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poledancingdinos · 1 year

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Hostile Territory - Chapter 6

Pairing: Captain Syverson x OFC (Leah Coleman)

Word count: 3.3K

Warnings: none for this chapter

Catch up: Series Masterlist

Taglist: @amberangel112 @utterlyhopeful-fics @marantha @kebabgirl67 @littleone65 @omgkatinka @luclittlepond @elizabetharegina @enchantedbytomandhenry @narnianaos @geralts-yenn @peaches1958 @avengersfan25 @sillyrabbit81 @summersong69 @identity2212 @liecastillo @lena-banena

Masterlist

Day 76

It was a particularly hot summer day, even for Iraq. Ben made sure to remind everyone to drink water every hour while the platoon traveled back towards base. They had left early morning while the temperature was still tolerable but, with the midday sun, it had quickly reached triple digits.

Leah was grateful to be on the turret just to have the added relief of the wind on her sweat slicked face. They had one more stop before returning to Warhorse and Leah would finally be able to change out of her drenched clothes. The guys kept complaining about their sweaty balls but boob sweat was no picnic either.

The four vehicles moved quickly down the dirt road, heading for an abandoned hamlet. They were going in as a reconnaissance team to ensure there were no hostiles hiding after an airstrike damaged most of the infrastructure. The survivors—what little there were—had already fled, leaving it open to anyone wanting to use it as a temporary base of operations while they regrouped. The proximity to Warhorse and to the main road made it particularly worrisome.

Leah kept her eyes peeled and her head on a swivel as Rohan maneuvered through what was left of the hamlet. After their initial sweep came up clean, they exited the humvees and split up to clear the few buildings still partially standing.

Gun drawn and moving on the balls of her feet, Leah followed Benjie with Ethan on her six. After clearing the northern side, Rohan radioed the other teams over the comms and received matching reports.

“I say we dig into our MREs before driving back,” Jeremiah declared as they walked back to their humvee.

“Do you ever think about anything other than food?” Leah turned to face Jeremiah, walking backwards.

“Sure, sometimes I think about my baby back home. The love of my life, that one.”

“I’d find that cute,” she said, turning forward again, “except I know your ‘baby’ is a car.”

“Doesn’t make it any less true,” he replied, putting his hand over his heart and shaking his head solemnly.

They had almost made it back to the convoy when a single gunshot was fired, the distinctive bang sending them all rushing for cover.

“This is Valkyrie One-Three, interrogative: who the fuck is shooting at us? Over.”

Benjie was crouched behind a pile of rubble, peeking over in hopes of determining the status of the situation.

“That was friendly,” Leah asserted, taking aim in the direction of the sound. “Get Cap on the comms, that was his sector.”

Before they had time to ask more questions, BJ’s voice interrupted their panic. “Hold your fire, Newbie panicked when a stray pup barked at him. Over.”

“Ooh, someone’s about to be in trouble,” Ethan sing-songed, getting back to his feet.

“One bullet won’t win us a war, I highly doubt Cap will make a fuss over it.”

The ‘Newbie’ in question, Carlos Vega, had taken Leah’s place as the base rookie. The poor guy was still young and his inexperience was already showing. With Nielsen and his men on a short leash, he hadn’t had that hard of a time yet but his frequent fuck ups were getting on some of the guys’ nerves.

“Oh, Sy won’t be pissed because of the wasted bullet, he’ll be pissed about aiming at the dog. The only thing that has ever put a smile on his grumpy mug was a dog.”

Surely, that couldn’t be true. Sy had the reputation of being a surly hardass but that wasn’t Leah’s experience with him. Then again, maybe he wasn’t as hard on her as he was with the men in the unit.

When they finally made it back to the humvee, most of the others had settled on the ground, chatting happily as they ate their MRE. The new private who’d apparently incurred Sy’s wrath, however, was sitting alone in the back of his humvee. He looked like he was struggling to unpack and heat his own meal. Hopefully they’d spent more time in training teaching him how to stay alive than they had on heating an MRE.

“Where’s Cap?” Benjie asked, dropping down next to Pat and immediately reaching over to snatch a discarded milkshake packet. Benjie was friendly with just about everyone on base, something that gave him special privilege when it came to trading snacks.

“‘Bout two-hundred feet that way, fixing to lose a hand,” BJ answered. A few of the men snorted or shook their heads in amusement but Leah only frowned, looking off where BJ had tipped his chin.

She pulled her water and meal from the vehicle before making her way towards Sy but when she reached the area BJ had indicated, he was nowhere to be found.

At first she thought he must have gone off in a different direction but the sound of his voice drew her attention to a small metal structure that looked to be some sort of shed. “Come on, it’s peanut butter. Don’t dogs love this shit?” There was nothing but a growl in response followed by a panicked curse.

“Come on, it’s like a hundred and thirty degrees in this box, just have a bit of water,” he pleaded. This time, his words earned a loud bark and a vicious snarl which sent Sy stumbling backwards out of the shed.

“Hey, Cap.”

Sy startled, his head shooting up and his eyes landing on Leah.

“What are ya doin’ here, Coleman? You should be with your unit.”

“I figured I’d save you from doing something foolish like say… trying to hand feed a rabid dog?”

The Captain’s defenses fell and he sighed, hanging his head in defeat.

“He’s just a pup, can’t be more than a few months old…” Sy’s gaze went back to the inside of the shed. From where she stood, Leah couldn’t see the interior but she knew he must have locked eyes with the poor dog.

“What was your plan? Even if you feed it, it likely won’t survive out here.”

There was nothing for miles around the hamlet. Any source of food or water that had been around before was now nothing but ash.

Sy swallowed, tossing the packet of peanut butter back in his MRE bag.

“You’re right. Let’s go. They’ll probably be done eatin’ by now.”

He waited for Leah to turn back so he could follow her but the expression on Sy’s face kept her locked in place. He appeared gutted at the idea of leaving the starving canine behind to die.

“Let me try something,” Leah eventually said, kneeling to rip open her MRE. She searched their surroundings, finding a warped piece of scrap metal. Being mindful of the sharp edges, she picked it up before moving toward the door.

When she stepped inside, Leah sat right by the door with her back to the wall then lifted a finger to her lips and tipped her head, motioning for Sy to mirror her position on the opposite side of the frame.

Leah placed the metal piece on the dirt in front of her and poured some of her water in the makeshift bowl. She put the cap back on the bottle and dug into her bag to find the beef stew packet, adding a few chunks of meat to the water. Finally, she looked at Sy and held out her hand expectantly.

The corner of his mouth pulled up into a small smile as he fished the peanut butter packet back out of his MRE pack. Once the platter was fully loaded with all the peanut butter squeezed onto the edge, she pushed it as far forward as she could reach.

Without another glance towards the filthy pup hiding under a set of fallen shelves in the far corner of the room, they began to eat the remaining food. By the time they both finished, the dog hadn’t moved but it had stopped growling at them.

As quietly and slowly as they could, they cleared their trash and returned to the convoy. Leah expected some sort of teasing upon their return—maybe a ‘Seven Minutes in Heaven’ joke or something along those lines—but nothing came. Apparently the men were well and truly on their way to accepting her presence on base. Or more likely, they didn’t have the balls to say anything in front of the Captain. Either way, she took her position at the turret and the platoon moved out without a word.

“Mail call!”

The mess hall went from moderately noisy to a cacophony in seconds. There hadn’t been a mail call in over a month. Someone started calling names and letters were passed down the room.

“Holy shit, my kid is walking!”

“My girl is dumping me for some fuckboy called Kyle.”

“My mom sent me a picture of the ducks in her backyard.”

“What? Why?”

“Man, I have no clue.”

Leah ignored the excited chatter, keeping her head down as she moved the food around on her plate. She was still hung up on that dog they’d left at the village. Sy sat a little ways down on the opposite side of the table and from the looks of him, he was thinking the exact same thing. It was strange seeing the big scary captain turned upside down by a small pup but she could completely understand why.

An elbow to the ribs, forced Leah’s face up from her powdered potatoes.

“They called your name like four times, didn’t you hear?” True to his word, Benjie placed a small box on the table next to Leah’s tray.

“I never get mail,” she argued, too stunned to say anything else. Her grip tightened on her fork as she stared at the brown package as if waiting for something to pop out and scare her.

“All I got was a Christmas card,” Ethan said, turning the picture towards them. “I’m not sure ‘better late than never’ includes family portraits with matching ugly sweaters. Look at this, even the pug has one.”

“What are you waiting for?” Rohan asked, bumping his shoulder into hers.

She was waiting to figure out what could possibly be inside the box. She had no idea what to expect. She didn’t even know for sure who had sent it since she didn’t recognize the return address.

“Aren’t you even the least bit curious to see what’s inside?” Jeremiah goaded when Leah didn’t answer, pushing the box closer to her.

Curious was not the right word. Worried or apprehensive, sure. Curious, no. Since enlisting, Leah had not received a single piece of mail and she had never expected any either.

“If you’re so hyped, why don’t you open it?”

Jeremiah didn’t need more encouragement, ripping into the box with his knife, but his face dropped when he saw what was inside. His reaction did nothing to quell her worries.

“I see now why you didn’t care.” He pulled an item out of the box, frowning as he studied it. “Whatever happened to the classics like snacks or baby wipes?”

Leah looked up, a fond smile spreading over her face as she extended her hand to take the box of brand name permanent markers from Jeremiah. It had been decorated with a red bow and a post-it note stuck on the front read: “A promise is a promise <3”

It was the stupidest thing but the note made tears threaten to pour from her eyes.

“Leah, I’m not taking your half! I’ll get student loans. It’ll be fine, it’s what everyone does.”

“What the fuck am I gonna do with it? Do you know of a good ATM in the middle of the Iraqi desert?”

“You could buy a house of your own or take a trip or use it for your wedding one day.”

“I’m enlisting, Caleb, if I bought a house it would just sit here and be empty and there’s no way I would ever burn that much money on a wedding. Please, just use it for school.”

They’d been having the same fight for the past week. Neither of them had seemed to be willing to give even an inch. Until then.

“Fine,” Caleb finally said with a sigh, pulling Leah into a tight hug. “But I’m only doing this because I don’t want to spend the rest of your time at home fighting about money.”

Leah closed her eyes, sinking into the familiar comfort of her big brother’s embrace. In a few days, she was going off to basic training. After that there was no telling where she would end up and she knew it had Caleb worried.

“What can I do instead?” he asked when they finally pulled apart. “What do you want?”

Leah shoved a few more items into her bag and looked around her room. It was plastered with her artwork and various posters.

The money they were fighting about had always been earmarked for school. For the most part, they had lived a very minimalistic life and Leah had rarely spent more than the bare minimum on anything that wasn’t essential.

“Buy me a set of markers that aren’t from the dollar store and we’ll call it even.”

“There’s two envelopes in here too,” Benjie pointed out, bridging Leah back to the present moment. “One of them seems to have pictures in it.”

“How much are we betting someone sent Leah a polaroid of his dick?” Jeremiah smirked, pointing around the table at each of the guys who simply shook their heads in exasperation.

Leah clutched the box of markers to her chest, making no move to open either envelope so Jeremiah took the packet of pictures while Benjie opened the other. Ethan leaned over the sergeant’s shoulder, reading the revealed letter aloud.

“‘You can expect two grand in your bank account every month going forward. It’s not an error and I’m not taking no for an answer this time.’ Holy shit, Coleman’s got a Sugar Daddy!”

Multiple heads turned around the room but Leah was so focused on the words of the note that she didn’t notice Sy’s envious scowl at the wild declaration.

Dammit. Leah was willing to bet that two thousand dollars a month was a typical student loan payment for medical residents. It seemed Caleb was going to force her to take her half one way or another.

“Wow, Coleman, full homo your man is hot. And he’s a doctor? How much dick do I have to suck to get in on that deal? My girl needs new rims.”

From a few seats away, Sy pretended not to be eavesdropping on the conversation but he couldn’t help sneaking a look at the picture the boys had passed down the table at BJ’s request.

BJ released a low whistle, studying the picture. “Nicely done, Coleman. Why are we just now hearing about this guy? And what the fuck are you doing out here with us if this guy is dropping some serious cash on you every month?”

“That’s Caleb.” She retrieved the various pictures, looking through them for the first time. “He’s my brother,” she clarified, quickly glancing at Sy who’s shoulders visibly relaxed. Interesting. “When I enlisted I made him take my half of the college fund. Apparently he wants to pay me back.”

