him awake and playing in his crib. Arms reached for you as he garbled a version of your name. You stood in the doorway, fighting against the programming Hydra embedded in your brain. You were merely a passenger in your body as you picked up the little body and broke his neck before dropping him back into his bed.

A jolt of terror ripped you from the clutches of the nightmare, your breathing ragged and body covered in a sheen of cold sweat. The room was dark, quiet and far more peaceful than the scene that tortured you in your brain. Pulse racing, you tossed the covers aside and scrambled from the bed.

You grabbed one of the suitcases you’d just unpacked and started throwing clothes into it. Steady hands landed on your arms, stopping your frantic movements. “Easy,” came  Bucky’s sleep worn voice. He kissed the side of your neck. “What’s wrong, baby? What are you doing?”

“We have to leave,” you announced pulling away from him. “We shouldn’t have come here.”

Your chest heaved as you struggled against the chains that seemed to have tightened around your heart. Warm arms wrapped around you before you were lifted and carried backward to the bed. A moment later you found yourself sitting on the edge of the bed with Bucky knelt in front of you.

He laid his hand along the side of your face and traced his thumb along your cheek. “Focus on me, baby. Inhale. Exhale. I’ve got you.”

You matched your breathing to his. As the frantic beating of your heart slowed, so did your scrambled thoughts. You wrapped your arms around him, clinging to him as if he was the only thing that could save you. He held you back, whispering calming words and pressing soft kisses to your head.

When you finally sat back and wiped the remnants of tears from your eyes with trembling hands, he stayed on his knees looking you over with a furrowed brow and worried eyes. “You ready to talk?”

You swallowed the lump in your throat. “I killed all of them. Even the baby. I couldn’t stop.”

His hands squeezed your knees gently. “Who are you talking about, baby?”

You closed your eyes and dropped your head. “Clint, Laura, the kids. It was a dream. I know it was but…What if it was more than that? What if I can’t fight what they did to me, what they put in my brain?”

Bucky hooked a finger under your chin and lifted your head. “Look at me,” he said when you didn’t open your eyes. Once you’d done as instructed, he placed his hand back on your cheek. “You’re not theirs. You’re here with me. You’re safe. You’re stronger than them.”

Your breath hitched. “Am I?”

He gave you a lopsided smile. “Strongest person I know.”

“Sure that’s not Banner?”

“Smartass,” he murmured before he hooked a hand around the back of your neck and pulled you to him for a quick but firm kiss to the lips. He rested his forehead against yours. “I know better than anyone what Hydra does to you. How they get inside and eat away at everything that makes you you. You’d never hurt your family. If I thought there was any chance I’d take you away from here in a minute.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” He kissed your forehead then stood. He took your hand and pulled you to your feet before looping his arms around your waist. “You and me together can defeat anything. Even our own demons. Let’s go back to sleep, baby. Everything will look better in the morning.”

You let him get you settled under the covers and relaxed against him when he pulled you into his arms. Maybe he was right and in the light of day your life wouldn’t look fucked up. If it was, at least you and Buck could be fucked up together. With the thought you’d never be alone again with him by your side, you drifted back to sleep and didn’t wake until the late morning rays of sunlight fell across the bed.

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x soulmate!reader #bucky barnes fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #soulmate au #series: open wounds

[thatfanficstuff]

Help me decide

I'm approaching 7000 on this hellsite. How should we celebrate? Accepting any and all ideas.

Also, why can I not get my brain to understand that it is 2024 not 2023.

#help a girl out #kat says stuff

[thatfanficstuff]

it's like you're heaven sent, I was looking for something new to read and you JUST posted a 3k new story!! 🎉

I aim to please!

#kat answers stuff

[thatfanficstuff]

Finding Peace - Lucius Malfoy

Pairing: Lucius Malfoy x Soulmate!Reader

Warnings: discussions of abuse

a/n: these soulmate fics were supposed to be quick little things. *squints at 3000+ words* damn it.

Lucius Malfoy strode through the dim corridors of Hogwarts, his robes billowing behind him. His silver-blond hair cascaded down his back, contrasting sharply with the dark blue of his robes. His steps were hurried, determined. Anxious to check on his only child. Who would dare attack the scion of House Malfoy?

As he approached the infirmary, the heavy doors swung open in front of him, deferring to his unspoken will. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of medicinal potions and the remnants of healing magics. The room seemed too dark even with it being the middle of the night. Severus Snape was still able to see the worry that lined his friend’s face as he sought the one reason for his visit – Draco.

Severus stepped forward to intercept his path so they might talk before Lucius reached the bed that held his son.

“Where is he?” Lucius asked, his gaze trailing the potion master’s arm as he gestured to a bed along the far wall. Tension flowed from him in relief as he spotted Draco in a bed, holding a witch in his arms as they slept. His brow furrowed as he studied the two of them. You were a pretty little thing. Beautiful even, but you were unknown to him. “How is he?”

“He’s faring better than he would be. Thanks in no small part to her,” Severus answered in a soft tone, indicating the girl in the bed.

“Her?” Lucius asked, the single word holding so many questions.

Severus says your name with a nod of his head. “A shy little thing, with strong maternal instincts. She takes care of all of my snakes and a fair few from the other houses as well. She’s been instrumental in soothing the uncertainty that remains after the Dark Lord’s death and the end of the war.”

Lucius took a step forward, trying to get a better view of you. “And she helped tonight, how?”

