#'lets start a quick new wip' i said. 'ill be finished in a day its really simply' i said
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Bleeding Canvas
If asked later, Joe wouldn't be able to recall how it happened. It was a day like any other; they were having lunch, all six of them, in the tense silence that could only come from trying to navigate the absolute minefield that was their situation - Booker’s betrayal, Quỳnh’s trauma, Andy’s newfound mortality, Nile’s recently lost family, all lurking in every corner, inevitably making themselves known in every guarded, silent drag of forks against plates.
Joe couldn’t really remember who stepped out of their blurrily sketched lines, or how, or why. All he knew was that suddenly, the girls were gone, and he was screaming at Booker. And he couldn’t stop.
“What would I know of the weight of these years alone? What would you know of the weight of my years alone??” He yells, shoving Booker, who stumbles, but otherwise barely moves. Always stuck in the same place, that one. “What would you know of a whole millennium of loneliness?”
“It’s not the same,” Booker says, exhaustion in his tone, like they've had this argument a million times (they haven't, there was no time). As if he didn't expect Joe to understand. Joe feels himself fall deeper into the red strokes of his anger. “You didn’t lose them the way I did.”
“No, I didn’t. I lost them suddenly, after joining a war I had no business participating in, letting them believe I was dead, and I don't even know when exactly they passed. I bet you are really jealous of that.”
Booker shakes his head, like a parent would when trying to talk to a naive teenager, and Joe sees splashes of crimson. “You had someone with you from the start.”
“We found you within months!” He yells, throwing his hands up, as if with it he could guide the frustration that had settled in his muscles out of his body. “You barely had to be alone, either. And by the time your family was gone, you had already had us for decades. Nicolò and I nursed our pain on our own for years before we started to trust each other enough to share it! And even when we did,” he gestures towards Nicolò, who has that steely look in his eyes that he always gets when they get too deep into this time of their lives, “how could I really talk to him about it? First, I hated him for being part of what made me lose my family. Then, I hated myself, because I didn’t hate him at all, and that in itself felt like a bigger betrayal than abandoning them. And then, I couldn’t burden him with it, because I knew the guilt was tearing him apart! We were alone, too! We struggled for longer than you could ever understand, and that’s not even considering how many decades it took for us to find Quỳnh and Andromache, and start to at least get some answers as to what had happened to us, and what we could do with it!"
The outburst seems to take Booker aback, and Joe feels himself torn between satisfaction and anger. He really has no idea, Joe realizes, and eventually, the anger that Booker never stopped to even consider what it had been like puts a bite back into his words. He doesn't understand? Joe will show him who it is that can't understand.
“Did you know that it’s haram to try to emulate Allah's creation?” He asks, knowing full well what the answer is. Booker doesn’t know anything about his faith, because he’s never asked, and his world was always as deep as the nearest whisky bottle. “I never drew a single portrait of my family, and neither did anyone. By the time I stopped practicing, it had already been long enough that I had completely forgotten what any of them looked like. I don’t have anything to remember them by, because when you leave for a war that’s all the way across the sea, you don’t take anything you wouldn’t like to lose. Centuries ago, I decided to write all their names down, so I wouldn’t forget." He feels his voice break, as the heaviness of the lack of memories settles in his lungs and stabs at his eyes, "I couldn’t remember my youngest sister’s, and I still can’t," he admits. "She was just a baby when I left. Did you know that, Booker?” He spits, and he would expect himself to enjoy the way Booker recoils, if he didn’t know himself so well. It just makes him angrier, the quiet wince, the way he takes it. “I still need to check sometimes. Every time I get a new sketchbook, the first thing I do is copy the names again. Did you ever notice, Book? Have you ever seen me doing that?”
“I…”
Yusuf is not interested in giving time for his excuses. “You didn’t, didn’t you? And you never wondered, either. You are the only one with a family, are you not? The only one who had to leave something behind.”
“It’s not-”
“Don’t you dare tell me it’s not the same!” He shouts, and Booker clamps his mouth shut. “I loved my little siblings. They looked up to me. I promised them that I would come back, and I didn’t. When the old lady across the street who would read to me as a kid, the one who taught me how to draw, who made me so much of what I am today," his voice breaks, "when she was dying, I promised her that I would never forget her, and now I can’t remember her name!” His throat is starting to get hoarse, and he’s aware of the tears welling in his eyes, but he can’t stop. “You think your family was the only one that mattered, Booker? Why are your loved ones worth more than mine? Because I had Nicky? You think that because I got to keep one love, that the others suddenly didn’t matter? That I didn’t feel the weight? Do you have any idea how many families I have lost?”
“Joe...” Nicky begins, not for the first time since the screaming started.
“Don’t, Nicolò,” he says, finally acknowledging his pleas. He knows he means well, but Yusuf needs to say this. He turns back to Booker, who won’t meet his eyes, and he feels himself burn. Orange and yellow and red in fast flashes, intertwined and smoky and so bright he can't see. “Where I grew up, everyone was family. Everyone took care of each other. I grew up with countless aunties, uncles, cousins, elders. That’s what home meant to me, and I could never have that again, because I could never stay anywhere,” he spits. “And with the life we’ve chosen? The only times I ever got to return home, it was to watch it be taken all over again.
"Have you already forgotten the '50s, Booker? You, Nicolò and Andromache were all together infiltrating the French armies, and I was with the resistance watching my people die. Do you have any idea what that’s like? Watching everyone who could share the most intrinsic, deep parts of yourself, the parts that were you before you were yourself, be massacred, again and again? Watching them be enslaved, and tortured, and murdered, and watch everything that you held dear, everything that made you and them the same, every part of your culture, become repressed, hated, something to destroy? See everything that was sacred to you be burned down? Watch as your culture is murdered, your last tether to the world slashed at and frayed and pulled, until it is forever scarred by the pain of loss, until it is so deeply twisted that it is barely recognizable? Do you know what it was like to watch my own culture turn against me and the man I love? To know that I can never be fully myself in Mahdia again, because it is a crime to exist as I am there? Do you know what it’s like to have no safe haven left, no matter where I go? To have no place where I can be free of violence, be it for the culture I was born into, or who I became later? Do you know what it was like to not only give up my name, the most sacred thing I had, the last thing that tied me to my family, that made me theirs, in order to choose something that doesn’t even sound the same, not because I wanted to, but because it made it just a little less likely that I would face violence because of it?”
He actually waits. Not to see if Booker responds, but to make it obvious that he won’t. “No," he concludes, an icy resolve settling into his words. "You could never know. None of you could ever know, not after Quỳnh was gone,” he gestures towards the two pairs of green eyes that avoid his gaze. “How is that for loneliness, Booker? You know what it’s like to have something you can never share with anyone outside of this group. Tell me, do you know what it’s like to have pains that no one, even in this group, understands? Can you even begin to understand how many times I’ve watched my people suffer genocide, and was unable to stop it? How many families is that, Booker? How could you even measure that pain?” His eyes are watering again, and he presses his fingers against them to try and compose himself.
“Joe…” Nicolò tries again.
But at the same time, Booker says, I didn't... and Joe explodes all over again, prickling in his eyes forgotten. “You didn’t what? Think about it? No, I don’t suppose you would. Tell me one thing, Sébastien. Has it ever occurred to you that Nicolò and I lost Quỳnh, too?” He gestures broadly to Nicolò, who tries to hide the deep breath he takes at the reopened wound. “You bond with Andromache and compare your pain to hers, and I won’t pretend that what we feel is the same, but has it ever occurred to you that we also loved her? Loved her, and lost her, and drowned ourselves over and over for decades trying to find her? Did it ever cross your mind that when we lost Quỳnh, we also lost the Andromache we knew? None of us was ever the same, Sébastien. Nicolò and I lost our entire family in one day, and many times over, to the same grief. And then,” he jabs a finger into his chest, “and then we found you, and you became a part of our family too, and not a full century later, we watched the same thing happen again!” He yells, only barely resisting the urge to grab Booker by the lapels and shake him. “What do you think that was like, Sébastien? We loved you, and we lost you, and we’ve spent so long dragging you from alley after alley, cutting rope after rope, washing you and getting you to sleep and watching you die and drown in your grief every single day! How is that for losing a family? How is that for being alone?”
“You never said anything,” Booker says, finally meeting his eyes. Yusuf sees his own tears reflected in them. “You never asked me.”
“Of course we never said anything!” He throws his hands up, again, silently begging for strength, for resolve, for anything that could make this conversation bearable. Booker nearly stumbles, but catches himself again. “You could barely bear to think about it without drowning yourself in booze all over again! If we so much as said his name,” he watches as Booker winces, the way he always does, when there's nothing Yusuf can ever do but watch, “you walked out of the room, and if we didn’t follow you then, we’d be searching for you in every dirty alleyway and shady bar for days! All we could do was take care of you, and try to be there for you, and try to take your mind off it! We thought it was what you needed! It’s what you had been saying you needed! Nicolò and I have been trying so fucking hard to give you and Andromache what you needed, and we’ve been stretching ourselves thin with it, because it’s impossible, but what could we do but try? You think that wasn’t lonely? You think it didn’t break us either? You think we spent all these centuries living in our happy little bubble, oblivious to your suffering, not even trying? Is that what you think of us?”
Booker has the decency to look ashamed. “Of course not,” he says, shifting his feet, and Yusuf feels himself deflate. He sighs and looks up, not really seeing the ceiling but rather the unattainable peace of the sky. In his mind, it slowly is enveloped by broad, fast strokes of black.
“You are right in that Nicolò and I had each other,” he says, his voice suddenly empty, and weak, and oh, how he hates feeling like this, “I wouldn’t dare pretend that it isn’t a gift beyond imagination. I wouldn’t dare pretend I’m not aware of how lucky we are to have found each other, and to have been able to keep each other. There is no greater joy in the world,” he says, and watches as Nicolò’s concerned face softens, just for a moment, before turning to Booker again. “But we were all supposed to have each other, Sébastien. Don’t you see that? We all had each other. Through everything, we weren't meant to be alone, we were meant to ease each other's pain. We were meant to be there for you. So why? Why?”
Booker barely breathes, and it’s all Yusuf can do to grab onto his shirt for dear life, yank him forward as hard as he can, and cry against his chest.
“Why?” he asks again, the tears falling freely now. “Don’t you realize that we lost you all over again, too? Do you think that wasn’t us losing our family, so soon after we gained our latest bit of j-joy?” He sobs, and it wrecks him, and he doesn’t need to look or feel to know that it wrecks Booker, too.
“I’m sorry,” Booker says, but Yusuf can only shake his head, letting the tears fall, and let go of his shirt. He doesn’t have anything much in him anymore. Finally, he’s emptied himself out.
“Yusuf,” the voice he loves more than any says, with the gentleness only it could possess. “I think that’s enough.”
He nods, blindly tucking himself into his chest, instead, knowing that Nicolò is probably giving Booker the glare of his life. He was always much better at holding grudges than Yusuf. “We are going, now,” he hears Nicolò say, his tone icy.
Booker doesn’t say anything, so he knows all he did was nod, and turn back into his world of guilt.
It almost makes him angry again.
*
“I’m sorry,” is the first thing both of them say to each other when they get into their room, and Yusuf allows himself a little chuckle, watery as it is. “You have nothing to be sorry for,” they both add, and Yusuf tucks his head in Nicolò’s neck, enjoying the familiarity of the exchange. Strong arms wrap around him, gently; holding him together, but not trying to force his shards into place before they're ready to. Yusuf sighs, an appreciation and a release.