Amongst the pictures, Caleb had sent a shot of the two of them. She clung to his back like a koala and they were both laughing hysterically. It had been taken the day she deployed.

There was also a series of goofy selfies, illustrating how Caleb had spent the last few years since they’d been apart. One was of a midnight coffee break, undoubtedly taken while he was cramming for exams. A few others showed him in scrubs with CPR and medical practice dummies.

The last one was taken at the lake where she and Caleb had spent much of their childhood. It was most likely the one the guys had been joking about, showing Caleb passed out on a lounge chair in his bathing suit with a book held loosely on his lap. Yeah, that was typical Caleb, she thought. He had always preferred a good book to a hunting or fishing trip but he worked out regularly to keep sane—his words not hers—and it showed.

“Now that you mention it, I see the family resemblance,” Rohan said, looking at the pictures again.

“Yeah, the drop dead good looks,” Ethan pitched in with a flirty wink that made Leah roll her eyes.

Sy stood from the table, clearing his tray then heading out in the direction of his office. Leah gathered her gifts, mumbling a quick excuse about having forgotten to hand in some paperwork, and ran out after Sy.

“Cap!”

Sy stopped in his tracks, turning to face Leah who stood just a foot away from him. Leah checked over her shoulder to make sure the hallway was empty then looked up at the Captain.

“Can I use the sat phone?”

He sighed, shaking his head. “I know everyone misses home when the mail comes in but you know I can’t do that. We have a usage schedule for a reason.” It was a shitty, robotic response but it was what he had to say as her officer.

“I haven’t used it once since I got here. I just…” Leah rubbed the back of her hand over her nose as it started to prickle. She was trying really hard not to cry in front of Sy because then he would think she was just trying to manipulate him and he would never give in to her request. “Caleb promised he’d buy me these once he started his residency. The fact that he sent them means he graduated medical school and I just want to tell him that I’m proud of him.”

Sy had four siblings of his own. He couldn’t remember the last time one of them had said they loved him in more than a perfunctory manner, much less that they were genuinely proud of him. Truth be told, he’d never been very open with them either so maybe he was partly at fault for the strained relationship. Leah’s brother was lucky that she cared that much for him.

“You get ten minutes.”

“That’s all I need,” she promised.

Day 78

Leah and the guys were sent out on a quick prisoner transport mission. It was over and done without a hitch and Rohan now steered the humvee onto the road leading back to base. From her position at the turret, Leah spotted the destroyed hamlet far up the road.

On an impulse, she reached down, patting Ethan on the shoulder. “Get Rohan to radio One-One and request to pull into the hamlet for lunch!” she shouted over the noise of the motor.

“We don’t know if any rebels have moved in there since we cleared it and we’re almost back at Warhorse!”

Leah cursed internally and gave Jeremiah a small shove with her foot.

“Come on… I know you’re hungry!”

“I could eat,” he agreed before leaning forward and saying something to Benjie who then radioed who she assumed was BJ in Victor One.

Leah didn’t know exactly what was said during the exchange but as they came up to the narrow dirt path, the convoy slowed then turned into the hamlet. After performing a quick sweep, they parked the humvees out of sight of the main road.

Jumping off the roof of the humvee, Leah beelined for the ruin of the metal shed.

“Where are you going, Princess?”

After hearing the little nickname so much around base, it sometimes slipped out when the boys were in a teasing mood. Though they weren’t thrilled with the way she got it, they couldn’t deny it was pretty funny. Rohan especially found it hilarious.

“Just taking a piss Han Solo!”

“Then why are you taking your MRE with you?” Benjie called back with a knowing smirk.

“I don’t want Chewie over there to eat it before I get back!”

She didn’t turn around but she heard Jeremiah’s offended squawk from fifty feet away. Oh yeah, if the boys wanted to play, who was she to deny them?

Chapter 7

#captain syverson #captain syverson fic #captain syverson fanfic #captain syverson fanfiction #cpt syverson #captain syverson x ofc #cpt syverson x ofc

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meltedicescream · 3 years

Text

Obey Me Bois with an Mc who has No Self Preservation

eyyy im back with my dumbassary

Spoilers for 15-16-17

tw//death, drowning, etc

Tags: Angst

Lucifer

Poor man is loosing any sleep he was getting because of you

He's had to stop you from fighting all of his brothers multiple times because you tried to fight them

He's also had to stop himself from fighting you

This man has caught you telling a lower level demon "do it pussy" because that demon told its friend it would eat you, and he had to immediately pick you up under your arms like a misbehaving cat

He's picked you up like this multiple times

He's genuinely thought about keeping you on a leash because of how often you have strayed away from the group and almost fucking died

Mammon

Loves joining you in almost falling off of a cliff on accident because you thought nothing bad could happen

Actually he doesn't.

He has mini panic attacks when he can't find you

He'll occasionally pick you up when he realizes that you're in a dangerous area

Has caught you before you told a random, really buff demon to fight you, apologizing to the demon profusely while holding you under his arm

He has also thought about keeping you on a leash

He says he doesn't care about you but he's the main reason you don't almost die

Leviathan

This fucker didn't care until he took you to an anime convention and told a very buff cosplayer to fight you

He kind of relates it to an anime character he likes

He's caught you from straight up just diving into his fish tank because you thought you could swim all the way to the bottom, but he knew you would drown

Keeps you in his room most of the time and always keeps an eye on you

He won't let you leave his sight, he doesn't want his best friend dying!

He loves keeping you distracted from fighting someone with viceogames

Satan

Oh boy do you make him angry

One time while you were in his room he had to catch you before you could fall because you had climbed onto a pile of books to reach a book you thought looked interesting

He scolded you so bad

He has to keep an eye on you while your in his room

And when your in the kitchen he has to be at the door to keep you from accidentally poisoning yourself

He hates your guts

But he would hate it even more if you died or accidentally hurt yourself

He has kept you on a leash, at least until Asmo said somethin about it to him

He hates asmo now because thats all he can think about now

Asmodeus

He almost screamed when he saw you on the kitchen counter just so you could reach something on the top shelf

He of course quickly ran over and caught you when you fell

You get scoldings every time he sees you doing something stupid

Sometimes he has to charm lower level demons so they won't actually fight you

He swears up and down he's getting stress acne because of you, but even without makeup he has no pimples in sight

Poor man looses his beauty sleep because of you

Beelzebub

Don't worry, he's got you under control

He simply picks you up if you ever start climbing on counters or trying to fight someone

He's never taken care of someone so short before so its really new to him

But he'll gladly carry you around if it means you won't accidentally fall off a counter and hurt yourself or actually get into a fight

He's done this with Mammon (short king) before, when they were younger, picking up Mammon so he wouldn't get into fights over debt

Even if you're just standing on the coffee table to be eye to eye with one of the brothers, he'll still pick you up to make sure you don't get hurt

Belphegor

heres where the spoilers are oh boy

He never expected a human, something so fragile it could die from just one stab, would be so bold as to stand on a counter to reach a mixing bowl

If it hadn't been for Asmo you would have died again because he wasn't fast enough

And when he was intentionally killing you, he didn't expect you not to fight back, you had simply thought the other brothers would come and save you, but you were sadly killed. BUT YOU LIVED!

He's the reason Beel is like a helicopter parent for you

He asked Beel to keep a close eye on you so you wouldn't fucking die any time you got close to a ledge

He doesn't want to lose you, he cares too much! And he hasn't had as much time with you as his older brothers have had

no more spoilers, dear

Diavolo

Because of his princely duties he didn't notice you climbing onto his desk to get his attention, but he looked up right as you fell, swiftly catching you

You get many a scolding from him, but he feels bad about it so he gives you candy, too

He's asked Barbatos to keep an eye on you, but it seems he can't keep control of you without being right next to you at all times

Poor guy is stressed because of you!

He got one of those dog harnesses for you so he could simply tie you to a table with a leash so you wouldn't climb on something you weren't supposed to

And the amount of times he's heard of you almost getting into fights is astronomical

He genuinely thinks he has to keep one eye open just to make sure you aren't climbing through his bedroom window

Barbatos

Due to him being able to see into the future he can easily control you

Buuuut that doesn't mean he hasn't ran into rooms really fast for some close calls

He was wiping down the dining room table due to Diavolo accidentally spilling something when he suddenly dashed into the kitchen. You had been planning on making some cake for the demon prince but you couldn't quite reach the flour so you climbed onto the counter, only to slip. And in the nick of time, Barbatos ran in and caught you right before you hit the ground

He already has enough on his plate, but he's still very willing to take care of you

He's in a group chat with all of the brothers just so he can send a quick text of "mc's about to walk into the basement, grab them before Cerberus does"

Solomon

Wizard bitch tried to use magic on you to keep you from almost dying all the time because you think you can't die

Since magic doesn't seem to stop you, he uses it to catch you or block you from something

He also used his pact with barbatos to his advantage when it comes to you

He doesn't care all that much though, just as long as you don't die

One time he had to physically catch you because you were a dumbass and decided to do a trust fall off of the dining room table in Purgatory Hall

Simeon

So he had two children to take care of?

He's always holding your hand no matter what as if you were a toddler so you can't run off and almost die

He has went into his full angel form just to catch you before you could slip off of something

He doesn't trust you with anything sharp so he doesn't allow you in the kitchen

He won't let you around anything dangerous out of fear of you hurting yourself

He fucking started crying when you simply slipped in a puddle and scraped your knee. Humans are so fragile and he thought you were going to die!

Luke

The baby can't do anything when you almost die so like theres nothing here lmao

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juletheghoul · 3 years

Text

Mysticus Chapter 2

Ezra x F!Reader Soulmates AU

Pairing: Ezra x F!Reader

Word Count: 1.6K

Warnings: Nothing yet - maybe language (Smut later on)

Masterlist Chapter 3

Later that night you realize that after your mystery patron left, you made your way back to the shitty motel you were staying at seemingly in a daze. Almost as if you were on autopilot.

Laying in bed having showered and locked up everything tightly, you stared at your dog curiously. She didn’t seem much different than she usually did.

“What the hell was that about huh? Did you turn into a teddy bear all of a sudden?” you often spoke to her as if she’d respond. You supposed that in some ways she usually did, or at least you felt as though she did. She looked at you without lifting her head, the barest hint of acknowledgment.

“Excuse me ma’am, I’m speaking to you.” You stared at her – she looked away and let out a heavy sigh. Wow. Rude. Maybe he smelled like someone familiar? Either way its lucky she didn’t bite or growl at him, relieved that you didn’t have to deal with that fall out.

You stared at the little mark in your palm with the little sliver of light that cut through the darkness of the sad little room you both had been staying in for the past week and thought about it’s twin on the man at the carnival. His voice in the back of your mind as you pictured his face. The smile that made your heart beat faster, those deep brown eyes that crinkled giving you that smile. The feel of his lips on the back of your hand, you could almost feel it as you drifted off to sleep.

The same sliver of light woke you the next morning, and not in the best of moods. You had a vague sense of nightmares but nothing concrete, a couple of minutes later you couldn’t even remember. The feeling however didn’t go away, and it followed you like a cloud throughout the day. After taking the dog out to handle her business and grabbing yourself some breakfast you sat in the bed and upturned your earnings to see what you were working with.

“Okay, so we have $115 from the carnival along with the little bit we still have for emergencies. Which means we’re at a grand total of $637.53. That’s not too bad huh?” the dog gave a little huff.

“One more day at the carnival wouldn’t hurt – lets see if we can make it an even $700. Don’t look at me like that, it’s got nothing to do with that guy he probably forgot what he said. I doubt we’ll ever see him again.” You weren’t sure who you were trying to convince. The dog was ever silent and you gave her a little frown but put your money away anyway.

You decided that no matter what happened at the carnival, this was your last night in this town. It felt as though you’d stayed there too long already. To harden your resolve, you checked out of the motel early and packed up everything you owned - double and triple checking that you didn’t miss anything - into the back of your jeep. You used the rest of the day to restock everything you needed for your life on the road – snacks, extra gas for the long stretches of road between gas stations, dog food & snacks for your girl, as well as basic toiletries that had been used up or were running dangerously low. Everything went into the back of the jeep where you had your life neatly organized. Feeling better about your provisions, you made your way over to the carnival.