“Potter.” Severus all but spat the name. “They were arguing and he cast a spell he wasn’t familiar with. She stepped between them and took part of the effects on herself.”

“What was the spell?” Lucius asked, quietly horrified of the possibilities.

“Sectumsempra.”

His wide eyes snapped to the potion’s master. “If you hadn’t been there…”

“I am aware.” The curse was one of Severus’ own design and he was one of the few that knew the counter. Both of you would have bled out had he the man not found you.

“And what is to be done with Mr. Potter?”

“Unknown.” Severus crossed his arms over his chest. “Albus has yet to make an appearance in spite of my patronus advising him of the situation.”

Lucius closed the distance to his son’s bed. Draco was pale, drawn but unmistakably alive. He cradled your small form against his side, one arm wrapped around you while his free hand ran in a constant loop along the arm that you had draped over his stomach. His pale eyes filled with relief upon laying sight on his father.

“Are you alright?” It was a simple question with a thousand unspoken words behind it.

Draco understood them all. He nodded once and kept his voice low. “I’m fine.”

Lucius seemed unable to pull his gaze away from you. There was just something drawing him to you. “And her?”

His son looked almost devastated for a moment. “She shouldn’t have done that. She should have never gotten between us.”

“Is she your mate?” Lucius forced the words past the sudden lump in his throat at the thought. It wasn’t usual for a submissive mate to protect their dom but it wasn’t completely unheard of. They were ferocious in the guarding of their offspring, however.

Draco scrunched his nose in mild disgust. “Merlin, no. Just a friend. A very dear friend.”

A knot of tension in the elder Malfoy’s chest eased with the declaration. He closed his eyes as he took a breath. This was getting ridiculous. “What is this then?” he asked with a gesture between the two.

Draco swallowed and a muscle worked in his jaw. “She has the most horrendous nightmares. Has since first year.”

Your eyelids fluttered, a sliver of consciousness piercing the fog in your brain as voices roused you. It took a moment for the room to come into focus, for you to realize there were two men standing beside the bed. When your gaze shifted from the concerned eyes of your professor to the man beside him, you gasped.

Lucius Malfoy’s piercing grey eyes locked with yours and magic arced between the two of you, tying you together in an instant. This man was your mate. The sudden realization had you sitting up with a jerk.

Ignoring Draco’s questioning voice beside you, you scrambled with the blankets. You had to get up, to get away from your blond friend. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…It was…I mean…”

You trailed off as you finally untangled yourself and practically fell off the bed. You found your way to your knees, ignoring the cold floor biting into your skin. The warm liquid running across your skin and the sharp stab of pain as wounds reopened. Leaning forward, you pressed your forehead to the stone, hoping that your mate would accept your supplication and not punish you too severely for your transgression. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Please don’t be angry. I shouldn’t have let him touch me. Forgive me.”

The words came in an endless stream and you barely noticed the utter silence of the room around you. Steps approached and you dared not look up.

“Enough,” a soft voice stated as a hand on your shoulder directed you upright. A pale hand cradled your face as Lucius trailed his gaze over you. “You are my equal. You need not plead with me for anything. Least of all forgiveness when you’ve done nothing wrong.”

Before you even had time to process his words, he’d swept you up in his arms to carry you to a bed. “Severus, fetch Madame Pomfrey at once.”

“Of course.”

He lowered you to the bed and you flinched as your back brushed the fabric of the sheets. “I’m fine.” The words were automatic as you were used to healing your own injuries and brushing aside your pain.

One elegant eyebrow rose. “The blood soaking the sheets beneath you says otherwise.”

Heat flooded your cheeks as you looked away. Pomfrey quickly arrived and turned you on your side so she could treat the wounds. Lucious remained standing as he watched every move the healer made. His gaze hardened, fury brewing in the depths of his icy grey eyes as they roamed over your form. The skin on your back was exposed true enough, but it was as if he could see every secret and scar you’d managed to keep hidden from the world. His lips pressed into a thin line.

“Unforgiveable.” The venom in his voice sent a shiver down your spine. The air crackled with his fury, his magic snapping in anger. “Who did this to you?”

You tried to shift away, to protect yourself from his ire. You were weak, you knew it. He deserved better. He was disgusted by everything that you had allowed to happen. Your father had always told you that your mate would realize how worthless you were and reject you. He’d trained you to be desirable to a certain type of dominate. A prize worth a vault of galleons to the right sort of man. You seriously doubted Lucius Malfoy was that sort of man.

You flinched as pain flared across your body, a silent testament to the abuse you’ve endured. His hands reached out with a gentleness you weren’t expecting. They were strong but held you as if you were something precious, fragile. His magic followed suit, wrapping around you, protecting you from the dangers of the world.

“Easy.” His tone was soft, soothing, contrasting sharply with the anger in the air. “I am here now. You are mine and I protect what is mine. You will be loved. Cherished. That I promise you.”

Your heart raced at his proclamation but the others in the room pretended not to hear it. At least they were giving you the illusion of privacy.

A moment later, Pomfrey finished her treatment and allowed you to lay back down before she covered you. “I thought Severus would have told you that Potter cast the spell.”

Severus snorted at the woman’s idiocy. She knew damn well that wasn’t Lucious was referring to with his earlier question.

“It’s okay, Poppy,” your soft voice cut through the tension in the room and all eyes turned to you. “He’s my mate and Draco already knows.”

The mediwitch cleared her throat. “And Severus?” Her voice had lost its edge as she spoke to you.

“I would have already told him if I was allowed. You know that.”