“If anything, I should be thanking you,” Yusuf says, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. Nicolò’s scent is so calming. Faint, because he always prefers neutral scents when he has a choice, and the simplicity and honesty of it quiets Yusuf’s ever-screaming world. “If you hadn’t gotten the girls out of there, I wouldn’t have been able to say everything I needed to.”
Nicolò presses a kiss to the top of his head. “I think we should sit, my love,” is his reply, and it’s only then that Yusuf realizes he’s shaking. He breathes, and Nicolò understands, maneuvering them slowly so he can sit on the bed, Yusuf in his lap, still taking refuge from the world in Nicolò’s shoulder. Once he’s sufficiently stable, Nicolò replies, "It was nothing. Even if I hadn't said anything, I'm sure they would have gone. Andromache and Quỳnh know you well enough, and Nile is too perceptive for her own good," he adds, the shadow of a proud smile on his lips, too faint to own itself in their situation, but too strong not to make an appearance despite it all. Then he sighs, and it’s gone. "Still, I should not have tried to stop you afterwards. I had to when we were in the lab, because it wasn’t the time, but- now it was. I’m sorry. I know you needed it. It’s just…” He bites his lip, looking almost ashamed, “I hate seeing you in pain," he finishes, his voice quiet like he can stop the words from being true.
Yusuf sighs, painfully squeezing his eyes, and Nicolò’s hand starts caressing his curls. It’s like cutting the tight strings that held him together; all at once, Yusuf relaxes.
Nicolò isn’t wrong, Yusuf knows. His inner world is loud and bright; if he tries to contain it, he gets overwhelmed. It’s why he has book after book after book filled with sketches and poetry, calluses in his hands that even their fast healing can’t quite get rid of, and more tears shed than the rest of their group combined.
Sometimes, he feels as if he carries the pain for all of them. He’s happy to do it as long as it can bring his family some relief, but…
It’s so much pain.
Tears well up in his eyes again, and he’s convinced something about their immortality keeps them from running out, but somehow the others don’t believe him. God, he hates being angry. He hates it even more when he knows that, deep down, what he’s feeling isn’t anger at all.
He misses that French bastard so much, even when he’s right there, because he’ll never be the same in his eyes.
How much grief can one person carry? When will the weight grow so much that even their immortality can’t heal their broken bones?
Yusuf cries, and Nicolò doesn’t shush him, or try to placate him, even when Yusuf knows that if anyone has the words he needs to hear, it’s Nicolò. He simply continues stroking his hair, careful not to tangle in his curls, and holds him through it. Sometimes, all Yusuf can do is let the feelings wash out of him, and all Nicolò can do is make sure he’s not alone through it.
Once he feels the swirling colors of his world settle again, both words and tears released, he finally opens his eyes. Light yellow walls are the first thing he sees beyond the world of himself-and-Nicolò that he was tucked in. Yusuf takes it in, thankful that they decided to go to Port’ Inglêz after Quỳnh’s return. This is where he needs to be. Not a safehouse, but a home; where safety actually lies.
He feels himself deflate, sliding down and to the side until his head is resting on Nicolò’s chest and he is looking up at his face. Nicolò looks back, a small smile on his lips.
“There you are,” he says, softly, his voice easing Yusuf back into reality just like the calming colors and familiar setup of their room. He finds himself smiling back, even as his eyes still hurt a little.
“Mhm,” he agrees, putting his hand on Nicolò’s nape to gesture for him to hold him tighter. He’s ready to be put back together, now.
Nicolò, as always, complies.
Slowly, Nicolò’s arms coax the yellows in Yusuf’s vision into dulling, no longer burning his vision, and the desperate, crying blues in his vision soften, calming and familiar like the Cape Verdean sea they find so much comfort in. He breathes in, letting the colors wash over him one last time, relaxing in the arms that make him safe.
Slowly, sensations fill in; the press of Nicolò’s lips against his temple; the careful way his hands caress Yusuf’s hair, careful not to get tangled in his curls; the always steady rhythm of his heartbeat close to Yusuf, reminding him that he’s not alone. The softness of his voice as he says, “I’ve got you, rohi.”
He sighs. For all his faults, Sébastian was right about one thing.
Yusuf really is lucky to have him.
#im finally done with this godbless.#'lets start a quick new wip' i said. 'ill be finished in a day its really simply' i said#tog#the old guard#yusuf al kaysani#sebastien le livre#sébastien le livre#nicolò di genova#nicolo di genova#kaysanova#joenicky#joe tog#nicky tog#booker tog#fanfic#racism mention#genocide mention#slavery mention#homophobia mention#colonialism mention#suicide mention#alcoholism mention
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A Witchers Pack Chapter Four
You all finally reach kaer morhen, but what will Vesemir have to say about Geralts new pack?
Masterlist
Warnings:Swearing, Maybe a little angst, fluff!
A/n:Sooo I lied in my WIP I said this would be the final but it will be the next one, with everything I want to add to finish this fic off I wont fit it on one post in tumblr so yes this is the second to last chapter. I hope you enjoy xx
Taglist: @havenoffandoms @ayamenimthiriel @chynagirl13 @iloveyouyen
A Witchers Pack Chapter Four
Geralt sat by on his side of the bedroll he was content leaning back onto the sturdy leather bag he was resting on, for the first time in a while he was truly at peace reassured with the knowledge that tomorrow his pack would reach kaer morhen. They would be safe and cared for behind its walls. He smiled down at the small pup in his arms, Rebbeka looked up at him her face split into a wide grin at nearly four months old she recognized him and Jaskier, she was a sight to behold. Her features were becoming defined now ,she was beautiful. She held Jaskier’s coloring pale skin tho she held a tint of red across her cheeks, above that two serene blue eyes that seemed to be look right through you, surrounded by two thick lines of dark lashes and a thick patch of chestnut hair that held the hints of a curl. But her features was all you tiny pink lips that naturally rested in a pout ,high cheek bones slim soft jawline, her nose was upturned slightly giving her the look of a noble, or princess...Geralt preferred that to noble, she was still dainty she wont be tall or broad tho she did have the pudgyiest cheeks he had ever seen on a child he smiled poking one lightly making her frown a little and wriggled babbled at him effectively telling him off hummed in response.
"Oh thats what you think? is it? well now that you have had your say I think its about time you went to sleep now don't you pup...look even your mother and papa are sleeping. You are to young to be pulling all nighters...what would she say if she found out I'd let you stay up with me" he tilted the precious bundle tipping her up as he nodded to you watching as she followed his gaze and smiled babbling again before looking back at him blinking cluelessly. You'd actually put her down to bed a few hours ago then curled up for a quick nap...That ended up being you turning in for the night you laid on your side facing him your quiet snores filling the tent your head was just poking out of the small nest of blankets he made for you nightly, you curled on your side near his thigh a large pillow resting below your head another was placed below your tiny bump cushioning the precious cargo you carried, his chest warmed a little when he cast his gaze on you. He had done the impossible, him a sterile witcher by some confused alpha breeding frenzy loophole had sired not one but two pups. A litter. A small littler but a litter none the less. He closed his eyes dragging in a deep breath, picking up your scent, it was more intense and thicker with a slight change underneath.The beginnings of your pups scents the sort of undertones of them. They were going to have deep natural scents, maybe of freshly turned earth or pine needles.
He had nearly had a heart attack when he found out you were pupped again, it hadn't been like last time either this time you knew immediately before either him or Jaskier had a clue. You began feeling unwell when Rebbeka was ten weeks, not sick just low... drowsy and lethargic all you could manage to do was feed Rebbeka eat and sleep, for the first few days Jaskier was worried you had caught a virus when this continued for weeks Geralt had been worried but you kept brushing them both off after nearly two months Geralt was beginning to think the worst, that you had gotten a terrible sickness. He had tried to force you to see a healer or a mage, again you brushed him off. You had a feeling you knew what was going on, but wanted to wait until you was certain ,you knew how much it meant to the witcher. Finally though you had snapped Geralt had gone to far trying to take Rebbeka from you as you tried to feed her wanting to give her goats or cows milk in case you were ill and could infect her. Safe to say all hell broke loose, you all but bit him when he had suggested such a thing as he reached to take her from you hissing at him to 'try and take her from me!' as you held her closer as she fed readying yourself to claw at him a little feral...Omegas were touchy about providing for their pups and it seems your current hormones wasn't helping, it was then you had decided to tell them the news that you was certain you was pupped again...You had missed two cycles you wasn't sure how but you said you just knew. Geralt and Jaskier didn't believe you at first and took some convincing but by the time you was fourteen weeks he heard it two fast little hearts beating so fast it was more of a hum.He shook his head when he remembers when he first noticed it, it was in a tavern he'd received dirty looks when he had spit his drink all over Jaskier. The sound hit him like a brick wall he had stilled staring at you ignoring the Betas complaint of having ale sprayed up him. moving closer he slipped his hand under where Rebbeka was sleeping on your lap to rest his sweaty shaking palm on your tummy, eyes wide his lower jaw trembled Jaskier had stopped his bitching watching closely. You had just smiled at him
"told you so..." he sucked in a breath closing his eyes resting his head on your shoulder listening, honing in on the fantastic sound of the life he had put inside you.
"Oh my god he did it didn't he?....he pupped you...that's- this is unheard of! another pup so close to Rebbeka!" Jaskier's statement started with disbelieve then became a high pitched squeal of excitement when he finally registered what was coming. Another pup, for him to fuss over and sing to. Geralt pulled his head up you could see his eyes held unshed tears not that you would ever tell anyone.
"No Jaskier no not one....Two....theirs two of them....A litter I'm having-we're having a litter" you froze looking from one to you other. Jaskier paled and stayed stock still going into a mini breakdown.
"What? that's....Geralt are you certain?" he nodded to you smiling kissing your lips quickly once you pulled away Jaskier snapped out of it eyes panicked.
"TWO? YOU MEAN WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THREE TINY PUPS TO WATCH OVER AND RAISE AT ONCE?!" the tavern fell quiet everyone looking at the bard who had stood up one hand in his hair the other holding his ale as he basically screamed it
"Yes Jaskier she's having two pups..." Jaskier nodded a little and sipped a small mouthful of his ale and placed the mug down and shook his head with a small chuckle.
"...Nope sorry" he dropped back heavily fainting on the floor you gasped craning your neck clutching Rebbeka you your chest making her whine as you woke her Geralt grunted, ignoring the way the tavern roared with chorus of laughter and slurred congratulations. Geralt didn’t move to help the unconscious man he sat back down waving him off
"Geralt.....Is he going to be okay?" you asked still trying to peer around the table to see Jaskier he sighed
"he's breathing....so probably, give him a minute." you nodded uncertainly then rocked the pup in your arms cooing her back to sleep.
Geralt was pulled from his thoughts as the pup had managed to wriggle an arm free of her blanket waving it about in his face, he knew what she was trying to do, she liked poking him in the eye and pulling his hair. He chuckled hoisting her higher making her miss her target and quickly closing his lips around her fingers 'biting' at her she laughed as he did pretending to eat her then pulled back giving a kiss to her hand and made his way up her arm to her neck blowing a quick raspberry to it making her squeal and laugh. He pulled back with a kiss to her cheek.