It was a slow night. Not as many customers as you would have hoped for and the cloud over your head felt as though it was getting heavier, full to bursting with rain and hail, thunder and lightning. The feeling that seemed like a vague suggestion of a bad dream, now sat heavy and low in the pit of your stomach like a brick. You tried to shake it off but the slightest movement had you whipping your head around, any normal carnival noise had you jumping and it wasn’t just you. The dog’s ears kept prickling like she too was on the lookout. Even the smells of carnival, which normally were the only thing you liked about it – were making you queasy. Donuts and funnel cakes, cotton candy and roasted nuts, things you usually liked now were cloying and were threatening to make you gag.

You felt him before you actually saw him and when your eyes locked and he gave you that secret smile, it felt as though the wind got knocked out of you.

He sat down opposite you and you stared at each other for a few minutes in silence. You mapped out the lines of his face unabashedly while he did the same. You noticed the scar on his cheek that you’d somehow missed the night before and again that wild urge to reach out and touch him struck you again.

“Good evening Birdie, I cannot put into words the euphoria I feel in seeing you again.”

“Do you always speak like that?” you blurted out, as your eyes widened and the colour rose high in your cheeks.

“Do you find it bothersome?” he asked seemingly unphased, you’re guessing you probably aren’t the first person to ask him.

“No.” You certainly didn’t speak in such flowery prose but then again, you travelled alone with a dog so your conversations were very one-sided.

“I found myself contemplating how a petal as exquisite as yourself found herself providing your services in this barren no-name town. I suspect you’re not a local?”

“Nope, just passing through.” You ignored the compliment.

“As I suspected. As am I petal. I don’t suppose you’d be agreeable to coming to a little arrangement? I’m looking for transport out of this place and as romantic as the thought of purchasing a bus ticket and driving off into the sunset with strangers on all sides is, I’d rather travel with someone as lovely as yourself to look at.” You gawked at him. “I realize that we do not know each other but I assure you petal I am as harmless as a newborn kitten.” Yeah. Right. You weren’t afraid of this man in any way, you couldn’t explain why but there was something in the pit of your stomach that told you he was safe. Were you actually considering this??

“You want me to give you a ride? You don’t even know where I’m going, and how do you know I’m harmless?” You crossed your arms over your chest to hide the frantic beating of your heart, as if he could somehow see it.

“Call it intuition. What do you say? Are you agreeable?” He reached out his hand to shake on your agreement. You stared at his hand momentarily when a thought struck you.

“What do you say girl, should we pick up a stray?” You looked over at your dog. She stood up and walked over to him – he smiled and pet her behind the ear and she licked his hand again. That settled it.

“Agreed.” You both shook on it.

It was only as you both walked over to your jeep that you realized you’d never asked him his name.

At first it was a little strange having someone other than the dog in the Jeep, but he volunteered to drive and you couldn’t help but admit that it was nice. It was nice to be in the passengers seat with the window open, sun shining on your face, wind blowing through your hair and the steady hum of his voice lulling you into a state of relaxation you haven’t felt since god knows when. That was another thing that was strange. Conversation. You spoke to the dog often but she didn’t respond. Not verbally anyway. You both made your way through each town, deciding off the cuff whether or not you wanted to stay or keep going. It was also very nice having him pitching in with gas money. The first time you pulled into a gas station he was out of the car before you could fully comprehend what he was doing, filling up your tank and walking in to pay without so much as a word. As he got in and dropped a bottle of water in your lap he gave you one of those smiles that made your heart skip a beat, and noticing the look of confusion on your face he laughed lightly.

“I figure if you’re courteous enough to allow me to accompany you in your cross-country travel, the very least I can do is contribute with the cost of fuel. Now I have purchased some water for you because you have to stay hydrated, especially in this heat and I’m guessing the little lady riding in the back might also be a little thirsty. What do you say girl, do you need to go about your business?” the dog perked her ears up as he grabbed her leash to lead her outside.

You were left speechless, but glad you didn’t have to have the awkward conversation when you eventually did run out of gas money. That was another thing that seriously weirded you out. He spoke to your dog as if he’d known her forever – no fear – no hesitation and while for other dogs that was usually fine, you knew for a fact that your dog was most decidedly not open to new people. Except him it seemed. You watched as he led her near the trees while she relieved herself and trotted back happily for a drink of water. Any part of you which held a little bit of regret at readily accepting him joining you was gone in that moment.

--------

Tag List: @foli-vora @frannyzooey @freak-nasty-thick-dick-mando @marydjarin @thirstworldproblemss @cannedsoupsucks @ilikechocolatemilkh @lori-tovar

#ezra x reader #ezra x you #ezra x female reader #soulmates au #prospect ezra #ezra from prospect #pedro pascal #pedro pascal fic #ezra (prospect)#ezra (prospect) x reader #ezra (prospect) x you #prospect fic #prospect #ezra (prospect) x f!reader #pedro pascal x reader

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hope-to-hell · 3 years

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My love. I need more Billy Lee being disgusting and depraved in my life.

You say Billy Lee, and I’m there with bells on. Only Ashes. Billy Lee x Reader. Smut, heavy dubcon, exhibitionism, public sex, collars, leashes, choking, degradation, manipulation, possessiveness, cults, unhealthy relationship. Billy Lee is a bad idea. The worst idea, perhaps. And yet he’s got his hooks in deep.

Listen. You know Billy Lee is trouble; anyone who says family when they mean cult is gonna be a challenge and a half. But this guy. This fucking guy. He has charisma in spades; it’s what brought you here, after all, that easy smile and his hello, gorgeous. Why don’t you come away with me for a while. And it’s his touch that’s kept you here— a touch that’s only sometimes for you, but he’s got you following his hand around like a dog on a fucking leash.

Would you like that, sweetheart? You wanna be on the end of a leash, where I can just tug you along wherever? You want me to wrap it around my hand and pull tight, til you see stars? I could fuck you while I do it. You want to see how hard you come when your lights are going out? It’s like nothing else.

He’s not wrong. He just failed to mention how many of his acolytes would be watching.

Billy Lee’s hands are sooty, dirty, flecked with splinters from the burning branch he’s been waving around. Something about Prometheus today. He left out the part about the liver, but damn if he didn’t have everyone’s attention when he waxed poetic about fire and cleverness and making your own fate. It was a good speech, hardly a new one but he could read the phone book and hold his audience captive. Captivated. There’s a difference, sweetheart.

What’s it matter?

It matters. All these fine people, they come here because I invite them, but they stay because they want to. Nothing stopping any one of you from getting up and leaving if you like.

Nothing but the way he pulls you apart, the way he’s got you melting in his hands. Nothing but the way he’d follow you if you were to leave, taillights trailing through the night and casting long red streams along the wet roads. Billy Lee says you’re free, but Billy Lee is a goddamned liar.

And you said it to his face, didn’t you, exactly that. Billy Lee, you’re a goddamned liar and a cheat, and I am through.

You aren’t through. Not til he is. Not til he wrings every last drop of pleasure and pain from you, til the column of your spine collapses in a dust-dry heap. Nothing left but bones, pretty thing. Bird-light and hollow, ripe for the breaking. He means it, too. But he also knows you’re weak for him, weak against the wet slide of him inside you, against the way his hand brushes so tenderly down your jaw. And that, too, is a lie. He doesn’t know how to do anything but lie. He is the serpent, eternal, more allegory than man. He’s the cautionary tale your mother told you when she caught you sneaking out.

One day you’ll stray too far, and what finds you will hurt you.

She was right. But she didn’t say anything about the pleasure.

Because there’s Billy Lee with the collar and leash, just like he promised. (Thought he was always a liar? Even the lies are lies and they spiral back around into truth. Every story comes from a seed. Every nightmare is the mind working through a memory. And when Billy Lee tells you what he’s gonna do to you, that’s the truth.)

Let’s get back to the leash, because it’s kind of important right now. Not as important as the way he’s got your slick shining on his fingers while he lectures, or the way his sooty hands have left smudges on your ass and probably inside you too. He’s speaking again, warm and steady. You might think this is about punishment. It’s not. This is a lesson. It’s humility, or humiliation; it’s hard to tell, but all those eyes on you have your cheeks burning hot. Surely they can hear the squelch of his fingers inside you; surely they can taste your need hanging heavy in the air.

You want to come, pretty thing? Too bad. You’ll come on my cock or not at all. Now get over here. And he’s tugging at the leash, hard, just this side of too much. If you resist, the collar catches at your breath to trap it in your lungs; it’s a burning aching pain, and it is something close to possession. Close, but not quite. You gave yourself to me, remember? You crawled into my bed and begged me to take whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.

He’s not wrong, but how could you know it would be like this?

You couldn’t have known, but he can see how it affects you now; when he pulls you into the arch he wants, he can slip three fingers inside you as easy as anything. Now, see, I know you’ve been faithful. Not just because you’ve been chained to my bed. But because you’re so desperately needy for me, your pretty cunt is just swallowing me up. Can’t get enough, can you? Beg me, and I’ll fuck you right. Ask me nicely, and I’ll steal your breath but leave my come inside you.

Teasing, mocking bastard. His filthy hands are clever on you and in you, keeping you so close to the edge but never letting you fall. And this goes on, with so many pairs of eyes staring up at you, firelight flickering over them and making their eyes into cruel and flinty things. This is Billy Lee’s lesson, for you and for them. Listen, follow, don’t question him. And above all don’t try to run. Do all these things, and he will make it good for you.

And after hours or days or only minutes— who can tell— he catches the barest little sound from your constricted throat. What was that, sweetheart? I didn’t quite hear.

Please.

Please what?

Please fuck me. Make me fall apart around you. Whatever you want. Just, please.

That’s all he wanted, all he ever wants: your complete submission. The admission that without him deep in you, you are incomplete. Without him dripping down your thigh, you’re set adrift. It’s a problem, but right now it doesn’t matter. Right now the important thing is how he opens his fly and shoves inside you without warning or care. It’s sharp and stinging despite how wet and open you are; the pain is just another way to possess you. And anyway, you like it.

Maybe so, but can’t you ever be kind?

No.

He winds the leash tighter around his hand; with the other on your spine it’s the work of an instant to bend you into that angle he likes so much, arched and aching, struggling to hold steady. He pulses with the feel of eyes on him, on the way he takes and takes and takes, chasing his pleasure. Don’t you like them watching, sweetheart? Don’t you want them all to see how good you are for me?

Good. Right. Good like the gentle brush of his hand down your neck the first night he brought you home, the first time he took you to his bed. Good like the bruises he laid across your hips, and the sweet stretch of your thighs as he held them apart. Good like the morning after, when he rose naked and gleaming in the early light and said welcome to your new life. Good like the chains and the chase, like his cold stare across the bench seat when he drove you home. Good like the way the anger curled around his words when he said what were you thinking? Don’t you know you’re mine?

And now with the way he turns your head to make you watch the crowd watching you, it’s impossible to deny the way the act makes you clench around him. It’s impossible to be anywhere but here, in this moment, coming helplessly around his cock while he pushes himself deeper and spills with a rough growl. Show them, he husks. Show them what I’ve done to you. And so you do, cheek pressed to the toe of his boot, hands reaching back to spread yourself wide, to show the way his come slides out.

Why would you ever want to be anywhere but here? You’re mine in all the ways that matter. You’re his, but he’s not yours; he mires you in his pretty words and gentle touches, until the leash pulls tight. And when it does, you’ll only beg him

More.

#chris hemsworth #my fic #Billy Lee #billy lee fic #billy lee smut #bad times at the el royale smut #bad times at the el royale fic #bad times at the el royale #billy lee x you #billy lee x reader

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jaskiersvalley · 4 years

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My life has been absolute shit lately, and your blog has been the one constant, an anchor if you will; for me. I've probably blown up your notifications and are prob sick of seeing my little icon and I apologize but you have kept me sane. I just love you so much😭❤

I’m so sorry to hear life has been absolute shit lately! Whatever it is that’s going on for you, I really hope it gets better soon. I’m there in your corner and rooting for you. On a side note, please never feel you have to apologise for blowing up notifications. As a writer, it is one of the loveliest things to see, to have someone enjoy works so much, they make their way through multiple stories. Generally, those usernames are the ones that I’ll remember and grin at going “it’s you again” and be really happy to see. Even if we never talk, regulars in notifications bring a special kind of warmth with them. So all the thanks and love should be given to you for being such a wonderful soul.

As thanks, and as a little something to take your mind off whatever’s been going on, have a strange modern AU.