The elder witch simply nodded and took a seat. After a brief hesitation, the two men conjured chairs between your bed and Draco’s and sat as well.

Surprisingly it was Draco that spoke. “It was her father. He’s been training her to be the perfect submissive.” He spat the words in his anger.

“I’ve been treating her wounds since first year,” Pomfrey added.

“And you told no one?” Lucius snapped. “Either of you?”

“I made Draco take a vow that he couldn’t tell anyone until I was ready,” you explained, not wanting your mate angry at his son.

“I informed Albus and was promptly told it was under control.” The mediwitch crossed her arms over her chest. “In order to work at Hogwarts I had to take an oath to defer to Albus. His word is final.”

“This entire situation is completely unacceptable. What in Salazar’s name is going on in this school?” Was the old bastard really so worried about keeping control that he would let children suffer to maintain it?

Your hand rested on his, pulling his attention to you. His gaze immediately softened as it met yours. “Will you take me from here?”

His brow furrowed. “Don’t you wish to finish your schooling?”

“She doesn’t attend any of our classes. Everything she knows is self-taught or we’ve taught her in the common room,” Draco said.

Lucius looked from his son to Severus. The potion master shrugged. “I was told she was doing independent study. I had no reason to question it. She’s exceedingly intelligent.”

Your mate turned his attention back to you, clearly wanting answers. For once in your life, you wanted to tell someone everything. Every secret, every lie, every fear. Your father was a terrifying man, but something told you that he was nothing compared to your mate. “If you promise I don’t have to stay here, I will tell you everything.”

“We can leave immediately if you wish,” he answered with no hesitation.

“You can leave in the morning,” Poppy corrected. “Those wounds need a little longer to heal.”

The corner of Lucius’ lips lifted ever so slightly. “Very well. We will leave as soon as you are released.”

You nodded and swallowed the lump in your throat. Your fingers had somehow intertwined with your mates and you stared at where they were linked rather than making eye contact with anyone. “It isn’t solely due to my father.”

Silence reigned for a long stretch.

“Explain.” Lucius’ cold tone had you drawing in a deep breath before you could answer. He squeezed your hand in comfort. “My anger is not directed at you, dear one. I promise you need never fear me.”

“I am an only child. Father was never pleased that I was female. Even less pleased I was submissive. His only recourse was to mold me into what he wanted and sell me to the highest bidder.” You closed your eyes against some of the harsher memories and swallowed your shame. Lucius cradled your hand between both of his, silently reminding you that he was by your side.

“I was to be quiet. Obedient. Loyal to my master. Take what I was given without complaint. I was to have no status in whatever house he sold me to. Be offered no protections. No concessions. A slave to whoever owned me.”

A gasp came from one of the others in the room, but you ignored them keeping your focus on your mate. The sympathy in his gaze outshone the anger simmering there but you were uncertain how long that would last. Submissives were to be cherished, protected, loved. Ideally one would meet their mate and they would marry, have a family, etc, etc. However, it did happen that some marriages were arranged, typically between an older unmated Dominate and a younger submissive. The contracts stipulated the many ways in which the submissive would be cared for.

Then there were those that sought a submissive to which they held no obligation. No penalties owed for mistreatment or neglect. There were many that would pay dearly for that sort of bride.

“That is no longer your future. You are mine,” Lucius reminded you. Tension you hadn’t even noticed eased from your body.

“My father paid Dumbledore to see to it that my instruction continued at Hogwarts.” Your words were quiet but seemed to pull all the air out of the room.

“What does that mean exactly?” Snape asked after a moment.

Your gaze darted around to take in all the others in the room before focusing back on your hand intwined with your mate’s so you didn’t have to meet anyone’s eye. “My lessons were focused on magic that would allow me to better serve my husband. Disobedience or failure was met with punishment, be it magical or physical.”

“Are you saying that Albus Dumbledore, leader of the Light and the headmaster of this school, neglected your education and abused you in addition?” Poppy asked. Her voice sounded angry and broken.

“He’s much worse than father.” This time the words were a whisper. An acknowledgment you were reluctant to voice.

Silence stretched. Finally, Lucius cleared his throat. “Get some rest, dear one. I’m not going anywhere. Tomorrow, you will be coming home with me.” He shifted his attention to his son. “You as well, Dragon. I will not leave you here a moment longer.”

Draco looked at you then back to Lucius. “Yes, Father.” He resettled himself in the bed and pulled the blankets up to his chin. After giving you a soft smile, he closed his eyes.

You were exhausted as well, but much less willing to close your eyes, afraid this would all be a dream when you woke. “You’ll stay?” you asked.

A small smile curved his lips. “Forever if you’ll have me.”

With that assurance, your eyes grew heavy and it wasn’t long before you too drifted to sleep

You weren’t sure how much time had passed before you were once again awoken by voices in the room. Not enough if the lack of light was anything to go by.

“I believe you are aware, Lucius, that parents are only allowed a maximum of two hours visitation outside regular hours unless the child is severely injured. As young Draco is fine, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” A tremor rolled through you as you recognized the headmaster’s voice.

“I have advised you before to refer to me by my title, Headmaster. And you are correct. I am well aware of the rules regarding visitations to the infirmary for a parent and child. I am also aware of the rules regarding visitation between mates. That is the capacity in which I remain and I will continue to do so.” Lucius’ words were clipped but calm.

You cracked open your eyes so you could see Dumbledore but hopefully he wouldn’t notice you were awake. Lucius took your hand in his and intertwined your fingers.