"ssh ssh don't wake you mother... now come on its time for sleep little one, I'm not having you start that sleeping pattern again." he said referring to her week of being nocturnal it was hell for everyone, especially you who had to change with her to keep her fed. Laying her on the bedroll in front of him he made quick work of tucking her arm back in the blanket and laid down curling around her moving to pull out her rabbit toy that she slept with letting her pull it into the blankets with her resting a tiny cheek on the soft velvet he smiled running a finger across her forehead. This was his little trick to making her settle and true to form in a few moments she was fast asleep. Finally hearing that Rebbeka was asleep you peaked your eye open barely awake.
"So that’s how you do it?" you yawned and blinked sleepily at him and he smiled
"You were up?" you shook your head at him and shuffled closer curling around your sleeping child.
"No I heard her laugh....woke me" he nodded and placed a kiss on your forehead
"Go back to sleep we will be home tomorrow" you blinked slowly nodding still half asleep, you snuggled back down into your nest curling into him a little more then before circling Rebbeka blushing as you felt Geralt cover your shoulders with the heavy fur blanket.
The next afternoon you found yourself on the road again following Geralt on the well worn path leading higher into the blue mountains. You listened to Jaskier prattling on to Rebbeka as he carried her making the child squeal and laugh every now and then. You sighed rubbing your tender breast as much as you hoped she would need a feed soon you quite enjoyed having Jaskier take her for a while, she was getting bigger and with your little bump it was getting more and more difficult to hold her all the time now, well your bump and the fact you were always so damn tired. You slowed down as the path began a steep incline you panted as your body became heavier with each step but you made it all be it getting a concerned look from Geralt as you made it to the brow of the hill. You looked at the beta of the group then froze as your gaze followed Jaskier's. The trail you was on sloped down to the left then rose in the distance up to the gated entrance. Embedded into the rocky outcrop was the....Kaer morhen...The famed witcher strong hold, tho it still held the scars of its violent past in the stone ramparts it looked strong, stable and imposing. Safe. You blinked gasping as you looked upon the keep it was... There was no words for the moment you laid eyes on it, you felt a warm relief fill you as your eyes scanned the witcher school you swallowed, you couldn't tear your gaze away trying to seal in the details from all the stories, you'd read them as a child legends, you thought tall tales of scary witcher’s to scare children into behaving....That is what you thought until you met Geralt and even after meeting him you still didn't really believe this was a real place. Your home was so far that it was hard to truly believe that Witcher's were real let alone had a fortress in the mountains that had fallen to men.
"That’s...This is were we are staying? Geralt?" Jaskier spoke the question that had been trapped in your throat as you still stared mouth agape...A home..A real home with a hearth and a bed and...Safety true safety where you could all relax, no one on watch waiting for bandits or monsters you wrapped your arms around yourself nervously, that’s if you were aloud to stay. You were moved a few steps away from the edge of the path by Geralt’s insistent hovering arms as he spoke to the bard.
"Jaskier away form their....And yes this is my home...The only one I know we will stay for a few years" you snapped out of your thoughts as he said that you turned to him, moving to fast as you tried to blinked away the black spots waving your arms out as your eyes darkened. Geralt was quick to capture them and support you holding you until you was steady on your feet then held your hips moving you as he pleased.
"Years? Geralt we cant keep you here that long what about contracts?-" he hushed your anxious with a small smile then hoisted you up on to roach not moving from his spot before you, sending you a stern look as you tried you wriggle down. You huffed a sigh and took the reigns from him resigning yourself to riding the rest of the way.
"Yes years, until the children are older....Then we will venture out a little further. In the mean time I will take contracts no more then a few weeks away." you looked down to your small bump one hand going to it running across the taught skin absentmindedly twiddling the loose thread in the horses tack you took another look at the witcher school as Geralt watched you carefully noting a change in you as you avoided his eyes.
"What is it?" he spoke gruffly you shook your head sniffling moving to wipe a few stray tears then met his gaze with a forced smile
"Nothing ...Its silly don't mind me...Hormones and all that" he narrowed his eyes and placed a hand on top of yours his hand dwarfed yours and you felt the heat on your tummy.
"Omega...Whats wrong?" you sighed casting a longing look to the fortress.
“What...What if they don't believe us....Ger-Geralt Its never happened before....What if they make me leave? cast me out with Rebbeka?! I-I cant do that... Go it alone and then what happens when these are born?...What if they make you choose?" you poured out just some of your feelings to him, he tilted his head with a quirk in his lips.
"You are not going anywhere, Vesemir will understand please trust me on this omega...You wont be cast out or told to leave.." he moved to look at a weary Jaskier who moved from one foot to the other cradling Rebbeka he was also worried of being turned away. Geralt took a breath seeing the uncertainty was mutual between the other two members of his pack.
"Either of you, your family my family and now his...Theirs and we protect our own...All alpha witcher’s have a true mate...Yes it is rare for a witcher to find his mate, but that’s normally due to us outliving them or dying before their birth, not because there wasn't one...The fact that I found you...Both of you and made a pack is a blessing, something to be treasured and they will understand. They will not separate my pack, and if it makes you feel better if they try we leave. Together and find somewhere safe to stay of our own..." he looked back to you eyes soft seemingly amused by your fears.
"But it wont come to that...I can tell that you don't believe me...The only way to settle these fears is when we speak to him so lets not waste time." he moved quickly around roach and continued down the path.
The knot in your stomach got tighter and more sickening as the witcher school got closer you rocked Rebbeka in your arms fussing over her as she held a small wooden rattle Jaskier had brought her moving it enthusiastically back and forth making the light sound, you moved quickly shielding her head as she got close to hitting her forehead you giggled as she looked at the toy closely taking in the small carvings that they had both added to it, a small wolf and little bird. You smiled she was lifting her head a lot now concentrating on Things. Your thoughts were interrupted as you all stood at the small incline of the path to a lowered drawbridge. You gulped as a older man walked out below the gate to the bridge he moved slowly as if not believing what he was seeing, you clutched Rebbeka tighter to your self whimpering under your breath.
"Geralt..." Geralt looked up at you squeezing your calf stopping and turning to you, he noted the way your pulse had picked up and nervous quiver of your bottom lip. "It's okay that's Vesemir, he probably wondered why I wasn't back yet... I'm normally back by winter but we have missed it this year, he may have thought the worst...Please calm down trust me"
"I do....but I don't- I don't know them" he ran his hand up your leg and placed a hand gently on Rebbeka's head making the pup turn to him and smile reaching out for her father dropping her rattle in favor of grasping at his fingers trying to move them to her mouth he gave her a soft look and slowly untangled her from him moving to lay his hand across your bump closing his eyes listening to the humming of his own growing litter as he did so. He pulled back looking up at you capturing your gaze with his own.
"You think I would bring you here..My pack here? if they was any doubt in my mind? that I thought for a second you would be rejected.... This is my home....They are my brothers and Vesemir the only father I have known" you smiled down at him nodding to him.
"Let me down" he moved quickly helping you down from roach setting you down beside him looking over Rebbeka who was contentedly trying to look around he moved again and continued leading roach across the wooded bridge you and Jaskier quickly scrambled up behind the alpha walking alongside you casting you an unsure glance. You came to a stop before the older witcher. He was an alpha to you could tell by the deep scent and the way he held himself ,he commanded respect but not in a arrogant sense, it was more a case you wanted to listen to him he looked like a reasonable man. He looked kind he had a fatherly feel to him, his hair was pulled into a style much like Geralt's and his eyes were the typical amber hue, tho his hinted at a more bright yellow tone rather then your own alphas orange gold tone. the man moved forward clutching Geralt in a tight hug patting him on the back he pulled back smiling at your alpha
"Your alive? Geralt we began to think the worst!" Geralt smiled
"We the others are still here?"
"Yes spring is taking a while to set in and the migrations are going to be later so they have stayed longer this year, they will be glad to know your here....And not alone I see" Vesemir looked beyond Geralt to you and Jaskier, he froze as he cast his eyes on you.
"G-Geralt why?..Whats this?..An omega? you brought an omega here? what would make you bring an omega back to-" he stopped as he scented you properly...You was bonded to Geralt. Vesemir stared at you wide eyed shoulders slumping shocked he looked to Geralt then yourself and back again, you moved from one foot to the other holding Rebbeka tight to your chest almost trying to hide her in your cloak holding your breath wide eyed waiting to see what would happen
"Mate's....She?" Vesemir's voice wavered as the words were lost in his throat. You felt Jaskier move closer the need for his packmates reassurance to strong to overcome. Geralt took two steps towards you bringing his mentor towards you.
"Yes...My true mate...My omega y/n.....And this is Jaskier my brother....My beta and finally our pup Rebbeka, she is the reason we are so late getting back....She was eager and arrived early." Vesemir swallowed dryly looking from one to the other and finally moved forward peeking at the bundled child.
"G-Geralt I don't know what to say...You found your mate and...you made a pack...How? and the child? Is she of your blood or?" Vesemir looked between you and Jaskier then your pup.
"Jaskier is her blood...But they are both her fathers..Both raising her... Jaskier he is her Papa, Geralt is her father...But-" you said moving forward almost frantic trying to clear up some confusion Vesemir cast the bundle a small look...He would admit he wanted to see the child, but from the way you was clutching at her he would hold back his curiosity for now. You was frightened and skittish, so was the beta probably waiting to be thrown out. He opened his mouth to reassure you but stopped short as Rebbeka chose that time to fuss making Vesemir scan her quickly with a concerned look
"Is she Cold?" you moved her running your pointer finger over her top lip watching as she struggled to latch on her tell tale sign of hunger.
"She's hungry" Vesemir nodded to you and moved to the side making a sweeping motion for you all to enter.
"Then we should go inside in the warm come...I wont be having the pup freeze out here" You and Jaskier shared a look at the last comment, the old witcher sounded... Somewhat protective of her, slowly made your way under the gate sticking close to each other trying to ignore the glances the older witcher was stealing at you both. Soon you was lead to a large type of sitting room with a huge roaring fire and some comfy chairs in front of it with scattered pillows and plush blankets. You took a seat on the pillows by the fire Jaskier beside you digging through the small bag holding Rebbeka's things it held mostly toys and clothes there were a few essentials to but not many. he moved pulling a tiny thin teddy it was a rabbit her snuggles that she recently couldn't sleep without he placed it to the side knowing she would want it after her feed. Geralt and Vesemir watched on as you was quick to place her at your breast and feed her.
"So....Would someone explain how this all came about?.....And why your omega is pregnant again?" you looked to him then Geralt who was the first to start explaining.
"I met....Was followed by Jaskier and he sort of...clung to me, he found me when I was passing out of kaedwen last spring, going into Redania after a few months my lesser had attached to him and he has been pack ever since... we turned back making for Kaer morhen for winter and was making our way through Sodden and heard of a contract...Seemed easy enough a supposed witch cursing the village, I expected to find the usual an old widow and a early wave of influenza... The village had nothing of value...No strategic position no real witch would be caught dead there" Vezemir looked uncomfortable as Geralts gaze landed on the small omega , he could guess where this was going and he didn't like it
."As I came up to the town...I...We felt her scented her at first I thought it was a trap beginning the think there actually was a witch but no...I found Y/n she had been living in an old granary on the outside of town, my lesser latched onto her immediately I knew she was my mate it was....It reminded me of waking from the trial of the grasses, that instant change like I have been sleepwalking my entire life until then...She was, I don't have the words to describe it but I cannot ever let her go...I will not" Geralt took a deep breath scenting you again as you looked down at Rebbeka smiling feeling the golden orbs stare at you softly. Vesemir cleared his throat nodding taking everything in
"A granary?Out side of the village?"Geralt snarled making you and Jaskier shrink at the chilling sound... You went to speak but Geralt’s growling response beat you to it.