The shelter where Jaskier worked was a relatively quiet one. They tended to specialise in last hope strays and those that needed a home that wasn’t expecting the animals to be cute, convenient and snuggly. Usually, Jaskier’s role was more to sit with the animals, sing to them and get them used to human presence. Sometimes it took weeks before one of the animals dared approach him or stopped growling at his mere presence. But each time it happened, Jaskier’s heart almost burst with love. He adored every single animal that came to the shelter, broken and hurting as they were. In part, Jaskier felt responsible for them and wanted to make sure that no matter what had happened in the past, their future was as bright as possible.

As well as the animals, there was another reason Jaskier loved the shelter. The people he worked with. Namely, one particular volunteer who came in at least once a week and often more when there was a particularly difficult case. Geralt had a reputation as a take no shit gentle giant. He’d had his fair share of bites, scratches and incidents but not once did he ever blame the animal in question. No matter how many times he got attacked, he returned, worked with the animal and tried his best to win them over. As far as Jaskier knew, he had yet to fail.

Some animals needed more attention than others. They were usually referred to as ‘Geralt specials’ because most of the time, it was Geralt who managed to start working with the animal in question. At that moment in time, there was only one such dog at the shelter, a mastiff cross of some description. She had come in half starved and petrified of any human contact. Even Jaskier sitting quietly on the other side of the door to her kennel had her snarling and snapping, throwing herself at the cage door. Any dog doing that would have been scary, when it was a dog Roach’s size, it was downright terrifying. But Geralt had come in and worked his magic. The first time Jaskier saw him slip out of the kennel, he hd expected to see copious amounts of blood. Instead, he got to see Geralt turn back to the kennel and offer a soft smile before acknowledging Jaskier with a nod.

Over time, Jaskier and Geralt started getting on better and better. While Geralt never stayed around when Jaskier played, claiming he wasn’t fond of the racket, he still seemed to linger nearby enough to catch the softly drifting music without being obvious about it. Their nods to each other had become a few exchanged pleasantries. Then it was chats int he staff room. Or even walking the dogs together, Geralt always taking Roach if possible.

“I’m moving,” Geralt announced out of the blue, Roach sitting next to him, tongue lolling happily.

“Does that mean we’ll lose you?” Jaskier’s heart actually hurt at the idea.

Thankfully, Geralt shook his head. “I wanted somewhere bigger, with a garden.” He looked down at Roach and patted her head. She growled, obviously not in the mood for gentle attention.

It was no secret that Geralt was absolutely doting on Roach. He’d even turned a few potential adopters towards other dogs, claiming she was still a work in progress. Though Jaskier had suspected that, with the right person, Roach would have been ready to leave the kennel. Maybe now, with Geralt getting a more appropriate place for a dog, he could actually adopt her himself.

“Will you not be lonely in a bigger place?” Jaskier teased, hoping to get Geralt to admit to his plans.

“No.” Geralt looked at Jaskier with a frown. “Are you asking if I need a housemate?”

Laughter bubbled up in Jaskier’s throat at that and he shook his head. However, he didn’t push the matter any further.

Days went by and Jaskier was called to the front desk. Two men, built like small mountains were standing there. While they looked nothing like Geralt, there were enough shared mannerisms that Jaskier had to wonder whether they knew each other.

“We’re here to adopt a dog called Roach,” the smaller one said.

Priscilla at the desk looked quite stricken. They all had been hoping Geralt would adopt her soon. But, as Geralt had said, moving was expensive and disruptive. He couldn’t bring a dog into the home if he couldn’t safely provide for them.

“I’m afraid Roach isn’t up for adoption just yet,” Jaskier tried to worm his way out of it. “I would be more than happy to show you a few other dogs though.”

“It has to be Roach,” the man insisted.

The other guy finally spoke up. “Sorry, to clarify, we’re Geralt’s brothers. I’m Eskel, this is Lambert. He’s been working with that dog for so long and hasn’t shut up about her. At first we thought it was two dogs, but we’re not sure who would name a dog Jaskier.”

Snickering, Jaskier nodded. “I’m Jaskier. Geralt won’t shut up about me?”

In testament to all of Geralt’s hard work with Roach, she greeted Lambert and Eskel in a civilised fashion. Which made more sense when Eskel admitted he was wearing a hoodie he stole from Geralt.

“She can spend the night at mine. Geralt’s got tomorrow off, his house is as ready as it’s ever going to be. Want to help bring her over?”

The plan was quickly hatched. Jaskier would pick Roach up from Eskel’s the next afternoon. Lambert and Eskel would be at Geralt’s and keep him from getting stuck in on some chore so when Jaskier arrived with Roach, he wouldn’t be interrupted.

There was only one hiccough to their plan. The following morning, Geralt turned up at the shelter even though he wasn’t on the rota. He walked to the back and Jaskier saw the moment he realised Roach’s kennel was empty.

“What’s happened to her?” Geralt’s eyes were wide, face stoically set into something vaguely neutral to hide a breaking heart upon learning she had been adopted.

Jaskier felt awful, realising Geralt had been hoping to finally adopt her. Instead, Geralt gritted his teeth and nodded.

“Did she go to a good home?”

“The best,” Jaskier nodded. “Guy with a house and a garden. She loved him and even tolerated the guy’s maybe boyfriend.”

That was a bit of a cheeky thing to add but Jaskier couldn’t help himself. He had hopes. What he wasn’t braced for was the way Geralt nodded once and made his excuses to leave. On the way out, he dropped a roll of money into the fundraising jar on the reception desk. Jaskier didn’t need to count it to know it was exactly the same amount as an adoption fee. There was a defeated slope to Geralt’s shoulders and Jaskier was reaching for his phone, calling Eskel.

“We need to move up the timeline. He just came by to try and adopt Roach.”

A quick jiggling of lunch breaks and cover later, Jaskier was taking an early lunch and on his way to Eskel’s. He smiled at the dog, loving the big old bow Eskel had managed to attach to her collar.

“Come on girl,” Jaskier coaxed her into the car. “Time to go home.”

He pulled up outside Geralt’s driveway. Somehow, Eskel and Lambert had already managed to coax Geralt onto the porch and Jaskier got to see the annoyed scowl before recognition smoothed Geralt’s features into something confused.

“Sorry to bother,” Jaskier said as he opened up the boot of his car. “But I’ve got something of yours that needed delivering.”

Roach hopped out with a huff and looked around.

“Roach?” Geralt’s voice was full of hope. His dog heard and Jaskier had no chance of holding her leash as she bounded towards Geralt.

Lambert and Eskel took a step back as Roach collided with Geralt and they went sprawling on the ground. They both looked so happy, Jaskier wanted to take a photo and treasure it forever. Thankfully, it seemed that Lambert had the same idea as he’d already whipped his phone out to take pictures. Meanwhile, Eskel pulled out the adoption papers from him pocket.

Finally a little calmer, Geralt sat up and stared at the three of them. “I thought she got adopted.”

“She did. By a guy with a house and a garden. The best home she could hope for,” Jaskier replied.

“Didn’t the guy also have a maybe boyfriend?” Off to the side, Eskel snorted and made no attempt to even hide it. Jaskier had the grace to blush lightly even as he shrugged. “Could we make it a definite boyfriend?” Geralt asked softly.

It was Jaskier’s turn to grin but he didn’t step closer. “While I’m very happy, I think I would prefer not to tackle you to the floor and lick you all over to express it. The bed however,” he trailed off suggestively.

Lambert barked out a laugh and punched him in the shoulder merrily. “We’ll leave you three to figure out who is allowed on the bed and who wears a collar. See you around.”

“Stay,” Jaskier replied. “I need to get back to work. But, maybe, when I’m done, I could come by and see how Roach is settling into her new home?”

He looked at Geralt hopefully. “I could even bring some wine and doggy treats.”

“Deal.”

That was how Jaskier found himself with a date for that evening.

#geraskier #geralt of rivia #jaskier #lambert #roach #eskel #tldr: geralt wants to adopt roach but gets beaten to it by his brothers and jaskier

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freddieslater · 3 years

Text

Twelve Days of Rarepairs: Scanny | Scott McCall x Danny Mahealani (Teen Wolf)

Requested by @childofsquidward

The collie laying on the table is patient and docile as Scott finishes slotting the cone into place around her neck. She just stares up at him with big eyes, nudging against his hand with her nose.

Laughing, Scott rubs her head. Her tail gives a little wiggle in response.

"You know, you're the only one I've seen who isn't bothered by this thing," he tells her, scratching behind her ear.

She just gives a playful yip in response.

The bell rings over the front door, alerting Scott to someone entering the animal clinic. Somewhat pointless considering he heard the heartbeat first. But Lola's ears immediately perk up, and her tail bangs against the table.

Scott grins at Danny when he appears in the doorway, holding two festive coffee cups.

"You've been missed," he says.

Lola's already standing on the table, barking fondly at Danny. He laughs, and moves towards her, fuelling her excitement.

"By which one of you?" Danny jokes.

Scott's eyes widen. He opens his mouth, but he falters, and Danny's already focused on Lola again anyway. Heat rushes to his face. He quickly tries to regain some composure.

"Hey, girl! Oh, you look so good!" Danny coos. "Did Dr. McCall take good care of you?"

Scott tries to bite back a smile and fails. He's getting used to hearing his friends call him Dr. McCall, more as a joke, but something about the way Danny says it gives him this fluttering in his chest.

So, when he first saw him at the start of December, it was a surprise. He'd practically disappeared off the face of the earth for two years, and then suddenly he was back in town for the holidays, to see his family and friends.

But not only that, Scott hadn't quite realized just how attractive Danny is. Was he always that good-looking while they were at school together? Of course he was, everyone knew it. But Scott hadn't exactly been out to himself at that point, so seeing Danny back from New Orleans, even more tanned, with even more defined muscles—yeah, Scott might get a little nervous whenever he sees him now.

And it doesn't help that they seem to be seeing more of each other now than they did while at school. They run into each other in town. When Scott went back to fill in for Coach while he was away towards the end of the year, Danny just kept showing up, saying he was visiting a teacher to discuss something (he is, after all, in computer programming now, so it makes some semblance of sense), and they'd talk out on the field. He bmped into him while bringing his mom lunch at the hospital.

Scott even saw him while out with Lydia two weeks ago. He was catching up with Jackson, who was also back in town for the holidays, like everyone else.

And now at work, too. The universe seems to be playing some joke on him. He doesn't mind all that much, for once. As long as this isn't going to lead to him finding out that Danny's actually been turned into a vampire, or has been possessed by some new, evil spirit.

"Thank you," Danny says, lifting his eyes to Scott. Of course, Scott's still the one looking up at him, because it would appear Danny has had another growth spurt as well as everything else.

Scott realizes he isn't answering. Just gazing. He grins, and hastily tries to not be totally obvious.

"Just doing my job," he says with a shrug.

Danny rolls his eyes. "Yeah, but I know for a fact that this clinic should have been shut for the rest of the holidays. So, thank you for seeing her anyway."

Scott hesitates at that. "Well… you're a friend. And I had to come in today anyway. And—" he looks down at Lola, who's settled back down on the table, and gives her head another rub "—I couldn't just leave this one stranded on Christmas Eve."

"We both thank you, then." Danny then holds out one of the coffee cups. "A gesture to prove it."

"God, thank you," Scott says, gratefully accepting the cup and taking a drink. "I haven't had anything all day. Or since last night. Including sleep. I might be running on three Mountain Dews and a kitkat."

Danny raises his eyebrows in disbelief. "That… can't be good for you."

Scott just shrugs again. He'll probably feel the effects later on today, since it's currently only one-thirty in the afternoon. As long as he makes it to four to head to the station to see Stiles, then he can head back home and have a nap. And maybe food.

"I didn't know the life of a vet was so demanding."

"It's the holidays," Scott explains, taking another drink before continuing. The gingerbread-cinnamon-whatever is in this latte is the best thing he's ever had right now. "Lots of people want their pets better before Christmas and New Year. A lot of strays get found with bad injuries. Currently I have—"

Barking starts up from the dog room in the back. Scott smiles, gesturing towards the door as Lola once again perks up.

"—them. Eight labrador puppies. They're under a year old. Deaton and I were trying to get them rehomed before the holidays, but it didn't work out. That's why I was coming in to work anyway, since Deaton's out of town."

"Never mind, your job is clearly far more demanding than I thought." Danny smiles, glances down at Lola, then pauses. "Do you need a hand with them at all? They sound pretty eager for attention."

