#he’s everything to me. big sad cow eyes.
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HEARTLESS 💔 - FINAL CHAPTER
Agent Whiskey (Jack Daniels) x f!reader
Summary: A wedding, a new addition to the family and revisiting memories finally bring the Daniels family their well-deserved happy ending ❤️
(This is the last chapter of the HEARTLESS 💔 series)
• YOU CAN READ THE ENTIRE SERIES ON MY MASTERLIST
Warnings: a tad bit of angst (but not really, it's mostly just expressing emotions and revisiting sad memories), mentions of suicidal thoughts, fluff, brief smut (more like mentions of it), tension, talks of becoming a widow, Wyatt and his baby sister being the most adorable kids in the world, happy ending ❤️
A/N: it took me so long to get this done, I guess nearly six months, I don't know, I feel I sort of lost my way with this story, but I had to come back and finish our cowboy adventure, give them their happy ending. I love you all and I really hope you enjoy this chapter, I thank you everyone who has followed this story and showed me support through all these months of writing! It wouldn't have happened if it weren't for you ❤️🫶
12.6k words
Nothing could have prepared you for the reaction your cowboy had the moment you broke the news to him you were pregnant - or rather he found out about it by spotting the test boxes in the bathroom trash. You had been worried about everything, so many scenarios running through your head, always anticipating the worst and making you fear each single measure he could take. Just to have a grown ass cowboy on his knees before you, his face resting against your womb as he blinked away the tears that insisted on flooding those brown baby cow eyes of his. He just worshiped you, mumbling so many words you couldn't quite tell what they were, but the way he looked up at you, as if you were his whole world, made your heart skip a beat. It was a terrifying change, but you oddly didn't feel scared, not at that moment, not when you had Whiskey at your feet, showing he wasn't going anywhere, he was committed and devoted to you, to his family, a family that was growing, just like that tiny little seed in your womb, that was going to grow into a full baby, a blessing to that undeserving man, something he prayed for every single night, there was nothing Jack Daniels wanted more than to be a good man to his family, to be the husband and the father you and the kids deserved.
The kids.
He chuckled to himself at the thought of it, something that seemed just like a distant dream short days ago, was now a reality, the fact Wyatt was about to become a big brother, and the overwhelming love he felt for his son, also multiplying towards his second child. It was also terrifying to him, to love someone he hadn't even met yet, and how that could be taken away from in the blink of an eye like it happened to him before. He shook his head, squinting his eyes unaware of the tears that rolled down his cheeks, chasing those thoughts away. Nothing would happen to his family, you, Wyatt and the little angel inside of you would be just fine, because that was his responsibility and he would fight for it until his last breath. You felt his tears against your bare skin and a gut feeling told you exactly what he was thinking about, you didn't want him suffering for that, things wouldn't be as tragic as they were, Jack Daniels was a heavily traumatized man, who lived in fear of losing his family by not being good enough to protect them. You couldn't let your cowboy suffer in anticipation like that, so you pushed him gently, sitting on the floor to face him in the same eye level and stroked his cheek, the way his eyes were red with tears and he sniffed even if he tried his best to control his emotional reaction, reminded you so much of Wyatt, your son being the tiny little version of him. You placed your lips on Jack's forehead, then you went to his cheek kissing his tears away and finally to his lips, never breaking eye contact, at the same time he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you as close as possible, needing the reassurance only your touch could provide. You kept your cowboy so close to your heart, taking deep breaths and letting his presence sink in, finally realizing how much you'd missed your cowboy, spending days apart from him. You had been so deep into your own thoughts after finding out about the pregnancy you completely neglected the side that craved your cowboy with you. You wanted to hold him, kiss and make love to him, but at that moment, you could see the vulnerability in his eyes.
It broke your heart; Jack was a strong, fearless man towards anything that did not involve his family. He was able to take down dozens of enemies in a fight, he could face the most furious bull in a ring, he didn't fear death or pain when he was out in the world protecting a nation that didn't even know they were in danger to begin with, but he was not that brave when it came to his sugar and his son, and especially not once they added a baby into the mix. One could call him paranoid, but he was just not willing to take the slightest risk, it had happened once, it wasn't going to happen twice.
"Sugar, I-”
His voice cracked, he had tears in his eyes, threatening to spill at any given second, he wanted to promise you, word it out loud how hard he would fight for you, for your relationship as a couple, your upcoming wedding, he wanted to assure you you could splurge as much as you wanted, choose whatever made you happy, he wanted to throw himself at your feet like the dog he was, he wanted to cry and beg your forgiveness even if he had already done that before, more than once, and even if you, out of your superior state of grace, had forgiven him. He wanted to tell you he knew he wasn't worthy of you, but he wasn't strong enough to keep away, he wanted to swear you and the kids would be forever safe, he would do anything you wanted him to: quit Statesman, throw away all his lassos and whips, he would become a goddamn farmer if it were up to you. He wanted to thank you for bringing sense into his life again, for robbing him from those depreciating, suicidal thoughts. He wanted to thank, and beg and promise you, but he couldn't bring himself to say anything at all, all he did was blinking his tears, letting them run down his cheeks. You knew it, you knew it all, he didn't have to say it, you could feel it from his heart to yours. Caressing his cheek gently, you nodded, leaned towards him and kissed his lips once more.
"I know cowboy, I know it”
•••
The slight noise of crayons sliding through a sheet of paper filled your ears and brought your attention back to reality. You focused your eyes on the bright colorful shades that added a meaning to a confusing drawing Wyatt was finishing. A pillow under his bum so he could be tall enough to use the coffee table as his personal art table, while he glanced at his baby sister, Rosie, who rested in her baby seat and watched attentively her big brother's every move. The eight-month-old cooed and kicked her little legs, wanting Wyatt's attention back at her, their bond being as strong as it was the day she was born, he giggled at her.
"Calm down, Rosie… I will continue the story in a minute” he said in his smart pants way and turned his head at you, knowing something was up. Wyatt was only six - proudly going 7 in a few months, but he was able to tell whenever you were lying to him. He'd asked if you were alright a couple of times in the last hour, and you'd said yes. But you clearly weren't fine.
Dropping his crayons, he got up and walked towards you, bright brown eyes staring into yours and a comforting smile.
“What happened, mommy?”
“N-nothing happened, honey… why don't you go and keep telling Rosie the story… What story was it?”
"The story of us before she was born…” he said proudly and you let out a chuckle, of course he would want his little sister to know her origins and tell her everything that happened in the months that followed your wedding proposal up to her birth. You allowed yourself to stop the mental torture and point at Rosie who kept cooing in order to have Wyatt talking to her as she loved. As much as the sight melted your heart, a heavy weight in your chest stopped you from taking another breath without feeling pain. Jack should have been there with you. He should be sitting right next to you, playing with his kids and giving you all sorts of dirty smirks hinting at what would go on in your shared bedroom once the kids were off to dreamland. But he wasn't, and you swallowed hard every time you thought about it. You hadn't lied to Wyatt at all, when you said nothing happened; because nothing indeed had happened, the real problem was that something should have happened. He should have declined Champ’s request for a last mission, and being the stubborn cowboy he was, when he got there, he should've killed his enemies straight away, he should have answered Statesman's official communication channels, and above all, he should have arrived home two days ago.
You didn't get contact from him and neither did the agency, even if they actually sent Ginger to your ranch so she would keep you company and make sure you weren't lost in bad thoughts, even if she stood in your kitchen making you a cup of tea, always offering you dozens of stories in which Whiskey managed to save the day and showed up at the last minute, it still didn't work, quite the opposite, it made it everything worse. But you had to remain strong for the kids, there was no reason to spread panic, even if you were feeling panic yourself, you couldn't do that to them.
You hugged your little boy tight, burying your face into his soft curls, and smiled, looking at your precious Rosie, picking her up from her seat and holding her gently.
"Go ahead, love” you told your son and Wyatt smiled, giggling and tickling her tiny little feet.
"So… after daddy found out you were a little seed in mommy's tummy…”
And at your son's sweet words towards your daughter, your mind drifted off to the memories he was taking so much pride in telling her.
•••
“Honey, it's okay, I'm fine, our baby is fine” You'd told your cowboy for the third time but he wasn't convinced just yet, it had been a silly little accident and nothing more: you’d been playing tag with Wyatt and Jack outside when a chicken running lose crossed your path and your tripped over it. Thinking in retrospect, it wasn't silly, it was plain stupid actually, but the moment Jack saw you tumbling, he ran towards you as fast as possible, immediately lifting you up and placing his hand on your belly. The pregnancy was now two months along, and your soon-to-be husband was always in a state of alert, just like a guard dog, he wouldn't leave your side unless it was strictly necessary to, and at any slight glimpse of danger - well, his exaggerated conception of danger -, he would be ready to act.
"Sugar please, you fell down, that's something pregnant women aren't supposed to do, let's just go to town, get you to the clinic, have one of those fancy ultrasounds exams and make sure everything’s fine. Afterwards, Wyatt can have one of those happy meals he loves and you can check up any remaining wedding details you'd like to”
You both knew there was no detail you hadn't double checked in the month and a half you'd found out about the pregnancy. Your wedding was all set and ready to take place - a week from then, at the Daniels’ ranch. Everything was thoughtfully chosen, organized and done despite how fast things were going. However, the fear in that man's eyes made you nod and agree to his request. You knew you were okay, just as your baby was okay, but he didn't, not when his worst nightmare haunted him every single day, giving him no breaks or concessions; the horror of losing yet another child taking away his logical rational side more often than he'd liked. So you did it for him, for your worried cowboy. For the cowboy who wouldn't keep his hand away from your small baby bump and would pray silently for things to be okay.
“Alright Jack, let's go”
You gave in to his request and allowed him to help you climb up the Bronco, along with Wyatt safely tucked in the backseat just a few moments after he ran inside to grab you and himself a jacket. Your heart clenched with an overwhelming wave of love, your family was so perfect it didn't even seem to be real. As you watched the ranch become smaller and smaller in the rear mirror, Wyatt played with some dinosaur toys in the backseat, you noticed the cemetery entrance Whiskey drove by; the same cemetery Gabriella was buried with her unborn baby and that brought another pang towards your chest. You thought of her and her baby, and the joy and expectations she must've had, you thought of your own cowboy, and how hard it must've been for him to receive the news that destroyed his life. Placing your hand on your womb, you stroked it gently. You weren't worried until then, but the cold realization of what happened to your fiance, was enough to spike the doubt. Life was going so well for you, perhaps too well, and you worried at some point the good wave of luck would die out. Thoughts wandered, but a heavy hand rested on your thigh, snapping you out of your thoughts. Jack glanced at you, still keeping his attention on the road, but making sure to look into your eyes.
"It's going to be fine sugar, our sweet little bean is here, safe and sound”
You nodded thankfully for his words and tried calming down, knowing you'd be in town soon.
You could list the most emotional moments of your life: your first kiss, your first love, the first time you ever saw that pathetic handsome cowboy, the instant you fell in love with him, your first time with your cowboy, the first time you exchanged love words, finding out you were pregnant with Wyatt, listening to his first heartbeats and you could spend a lifetime listing all of those moments. So you figured the moment you heard your newest baby's heartbeat for the first time, you wouldn't become too emotional, but you were definitely wrong. The moment the loud heartbeat filled the room, your heart raced like crazy, looking around you saw your cowboy's eyes filled with tears, a sweet smile as he leaned in and pecked your lips gently, at the same time Wyatt's happy grin also caught your attention. The way he clapped his small hands so excitedly and giggled.
“See mommy? Baby sissy is alright!”
He said happily, as he was sure he would get a sister, and turns out, he was right all along.
That night, after Wyatt was safely tucked into bed, Jack came over to you, a basket and blankets in hand, a shit eating grin as he cornered you and kissed your cheeks, before going south and getting to your neck. Goosebumps spread all over your skin, you knew exactly what he was thinking of and you couldn't help but chuckle. He was still your handsome, charming silly cowboy and you loved him with every fiber of your being. He didn't even need to say anything, just offering you his hand, knowing you'd take it without questioning and without further ado, you two were quickly running through the green grass of the ranch, escaping to your old getaway spot, the one you'd spend uncountable hours with your cowboy, just enjoying the sunlight or the moonlight, relaxing and hiding away from everything and everyone. The early stages of your relationship, where you didn't know if you and the cowboy would actually become something more than a steamy affair, before even dreaming of getting pregnant with his child and going through everything you did. You would both get into your favorite date place: the barn.
Just a blanket to make things comfortable, some treats to nibble on and all the love flowing through your veins.
"It's been so long since we came here” you told Whiskey, as he opened the door and welcomed you after him. He didn't say anything, not before pressing you against the wall and stealing a kiss. And that cowboy was hungry for you. The way his hands gripped your waist before roaming over you, his heavy breathing and a whole new discharge of hormones thanks to your pregnancy, got you so worked up, your hands sinking into the softness of his hair, his stetson lying on the floor at how fast your make out session started.
"Missed you, sugar.. it was about time we came up to our good ol' barn, ain't it right? Just us… ‘cause mommy and daddy gotta have their fun” Jack's heavy breathing was so enticing to you, the way he hungrily went over to your neck and without you even noticing him, he had set the blanket on the floor, making it a cozy place for the two of you to lie down among stacks hay. Smooth dirty cowboy, must've done that a thousand times. If those barn walls could talk, they'd certainly tell the most explicit erotic tales, ones out of many that were actually starred by you. However, there was no place for jealousy of the past, instead you focused on the bright future you got ahead of you and the known fact you were now the only one going to the barn with your cowboy. No other woman would touch him but you, and that was priceless.
By the time you were both finished with your round, all that was left was resting against each other's body. His arms firmly wrapped around you, short nails scratching up and down your naked back, at the same time you nuzzled his chest. His warm skin and his heartbeat, those small details reminding you it was real. Your happiness was real. Love overflowing you at all times and nothing could be better at that moment. As you shifted and lay on your back, Jack's hand immediately rested on your baby bump. It was still quite small, but you could both see it taking its shape, it was your child growing healthy and strongly inside of you. The mixture of you and the cowboy, the final proof your love was so abundant it flooded into something more. Whiskey's hand stroked your skin, a distant smile on his face, as so much went through his mind. He couldn't help but experience so many feelings at once: love, fear, excitement, regret, grief. All of that mixed up in the handsome mess he was. He couldn't wait to meet his sweet daughter, because just like Wyatt, he was also certain it was time for a baby girl Daniels to make her debut in the family, yet, he couldn't help feeling the bitter taste of regret, thinking of all the wasted time and opportunity he could've spent around you and baby Wyatt. Thinking of how he could've and should've been there for you and him. Your first pregnancy, how everything was so new and scary, how hard and stressful things were, how much you and your son needed him. He closed his eyes and silently prayed for forgiveness, trying to convince himself better late than never, which was true, but he could've been a better man. His mind also drifted to very old times, when he wasn't much more than a boy recently graduated from high school, a wedding ring shining and a beautiful, young and bright Gabriella expecting their baby boy. She was supposed to have gone to college that year, if she hadn't gotten pregnant, Jack knew she would've made a great lawyer, exactly like she dreamed of; he often blamed himself for robbing her of her bright future, even if he knew he would've managed to work and given her and their son the best life possible. It was a topic he discussed several times in therapy and grief counseling. At first, he was adamant about not wanting to do it, but Champ only gave him two options: either treat his old deep wounds, or leave Statesman behind and start over with no job, no money, no support. And he was being kind, because more than once Jack heard people telling straight up to his face he should be rotting in jail. The truth was that Champ was right, he needed to, he should've treated himself years ago, it made him understand and finally accept that no one was to blame, but the killers who ended Gabriella's and the baby's lives. It made him see, he had loved them with all his heart, but he was still alive and he was entitled to be happy, he shouldn't feel guilty about loving someone else, about wanting to build a life with someone other than Gabriella, and above all, he understood that his sweet Gabriella would want the same for him, because he was sure if he was the one who died that night at a convenience store, he would never wish her a lifetime of sorrow and grief like he led.
"I think you're miles away from here, Jack…” your voice had snapped him out of his thoughts and brought him back to reality, just as your touch, fingers running through his hair as he chuckled and nodded.
"Just thinking about life, that's all”
"You know I love you, right, cowboy?”
“I do, just as I love you sugar. With my whole heart”
He pecked your lips and then got to your belly, his mustache tickling your skin as he left a trail of little butterfly kisses on your bump.
“And I love you too, baby, with all my soft old heart, a broken heart fixed with so much love and patience by your beautiful mama, your handsome big brother and by you, because I'm sure you're daddy's little sheep”
•••
"... So when you still lived in mommy's tummy, daddy called you little sheep, because you were too tiny to be a cowboy and also a girl” Wyatt giggled at his own joke and cooed as Rosie clapped her chubby hands. Your kids’ genuine happiness and innocence filled your heart with love and pride, and the fact your cowboy wasn't anywhere Statesman looked for him, only fueled the worst fears and thoughts you had going on. Raising your two kids on our own wouldn't be impossible, you'd done it before with Wyatt, you'd been strong enough to do it, but that was not the occasion any longer. You wanted your cowboy by your side, Jack and you were meant to be, you were married now and you wanted nothing more than to stay with him for the rest of your life, to watch your kids grow and grow old with him. You loved him with all your heart and that lack of news was driving you insane. Turning to Ginger, she simply shook her head, still no sign of him, and it pierced your heart. You wanted your sweet handsome Jack next to you, so you could both enjoy your family.
"... And then Rosie, mommy married daddy and it was under the willow tree! Remember we played snowman last Christmas there?! Mommy looked like a princess! Mommy, tell Rosie you looked like a princess!”
Wyatt tugged at you and caught your attention again, you kissed your daughter's head gently and then stroked your son's beautiful face. He was the sweetest child you'd ever met, he'd been your best friend for so long, you just nodded at his words.
"And you tell Rosie you looked like a tiny little prince and walked mommy down the aisle!”
“So Rosie…, Mommy and daddy's wedding was so fun! Let me tell you…”
•••
The arrangements for the wedding weren't as complicated as you thought they'd be, not when you had Whiskey by your side, always willing to make your dream - and his, come true. No matter the decoration, the dress, the flower arrangement or the buffet. Anything was perfect for him, because at the end of the day, you'd be his forever, his wife, the mother of his beautiful children. You'd sign your name as Mrs.Daniels, just like Wyatt and your baby would. And he couldn't wait for that to become true.
Taking advantage of the fact it was awfully warm for December, you both decided to hold the wedding at the ranch, where you could fit all the guests - nothing too much, just friends, some relatives, fellow agents on Whiskey's part, anyway - and all the other things implied by a wedding: a beautiful altar, a nice dance floor and all the great amount of flowers your cowboy insisted on you gifting you with, roses of course, he loved those as a little boy because his grandma and mama loved them, and it's a commonly well-known fact that above being a Mama's boy, Jack Daniels had been a grandma's boy, which only made you love him even more. He was a roses man, and you knew with all your heart that a little Rosie was growing up in your belly, the perfect mixture of your love and the cowboy's, just like your handsome, precious son Wyatt, was.
The location chosen at the ranch could only be by the willow trees, such a special place for you and your family, it was bound to become even more special. It would be the place where you and Jack would exchange your vows of always loving each other and your family; it was beautiful. The directions were also perfect, the exact balance between simple and elegant. Nothing to be too much, just some fairy lights carefully placed on the trees, white chairs on the green field and several roses of all colors scattered all over the place. You'd always heard men didn't usually take part in those details, but your Whiskey couldn't be further from that; he loved spending every moment helping you decide what you wanted and giving some of his thoughts too. The cake tasting was also another happy occasion: Jack made sure to take you to the best bakery in town, you, him and Wyatt had the hard task of trying a little bit of every cake available in order to pick the right one for the party. You, trusting your boys’ fine taste, you let them pick the cake: strawberry and cream. Everything seemed ready for the two of you to tie the knot. The dress was also easy to find, you weren't picky, you wanted something pretty and comfortable, that would make your baby bump discreet and allow you to enjoy your special day. Taking Wyatt with you so he would help you choose the best outfit, you simply loved how attentive and sweet he was, all the time he clapped his little hands and giggles
"You look pretty mommy!”
That's what you'd heard the most those days.
Your handsome cowboy on the other hand, had his suit completely figured out: after inviting some of the Kingsman agents, Eggsy sent your fiance a special fine tailored suit, the kind that fit your cowboy so perfectly and it hung tight to all the right places. He looked so good, too good it was almost impossible to be able to hold yourself back and honor the agreement you'd both made to wait until the wedding to sleep together again. It was quite silly to do that, but you remembered being younger and reading somewhere about how having a dry spell a few days before the wedding could fuel the honeymoon even more. You and Jack decided not to travel for your special getaway, he was still very worried about your health, no matter how many times your doctor assured both you and him things were alright with mama and the baby. There was also the fact you didn't have anyone to leave Wyatt with as well, he was a kind and sweet child to be around, but he wasn't used to being away from you for more than just a couple of days. Your mom was completely out of the picture and you and Jack didn't really feel comfortable in hiring someone to watch your boy on such short notice. A couple of weeks at your ranch, enjoying the upcoming end of the year festivities, your family and taking care of your pregnancy didn't sound that bad at all, you were looking forward to it and each time you saw Whiskey, your heart fluttered, thinking of all the happiness ahead of you.