Dumbledore’s eyes widened as he looked between the two of you before focusing on your hands. “You can’t be serious?”

“Oh, but I am.” He sounded so smug and proud, you couldn’t help a smile.

The headmaster cleared his throat. “Surely one of your position has no desire to be tied to this girl. There would be no shame in rejecting her. I assure you that no one outside of this room need be aware of the connection.”

“Are you attempting to interfere in a mating bond, Dumbledore?” You could have sworn the chill in Lucius’ voice dropped the temperature in the room by two degrees.

“I would never.” Dumbledore managed to sound supremely insulted, though that had been exactly what he was attempting to do.

Lucius merely hummed in acknowledgment. “And what is to be done with Mr. Potter?”

“Harry will be serving detention with me until the end of the term.”

You couldn’t help sucking in a breath at the words. Lucius squeezed your hand and Albus’ gaze darted to you and back to the Lord at your side. “Detention for nearly killing two students.” It wasn’t a question or a clarification. It was a statement of pure disgust.

The headmaster peered over the top of his glasses with a look of disappointment. “Now, there is no cause for dramatics. I assure you Harry meant no harm. He was unaware of what the results of the spell would be when he cast it. He would never cause such damage on purpose.”

Lucius surged to his feet but maintained his grip on your hand. “That is worse than if he had done it with intent. And while we are on the topic of your ineptitude, why was my mate never treated or removed from what was obviously an abusive situation?”

That look of disappointment only deepened though he struggled to maintain it through his anger. “A submissive being raised under the hand of a strict Dominate is hardly abuse, my boy.”

Only then did Lucius release his hold on you as he stepped forward to close the distance between himself and the old man. “I am not your boy. I am a Lord on the Board of Governors for this school. I hope you have enjoyed your tenure as headmaster, Dumbledore, because I intend to see you removed from your position as soon as possible. Expect to hear from the aurors and my attorney before the end of the day.”

The two men stared one another down for another minute before Dumbledore turned and stormed from the room. Lucius returned to his seat and smiled at you when he realized you were watching. He traced his fingers down the side of your face. “You don’t have to worry any more, dear one. I will always take care of you.”

With those words you allowed yourself to fall back into slumber, at peace for the first time in a very long time.

#lucius malfoy fanfiction #lucius malfoy x reader #lucius malfoy soulmate au #lucius malfoy x soulmate #harry potter fanfiction

[thatfanficstuff]

hey im sorry to bother u i tried to add myself to ur tag list on open wounds the bucky barnes soulmate AU but it wouldn’t let i was wondering if u could add me on there

It's no bother at all! I'll be happy to add you.

#kat answers stuff

[thatfanficstuff]

Open Wounds - 23

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Soulmate!reader

Warnings: violence and angst and stuff

a/n: only a couple of chapters left on this one.

The corner of Phil Coulson’s mouth curled in a smile. “You haven’t called me that in a long time.” His gaze softened as he ran his eyes over you looking for any sign of injury.

He wasn’t real. He couldn’t be. This was some side effect of the shit they pumped into your veins. You were hallucinating. Or you were dead and he was here to greet you. You were pretty sure you hurt too much to be dead though. Either that or the afterlife sucked.

“I don’t…” you started as you took a step in his direction, not trusting your own senses. Your hands trembled. “You died. You bled out while I was on the other side of the world chasing ghosts. You can’t be here.”

He stepped forward, holstering his weapon before holding his hands out to the side as he closed the space between you. You vaguely registered the callings of all clears ringing through the base and the hallway filling with SHIELD and Avengers alike. They maintained their distance from the little group of you gathered near Strucker. You were vaguely aware of Bucky hovering somewhere close behind you. But for once, he didn’t hold all your attention. Not when you were faced with the ghost of your father.

You narrowed your gaze at the man in front of you as you reached out a tentative hand to touch his chest. As soon as you came in contact with a solid form, a broken sound escaped your throat and you threw yourself into his arms. You gripped him tightly and buried your head against his chest. “How are you here? Where have you been? I don’t understand.”

“It is a very long story which I will explain in detail once we get you home.” You nodded and pulled yourself together as you released him. You had a job to do. One more thing to take care of before this was finished.

You turned back to where Strucker waited on his knees. You made a point of not looking at Bucky. You didn’t know how you’d begin to explain to him the things you’d done thinking you were saving him. He’ll be so disappointed in you when he learns the truth. He moved so he was a warm wall at your back and said your name softly.

You closed your eyes and took a breath. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

One large hand found your waist and gave a gentle squeeze. “What are you sorry for, baby?”

A low, ugly laugh grabbed your attention and your eyes snapped open to find Strucker sneering at you. He was still on his knees, Wade keeping guard behind him with a katana resting against the asshole’s neck. Explained why’d he’d been quiet thus far. “She is apologizing for what she became in your absence. She isn’t yours anymore, Barnes.” Disgust dripped from his lips as he spat out the name. “She is Nicto. She is ours.”

Wade smacked Strucker in the back of the head causing his monocle to drop from its usual position and bounce against his chest. “Shut it, Mr. Peanut.”

You couldn’t help the huff of laughter at the nickname. Only Wade. “What are we doing with him?” Stark asked with a gesture to the prisoner.

“We take him into SHIELD, of course.” That was Steve. America’s righteous son, always wanting to do the right thing. Sometimes it wasn’t that easy.

Your dad cleared his throat. “I’m not sure that’s the best idea. We have to consider the possibility that SHIELD is compromised.”