"Yeah, I was gonna take them out for a walk once I was finished up here," Scott says.

Danny's grin widens. "You planned to walk eight hyperactive labrador puppies by yourself? In the snow?"

Scott just gives another shrug. "They're not too hard to handle once they're outside."

The look Danny is giving him only intensifies the fluttery feeling in his chest. It's like something's tickling him from the inside. He can feel the heat beneath his skin, in his cheeks.

"Guess that whole Alpha thing really does give you an advantage, huh," Danny says, a certain teasing twinkle in his eyes but his grin sincere.

Scott has barely gotten used to the idea of Danny knowing about the supernatural at all, never mind him making casual comments about it. And especially not while he's looking at him like that.

"I don't know if it's anything to do with that," Scott says, shaking his head. "But… sometimes, yeah. It comes in handy."

Danny nods. The puppies are still barking in the back, trying to get Scott's attention.

"Well, I think Lola could use a walk after being so good about this," Danny says. He looks at Scott, smiling. "Mind if we join you? I can be pretty good with dogs, might help to take a couple off your hands for an hour."

Scott's eyebrows raise in surprise, and his heartbeat raises itself as well.

"You… but—" he frowns, his head tilting with a confused smile "—it's Christmas Eve. Don't you wanna get back to your family?"

"They won't miss me for a little while," Danny says, brushing it off. Then, because he seems to be catching on, he rolls his eyes, and says, "Please? You helped me with Lola when you clearly already had your hands full. I wanna do more than get you coffee."

Scott's heart drops into his stomach and lurches right back up. He swallows, and tries to keep his mind on one track, biting his lip.

"Uh… yeah," he breathes out before he can think twice. "You know what? That would be great. Thank you."

"No problem," Danny says, sincerely.

They get Lola to hop off the table, and head into the back room to get the others ready. Danny just laughs when he sees the little christmas hats Scott put on the ones that were happy to wear them.

As they're getting them all on their leashes, Danny casually adds, with a glance at Scott, "And if you were up for it, I'd like to get coffee with you sometime."

Scott accidentally clips the leash to his hand instead of the collar. He winces, quickly undoing it and fixing it to its right place instead. Then he looks over at Danny and his amused grin, his heart racing.

"Like—like a date?" he asks, hardly daring to believe that's what he means. Danny was never interested in him. Was he?

Scott's quickly going through every interaction he's ever had with him.

"Exactly a date," Danny corrects.

Scott's eyes are wide. His mouth opens, then closes. He wasn't prepared for this. Sure, the thought of Danny liking him back crosses his mind after Stiles and Lydia both insisted that he did after he told them about running into him all those times. But that doesn't mean he was prepared for it.

"You can say no," Danny says, giving another casual shrug as clips the last lead on to the last excited puppy. "I just thought I might as well ask. Waiting three years to do it was bad enough, I didn't want to seem totally pathetic by waiting four to at least know what you'd say."

"Three—what?" Scott asks in disbelief, sure that he must have somehow misheard. "You've wanted to ask me out for… three years?"

"Like I said, it was starting to seem pathetic." Danny looks at him, holding his stare with a soft gaze. "But, Lydia told me that you came out last year, and after seeing you, I figured I should at least ask."

"Wow. Uh…" Scott's mind is a mess, and he can't sort his thoughts out. Except for one. "I'd love to."

Danny blinks, thrown off his own guard now. Apparently even he wasn't prepared. But he quickly recovers, as does Scott, smiles forming across both their faces.

"Go on a date with you, I mean," Scott says, as if it needs further elaboration.

"Really?" Danny asks. "Uh… today?"

Scott's breath is knocked out of him, but he's already nodding again. "Yeah, absolutely."

He didn't think anything could make the fluttery feeling in his chest worse. Turns out, Danny smiling at him like he is right now is the thing that can.

"Okay, great," he says. "Then let's get these guys out of here."

Scott happily agrees. They head out of the back door after making sure the front is locked up. It has to be an hour or more that passes as they walk the dogs through town, taking an open path into the woods, through the snow. The whole way, Scott and Danny are talking, and laughing, catching up on the years they missed and in between.

#teen wolf #twedit #twrarepair #scanny #scott x danny #danny x scott #scott mccall #danny mahealani #twelve days of rarepairs #rowing the rarepair rowboat #myedits*#childofsquidward #wait no I actually really like this one #I never Really shipped these two before but ?? they were so easy to write for ??#and they're just so Soft????

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alternateafterthought · 4 years

Text

Arcane - Part 5

Ø Meaning: Secret, Mysterious, Understood only by few. MAGIC

Ø Pairing: Panther Hybrid Min Yoongi x Reader

Ø Summary: Some secrets are kept for the good of people. Some secrets are kept for abuse or power. Yoongi had been a victim of abuse and power, and he wasn’t going to let anyone else use secrets for that purpose. So, when Y/N comes into his life with secrets, he doesn’t want to fall into that rabbit hole again. He doesn’t want to give all his trust to someone who will abuse their power over him. But maybe Y/N’s secrets are a good thing.

Ø Genre: Hybrid!au, fluff, angst, eventual smut

Ø Warnings: None

Ø Word Count: 1487

Ø A/N: Hey guys… here is the next part of my Min Yoongi fic!! I was supposed to update this a few days ago but I seem to have to many different ideas going through my head and I never know which one to stick too!! But I really hope you are all enjoying this story!! So, I really hope you guys love and support this fic like you did with GOLDEN TIME!! If you want to be added to a tag list, message me or leave a comment or ask!! I would love and appreciate your feedback!! Thank you so much

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Like all major cities of the world, Y/N and Yoongi were welcomed into a global hybrid store, Whalien. If anyone was completely overwhelmed staring into the massive, 4 story building, it was Y/N. Y/N stood at the entrance, the leash to Yoongi’s collar in her hands has looked around wide eyed at how busy it was.

“Hey, it’s okay, I’m right here with you.” Yoongi held onto Y/N’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze before letting go. “What exactly are you buying for me?”

“Anything and everything you may need or want.” Y/N smiled as Yoongi’s confused look. “I want you to be completely comfortable when we get home. So, get everything you need. If it’s too big to carry with us, we can get it delivered to the house.”

“Y/N…”

“I don’t know everything about hybrids, but I do know that if I was to move into a new home out of my own territory,” Y/N smiled over her shoulder as she moved forward with him following her. “I would want to be comfortable.”

“You’re going to spoil me.” Yoongi state, with a look in his eye that Y/N couldn’t quite figure out.

“I’m willing to take the chance. You deserve to be spoilt and I deserve to spoil you.”

Y/N didn’t catch it, she didn’t catch the softness in Yoongi’s eyes as she trailed after her. She didn’t catch how Yoongi’s heart almost skip a beat. She didn’t catch how Yoongi moved closer to Y/N, wanting to be closer to her.

They found their way easily to the feline part of the store, going up to the 3rd floor as they followed the crowd. Y/N saw that the third floor was mostly for bedding, both of them walking over to the panther section. Yoongi quickly caught on that anything he so much as breathed close to, Y/N would pick it up and put it into the trolley they had gotten.

By the time they got back to the 1st floor, Y/N had asked Yoongi to get another trolley, which was half full. Y/N had already talked to one of the workers on the heavier items, getting them delivered to their house. Yoongi kept trying to make sure Y/N wasn’t buy as much for him, he watched as the two almost full trolleys now walked down the clothes aisles.

“Y/N, I really don’t need all of this.” Yoongi watched as Y/N held up two different shirts for him to decide between.

“Come on, Yoongi.” Y/N smiled happily, lifting the shirts towards him again. “I want you to be comfortable when we get home.”

“I think you’ve got enough here to keep me comfortable.” Yoongi looked down at the two trolley’s, full of things for just him. “I really do think it’s going to be enough with what we have.”

“Okay…” Y/N put the shirts down before handing them both to Yoongi. “Go try these one so I can see what colour suits you best.” From the look Yoongi gave her he was about to argue. “Come on the dressing room is just over there and I will be right outside.”

Yoongi playfully rolled his eyes at Y/N before they both walked the short distance to the dressing room. Y/N took a seat and waited just out of the rooms as Yoongi went through, his leash in Y/N’s hands. He was thankful he could at least take that off while changing and trying on clothes.

“Excuse me?” A soft voice asked from next to Y/N, as she held onto the two trolleys in front of her. “Do you mind if I sit next to you? My hybrid just went in to try on clothes too.”

“Oh, of course you can.” Y/N moved the trolleys completely out of her way as she sat next to her.

“Is this your first-time shopping for a hybrid?” The beautiful woman asked, flipping her hair over her shoulder, a set of pearls around her neck.

“Am I that obvious?” Y/N laughed a little, tucking stray hair behind her ear.

“A little. With how much you seem to be buying, I’m assuming you don’t have everything for a hybrid at your place.” The woman smiled softly, gesturing to her whole packed trolleys.

“You’re first to?”

“My first female hybrid.” She picked up the pink shirt on top. “I grew up with a male hybrid, but he was my brothers hybrid. And now that I’m married, we thought before we have children, we would see if we could look after a hybrid together.”

“Oh really?” Y/N nodded in appreciation, adopting a hybrid, and giving them a home and someone to love. “I really hope everything works out for you.”

“Thank you.” The woman bowed her head a little.

Before either of them could say anything else, Yoongi’s voice came to Y/N’s ears; “Y/N, I don’t see why you want to see which colour works, you’re making me choose between black and whi-“

Yoongi looked up as he came out of the dressing room in the oversized black shirt, she had offered him to choose between. His eyes had shifted over her and to the woman sitting next to her with wide eyes. Yoongi didn’t know whether to take a step back or to move until he was in front of Y/N, blocking her, protecting her from what he knew.

“Oh, kitty…” The woman’s eyes seemed to shine in mischief.

“Kitty?” Y/N echoed.

“Jagiya? Are you two nearly ready?” A deep voice rounded out of the aisles and made himself known; his eyes focused on his phone. “I’ll have to get back to work soon.”

“Oppa… look who I ran into.” The woman’s voice came out airy, staring up at her husband.

“Kitty?” The man looked up from his phone, surprise written on his face before smirking as he looked at Yoongi.

“I’m sorry, do you know my hybrid?” Y/N asked, causing the man to give her a once over, hiding a scoff behind a weak cough.

“My parents raised him.” The man said, causing Y/N to look between the smirking man and frozen hybrid. “After my mother died my father gave him to my older brother. So, I know what he’s capable of.” The man’s full attention went to Y/N as he offered his hand, Y/N just looking at him.

“What exactly is he capable of?” Y/N raised an eyebrow, easily holding the mans gaze until he became uncomfortable.

“If your short on cash, he’s got the softest mouth.” The man spoke with false bravado, trying to be the alpha and failing so easily.

“And how exactly do you know that?” Y/N was quick to ask, seeing how the mans eyes went wide, his wife staring at him, their own, what looked like a dog hybrid, staring at the man. “Is it from stories or…” Y/N giving him an obvious once over. “From personal experience?”

The man seemed to panic; it would seem he had some of his own secrets that he was keeping form his wife. The panic took a little longer for him to turn it into embarrassment, all the way to what would suffice as anger. Y/N would have guessed that he would have stomped his foot if they weren’t in such a public place.

“So, which is it? Stories or personal experience?” Y/N folded her arms across her chest, leaning back on her leg. “If you know so much about my hybrid, I would like to know what it is you do know.”

“Whatever.” The man rolled his eyes, realising he was never going to win this particular argument. “Come on girl. Time to go.”

Y/N watched them leave before Yoongi snapped out of his frozen state, a look of panic cross his face before he rushed back into the changing rooms. He came back out a moment later, back in the clothes he had worn from the sanctuary, and held the shirts back out to Y/N. He didn’t raise his head, and Y/N knew this wasn’t a conversation she needed, nor wanted, to have in such a public setting.

“Come on.”

Y/N turned, allowing Yoongi to take the spot next to her, head facing down, as they walked to the counter. Bagging and paying for everything, they were back at the hotel in no time, Y/N removing the leash and collar from Yoongi before he all but ran into his room. She let him go, he needed to be by himself as she started to pack everything for their flight the next day.

Y/N wouldn’t lie, she was curious to know about Yoongi and his past. There was only so much either of them could truly hide from each other. Y/N could only hope that everything the both of them hid from each other, from themselves, wasn’t going to be the thing to completely tear them apart. Not when they obviously needed each other so much in their lives.