Two days before your wedding, Wyatt woke up sneezing and sniffling, you had warned him not to spend too long around the river with his dad, you weren't certain what kind of vegetation was that, but it was enough to strike an allergic reaction in your little boy; and since Jack had been out to go fishing and Wyatt wouldn't leave his side for two seconds, it was understandable he didn't wake up feeling great, which made you give him some antiallergics in order for him to feel better. It'd worked to an extent, if it weren't for the fact the antiallergic your son got was the drowsy kind and it put him down to sleep through the whole afternoon, so without Wyatt's usual presence around you, always playing or asking millions of those thoughtful and creative questions, you took some time for yourself, relaxing and lying on the couch, waiting for Whiskey to be home. Your future husband was as excited for the wedding as you were, he couldn't wait to say ‘I do’ and finally be able to be your husband, and yet, you could still see there were some days in which Jack's mind wandered and he seemed so lost in thought. Or late at night, it wouldn't be rare to get up to grab a glass of water and find him looking out the window, silently and reflexively, just staring into the darkness outside the window. You hadn't asked what was going on, suspecting it had to do with something extremely intimate, and that didn't worry you one bit, your love was strong and your cowboy was devoted to you, perhaps it was something to do with those ugly thoughts he dealt with a while back; although he'd assured you he still went to the his therapist appointments regularly and things were much better in that sense then. Eventually, you felt your eyes getting heavier and heavier, and you ended up dozing off, your body fully relaxed against the comfortable couch and the warmth of the sunshine coming through the big window.
The distant sound of the Bronco's engine wasn't enough to wake you up by itself, you were so tired, a combination of your pregnancy and all the rush you had been settling things, all you needed was just a couple of hours of extra sleep and you'd be all set. Your sweet cowboy knew that more than you did, so he just tiptoed his way into the kitchen in order not to disturb you. The cowboys sweet tooth was really making him lose focus, so he had to grab a slice of that delicious cake you'd made him; no matter how many times you'd told Jack he looked the same sexy cowboy as always, he was sure he was growing a soft belly, and that was certainly due to your great cooking and mostly baking skills. And yet, he couldn't care less about it. He would trade any abs and fit body in the world for the happiness of your shared domestic bliss. He was so absentmindedly eating his second slice of cake - it was just too good to stop in the first one, he didn't even notice you approaching him, only when you placed your delicate hand on his back he managed to turn around and give you a smile as best as possible, due to the amount of cake he was eating, so you just chuckled and shook your head
“Chew it slowly cowboy” you said sweetly and wiped some crumbles off his cheek and then went to his chest, doing the same with his shirt. His free immediately rested on your belly as he grinned.
"How's the little cowboy?”
"He's alright… I'd like to talk about the big cowboy, though” you told him and saw his puzzled face as you chuckled and wrapped your arms around his neck. Jack's body was so broad and strong, it simply made you always feel safe and quite turned on, although you couldn't get distracted by him. His arms wrapped around your body, heavy hands resting on the small of your back as he sighed, he hoped he wasn't in trouble, although he had quite a good guess what you wanted to talk about. He placed a peck on top of your head and looked into your eyes.
“What is it, sugar?”
"I want to know what's going on, cowboy… I know you're excited about our wedding, just as I am, but sometimes you just get so lost in thought, you wake up in the middle of night and underneath all that spark of happiness, I still see some melancholy underneath… I don't want to see you sad, Jack”
He closed his eyes when he felt your hand on his cheek, the slightest caress was already so comforting for that broken cowboy; he was a screw up but he had the best intentions, all he wanted was to make you happy without having to worry about losing the three of you. You, Wyatt and the baby being much more than he ever deserved, he just wished he didn't worry so much about everything all the time. Taking a seat on the chair and pulling you to his lap, he rested his face on your cleavage, sighing as he wondered if he should actually open up and tell you what was constantly on his mind. What if you somehow misinterpreted what he meant?! What if you got angry with him and his over protection? So many things ran through his mind as he remained in silence for a few seconds, until once more that healing caress of yours snapped him out of his newest wave of melancholy, this time tangled into his messy hair, you could see the tension dissolving from his shoulders and how he was ready to talk.
"I'm so happy with everything that's going on… our wedding, our baby, our cowboy Wyatt growing up stronger than a horse, I spent so long thinking I could never be happy in my life only to be the happiest man in the world. I'm so thankful to you for all of that, sugar. You made me a better man, you made me want to be better for you and our family and now we're welcoming a new baby into our lives, I can't help my excitement to do this with you, sugar, it's my dream coming true”
The cowboy said honestly, this time he was the one who held your face between his hands, caressing it gently and being so delicate towards you like he'd always been. Still, you knew him, being sure there was a little bit more to it than just the pure excitement.
"And…?”
Whiskey licked his lips and gave you a sad smile, seeing nothing would go past you unnoticed, not when it came to him at least. He felt pretty happy and safe because of that, his heart warm at how sweet you were.
“And my mind keeps taking me back to when I was young… All this wedding preparation going on reminds me of the first time I got married… how young and naive I was, how happy Gabriella got, and how hopeful we were when lil Jack was growing in her belly” he swallowed hard and lowered his eyes “please sugar, don't think I'm comparing you two or that I still love Gabriella in that way, but it makes me sad to think my boy could've become a man, a big strong cowboy, and his mama should be a hell of a successful woman by now. I know I discussed this hundreds if not thousands of times over the years, but their fate was just so unfair, and along with that, the fear of losing you and our beautiful little family the way I lost them starts creeping up in my chest and I just get so paranoid over everything an-”
You interrupted your cowboy with a kiss; touching his lips with yours, feeling the warmth of him irradiating onto you, the way his arms wrapped around you and he deepened the kiss, loving to have a taste of you, especially when his mouth couldn't make the right words, he knew his heart could, and above all, your heart could listen to it. And you understood it, you really did, it wasn't because Jack still thought of his late wife, not in that way, but he just couldn't help wondering what would've happened if things didn't go the tragic way they did. Your cowboy was a romantic and sensitive man, no matter what he tried saying or doing. You broke the kiss with a gentle smile and took his hand “come on, cowboy, let's go for a ride” you told him as you dragged him out of the kitchen, stopping midway just to let Helen know you and Jack would be gone for a while and she should keep an eye on Wyatt just in case.
The walk to the stables was quick, as your cowboy didn't hesitate in going after you, still slightly puzzled as to why you decided to go out like that, but the moment he saw your smile, he went soft: he would do anything for you. You finally let go of his hand and went to Silver Pony, greeting her and petting her head, warming up his heart. Jack loved how sweet and kind to the animals he kept at the ranch you were, knowing you loved that beautiful horse, just as much as Wyatt loved his beautiful little pony, he frowned softly as he saw you getting the saddle and putting it on your horse.
"I thought we'd agree you wouldn't ride horses for now, you know, to prevent stuff in case you fall or-” you interrupted your cowboy with another peck on the lips, knowing he wouldn't resist further than that. Smiling you shook your head slightly
"You know, it's funny you don't want me to ride a horse but you do want me to ride a cowboy every single night” you winked as you saw a slight red shade crossing his cheeks before he cleared his throat “come on, Jack, I'll be safe, I'll be with you, you're the best cowboy in the world, the best I've ever seen, we'll just take a short ride and that's it…”
And with your puppy eyes, you managed to convince him. Like you always did.
And you were right after all, the ride was short and calm, nothing different went on, as you two exited the ranch entrance and took the small side road towards the fruit trees, the cowboy just assumed you were going to pick up some to make a dessert or something similar, but the moment you crossed the fruit path and walked a bit further, stopping by the cemetery, was when he finally realized what you'd had in mind. He did not see that coming, a part of him still tried to deflect him from considering that, but when he saw you getting off Silver Pony and picking up some flowers, it was the confirmation he needed.
“S-sugar, why? Why are we here?”
He asked as you took his arm and made your way inside of that holy place.
"I think it's important, maybe this will ease your mind, Jack… I know how hard this subject still is for you, and I also know you haven't visited her in a while. I think it's important for you, and well, for me too, that way we can soothe these feelings that still haunt you, cowboy. Let's go, I do it with my heart open”
And with your encouraging words, your cowboy Jack Daniels took your hand and walked towards his late wife's grave, knowing it was always a bittersweet feeling, but above all, necessary. He hadn't been there in a while, it was almost as if he'd lost the habit of doing so, not feeling that need of visiting them, not after he started attending therapy and realized he had to let his first family go, not after he realized he needed to fight for the family he had with you and that was the most important thing. Still, around special dates such as their anniversary or worse, the anniversary of their passing, he felt he had to honor them by showing up and leaving a couple of flowers. Jack was also aware that you visited their grave once and it warmed his heart. You took some of your time to acknowledge their existence in a substantial way and not treat them as if they were just his weird obsession. Once he realized you both stood in front of the tombstone, he took a deep breath. No matter if years and decades went by, the sight of their names written there always pierced his heart. He knew his relationship with Gabriella could've taken so many turns if she hadn't died: they could've been together until this day or they could've split up, they could still have feelings for each other or hate each other's guts, so many possibilities, none of them would ever come true, but what shattered his heart for real, was to think of his little boy, think of his little Jack, still so small and fragile inside his mommy's tummy, unlike Gabriella, Jack never got to hold him, never got to look into his eyes or caress his hair. Technically, it should've been easier for him to get over the loss of someone he had never met, but it wasn't, if anything, it was even worse, because he could never stop himself from wondering what would've happened. Would his son be good at school or get bad grades? Would be a mama's boy like Whiskey himself was as a kid or would he be rebellious? If he'd followed his dad's step and found his sweetheart earlier in life, there was a fat chance Whiskey would be a grandpa by then.
But those ifs and might-have-beens were just spiculation. There was no way to know it, and not to descend into madness once more living off daydreams and made up scenarios, was that he seeked help. He was better now, better than he'd ever been, but at emotional times like those, it was quite difficult not to be caught in the moment, so he felt startled when you placed your hand on his shoulder.
"Do you want me to go and give you some time?” You suggested as you placed the flowers on Gabriella's and the baby's graves, you had a gut feeling that moment was important for your cowboy, but now that you were actually there, you felt slightly dislocated, not knowing exactly what to do or what to say, it felt so intimate to be there, to see Jack's eyes fill up with tears, but instead of asking you for a moment, he tightened his grip around your hand and kept you in place. The two of you closed your eyes and said a silent prayer to his first family. You thanked Gabriella for taking care of your Jack and promised her you would make him happy, not letting him fall into his old depressive habits again; you also wished her and her baby's soul peace and happiness in heaven. Jack, on the other hand, prayed for them and for his new family, he told them he would always keep them both in his heart but it was time to let them rest, they'd never be forgotten or unloved, but the cowboy had another family to love and protect, he asked them for their blessing and he burst out crying when he spotted a blue butterfly on Gabriella's grave. She used to love butterflies and blue was her favorite color. It could've been a sign or not, he wasn't really sure, but the fact was that a weight seemed to be lifted off his chest at the same time he pulled you for a hug and thanked you for going there with him.
Truth was: if roles were reversed and Jack had died that night instead of Gabriella, he would've wanted her to move on and find peace and love with someone who could truly make her happy, so he finally realized and convinced himself there was no reason for him to do that, his late wife would've wanted the same.
•••
As Ginger got off the phone and paced the room, you felt your throat tightening with anxiety and worry; your chest was so heavy and the tears threatened to splurge from your eyes at any moment, there was still no sign of your cowboy and the way Ginger seemed tense as she whispered information with whoever was at the agency, only brought you even more fear of having lost your husband. You eyed the kids, who behaved perfectly and it pained you not being able to appreciate that, you wish you could sit down with them, talk and play, smile and hold them, but at that moment you were so unavailable, all you needed was to have some news from your cowboy, that was all you wished for; you wish you could hold him tight, you wish you could feel his presence, his warm, his scent all over you again. You craved your cowboy, your husband, and you couldn't even begin to consider the possibility of not having him anymore, at the same time those depressive thoughts were the only ones that crossed your mind. Wyatt complained about being hungry and as much as you should have gotten up and started making him dinner, you simply couldn't move yourself from your seat. Everything hurt and the way Ginger hung up and simply shook her head, signaling there were still no words about your cowboy, just shattered your heart. You discreetly dried a single tear and nodded at her, as you buried your hand into your son's curly hair - exactly like his dad's when he went a few extra weeks without a pretty decent trim. Even at your gentle caress, Wyatt still whined about being hungry, but seeing you were under no conditions of making them dinner, Ginger offered herself to make him some mac&cheese while Helen immediately stepped up to prepare Rosie's bottle. You thanked them and enjoyed a moment of silence as you were left in the living room by yourself. You shook your head thinking of things you couldn't actually change, but if you had that power you would've insisted him to stay, not to take that last mission, the future for the two of you along with the kids was just so bright, you had so many possibilities, he didn't need the money, he should've just stayed home with you. It should be a quiet evening, having a family dinner together, feeding and bathing the kids and then snuggling in bed, feeling those quick strong hands of his, roaming all over your body while those devilish lips whispered the most sinful things in your ear.
If only.
You sighed and got up, walking around the living room, stretching your legs and trying to control that huge sadness that seemed to have taken over you like a dark thick shadow that wouldn't go away. As you went to the window and watched it how the overcast sky had turned into a dark night, cold night, you saw the trees moving softly with the wind, which blew coldly through the leaves, you thought of how thoughtful Jack had become those early days before the wedding, how he would just stare outside and allow his mind to drift away, you knew now he had thought of his late wife and how things could've been different for her, you didn't want to think of that, because your troubled mind would wonder if you had really lost your husband already, if your worst nightmare had become true, if he would be reunited with Gabriella at that moment. So many ifs, as much as you fought that thought it didn't seem so distant which made you gasp and finally broke into tears. It was torture. Your heart was broken.
When you looked out the window once more, your eyes were still blurred with tears, as you tried controlling yourself, knowing it wasn't the time for your kids to see your outburst, so at first, you didn't actually see that curious figure moving in the darkness, it wouldn't even make sense to you, no one could be possibly wandering around, the glimpse of a mysterious figured might've been confused with a hallucination, but not the sound of a horse's hooves approaching the house. That was very real, you realized, the moment you raised your head and frowned trying to see exactly who it was. It wasn't possible, was it? The thing you'd been praying for the most for the past couple of days, had you fallen asleep? Were you dreaming? You wouldn't be able to tell, not with that anxiety bombing you completely making you feel as if your heart was about to beat right out of your chest. Not holding back anymore, you simply ran to the front door, opening it and rushing towards the knight in shining armor coming back home to you.
"Jack!!!” You screamed at the top of your lungs, your face filled with pure emotion as your depressing, pained tears were quickly replaced by happy ones, the relief you felt was enough to spread through your body and make it weak, having the sensation you could reach the ground at any moment, but there was no problem, your cowboy was finally back home.
Noticing you, your despair and your eagerness to see him, Jack immediately got off the couch and finished the path towards you by running. Welcoming you into his eyes, you jumped on him, crying and gripping his body against yours as if your life depended on it. You cried as you felt his hands running up and down your back, the way he whispered sweet little soothing words, reminding you he was finally safely home. You couldn't believe it, one moment you felt terrified you'd have to move onto a sad, depressing life without your cowboy, and then next, he was right there, for you. You also knew he was tired, hungrily, bruised and in need of a shower and certainly a lot of Ginger’s painkillers, but you allowed yourself to be a little bit more selfish and keep him to yourself, holding your husband and taking every bit of him.
"It's okay sugar, I'm home… it was the last one, I promise you, from now on, I'm retired Agents Whiskey, no more leaving my family behind to risk my life for others” he promised you with his whole heart, not being able to take your sadness at the realization of how much you'd suffered with him gone. He couldn't do that to you nor your family, he had priorities in life, and they would always be you, Wyatt and Rosie.
The way Jack kept you in his embrace, face buried into your neck, your sweet scent reminding him of home and showing him that just like you, he wasn't dreaming, he was indeed back home from a mission he didn't die for a true miracle, his heart calmed down. You could've stayed in that embrace forever, it was all your heart begged and ached for, nothing more or nothing less, and the only thing that was able to break that hug was when Wyatt's voice shouted a happy “daddy!!!” at the top of his little lungs, followed by Rosie's cooes and loud baby noises, the cowboy's eyes filled with tears at that scene. It wasn't just his sugar, it was also his kids claiming for him, his family who waited hopefully and patiently for him to come home to. He opened his arms to them, Wyatt running as fast as his favorite horse and Rosie being brought in by Helen, but it didn't take very long until she was in her daddy's arms, cooing and gripping his cheeks like she always did while he kissed her sweet face. There was no reason to cry or be sad about stuff, the Daniels were reunited again.
•••
The next couple of hours went by in a blur, you felt anesthetized at everything that went on, and while Jack had to sit down with Ginger - and Champ who arrived about an hour later and got them all locked into your cowboy's office, Helen insisted you to take a bath, followed by a calming herb tea, while she kept an eye on the kids for you.
You never really knew what went on during the mission, it was top secret after all, the only thing you were informed about was that the mission was dangerous, but a success, and Jack Daniels, now retired and former Agent Whiskey had been a hero. As a thank you for all the years of service, Champ gifted your husband with a significant part of the Statesman's shares, which would assure you and your family a comfortable future to put it mildly. Not only that, but he also offered your cowboy his CEO job, not the whole chain, but from the local factory, which meant he didn't have to drive more than just a few miles until the distillery, sit down at his desk, get his demands done and come back at the end of the day to see his beautiful family. It certainly brought you a big relief, your cowboy would be safe and sound and your kids would grow up with their dad around.
Once everyone finally went home, Jack had clarified all the professional details, he was able to shower, eat and have you take care of his wounds, stitching him up and patching him up, he was finally good to go. Of course, he had a 5 o'clock growing due to the days he was unable to shave, but he would have enough time for that. The important thing was that the four of you lay on the couch of your living room, relaxing and letting the calmness sink in. Your cowboy sighed relieved as he rubbed your arm up and down, at the same time the kids yawned but fought so hard their sleep. Wyatt was rubbing his little eyes, and yet, he didn't want to go to sleep at all, his tiny little hands caressed Rosie's thin and soft hair, the one that smelled like strawberry baby shampoo and he loved it. He giggled at her, who returned her big brother's affection by giving him a sweet gummy smile.
"Mommy, daddy, can I continue telling Rosie about the wedding?” Wyatt asked between yawns as Jack chuckled and nodded, his fingers toying with his son's soft curls, the feeling of his feeling surrounding him was better than anything he'd ever experienced before.
"Go ahead little cowboy, just don't forget telling your pretty little sister how beautiful mama was”
At his daddy's incentives, Wyatt let out one last long yawn and looked at his sister.
“So, Rosie… about mommy's and daddy's wedding. Mommy was so pretty!”
•••
The unusual warmth for December allowed you to have the wedding of your dreams: right by the willow trees, just as you had fantasized about since you were just Whiskey's girlfriend a few years back. Time flew by just as a lot of things between the two of you, things that had finally been settled and worked on, and your happy ending was near. You stared at yourself in the mirror, in awe at the fact the wedding dress suited you way better than you thought it would. It was a relief, as your pregnancy progressed, one of your bride's fears was not fitting into your special dress on your even more special day. Luckily, that wasn't the case. Everyone who helped you get ready, had been nothing but kind and honest, when they all told you you looked beautiful, but none of these compliments were nearly as heart warming as your son's, whose little eyes got brighter the moment he spotted you. He had insisted on getting dressed along with his dad, since he was convinced cowboys should help each other, but once he was ready in his adorable cowboy attire, he insisted on helping his mama this time, after all, you two had been best friends for a long time, so it was fair he would be by your side. Not only that, since he'd been officially invited to walk you down the aisle, Wyatt had noticed how important his task was, and he didn't want to do his mommy dirty, he wanted things to be perfect, so once he rushed to you, you simply got on your knees to hug your little man. In a way, if it weren't for him, none of that would be happening.
"You're beautiful, mommy!”
There was something Wyatt wasn't tired of saying, perhaps it was all the kindness you had in your heart you used to raise him well, or maybe he was just taking after his dad in being a charming cowboy, it was still too early to figure it out, but what really mattered for you, was how proud you were of the little human being he was becoming. Those were motivational things that assured you things were on the right track, when it came to raising and loving your family. As you twirled and your son clapped in excitement, he giggled and wrapped his little arms around your legs once more, not containing his urge of hugging his mommy once more. It never crossed his witty mind that it could wrinkle your beautiful dress in any way, but if you were being honest, neither did it go through your own mind. You'd never refuse any of your beloved ones’ caresses out of fear of wrinkling a piece of clothes. Things were perfect the way they were, you couldn't want anything more for the three - well, now four, of you.
"Mommy! Daddy’s so nervous! He can't wait” Wyatt whispered between his giggles, not sure if that was gossiping or not, but he didn't see any harm in telling his mommy about important things like that, and those were important to him. You chuckled and held him again, placing a peck on top of his head and nodding.
“Well, I'm nervous too… it's a dream daddy and I have, you know? It's coming true… it's like having so many butterflies in your tummy, kinda like when it's your birthday and you can't wait, that's all you can think of and you feel as if your tummy is funny but in a good way?!” You explained to him the best way you could, a way you knew your son was going to understand and you couldn't be happier about the face Wyatt was so damn smart. Good thing both your and the Daniels genes were a good mixture, because he took you by the hand with his smaller one and nodded.
“It's time mommy!”