"Yes when she presented they cast her out...Treated her like a fucking animal...They didn't understand what she was, she wasn't even aloud to buy hunting gear to fend for herself just gave her rotting food and left her in isolation...You know the attitudes to omegas have changed.She was the contract." you snapped your head to him gasping you hadn't known that.
"W-what? they-they hired you to?" you trailed off eyes staring off into space the shock of it rendering you speechless
"They thought you'd caused the new alphas turning to be painful, they worried you might lure him out to you and endure his wrath. So they lied calling you a witch to bring in a witcher to deal with you...I only found out the day after your heat when I saw the lord... He told me everything, about when you presented... How they cast you out the things they had done, threatened you with..He wanted me to kill you and I refused...I don't think I have ever punched a human so hard in my life" you slowly brought your eyes up to him you had known something had happened but didn't ask, you didn't want to know at the time you just wanted to leave, to wrapped up in a prospect of a new life.
"You...You attacked him?" he shook his head grinning
"Not really....Tho I would be surprised if he could ever talk again... his jaw snapped and quite a few teeth went flying...He will live, just a little less comfortably now." you nodded a warmth spreading through you at the thought of your alpha sticking up for you... Protecting you. Vesemir cleared his throat turning to Geralt, choosing not to comment on his handling of the lord, he doubt he would have faired any better in that position, in a way he was proud of Geralt for not gutting the man."I suppose she fell into a heat as all omegas do in these instances" Geralt snapped his gaze from you to his Surrogate father
"Yes....She didn't understand any of it none of the village explained it to her..I...We bedded her and I lost myself to my lesser ordering Jaskier to...Well you can guess the rest....then we found out down the line Jaskier had succeeded...Rebbeka was early" Vesemir nodded taking a sip of his ale and waved a hand over you and your packmates.
"And you had him have her again?" you moved Rebbeka in your lap letting her latch on to your other breast
"No...Jaskier has not.... Not since that night....Something happened, Geralt did not mate me the night we met ,he didn't want to force a bond and...I didn't know what was happening...It was only after that I found out what I was before that..My home told me I was a siren or some form of succubus...A monster...A whore by nature..Geralt and Jaskier explained to me and I decided that I wanted to be claimed but it was to late once I was pupped he did not want to touch me. After the birth he was...Different over the first two weeks he was peacocking typical male behavior. Then he snapped and we...He had a....well erm" you looked to your alpha going red getting hot just thinking about exactly what had happened and Vesemir chuckled at you thinking that his student had just fucked you rabid,
"And he ravaged you" he said chuckling as your cheeks brightened
“Well that and he ..he had...” you looked to your mate slowly Vesemirs amused gaze fell as Geralt spoke.
"I had a rut Vesemir.... A true rut and I knotted her as I bonded...Mated her properly and she is carrying my pups." Vesemir froze snapping his eyes to Geralt shaking his head slowly looking at you as you finally pulled the pup away from your chest moving to burp her, wanting to ignore this part of the conversation.
"No...It can't...Thats impossible" Jaskier spoke up this time shrugging handing the pup her rabbit as you laid her across your lap she whimpered reaching for her father,Geralt sighed and plucked her from you cradling her gently leaning back in the chair hushing her.
"Thats what we thought to....But an unmated omega that had just had a pup has been known to send alphas into heat, and it may have been the fact she is his true mate that aloud him to...You know...Trust me I was there...He knotted her was stuck to her for nearly a whole night"
"No other has touched her...You know I would have scented him on her if they had....They are mine Vesemir" Vesemir sat quietly, taking in the information it was...None of them were lying he could hear it in the strong beats of their hearts, the was no waver of skipped beats just the constant thrumming of their life blood.
"So...You return with a pack, a pup and two on the way?....How far are you?" you flinched under his gaze
"A-About three months at the moment just over...Rebbeka was two weeks at the time and is now four months"you twiddled your fingers.
"So...we have anything from three to eight months to get this place ready for another two additions..." you gasped turning to face him as Jaskier opened his mouth.
"W-We can stay?...All of us?" Vesemir scoffed rolling his eyes at you both and leaned over Geralt's lap taking in the pup, then moved to hold her settling the sleepy child in his arms, it had been so long since he had seen one cooped up here most of the time.He smiled as she looked up at him he moved to run a knuckle over her face then closed her eyes not finding him interesting in the slightest making him scoff.
"..A headstrong little thing....And of course your staying...All of you...You thought I'd make you leave...don't be so absurd turn away the only grandchildren I will ever have?, I would never turn away family...If your Geralt’s family then your mine to." he fixed you both with a look as he rocked the tiny pup in his arms.Geralt scoffed smugly 'told you' visibly relaxing himself.
"And you will find the others will feel the same...Geralt there are cribs and supplies in the storage room by the old nursery, probably out dated and there might not be many clothes surviving but we can make due." you looked at the witcher's funny as Geralt nodded.
"Nursery? cribs? I thought this was a witcher school?..." Vesemir looked at you with a sad smile
"While many Witchers are children of surprise....Some were abandoned as tiny pups around the hills and woods in kaer morhen, the path here is hidden to most as you noticed so we used to sweep the near valleys but children were found regularly wandering, or swaddled hidden in the undergrowth. We had to accommodate them, just like we will do now...You will always have a place here this is your home now all of you" you smiled in relief holding Jaskier's hand tight. Home. You sniffed wiping your eyes willing the tears back. A family and a home was all you had ever dreamed of and now you had both. Geralt slid to the floor between you both and pulled you in resting both your heads on his shoulders sighing as you both held him tight.
"See...I told you...Both of you, now how about we go get something to eat then move a crib to our room." you pulled back laughing nodding eagerly as you all stood following Geralt and Vesemir to the great hall on one end was the largest fireplace you had ever seen in front of that was a long table separating the room in two halves piled with fresh food and wine there was two men.Witcher's. At the table who both turned to the door as Geralt opened it drawing the males attention
"Geralt! Not dead I see..See Lambert I told yooo-wait a minuet what is that? Vesemir? are you- is that a pup?!" Geralt growled at them whisper shouting.
"Shut up, she has only just got to sleep!" you and Jaskier watched as the new males sniffed the air.
"An...Omega?...She holds your scent...G-Geralt what have you done?" he sighed motioning for you and Jaskier to take a seat. you sat close to Vesemir wanting to be near your pup. sitting quietly as Vesemir and Geralt explained the situation as you and Jaskier picked at the food. The other males sat in silence for a few moments as Vesemir talked them down from their frantic skepticism, finally the message sunk in.
"So...She is your mate....And you had him pup her for you she had a kid and that made you jump off the deep end and knot her making two more....That may or may not have our mutations....Why does all this shit happen to you?" the first witcher Eskel said slapping Geralts. Geralt looked a little sheepish rubbing the back of his neck looking to you then two Jaskier feeling the bard's pout from here.
"And then we have Jaskier my beta and a brother...None of this would have happened had it not been for him...He is the one who ran head first into her, he lead me to her...The reason I found her,the reason we have Rebbeka and ultimately the reason I now have two more pups on the way...I can't thank him enough" everyone looked to the now red bard.
"I-it was nothing... I just sort of broke in to her house-shack thing." you smiled knowing although embarrassed Jaskier had needed the acknowledgment for his own piece of mind, to solidify just what he meant to the pack. You knew you and Geralt loved him dearly and would both be lost with out him...even if he did irritate the alpha to no end you would never part from him you owed him everything. "Y/n...C-can I hold the pup..." you looked up to the witcher you now knew as Lambert then to Vesemir who was struggling to eat and support the shifting pup you smiled nodding. Geralt leaned back watching as the younger Witcher approach the pup as if it was a sleeping dragon, slow quiet steps then tentatively moved to hold the child changing his arms position a few times before even making contact with her making his brothers chuckle. Finally Vesemir handed the child to him swiftly, leaving no choice for Lambert to even think about it. He sputtered nervously standing dead still then chuckled.
"HAH!.look at him standing there looking like he shit himself....Oh Geralt have a look! his knees are shaking!" Eskel said laughing at the poor man.Geralt smirked as Lambert thoroughly enjoying watching him squirm.
"You know you can move with her Lambert....she isn't attached to y/n go sit down...She wont bite, nothing to be scared of" Lambert blinked at the sleeping child and took a shaky breath.
"I...I can't move...No here take her I don't like it....Please I'm going to drop her or-or hold her wrong or something.....Please anyone take the pup" he said slowly twisting around terrified of moving with her, he leant over to place her in Geralt's hands who moved his arms up out of the way.
"No sorry, your going to have to take her to y/n around the table.." Eskel laughed as Lambert paled looking around at you who was trying so hard not to laugh and succeeding... barely.
"Come now Lambert it's just a wee pup nothing to be scared of" Eskel added making the witcher feel worse
"I doubt you'll be any better! My hands are sweaty Geralt?!" Geralt finally relented laughing taking Rebbeka from him only to thrust her into Eskel's lap making him go stiff as a board.
"Geralt- what no take her- I don't bloody want her!" you winced at the volume and within seconds Rebbeka was awake looking around panicked and whined scrunching her face ready to cry.
"Oh my- h-hey sweety oh hell....no no no-don't cry its okay It's fine...Just ignore me...shh come on don't cry be good for uncle Eskel...shh shh that’s it be a good girl no..no-noooo don't do it" he moved quickly rocking her trying to ward off the imminent wailing she wobbled her bottom lip eyes going glassy making the others laugh as Eskel panicked waving his fingers at her making her grab one letting out a whimper she brought the captured digit and brought it straight to her mouth making the witcher cringe as she pulled it suckling then closed her eyes trying to fall back to sleep, he pulled back flinching as she whined as soon as his finger began slipping free.
"Ew...Okay how do I detach her? y/n?" you giggled at his disgusted face as your pup snuggled back into his arms satisfied and falling back to sleep.
"You don't....That’s it your stuck until she lets go or wakes up...If you move she will throw a fit" he blinked looking down at the child sighing pulling a face as she sucked harshly on his finger again.
"You think that's a face all witchers pull?"Jaskier asked you tilting his head at the scene you looked
"You know I think it is..." Geralt furrowed his brow confused looking at Eskel
"I never did that" you and Jaskier nodded
"You did...When she did the same to you...And the first time you changed her....When it went up her back...Thats the face"
"Definetly the same face." Jaskier agreed the other witchers laughed imagining Geralts face when having to clean that up.
"And I can't wait to see that with the new pups....The great white wolf struggling to change a baby..."you blinked slowly at Lambert.
"You're staying here?" he smiled nodding then shrugged
"Well...I will leave in the next few weeks but I'm determined to be here for the birth's on my other nieces and when they are old enough they will have to have teachers, we don't know what powers they will be born with so..." Eskel nodded finally gaining control of his cringes.