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serendipitywrites · 4 years

Text

If only I could undo

angst. mark lee x reader/hwang hyunjin x reader this was an angsty request. 👉👈 (I hope you like it! ♥) words; 2,102

Mark isn’t exactly sure when everything started to fall apart, he just knows that in the aftermath of everything, all he had left was to blame himself.

It happened slowly, to the point that he didn’t even realize how bad things have gotten.

It started off as small things, like not picking up your calls right away or him falling asleep without calling and wishing you goodnight. Things that he didn’t really notice, but of course, you did.

He remembers calling to tell you he will finally debut. He’s never felt more proud of himself than the moment you replied ‘of course you are. I’ve always believed in you.’ it felt almost as good as hearing you tell him that you loved him for the first time.

2015

‘Mark?’ you both were sitting outside, watching the sun slowly set together. His head was in y/n’s lap, his safe place. It being summer, the air was also finally starting to cool and you both greatly welcomed it. ‘Yeah, babe?’ he stares up, his fluffy black hair bouncing slightly. ‘I’ll miss you so much when you go back to Korea..’ he hears timidly. he sees you try and turn your head, not wanting him to see you upset. ‘Yeah?’ Mark sits up and pulls your head into his chest. ‘Cause I have no idea how I’m going to go through being away from you. The thought of coming back here to you is what makes it all worth it’ he kisses the crown of your head softly. He can tell that you are crying in his arms, little shakes trembling through your body. He just holds you tighter. ‘I feel so selfish, Mark.. I just love you so much.’ you sniffle ‘and fuck, I’m so proud of you. So proud.’ he wants nothing more to tell you that he’ll be home in no time, but he knows he can’t promise you that. It would be a lie. ‘I love you too, angel. It might be a while, but I promise to get you a ticket there as soon as I’m allowed. Plus, we have skype and everything.’ you look up at him, your eyes teary. ‘We’ll get through this, y/n.’ he notices that you look calmer now. ‘Promise?’ he sees uncertainty in your eyes. ‘I promise’ you both stare longingly at each other, meeting in a soft kiss, a kiss, and also a promise.

How did you guys go from that… to this? Again, Mark feels his chest ache with guilt and regret.

2017

You’d been calling him during practice the entire day and he kept telling himself he would just talk to you later. His later became two days later when you sent him messages in worry, needing to know he was safe and okay. After practicing their new choreo and endlessly training, he just felt himself snap, he just desperately wished it wasn’t at you. He grabs his phone in irritation ‘Mark, are things ok-’ he cuts you off ‘fuck, y/n! Seriously? I told you I’d call when I could.’ he blurts without too much care, even the other members stare at him in shock. He hears you breathing on the other end unevenly ‘I uhm.. Just.. wanted to make sure you were okay, it’s been a couple of days, Mark..’ he sighs in response ‘well, I’m fine. Just working 24/7 and attempting to sleep when I’m not’ the other line goes quiet for a moment ‘please take care of yourself, Mark. I’m worried about you’ suddenly Mark starts to feel bad for his absolutely unwarranted outburst ‘look, y/n, I’m sorry, I really am. It’s just been so intense lately. I promise I’ll make it up to you, though. Skype date tomorrow?’ he says softly and carefully ‘..can I pick the movie? Since you were a jerk’ he chuckles ‘of course, angel. Get some rest. Don’t forget our date.’ he hangs up.

Mark forgets all about the date

2018

It was the first time you both have seen each other since Mark moved, and he god, he had missed you. He was doing everything he could to make this trip special for you, even if he had to do it discreetly. He’d taken you to cafes in small parts of town and walks along the river albeit at three am when no one else was around. On the second day, Mark took you to meet his members, officially and not over skype/phone and it felt like having his family together, with you there in his new home, meeting his new friends. It was the fourth day of the trip when things started going sour. The group had to attend an event at a club. The members got dressed in expensive outfits and all styled their hair. Mark had to regretfully tell you that you weren’t able to go, with it being a ‘celebrity’ event. He could see the hurt on your face even if you were smiling. Moments like these, he hated being ‘famous’. He promised to come by your hotel after and order in some food and spend time together. Parting ways, Mark kissed you sweetly but rushed. ‘It shouldn’t be too long.’ Mark didn’t know that the same night he would be photographed dancing with another idol. It was for publicity but it honestly didn’t matter at this point.

He never made it to the hotel that night.

2019

The group has been getting so much recognition and attention and it finally felt like his dreams were starting to pay off. They’d been performing at award shows and actually getting nominated for those same shows. He hasn’t seen you since you visited last year and he won’t lie and say that it’s been easy. It feels like your entire relationship at this point is missed calls and unread messages along with promises that were rarely kept. No matter how long you both went without talking, though, you’d still find your way back to each other. The love was still there, the issue was that longing and hurt were there also. The group is going overseas to tour and he knows he will be even busier now. He knows you have college classes now as well, making time even more sparse.

Mark checks his phone for a bit before they board the plane.

y/n <3

You can do this, baby. Stay safe and make sure to eat!

He smiles. He truly feels undeserving of you.

He replies

Thank you, angel. I will, I promise. We’ll be together again soon, I have a feeling.

That same summer, Mark had a dating scandal with a makeup artist of theirs. It was just a simple kiss between two people who had no intentions other than to distract the other, but of course, there was photo proof of his mistake. before this, he truly felt untouchable. He promised endlessly that it meant nothing and it would never happen again.

Again, he was wrong.

now

All of Marks biggest regrets all lead to the same thing, wishing he fought for you. Wishing that he never let you go or let the fame get into his head. It’s been five months without you and two months since he found out you were dating again.

flashback

It turns out, that in the two short visits that you were there, you had met a friend. This friend just happened to be another idol, but of course, you didn’t know that. You were new to all of this.

The night after you saw photos of Mark and another idol dancing on each other, you sat by the Han river and listened to music, trying to distract your thoughts.

Apparently Hyunjin was there that night as well. You had confided in the stranger that night, and he did as well. It felt like two lost people finding comfort in knowing they weren’t completely alone. Hyunjin didn’t even disclose to you that he was an idol until you had to fly back home. Once he told you, you should have seen him differently, but you didn’t. You couldn’t. He never made you feel different or like you were on a different level. He always made time to talk and your feelings and emotions were never pushed to the side. You had tried telling Mark about your new friend, but he would just cut you off or end up having to end the call early. It really hurt. Mark only noticed when one day when you spoke about how cool you thought the latest stray kids comeback was. Instead of encouraging this friendship, Mark got irrationally jealous and accused you of chasing fame. Accusations flew out of his mouth before he even had time to think about what he was doing.

He knows he was wrong, but the anger and misplaced betrayal clouded his rationality.

About a month after this fight and that month being spent mostly alone or just fighting, you’d told him you had enough and as much as you loved him, you were so tired of being the only fighting for them. Again, instead of listening, he said he didn’t need you, that you just held him back. That same night, he lost you.

Now

Mark never thought he’d be in a position where he’d have to get over you, but here he is. Like the coward he was, he didn’t even reach out to you after you two broke up. It wasn’t until he saw a photo of you and your ‘friend’ Hyunjin holding hands, that he realized how badly he fucked up. Apparently even Hyunjins company supported you two being together. He’d see Hyunjin spend all of his free time with you and it looked like the members adored you (in photos, at least) their sweet noona.

Mark has been seeing photos of you both around Seoul and each photo tore his heart out, even if he didn’t even deserve to that this way.

Mark spends the last month trying to force himself to avoid social media. Seeing you two together just hurt too much.

The past several months have been filled with nothing but regret, and he’d been wallowing in self-guilt for too long. He decides to get a snack and head to the park, try and clear his thoughts. They were about to have a comeback, after all.

Making it to the park, Mark feels like he can finally breathe. The members weren’t constantly asking if he was okay or giving him worried glances. The silence is so welcoming, the sun is slowly starting to set as well, the sky a pink and grey color. Mark closes his eyes for a moment

‘Kkami, catch!’ Mark stiffens. He knows that voice. He loves that voice. He hears your giggle along with a small dog barking. He has to make sure. Mark turns around and see’s you slightly far away with a dog leash, smiling so brightly. You look… different. You grew your hair out, your cheeks finally have some pinch to them again. y/n is absolutely glowing. He can’t find it in himself to look away and somehow you don’t notice his presence, which hurts.

‘I’m back!’ he hears another voice.

Oh.

He can’t turn away, he needs to see this, he needs to try and let go, you deserve at least that.

Soon your new boyfriend makes it up to you with a scarf which you accept shyly. In response, Hyunjin gently grabs your hip and cups your cheek. Marks heart feels non existent right now. Shattered.

The next moment, you both meet each others lips gently and he can tell you are smiling into the kiss.

A few tears make their way down Marks red cheeks. He gets up from his bench, sparing one last look towards you. In some act of fate, you meet his eyes. You look shocked, confused. It’s the look that tells him everything he needs to know. that glimmer of hope he had has faded. He knows he will regret this for many years to come, never forgetting you.

I guess we’re really over, huh? He walks solemnly back to his dorm.

#mark lee angst #nct angst #nct 127 angst #nct #nct u angst #kpop angst #nct dream angst #mark lee x reader #nct x reader #hwang hyunjin #mark lee #kpop #kpop fanfic #stray kids #nct blurb #fanfiction #serendipitywrites

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chicgeekgirl89 · 4 years

Text

Country Roads, Take Me Home: Chap. 3

Fandom: NCIS LA

Characters: Marty Deeks, Kensi Blye

Read Chapters 1-2 Here

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Not only was there no sex, there was also no sleep. Patrick Dempsey and his friends kept up their ruckus on and off all night long so that Kensi and Deeks both got up in the morning groggy and disgruntled.

Bill and Carol, on the other hand, had apparently enjoyed a perfect night’s sleep because they emerged from their RV with their perpetually cheery smiles and the entire pack of dogs leashed and ready for a hike. “Well good morning lovebirds!” Carol said. “You two don’t look like you got much sleep.” She sent them a suggestive wink.

“It was a little noisy,” Deeks said, rubbing his eyes as he looked at her over his coffee mug.

“Uh oh, did our boys keep you up?” Bill asked with a chuckle. “Sorry about that. They’re all night owls. Carol and I just sleep through it anymore.”

“Yeah well maybe try giving them a melatonin or an Advil PM or something,” Deeks grumbled.

“What are you two up to today?” Carol asked.

“We’re not sure yet,” Kensi said. Her mug was tipping precariously in her hand, coffee threatening to spill over the lip to the ground below.

“Well don’t waste all your time sitting here! Get on out there and enjoy the scenery!” Bill said.

“Have a good day!” Carol gave a little wave as they started their walk, dogs trailing along beside them.

“I hate them,” Deeks growled.

“Me too,” Kensi echoed, staring sleepy daggers at their backs.

It took an hour and a lot of coffee, but both of them finally woke up enough to decide on a hike up the Yosemite Falls trail. Deeks claimed he was feeling landlocked and thought maybe a view of some water would help. “Maybe you should have thought of that before you decided on a road trip to decidedly landlocked states,” Kensi said as they pulled on hiking boots.

“I planned this trip for you, not me! If it were up to me we’d be in Bora Bora right now!”

As far as hikes went it was only moderately strenuous, especially for people who had spent the last three vacations chasing or running from bad guys through a variety of difficult terrains. And the payoff was huge. “Wow,” Deeks said when the falls finally came into view. “All right that’s pretty incredible.”

“Yeah it is,” Kensi said, taking his hand. “Come on, let’s get closer.”

It was early enough in the day that there were only a few groups of people taking in the sights, which meant Kensi and Deeks had a very clear view of the scenery without a lot of selfie sticks and noisy tourists around. The wind changed as they got closer and began blowing spray on them. “Here,” Kensi pulled out her phone. “Let’s take a picture to send to the guys to prove we can go on vacation successfully.”

She wrapped an arm around his shoulders and they smiled brightly while she snapped a few pictures. “One more,” she said, kissing him on the cheek while she snapped away. “That one’s just for me.”

Deeks grinned. “And this one’s just for me.” He kissed her on the lips, lifting her up a bit so her feet left the ground. “Happy we came?”

She nodded, pressing her forehead against his. “For sure.”

They considered pressing on to either Yosemite Peak or Eagle Point, but Kensi was hungry for something other than trail mix so instead they headed back down the mountain intent on an early dinner and maybe a nap to make up for last night’s lost sleep.