The walk from the house to the willow trees didn't seem to be that long before your wedding day, you could've sworn things were a lot easier than they seemed at that moment, but each time you looked at your son's pure determination in taking you to his daddy, your heart calmed down. You figured your husband was as nervous as you were, but not only that, he was probably as happy as you were too, and in addition to it, he must've been so handsome. You just didn't expect him to be that handsome. So handsome that the moment you reached the willow tree path, everything seemed blurry and not so important. The decorations you knew were beautiful, the fairy lights on the trees, the roses all scattered around, the guests, all of your friends, fellow agents and important people who took part in your lives, all of that simply came second the moment you spotted your cowboy. Jack was so handsome, the gorgeous, flawless suit he'd been gifted by Eggsy and the Kingsman simply fit him like a velvet glove, perhaps it was that, or the way he took off his cowboy hat in respect at your entrance, knowing you should be the spotlight, after all, you were the bride, just not any bride, you were his bride and that was enough to make that old mushy heart beat nearly out of his chest. It was like nothing existed at that moment except you and him, and once the song played and your son took you by the hand, accomplishing the very expected task given to him, you could barely believe that was real, but it was, and you were marrying your cowboy.
As you stood in front of your fiance, you swore you never felt such a stronger wave of love for him. You both had gone over so many things, but in the end, love overcame it all and there was no other way things would be like, you and him would finally be together, married, before the men and before God, forever and ever.
"You look gorgeous, sugar” he whispered and took your hand, kissing it gently, before he turned to the priest and you did the same. The ceremony was short and full of beautiful words, exactly like you and Jack wanted. No boring services where you both and the guests would fall asleep halfway towards it. Your cowboy always defended the idea of small ceremonies and large parties, and you couldn't agree more. When you were both pronounced husband and wife, he kissed you, and you returned the kiss, the way he held you in his arms showing you it was real and meant to be, oh that cowboy meant business. But he didn't just stop there, once he broke the kiss, he got on his knees in front of you, like the gentleman he was and pecked your stomach very gently. An obvious and yet extremely delicate way of breaking the news to the world there was a new member of the Daniels family on their way.
•••
As you carried an asleep Rosie into your eyes while Jack did the same with Wyatt - your husband was a gentleman, he carried the heavier one so your back wouldn't hurt - he couldn't help but chuckle.
"He fell asleep before telling her about our wedding party, that was a good one”
"And he couldn't even get to her birth either, but don't worry Jack, I'm sure we'll all be gifted with his version of the facts, all they gotta do is recharge their batteries for a little while and they'll be good to go, way better than us, by the way, because I'm exhausted”
"Me too, sugar”
Your cowboy planted a sweet peck on your lips, watching as you placed Rosie carefully in her crib and covered her up, tucking your gorgeous daughter in and allowing her to fly into her sweet dreams. Then, it was your son's turn, you followed Jack into Wyatt's little cowboy room and watched him do the same, tucking your son gently and wishing him sweet dreams with the loveliest whisper and closing the door behind him. And then it was just the two of you, finally the two of you.
As Jack took you to your shared bedroom, you could already see a hint of sadness in his eyes. He was sure you were about to enquire about what happened on that mission, but the only thing you did was approach your cowboy carefully and slowly and kiss him. Feeling his heavy hands resting on your hips as they brought you closer to him at the same time you wrapped your arms around his broad width. Things didn't have to rush, not now, not at the moment where you were so deep into his caresses. As he broke the kiss, you stroked his cheek.
"I know, Jack. I know you aren't supposed to talk about what happened on that mission, I'm aware it's top secret, but I also know you nearly died, so I just want to tell you I'm thrilled to know you aren't doing it again, I'm so happy you've finally retired, that way I don't have to worry about not having you coming back home to me, and well, us, your kids, your family. I just love you with all my heart, and I don't think I'd bear becoming a widow…”
Your lips were immediately connected with his, as he felt the urge of kissing you once more, the way your words stung - because he knew you were correct, he knew missions were getting more and more dangerous, either that or perhaps Jack was becoming too old for that. But he also knew he had no right to screw things up, not when you two had built a gorgeous family, he didn't have the right to take that away from you by letting you become a widow, and god forbid Jack die before enjoying his marriage and kids. It wouldn't be fair, not after everything you two fought so hard for - still, your words melted his heart all at once, he loved you endlessly, more than anything in the world, and he wished he knew how to word that out for you, so a gentle kiss was the best he could come up at that moment.
“You won't lose me, sugar. I promise you that much, you got all of me, I am retired and I'll be around so much you gonna get tired of my face all the time”
“I doubt that, cowboy… I love you”
"I love you too, my beautiful sugar. You're the woman of my dreams, my beautiful wife” Jack kissed your hands as he wrapped his arms around you, placing you down the bed and straddling you. He was having his way with you that night, something the two of you anticipated so much. There was nothing you wanted more than to sink into your cowboy's arms. Forever.
•••
What Wyatt failed to tell his little sister before the two of them fell asleep exhaustedly wasn't the biggest part of the story, but you were sure he would've told her how good the yummy food was - and that he was the one who helped you pick it all up, and in case you and their daddy decided to get married again, for the party purpose of course, and nothing remotely similar to a breakup, Wyatt was sure you'd call Rosie for her help too. He would also tell her about how pretty it was to see the two of you waltzing, exactly like a princess and a prince, and how you and his daddy danced with Wyatt on the dance floor until he was too tired to remember what happened next. For the following months, there was nothing more than just pure bright happiness in that ranch. Wyatt started school, he was still in kindergarten, and as much as you and Jack were proud of your little boy, you could've sworn you saw a single tear run down your tough cowboy's cheek. He was thinking of how many important things he'd missed from his son's life, but that wasn't going to happen again. He was a present dad, the kind of person to attend any type of teacher-parent conference and be there all the time for his kids. He loved them with all his heart, and with the months progressing along with your pregnancy, Jack had stayed by your side at any given opportunity. He loved you, and he loved his baby girl, and every single night he dreamed of her; he dreamed of her sweet face, a face that resembled yours, as well as Wyatt's, and even resembled his own. He wondered what her hair and eye color would be like, and as he saw your pregnant belly swollen with his baby, the love seed he planted there, it also made his own heart swollen with pride.
When you woke up cramping and soon enough your water broke, he felt he had won the damn Superbowl, driving you to the hospital in his Bronco at the speed of light and later on having Helen pick up Wyatt from school and take him to the hospital. By the time your lovely little cowboy was officially a big brother to your newest bundle of joy: Rose Marie Daniels.
Although Wyatt insisted on calling her Rosie because he thought it was cuter and the nickname sort of caught on. If you usually went by ‘sugar’, your husband and son went by ‘cowboy’, why couldn't your beautiful daughter go by ‘Rosie’ after all?
And so went on your life as a married woman to the man of your dreams and your two beautiful children. There was nothing you could ask for, you had it all, and you loved every single part of it.
•••
A whole year had passed: your cowboy had finally gotten used to his retirement, out go super secret dangerous missions, and in come mornings spent at the distillery, supervising the production of the finest Statesman's liquor, afternoons spent taking care of the ranch and carrying Rosie all over, as the two of them waited eagerly for Wyatt to come home from school. You had talked to your husband about daycare, he knew it was quite a good idea, his baby daughter was smart and fast as a thunder, but the mere idea of sending her off to spend the whole day away from him was enough to tear his heart apart: he couldn't go without watching silly little cartoons, or making cute piggy tails on her soft hair and allow her to take a daily nap on top of his chest and belly. She was almost turning two, and as much as it mesmerized him to see her blossoming and growing up so fast, it still saddened him to see how fast time flew by. He was getting a third kid fever, but he wasn't sure if it was happening; maybe it was, he still needed to talk to you about it, but those were later plans, he still had so much to do with his life, with his family, he wanted to enjoy Wyatt, who was now nearly turning 8. His beautiful Rosie was practically a toddler now, and there was nothing more he enjoyed in the world than picking up Wyatt from school and letting the kids run loose with you in the green fields while he grilled his famous burgers. Those were special days, because they had nothing elaborated in them, just a family moment among the Daniels, something the brokenhearted cowboy thought he would never get, but turns out he did. He deserved it all. After trying so hard to convince himself he didn't, after trying to convince himself he was just a heartless man, he was shown he wasn't a horrible human being as the two of you had thought several times. You two had come along a long way, but in the end, things had worked out, because your love was big and strong, and nothing in the world could come between you.
As you watched Wyatt and Rosie playing with Silver Star, you walked to Jack, wrapping your arms around his body and kissing him deeply. His face was smooth as always and his mustache always trimmed, just as you loved kissing and riding quite often. You smirked at him and snuggled him.
“So, have you made up your mind, honey?”
"About what, sugar?”
“You know, running for mayor in this upcoming election..”
You and Jack had discussed it, more likely drunkenly discussing the possibility, you didn't know if he had actually meant that, but you knew your husband well enough to see that fire in his eyes and the genuine will to help the ones in need and give it back to the city that took him in. He returned the smile and kissed your neck, warning a groan from you.
"I still don't know, I think of it sometimes, it would be nice, I know I'd have support from you, the kids and quite a lot of people in town, but I worry it would make our lives too exposed you know, and I don't want that, I love our life the way it is, how happy and calm those kids are, I don't know about mixing up things…”
“Well, I want you to remember I love you and I'll support you no matter what. I gotta admit it makes me feel a little nervous to have this possibility of getting into politics and having our lives changing completely, although I'm sure I'd love to call you Mr.Mayor”
And at that naughty line, you earned a smack on your butt, making you squirm softly and see your cowboy really enjoyed the nickname, even if he didn't try running for mayor. Still, there was something else you knew he wanted, it could be a future plan too, but it wouldn't hurt to talk about it.
"You know, I was thinking that maybe in the near future, we could have a third baby… what about adopting this time?”
And your cowboy's heart nearly exploded with happiness and excitement. There was nothing he wanted more than seeing his family grow. No matter if it was by blood or simply by love, for a man who bought a ranch to fill it in with broken promises and lost dreams, nothing made him happier than to see his family running all over that place with so much joy and excitement. The happy giggles and squeals, and to think that could even grow, it was just an endless bliss, the kind of bliss Jack Daniels, former Agent Whiskey had to pinch himself and make sure he wasn't asleep, but instead, it was his lovely, beautiful reality.
"Daddy!!! We're hungry!”
Wyatt chimed in as he ran to him, followed by Rosie, who clung to her dad as if her little life depended on it.
"Yes, daddy, we’we hungwy!” She imitated her big brother, still not able to pronounce the R’s properly and making her daddy's heart melt into a puddle of love and affection. He got on his knees, wrapping his arms around his children. He loved them with all his heart. Just as much as he loved you, deeply, more than anything he had ever loved anyone.
Jack Daniels, former Agent Whiskey, a man whose heart was once broken, was now a man full of love. He was devoted to his wife and his beautiful kids, nothing in the world mattered more than them and for someone who had been known as a heartless man, he was nothing but love and comfort for you, Wyatt and Rosie.
The four of you were perfect for each other and maybe in the near future, there would be another addition to the Daniels, but until then, that cowboy was going to devote himself completely to you.
He wasn't ever called a heartless man again, not with that amount of love he felt overflowing through himself. He loved and he received love, just like he was supposed to, just like he deserved it.
____
A/N: thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you all for the kindness and the support you all showed me with this story. It's been nearly a year of what should've been just a one shot and turned into a 20 chapter piece of work! I'm so happy and proud of myself for being able to write this beautiful story, nothing cheers up my heart more than knowing you all showed me so much love! Please besties, it's been a long ride, so if you can, leave me a feedback for our cowboy's last ride, I hope you've enjoyed it, as much as I did! Love you all and once more, thank you for the support ❤️💫
#pedro pascal#pedro pascal x reader#pedro pascal x you#pedro pascal x y/n#pedro pascal fanfic#pedro pascal fanfiction#pedro pascal series#agent whiskey#agent whiskey x reader#agent whiskey x you#agent whiskey x y/n#agent whiskey fanfiction#agent whiskey fanfic#agent whiskey series#jack daniels x reader#jack daniels#jack daniels x you#jack daniels x y/n#jack daniels fanfiction#jack daniels fanfic#jack daniels series#agent whiskey kingsman#kingsman
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Sleep Tight - E.M.
Pairing: Single Dad Eddie Munson x Fem Reader
Word Count: 3.8K (this may have gotten away from me)
Warning: fluff, idiots to lovers, a couple of curse words
Notes: This has been living in my brain for days, and I had to get it out. So everywhere I've read Eddie as a dad, he has a little girl. Don't get me wrong, I love it. But can you imagine him with a little boy who is his tiny doppelganger? Dead.
For this, I picture Eddie and Reader as having known each other since they were kids, and both were close growing up. Eddie flunked his first senior year, and reader graduated and left Hawkins for college. They kept in touch for a while but eventually drifted apart. She returns to Hawkins and reconnects with Eddie and his 4-year-old son. Mom has been out of the picture since he was born, and I picture Eddie as a mechanic who plays with Corroded Coffin on the weekends.
Eddie and Reader are 28 in this (takes place in 1994). An AU where the Upside Down doesn't exist, and Eddie lives.
Divider from @firefly-graphics
"Daddy, rain!"
Eddie and Y/N paused from the couch as they looked at the small four-year-old excitedly pointing out the window. The rain shouldn't have been a surprise; it had been gray and overcast all day. Eddie walked over to the front window, looked outside, and noticed a bright flash of lightning followed by thunder less than three seconds later. Before he could say anything, the skies opened up, and a torrential downpour began to beat on his roof.
"Crap, I should probably leave if I'm gonna make it home in one piece," Y/n pondered as she joined the two Munson boys at the window.
"Are you insane? There's no way I'm letting you leave now." Y/N had joined Eddie at his home for dinner instead of at Benny's due to his son's babysitter canceling last minute. The three had spent the evening playing, eating pizza, and finally settling to watch Ghostbusters. She had been on the verge of excusing herself for the evening when the storm had come upon them.
"Eds, my car will be fine. Besides, I can't stay the night." Y/N casually tried to motion to his son, who was now staring at her and preparing himself to bring out the big guns.
"But I thought we were having fun." Ronnie Wayne Munson was his father on a 24-year delay. He had the same wild curly brown hair and brown cow eyes as Eddie, and based on how he looked at Y/N, she knew his father had taught him how to use them to his advantage.
"Look, far be it for me to question the integrity of your Honda, but it’s not like this would be the first time you had to stay; you used to crash all the time when we were kids. Besides, it's unsafe to be on the road right now. You can't even see the house across the street!". Y/N turned back towards the window, and she had to admit that Eddie was right. Even with streetlights, the house across the street was nearly impossible to see. She sighed before looking at Eddie and his boy standing next to him, both with expectant looks on their eager faces.
"Okay, I'll stay."
"Hooray!" Ronnie yelled as he ran up to give her a hug. Eddie beamed at Ronnie. He was usually reserved around new people, but as soon as Y/N had reappeared in Hawkins two months ago after a ten-year absence, Ronnie had taken an instant liking to her. The little boy seemed as infatuated with her as his father had been years before.
"So, how late is this party going to go on?" Y/N asked as Ronnie climbed back onto the couch.
"Well, little man's bedtime is usually 7pm..." Ronnie looked at Eddie with a sad face. Y/N had just agreed to stay the night; it was unfair that he would have to go to bed soon. "but since tonight is a special occasion, I think we can watch one more movie."
"Yes!" Y/N couldn't help but chuckle as Ronnie did a triumphant dance before jumping off the couch. "Can we watch Nightmare Before Christmas?"
"Sure, let's get you into your jammies."
"I'll make the popcorn." Y/N motioned to the kitchen, and Eddie quickly told her where everything was. As she popped the bag in the microwave, she couldn't help but smile at the giggles emanating from Ronnie's bedroom. Eddie now lived in a small house on a quiet street near the edge of town, which felt warm and cozy like his and Wayne's old trailer. The coffee rack in the kitchen now held Eddie's mugs instead of Wayne's, and his beloved Sweetheart sat in the corner of the living room next to his acoustic and amp. Above the well-loved couch were numerous pictures, ranging from Eddie's graduation to him holding his newborn son in the hospital. There were several with the two of them and Wayne, and even one of her and Eddie from back in 83.
The sound of little feet coming from the hallway pulled her from her thoughts, and soon she was greeted by Ronnie, who was now wearing dinosaur pajamas. He ran up to her and wrapped his arms around her leg. He leaned up to give her a big toothy grin.
"Hi," he said cheerfully, and Y/N couldn't help but chuckle.
"Well, don't you look comfy? You ready for the movie?" He nodded gleefully as the timer for the microwave went off. She carefully removed the bag and poured the contents into a bowl, handing it to Ronnie when he made it clear that he had to help her. "Two hands, go slow, ok?". He nodded, his little tongue sticking out in concentration as he made the short journey to the living room. They both sat on the couch while Eddie quickly popped the VHS into the tape player, pausing to turn off the living room lights before he sat down.
Ronnie sat between the two of them, and the three of them snacked as they watched the movie. The kid was on cloud nine, happily eating popcorn and singing along to the movie. Eddie's arm eventually rested on the back of the couch, causing Y/N to blush whenever his fingertips brushed the top of her shoulder. When the popcorn was gone, the bowl was moved to the side, and Ronnie took this as his cue to make himself more comfortable.
"Whoa, we don't climb on our guests." Eddie chided as he watched his son climb onto Y/N's lap. He was worried it would make her uncomfortable, but he was pleasantly surprised when she put her feet on the coffee table and wrapped her arms around Ronnie's stomach, letting him rest his back against her chest.
"He's fine, now hush."
"Yeah, Daddy, the movie's on." Eddie's eyes bulged from being sassed by not only his son but also his childhood friend. As the evening progressed, he kept stealing glances at the two of them. From the way Y/N would rub Ronnie's stomach to how they would occasionally whisper and giggle with each other, his emotions were all over the place. As the rain continued to beat against the roof, Ronnie eventually gave in to sleep. When the credits finally rolled, he was sleeping contentedly on Y/N's lap, her hand rubbing over his tummy soothingly.
"That kid usually has to be dragged kicking and screaming to go to bed," Eddie commented as he gingerly reached over to take Ronnie from Y/N. She grinned as she handed him over, stretching her arms above her head once he was safely in his father's arms. "Hey, once I get him in bed, would you be up for a movie?" he asked hopefully.
"Sure. Do you have anything I could change into?"
"I've got you, be right back." Y/N watched as he disappeared down the hallway into Ronnie's room. To be honest, when she had run into Eddie on her first day back in town, she had expected it to be awkward. After all, they hadn't seen each other in ten years. Yet, in the two months they had spent reconnecting, it felt like no time had passed at all. They quickly fell back into their dynamic, which had been created over numerous sleepovers and hangouts during their childhood. When Eddie returned to the living room he held up a clothing item in each hand.
"Okay, so the boxers are old and very stretched out, but they're clean, and the shirt was a gag gift from Henderson."
"Gag gift?" she asked, and had to bite her lip when Eddie unfurled an oversized shirt that had "Virginia is for Lovers" emblazoned across the front. "That is amazing."
"Go change; I'll pick the movie. Horror okay?" Y/N nodded as she shuffled into the bathroom. Eddie hummed to himself as he tried to pick a movie for them to watch. He was mentally preparing to keep his cool when he heard the bathroom door open a few minutes later. Whatever composure he had quickly flew out the window when he saw her adorned in his clothes, and she looked at him expectedly as she waited for him to say something. "Um, everything fits ok?"
"Yeah, the boxers are a tad tight around the thighs, but it's no biggie. Now, what are we watching?"
"Well, I don't know about you, but I haven't seen "The Thing" in ages."
"Fuck," she chuckled as she sat back down on the couch. "I think the last time I saw it was with you." Eddie popped in the video and sat next to Y/N.
"Well then, let's get to it, shall we?" The movie started, but it wasn't long before Eddie and Y/N started talking. Old inside jokes and stories passed between them, quickly resulting in giggles that they tried to keep quiet so they wouldn't wake Ronnie. When the movie ended, they kept talking, the rain becoming static noise as their conversation moved to their love lives.
"Wait, he cheated on you?" Eddie asked incredulously as Y/N took a sip from her beer.
"Yeah, had a side piece for like two months before he finally had the balls to break up with me. You want to know something funny?" Eddie shook his head as he watched her settle into the cushions more, a sigh leaving her lips. "I wasn't even that mad about it."
"You'd been with the guy for over the year, and he cheated; I'm shocked you didn't set his car on fire. Fuck, Jason Carver started that rumor about you sophomore year, and you took a bat to his headlights." Y/N giggled at the memory.
"I also told the cheerleading team he had a micro-penis, but that's not the point. And don't get me wrong, it sucked that he didn't have the balls to just break up when he realized he didn't want me anymore. But, in the end, I wasn't angry like I thought I would be."
"You were together a while, though." Y/N sighed as she thought over her response.
"When I was little, I remember asking my Mom why she married my Dad. She said it was because she felt this spark every time she saw him; she said she knew from their first date that he was the one for her. Over a year with Daniel, and I never once had that feeling." She paused as she turned to look at Eddie. "Did you ever feel that way with Ronnie's mom?"
"Veronica?" asked before running a hand over his hair, letting out a heavy sigh as he thought about his son's mother. "We weren't together long before we found out she was pregnant, we hadn't been very serious before, but since there was a kid on the way, we decided to give it a shot. Turns out we were two puzzle pieces from two different puzzles."
"When did she leave?"
"Left when Ronnie was 3 months old. Said motherhood wasn't for her, and she felt it would be best if Ronnie didn't grow up with a Mom who resented him." Y/N nodded in understanding before letting out a loud yawn. "Alright, that's enough sad shit for tonight. Let's call it a night."