The chatter in the hallway quieted as everyone took in the implications of those words. The SHIELD soldiers that were in the room with you shifted uneasily on their feet. “Are you sure?” you asked him.

“No, but this operation had to be taken off book. None of us are officially here despite the fact this is a major Hydra facility. There have been a lot of blocks across the board. Fury is concerned, as am I.” His tone was matter-of-fact and you only caught the concern in it because you knew him so well.

“So we turn over one of the biggest war criminals in years and he what, just disappears behind the red tape?” Clint asked, sounding disgusted.

“Something like that,” you answered.

Strucker snorted. “Why do you debate? We all know you will do nothing. You stopped Nicto from killing me. I doubt the rest of you have the fortitude.��

You twitched at his use of the hated name. You weren’t nobody. Not anymore.

“Oh my god! What is that?!” Wade yelled as he pointed down the hallway. Everyone turned in unison, aiming weapons as they went. It quickly became evident that nothing was there and all eyes turned back to Wade.

He was slipping his katana into its sheath as Strucker’s head fell from his shoulders followed by the body slumping to the floor. You blinked at Wade as you arched your brows. “Spontaneous human decapitation. Freaky,” he said with a shrug.

Since you’d returned to the tower, you’d managed to avoid most everyone, including your soulmate. The only people allowed in your room were your dad, Clint and Natasha. All of them smart enough not to ask questions you didn’t want to answer yet. Though they had all made it a point at one time or another to tell you that whatever you had to do to survive wasn’t your fault.

They could say whatever they wanted, but they hadn’t felt that brief flash of triumph when you killed another of their soldiers, as you took down the target. You were afraid Hydra had gotten so far under your skin you’d never be rid of them.

Days blurred into nights with seldom a word from you. You sought comfort from your family and let them fill the quiet with their own stories. With their pleas for you to eat. To try again to sleep. As if you had any desire to close your eyes and relive your time with Hydra.

Your teammates hovered in your doorway trying to reach you. Your soulmate most of all. But you were content in your semi-isolation. Then they came to a decision. Whether it was an unspoken agreement or they’d had a meeting somewhere away from your hearing you had no idea. You’d been left alone for the day and you’d laid in the silence watching the shadows lengthen as hour grew later.

The door cracked open, drawing your attention. Bucky stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. His gaze ran over you before meeting your eyes with an intensity you couldn’t look away from.

“Enough.” The word was a plea. Whether it was to end your suffering or his, you had no idea.

“You shouldn’t be here.” Your voice was hoarse from your days of silence.

He huffed a bitter laugh. “Neither should you. Not like this. Why are you hiding from us? From me?”

You closed your eyes and turned away from him. “I should have been stronger. You deserve someone stronger. I let them get to me.”

Fingers softly brushed along the side of your face. You opened your eyes and sucked in a breath at finding Bucky knelt beside the bed watching you carefully. “Surviving isn’t a weakness, baby. It’s messy and brutal. No one knows that better than me. But you’re here. You’re alive. That’s all that matters.”

“You must think I’m stupid to be like this after everything you went through.”

“Suffering’s not a competition.” He grabbed your hand and brought it to his mouth to press a kiss to the back of it. “As long as you come back to me, I don’t care about the rest. Everything you did, brought you back to me. I could never hold that against you.”

You huffed a laugh and laid a hand against his cheek. “You’re too good to me Bucky Barnes.”

He grinned. “Yeah?”

You nodded. “Yeah.”

“Does that mean I can hold you? I’ve missed you like crazy.”

You tossed the blankets back. He kicked off his shoes and climbed in beside you, instantly pulling you into his body. You buried your face in his chest, pressing a kiss over his heart. You’d missed this. Even when you thought you didn’t deserve it, you ached for it.

“I’ve missed you so much, doll,” he whispered against the top of your head.

“I’m sorry, Bucky. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” And you didn’t. It’s the last thing you wanted to do but you seemed to keep doing it anyway.

“Sush. There’s nothing to forgive. We’ll get over it together. But I’m not letting you out of my sight for awhile so you better get used to having me as a shadow.”

You smiled and glanced up at him. “Tell me something, Barnes, when’s the last time you’ve been on a farm?”

“Um…Seventy years give or take a decade. Why?” Curiosity danced in his eyes.

“I think it’s time I went home.”

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes soulmate au! #marvel fanfiction #bucky barnes fanfiction #series: open wounds

[thatfanficstuff]

It is so good to see you posting again! You were very much missed! Loved the new chapter :) I hope that things have continued to improve for you and your family. Sending you my love <3

Thank you lovely! Things are much better than they have been in several months. Here's hoping that trend continues.

#kat answers stuff

[thatfanficstuff]

Not About You - 30

Pairing: Damon x OFC

Warnings: grief and stuff

A/N: ugh.

The only sound to be heard during the long drive was Lucy’s quiet sobs. She curled into Damon’s side and trembled while he wrapped her in his arms and whispered comforting words. Elijah was the last of her family. The last person that would always accept her for who and what she was, no matter what. There were others that were close, but it was Elijah that had been there her entire life. That had always seemed to show up just when he was needed. Hot tears ran down her face in a steady stream. There was a list of numbers she was to call in the event something happened to him but it could wait. The whole world could wait.

She shut down, knowing Damon would take care of her. Retreating into her head and her memories, her cries eased though the occasional tear still tracked down her face. When they arrived home, she was vaguely aware of Damon carrying her inside. She heard the murmur of Caroline’s voice and Stefan’s rumbling answer. Her vampire ignored them both and carried her up the stairs to their room.