"Yes the first and possibly only birth of witcher children,Hell I wouldn't be surprised if we had witchers from the other schools coming to see them... I for one will not be missing my nephews births so will be close until they are born then I will head out....we have even more of a reason to return to kaer morhen each winter now." you smiled placing a hand to your belly. You flicked your eyes down concerned. Mutations. they might have mutations you almost forgot about that, they might be born witcher's they were a first. the only ones of their kind. you sighed
"Don't worry, we will be equipped to teach them everything, Eskel here has a stronger affinity for magic I was a swords master but can also teach them the beastiary. so can Geralt and Lambert. But you must be prepared for them to have some witcher qualities, none of us know what they could be but we will be hear for them." you nodded to Vesemir you believed him you trusted him, and Geralt they would find a way you all would. Finally Geralt rose from the table.
"Jaskier lets go get the crib and set up the room, I’m sure we have a tin bath up there as well. Would you like to come look through the clothes...there might not be many" the beta nodded getting up you followed them to the door then stopped with a giggle.
"Eskel...you should come to if she wakes up and we're not here she might panic" Lambert bellowed a laugh as Eskel paled
"W-what you mean walk...and hold her...At the same time." you nodded staring unblinking. He heaved a deep sighed and rose moving slowly walking, well more creeping across the hall making Lambert holler louder
"Not as easy as it looks is it!?!" Geralt smirked crossing his arms over his chest as Eskel came closer shaking his head as you left the hall towards the old nursery.
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Hi! How do you think Holt and Colette would be if the Spanish Influenza hadn't ended in 1919 but continued into 1920, after they'd met and started working together?
Dreamland 1920:
A lot of people thought that the Spanish Influenza would end on 1919, however, this pandemic lasted a little bit more than everyone had expected. All the plans were either cancelled or postponed and it wasn’t pleasing at all. Now, on 1920, the virus had made its way to New York city and the situation became critical, not as much as the countrysides or fields, but still.
The famous impresario VA Vandevere had just bought a flying baby elephant, who he thinks, it’ll bring his park joy through all this trouble. When he arrived at the circus where the animal is from on the first day, he, his driver and butler Sotheby, bodyguard Skellig and his principal star Colette Marchant, they were all wearing medical masks. Not a very fancy first impression but it was necessary, specially on that circus, since some members already died there.
The meeting with Max Medici, the owner of the circus, was quick but convincing, the ringmaster thought that, outside Dumbo’s future fame, moving his troupe would keep them safer, since the conditions in a city were better than in a field. After a few days, the Medici Bros.Circus moved to New York, not knowing what to expect.
Unfortunately, bad news did arrived after all at Dreamland; the Spanish Influenza dis reached the park and most of the workers became sick because of the epidemic, including the Medici truope. Max, Rongo, Puck, Miss Atlantis, Ivan, Catherine, Pramesh and his nephew Arav caught the virus and all of them stayed in one place at an appartment, so they won’t spread the flu. They stayed at Max’s appartment which fortunately, it was big enough for his friends, but the only ones who hadn’t became sick were Holt, Colette, Milly and Joe, so they stayed in Holt’s own appartment.
Mr Sotheby called a good doctor who VA trusted and went to see the sick workers. The doctor was called Dr Mendes and he suggested to Holt and Colette to help him by deliver the medicine to the troupe and changing the cold compresses, since they were the only ones of the bunch who were still healthy. And Holt was not going to risk his children’s health so he told the kids to stay inside, he was not going to loose them because of this illness… like the way he lost Annie.
The Stallion Star and The Queen of Heavens barely knew eachother, in fact since their first encounter they had a lot of disagreements and tease one another, however, in this situation they had to forget their differences and cooperate to help.
Dr Mendes gave Colette and Holt medic masks and ask them to wear them everytime they were near the patients, there were trays with all the medicine needed on a table.
“Put this masks on now,” Dr Mendes ordered, “use gloves too, is very important and take this trays to your friends, they’ll need this compresses.” the doctor looked directly at the cowboy to make sure he understood. “I’ll take this one to the other group of workers, call me if something happens.”
Holt and Colette nodded and the doctor went with the medicine for the local Dreamland workers. The french woman put her gloves on and tied up behind her head the mask, then she saw Holt who hasn’t put on his medical equipment yet.
“May I help you with that, cavalier?” Colette asked finishing tying her own mask.
Holt’s head turned to see her, “Thank you but… I can do it myself, princess. With a hand behind my back.” he said with pride without humor.
Colette rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, “Trés bien, do it yourself.” she waited for the cowboy to realize he was being ridiculous.
Holt grabbed his glove and leaned his head to his hand so he can put it on with the help of his mouth, but Colette interrupted him.
“Wait, no! Are you an idiot?” she abruptally took Holt’s glove before it touched his lips. “You can’t put this thing in your mouth! Don’t you know there are already bacteria on this? You can also spread them with your own saliva, is gross!” the aerialist scoled the Kentucky rider. “Come on, give me your hand”
Holt rolled his own eyes, “I’m perfectly clean woman,” still, he obeyed and offered his hand and the french woman who placed the glove on his only hand, “just because I have one arm, it doesn’t make me a cripple---”
“Oui, oui, turn around you stoic.” Colette ignored Holt and with her index finger made a swirl as a sign for him to turn his back.
The cowboy sighed, his back facing her while she put the mask carefully in front of his mouth, then she started to form knot at the back of his head. “You are very proud, eh ma cherie?” Colette commented with a teasing tone, her voiced a little low due to the cloth of the mask she was wearing.
However, Holt wasn’t in the mood for joking around, he spun to see the french lady again when she finished tightening up the knot, “For some things I am proud woman, for others… not much.” Holt responded serious while his words pierced his mask wich gave him a nasal tone. “But thank you for the help...c’mon let’s deliver this stuff and get this over with.” he rapidly picked up a tray with his hand and went outside.
Colette made a puzzled look at him while he was leaving, nevertheless, she grabbed the other tray carefully and followed him.
*************************
Hours later, Colette and Holt finally ended thier duty, the Medici troupe were given water, new compresses and some cough syrup. The good news were that, because the troupe admitted early they had the symptoms, the doctor treated them in time and they were going to get better soon. The bad news this was a constant reminder for Holt that he could save his friends but not his wife, thing which hurted his heart. This whole Influenza situation left him numb and tired, he wanted this whole damn thing to end.
The cowbow walked through the hallway inside the hotel where he and his family were living, he stood still, leaning his back on a wall and slid down until he sat on the ground. He stepped on a finger of his glove with his boot, pulling his hand harshly to take it off. Once he managed to do that, Holt removed the mask of his face leaving it below his jaw. He leaned his head back and rested it on the wall, he closed his eyes and let out a big sigh.
Suddenly, Holt heard fotsteps coming towards him, he opened his eyes and saw Colette approaching him. “You are tired now, cavalier?” she responded leaning on the same wall as Holt.
“Please, leave me alone…” the ride exhaled.
“Why are you so serious? You should be happy, your friends are going to recover and your children are not sick.” the aerialist exclaimed with curiousity.
“I know that, but that is not reason to celebrate... not for me.” Holt bowed his head.
Colette rised an eyebrow and started to untie her medical mask. “What’s wrong Holt? Something tells me that there is something you are hiding.”
Holt turned his head again to see how the french aerialist joined him sitting on the floor, taking off her mask, she was smiling at him, maybe to give him confidence to talk.
“I lost somone I love because of this, and I couldn’t even be with her when... it happened.” the voice of the rider was scratchy and sorrowful.
“Who?” Colette looked at him concerned.
Holt took a deep breath, “My wife... Annie was her name...”
“Oh I’m so sorry,” Colette replied with genuine surprise and sadness. “When... did that happened?”
“An year ago,” Holt answered feeling a lump in his throat “I was away in the war while she... she... was dying Colette, and.... it was my foult.”
The french woman rised her eyebrow once more, “Wait, do not tell me you are blaming yourself of her death. Being away in the war or not... she could’ve still caught Influenza, mon amie.” she said softly.
“But I could’ve still be there!” Holt cried out loud. “Since they told me by letter that she died, it was like... losing air from my lungs. And my children... they where there watching her own mother die!! And I wasn’t there!!! I wasn’t there...” Holt’s shoulders were shaking and tears began to fall. “I’m not letting this fucking disease kill Milly and Joe, I won’t let that happen!” then, Holt’s voice broke and started to cry.
Colette could only watch him cry, they had known eachother for a few days but she always saw Holt as someone strong and stoic like she called him before, now she was seeing that man breaking down in tears because he lost the love of his life due to this horrible virus when he was far away from her. It wasn’t his fault, it was true, but who could not feel guilty not being beside their wife when she is saying her last words?
Colette gingerly placed her hand on the man’s shoulder and gently whispered to him, “I’m sorry for your loss. Holt, I really am. Shhh.” she tried to give him comfort “And I know how you feel, because... I also... lost someone I loved because of an illness.”
Hearing what she said, the cowboy slowly lifted his head and looked at the woman’s blue eyes. “You, you lost someone too?... Who was it?” he whimpered.
“My father.” the aerialist mournfully admitted, “But it wasn’t Influenza.”
“Oh,” Holt sniffed loudly. “For what... did he died?.“
“Cancer.” Colette inhaled deeply looking down.
Holt sighed and wipped away his tears to look better at the woman’s sad expression.
“I was only 15...my papa, was the head of the family, he was... the one who encouraged me to do trapeze...” Colette looked at the ceiling to try not to cry “and... I’ve suffered a lot when he died, I saw him having his last breath. My sister, my maman and I went through a lot of difficulties because of that. So, oui, everything went to hell for me too, you are not the only one, cherie.” she bit her lip, not wanting to cry as well.
Holt gulped, he deeply breathed to talk again normally, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know, I’m so sorry... I didn’t mean to yell at you either.” he said regretful, “Is just... I’m so stressed out right now.” the rider passed his palm on his face.
“I accept your apology, ma cherie, it’s ok” Colette affirmed giving a small smile at him, her hand still caressing his right shoulder. “Will try to defeat this virus, everything will be fine from now, je te le promets.”
Holt gave her a confused look not understanding her mother language, “What did you said?”.
“ ’Je te le promets’, it means that I promise that everything will be fine” Colette said.
“Oh! Now I understand... uhmm thank you...” Holt responded.
“This surprises me of you amie, you went to fight in France in the war and you don’t know nothing of french.” the aerialist showed him a sideway smile.
“Well,” Holt scratched his head “the thing is at the battlefield we already had french guys as allies who spoke english or americans who knew french, so we have them as translators. We didn’t need to learn.” he said a tiny embarassed.
“Oh mon dieu, there is a lot you have to learn.” she said pretending to be insulted in a very exagerated way leaning her back on the wall, then she formed a teasing smile.
Holt couldn’t help but smile too, after the pain they both shared it was completely refreshing to try to have a moment of glee, at least a tiny one. Holt looked deeply into Colette’s eyes again, they were... beautiful, he never saw eyes so blue and so expressive, her smile was so genuine too... and her lips... those were the most cute lips he ever saw, they looked pretty without makeup. In fact, she, this woman, looked beautiful without makeup at all, he didn’t get why she had to wear those big red wigs and tons of makeup on her face. Holt always prefered women’s natural beauty, Annie never used half of the makeup Colette wore on the first day he saw her, and she still looked gorgeous. Colette is the same, the cowboy thought for himself, she’s a gorgeus woman indeed... Suddenly he shook his head at such idea and a tiny blush appeared on the tip of his ears, Did I really thought of that? But his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden voice.