"Just toss me a pillow and blanket, and I'll be fine out here."
"Or," Eddie started with a hopeful gleam in his eye. "We could make this like old times, and we can share my bed." She raised an eyebrow at him, and he put his hands up defensively to plead his case. "I know what you're thinking, but we won't be crammed on a double like old times. I upgraded to a Queen and," he paused as he let out a puff of air. "would be nice to have someone else in the bed, you know?" The air was tense for a moment, but it disappeared for Eddie when she gave him a sleepy smile and motioned for him to lead the way.
Eddie's room was different now that he was an adult. The bed was on a frame instead of the floor, and the tan-colored walls had pictures of Ronnie and Wayne instead of metal band posters. He had a tall dresser, and above it was a small bulletin board covered in concert tickets and wristbands. It was surrounded by Corroded Coffin fliers for The Hideout, where the boys still played when they had the time. Y/N stood quietly in the doorway while watching Eddie pull back the comforter.
"Alright, any preference on a side, m'lady?"
"I'll take the right side. And I swear to God, if you dutch oven me, I’m gonna punch you right in the dick."
"Holy shit. I did that once, and in my defense, it was over 15 years ago."
"It was traumatic. Smelled like a sumo wrestler took a dump on a burning pile of hair." She giggled as Eddie tossed a pillow at her.
"The fuck it did; it was not that bad."
"Well, it didn't sell like sunshine and roses either!" Her giggles stopped as they both stood on opposite sides of the bed. He looked at her like he wanted to say something, and she found herself unable to look away as she returned his gaze. It was over in a second as he shook his head and motioned for her to climb in.
"Fair warning, Ronnie is an early bird and will likely be in here at an ungodly hour."
"Thanks for the warning," she replied as she yawned, feeling sleep calling for her as she savored the perfection that was Eddie's bed. Their backs were towards each other as he leaned over and turned off the bedside lamp, the only light now coming from the slivers of moonlight through the window. Just before she succumbed to sleep, she heard Eddie's soft voice in the quiet of the room.
"Night, Y/N."
"Night, Eddie."
It started when she heard crying in her dreams, but what fully woke her was Eddie getting out of bed. It was only then that she realized the crying was coming from Ronnie's room. She followed him, Ronnie's cries pulling at her heart as she wondered what could have possibly haunted him in his sleep. She stood in the doorway of his room, watching Eddie with Ronnie in his arms.
"Come on little man, it's okay. I've got you, bud." Eddie ran a hand over his son's back as he paced the room, pausing when he saw Y/N in the doorway. "Shit, I didn't mean to wake you." Before she could respond, Ronnie realized she was in the room. Fidgeting in Eddie's hold, he held his arms out for Y/N. Eddie saw a look of shock take hold of her, but it was gone in a flash. Before he could blink, she had Ronnie's small body against her chest as she started cooing in a soothing voice.
"Now, what has you crying so hard, huh?" Y/N rubbed Ronnie's back as his sobs began to turn to soft cries. She turned to exit the room, and Eddie followed like a sailor caught by a siren. He watched as she walked past the living room into the kitchen. She pulled a carton of milk from his fridge, now holding his son on her hip as if that was where he was always supposed to be. "Eddie, where do you keep your glasses?"
Snapping out of his trance, he shuffled across the kitchen to stand behind Y/N. He reached up to open the cabinet, a hand on her shoulder as he pulled down three glasses. He watched as she lined them up before opening the milk jug and pouring it until all three glasses were full. She motioned to the microwave, and Eddie nodded. As he set the timer Y/N placed Ronnie on the counter and cradled his face, her thumbs gently wiping his tear-stained cheeks.
"Wanna tell us what woke you up?"
"We were at the park, and I couldn't find you or daddy when it was time to go. I kept yelling, but you weren't there." A new round of tears was about to fall, but she simply smiled as she took Ronnie's hands in hers.
"Don't cry, your Daddy and I are right here. See?" Ronnie looked from Y/N to his father, and Eddie gave him a small smile and wave as the timer for the microwave went off. Eddie brought the glasses over, and Y/N took one and held it to Ronnie. He took it and looked up at Y/N.
"What's this?"
"When I was little and I had bad dreams, my mom would give me a glass of warm milk. Then we would turn the TV on and watch it until I got sleepy. Sound like something you would be interested in?" Ronnie nodded as he lifted the glass to his lips. Y/N and Eddie did the same, and when they were done, she lifted Ronnie from the counter and carried him to the living room. "Your dad will find something good for us to watch, right?"
"Comfort TV, coming right up." Y/N sat with Ronnie's little head against her chest, her hand running over his back as Eddie found a rerun of The Addams Family on Nick at Nite. From his spot crouched on the floor, so many thoughts ran through his head as he watched Y/N comfort his son; he couldn't quite catch what they all were. But despite the late hour, he knew deep down that it felt right.
It took almost an hour for Ronnie to fall asleep, and by the time he had, Y/N was leaning heavily against Eddie's arm. She had spent nearly the entire time talking to him softly and rubbing his back. Eddie shut the TV off as Y/N carefully walked to Ronnie's room. She carefully placed him in his bed, covering him with his blanket before she ran her hand over his soft brown hair. Content that he would be asleep until the morning, she stood and noticed Eddie watching her from the doorway. He was wearing the same expression he'd had before they'd gone to bed. She gave him a soft smile before walking past him to his bedroom.
She heard Eddie close Ronnie's door, but before she reached the bed, she felt his hand on her wrist. She turned and, seeing his expression, her brows furrowed in curiosity as he pulled her closer. She called his name but lost her voice when he raised his hand. It cradled her jaw, his thumb running over her cheek as his eyes bore down. He lowered his head, and without saying a word, he pressed his lips to hers.
Y/N had wondered multiple times growing up what it would be like to kiss Eddie Munson; she figured that just came with having a best friend of the opposite sex. But as his other hand came to cradle her face, she realized that this moment was miles better than anything her schoolgirl imagination could concoct. Her eyes closed as his lips trailed to her cheeks, followed by her nose and forehead. She felt her heart racing when he rested his forehead against hers.
"I love you."
"Eddie,"
"Since I was 10 years old. Fuck," he chuckled as he reached down and took her hands. "I think I loved you before I even knew what that was." The room was quiet as they stood there in the dark, and Eddie wondered if he had royally screwed everything up because she wasn't saying anything. Then he felt her thumb run over the back of his hand.
"You didn't say anything," she said softly. Her eyes now were looking into his. "You let me leave for Chicago without saying anything."
"I know. Hands down, one of the worst moments in my life was watching you drive away."
"But why?" she implored. "Why wouldn't you say something?" Eddie sighed as he looked down at the floor. He only spoke when he felt her squeeze his hand.
"You were always better than Hawkins, better than me. You were destined for fancy dinner parties where assholes like me just serve the drinks." Eddie was no stranger to rejection in his life; he often wondered if it was just a part of his DNA at this point. Then he felt her hand cup his chin, forcing his face to look at her.
"It's sweet you think so highly of me, but I don't want any of that, not if you're not next to me to enjoy said drinks." Before Eddie could respond, she pulled his face down and kissed him. His hands found their way to her hips, her shirt bunching in his hold when she pressed her tongue against the seam of his lips. There was no rush, no hurry as they kissed in the dark. Eddie felt what Y/N's mother had talked about, a spark he could only hope she felt in return. When she pulled her lips away, he pulled her body closer. He pressed his nose into her neck as she ran a hand over his hair.
"Let's go out on Friday."
"A date?" she asked hopefully. She felt him nod as she felt him inhale deeply.
"A proper date, the one I should have asked you on in high school," he said as he rose to his full height. "It's been a while since Ronnie's had a sleepover at Wayne's; we'll do dinner and a movie; what do you say?"
"Pick me up at 7, and you have yourself a deal." Eddie beamed down at her before leaning down to steal another kiss.
"We'd better get some sleep before my demon spawn wakes us up at an ungodly hour." Y/N chuckled as they both climbed into the bed. Instead of sleeping back to back, now she was curled into Eddie's side, her head on his chest and her arm slung over his torso. The feel of his fingers tracing over her arm made her eyes droop, and as she drifted off into sleep, she could faintly feel his lips on her head as he whispered unheard words to her.
Eddie woke when the sun from the window moved over his face. He first noticed that his arms no longer held Y/N, and he wondered for a brief moment if it had all been a wonderful dream. But then he felt a slight movement to his left. Y/N was sleeping on her side, facing him, and between them was Ronnie. His son was sprawled on his back, his sleep shirt had ridden up to show his stomach, and his tiny hand was holding onto Y/N's even in sleep. He knew in an instant that was what he wanted to wake up to every day for the rest of his life.
Tonight, when Wayne came to visit, he was going to ask for his grandmother's ring. Eddie knew he wasn't the smartest guy in the world, but he was sure of this. He was going to make Y/N his wife before the year was out.
#eddie munson x reader#eddie munson x y/n#eddie munson fanfic#eddie munson fluff#dad!eddie munson#eddie munson
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One Day at a Time - Chapter 8 - Beginning
Series Chapter Index | Read on AO3 | Complete
Rating: Explicit, 18+, here be smut
Series tags: The Last of Us, The Last of Us (HBO), Joel Miller x f!OFC, Joel & Ellie, mostly follows canon, SMUT, gratuitous smut, dubious consent (drunk sex), unplanned pregnancy, fluff, references to past miscarriages, angst, hurt/comfort, romance, age gap (~21 years), childbirth, fluffy baby stuff, I've probably forgotten some so please let me know <3
~*~
The midwife is the first to notice that Anna’s startle reflex is inconsistent. When she suggests the baby might be deaf, Joel wants to write it off as the woman’s usual dour attitude, but as the weeks pass, it becomes clear that something is different. It’s impossible to make enough noise to wake her, she doesn’t turn her head toward their voices, and she’s inconsolable when they’re out of her limited line of sight. They spend several sleepless nights worrying, making loud noises and watching Anna intently for responses that usually don’t come.
There’s nothing to do about it, though, except wait and see…like her pregnancy all over again. One day at a time.
Anna is most content when she’s tucked into the soft cloth wrap, held tight against someone’s chest, where she can feel the soothing purr of speech against her tiny body. They get adept at going about their daily routines with the baby strapped to them like a marsupial in a makeshift pouch. She especially seems to like Joel’s soft flannel shirts and his deep, rumbly voice–he’s the best at getting her to nap.
Or, as Ellie puts it, boring her to sleep .
Ellie spends more time with them, enamored with her baby sister in a way Joel couldn’t have predicted. He supposes he shouldn’t be surprised, having watched her with Sam all those months ago, but her fierce devotion to this brand-new person in their lives makes him light-headed with pride.
Baby things showed up at their house out of the blue in the days after Anna was born; an antique cradle, bottles, more diapers, and a breast pump contraption that Charlie says makes her feel like a dairy cow. There are enough clothes to outfit a small army and mystery casseroles lining their freezer for weeks.
Tonight he takes one of the casseroles out and sniffs at it warily.
“Not sure about this one, kid,” he says to Anna, strapped to his chest. “Can’t be worse than that tuna surprise thing, though. House smelled for a week.”
The baby makes a soft cooing noise and sticks out her tongue in response.
“Yeah? Well, you didn’t have to eat it,” he mutters, turning on the oven.
“Talking to yourself again?” Charlie murmurs from the couch, snuggled under a throw.
“I’m havin’ a conversation with my daughter,” he says, stroking the baby’s head. “And you’re s’posed to be napping.”
She sits up, bleary-eyed and wan. “Can’t sleep. I miss her.”
“Hear that?” he murmurs. “Mama misses you. Maybe you should wake her up more often. Five times last night wasn’t enough.”
Joel wanders over to the couch and unearths the baby from her wrap to hand her to Charlie, who takes her with a smile and a soft hi sweet girl . Warmth blooms in his chest, followed by sadness; the two often go hand in hand.
Sarah never had this, he thinks, and he mourns what he couldn’t give her; the love of a mother, the delight of a new sibling.
But Anna has it all, in this family cobbled together from spare parts and broken pieces. Like the beginning of a bad joke— a widow, an orphan, and a childless father walk into a bar –where she is the most beautiful punchline he’s ever heard.
~*~
Joel comes home to find Ellie on the couch with the baby in her lap and a book on the cushion next to her, frowning in concentration as she flips through the pages. Anna is nine weeks old and more alert than ever, bright eyes taking in everything, and at the moment she’s fascinated by her big sister’s hands, moving in slow, measured gestures in front of her face.
“Where’s Charlie?”
“Your girlfriend is taking a nap,” Ellie says without looking up from her book.
“She’s not–”
He catches himself before he can finish his sentence and Ellie smirks.
“Caught ya.”
Joel sighs. “What’re you doin’?”
She flips to the book cover to show him; An Introduction to American Sign Language .
“Sam taught me some, but I found this at the library. I figured it can’t hurt to start early.”
His throat tightens and he blinks back tears. God, his kids have turned him into a walking fucking water fountain.
“That’s…a great idea, kiddo,” he says, squeezing her shoulder.
“I know,” she says. “Besides, you can use it, too, when your hearing eventually goes.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he mutters. He bends down to boop Anna’s nose. “Your sister is somethin’ else, kid. I’m gonna check on your mo–I mean my–our–”
He growls as Ellie looks up at him expectantly, a wry little smirk on her face.
“I’m gonna check on Charlie,” he sighs. “Call me if you need me.”
He hears a whisper at his back.
“What’s the sign for ‘They are so fucked’?”
Ellie’s laughter and Anna’s quiet coos follow him upstairs.
They still haven’t talked about them . They share a bed, they care for Anna, and…that’s about it. The midwife mentioned something about “resuming sexual activities” and “birth control” and maybe even a vasectomy at their final appointment, and it had taken all Joel had not to laugh in her face. He hasn’t had so much as a hard-on since the kid was born, and Charlie is permanently attached to her when she’s not sleeping or eating.
It might have bothered him if he weren’t so sleep-deprived.
In the bedroom, Charlie is buried under the blankets. He doesn’t mean to wake her, but she startles when the door creaks open.
“Anna?”
“Ellie’s got her, it’s just me,” Joel whispers. “Sorry.”
Charlie sits up, rubbing at her eyes, holding her breasts as if testing their weight. “S’okay. She needs to eat soon.”
He takes a seat on the edge of the bed, smiles at Charlie’s mussed hair. He’s watched her closely over the last few weeks, hyper-alert for signs of depression, for the grief that he knows will never completely subside. A horrible little voice in the back of his mind insists that it’s only a matter of time before she leaves them.
Sarah’s mom made it four months.
But Charlie seems content if exhausted. They’re both exhausted, even with help. With Sarah he’d had the advantage of youth; with Anna, Joel feels every single one of his fifty-eight years…mostly in his back.
“Did you know Ellie’s teachin’ the baby sign language?” he asks.
“Mmm, she mentioned something about that,” Charlie yawns. “She’s smart, your kid. We’re raising geniuses.”
Joel ducks his head to hide a blush of pride. “They’re gonna leave us in their dust someday.”
We. Us.
He reaches out to cup Charlie’s face in one hand, rubbing his thumb along her cheekbone. He could say it was all lust until now, but watching her with Anna makes him feel like a lovesick teenager. Charlie leans into his touch, meets his eyes, and his stomach clenches with a kind of pleasant ache he hasn’t felt in weeks.
Maybe he’s going to need to look into that vasectomy after all.
The moment is rudely interrupted by a wail, followed by Ellie’s voice drifting up the stairs.
“Hey, lovebirds! Your spawn needs a diaper change.”
~*~
Joel and Ellie are sprawled on the couch, her tucked into one corner and him on the opposite side, slouched down with Anna on his chest, a movie playing in the background. The baby won’t sleep in the beautiful hand-carved cradle for more than fifteen minutes at a time, preferring instead to slumber on a warm body.
There was a time in Joel’s life when he would have said they were spoiling her, but now, acutely aware of his limited years in a way he’s never been before, he’s decided Anna can fall asleep in his arms until she’s thirty if she wants. There is no such thing as spoiling her as far as he’s concerned.
He’s half asleep, trying to wait out the next hour and a half to let Charlie get some rest, when Ellie’s voice drifts into his consciousness.
“I think I get it now.”
“Get what?” he murmurs, barely able to open his eyes.
“Why you lied to me.”
He’s awake now. His head snaps up to face her. Ellie is curled in a ball with her arms around her knees, watching the baby rise and fall with the rhythm of his breath.
“If it were her…I’d do anything to keep her safe,” she says softly.
Oh.
His first instinct is to lie again, but something about Ellie’s expression and the way she’s watching Anna gives him pause. Between the two of them, they’ve cracked him open. He’s too tired and old to hold secrets.
“I’m sorry I lied to you,” he rasps. “I shouldn’t’ve done that. It was wrong.”
He meets her eyes, waits until he’s sure that she sees him, because she can’t just hear it–she needs to know it with her whole being, to believe it as deeply as he does.
“But I’m not sorry–I’ll never be sorry–for what I did. And I’d do it again in a heartbeat for you…or her.”
Ellie nods, but she frowns, her voice going small and tight.
“What if she was bit?”
The question drops from her lips like a bomb and Joel instinctively tightens his grip around Anna at the thought.
“Wouldn’t you hate me?” she whispers. “For not…for not being able to save her?”
“Never,” he says roughly. “I could never hate you, Ellie.”
“But…what if she could grow up in a better world? A world where you never had to worry about her…or Charlie…or anyone…getting infected,” Ellie asks softly.
He wants to tell her that none of this would have been possible if she weren’t here–their life in Jackson, Charlie, or Anna. He wants to tell her that she is the catalyst for everything he’s done right in his sorry life.
His girl, who wanted to save the world, had saved him instead.
But words are failing so he swallows his tears and puts an arm out. Ellie slides over, curling into his side, and he’s momentarily stunned by her solidity against him. She’s grown in the months since they returned from Salt Lake City. She’s taller, her face thinning out, more like a young woman than a child.
It happens too damn fast, he thinks, looking down at the sleeping infant on his chest.
He whispers the words into Ellie’s hair when his throat finally unlocks, watery and thick.
“She’s growin' up in a better world because you’re in it.”
~*~
“She’s finally out,” Charlie whispers, backing away from the cradle and collapsing onto the bed on her stomach with a groan. “I don’t know how one tiny human can eat so much.”
“I’ll take her tonight,” he says. “She can have a bottle.”
“You have patrol in the morning.”
“Can’t sleep for shit anyway,” he shrugs. “Did you eat? Caf’s still open, I can grab you something.”
“Mmm. Maybe later. I need about ten hours of sleep and a big glass of wine,” she mutters into the pillow.
“I can offer you six hours of sleep and a beer.”
“I’ll take it,” she yawns, then brightens. “Oh! I found something at the post today.”
She rolls over, digs in the nightstand drawer, then unearths a small black box and tosses it into his lap.
He blinks down at it, unsure if it’s the suggestion or the fatigue that slows his tongue. His heart quickens.
“Are these…?”
“Condoms,” she grins. Then she’s crawling toward him and straddling his lap, much the way she did the first time, and she glances over at the silent cradle. “We have a couple hours…should we see if they’re any good?”
“God yes please,” he breathes, all tiredness suddenly forgotten as her mouth finds his, open and wanting.
There’s laundry scattered around the floor, empty bottles and water glasses on the nightstand, used burp cloths draped over the furniture, and the faint smell of sour milk lingers in the air.
And all of it ceases to matter because she’s holding his face in her hands and kissing him, really kissing him for the first time in weeks. Not a peck on the cheek or a nuzzled brush of her lips to his forehead when she thinks he’s still sleeping, but an honest-to-god kiss with tongue and teeth and bite.
Soon she’s rolled underneath him and he’s supping long, languid kisses from her lips, eliciting sweet little moans and breathy gasps that have him thrusting his aching cock into her bare stomach, seeking relief in friction. Even with the condom to dull the sensations, this will be over before it’s begun if he doesn’t get a fucking grip, so he pulls reluctantly away to explore the rest of her body.
Breastmilk gathers in little pearls on the peaks of her nipples, sweet and thick on his tongue as he teases and sucks his way down her chest. He traces the silvery lines on her lower stomach with his nose, the places where she’s been permanently marked because of their daughter, because of him . The sight of her gently swollen belly and the velvety softness of the stretched skin only makes him want her more.
She whimpers when he tastes her, moans when he sucks at her swollen clit and laps at her folds until she’s writhing and coming. Then she’s pulling on his hair with an urgency he understands and he’s rolling one of the condoms on and sinking into her delicious heat. She’s so close like this, pinned by his hips and chest, pressed underneath him like a flower.
He can’t pull himself away from her mouth, can’t stop kissing her and tasting her and swallowing her cries. Her arms enfold him, rubbing languid strokes up and down the slope of his back, pressing into his ass, urging him deeper. He reaches for her hand and rests their entwined fingers above her head.
Mine , he thinks with every thrust, heat coiling in his gut, crawling up his spine. Mine, mine, mine.
“Yours,” she sighs, arching into him, answering the words he didn’t realize he’d spoken out loud. He presses his forehead against hers and stills, breathing hard.
“Yeah?”
His voice is ragged with emotion. Her palms come up to cup his face.
“All yours,” she whispers, then she kisses him and kisses him and he prays the condom does its damn job because he’s falling over the edge.
~*~
He’s still softening inside her, luxuriating in the feel of her mouth against his, when the baby wails from her cradle.