He sat her on the counter in the bathroom and moved away to start the shower. When he was satisfied with the temperature, he returned to her and began undressing her, moving slowly to keep from startling her.

“I know you don’t believe me right now, Lucy, but everything will be okay. I promise.”

She didn’t believe him, promises or no.

After Damon had cleaned the blood from her body and fed her his own to heal her, they lay together in the bed. His fingers ran through her hair as she laid curled into his side with her head on his chest. Lucy’s breath hitched as she bit back another sob. Damon’s hold tightened, his warmth a stark contrast to the biting cold sorrow that settled in her bones.

“Shhh,” he murmured, his lips brushing against her hair. “I’ve got you. Just let it go, baby.” His voice soothed the raw edges that threatened to cut her open. His presence a reminder that she wasn’t alone in the world. That he would protect her from what chaos and cruelty he could. Anyone else might find that ironic. That this man, of them all, would make her feel that way. But that was as he’d always been for her. An anchor in the storm.

A gentle knock at the bedroom door interrupted the quiet. "Lucy? Damon?" Stefan's voice, laced with concern, filtered through the wood. He wouldn’t be interrupting them unless he needed something.

"Can it wait, Stefan?" Damon’s tone carried a protective growl, an audible shield thrown up around the grieving woman in his arms.

"It's important," came Stefan’s instant reply. "You both need to come. I’m sorry."

Lucy felt the shift of Damon's chest as he sighed. She knew they couldn't ignore Stefan's plea, but for a heartbeat longer, she wished they could remain isolated from the rest of the world's demands. Damon’s fingers stroked her back in silent reassurance, a promise that no matter what lay beyond the bedroom door, she wouldn’t be alone.

They trailed behind Stefan as he lead them to the front door in silence. Lucy froze when she spotted the door hanging open, Rose stood just beyond the threshold. Her fingers twitched at her sides and a frown creased her brow. Lucy worked a muscle in her jaw as she stared at the woman. “What the fuck is she doing here, Stefan?”

“She followed us from the house. She says she has information that we need to know.”

Caroline moved to stand beside her boyfriend when Lucy didn’t respond.

The truth was she didn’t know what to say. This…woman ruined everything. Lucy didn’t much care what she had to tell them. “I can’t,” she whispered, her voice barely loud enough for the vampires to hear. “Not now.”

“Who is this?” Damon asked, looking between his brother, his girl, and the stranger at their door.

“One of my kidnappers.” Lucy’s voice was flat, emotionless.

“What the fuck are thinking, Stefan?” Damon snapped as he tightened his hold on Lucy’s waist.

Stefan sighed. “I’m thinking with Elijah gone, we need answers.”

“Please,” Rose begged. “It’s about the Originals and what they have planned for your friend. She’s running out of time.”

Lucy stepped closer to the doorway. “And whose fault is that? You kidnapped her to trade her for what you wanted, now you suddenly have a conscience? Now you feel bad? He’s dead because of you.” Her voice cracked with anger and grief.

Rose shifted her on her feet. “I’m sorry. I really am, but I was desperate. I’ve been running for 500 years. I’m tired. I did what I thought I needed to do. Lexi’s good people. If she came to save you, you must be too. I want to help. To make amends. Let me do what I can.”

"No.”

"I understand you’re upset but this is bigger than any of us," Rose argued.

"If you’re that desperate to help, go find the teenager. She’ll listen to you," Lucy managed to say, her voice thick with exhaustion.

Rose snorted. “And what is she supposed to do against the oldest vampire in the world on her own?”

Lucy just arched a brow. She really didn’t fucking care what Elena did.

Caroline's hand dropped onto Lucy's shoulder in a gentle touch that pulled her back from her thoughts. "Lucy, please," she implored. "I know you don’t care about Elena, but I do. She’s my friend. Please. For me.”

Lucy's gaze locked with Caroline's as she studied her friend for a long moment.

"Fine." The word came out more resigned than she intended, a weary exhale of defeat.

Caroline's face softened with relief, her grip on Lucy easing to a grateful squeeze.

"But not tonight. If this is so damned important to the doppelganger, she should be here for the conversation and I’m exhausted.”

"Okay," Caroline agreed quickly, nodding her understanding. "In the morning."

“What about me?” Rose asked.

Lucy turned away without even a glance in the other woman’s direction. “There’s a bench on Elena’s porch. Try that.”

"Lucy." Caroline’s soft voice drew her to a stop. "Thank you. I’ll find a way to make this up to you.”

Lucy glanced over her shoulder, the ghost of a frown etched upon her tired features. A single nod was all she offered, too drained to bother with more of a response.

Damon watched the exchange with a furrowed brow. He swept her up into his arms. "Let's get you back to bed," he murmured, his voice low and comforting. She relaxed in his protective hold and let herself drift away, hoping to forget the day even for the briefest of moments.

It was earlier than Lucy liked when a knock sounded on the door, not that she’d managed much sleep the night before. Between memories of Elijah’s death and conversations with Damon about her uncle being one of the Original vampires, rest had been fleeting. Caroline rushed to the door and answered it to find Elena accompanied by Rose. The redness rimming Elena’s eyes was stark against her pale skin. "Please, let us in."

“You can come in,” Lucy shouted from the living room so the vampire could enter.