“Mr Farrier, Miss Marchant,” Dr Mendes walked towards them, “Why are you not wearing your masks? It could be dangerous for you, put them on.” he ordered.
Colette and Holt rose up from the floor, the french woman tied up again her own mask whilst Holt put it on before his mouth again.
“Alright, look, I have to tell you something important.” Dr Mendes pointedly replied.
“What is it doc?” Holt talked through his medical mask, sighing.
“Some people of your circus troupe will get better soon, but others won’t be recovering as fast as the rest, the same happens with some of the park’s roustabouts.” the doctor told them.
“So, what does that mean?” Colette asked.
“Well, since you two, your kids Mr Farrier, and Mr Vandevere are the only ones who are not sick or don’t present any symptoms, the thing I ask of you is.... blood samples.” Dr Mendes said.
Holt’s eyes widened and eyebrows rose, “Blood samples? You mean taking blood from us?”
“Exactly,” the doctor affirmed, “I’ll need those samples so I can make an antydote for the patients with a more critical state,” then the doctor opened his firs aid kit and and grabbed something from the inside.
“Aaand, how are you going to do it doc?” Holt asked nervous.
“With this.” in the doctor’s hand there was a huge syrenge with a large needle in it he took from his kit.
At the simple sight of that needle, Holt’s pressure dropped, his knees felt weak and his whole body collapsed. He closed his eyes, he was about to faint into the ground.
“Holt!” but Colette caught him on time. His only arm was around her shoulders while she was carrying his dead weight, Colette grabbed him with all her strength, however, she quickly placed him against a wall. His body slid into the floor again, his head hunging down.
“Holt, please wake up mon dieu!!” Colette knelt and yelled while she was lightly slapping him in the face so he can get back his conciousness.
“Oh my God! I’ll bring him something for his pressure, I’ll be right back.” Dr Mendes left them so he can find what Holt needed for fainting.
Holt little by little started to react and mumbled with his mouth, “Don-don’t let th-that crazy doc-tor get near me-me....” he weakly said to Colette “I- I h-hate needles.”
But Colette rolled her eyes at his statement, “Come on Holt, get up, you are an adult. You are like almost 40 years old and you are afarid of a needle? Act like a grown up... Sacre bleu this is embarrassing!” she sighed indignant, trying to pick him up.
“Okay...I’m sorry.” Holt tried to get up, although he felt his head was still deezy. Because of that he lost his sence of balance when his foot slipped in the shiny floor when he tried to take his first step. When that happened, his body went forward to Colette, landing on her, he grabbed strongly her body, their noses brushed and their masks crushed into eachother,
Colette was frozen at such accident and stood there with eyes wide open. When Holt finally recovered his consciense he fixed his eyes on the french woman’s face, which it was closer than he could’ve expected. Once the cowboy realized in what kind of position he was, he felt Colette’s breath on his mouth, giving away the closeness of thir lips. If it weren’t for the masks, their mouths would’ve touched.. .they would’ve... kissed.
Both adults blushed red on their cheeks and abruptally moved away from eachother, not wanting to look the other’s eyes. Holt felt his collar tight and coughed a bit.
Colette did the same removing a strain of hair and place it behind her ear. “Trés bien!” she wanted the akwardness and the blush to fade away fast, “Let’s give him those samples now, oui?”
“Oui,” Holt nervously agreed, “but I can’t promise you that I won’t faint again, since I was a boy I was afraid of needles, woman....”
With that, Holt and Colette went to the doctor’s place, still not looking at eachother. The silence between them was uncomfortable, their blushes took their time to disappear and both their hearts were pounding uncontrollably.
But, fortunately, they were wearing masks on their moths, because none of them could saw that the other was smiling with pure sincerity and even... joy.
The End.
This was loooonger than I expected but still it was fun to do. Honestly it could’ve been better in my opinion but I’m satisfied with the result. Wow... so this is how it feels to respond an ask with a mini fic?.... This is great ;)
Thank you so much @vandeverefan for this ask, I had a lot of fun being creative with this!!!
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a WIP I don’t know how to fucking finish—help ugh
Lucy decided on a whim to leave the grounds of her family’s estate after a terrifyingly long study session her father insisted she take part in. Of course, she’d been given lessons on top of it, but he wanted his daughter to exude the brilliance and class the Heartfilia name was synonymous with. She was tired with the endless day-to-day regime he imposed, taking it upon herself to enjoy the outdoors once in a while. The garden lilies were especially lovely this time of year, Lucy gazing upon them as she had many years ago with her mother. She became lost in thought, eyes glued to the foliage she walked amongst, not noticing the boundary she crossed that lead her further into the forest. Spetto has warned her how easy it was to get lost if you weren’t watching your path, especially so at night. Lucy didn’t seem to notice until the brightness of the flowers against the bushes was lost, pulling herself from a stream of childhood memories to realize she was lost.
“Mou... I should have been more careful.” She huffed, pounding her hands into the thickness of her skirt, at least glad she could soak up more refreshing air. The scenery all looked the same, trees blocking the view of the moon so that she was left with near to no lighting. She turned on her heels and decided to walk backward, unknowingly leading her deeper into the woods.
The chill of the wind started to worry her, Lucy pulling closer the shawl she had been smart to bring. She hoped to be able to see the lights of her home, though the thickness of the forest didn’t allow for much. She squeaked at any occurring rustling, only so far as to come across a bunny or squirrel looking for their own home that night.
“Just how dense are these woods?” She shivered, hoping the servants would notice her long absence and think to form a search party.
She continued to wander, stories her mother told her long ago coming to light. Tales of the fierce fire demon, E.N.D, who had been known to travel through these very woods when he was returning to his home in the underworld. He could wield the fires of hell itself and embody the soul of a feral dragon. Lucy quaked and would hide under a blanket as her mother continued, his home on the other side of the Magnolia Mountains where a straight shot to Tartaros it was.
“I-I-Is he going to get me...?” The young girl would sniffle to her mother, the older woman laughing and shaking her head.
“Now Lucy, just because he’s a powerful demon, doesn’t mean he can’t be nice, hmm? He may be your friend in the future, you never know,” These words always had a way of calming her down, Layla never going farther as to say maybe he wasn’t such a bad guy. Lucy always thought her mother knew more than she let on, but she was struck with a sudden illness that took her away too quickly, her daughter never getting the answers to questions she would soon wish to know.
But magic and demons, there was no way these things actually existed.
The blonde sighed as she found a dirt path to walk on, trusting that she was headed in the new right direction; only joy coming from her shoes that did not sink quickly into the soft soil of the grass. She knew her skirt was gathering dirt and once she returned home, her father would have an immense fit, not bothering to care if Lucy had been lost in the woods for near two hours. The moon was full on this path, knowing that she would be home soon if she did not veer on too many forks.
“Well, well...” A voice hidden in the darkness of the trees startled the young lady, Lucy gripping closer to herself as she whipped her head around, no one in sight.
“We’ve got a real good catch!” Another snickered, her eyes glaring to see anyone but still failing.
“W-Who goes there?” She asked carefully, feet stopping in their place, a hand snaking its way around her shoulders. The blonde yelped, turning to see a man with strange blue hair, his smile sickly and cornered by wrinkles. He stood almost a head or two above her, Lucy stepping away as he held a hand out for a greeting.
“I am Bora of Prominence,” He grinned as she refused to take his hand. “You seem lost miss, are you not?”
“I-I am...” Lucy nodded softly, her ears twitching at sounds of surrounding movement.
“Then please allow my men and I to escort you home, we cannot let a lady as beautiful as yourself come into harm's way, now can we?” Her heart dropped at the sight of so many bandit-looking men emerge from the woods, too many eyes for her to meet. A deep sense of dread began to form, scaring her into submission for she knew her kicks would only get her so far. And not very with this practical ballgown weighing her down.
“I think I can manage on my own,” She tried to say, Bora shaking his head and leading her further down the road, her back blocked by the band of his men.
“Please tell us your name, so we can help you find your estate,” He insisted, arm snaking around her waist, eyes glued to the tops of her breasts. “I’m sure your family is quite worried, and you look rather famished.”
“Lucy of Heartfilia,” Her voice was meek, nervous sweating began as his lips curled upwards, a squeeze of her close to him and they stopped as quickly as they had started walking.
“Boys...” He grinned as Lucy cried out, quickly yanking ropes around her, tightly binding her arms to her side, a bandana between her lips, tossing her to the ground in the middle of their circle. Bora stepped forward and knelt down to her level, eyes excited to see her struggling.
“You’ll fetch a good price on the market, Miss. Lucy. I’m delighted to think this meeting was meant to be,” He smirked, Lucy grimacing as his fingers threaded through the waves of her blonde locks.
“Let’s get her back to the camp. I want her in my tent, to check the lady for quality. That of course before I let you all have a run at her. It’s not every day we get our hands on such a pure woman.” He licked his lips before standing up, his men roaring with laughter as she was heaved onto a shoulder, all curious and clamoring, trying to get a good look at her. She held back her tears as they drew her into the woods, pleading with her mind for something, anyone to save her before they took her away.
Her eyes shut tight as they tossed her into the boss’ tent, Lucy kicking herself upright, quaking as Bora soon walked in.
“A prize indeed,” He sighed as he unbuttoned his shirt, Lucy turning away as the fabric pooled at his feet. He flipped a knife free from his side, walking to sever the knot that kept her tied, rope falling around her. He was quick to push its blade against her neck, peering to see her frightened eyes.
“It’d be in your best interest as to not try and fight back,” He whispered harshly. “Otherwise I’ll have to hurt you more than I intend.”
Lucy held a whimper as his hands molded around her, feeling her up, trailing from her skirt to her waist to below her breasts, eager to lay his claim upon the over spilling décolletage he had been waiting to sink his teeth into. He brushed her hair away from one side of her neck, lips hovering ever so slightly above them. Short pants escaped her lips as he pulled away, moving to sit on his cot, he motioned for the girl to follow, legs on the verge of giving out as she stood.
“Please undress yourself, I’m quite tired from my journey,” He said lazily, tossing the knife in his hand as she felt her stomach drop. Shaky fingers pulled at her bodice laces, tears daring to spill from the corners of her eyes. The dress pooled at her ankles, followed by a more cloth-than-rod hoop skirt that bunched onto the floor. He offered her a hand, maiden stepping free of her clothing, clad in a thin, white, and long chemise as her final defense. He was beyond crude, taking the knife to slice upward from the bottom of her undergarments, shreds falling to the dirt. She quickly moved her hands to act as protection from him receiving a full sight of her bare places.
“Boss! We have a problem!” One henchman heaved as he quickly to rush in, interrupting Bora just before he could instruct the girl to reveal herself.
“The hell is it that the lot of you can’t handle?” He grumbled angrily as he was torn away from the girl and summoned outside, Lucy shuddering as the tears she held back came rushing forward. Falling to her knees, shivering in her naked form, too panicked to find a solution to her problem as screams from beyond the canvas instead caught her attention. Lucy stiffened as she gathered herself enough to listen intently, rapid hoofbeats and shouts rattled around her, crackling fire louder than any fireplace or pit should have been.
The blonde flinched, eyes wide and still wet as the opening to the tent flipped open, a blue cat padding his way inside. He seemed happy to find the girl, eyes lighting up before he rushed back outside.
“Natsu! I found her!” Lucy’s eyes bulged as he spoke, though he walking on two legs was stranger than anything else. The man in question soon rushed into the tent as well, cautious blush on his cheeks and eyes full of relief.