Charlie groans underneath him. “Already?”
“Well…we got fifteen minutes,” he mumbles, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
“Give yourself credit, it was at least twenty.”
“It’s like a sixth sense,” he mutters, pulling out with a groan. “Surprised Ellie’s not at the damn door, too.”
Charlie snorts a laugh, sitting up and pulling the sheet to her chest.
“I’m comin’, baby girl,” he says. “Hold on, I know…m’right here.”
But Anna can’t hear him, of course. He pokes his head over the cradle and she quiets. “I’ll be right back.”
She protests loudly when he leaves her line of sight again, totally abandoned. He disposes of the condom and washes his hands…now where the hell are his boxers? The din of Anna’s crying in the background has him stumbling over his feet.
Finally, he plucks her up out of the cradle and puts her against his chest.
“Hey, kid, you’re fine,” he rumbles against her.
She growls in response, all attitude, one tiny fist stuffed into her mouth.
“Think she’s hungry,” he murmurs, nuzzling the top of her head. “Want me to get her a bottle so you can sleep?”
“No,” Charlie says, two wet spots blooming on the bedsheet. “You primed the pump. I’m leaking all over myself.”
“Lucky kid,” he grins. “You get the real deal.”
“You just ate, sweet girl,” Charlie sighs as the baby latches. “Where does it all go?”
“Based on the laundry I folded today, I have an idea,” Joel mutters, crawling back into bed. He sits up against the headboard and pulls Charlie into his arms so she’s propped against him. She burrows into his shoulder and closes her eyes as the baby makes greedy little suckling noises. His free arm wraps around them, cupping Anna’s head, feeling the pulse of her heartbeat in his palm.
Maybe it’s the sex that loosens his tongue, or maybe he’s just too tired to worry over the fallout. He takes a deep breath.
“So I know we said…you’d stay until the kid is born…and that was, uh, ten weeks ago.”
“You kicking me out?” Charlie murmurs, playing with the baby’s tiny fingers as she nurses.
“No,” he says quickly. “You can stay as long as you want. I just…don’t want you to feel like you have to…or like we’re expected to be, uh…something we’re–”
“Joel,” she says, soft but firm. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Heat blooms in his chest.
“Yeah?”
She tilts her head up to look at him, silver eyes shining, and answers him with a long, sweet, lingering kiss that reignites the fire in his lower belly.
He’s definitely gonna need that vasectomy.
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'but like, why do you like it so much?'
steve passes eddie the blunt; fingers, shoulders and thighs brushing or pushed flush as they're slumped on eddies floor. a black sabbath record plays softly in the background.
steve just can't seem to understand metal, or maybe he just can't understand how loud it always gets in his head when he listens to it. maybe he's just sensitive, after so many monster fights. if things are quiet, he's grateful.
eddie huffs, side eyeing steve a little as he shifts around. eddie's always moving, fidgeting, its just who he is and steve likes that. likes how reliable eddie moving around is, shifting in and out of his space. but right now he seems a little more on edge than usual. or than is usual after a couple shared blunts.
'stevie, its. its just good. it makes me feel good okay?' eddie spins his rings and puts a knuckle in his mouth. steve watched the movement. eddie has nice lips... and hands.
''i had a fucking, like, counselor of whatever once tell me that i needed things to help me focus and help me relax and help me if i ever felt overwhelmed or whatever. i only saw them like twice but they said music could do that for some people and i guess metal did it for me.' eddie shoves all this out onto steve in a slightly panicked way. which is the last thing steve wants. the last thing either of them need is more stress.
steve smiles at him, trying to show how completely none judgy he feels right now. 'okay.. so it makes you relax? all the noise. it helps?' he wants to understand. so so bad, steve just wants to understand the eddie munson he met after the upside down got closed, after life was put back together. eddie is really great and steve just, he feels good with eddie.
'yeah i like, need stuff sometime. need to move and feel a certain way to kinda scratch an itch i get in like, my bones. sometimes its a fucking ball ache, nothing helps. i can get so stressed out i wanna rip my skin off.' eddie says it with such a humourless laugh steves heart breaks a little. 'that's kinda part of why i took so long to graduate. can't focus in class if your skin is crawling, can't remember to do homework if you get home and gotta like, rock back and forth while staring at a wall for two hours just to feel like yourself again.' eddie is staring at the carpet now, eyes unfocused. steve wants to hear more, just so maybe he can help. maybe make it a little better one day. eddie deserves that.
'shit' ...okay so maybe steve is a little too high to help with words right now. but he stays pressed up next to eddie, hooks an ankle around he leg, keeps him close. hopes he keeps talking. that steve just being there is enough.
steve gets a little, tentative, smile out of eddie. his soul soars.
'you ever been to a live gig stevie?' steve shakes his head, no one ever comes to their little town and he honestly never really liked anyone enough to treck over to indi or chicago to see anything there.
'live music does it the best. just fucking letting go and feeling. all the noise and the bodies washing over you, getting inside you. its fucking magic.' eddie is smiling properly again, thank god steve thinks. he never wants to see eddie frown ever again.
'like, when you head bang, or go in a mosh pit, or just fucking sway to the music just right. it like sets all my insides right. like i'm all put together correct and it feels so good. feel like a hug maybe. like soothing or whatever, like so good over and over again. but everyone is doing it, all together. so you, you don't look like a freak you know?' oh no, he's frowning again. oh god, steve needs to fix it. eddies big cow eyes look sad again.
'mmm when i used to run laps, i'd get to a point where i was so tired it'd feel, like really good? like i could only focus on breathing in and out and everything else went quiet. is it. is it kinda like that ed's?' steve is too high for this. it feels important, and all he can come up with is this? fuck, harrington! your fumbling the ball here!
but eddie smiles at him, smiles all sweet and syrupy and his eyes are so pretty. steve is a goner. a big, too high goner for eddie musnon and his big dumb sparkly brown eyes.
'a little yeah stevie. a little something like that.' eddie is still twisting his rings and his leg is bouncing against the carpet and if he needs that to feel good steve hopes eddie never stops moving. hope he fidgets forever if it feels good, feels right.
'um, next time, next show, can i come too?' steve hadn't planned on inviting himself to a metal gig when he came over earlier, but found a lot of rational thought went out the window when he was around eddie. 'you show me what feels good yeah? wanna feel it too ed's.'
eddie looks at him with so much disbelief, steve is sure he fucked uo somehow. backtrack poised on his tongue, but eddie giggles, fucking giggles at him. steves heart melts out of his ass.
'ooh baby. i'll pop you concert cherry for sure!' eddie is cackling now, delighted it seems at the idea of steve at one of his gigs.. steve thinks eddie has a great laugh.
---
the blunt is long dead and steve is well on his way to passing out. he, he needs to get on the bed. get on the bed and try to not cuddle eddie too hard... a little is okay though.
'um steve? um thanks, by the way. for not like, thinking i'm weird or whatever, for what i said. those things i gotta do, i can't always help it? so thanks, for not thinking i'm a freak.'
steve tuggs eddie by the arm. too sleepy to talk, and not much to say anyway. tugs eddie up onto the mattress with him, up on the mattress and slings an arm over his stomach, a leg over both of eddies.
'never a freak ed's. ‘kay? never ever' steve falls asleep then and there, nestled in eddie munsons sheets, right where he belongs.
eddie can't help pressing a chased kiss to steves forehead. the big, kind, brave steve harrington asleep in his bed.
#steddie#steve x eddie#can u tell i just got back from a concert#this was not drafted like normal so i hope its okay?? i just wrote it#autistic eddie munson#kinda kinda#i dunno#hotlunch#my fic#neurodivergent eddie munson#drabbles
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Watercolor and Daisie
warning : fluff, mutual feelings, comfort, tiny angst, older man younger women, no use of Y/N, reader is female
Van Helsing x fem!reader
Summary : It was just supposed to be a quick purchase for his watercolours. But when he sees the lovely saleswoman, as pretty and innocent as a Daisie. But the tables turn as night falls and he fears for his flower.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was a coincidental encounter in the big city, but it was an encounter that would change the lives of both of them. London is one of the great cities of the world - risky, loud, modern and full of people and mysteries.
Whether Jack The Ripper or just the moving shadows, they all found their place in London. Also a creature of immortality, of bloodthirst of which only a handful of people knew. Dr. Van Helsing was one of them.
The vampire hunter with his dark coat, the expensive fur collar and the white shirt, which was set off by his dark blood-red vest. A handsome, engaging, perhaps mysterious man. A man with many sides, his good kind ones and his strong ones like his will.
He was firmly convinced that he would send the creature back to hell. Eliminating the threat of London. His way led him through the streets of London the lanterns were not yet lit and yet the sun was slowly setting in the sky.
It bathed the city in a golden colour and illuminated everything like a canvas on which the colours spread. In it he moved purposefully towards the small art shop where he hoped to get new colours. His last painting, a small farm with a cow and blue flowers, had used more paint than he had intended.
Letting his gaze wander through the street, only a handful of people came towards him, most of them staying indoors at an increasingly late hour. But he knew that the more time that passed, the better it would be for Dracula.
Shaking his head slightly as he thought again of the horrors he had encountered, he tried to focus back on his colours. Reaching the shop after a few moments and stepping inside, the small silver bell sounded its announcement.
A more rustic shop appeared, finely crafted wooden shelves and dark velvet curtains together with the chandelier created a pleasant atmosphere. His bright blue eyes travelled around the shop and landed on the various smaller golden signs.
The various art materials were written in fine script. ,,Sir, can I help you?" a female voice sounded and his attention went to the young woman standing behind the counter.
She herself was looking up from a smaller canvas standing next to her, which appeared to be the one she had been painting a few minutes ago. ,,I'm looking for watercolours, Miss," he replied, giving her a gentle smile as she nodded and walked around the counter. He knew she didn't have to, but apparently she valued customer service.
Walking over to him and making a welcoming motion, she led him past the marked shelves before they arrived in front of the watercolour section. ,,Thank you, my dear," he said gratefully, giving her a grateful, almost knowing look as she stopped in front of him for almost a moment too long.
Her eyes were on him for a moment almost too long, running over him and hardening on his leather gloves for a moment too long. ,,You're welcome to call me if you need any help," she said hastily, giving him one last friendly look as she headed back to her counter. Running his fingers over some of the products, he picked out the colours he needed and went back to her, satisfied.
He saw her smile effusively at him and he couldn't help but compare her to a pretty Daisie. The pretty and innocent, pure white petals and the bright cheerful yellow inside.
She was cute, he thought. ,,I hope you found everything?" she asked as she put the items into a small bag and accepted the money he had taken from his wallet. ,,Yes I did, thank you, you have a really nice shop Miss, I will definitely come to you again," he said goodbye and took the bag.
He briefly saw sadness flash in her eyes as he turned away. Walking to the door, however, he stopped in the doorway and turned to her once more. ,,What time do you close?" he asked more seriously and with a hint of concern.
She looked surprised for a moment and replied cautiously, ,,At nine o'clock at night. Do you want to come here again?" she asked but saw his brief shake of the head before he gave her a reassuring look.
Tried to ease the worry he had caused her and was relieved that it worked before he closed the door behind him and disappeared into the dark streets. Time had passed faster than he had thought, the sun had disappeared in the sky and he could already see the moon slowly rising.
Putting the small bag in his dark leather doctor's bag and already a few streets away from the shop he saw that he had forgotten his wallet. It seems I have to go to the lovely Daisie he thought and turned around to walk back towards the shop.
He had only gone a few metres when he heard a scream, bright and feminine. Immediately he felt his intuition. Told him it had to do with her. Running back the way he came as fast as he could, he reached into his pocket and felt the cross in his fingers before continuing down the path.
To his worry, he saw that the door was hanging by its hinges, almost as if someone or something had ripped it out. But he knew exactly who it was, knew what monster would be in the shop. ,,Get away from her, you monster!" he demanded, raising his cross in front of him as he stormed into the shop.
He saw Dracula bending over the woman's body, her hands pressed against his chest as she tried to free herself from the monster. It was clear that she had not succeeded, but what worried him was the blood hanging from the monster's mouth.
Dracula hissed at him, but the deepest night had not yet fallen. Van Helsing saw the godless creature looking out and then trying to escape the cross.
He was several woods and colours after the vampire hunter before the vampire fled out the door and into the night. Van Helisng rushed after him but as he looked out he realised he would not catch him. A painfully frightened sound pulled him back to the woman.
He saw her trying to hold herself upright against one of the cupboards and not fall over because of the lack of blood. ,,Calm down my dear, everything will be alright" he told her but saw only a faint tired look before he gently and carefully as possible took her and lifted her up in bridal style. ,,Do you have your quarters here too?" he asked her, concern in his blue eyes as he saw her blood flowing lightly down her neck, covering both her clothes and the floor.
She looked more emaciated, more tired and weaker yet still lovely carefully he put two fingers to her neck. A weak but steady pulse he noted mentally before he heard her whisper, ,,In the back room, the stairs" she said so softly he was afraid she would die of blood loss. Looking around with her in his arms he saw the door she was talking about.
He saw that the room around the stairs was used for storage but the steel stairs lead up. ,,We're almost there my dear," he murmured and closed the door behind him before he began to walk up the stairs, careful not to bump into her. Walking up the stairs he found himself in a small but pretty flat.
The walls were covered with pictures of every kind - small, big, round - everything was there. Going to her bed and gently putting her down, he immediately took care of her. Opening his bag and taking out the hand pump, he looked around for a bowl of water.
Finding it only moments later, he washed his hands but kept his gaze on her. He was afraid she might faint. Even though her eyes were closed, he saw that she was still there, with him.
Pulling out a chair next to her bed and sitting down on it, he grabbed a simple white cloth at the same time. ,,Don't be alarmed," he said reassuringly and dabbed away the slightly liquid blood still flowing from the wound with the cloth.
He saw her wince in pain and soothingly stroked her slightly trembling one with his free hand. ,,I'm here, everything will be all right, Miss," he said and dabbed the cloth in alcohol he had in his pocket over the wound, ,,Shhh, don't, but everything will be all right," he admonished himself lovingly and continued to stroke her hand, trying to take away the pain as best he could. Before he had cleaned and stopped most of the blood with the cloth.
Reaching into his pocket again he took out the pump and desinfected the two needles at the ends. ,,S-Sir I-I what was that creature?" she murmured, watching her fingers tremble with fear and her eyes show fear.
Fear that she was corrupted by the evil that could haunt her, had haunted her and was only prevented by him. The handsome stranger she didn't even know the name of.
Soothingly stroking her fingers, trying to give her his warmth, he replied, ,,A vampire my pretty a godless creature of the night. A creature that feeds on the blood of the living". Saw her close her eyes for a moment in fear, processing the information she had received from him.
Seeming overwhelmed and yet somehow understanding that it was not human, a creature of evil. ,,Thank you...so much," she thanked him and tried to sit up but was gently pushed back onto the bed by the older man. ,,It wasn't just my duty to help such a beautiful, talented woman has to be helped," he said with a smile and pointed to the various pictures hanging in the room.
He saw the little smile that came to her lips as she watched her work and was pleased that he acknowledged her paintings, praised and appreciated them. She hardly noticed the picks that followed as he stuck the needles of the pumps into her arm, she was too busy talking about her artwork.
The different methods she used from watercolour to oil and aquarelle, even pastel chalk could be found in some of her works. As his blood ran into her bloodstream, he watched her, listening to her excited and full of life despite her condition.
As he watched his blood flow into hers through the two rubber tubes, he couldn't help but feel a slight warmth on his cheeks. The gesture had a certain intimacy that he had only just begun to feel.
A few minutes later, he gently took the needles out of his arm and hers and pressed a cloth on her wound until it stopped bleeding before doing the same to himself. ,,You should rest for a few more days and you will regain your strength," he ordered and gradually packed his things carefully and gently. He saw how she seemed to realise what this meant and would have disappeared long ago.
But when he suddenly felt her gentle fingers on his, he paused and saw her look full of pleading as she asked, ,,But I am so terribly afraid, can't you stay with me until tomorrow?". He looked at the ticking clock on the wall, there were still a few hours until the safe morning. Besides, a gentleman would never leave a woman in need, especially not a pretty flower.
Putting his bag aside and wrapping his warm fingers around hers, he pointed to a small landscape painting. ,,Did you paint this?" he asked the obvoius, pleased that she immediately responded. Like a pretty flower in bloom, she excitedly told him about the painting and how she had been on holiday in the Alps.
She had seen them and it was so beautiful. But that's how they spent the next few hours, talking about her paintings and little trips she saved up for and sold the rest of her paintings with a heavy heart.
In return he told her with joy about his researches, his journeys and his fights. Was only more pleased that she found it fascinating how he worked and with what.
By the end of the night, as the clocks chimed again and again, she had fallen asleep in his arms, even snuggling lightly against him as he still gently stroked her fingers and watched her sleeping still form. Knowing that he now had more than one reason to come back to her shop and not only for colour. Perhaps also for the reason of love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
@villainsidechick and @fanfic-she-wrote I thought you two might wanna read it since you two seems to be the only ones here that are blogging/writing/posting for Peter Cushing and his charcters
#dracula 1958#peter cushing#van helsing#van helsing x reader#dracula#vampire#reader is female#no use of y/n
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Scary! - short story
It was a bright and sunny at Arlesdale End. Theodore and Charles had brought the two little pups for a very special surprise.
However, the pups had to wait, so Toby's crew dropped Bruno and Tabitha off by the lake and let them play around while they went to fetch the surprise.
Now that they had open eyes, the two little babies were fascinated in everything! The grass, the water, the trees...
They rolled around in the grass and wrestled a bit until a little frog hopped out of the lake. Tabitha squealed and giggled, getting off her little brother to see it, Bruno wagged his little...tail??? As he too wanted to see the green little creature.
The frog croaked and looked up at the little tram with its doughy eyes, Tabitha stared back down and babbled with delight, ringing her little bell. Bruno giggled and cooed.
The frog remained still, and croaked at the big face staring down at it curiously.
The bushes rustled, and suddenly, a huge shadow loomed over the two. Bruno and Tabitha didn't notice, as they were fixated on the frog. The frog in question did notice the shadow, and hopped away with instinct. Tabitha chirped with disappointment as she watched it disappear. Bruno stopped giggling and looked disappointed, his tail stopped wiggling.
Where was Mr frog going? They wondered.
"Oh, Toby! Look at them!" A voice suddenly piped up. The pups froze, recognising the voice immediately.
"Th-They're...they're really here!" Said another voice. This one was also familiar...
Wait...
It's their mama and papa! They're back!
Bruno and Tabitha squeaked happily and quickly spun around to properly see their mother and father for the first time. But instead of mama and papa being there...
...it was two big scary beasts.
One looked like a giant version of Tabitha, but with sharp fangs, fiery yellow eyes, and big scary horns! Charles and Theodore were inside the creature's body. It must've eaten them! Bruno thought.
The other looked like Bruno, but more orange, and she had small horns with cow-like ears and blue eyes. She had weird claws on her paws.
Toby and Henrietta both smiled happily at their little pups, they were so happy to see that their eyes had opened.
"Come here, you two–" Toby tried reaching out a paw, but the pair recoiled back with high-pitched squeals and cries. Toby pulled back with a shocked look, Henrietta was the same. Tabitha and her brother backed up a bit more, shaking and squeaking in fear from the two scary monsters.
Charles frowned, a look of realisation dawned on his face "Oh dear..." he said "I...I think they're scared of you two"
"S-Scared?" Henrietta repeated quietly, her ears flattening, tears pricking her eyes. Toby whimpered, bringing up a paw to cover his horn.
"I-I didn't think our own pups would ever...be frightened of us" He said sadly, a guilty look on his face. Maybe they should've considered how the little ones would've reacted to their appearances...
Toby and Henrietta exchanged sad and guilty glances, backing away to give the little ones space.
Charles patted his side "It's ok, ol' boy–"
"It's NOT ok!!" Toby cut him off with a low, grieving snarl "Our own kids are AFRAID of me and Henrietta!! We're just..... big scary monsters to them..." he said sadly.
"This is their first time actually seeing you two. They are surprisingly smart for babies, so I suppose this wasn't what they expected you to look like" Theodore reasoned. The old couple just let out small cries and whines, Henrietta let the tears fall out while Toby tried holding them in.
Just then, Bruno and Tabitha suddenly came crawling out of the bushes, approaching the giant beasts. They both tensed up and remained still, not wanting to scare them further. Bruno carefully approached first;
He went up to Toby's paw and poked it before quickly jumping back. Seeing as nothing happened, the brakevan chirped at the old tram, feeling less afraid. Tabitha remained hesitant, going to investigate the giant Bruno-lookalike beast.
Charles watched and cooed "It's alright...this is your mama and papa". Bruno and Tabitha's faces lit up at the familiar words, any fear they had disappeared as they instantly began nuzzling against their parents' furry arms.
With tearful eyes, Toby and Henrietta picked up their young and made little chirping noises to them, which were mimicked by the other. Toby's tail wagged, as did Henrietta's.
They were finally together again.