Caroline stepped away from the door with a soft smile, leaving them to enter and shut it behind them. Elena crossed the threshold and took in the scene before her. Lucy was on the couch, curled against Damon’s side, Caroline sitting beside her to offer the comfort of her presence. Stefan sat beside the blonde and kept shooting glances over to Lucy to make certain she was alright.

A sharp twinge of annoyance pricked at Elena. After her discussion with Rose this morning, she’d expected to be the focus of everyone’s concern. Instead, everyone seemed to be rallying around Lucy. It was Elena that was in danger. That deserved everyone protecting her, comforting her. What was the point of crying before she came over if no one even noticed?

Of course, Lucy was a complete mess. Her eyes were swollen and dull in her grief. Even the air in the boarding house seemed heavy in sympathy. Elena had come seeking solace, attention, protection, but as she watched Caroline hover close to the other woman, murmuring soft words and brushing a stray lock of hair from Lucy’s forehead, Elena’s annoyance simmered. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go at all.

Elena clenched her fists at her sides, wondering when Caroline had found another best friend. She was supposed to be comforting Elena. She was supposed to insist her vampire boyfriend and his brother help Elena. Before Elena could become even more annoyed, Rose stepped past her and spoke up.

“Okay. You have to understand I can only tell you what I’ve heard. There are so many myths and legends that I can’t tell you what is real and what isn’t,” she started.

Lucy rolled her eyes in annoyance. “That isn’t inspiring a lot of confidence.”

“I know Klaus is real,” the vampire snapped.

“Klaus? Who’s that?” Elena asked.

“One of the Originals,” Damon answered.

“The Originals are the first generation of vampire,” Stefan added.

“His full name is Niklaus. Elijah’s brother.” Lucy pressed further into Damon’s side. She’d grown up hearing stories about Elijah’s past and his family. He might have neglected to mention they were the first vampires, but that didn’t invalidate the rest of what he’d told her.

Rose snorted. “Elijah is the Easter Bunny compared to Klaus. He’s the real deal.”

Lucy arched a brow. “Hmm. That Easter Bunny killed your friend with a slice of his hand. I guess it’s easy to be brave when your boogeyman is dead.”

The vampire paled and her mouth dropped open slightly at the reminder of Trevor’s death.

“Lucy,” Caroline hissed from beside her.

Lucy shrugged. She didn’t particularly care if she hurt her kidnapper’s feelings.

Stefan cleared his throat. “Klaus is the oldest.”

“No he’s not. He’s the middle child. Explains a lot of his anger issues,” Lucy corrected.

Damon coughed to cover a laugh. “I don’t think that’s really the point right now, baby.”

“So this Klaus wants to sacrifice me in a ritual because I look like someone he used to know?” Elena asked.

“It’s not that simple—” Rose started.

Lucy cut her off. “Not exactly. But close enough. Good luck.” She pushed herself off the couch and headed into the kitchen.

The others watched her leave various levels of concern or annoyance on their faces.

"Let's head to school, Elena," Caroline suggested with a gentle smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Fine," Elena muttered, her shoulders stiff as she turned on her heel, escaping the boarding house with Caroline close behind. Stefan's silent figure trailed them, his expression unreadable, but his protective instincts clear in the set of his jaw.

Rose shifted her gaze to Damon. "We need more information. More than what we have to stand a chance against them."

“Why do you care?” Lucy asked as she stepped back into the room with a fresh cup of coffee in hand.

“Excuse me?”

“Well, you insisted that we needed to hear what you had to say for Elena’s sake. You told us precisely nothing we didn’t already know in one form or another. Now you’re saying we need more information. Why are you really here, Rose?”

The vampire sighed. “I’m tired of running. Elijah was supposed to be the answer. If you get rid of Klaus, I’m free.”

“For fuck’s sake,” Lucy muttered against the rim of her mug.

“Look. I know someone in Richmond that can help us, alright?” Rose said.

After some deliberation, Damon and Lucy decided to accompany Rose to Richmond. They rode in her SUV as she was minus a daylight ring and needed the heavy tint on her windows to survive. They pulled into an underground parking garage and climbed out of the car. Before Lucy fully realized what was happening, Damon had Rose pinned to one of the posts.

“If this is a setup or you do anything to endanger my human, I will rip your heart out and shove it down your throat. It’s something I’m very good at.”

Rose flipped their positions in a blink. “I’m older than you and stronger. Don’t get on my bad side.”

Lucy had a stake in her hand the moment Damon was endangered. She stepped up behind Rose and pressed the point against her back right behind her heart. “You’re already on my bad side and I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. Don’t threaten those I care about, Rose. It won’t end well for you.”

Rose raised her hands and took a step back as Lucy put away the stake. “You can trust me,” she insisted. The other two rolled their eyes before following her to a café with an entrance in the garage.

Damon wrapped an arm around Lucy’s waist as they walked. “That was kind of hot.”

Lucy gave him a small smile and shook her head. He held open the door for her to walk into the café. She stayed behind Damon as Rose met her friend Slater and introduced him the other vampire.

Slater grinned and extended his hand eagerly. "Damon Salvatore. I know so much about you."

"Hopefully, only the good parts," Damon replied, a smile curving his lips.

"Of course, of course," Slater assured him.

As they talked, Lucy drifted away. She ordered a black coffee, hoping the bitter brew would help her focus. With the steaming cup in hand, she moved to the window to gaze out at the people rushing by. The warmth from the cup seeped into her palms, chasing away some of the chill that seemed to have taken up permanent residence.