“What is that noise?” Kensi asked as they walked back into the campground.

“Sounds like a baseball game,” Deeks said. “Like a full on, major league baseball game.”

“Where is it coming from?”

“Somewhere far away from us I hope.”

It was not coming from far away. It was coming from directly next to their RV where Bill and Carol had somehow managed to hook up a large, flatscreen TV outside their own camper and were watching a baseball so game so loudly it was almost like being there in person.

“Well hey neighbors how was your hike?” Bill asked, muting the sound.

“It was uh, it was good,” Deeks said, eying the television. “What do you have going on here?”

“Oh you know, I can’t be without the game when we’re on the little road trips we take. Go Brewers!”

“Is that Kensi and Marty?” Carol poked her head out. “Oh perfect timing! I was just putting together some of my world famous chocolate chip banana bread. Kensi, come on in and help me.”

“Oh, no that’s okay,” Kensi said, but Carol grabbed her arm and pulled her inside while Kensi shot a desperate look at Deeks over her shoulder.

“Don’t worry babe, I’ll just go make dinner,” Deeks called.

“Oh no, don’t go yet! Come on, have a seat!” Bill patted the camp chair next to him. “You follow baseball son?”

Deeks reluctantly sank into a faded, green camp chair. “Uh, no, no I don’t really,” Deeks said. “Not really a sports guy.”

Bill grunted. “Yeah ‘spose I could have guessed that from the hair.”

Deeks self-consciously touched his curls. “I mean, I get the general idea. Ball. Bat. Bases.”

“Well good. It is America’s pastime after all. Oh, Brewers are back up.”

Bill turned the volume back on and Deeks had to resist the urge to cover his ears as the announcer’s voice blasted through the screen.

Meanwhile inside the camper Kensi was sweating it out with Carol in the tiny kitchen. “Carol, I have to tell you baking’s not really my thing,” Kensi said nervously as she was handed a mixing bowl and spoons.

“Nonsense! Banana bread’s so easy a baby could do it,” Carol said, measuring out some sugar. “Here. You measure out the flour while I get going on these bananas.”

Kensi nervously dumped some flour into the cup. Carol turned around to take it from her and her eyes grew wide. “Oh my. You weren’t kidding about your kitchen skills were you?”

“Yeah De—Marty is more of the chef in our house,” Kensi said as Carol leveled the flour off and added it to her mixture.

“You two are so…non-traditional,” Carol said brightly. “You’d never know from looking at you that your skillset tended more toward the masculine.”

“Well I’m not sure—“ Kensi’s words were drowned out by the sound of the mixer.

“Hand me those eggs would you dear?” Carol yelled.

Kensi handed them over. “So how did you and Martin meet?” Carol asked loudly as she deftly cracked the eggs into the bowl.

Kensi’s danger radar flared up. She and Deeks hadn’t discussed a cover story because they hadn’t anticipated running into anyone on this trip. If she picked one story to tell Carol and Deeks picked another, they were going to be in trouble. Poughkeepsie Ping Pong? America’s Next Top Hang Glider? Dr. Who, Medicine Woman?

“Tennis,” Kensi finally said. “Deeks is an avid tennis player and ended up with some shoulder problems. I was his massage therapist.”

“Well if that isn’t a love story for the books,” Carol said delightedly as she added chocolate chips to the batter. “My Bill and I were high school sweethearts. Took one look at him in his football uniform and that was that.”

“Oh, that’s nice,” Kensi said.

“We’ve taken a little trip every summer since,” Carol said, batter going into pans. “It’s good for couples to keep things fresh. Most important thing in a marriage.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Second most important thing is making sure you please your man. Don’t want him to stray to greener pastures. Not that you have to worry about that yet. You’re young! But your looks will only last for so long. That’s when you have to start getting creative in the bedroom.”

Kensi’s alarm bells ratcheted up several notches. She had to get out of here. Now. “Oh, wow, is that the time?” She pretended to check her phone. “Yikes, so sorry Carol but Marty and I have got to go. Gotta catch the sunset and all that.”

“Oh but you didn’t get to try any banana bread,” Carol said, disappointment clouding her face.

“Rain check,” Kensi told her. “Thanks so much for the offer!”

She burst out of the trailer doors and grabbed Deeks’s arm, yanking him out of the chair. “Ow, hey, what—“

“Babe we’ve got to go now if we’re going to see the sunset, remember?” she said loudly, over the roar of the game.

“Oh right, yeah. Thanks Bill!”

“Anytime!” Bill gave a wave, eyes still glued to the screen as he raised a beer to his lips.

“Kensi, ow, hey loosen the grip, loosen the grip, where are we going?” Deeks asked as she dragged him down the road.

“Anywhere. Anywhere that’s not here,” she said, wrenching his arm as she took a sharp left turn.

“Okay, OW! Hey!” He stopped and pulled his arm away from her. “Easy on the merchandise! You want to tell me what the heck happened in there that has us fleeing on foot?”

“Why does everyone always think we need help with our sex lives?” Kensi cried.

Deeks spluttered, eyes wide. “Uh…what?”

“Carol is in there baking up banana bread and telling me how I need to make sure I ‘please’ you so you don’t go for some sort of young, hot, short skirt wearing, Suzy homemaker!”

“Suzy—what?”

“Deeks,” she looked him in the eye. “Be honest with me. Our sex is good right?”

There was only one right answer and fortunately it also happened to be the truth. “Yes! Yes, Kens, of course it’s good. It’s great! It’s…fantastic.”

“But is it creative?”

“Creative how? Like sometimes we stay up and do it after midnight or like kinky Nell and Eric dressing like elves kind of stuff?”

“I don’t know! I didn’t let her get that far.” Kensi’s eyes widened. “Maybe I should have let her.”

“Babe I really don’t think you need sex advice from Carol. In fact, I really don’t want you to take sex advice from Carol.”

But Kensi had clearly stopped listening. Determination stole over her face and she grabbed Deeks’ hand. “Come on.”

“Where are we going now?”

“To get creative.”

“What about the sunset?”

She raised her eyebrows. “Who says we can’t do both?”

Deeks’ jaw went slack. “Uh…”

Kensi’s creativity included a blanket, a secluded spot, and indeed, a pretty spectacular view of the sunset. “Well,” Deeks said breathlessly, as Kensi ran a hand across his chest. “That wasn’t just creative, that was full on art.”

“Take that Carol,” Kensi said smugly.

Deeks winced. “Yeah, babe, as great as this has been I don’t really want to be thinking about Carol and Bill while we’re making sweet, sweet love.”

“Sorry. You’re right.”

She rolled on top of him, intent on starting round two. “Hey, speaking of Bill and Carol though…”

Kensi stopped kissing him and sat up. “I thought you didn’t want to talk about them.”

“Well you brought them up! I was in their RV yesterday and I didn’t see that giant TV in there.”

“You were distracted by the dogs, right? Maybe you just didn’t see it.”

“It’s a pretty big TV and that’s a pretty small RV. I feel like I would have noticed.”

“Right. So you’re suggesting that Bill and Carol, mom and pop midwestern, baseball watching, banana bread baking, Bill and Carol what? Stole it?”

Deeks shrugged. “Call it detective’s intuition.”

She sent him a bemused look. “If you really had detective’s intuition you would know what I’m thinking about right now.”

With a quick move Deeks flipped them so that she was on her back, a grin on his face. “Is it something like this?”

What he did next made Kensi gasp. “That’s a good start,” she managed.

There was no more talk of Bill and Carol after that.

#NCIS LA #Densi #Country Roads Take Me Home #Marty Deeks #Kensi Blye #Chapter 3 #Densi Summer Vacation #Dr. Who Medicine Woman #I cannot with myself sometimes

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skadventuretime · 4 years

Text

Shadow Crowns

Welcome to Chibi!Reverb 2020! This is my piece with the incredibly skilled @drowsystar, who not only came up with this bomb-ass idea but drew incredible things for it, too. I only wish I could have written you the proper 70k fic this idea deserves.

Rating: T

Warnings: Cursing

Read: AO3

Art: Link

“Another glorious day for his majesty the shut in.” Star yanks the curtains just a bit so that a sliver of late afternoon sunlight shines directly onto Kid’s closed eyes.

The bedroom is cavernous. Stone walls and floors hold a damp chill in the air that no number of thick carpets or tapestries can really dispel, and wrought iron bookshelves line all of the room’s circular walls. They’re filled to the brim with well-cared for leather tomes of all shapes and sizes, but mostly their slightly acidic scent makes Star want to sneeze.

“Ah yes, my faithful knight, ever at my beck and call,” comes the prince’s muffled voice.

The curtains snap close and return the room to its former pitch darkness. Star feels the slippery tendrils of the prince’s shadow magic slide over his wrists, his back, his throat, a not-so-subtle reminder that his life could just as easily be snuffed out.

It was kind of hot, not gonna lie. Too bad business and pleasure don’t mix.

“I will remind you not to disturb my slumber again,” the prince says. Star assumes he rolls over because that’s the sort of arch thing he’d say as a way to end the conversation, but he hears the muted sounds of feet hitting carpet instead. There are still no candles lit nor magelight summoned, but that’s because the crown prince is a master of shadow magic and likes to flaunt his perfect dark vision whenever he gets the chance.

“You shouldn’t be slumbering so late in the day anyway, your elevatedness.” Star inches back towards the curtains because if the prince thinks he gives up that easily, he’s got another thing coming. The sliver of daylight at the edge of the thick fabric cuts off abruptly, like the shadows were thick and solid. Whatever; his princeliness is probably just standing there to be stubborn. A little light will clear things up—

Sunlight stabs him in the eyes as the blinds fly back open. “How unusually perceptive of you,” says the prince, now across the room on an overstuffed low couch, a book cocked at an obnoxiously relaxed angle in one hand. He’s fully dressed and there’s not a trace of his night clothes; maybe that’s what all the dark was for. “What brings you here at this unusual hour? Isn’t it time for you to pester the palace guard about sparring matches again?”

Star waves his hand. “I got bored when nobody could disarm me. Hey, let’s go to the market today — there are supposed to be fireworks in the plaza after sunset.”

The prince looks up from his book with an eyebrow already bent at precisely ‘are you an idiot’ degrees. “The main plaza? In the center of the city?”

“Yup.”

“The one with traders from all over the world?”

“That’s the one.”

“With huge crowds and unlimited rooftops for an assassin to spy from?”

“For the crown prince, you sure are pretty stupid about your own kingdom, huh?”

The book closes with a crisp smack. “For a bodyguard, you sure are an idiot. Do you really think you could keep me safe from the literal hundreds of possible angles a potential assailant could reach us from? I know father hired you on your merits as a swordsman, but he clearly didn’t give your head close enough scrutiny.”

“Come onnnn, it’ll be fine. You haven’t left this room since I was assigned to you three months ago. You need a little sun, get some fresh air.”

The prince exhales and recrosses his legs, a tell Star has learned means his patience is running thin, but in all honesty he doesn’t seem to have much to start with. “Ah yes, the shadow mage needs sunlight. Truly your minutes of education trump the years I’ve spent honing my craft.” To punctuate his words, the room fluctuates between grey scale and daylight, but each flash of the former has contorted figures that get closer in Star’s peripheral vision.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re a prodigy or whatever,” Star says, blinking away the grotesque afterimages. “But seriously, you really stay in here all day?”

“It’s for my safety,” the prince replies, his voice heavy with something Star can’t quite place. “I’ve told you this before. It’s why you’re here.”

Star walks over to the window and looks down at the city below. Neat stone buildings unfold like nesting dolls from the castle’s fortified walls, on lower ground than the castle proper. Another wall encircles the central part of the city on even lower ground, and in the distance straw covered roofs make up the final, outer ring. It’s on that level that the festival is taking place this evening, far from the imposing iron and tomb-like stone of the castle.

It’s also where, if everything goes to plan, the prince will die.

“Exactly, it’s why I’m here. You’ve been safe so far, no one’s tried to kill you at all since I’ve been around!”

“I never leave this wing of the castle.”

“Which is why you need this. Come on, they’re going to have all kinds of great food and entertainment and—“ Star lowers his voice, “I heard that the work of that brainiac scholar you’re always crying about will be sold there.”

The prince stands up abruptly. “Eibon’s work will be there?”

“Yeah, that guy. Heard it from some of the organizers themselves at the pub last night.”