#thomas and friends#thomas the tank engine#monster engines#toby x henrietta#ttte oc#ttte tabitha#ttte bruno#short story#they finally see their parents!!#ttte toby#ttte henrietta
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I don’t know if you’ve seen the TikTok or not, but it’s basically a women sitting on her couch recording her husband walking into the house and when he does she starts laughing because behind the door is like a baby cow looking at him and he is like in shock but smiles and pets it. So imagine Levi x Reader living in a farm and she’s always bringing animals home either for foster care or to actually own so one day as Levi comes home from doing something in town or in the city. He walks into you laughing your absolute ass off like tears in your eyes looking at something and when he turns to see what it is, it’s a whole baby cow just staring into his soul. (They do have a farm to put it on btw I think it’s sad when people don’t have the right conditions for any animals)
Baby cow
Pairing: Ranch owner!Levi x Fem!Reader
Genre and tags: Modern AU, fluff, romance, cute, married, ranch/farming life.
Concept: You and Levi own a ranch which looks after rescued animals, as well as welcomes children and families to spend time with the animals. You both specialise in raising horses for kids to ride, which means Levi is often dressed like a cowboy. Levi comes home to the ranch after settling a few business things in the city. When he comes home he sees a baby cow in his living room and you dress it up.
Taglist: @levisbrat25 @ladycheesington @skittlelover69 @li-anne @nyxiieluna @youre-ackermine @nbinairyn @thebobaprincess @notgoodforlife @galactict3a @demonsimp6
Levi drove his truck down the dirt path as exhaustion clung to him. He just wanted to get home to you and be wrapped up in your loving arms. He wanted to rest and not think for a while. He had to hand over a lot of paperwork and approve a few things for the ranch. Everything was all perfectly set up and he'd never have to go to the city again.
Now, it was just you, him and the animals. Maybe kids in the future.
He pulled up into his parking spot and smiled at the lovely wooden home you shared. He felt his heart flutter as he gazed at it and admired your loving touch on it to make it appear cosy. It looked so peaceful nestled in a large field with views of the mountains and lake.
He slipped out of his truck and entered his home. He smiled softly at the wonderful smell of baked goods and home-cooked meals. He knew you'd probably been busy cooking and baking while he was gone for three days.
Levi stopped dead in his tracks when he spotted you putting a bow onto a baby cow's head. "What in the world is going on?"
You gasped and looked up at Levi. "Levi! You're home!" You squealed and ran over to him. "I missed you so much!"
Levi caught you when you jumped into his arms. He chuckled and stumbled back. He squeezed you tightly as he let out a deep moan. "Mm, darling I have missed you."
You showered Levi's face in kisses. "Welcome home, my love."
"I'm glad to be home." He put you on your feet. "But answer me one thing, okay?"
You giggled. "You can ask me anything."
He kissed you and then looked over at the baby cow. "Why is there a baby cow in our living room?"
You blushed a little and stepped back from your husband. "Well, she has nowhere to go and her momma died. So, I thought we could take care of her." You pouted a little as you played with your dress. "It's okay, right?"
He let out a long sigh and looked over at the cow. "You named her already, didn't you?"
You looked away from him as you blushed more. "Peaches."
Levi walked over to the cow and petted it. "Hello, Peaches, welcome to your new home."
"Yay!"
He chuckled and ushered her along. "I'll get her to a nice little home."
You hurried after Levi. "I'll come too!"
Levi led the cow to the stables and hummed in thought. "I know just the momma cow to look after this little one." He walked into the pen and moved the cow along to the big mother cow. "Hello momma who lost a lot of babies, I have a sweet baby for you to raise."
You welled up when you watched Levi introduce the cows and the two connecting with each other. You felt touched that the two had what they were searching for. You clapped your hands and grinned at Levi when he came back over to you.
Levi leaned down and kissed you. "Howdy there ma'am. You here by your lonesome?"
You giggled at Levi being playful with you. "I sure am. I'm wondering if a handsome cowboy might keep me company."
Levi lept over the fence and landed in front of you. "Well, I can help you out."
You squealed when Levi scooped you up into his arms. "Levi."
He purred at you. "I love you so much."
"I love you too."
#levi attack on titan#levi aot#levi#aot levi#snk levi#levi ackerman#levi fanfiction#levi x y/n#levi x reader#fanfic#aot fanfiction#levi x you#jelly fanfics#captain levi#levi x reader fluff#captain levi x reader#captain levi x you#levi x yn#levi shingeki no kyojin#levi snk#levi ackerman fluff#levi ackerman x you#levi ackerman x reader#levi ackerman x y/n#levi ackerman x female reader#levi fluff
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@jegulus-microfic august 28 - injury - 1.6k words - cw: gun violence, blood, shot wound aka hitmen AU aka homoromantic wound caring <3
Regulus throws them behind the battered outside of the building with a shout, presses James against the wall with his body weight while he leans back around the edge to fire off two more precise shots hitting their opponents right in the chest both times. They go down immediately.
See, Regulus is no amature.
As opposed to James who’d barged right into the middle of his mission without having any business in it apart from the fact that he’s clearly jealous and not handling the fact well that Regulus is leading their kill score.
He’d jumped in from the roof uninvited, fallen to the ground controlled looking like a fucking death angel in his skin tight hitmen get-up and started taking out people left and right while Regulus had had everything under control and then proceeded to get himself shot. Serves him fucking right honestly. Regulus should have left him there to bleed out slowly and painfully.
He should have.
He didn’t.
Instead Regulus had cursed as he’d seen James stumble and clutch his side, manic grin and hubris blown right out of him. Stupid fucking idiot.
It was easy enough taking out the rest of the lot, not so when James had started looking so distractingly ashy in the face, like he was about to fall over and not get back up again.
Right now Regulus twists back to James’ heavy body and maneuvers him to sit on the dirty ground, taking in the shallow breathing and twist of his annoyingly gorgeous face.
James winces, eyes squeezing together as Regulus goes to straddle his lap and pull up his shirt.
The injury looks bad. Blood trickling out around the reddened shot wound. Fuck, the bullet’s still in.
James keens when Regulus manhandles both of James’ hands over it with one of Regulus’ to put pressure on it. He sounds pitiful and Regulus nearly feels bad for him so bites out a, “Fuck you.”
That makes him feel marginally better and also James wheeze out a breath that could have been a chuckle under more optimal circumstances so Regulus takes his win as he rumages for his cell in his pocket. Dials Sirius’ number and is met with screaming and sirens in the background that mirror the ones he hears from father away from his current position as soon as his brother picks up.
“The fuck were you thinking?”
Regulus jaw drops a bit at the audacity, “Me? Fuck you, I should let James bleed out on the spot for that sentence alon—”
“James? Regulus, what’s going on?”
“He’s gone and crashed the fucking mission, is what’s going on! Fucking show-off—” he enunciates by pressing harder into James’ stomach, making his stupid brown baby cow eyes bulge behind his glasses, “—always gotta be the center of fucking attention.”
“Regulus—”
“What, haven’t already gotten enough from all of your beloved, loyal friends? From my brother? From the never-ending string of pathetic whores panting after y—”
“Regulus,” Sirius growls again through the static of the phone, “Why is James bleeding?”
Regulus sniffs primly as he glares down at James fluttering eyelashes. He feels very warm and sturdy under Regulus’ spread legs, “’cause he’s a sad excuse of a hitman. You don’t just wake up one day and decide to become an assassin,” James’ lips twitch into an exhausted grin, “You’re born with that sort of talent, obviously. You can only all too clearly see for yourself what happens,” Regulus shifts and presses down on the shot wound again, watching in satisfaction as James tips his head back with a groan, “—when you try to play in the big league when you’re nothing but a doped up street rat.”
James licks at the sheen of sweat building on his top lip and manages to rasp, “Love it when you talk dirty to me.”
A frustrated groan rips from Regulus’ throat as Sirius’ voice comes through the speaker again, “Reg, why is James bleeding?”
James’ eyes unfocus a bit over Regulus’ shoulder and he feels his stomach do something weirdly unpleasant, “Got himself shot trying to play hero. Bullet’s still in.”
“Shit, fuck,” Regulus can almost see Sirius run a hand through his hair in distress, “Okay- okay fuck, text me your locations. I’ll send a distraction team and have Marlene and Pete pick you up, as soon as possible.”
“Yeah,” Regulus watches as James’ eyes flutter in exhaustion, “Make it quick.”
He purposefully wiggles in James’ lap to jostle him while he shoots Sirius the text with his location, “C’mon James, no sleeping.”
James grunts dismissively, head lolling weakly against the filthy brick, hair an awful mess and Regulus feels him let off the pressure over the injury wound.
“Fuck,” Regulus puts his phone away quickly and threads his fingers into the wild strands at James’ nape and clenches.
“Ngh,” James’ eyes shoot open and he fixes Regulus with a sharp squint. That’s better. “Am I not in enough pain already, Reg?”
Regulus rolls his eyes, ignoring the relief, “Don’t be a baby.”
“‘Don’t be a—’ excuse me, have you ever been shot?”
Well, no, but, “That’s completely irrelevant right now.”
“Literally how?”
“Stop coming off topic.”
“You’re the one coming off t—” James tapers off into a groan, cramping into himself in pain.
Regulus feels his brows knit in worry and he absently scrapes his nails against James’ skull in a soothing motion while he shushes him and curses quietly.
James pants as he squirms uncomfortably in place, then blinks up at Regulus again, “Y’know whenever I’ve thought about you in my lap it was always a more pleasant kind of pain I’ve counted on.”
Regulus rolls his eyes, warmth pooling in his gut. But James is still lucid and talking so Regulus indulges him, “Yeah, what kind instead?”
James hums tiredly, “Well, for one I get weirdly turned on whenever you’re playing with those little daggers of yours.”
The corner of Regulus’ mouth drags up. He nods encouragingly.
James swallows with visible difficulty, voice strained when he goes on, “There was that one time we had a rope seminar.”
Regulus remembers that James had knocked over his open water bottle when Regulus had been timed on preparing a friction hitch knot. He’d thought him the biggest fool on the planet. Not that this has changed much over the months.
“You’re always so mean,” James’ eyes glaze over, smiling to himself, “You don’t even need a weapon, your words cut deep enough on their own mos’times…”
His eyeslids sink shut again as his mouth falls pliant and his hold over the injury slackens. Not good.
“Come on, James, you love talking about yourself, go on,” Regulus licks his lips nervously, keeping the pressure over their hands.
James sighs, “’m tired, Reg.”
Regulus tries yanking at his roots again but James won’t do anything but make little pained noises, body untensing under Regulus.
“Fuck, James,” Regulus taps him against the cheek. Shit, what is he supposed to do?
Shock value, Sirius voice reverberates through his muddled thoughts. Do something they won’t expect, abruptly. Whatever it takes to keep them awake.
Regulus sucks in an unsteady breath and then angles James’ head up and pulls him into a kiss.
He feels the hitch of breath rather than he hears it, sucked in right against the burning skin of his cheek and then James lets out a noise.
Breathes in the air coming out of Regulus’ mouth and tips his chin back into the kiss with renewed vigor. They gasp into each others’ mouths as they continue the press of wet lips and weak nudges of tongue while Regulus tries to stay at least half-focused on holding the pressure over the bullet hole in James’ abdomen.
He’s a fucking assassin for god’s sake and this might be the most insane thing he’s ever done.
Regulus’ whole body goes stock still, James’ breath ragged on his face, when suddenly a familiar, teasing voice comes from behind, shit-eating grin evident in her voice, “Well, that I’ve certainly never seen in a first aid handbook.”
“Yeah, y’know what Marls,” Peter snickers childishly, “Seems like Regulus got it from here, James looks pretty vitalized to me again.”
“Mmh,” James nudges his nose against Regulus’ as he slurs, “All the medicine I need right here.”
Regulus levels him with a flat stare, “Blood loss has made you delirious.”
They get James up and onto the cot in the back of the van where Peter has already set up his medical tools.
Before Regulus has the chance to step out James makes an unhappy noise that has him turning back, “Ride back to the cove with me?”
“Not a fucking chance, Potter,” Regulus hops out of the vehicle and turns with his hand on the back door, “My bike’s still on the other end of the street, I wouldn’t leave her if Sirius’ life was on the line.”
Peter snorts as he readies the antiseptic and James honest to god pouts. Regulus can see the blood slick injury gaping from where he’s standing. Ridiculous man.
“I’ll see you in the medical wing,” Regulus replies for whatever reason and before the lighting up of James’ eyes can do anything pathetic as elicit warm shudders along Regulus’ spine he slams the door shut and pivots on the spot to head for his bike.
Regulus dutifully visits James in his hospital bed that evening.
They both get whacked over the head when Peter has to redo James’ stitches not five hours later.
#i luv them in dis one#lune is early today what??#this flowed like the blood did out of James' wound#jdfhskj sorry#writing dialoge is so fun why do i not do it more often??#jegulus microfic#jegulus fic#jegulus#james potter#regulus black#starchaser#sunseeker#hitmen AU#assassin AU#lune’s tiny fic
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(previous anon here) Thanks for the reply and don't worry at all about the tone :) Yeah, I know the post wasn't about that, I just put in a good word for Izzy about his hostility in that particular scene. I was like you about Ed in season 1… I couldn't be angry with him even when he threw poor Lucius into the sea XD but my view of him changed in season 2 and I can understand people who keep defending him but it makes me sad see often the same fans who justify everything he does not empathizing even a little with Izzy (when he deserves it, of course). I'd also have to say about the Ed/Izzy dynamic of the Frankfurter clouds scene/whole episode but I don't want bother you further because that would be long ^^' Goodnight! (no need to post this, I took you enough time)
hehe sorry for not answering yesterday, I was already asleep when u sent this! No need to apologize at all, I love hearing people's thoughts about ofmd!
wrt Ed, honestly, he just bats his big sad baby cow eyes and I'm like, awwww. Who could be mad at you.
Look at him! He can do whatever he wants <3
No but fr, I think the first 3 episodes of s2 are super super interesting, because Ed genuinely is a bit of a dick in them - but we are asked to forgive him anyway. We're clearly shown that the violence, the refusal to engage with his own emotions, the hypermasculine posturing - all that is very bad for him. He's hurting himself much more than he's hurting anyone else, and ofmd always took emotional pain far more serious than physical injury. Also, there's been a worrying tendency in fandom over the hiatus to paint Ed as much more aggressive and violent than he actually is; to refuse to extend to him the empathy and understanding certain Other Characters get. This has only been amplified after s2 dropped.
So there's a counter-tendency to be very very firm in the stance that he never did anything wrong XD Not saying you personally are a part of that first tendency of course.
Ed actually is criticized in Canon for what he did! He does have to make amends. And he is forgiven. The characters forgive him; the story forgives him; we, the audience, are supposed to forgive him. Because what we are shown is the destructive death spiral of a man so hopeless, and in such horrific emotional pain, that the only solution he sees is pushing until someone snaps and kills him. That's heartbreaking, and 02x02 is visceral to watch. I never wanted to see Ed redeemed (because, imo, that's not what he needs, he feels bad enough about himself already); I wanted to see him recover. And I got that :)
But I can see how people with different life experiences than mine might see that differently.
Anyway, thank you so much for your thoughts, and for reaching out! If you want to talk about the clouds scene, I'd be elated to hear your thoughts, 01x04 is one of my favourite episodes and it's a great scene to chew on. But if you'd rather not, that's fine too <3 Have a lovely day!
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thinking about how ted would comfort me if I needed it. swoon. I just wanna cuddle into his side and have him hold me.
Oh I’ve got you, fam. I absolutely love comfort and snuggling Ted is an all-time daydream for me, too. Let’s goooo!
——
You could feel it creeping in your chest and throat as you made your way home.
The anxiety. A sadness. Your job, which had always been a point of pride, was feeling harder and harder. You felt like an imposter some days, on the precipice of being figured out and fired.
Your thoughts spiraled from that into a host of other anxieties. When’s the last time you reached out to your friends from college? No wonder they don’t reach out to you. When’s the last time you took care of your family, and spent real quality time with them? How can you be so selfish?
Oh how the thoughts plagued you all the way home. By the time you reached the handle of your apartment, your hands were shaking and your tears were freely rolling down your cheeks, stinging against the winter cold.
“Well hello there, sweet cheeks, how was your…” Ted stops as he sees your slumped shoulders in the door way. He unties his apron, currently in the middle of a batch of biscuits, which waft sweetly through your apartment.
Your lip trembles. Oh, here it comes. The taps turn on full blast.
“I…I…just…had…a…b-b-bad…d-d-day…” you stammer, heaving little breaths like a child.
“Oh, darlin’, come here,” Ted says, a crease between his beautiful brows as he scoops you into his warm, loving arms. He says nothing, just running his hand over your hair and whispering sweetly, “I know, it’s OK…” He moves you both to the couch where he puts his arms around you tightly and lets you snuggle into his neck.
“I…feel…like…I’m-I’m…failing at every…thing…” you manage to choke out between cries. Ted’s warm cheek is against your head, his hands rubbing your arms and back to soothe you.
“Sweetie, you ain’t failin’ at nothin’,” he assures you. “It’s all in that noodle there. You work hard, you’re a wonderful friend and you’re good to your family…”
You didn’t even tell him what was on your mind and he’s managing to heal every wound you’ve felt today.
“And you’re the best partner a guy could ask for, truly,” he says, your face tilting up at him as his mustached lips curl into a smile. “You’re everything I want and everything I need.”
Your breathing starts to relax a little.
“Take a deep breath with me, sweetheart,” he whispers, your hands fumbling with the neckline of his opened collar polo. “In…and out…In…and out…there you go.” You follow along with him. “That’s my girl. Bring that beautiful heartbeat back to earth.”
You take another deep breath, letting your body completely relax in his arms. He smells like him: a tinge of biscuit sweetness with his spicy cologne. A big, warm hand tickles under your shirt against your back, and the contact makes you relax even more.
“How you doin’ sweetpea? You feelin’ better?” Ted asks gently, and you nod in reply. “Good, good. Tell you what. I’m gonna finish up these biscuits, but why don’t I draw you a nice hot bath, and I’ll spoon you ‘til the cows come home. How’s that sound?”
You smile as you look up at his big brown eyes, his lips leaning into yours for a chaste kiss. “OK, Teddy.”
He does exactly that: Draws a nice hot bath with your favorite lavender salts, brings you the book you’re working on from your nightstand, and even lights a candle.
“Spa a la Ted is open for business, can I get you anything else, darlin’?”
You giggle as you let your body unwind. “No, hon, I’m good. Thank you.”
He exits the bathroom and you hear him whistling his heart out in the kitchen, packing up his biscuits for tomorrow. After nearly an hour, you decide to un-prune your skin and get out of the bath, crawling into one of Ted’s AFC Richmond tshirts and then directly into bed under the covers.
When Ted enters the room, he smiles at you.
“Look at that cozy piece of work under those covers. I’m gonna have to get in on that action,” he jokes, taking off his pants and polo, left only in a white undershirt and boxer briefs. He pops under the covers and drags your body over to his across the sheets, making you giggle at his forcefulness.
“Ah-ha! There’s the sound I’ve missed all day,” he jokes, kissing you under your ear and wrapping his arm tightly around your middle. His legs are notched behind yours, and he shuffles his knee between yours to really tangle your bodies together.
His hands run up and down your arms, your side, your upper thigh. You smile and enjoy the quiet.
“I love you, you know,” he whispers gently, his breath tickling against your ear. “And I’ll do anything in this damn world to show you every day.”
You smile at this and nod, tears of joy springing to the corners of your eyes.
“I love you, Teddy,” you answer, making him smile and squeeze you tighter. His hands continue their journey, letting your body melt into your bed as Ted Lasso comforts you and loves on you. Just like he promised.
—
THANKS FOR THIS PROMPT! I needed this today myself. Oh, the comfort this man can give. He’d drop everything to help you. To make you smile. To show you how he loves you. He’s just bursting with love at the seams.
#ted lasso x reader#ted lasso fan fiction#ted lasso x reader prompt#asks and requests open!#send away! this was my first and it was oh so fun!
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I’d plant the stars in the ground for you -> Moon Knight x Daughter!Reader
-‘If I could, I’d plant the stars in the ground for you,
They’d grow as tall as your eyes so they’d shine for you only.’
‘For then you’d see how the world is so big, but it was made for you. And you were made to be loved, loved by me.’ -
-by abbycates
PART THREE:
Part one/Part two/Part three
Relationships:
Father!Jake Lockley x daughter!reader/
Fatherfigure!Steven Grant x daughter!reader/
Fatherfigure!Marc Spector x daughter!reader
Motherly Nut/
Slight Layla x Marc
TW: Depression and anxiety disorders, absent father, slight angst, Steven is a good dad, Marc tries, Jake is scared and hides but will come around. Konshu is intimidated by Nut hehe.
Nut, Nwt, (Ⲛⲉ), is the goddess of the sky, stars, cosmos, mothers, astronomy, all heavenly bodies and the universe in the ancient Egyptian religion. She was seen as a star-covered nude woman arching over the Earth. Nut was seen as a friend and protector of the dead, who appealed to her as a child appeals to its mother. (She is sometimes associated with the cow and represented with the horns of one)
A/N: the story takes place right after Konshu frees Steven and Marc.
She/Her reader pronouns but they aren’t used a lot, the term ‘daughter’ comes up tho.
If you want to write/create anything that is inspired by this little story, feel free ! I just want a bit of credit hehe.
(POV: When you get screamed at by an ex you never knew you had)
(they look so goofy omg)
___________________________________________
Your mother was a woman with quite a temper. She didn't fundamentally liked conflict, but sure knew how to express her disapproval.
Or her wish to tear someone's head off.
You've been sitting on the stairs in front of the Museum for about 15 minutes now. Your ice cream half melted in the little pot you held in your hand. You've been absent-mindedly eating the half melted cream, not paying attention to the people that walked past you.