“Good job, little buddy!” Natsu grinned to his friend before taking of his strange tunic, Lucy immediately backing away with a vigorous shake of her head.
“No...don’t come near me!” She shouted at the two, avoiding the boy as he knelt to her side.
“Please don’t be afraid, we’re here to help! Happy over-here saw you get dragged off, now c’mon! We gotta go!” He insisted as he pulled her into the article of clothing, tugging Lucy along with fumbling feet as they ran. Eyes wide as she saw the bandit group running for either cover or water, a roaring fire consuming almost half the camp, few somehow knocked out cold and laying in the grass as they passed them.
“You’re not going anywhere with her!” Bora called out, raising a sword as he beckoned other men to follow his lead.
“I’ll take care of these guys! You get her back into the woods, Happy!” The boy traded hands with the blue cat as he sprouted wings, pulling Lucy back behind the cover of the trees.
“But...but he doesn’t have a weapon...!” She called out, unable to grasp everything as the oddities continued to fall in front of her, eyes glued forward to the now flying kitten.
“Natsu’s got his fists! Don’t worry!” He grinned and continued to lead her into a separate clearing, the sound of battle and fire seemingly distant if not for the flames appearing above the treetops telling them how far they had gone.
“T-Thank you,” Were the only words she was able to muster as she dropped to her knees, tears once again flowing as her adrenaline collapsed, flinching as a boom resonated through the woods and whooshed past the two in a whirl of wind.
“Don’t cry...” He frowned, pulling a tissue from the green pack on his back, rubbing Lucy’s with his small paw as he handed the thin paper to her. She blew into the offering, Happy giving her more as she sobbed uncontrollably. Lucy hiccuped and pulled the odd best closer to herself, startled as the bushes ahead of them began to rustle, surprised to see the pink haired boy from before without so much as a scratch on him.
“You two alright? No one followed you, did they, Happy?” He rolled his shoulder as the small kitten shook his head, the shirtless stranger crouching down in front of her. “I hope we weren’t too late, you’re not hurt, are you?”
“I-I’m okay,” She sniffled, shivering at the memory of lecherous eyes on her exposed body. “He...he almost…”
#seriously#its been 2 months#fairy tail#nalu#natsu dragneel#lucy heartfilia#natsu and lucy#natsu x lucy#fairy tail nalu#nalu fan fiction#nalu fanfic#nalu fanfiction#lucy and natsu#lucy x natsu
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Tardy Party
Well, this is a bit late for Riley’s birthday which was August 29, but better late than never I suppose. Anyway, sweet birthday story featuring my courier six Travis Blackfox and his sole survivor fiance Riley White (Who belongs to @zoey-and-dakota.) Cute, funny, and fluffy and safe for work. I hope you enjoy it. It’s put under the cut due to length.
@zoey-and-dakota and @free-hugs-for-ghouls thank you to the both of you for your gentle encouragement and deadline in motivating me to get this done. (I’m early did you notice? lol) Let’s hope the dam is now broken and I can get back into finishing my other WIPs and a few other stories I’ve had in my head for way too long.
It was a few hours past noon and as of yet Travis has not rejoined the waking world. This was highly unusual as the courier was generally up at the crack of dawn or slightly after no matter what time he has gone to sleep. Even when he was ill or suffering a hangover he would still wake up early and get his day started.
Taking a seat next to his partner and gently touching his brow, Riley determined if Travis might be sick or had a fever. Much to his relief his tan skin was cool. “Travis?” he said gently while sifting his fingers through his cowboy’s black hair. “Travis, it’s almost two. Are you feeling ok?” He would normally never awaken his partner unless it was dire, but this was different. Knowing his partner’s habits and especially how upset he’ll be finding out what time it is Riley had to make the exception.
Twitching his moustache and furrowing his brow, Travis groaned and squirmed under the covers. “Wha-what you say?” he muttered as his brain slowly began chasing the remnants of dreams and clouds from it. His blue eyes fluttered open and he shifted his gaze up to see the smiling freckled face of his fiance beaming down on him. “Did I miss breakfast?”
Riley rolled his eyes and gave a short chuckle. “Always hungry. I guess if you’re asking for food you’re feeling alright. Since it’s after twelve you did miss breakfast and are quickly on your way to missing lunch.”
As Travis rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he suddenly gasped and sat bolt upright. “Fuck! Riley! It’s your birthday! Ugh! Why didn’t you get me up sooner?” He groaned and covered his face with his hands for a moment before lunging forward and tightly embracing his partner. “I’m so sorry!”
“You don't need to apologise. Anyway, I made us a nice lunch and is probably on its way of getting cold.”
Travis groaned again and rested his chin on Riley's shoulder. “It's your birthday. I’m supposed to be making you meals and pampering you,” he muttered, disappointment in his voice.
Giving him a tight squeeze, Riley chimed, “You do that anyway. Trust me, it’s fine...but knowing you there's other plans in the works for the remainder of the day. Am I right?”
“Mmmaybe,” the cowboy replied as he gave a few light kisses along Riley's freckled neck and up towards his ear. “You are just gonna have to wait and see.”
“I look forward to it. Now, let's go have lunch before your dog decides to eat it for us.”
Later when they finished their meal, Riley cleaned up the dishes much to Travis’ protests. Riley knew first hand that if left to Travis the dishes wouldn’t get done tonight especially since there were obvious plans for a birthday celebration. “I don’t mind, babe. You can make it up to me another time in another way if you want,” he said with a wink.
Sighing loudly and throwing his hands up into the air, Travis stomped out of the dining room. “A fine thing, my fiance doing chores on his birthday,” he grumbled under his breath and headed to the bathroom to do his own bit of cleaning up. Turning on the faucet, Travis soaked a rag in the hot water and glided it over his face and neck. The warmth seemed to instantly calm him and he pressed the cloth against his eyes while stifling a frustrated groan. He was still mildly upset with himself for sleeping so late even though he had a good reason.
Late last night while Riley slept, Travis stole away to the penthouse to prepare things for his man’s birthday. However, he got a bit too carried away with his preparations and lost track of time. The end result was him crawling into bed at the time he’d normally be waking up. It was his own fault, but he wanted things to be perfect for the birthday boy.
Looking in the mirror he couldn’t help but give himself a crooked smile. You are the sly one, Blackfox, he mused to himself as he dragged a comb through his hair. After he gave his goatee and moustache a quick trim, Travis loped towards the bedroom to get dressed and keep pushing his late started day into motion.
Riley was reclined on the couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table and a book in his hands. He looked up when Travis entered the room and was glad to see the disappointment and frustration was gone from his partner’s expression. “Feeling better, babe?” he asked.
“A’yup!” Travis exclaimed while pulling on a blue striped shirt he got out of his wardrobe.
It was obvious that Travis was giddy about something and Riley knew all too well that the man generally had trouble containing himself over exciting plans. Still, he wasn’t about to take the wind out of the cowboy’s sails. Putting his attention back to his book, he casually asked, “So...is there anything you’d like to do for the rest of the day?”
While he buckled his jeans, Travis made his way to his partner. “Well, I don’t know. It’s your birthday after all. Is there anything special you’d like to do?”
Setting the book down, Riley looked up at the goofily grinning Travis. “Something tells me you already have plans,” he smirked then grunted as Travis straddled his legs and dropped heavily onto his lap. “Is this your plan? If so, I like where it might be going.”
“Naw, got plenty of time for that later I’m sure. I know it’s your day and all, but there’s still some hours left before what I really got planned happens. You wanna do anything special ‘til then? Or…” Travis trailed off while gliding his hands lightly over Riley’s shoulders before burying them in his red hair. “I mean, I ain’t got no problem if you wanna get a little frisky ‘til then. I certainly won’t complain.”
“You know what I’d really like to start off with? A nice swim in the pool. We haven’t done that for a few days.”
Travis’ shoulders slumping in mild disappointment, but knew he had to oblige on his man’s suggestion. Making a low growl while adjusting his position on Riley's lap, Travis began to massage over his shoulders. “I reckon that sounds good. Maybe you can show me your birthday suit while we’re at it,” he purred before leaning forward to press their lips together. Riley responded with a few quick pecks which eventually became a deeper, tongue entwining, toe-curling kiss.
Barely resisting their more carnal urges, the couple eventually separated from their embrace. Taking a calming breath each, they managed to gather up their swimming shorts and towels. As they entered the elevator, Rex, Travis’ cyberdog, began to whine sadly. It was evident he wanted to accompany them and Travis was happy to oblige. The dog sat peacefully at Travis’ side, but once the doors slid open he bolted through the casino and waited patiently for the men by the entrance leading to the courtyard.
“Reckon he’s anxious for a swim too,” Travis drawled as he pushed open the glass door allowing the cyberdog to charge outside.
Rex paused for a moment sniffing the air before heading towards the makeshift wooden shelters and coops Travis had constructed for his little menagerie. He barked playfully at the geckos before turning his attention to the prairie fowl. They squawked in protest to his barks, but that only encouraged him more and he gave chase after them through the yard.
“Goddammit, Rex, settle down!” Travis shouted while bending to pet the few cats that walked up to him seeking some attention. As Travis unlatched the gate surrounding the pool, Rex abandoned the chicken run and charged towards the gate, past his master, and dove into the pool with a huge splash. Travis blinked a few times in surprise over the dog’s actions then shrugged. “What the hell.” He dropped his towel to the ground, gave a joyful shout and copied Rex’s actions by canonballing into the water.
Riley shook his head and laughed while closing the gate and picking up Travis’ abandoned towel. “I don’t know who’s more excited to be out here, you or the dog,” he chuckled while setting the towels on the white wooden lounge chairs. Removing his glasses and carefully placing them on the patio table, Riley joined man and dog in the pool, but minus the grandeur.
Once playtime was over, the couple spent some quiet time lounging on recliners under a large blue and white umbrella while holding hands and sipping on drinks Travis mixed previously at their minibar. When the sun began to slowly set and the air began to cool is when Travis stood and announced, “I’m getting mighty hungry. Reckon now’s a good time as any to get the celebration started.” The ends of his moustache lifted into a grin as he saw the eager look appear on Riley’s face. Gathering up their towels, the two men headed back towards the casino with Rex bounding energetically around at their heels.
“So,” Riley began as they entered the elevator and pressing his finger against the number 6 button. “Do I need to dress a certain way for what you arranged?”
“Nah...but I still wanna see that birthday suit of yours.”
Riley rolled his eyes and gave his partner a playful shove. “I’m quite sure that’ll happen at some point tonight. I take it then we’re not going out?”
“Nope. Got something planned, though, don’t worry none about that!” Travis remarked as the elevator slowed and stopped at their apartment. “We’ll get dressed and head out if you’re ready.”
“Sounds perfect.” Opening his wardrobe, Riley sifted through the variety of clothes he’s gathered both from Boston and New Vegas. Choosing a light blue button down shirt, Riley pulled it on and added a navy blue tie. While pulling on a black pair of slacks he smiled seeing Travis sporting a mint green shirt with a dark green tie. “You’re looking good there, cowboy,” Riley smiled as he snaked his arms around Travis’ waist. “Whatever it is you have planned I am really looking forward to it.”
Travis pulled him into a tight hug and sighed in contentment. “I am too, Riles. You ready?”