Her eyes found the reflection of the others in deep conversation. Movement across the street caught her eye. A street musician. A man knelt beside his case, rifling through the contents before throwing a bill inside. Odd. Even odder was the man’s attire. A well-tailored suit. As he stood, Lucy’s fingers tightened around her cup. Her breath hitched as her gaze ran over the familiar figure. Though he had yet to turn she’d recognize him anywhere. Elijah.

As if she’d called him, he turned then, his eyes immediately finding hers. Shock seized her, rooting her to the spot, as their gaze met through the windowpane. Disbelief etched her features, her wide eyes locked onto his. It was impossible.

Elijah's lips curved into a knowing smile and he raised a finger to his lips, a silent plea for discretion. With a tilt of his head, he gestured for her to join him.

"Uh, Damon," Lucy stammered as she approached their table, “I have a friend that wants to meet up while I’m in town. I’ll find my own way home."

Damon turned, his gaze sharp and searching, but Lucy was already sidestepping away from them. He reached out and grabbed her wrist to keep her close. “I don’t think you should be alone right now.”

Her brow furrowed, not wanting to lie to him but not knowing what to tell him until she’d talked to Elijah. She shook her head and pulled away before leaning down to kiss him softly. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”

He nodded after a moment but she felt his eyes on her as she tossed her cup and headed out the back door. She raced through the garage until she find her way to the street, hoping he hadn’t disappeared in the short time he’d been out of her sight. Her eyes fell on Elijah once again just as he threw a handful of coins at the café. Windows shattered and shrill screams filled the air. Her heart raced in panic but Damon would be fine. He had his ring, after all.

In a flash, he was by her side, pulling her into a narrow alley away from prying eyes. Tears flooded her eyes as she through her arms around him. “You’re alive,” she breathed, her voice muffled against his chest.

He ran a hand down her back as he held her close. “I wouldn’t leave you. Not for anything.”

Eventually, she pulled back and wiped her face, knowing she still looked a mess. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “We need to talk.”

#damon salvatore fanfiction #damon salvatore x ofc #vampire diaries fanfiction #series: not about you

[thatfanficstuff]

hello!! i hope that life is treating you better. i just wanted to tell you that ur writing is amazing!! your leonard mccoy x reader oneshot called "irreplaceable" is so good, i swear to the deities that ive read it a dozen times. there was a span of six months where i really wanted to reread it and i couldnt find it again, and i got so sad bc i thought that it was deleted and then i found it again. made my day fr!! also "her three kings" is SOOOOO good. i love it so much, i think i read it twice in 2 weeks at one point in time. in total i think ive read the entirety of "her three kings" at least 6 times, if not more. my point is that you're a wonderful author with really good characterizations and its genuinely such a fun experience to read ur fics. (i read more but "irreplaceable" and "her three kings" are the ones i read the most lmao). i hope that your situation gets better and life starts being less of an ass kicker and more of an ass kisser <3333

Thank you so much! This completely made my day. Nothing makes me happier than hearing you love my stuff. Thank you for taking the time to write to me. I'm feeling cautiously optimistic that things are turning around but we'll see.

#kat answers stuff

[thatfanficstuff]

This is adorable

The Arrangement (part seven)

Leonard McCoy x Reader 460 words

---

You're getting comfortable with each other. Really comfortable.

---

The two of you were definitely getting more comfortable with each other. Of course that feeling had been growing steadily for a while now, but it was stronger than before, which was lovely even though his touches made your heart race. That was certainly getting hard to ignore. Turns out that behind closed doors Leonard was actually a very affectionate man, and it was going to be the death of you.

It started out with gentle touches to your lower back while you were making your way around the house, then the occasional accidental snuggle in bed, and as of tonight you were now in “pulls your legs onto his lap while you’re on the couch watching a movie” territory. It was heady stuff for someone trying desperately to keep calm and composed around a doctor who could read you like a book. Especially when he started rubbing your legs.

You felt slightly unhinged by the sheer volume of affection you were feeling towards him, like if you didn't say something soon there was a chance you'd explode. So, naturally, you ignored the feeling and instead blurted out something else you'd been trying to ignore.

"You know what's kinda sad? I didn't realise just how lonely I was until we started this."

He seemed surprised by your sudden outburst, though not surprised enough to stop the spontaneous massage.

"Nothin’ sad about that, honey." He said slowly, his hands now calmly rubbing around your calves and ankles. "Are you…feeling better now that we're doing this?"

"I am, yeah. I think the biggest thing is having someone to talk to at the end of the day. It's not quite the same when it's done through phone calls and messages. And sharing dinner, as well. It's…it's so much nicer being able to set the table and share my food with you, rather than sit alone."

He looked thoughtful for a few moments, hands slowing but not stopping. "I feel calmer. Like I'm less likely to snap at Jim when he's being a damn fool. I still do, but it's not as frequent these days.”

“I’m sure Jim is appreciative of that.”

He huffed a laugh as his hands finally stilled. “He can thank me by taking a few days to think things through before embarking on another one of his dumbass schemes.”

Your laughs were the unstoppable, wheezing, belly deep kind. The kind where you buried your face in your hands while you tried to compose yourself, which had you missing the look Leonard gave you.

He was enthralled by you. Wanted to bottle that laugh up to brighten dark days when you weren’t around, and it was getting harder and harder to ignore the way your gentle affection was making him feel.

#leonard mccoy x reader #star trek fanfiction #other people's fics

[thatfanficstuff]

My sister in law had a liver transplant today. She did fabulous. Maybe my brain can start to return to normal now