You could faintly hear your mother scream at Steven, or... well...
You just didn't want to think about it right now.
The sun was gone and your cold treat was now freezing your fingers. Grey clouds were looming in the sky and the wind had become stagnant.
Everything was... fuzzy. It was weird how every event that occurred followed one another. It felt like a big joke, a big "fuck off" from life. Your vision was slightly blurred, you didn't really feel sad but tears were on the verge of pouring from your eyes.
You heard the steps of your mother becoming louder and louder, her voice was filled with disbelief and rage.
« Oh you're father of the fucking year, are you ?! You stay the fuck away from (Y/N), from me ! »
He was running after her, trying to catch up to her as she clearly was trying to lose him in the crowd. You didn't look up at her when you saw her shoes enter your field of vision.
« Come on, let’s get out of here (Y/N). »
You got up, not really paying attention to anything that was happening around you. Steven was heaving a bit when he caught up to your mother. You turned your back to them, knowing full well that they were about to raise their voices again.
It was a bit ironic how you never experienced the arguments between your parents, but now that you did you were already tired of it.
« Listen, please. I have know idea who you are! »
Your mother had a bitter laugh.
« Oh that’s rich. »
He stuttered, clearly not knowing what to say to convince her anymore.
« (Y/N). »
He said your name, trying to reason with you this time. You slowly looked up, his shirt was stained with your mother’s ice cream (which she probably threw at him when you ran away from the scene).
« I’m sorry kid but, » He took a deep breath and ran his hand along his forehead, he was sweating. « I’m… not your father. My name is Marc. »
It really was the worst excuse you had ever heard.
You didn’t exactly know what your expression was like but he immediately looked alarmed. You scoffed. You felt your lips tremble.
« And Steven ? »
« It’s complicated- »
« Oh I’m sure, and it’s not that I don’t believe you, but I’d rather trust my mother. »
« (Y/N), I don’t know what’s going on either. »
You groaned, rubbing your eyes with your palms.
« Jake, you leave her out of this- »
« Jake?! » You looked at your mother, almost offended. « Steven, Marc, Jake? How many names do you fucking have ?! »
« I’m NOT Jake ! »
« Come on, sweetheart, let’s just go home, ignore him. »
« Leave…me alone. »
Your mom tried to protest but you just started to run down the stairs. You wanted to just GO AWAY. Disappear for a moment. They were following you, both trying to ask you to stay, your mom wanting you to come home and the... Other just wanting answers. And he was a lot faster than your mother.
As you ran down the street, he grabbed your arm with a strength that scared you.
« (Y/N) ! »
You didn’t like him saying your name anymore.
I want to leave, I want to leave, I want to leave, I WANT TO LEAVE.
°°°°°°°
You felt like you just woke up from a dream, but you were very aware that it wasn’t one. You were laid down on sand. You were on a beach.
You took deep breaths of the salted wind. The clouds were moving in waves, at a bizarre speed. The sea was calm, and the sand was white and made of thin grains.
You stayed on the ground, realising how no one was around. You weren’t afraid of looking at the sky anymore. And then, you forgot why you were so upset.
…..
« Nut ? »
‘Yes, child ?’
You exhaled.
« I like this place. » You said as you took a small amount of sand in your palm, letting it slip away with the wind.
You heard her laugh softly.
‘It is quite lovely. And I am glad to be able to see it with you.’
You started drawing small spirals into the sand.
'I am quite fond of Earth.'
« Why is he an avatar ? »
She stayed quiet for a few seconds.
‘Avatars are vessels for us Gods. You are a mean to interact with humanity where we cannot. If your father was chosen by Khonshu, then he must be trying to hide it from you.’
« … Why ? »
'Well...' She marked another pause. 'Khonshu proclaimed himself as a god of vengeance. His avatar must take care of that for him. Gods can grant their vessels superhuman abilities. He might be dangerous. At least in his opinion.'
« And he’s not ? »
You heard her sigh.
‘He maybe is. But Khonshu was always proud and arrogant. He feels as if he owns the night. Where I swallow the sun each day to let him prevail. He cannot see past his own beak.’
You chuckled at the mention of his beak. A bird. A bird god. You stared at the calm waves as the sun started to peek through the agitated clouds.
« You can give powers ? And… make us into superheroes or something? Ancient Egypt Avengers. »
She giggled.
« Could you give ‘me’ powers…? »
‘I could. But you don’t have to serve me in any way. What kind of powers would you need ?’
You sat up slowly, looking around the desert beach.
« Something to get me back to London, for starters. »
‘Oh, right.’
_________________
This chapter is a bit short, but I hope it is still enjoyable!
Everyone is confused, but (Y/N) starts to feel more comfortable with Nut :)
__________________
#moonknight#moon knight#moon knight x reader#steven grant#steven grant x reader#marc spector x reader#jake lockley#jake lockely x reader#khonshu
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Deadly Inferno {A Patrick Hockstetter Fic}
Part 9 - Welcome To Derry
Word Count: 1432
I slowly got my ass out of bed the next morning with such pain coursing throughout my entire body, yet the mere memory of it all sent shivers of pleasure down my spine. The loud rev of the Firebird had woken me up, indicating dad wasn't home, otherwise he'd been out that door guns a blazing from them making all that noise in his yard. He was such a big ball of sunshine. The phone was ringing off the hook, knowing I would have to be the one to answer. It stopped by the time I had threw on my clothes. But started up again once I hit the kitchen.
"Hello?"
"Oh my gosh.... Leslie?" My blood ran cold from the mere sound of the voice on the other end of the line. My mom.
"Mom....?"
"Honey.... Oh honey I'm so sorry I haven't called you in so long. I know...." But I had stopped listening. She's sorry? Sorry she hadn't picked up a phone to call her kids in years? Funny.
"Dads not here. Henry's out." But he came bounding into the kitchen the minute he heard his name, mouthing the word mom to him and he looked pissed. More pissed than I'd ever seen him. That's when I noticed Belch, Vic and Patrick standing directly behind him as usual. Their usual summer outings of torture and fun.
"That's fine. I wanted to hear your voice. And to tell you good news. You have a little sister. I want to bring her by for you and Henry to meet her. She's six." I about dropped the phone from the mere sound of the word sister. Sister?! Years of nothing. And now this?!
"Dad will have a cow."
"Well then it can be our secret. My husband and I just moved back to Derry. I'm sorry I haven't been there. I.... I got help. Mental help. I met Daniel that way. And then we had Belle. She wants to meet you guys." Henry had his ear pressed to the back of the phone, listening the entire time like I was and we both were seething with rage. Hatred. Sadness. Heartbrokenness. Everything. My watery eyes locked with the curious ones of Patrick's, seeing he could tell just how hurt I truly was. He seemed.... angry. Like he knew someone was hurting me. He just didn't know the extent of it yet.
"Go to hell...." Henry said before exiting the kitchen and storming out of the house, judging by the slam of the front door. Except, Patrick didn't leave. He stayed while Vic and Belch followed Henry out.
"Mom....."
"I know sweetie. You have every right to hate me. But please, come meet your sister at least. The Derry Ice Cream shop okay?" I sighed in complete disbelief, conflicting emotions clouding my judgment. I was caving in. And I hated it.
"Fine. But I'm bringing someone with me." I looked at Patrick and saw he was looking back like, hell no. But I knew he'd follow. He always does.
"That's fine hon. I can't wait to see you. I love you..." But I hung up with no parting words of my own, closing my eyes as I leaned up against the wall.
"We aren't going on some Ice cream date Les. Remember? We are on the low." I simply sighed, before opening my eyes and eyeing him with a sudden smirk.
"Fine. Be that way. Guess I'll call up Richie Tozier and have him escort me there." I went to walk out the back door, but was roughly pulled back and pushed up against it, his dark eyes looming into mine with such seriousness, I thought he would kill me right then and there.
"Try me. Make my day Bowers. Make my day....." I pushed him off of me, going for the phone and dialing Richie's number, when his voice came on the line and Patrick hung it up so fast I couldn't get a word in etch wise. He slowly backed me up against the wall, his playful smirk in full view. He was enjoying this a little too much.
"Impressive. You actually did it. Ballsy. But don't think I'll forget it princess. I swear I'm going to start burning your arms up inch by inch at this rate. And you won't stop me. Or would you prefer my fridge with all the dead animals?" My eyes widened. His fridge. I'd never seen the inside. But I knew it was true because I'd followed him and the guys there to the junk yard one day to see what the hell they could possibly get up to in their free time. Traumatized. That's all I'm going to say on the matter.
"Or will you drown me like Avery?" He slowly backed up, shaking his head with such an evil smile appearing on his face, his green eyes assessing me so hard that he was practically tearing me apart with one glance.
"I won't give you the satisfaction baby." His hand suddenly laced around my waist and pulled me to his body, not even an inch to be seen between us. I knew it was a low blow. But he was so demented, he found humor in it. I only remember Avery very faintly now. It was so long ago. But I remember his laugh. My dad still talks to Patrick's dad. Which is why I'm not allowed around him. Patrick has been in so much trouble it's unreal.
"Going soft on me Pat?" He just kissed me without a second thought, biting my lip so harshly it drew blood. He always sucked it right off.
"Come on Hockstetter!! We don't have all day." We slowly pulled apart with my blood showing on his lips before he licked it off, leaving me in the kitchen to my own devices. And my mind whirling. My mom has moved back to Derry. And I have a little sister....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Derry Ice Cream Shop}
I came to a slow halt outside of the ice cream shop that had been in Derry since the mid 50's with my camera around my neck, always enjoying their ice cream any day I could possibly get it. So many memories flooded back from this place.
"Thank you for coming with me Bev. I just.... I just couldn't do it alone." I had called her once Patrick had left, only joking about Richie. Well, half joking. He was an option. Only if I wanted to end up dead in Patrick's fridge.
"It's no problem. You've always been there for me. Let me be there for you." I softly smiled at her, noting her haircut. Short, and very pretty. It was a new look for her. A badass look.
"You look smokin by the way Bev. Your hair is amazing!" She's been wanting to cut it to piss her dad off. And finally did it. I was proud of her for telling him to basically fuck off with that one gesture.
"You flatter me too much." But she smiled through her words, sending us into little bits of laughter. Until I saw my mom through the window. Long blond hair, a summer dress and heels, sunglass atop her head. And a little girl that I knew was Belle, simply eyeing me through the window of the shop. It was like looking at myself in a mirror. She looked so much like me....
"You can do this Les. I'm here." I finally snapped out of it with my rapid heartbeat, smiling in appreciation at Bev. But feeling like utter shit on the inside. I wanted nothing more than to turn around and leave. But my mom noticed Belle staring at me, and immediately was on her feet.
"I'm here to! Now get your ass in that shop before I kick it in. I didn't come here to look stupid." I whirled around to see Patrick standing right behind me with the guys no where in sight, knowing Henry wouldn't show for sure. But the fact that Patrick showed was insane to me.
"Don't give me those puppy dog eyes princess. I just came to see some family pain. Get with it." His serious look was doing him no favors. I could see right through him. Even Bev was shocked he was here, thinking he'd never show for anything like this. He made it clear we were nothing but fuck buddies. And fuck buddies don't normally do this sort of thing. Maybe I'm crazy. But does Patrick actually like me? I think I am going insane.
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Adharam Madhuram
A gopi reader fanfic because I, Samridhi got into her hopeless romantic, yearning phase for Krishna in the middle of studying chemistry but Kanha I still completed this chapter okay. Anyway I will shut up and write this down or this dark curly haired boy will not go away from my head.
Tagging the tumblr gopis (because why must I be the only one to suffer from this heartache that Krishna isn't here in kaliyuga): @ma-douce-souffrance @pothosinpots @eugenephosgene @jessbeinme15 @lil-stark @inexhaustible-sources-of-magic @jukti-torko-golpo @saanjh-sakhi
"Maiya, who is Krishna?"
Krishna. Just the mere mention of his name brings me to a standstill even after all these years. The pestle fell down from my hand with a thud but it's noise could not deafen the sound of my heartbeat in my ears.
"Where did you hear that name, my child?" I hurriedly lifted the pestle from the floor. My daughter, now of seventeen summers answered with a new-found interest. "Well, I wanted to find my green odhni but I found an old box hidden under piles of sarees and my curious self couldn't help but open it and I found these letters to-"
"Krishna." There. I uttered his name after so many years. Not once did I take his name on my lips from the moment I saw him cross the Yamuna. Nor once did he turn back to look at us so even I decided that I would never take his name ever again. If I could control my heart, I would have made sure to forget him. I would forget how beautiful his lips were. I would forget how his voice sounded so sweet, so gentle and so loving just like the soft butter he would steal from us. I would forget how his laugh caused my heart to flutter. I would forget how he walked so gracefully while bringing the cows back from their pastures.
"Maiya, why aren't you speaking? Your lips are quivering. There are tears in your eyes and your hands are shaking."
The Lord of Mathura, I wish I could forget your enchanting flute that urged me to leave the world for you. I wish I could forget the lovely vision of you dancing with me in the forest. I wish I could forget this little story of mine which started with you.
They said that you know the hearts of those who love you. Why did you leave this town then? If you had to leave then couldn't you return for some days to us? Why swear a false promise of friendship and love when you could have simply said that you would never come back.
Your beautiful dark eyes still haunt my dreams, Krishna. You left me by imprinting a gaze that still elicits shivers across my body. For the first time, I saw helplessness in your eyes and maybe some amount of sadness and heartbreak. But, now that you haven't sent me or anyone a letter, I think that it wasn't sadness and heartbreak in those eyes.
Or you want to take revenge on me because I never sent you my letters. You know my heart, you know all the words I have written to you. I hope you have memorized my poetry for you. I hope the moon you sometimes look at reminds me of you. I hope the river Gomati in your kingdom reminds me of my presence near the bank of Yamuna where you showed me the stars.
And I hope, you know that this silent letter, this plea that I have written to you about forgetting you is false. I am ready to bear this pain again and again for you. If fate and time imprison me in Vrindavan, I will gladly stay here and relive every moment with you.
Perhaps then you shall sing me a song, play the flute and dance with me again. You will braid flowers into my hair and show me the moon's reflection in the waters of Yamuna. And you will go away from me once again with the same unending gaze of sadness and defeat because not even Gods get everything they desire.
But, did you love me though?
My young self still wants to hear an answer to this question.
Write me just once please?
"Child, my darling, Krishna was a cowherd your mother loved when she was your age. Alas, he had to go to the big city again and he never turned back for me."
"Is that it? These letters are filled with so much love and longing... "
"As your mother, I would wish that may your heart never bear this sweet pain of heartbreak and loss. But, your mother was once a lover too and this love of hers though gone too soon and too far. This lover gladly embraces this unrequited love."
*****
I think I need to make a tumblr gopi tag list just to share my Krishna posts. If anybody interested, do tell me (kyunki akele nahi jina iss pida mein)
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Strong Enough
(A/N): Not crossposting this on AO3 but I wrote a scarian oneshot there for doublelife if y’all are interested
(https://archiveofourown.org/users/liighty)
[Not a link, copy and paste if needed]
Anyways, this is my first time writing for Jimmy and Tango (I wrote for Tango once (1) in an rp with a buddy and then never used him again, so if the characterization is poopoo, i sincerely apologize)
Mini Summary: (Pre-Session 3) After the burning of the Ranch, Jimmy starts to doubt himself and everything he’s ever done before. Tango is there to provide some common sense and snap him out of it.
Rating: General I’m pretty sure
Warnings: Panic Attacks, Self-Doubt, I think like a little cursing but I really don’t think there’s anything really bad, also a really stupid pet name
Pairing: DL!TangoTek/DL!Jimmy Solidarity (/r)
Word Count: 511 :sadkermit: (It’s a drabble if you check out my ao3 I have much longer fics i promise)
Fic under cut!
Jimmy hiccups as he clutches onto Tango’s back, holding his soulmate tightly. He sobs quietly, shaking like a leaf, and Tango lets him get his frustrations out as best as he can. It’s only fair, considering all that Jimmy did to calm Tango down after the burning of their ranch.
The cold air running through the newly exposed ranch was the cause of this bout of depression, to nobody’s surprise outside of Jimmy. He thought he had this under control, that this didn’t bother him as much as it should, and that he’d be able to compose himself to be strong enough for Tango. Of course, he was wrong. It’s Jimmy Solidarity, for Void’s sake. When’s the last time he was strong enough for anything?
“It’s- ‘s my fault, Tango- None of this would’ve happened if it weren’t for- if it- I-“
Tango pulls away from their hug and gently yet firmly grasps Jimmy’s face. “Hey, that’s enough outta you! Am I mad? Do I look mad?”
“You were mad earlier…” Jimmy sniffles between sobs.
“Yeah, but not at you. Never at you, Jimmy.”
Tango presses a gentle kiss to Jimmy’s forehead and rests his own head against the spot he kissed. “We’re gonna be okay, alright? I got a plan to get ‘em back, and it’s gonna be great. There’s no need to be sad, okay?”
“…I’m sorry. I should- I’m not…”
“You’re not what, Jim?”
“…I’m not strong. I’m sorry.”
Tango blinks, his red eyes staring at Jimmy as if he just said the sky was green. “I’m sorry, what? You- You don’t think you’re- Jimmy, are you kidding me?! You’re the strongest person I know! I mean, physically, you’re super strong! You can wrangle cows and not have to use leads sometimes, and I think that’s great! Plus, you can pick me up like a princess, and I’ll have you know that I enjoy that very much.”
Jimmy giggles slightly, and Tango grins.
“You’re not just physically strong either, y’know. Last season, it took two people to talk me out of killing Bdubs after he killed me, and I still almost did it! But today? You calmed me down all on your own, and I’m not mad anymore. Well, I am a little still. But that’s not the point! The point is, you helped me. You held my hand while it was scorching hot and kept me from murdering Scar and starting a war. That takes so much strength, babe, and I know it’s hard for you to believe it, but-“
“B-“ Jimmy laughs quietly, “Babe? Did you just call me-“
“Wh…-“
Tango’s ears go bright red, and he quickly stiffens. “I didn’t mean to! I was just- I mean, it- I-“
His tail droops slightly. “…Yeah. I did.”
“Well, I don’t think I can be sad after that. You should call me that more, I think.” teases the blond, pressing a little kiss to Tango’s nose. “Cuddles?���
Laughing, Tango wraps his arms around Tango and pulls him back down onto the bed. “Yeah, you big goof. Cuddles.”
#rancher duo#team rancher#trafficshipping#dlshipping#solidango#solidaritek#jimmango#hehehe mango#uh anyways#why are there so many ship names pls#liighty.txt
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Nothing Hurts | Leon x Luis RE4
Chapter 7 | 3.1k words
The story of tragic righteousness where nobody is hurt and everything is perfect. Except nothing is perfect in hell.
A re-imagining of the events of the Resident Evil 4 remake where Luis and Leon get the ending they deserved.
——————————————————————————————————Guys.
I got to spend my holidays on a farm.
Hand feeding baby cows every day.
Im in heaven.
Ch.1
——————————————————————————————————
The sun had fully dipped behind the hills now, shrouding the ravine in darkness, the sliver of orange light disappearing. The night breeze was chilling as night began to settle in.
Leon pulled himself up to his feet, panting from exertion. Ashley was coughing beside him standing up shakily as well.
“You ok?” Leon asked Ashley. She shook herself off and dusted down her jacket.
“Yeah, fine.”
“Luis?”
“I haven't done this much high stress running in days,” Luis leaned back against a rock the farthest from the ravine you could be.
“Days?” Ashley panted. “I haven't in months.”
Luis and Ashley looked at Leon expectantly and if he was honest he really didn’t know how to answer because it was a bit sad in retrospect.
“Minutes?”
Ashley snorted and Luis just shook his head sympathetically.
“You’re so unintentionally funny, you know that Leon,” Ashley beamed at him with a giggly sigh.
“How do you know it’s unintentional?”
Leon turned his attention towards their surroundings, now that they were out of imminent danger for the time being.
“You get this confused look on your face whenever we laugh at you, thats how,” Luis breathed a laugh, having finally caught his breath. Smokers life Leon guessed.
Opting to ignore the irritating voice hanging over his left shoulder, Leon turned to Ashley, “Listen. You’re the one he wants. If we see him again, you run.”
“Huh? Wh-what about you?”
“I’ll do my job”
Ashley submitted and just hummed her assent, clearly not pleased but he had his job to do and he was going to finish it successfully.
“Don’t suppose I’m part of that job, huh?” The insufferable voice to his left spoke up.
“I’m not getting paid to save you.”
“Aw, you wouldn’t leave me here, would you?”
Leon just rolled his eyes and walked a little faster.
“Don’t count on it,” he muttered.
They came up to another merchant stop, the mysterious man waving at them cheerfully, no doubt excited for some more pesetas.
“Repairs and wares to share, stranger. What’ll it be?”
Ashley wandered around the open clearing, ogling the big building behind the merchant’s booth, and Luis hung back around the path they came up from, watching over the area despite it being safe enough if the merchant was keeping up shop.
Leon traded some treasures he picked up and repaired and upgraded some of his gear. The merchant really was ripping him off. This man was definitely taking apart these guns just to sell the upgrades separately. He was lucky Leon needed them.
He was just about to sort out his equipment, reloading and whatnot, when the merchant started moving around behind his little counter. He was packing up his merchandise into cases and piled them on top of a wagon. Leon watched him wide eyed. He wouldn’t have thought the merchant could move around this much with his arsenal if he hadn’t helped him earlier at the factory.