Giving a nod earned Riley another kiss as Travis entwined their fingers together and once again they made their way towards the elevator. Pushing the button for the penthouse, Travis turned to his lover and gave a shy grin. “Hope you like it. Ain’t much, but I tried.”
“I’m sure I’ll love it,” Riley reassured, pressing a kiss to Travis’ cheek.
When the elevator got to its destination and the doors slid open, nothing looked too much different about the place. However, once they stepped out onto the landing, the pleasant aroma of food filled the air making both of their mouths water. Riley inhaled deeply and sighed with a smile. “Smells amazing, but who did all the cooking?” he asked as Travis guided him down the stairs.
“Me. Well, I prepped it all last night and instructed one of my Securitrons on what to do today.”
The Securitron in question was none other than Jane, one of Mister House’s girls. She was just placing a platter of meat down on the table when the couple entered the dining area. “There you two are! I was getting worried you were going to be late and all this lovely food would get cold. Happy birthday to you, Mister White. I hope you enjoy all what your peach of a fiance has arranged for you this evening. And don’t you worry your pretty little head about being disturbed. Soon as you boys dig in I’ll be making myself scarce along with the other Securitrons.”
“Much obliged, Jane,” Travis smiled warmly as he held out a chair for Riley. “We can take it from here. Thanks for all your help this evening.”
“You’re quite welcome, sugar! Don’t you two go breaking the bed later. Oops, did I say that outloud?” She giggled and wheeled out of the room.
Travis sighed and his shoulders slumped as he took his seat. Riley knew the disdain he had for robots and gave him credit for always keeping things civil. Looking over the spread of Brahmin steak, desert salad, maize, and a loaf of freshly baked bread making up the birthday feast, Riley gave a hum of approval. “Looks fantastic, Travis. I don’t even know where to start You prepared all of this yourself?”
“A’yup. Why do you think I was sleepin’ so late today? I was up here well after you fell asleep to get things cooked and prepped. This is just a start!”
As always, Travis wolfed down his food, but still managed to get in conversation between mouthfuls of steak. It didn’t take long for his plate to be emptied and he leaned back against his chair in contentment while casually nursing a beer. When Riley finally finished his own plate, he found himself fighting the small urge to go out on the balcony for a quick smoke. Although his vice has dwindled through the years with Travis, it was still something that gnawed at him every now and then.
Pushing the pesky longing aside, Riley cleared his throat and wiped his hands on a napkin. “Is your robot going to clean up or are we on dish duty this evening?” Riley asked as he began neatly stacking his dinnerware for easier pick up.
“Nah. We’re gonna be alone for the rest of the night. I can wash this stuff in the morning,” Travis stated while gathering up the leftovers to put in the fridge.
Riley smirked. “I know how much you abhor washing dishes, Travis. I know I’ll be the one cleaning them up tomorrow.”
Travis let out a mock gasp and clutched his heart. “Oh! You wound me! Lissen, if you wake up and the stuff ain’t cleaned and put away you got my permission to punish me in any way you seem fit. Deal?”
“Don’t tempt me, babe,” Riley grinned while adjusting his glasses and giving Travis a hand in gathering up the plates to take to the sink.
“C’mon, got something else to show ya,” Travis excitedly grinned while entwining their fingers together and leading Riley out of the dining area and towards the large meeting room which was the nerve center for New Vegas. The normally active small monitors mounted on a large metal frame were dark this evening. No scenes of the surrounding areas of New Vegas were showing nor anything else for that matter. The very large monitor in the center of them all which Mister House would appear was also dark. It wasn’t anything too out of the ordinary, but the festive decor around the room was. Colorful streamers were draped over the metal console and a banner with cut out words made of shiny paper declaring Happy Birthday was tacked to the wall.
Riley grinned broadly and let out a low whistle. “Well, I certainly wasn’t expecting this,” he said softly while his blue eyes scanned the room taking in all the decorations “Travis, this...this is amazing. You really went all out.”
Loping to the console and pulling out the keyboard, Travis chuckled. “Ain’t as exciting as the time I took you up to Jacobstown and we stayed in that cabin.”
“Maybe not, but it’s still very nice that you do all this for me. You always have a plan or adventure up your sleeves. I learned a while back to always expect something fun from you at any given moment. Hell, I knew that from the day I first met you and I’m glad to see I’m still right after these years.”
“Shoot, don’t get too mushy on me, Riles. Save the mush for later!” Travis quipped as his fingers flew across the keys. When he finished typing he fiddled with a few dials then went to the couch and fished out two beers from the cooler resting next to it. Twisting the caps off he passed one to Riley and held his up in a toast. “To my most amazing fiance on his birthday. May you always be downwind of all my explosions!” he snickered at his attempt at a joke.
Riley smirked. “You mean upwind. Downwind isn’t exactly safe.” He smirked more seeing the confused look on his partner’s face. “It’s ok, I appreciate the sentiment. Thank you.” He clinked his bottle against Travis’ and took a long, satisfying drink of the cold beer. Arching his eyebrows, Riley plopped down on the couch and nodded towards the monitors. “What’s up with that? Putting out orders or something?”
“Ah, you could say that. Got something to give ya first.” Taking a seat next to him, Travis reached under the couch and pulled out a box with a bright red, fabric bow. Happy Birthday, babe.”
“Oh, Travis, the dinner and decorations are more than enough. You didn’t have to get me anything,” Riley said shyly as he took the package from a broadly grinning Travis. “It’s not dynamite is it? I mean, with your talking about explosives…” he trailed off then realized he was shaking the box and immediately halted his actions just in case.
“I wouldn’t do something like that, Riley. The only explosions you’re gonna have to deal with are what happens in the bedroom later on,” Travis said seductively while waggling his eyebrows and leaning in to press his lips against Riley’s cheek.
“Just as long as those explosions aren’t premature I think we’ll be fine. Let’s see now…” Riley gently tugged at the bow to remove it then opened the box. It was stuffed with shredded paper making Riley realize whatever was in the box had to be fragile. He hoped his box-shaking didn’t damage the contents as he carefully put his hands in the paper to seek out the hidden gift. Feeling a solid object, Riley wrapped his fingers around it and gently lifted it up. “Oh, Travis,” Riley gasped.
The item was a hand carved wooden figure of a deer, a buck to be exact, in how one would have looked pre-war. It was posed majestically with his head held high and his left front leg raised. Riley smiled gently as he looked over the carving, which was about twelve inches tall, turning it over in his fingers to take in and admire every detail. He couldn’t believe the work Travis had put into it, but it was no surprise as the man had quite the talent when it came to carving such things. Something on the figure caught Riley’s eye and made him bite his lower lip when he realized what it was. A small heart-shaped mark and a merged T and R were carved on the buck’s left flank. The letters had special meaning as they would be the brand Travis stated he would use if he and Riley were to ever get a ranch with livestock one day.
“Took some searching to find the right picture to help me even make this critter. I looked through the Animals of the World book that was Mister House’s and found all kinds of animals like this. Was more than one kind apparently. Deers...mooses...elks...aunty lopes or something...I hope this is the one you like. I mean, I looked up animals from the east coast and out of all of the ones pictured, this one looked the closest to what you talked about. The one you said radstags might have come from. So…do you like it?” Travis asked eagerly as he grabbed the empty box off Riley’s lap and tossed it carelessly on the floor.
“Travis, I...I really don’t know what to say. The work you put into this is amazing. When did you even have time to make it?”
“Sometimes it pays to get up at the asscrack of dawn,” Travis snickered while draping his arm around Riley’s shoulders. “Every chance I could get I snuck off to work on it while you slept. Had Rex and ED-E keep watch and warn me when you started waking up. Always got like three to four hours at a time to work on it and trust me, it really didn’t take too long. Antlers were the hardest part. I kept busting them, but in the end I got it to work right. Anyways, happy birthday, Riles. I hope you like it.”
“Travis, I love it,” Riley quietly replied and sighed as he felt Travis rest his head on his shoulder. “The dinner, this carving...you’re something else. This has been the best…”
“Ain’t over yet!” Travis interrupted excitedly as the lights suddenly dimmed and went out leaving only the soft colors of the neon signs illuminating the penthouse. He felt Riley stiffen, but before the red-head could say anything, Travis snagged the carving from him and placed it on the coffee table. “This is the main event...asked Mister House about what old holotapes he got in storage movie wise. He gave me a list of stuff and I picked one that sounded interesting. Hope you like it!”
Riley smiled in the dim light seeing how enthusiastic Travis was. He should have known better that a dinner and gift were all Travis had planned for tonight. Opening his mouth to ask what was on the holotape, a glorious introduction of snare drums filled the air announcing that the movie was about to begin. Raising a brow, Riley settled against the couch as Travis snuggled against him. Placing his hand on Travis’ knee, Riley listened hard to the familiar music trying to picture where he has heard it before. When the colorful image of a wooden sign came into view Riley made a soft noise and shook his head in disbelief. “How the hell did you find this movie?” he asked as the giant white letters of the movie’s title Gone With the Wind, slowly ‘blew’ across the screen.
“Told ya Mister House has lots of pre-war movies in his data banks. When I told him about my plans he offered some movie suggestions to me and actually seemed shocked I’d pick this one for some reason. He didn’t tell me nothing about a plot, but I’m sure it’s got to do with a bad storm.”
Blinking behind his glasses, Riley couldn’t help but chuckle at his partner’s assumption. “No, Travis, this has nothing to do with the weather. I won’t give anything away, but I feel you’re going to have a lot of questions afterwards about this part of American history.” Riley focused his attention back on the screen as the credits continued to show and he let out a contented sigh. “You’re really full of surprises lately, Travis. Thank you...for everything.”
Two hours later the movie was still playing with no end in sight. Travis was starting to fidget and Riley knew there was at least another two hours to go until the movie finishes. He wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to stay awake that long and it was evident Travis surely wasn’t. Taking the last swallow of beer, Riley set the bottle down and gave Travis a few gentle kisses on the neck. “I know you’re getting tired, babe. There’s still a long way to go on this movie and I wouldn’t be mad if you want to stop and pick it up again tomorrow.”
Travis tried his best to hide the sigh of relief he emitted. “It’s your birthday and all, Riley and I…”
“It’s ok. Honest,” Riley replied, giving Travis more kisses down his neck and along his collar bone. “It’s getting late anyway and the filling meal and drinks helped make me all the more tired. We can pick the movie back up tomorrow after lunch or something. I certainly would like that. Does that sound like a good plan to you?”
Travis pondered things for a moment before reluctantly nodding his head. “You’re the birthday boy and what you say goes I reckon. A’yup, we’ll pick it back up tomorrow. I’d like that too.” He stood and stretched with a frown and made his way slowly to the console. He began to type something on the computer which made the movie pause and the screen turned to gray static before going dark. “I left a message to House telling him we’re gonna finish it up tomorrow. Don’t want him putting the file back in his databanks or anything and we lose our place.”
Stifling a yawn, Travis moseyed back to the now standing Riley and draped his arms around his shoulders. “Now if it’s alright with you, Mister White, I think I’d like to hit the sheets. Got one last gift I wanna give you before I fall asleep.”
“Oh? And what might that be?” Riley innocently replied while allowing himself to be pulled along towards the bedroom. “Do you have a three layer cake in there with tons of frosting and lots of candles requiring me to make a wish then blow them out?”
“Cake? Naw...but I can give you something else to blow and I’m pretty sure it’ll make your wish come true,” Travis purred seductively while closing the door behind them.
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