The merchant looked up, feeling Leon’s inquisitive gaze and his eyes crinkled under his mask.
“Just packing up, stranger. Time for me to head out.”
With not another word he finished stacking his cases and pulled his wagon behind him. With the flick of a switch the purple lantern that marked his shop went out and the man went on his merry way, shuffling down the road with a wave over his shoulder.
“Uh, the roads not-” Leon went to inform the merchant of the unfortunate happenings of a few minutes ago but found he was too stunned to finish his sentence. He watched as Ashley tried to explain the same thing as he walked past but he just chuckled and patted the top of her head as he left.
“Well isn’t he a funny character?” Luis was now next to Leon. He just scoffed and shook his head.
“I’m not going to question it.”
Luis just nodded. He turned around, swinging his legs, as he whistled lowly, “What does this mean for us then?”
Leon gave him an irritated questioning look, to which the Spaniard received with an innocent little smile. Could he not be so cryptic all the time?
“You know,” he continued. “No merchant, no purple fire. Wondering what's nearby is all.”
Thinking about it, Luis was right. If the merchant was leaving the area there must be some sort of danger around. They better be careful from now on.
“You think he’s back?” Ashley joined them, hands drawn to her chest how you would when protecting yourself from a bad dream.
“If he is, we be careful,” Leon started for the building. “Stay close and stay quiet.”
He was met with silence behind him. Naturally it didn’t last long.
─•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•──•~❉᯽❉~•─
“You said this was a slaughterhouse?” Ashley whispered to Luis behind Leon. They walked up the wooden steps to a high platform which overlooked the lovely remains of some pigs and cows.
“Yeah,” Luis answered just as quietly. “Though it's in a bit of an inconvenient spot. Far from town, right next to the castle. Terrible planning of this village.”
Leon sighed, succumbing to the incessant chatter behind him. Their talking was putting Leon on edge. To be fair he only told them to be quiet, not silent, but it was implied.
Ashley snorted, “The farm was all the way across the lake wasn't it? Why’s the slaughterhouse here? They didn’t think the layout through, did they?”
As he crossed the threshold, Leon was met with a sinking feeling. Something wasn't right. The air was dry and there was the lingering smell of rotting flesh.
“No, ha. Is that something you look into as the President's daughter? Didn’t think you’d be close to the country's infrastructure.”
Leon shushed them harshly, halting at the corner of the platform, staring intently down at the ground floor for any movement.
“Only curious.”
“Luis, shut up,” Leon hissed, pulling out his gun from its holster and signalling with his spare hand to the others to stay back. To his relief they obeyed and he cautiously skirted around the corner and further along the top floor.
In an instant he was flying through the air and having the air knocked out of his lungs as he heavily hit the floor below.
“Leon!” Ashleys voice echoed in his ears. Pushing himself up on throbbing arms, Ashley was still up with Luis on the top floor, the latter pulling at her arm in the opposite direction with urgency. The village chief stood before him, on the same ground floor, looking up at the girl.
Leon pulled himself up onto his knees, lungs burning and chest heaving to regain sorely needed oxygen. He shot at the giant to distract him. Like always bullets didn’t affect him, but now his attention was drawn to Leon so Ashley could escape.
Frantically looking around the room for a better solution, Leon spied an explosive barrel. Running to it, he rolled it on its side, sucking in a deep breath and yelled up to the pair on the second floor, “Run!”
He pushed the barrel towards the chief, training his gun on it now.
“Hasta luego,” he shot the barrel.
The explosion blasted him backwards a few feet, setting fire to the entire slaughterhouse, the dry wood inside the perfect fuel. Blistering heat licked at his skin as he stood back up again. Beyond the flames, Ashley and Luis weren’t to be seen which Leon hoped meant they were able to get out safely.
In other less enjoyable news, the chief walked out of the flame. He wasn't unscathed however but it seemed like that was working out for him just fine.
The man, skin marred by the fire, was even more of a giant, his spine stretched and exposed like a centipede, large scorpion-like limbs protruding from his back. He was more than nightmarish.
“What the fuck,” scrambling to get higher ground on the monster, Leon pulled himself up to a second higher platform. He steadied his gun in his hands and fired at the chief's head. Heads were a weakness, right? He hoped.
Leon’s opponent drew back its claw limbs, swinging them downwards to kill. He just managed to pull out his knife in time to block off that attack when the second claw followed in the first’s footsteps. Leon rolled out of the way to avoid it, not trusting his luck with his knife a second time.
He was able to get in more gunshots to absolutely anywhere he could get a bullet in at this point, though nothing seemed to make a difference. The chief drew back which painfully puzzled Leon, folding inwards and upwards.
“Judgement,” he muttered, now coming spinning at full speed towards Leon, claw limbs outstretched, clocking Leon right in the chest and sending him sprawling to the ground floor for a second time, his feet kissing the flames that crept closer. His toes will certainly never be cold again.
Not wanting to stay down on the same level for any amount of time, Leon ran for the platform ladder again, leaping up to avoid another swiping attack. The monster seemed to be dizzy for the moment, wobbling, his attacks no longer precise. A few shots to his legs made him stumble a bit which brought great relief to Leon as that was the first sign of weakness. He now knew he had a chance.
With the chief recovering from his judgemental phase, Leon replaced his handgun with something with a little more power, pulling out his shotgun.
The blast from this one had more knock back and a headshot managed to stun the monster into falling to the ground, revealing a large green eye seated right in the middle of his upper back. If the head wasn't the weakness, a very abnormally large and out of place eye would certainly be.
Leon leapt down to the ground floor again and pulled out his knife, plunging it hilt deep into the eye on the chief’s back. He howled, clawing at his face in pain as he flung upwards to his feet, the force of it severing his elongated spine and his upper body came crashing down and his legs almost humorously flopped forwards.
“Looks like your tap dancing days are over,” Leon huffed, coughing around the increasing fumes in the air. It was getting hard to breathe, the fire consuming any oxygen in the slaughterhouse, the smoke smothering. In other news, the chief shouldn’t be too much trouble to get rid of now that he had no legs, right? Wrong.
A second set of claws erupted from his mangled back, pincers attached to the end. He banged them about, the vibrations sent up the walls of the slaughterhouse, causing the far platform to collapse along with part of the roof. Their ‘arena’ was closing in.
The chief pushed himself up and away, flung to the roof rafters to hang on with his claws. He reached down with the new claws to pick up flaming piles of wood and launched them at Leon down below. He was only able to narrowly avoid the projectiles by throwing himself to the side.
Turns out figuring out the monster's weak spot was worthless since he couldn't even get to it anymore. All he could do was run around aimlessly avoiding any projectiles thrown his way and getting in any gunshots he could between them.
Leon watched as the chief picked up more projectiles from the rubble of the slaughterhouse. The smoke burned his eyes and made them tear up, making it much more difficult to see anything but he was pretty sure that those were explosive barrels he was holding.
Shoulders entirely deflating, Leon ran to try and duck for cover behind the panelling holding up the second floor from the barrels but he knew his space was limited. The chief pulled back and the barrels exploded. Except Leon didn’t feel the blow.
Looking around his small hiding spot Leon saw the remnants of the aggressive heat of an explosion which followed a sharp gunshot. A second shot rang out, seeming to hit the chief right in the back where his eye was. He wailed and slipped from the rafters trying to catch himself on the others, ultimately falling to the floor infront of Leon.
Luis’ head popped up in the furthest window on the opposite side of the slaughterhouse, Leon’s rifle propped on the windowsill. He was gesturing towards the fallen monster, yelling something that Leon couldn’t hear over the roaring flames, but he got the idea. Pulling out his knife again, Leon lunged and put his entire weight behind stabbing the bulging eye in the chief’s back.
The chief roared and flung his sharp limbs around angrily, pushing himself back up onto his claws ready to jump back to the roof rafters.
“No you don't,” Leon dove behind the chief as he floundered about on the floor, aiming his shotgun straight for the eye and firing as quickly as he could to try and take down the monster again.
Luckily for him, he slipped from the roof as Leon shot him mid jump, and he went sprawling to the floor again. Leon had to dive out of the way to avoid being crushed in the process.
Short of breath and aching from the lack of fresh oxygen, Leon struggled to pull himself back up in time to stab the weak eye again. He pushed up onto his knees and watched as the chief was pushing himself up on his claw limbs.
Not waiting another second, Leon lunged towards the monster, managing to lodge his knife into the eye just as he was jumping for the roof again, slicing through the eye and the chief’s shoulder, successfully bringing him to the floor a final time. The chief screamed, hollered for Saddler, as he crumpled and collapsed unmoving on the flaming floorboards, his false eye falling out of his lax eye socket.
Leon coughed through the smoke, looking down upon his fallen enemy.
“Give my regards to your god,” he spat, kneeling down to pick up the eye just as he heard a huge crash to the side and the fire expand.
“Leon!” Ashley cried from the direction of the crash. She had broken in a window to escape. “Quick! This place is coming down!”
Forcing his limbs to move, Leon dashed for the exit, hearing as the wooden roof of the slaughterhouse cracked and scrapped. Not saving time to check it out, he dove out through the window into fresh air and the cool night breeze as the ceiling of the slaughterhouse caved and crumbled in.
Leon coughed and sputtered as he tried to get all the smoke out of his lungs and back to normal functionality. He felt Ashley urgently pat down his back and noticed some other tiny flames attached to his clothes which he promptly snuffed out too. He sighed.
“You’re welcome?” Leon looked up at Ashley who was smiling with her hand outstretched. He chuckled and took her hand as she helped him stand back up.
“Thanks.”
Leon took a moment now to look around their surroundings. They were now fully cut off from the village, the slaughterhouse in unexplorable ruins and a broken bridge now making a path into the dark depths of the earth.
“Luis made sure I was safe here before going back to help you,” Ashley informed him. Leon hadn’t asked for more details about it but he must’ve made some sort of face that made her continue. “I know you don't like him or trust him and I don't know why. But he’s a good guy and I think he’s helped us out enough to trust, right?”
Leon wasn't planning to explain to Ashley about Luis’ situation with Umbrella since this whole mess was complicated enough as it is. He’d probably even have to go into explaining everything wrong with the company too since he wasn't sure how much Ashley was in the know about.
Then again, Luis had helped them without hesitation so he was making up for something. If Leon continued to think about it, it was strange a former Umbrella scientist was here in the midst of a parasitic cultist movement but he didn’t care so long as they could leave safe. And to do that there did need to be some level of trust.
Speaking of…
“Hope you haven’t left without me,” a grunt and a growl “These rocks are slipperier than I thought they’d be.”
Several more noises of effort came from behind the remains of the slaughterhouse. Luis could now be seen shuffling down the rock face backwards. Upon seeing that Leon and Ashley had in fact not left him behind he gave them a goofy smile and a wave which immediately caused him to slide uncontrollably down the rocks and into the dirt below.
Ashley snorted and jogged up to Luis to help him up.
“Gracias, princesa.”
Leon approached them both, regarding Luis, “You climbed up the rocks to get to that window?”
“Sure did,” Luis brushed down his jacket to get rid of the sticking mud. “You’re welcome, by the way. Couldn’t have you impaled by a scorpion, could we?”
“Impaled- scorpion!?” Ashley exclaimed looking between the two men with wide eyes. “What happened in there?”
Luis laughed, “Should have been there to see it! A whole scorpion came out of the storeroom!”
“Quit messing with me! Leon?”
Ashley fixed her stare on Leon and he just waved her off with a laugh of his own.
“Nothing, nothing. Let’s just say we don't have to worry about that big guy anymore.”
“What does that even mean?” Ashley huffed and jogged over to the window where Leon escaped from, leaning left and right to try and catch a glimpse of absolutely anything that happened in the slaughterhouse. “You guys never tell me anything.”
That’s because you don't need to know,” Leon rested a hand on Ashley’s shoulder to guide her away from the window. “This fire’s bound to catch their attention. Let’s keep moving.”
“Ok,” Ashley looked longingly after the slaughterhouse as the group began up the road again. “ Uh, Leon? I’m not going to turn into one of them, right?”
Leon looked back at the girl. She looked nearly defeated, anxiously keeping eye contact with him. He looked back to the road and caught Luis’ sad gaze in passing.
“I won’t let that happen. I promise.”
Their attention was taken by the castle up ahead, the stone fortress looming over them. There wasn't any other way for them to go and they needed to keep moving so into the castle it was. Leon hoped they could sneak through or find somewhere to lay low for a while.
The moment they crossed the drawbridge, it began rising, trapping them inside.
“That’s reassuring,” Luis commented. At least they weren’t unwelcome. These people seemed to love having them here if they didn’t want them to leave.
“Well, at least we don't have to worry about being followed.”
——————————————————————————————————
I always underestimate how big action scenes are like this one i was expecting like “oh it’ll just take up a lil bit and then i can go to the castle” but noooooooo it took up half the chapter
Ridiculous i love it
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#leon kennedy#luis serra#ashley graham#leon x luis#reimagined#canon divergence#hurt/comfort#angst#romance#slow burn#gayyyy#fanfic#fanfiction#resident evil 4#re4 remake#resident evil#serrenedy
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hi i want to know more about ur guys... if you're up to it, the people asks for any of potentates... (also i just want 2 hear more about all of them [esp the imperators and potentates bc !!!!] in general, PLS tell me more about them the names Fascinate me)
OUAGH THANNK UUUU.... ok SO. the Potentates are the ruling class of Bronze Eden, a theocracy where they have near total power. They used to be very active in the lives of the citizens of Bronze Eden but after Potentate Magnus' third wife Gloriana almost succeeded in a coup to overthrow the throne, they have become much more secluded, with Magnus haven't been seen directly for many years. This got worse after his eldest son Augustus was assassinated. Even his own children see him rarely, and his grandchildren almost never. I'll do the person asks, and descriptions for each of his kids and what sector they've inherited is under the cut!
👁️ EYE - what colour are their eyes? do people notice their eyes? is there anything special about them (shows emotion easily, literally magical...)?
Magnus - light pale blue, often unfocused but once very intense. Very lidded and heavy, he's 105 years old. A bit too small for his face.
Augustus - light reddish brown. Not as intense as Magnus, but certainly not soothing either. Erratic, anxious.
Boris - dark brown, slightly downturned, warmer but always kind of sad like a cow about to be slaughtered
Salvatore - lighter brown, also a bit small for his face, noticably large pupils, missing eyelashes.
Felipe - light pale blue, large, wide, with a few flecks of brown. Intense, often darting all over the place, not knowing but confident.
Clymene - slate grey, downturned, calculating, sort of humourous, like she's laughing at you.
Zephyr - slate grey, downturned, hazy, uncomprehending, almost innocent. Still childlike despite being middleaged.
🤥 LYING - are they good liars? do they have tells to show they're lying?
Magnus - very good liar, because I think he himself believes everything he says. His main tell is that everyone close to him knows he got to where he is by lying and manipulating, but you wouldn't know that without direct contact with the man.
Augustus - Bad, relies on the idea that a man of faith wouldn't lie, otherwise gets very figity with his hands and licks his lips too much.
Boris - Pretty good, just because he always looked so sad and wet that nobody really had it in him to doubt his word, which to be fair was true most of the time. probably why he did what he did.
Salvatore - Good in the sense that you always think he's lying so you never know when he's ACTUALLY lying, because he's so exaggerated and over the top already that he kind of constantly sounds like a used car salesman.
Felipe - Bad, blinks too much, always avoids saying things directly so he has plausible deniability when he eventually gets caught out because he's so accustomed to being caught in a lie.
Clymene - Alright at lying, but isnt good at practicing lies and excuses because she makes too much eye contact always.
Zephyr - good. everyone believes the baby.
👻 GHOST - do they believe in ghosts? what are their "ghostly experiences", if any?
N/A they're all haunted by the spectre of holiness and of Boris' suicide and the deaths of Magnus' many wives.
💥 COLLISON - what emotions do they have trouble dealing with?
Magnus - problems with every big emotion and he will make it your problem.
Augustus - couldn't handle feeling powerless ever, which being a religious figurehead helped with. Needed to feel like people were hanging onto his every word to have self worth etc. He also needed to be watched and seen and paid attention to at all times.
Boris - uhm. he couldn't deal with them unfortunately.
Salvatore - blows up very easily if he feels his opinions or his ideas are being challenged in any way, sort of like a fascist Walt Disney
Felipe - similarly to Augustus powerlessness is something he doesn't know how to deal with. Gets violent if he thinks someone thinks he's stupid, which he is.
Clymene - probably has the best handle of her emotions of any of them because she's always been taught from a young age as a woman if she gets too emotional she's hysterical so she has a very stiff upper lip. Plus the whole thing with her mother. Gets angry though when people act like she's stupid and doesn't understand the division she's in charge of.
Zephyr - Never quite figured out to deal with the grief of his mother being executed and is very sensitive over that. Disappears around the week of her death without fail.
😭 CRYING - what makes them cry? do they cry easily?
None of them cry easily but Salvatore.
👊 PUNCH - are they quick to violence?
Magnus - yes and his family live in fear of his
Augustus - no
Boris - no
Salvatore - yes
Felipe - yes
Clymene - more than you would think
Zephyr - yes but he throws a weak punch
💢 ANGER - what are some habits they have that will take some getting used to?
Magnus - his uhhhh everything.
Augustus - pauses many conversations to write down a speech, basically treats every conversation in fact as an opportunity to try out a new line or snappy dialogue
Boris - first thing he did after waking up and last thing he did before going to sleep was look at the stock market and latest bank figures.
Salvatore - Covered in pieces of paper and ink and leaves smudges everywhere because he's constantly thinking about and updating his most recent project
Felipe - very paranoid about assassination attempts so has a very methodical routine every morning and evening
Clymene - extremely anal about her schedules and her appearances at events
Zephyr - sometimes just disappears for a bit without saying anything
👪 FAMILY - what is their family like? what is your ocs relationship to them? does your oc have any siblings?
these guys r all family
😨 FEARFUL - when scared, do they go into "flight" or "fight"?
Magnus - fight
Augustus - flight
Boris - flight
Salvatore - fight
Felipe - flight
Clymene - fight
Zephyr - flight
💤 SLEEPING - do they fall asleep easily? what helps them sleep?
I don't think any of them ever sleep easily except for Felipe, who is always very assured of himself. The rest always have memories and things that haunt them to some extent even if they pretend otherwise; Magnus is always thinking about his glory days. Augustus thought always about his next big speech his next move his next fight for political and religious power. Boris was chronically depressed and never slept well. Salvatore was only 4 years younger than Boris and remembers him a lot I think, when he's alone with his own thoughts. Felipe as I said sleeps well because he regrets nothing. Clymene is always thinking about her next scientific project and sometimes is working on it into the night. Zephyr only sleeps with the aid of whiskey.
emoji ask game
Potentate Augustus was in charge of overseeing the church, as the oldest child. One of the main things he did was create small splinter groups in different areas of Bronze Eden to better represent the different ways people in the fields and at the coast worship compared to those in the city. The biggest of these is the Brothers of the Magpie, the only one to survive after his assassination as many of these groups were cut down. There are rumours his assassination was an inside job by the Potentates as these splinter groups arguably endangered the Empyrean Temple's power.
Potentate Boris was set to take over the business sector, and killed himself at a very young age, only 22. He's become canonised as a saint, as he was known as a very kind, very comforting individual before his death. He had dark hair but it's depicted as blonde in portraits of him to further give him the angelic cherub vibe.
Potentate Salvatore is in charge of arts and education. He's kind of seen as more harmless/fun-loving, and has built up an exaggerated, campy persona, in spite of all the agiprop he has invested and prioritised, and the heavily segregated rich / poor education system that's grown under his eye. He funded various theatres over Bronze Eden, including the People's Theatre and was deeply saddened when it closed, not because of all the people that died but because he had a personal hand in the way it was built and designed and wants more people to recognise his genius in architecture.
Potentate Felipe is in charge of military and internal security, and is currently staging a mini war against anything to do with Nod or Nod culture or what he percieves as Nod culture. There's a slight sexaul fixitation? to his fascination with Nod and his hatred of it, something he's definitely tried to pass down to his children and neices and nephews. There's something comedic about his outbursts and hatred, until you remember he is actively getting people killed over it. I imagine him if Boris Johnson was like the head of the CIA.
Potentate Clymene is in charge of sciences, but was initially set to take over the healthcare. She switched with her younger brother, Zephyr. She and Zephyr are the only children of Gloriana, the failed coup queenie. They're so close and look so similar they're often mistaken for twins. Clymene is the most nonreligious, least interested in the power struggle of the family's internal politics, but obviously presents as religious to save face. Probably the most actually involved in her sector than anyone else, attending various events and keeping updated with all the latest advancements and fledging bright minds in Bronze Eden.
Potentate Zephyr is the youngest, in charge of healthcare. Neither ambitious, power hungry or particularly intelligent he has been forgotten largely by his family and is mostly considered a forgotten grandchild by Magnus as opposed to his youngest son. He was set to take sciences but freely admits that Clymene is more intelligent than him and cites that as why he traded so easily. Very close with his big sister.
And that's the main family! there's more grandkids and stuff but these are the main people the citizens of Bronze Eden know and who's names they remember! thank you so much for sending this i love talking about my guys very much hope this wasnt too much text!!!
#thank you SO much#rigel tag#ask game} answers#ocs#potentate magnus#potentate augustus#potentate boris#potentate salvatore#potentate felipe#potentate clymene#potentate zephyr
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