He hadn’t, really. Star just knows that the prince will do anything to get his hands on work by the contemporary scholar Eibon, something to do with shadow and light magic protection. It’s all above his attention span and pay grade.

Pain seizes his chest and a snarled HURRY UP BRAT rings in his ears for a split second. Though he knows it’s invisible, Star can feel the rune etched into his soul. The only reason he’s free at all, alive even, is because his loving father saw fit to give him one last chance to redeem himself in his family’s eyes. But like any dog, Star has to be kept on a leash, and over the last few weeks these intermittent pain reminders have gotten more common. Papa dear must be getting impatient despite the regular correspondence.

Star tunes back into the prince giving him a critical look. “Sorry, indigestion. You know me and those firecracker skewers.”

The prince curls his lip. “Naturally. All right, if there’s a chance to procure more of Eibon’s writings, then there’s nothing else to be said. Meet me here in one hour with everything you need to be stealthy but effective in a fight. I’ll weave a shadow disguise of course, but the ones I’m worried about will be able to see through it. Am I clear?”

“As a mountain spring,” Star says. He leaves before the prince can add any other fussy demands to the list and walks along the stark stone hallway towards his chambers on the other side of the prince’s.

Well, he finally did it. It’s taken months to get to this point, but tonight’s his first real shot at completing the mission and being freed from his father’s grip. It took him weeks of painstaking deception to lie his way into the right circles to get a pulse of the city’s underground, but it was worth it to become part of the whisper network of assassins. There will be a group of shadow mage trained assassins at and around the market tonight, and he already has an ironclad alibi lined up.

It should be a happy occasion, but instead he feels antsy, like he didn’t do enough pushups before his morning run. Whatever, it’s probably excitement, even though excitement doesn’t usually leave him with a sense of dread.

Star splashes some water on his face from the shallow bowl next to the bath for just that use, and spends the next hour sharpening and cleaning his sword. And daggers. And throwing stars. Sharp edges are a man’s best friend, after all.

The sun is just dipping below the horizon when the two of them set out. Because the prince is technically not allowed to leave the castle, Star has to play lookout while the prince weaves a very complicated piece of shadow magic that allows them to pass the various entry guards without detection.

The magic feels cool and slippery on him, like he’s veiled in silk. It’s strangely intimate, too, with echoes of the prince’s soul woven through. Magic is like a sixth sense, an extra way of knowing, and Star quite frankly doesn’t want to know anything else about the man whose assassination he’s recently planned. That his magic tastes like packed snow, for example, or makes Star’s own shadow magic crackle at his fingertips eager to be unleashed.

“Stop thinking so much, it’s unbecoming,” the prince whispers from a pace behind Star. Star makes a rude gesture over his shoulder and walks a little faster; whatever else this magic does, it’s a little too close for comfort.

They have passed the most heavily staffed guard towers and just slipped past the mid-tier gate into the lower circle. The crowds are heavier here and the buildings more tightly packed, leaving plenty of narrow alleys for them to slip into should they decide they’re ready to become visible again.

“Hey, do you know where you’re going?” whispers the prince.

Something in his tone makes Star turn around. The prince’s eyes are wide and glittering with the reflected light from the many torches lining the street. He’s looking with such rapt attention that it’s almost like--

“Wait, you’ve been here before, right? Like before there was a bounty on your head?”

The prince blinks and it’s like a door closes. “No, of course not. I wasn’t allowed out of the castle proper. I was just making sure you knew because you have the attention span of a small rodent and I didn’t want us straying far from the event. Remember, we’re going in, getting some scrolls, and coming out.”

“Yes, your supreme nitpickyness.”

Star leads them down an alley a few blocks further in so the prince can undo his magic. They’re both dressed modestly in simple cotton cloaks so they don’t attract attention, and the prince has modified his features enough to look like a bad caricature of himself. Anyone without the ability to detect shadow magic will be none the wiser.

Most of the crowd is gathered near a huge bonfire a few streets down at one of the openings to the market square, where scores of merchants and stalls are lined up. Star can hear faint music of at least three different varieties playing, and the smell of frying fat and savory spices hangs heavy in the air. A quick scan of the buildings around the square doesn’t reveal much, but his night vision is already ruined by the bonfire and a trained assassin wouldn’t be so easy to spot, anyway.

Not that it matters, he reminds himself. The whole point is for the prince to bite it.

“So where is the scholar with Eibon’s writings?” The prince has his cowl up despite the illusions he wove and looks distinctly out of place.

“Beats me, these sorts of things are never very organized. We’ll just have to find it!”

The prince wrinkles his nose. “Fine. But let’s be efficient. We should start from the west and comb east, with the bonfire being the center point.”

“Ugh, do you ever relax? This is a festival, lighten up, go with the flow, have some fried food.”

“I have never once in my life ‘gone with the flow.’”

“And it shows.”

The prince throws his hands up. “Fine. We’ll do it your way. Lead on, I cannot wait to see what unnecessary trials we must endure and how much ground we recross with your barbaric method.”

Star grins. “Now we’re talkin’!”

He leads the prince past the bonfire and into the market proper. The music is louder here, and the merchants manning the closest stalls begin to call out to them about the superiority of their wares.

“Now we begin looking for your fancy ink on paper.”

Star knows the exact writings aren’t here, of course, but it’s strangely fun to lead the prince around like this. He’s like a baby goat, all leg and headbutts, but also kinda cute.

“Come with me this way,” the prince says imperiously. A booth with a giant mallet and a man asking to see who is strong enough to ring the bell has caught Star’s eye though, so he says, “One sec, let me just do this real quick.” He tosses a coin to the man, rolls his shoulders, and grabs the mallet.

The bell makes a satisfying ding when the slider hits it. “That’s right, I’m amazing. Hey pri--er, hey Kid, did you see that?” Star looks around for the person he’s ostensibly body-guarding to no avail. “Hey, where are you?”

He heads back down the closest stall walkway and scans the crowd -- nothing again. He does the same for the other two closest walkways and feels something like panic burning in his chest. Did the assassins get him already? Is his job over? Why does he hate the thought of that?

“There you are, you oaf,” calls a familiar voice from behind him. Relief floods his system; the prince is safe.

“Where did you go?” Star says, rounding on him. “You’re supposed to stay by me for protection, remember?”

“You’re not doing a very good job if you can’t even keep track of your charge,” the prince replies archly. “Here.” He extends a skewer of steaming, dripping meat that smells faintly of chilies.

“Uh.” Star accepts it and looks from it to the prince and back again. “You went and got…?”

“Firecracker skewers. Didn’t you say you like them? Unlike you, I remember what people tell me.”

Oh. Oh no. The baby goat brought him meat on a stick. This wasn’t in the assassination manual. “Yeah, I uh, I do. Very tasty.”

“I’ll be the judge of that,” the prince replies and holds up a skewer of his own.

“Wait, that might be a bit--”

The prince removes the top chunk of meat with a neat bite. He chews for a moment, swallows, and then starts coughing. “Pain--water--why do you like this?”

Star dashes over to the nearest food stall and gets a huge pocket of fried dough. “Here, take a bite of this, it might help.”

The prince pulls Star’s hand closer and takes a bite without grabbing the dough for himself. “Why would you subject yourself to this?” he gasps after a few more bites of fried dough. “I mean, I suppose the after burn is somewhat pleasant, and the flavor is acceptable once you can taste again, but really, there are more elegant ways to season meat.”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s not up to your impeccable palette. Come on, we got scrolls to find.”

Star leads them around the western half of the market, laughing at the prince’s obvious fascination with it all. They try a few more food items and look at a few more booths before the hairs on the back of Star’s neck begin to stand up. He might not have done the kinds of hardcore training he was subjected to growing up recently, but his instincts are still on par. They’re definitely being tracked; looks like the fun is over.

“Hey, let’s look at the east side of the market,” Star says, his chest getting tighter. The east side has a few more quiet alleys the prince could be grabbed in. Better to get this over with quickly.

“Okay,” the prince says, and that simple word almost stops Star dead in his tracks. They’re having a civil conversation! The prince listened to him! The doubt in his gut twists his insides up.

They lightly browse a few stalls on the other side while Star becomes more and more conflicted. The more he thinks about it, the more he doesn’t want to kill the prince after all, consequences be damned. But what about his father? What about this thrice-damned soul window his father inflicted on him? If he can’t deal with that, he won’t be able to hide his treachery for very long anyway.

Any further deliberation is cut off by a cry of, “Scrolls! Scrolls! Get your scrolls here!”

The prince perks up and heads over immediately, making Star have to almost jog to keep up. The merchant is at the edge of the square, half wreathed in shadow, and -- oh shit, they’re walking right into an ambush aren’t they.

“You said you had some scrolls?” the prince says.

The merchant gives him an oily smile and says, “Yes, right this way, sir.” He gestures to a chest at the opening of an alley.

“I don’t think we should--” A hand comes around Star’s mouth and cuts him off. He reflexively bites down and slams his elbow back, freeing himself while his would-be captor grunts in pain. “Kid, look out!”

The prince jerks around just in time to see another man emerging from the alley behind him. With a flick of his wrist, he binds the man in coils of shadow and tries to jump away from the merchant, who has now revealed a wicked dagger.

“Don’t worry, this will all be over soon,” he croons before lunging at the prince.

Another coil of shadow stops the attack and it looks like the prince is in the process of doing something more complicated when his entire body goes rigid and the merchant snaps free.

“Another shadow mage,” gasps the prince. Star knows he could leave right now, escape himself and leave the prince to be murdered, but his heart isn’t in it anymore. It was the damn meat, he tells himself.

“I’m on it,” Star says, reaching in and down into his own shadow magic. Dark flames wreathe his blade from hilt to tip, blowing in a wind not from this plane. He focuses and sees the thin threads holding the prince in place. But before he can act on it, a third mage appears and begins preparing something nasty.

“Do something,” wheezes the prince, and if that isn’t a challenge, Star doesn’t know what is. He dives into a roll to dodge a thrown dagger and cut the first thread imprisoning the prince. This puts him in range to kick the merchant in the chest and send him flying.

“Chill out princess, I got this,” Star says with the cockiest grin he can muster. He dials up the intensity of his shadow flames and sends them in an arc to push back the two mages in the alley, and on the end of that stroke cuts the remaining threads binding the prince. “You good now, or do you still need me to do literally everything for you?”

There’s that glare that can boil ice. “I’ll take it from here, thank you.” The prince’s eyes seem to get blacker and the alleyway flickers in and out of grey scale.

“No way, you’re not getting all the glory for this one.” Star leaps back in to punch one of the mages across the chin before the prince’s terror magic makes the others run screaming away from them.

“Well, that could have gone better,” the prince says. He sounds shaken, even though he doesn’t look like he has any big injuries.

“Yeah, I think it’s time we got back to the castle. Had enough fun for a week or so.”

“Remind me never to listen to your idea of fun ever again.”

“You say that now, your royal meat-on-a-stick-ness.”

The prince rolls his eyes and begins to reweave the invisibility illusion. “Shut up and lead us home.”

“See now you’re talking sense, because I won’t lead us into an obvious trap.”

As they bicker on the way back to the castle, mostly in whispers and unconscious shadow magic pulses, Star’s worries about what will happen to him fade. He’s never been one for thinking too far into the future; for now, he’s got a grumpy prince and a belly full of meat, and there will be plenty of time for the rest. Later. Much, much later.

#soul eater #deathstar #reverb 2020 #madi tries words #they're idiots and i love them

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fanficsandmoregalore · 4 years

Text

Dog Days - Chapter 2

Summary: You take the stray dogs home and clean them up. Then you search around, hoping to find the rightful owners. But what happens the next day changes EVERYTHING.

You opened the door to your apartment. Ben walked in, tail wagging happily, as if he owned the place, Matt was more anxious and cautiously walked in. You looked down and Kylo was staring into your apartment, he didnt go in though. You kneeled down beside him and he looked at you.

"What's wrong, Kylo?"

He looked at you from the corner of his eye and huffed. Then he turned around and sat in front of your doorway. You assumed he meant he was going to stay and guard your apartment, the thought of it made you giggle so you pat his head and stood up.

"You can guard the fortress from inside, goofball." You joked. Kylo growled a little bit and got up, walked into your apartment and sat by the doorway. You followed him in and closed the door behind you, making sure he saw you lock it. You walked pass Ben who sat on the couch while Matt was walking around your apartment, trying to make a mental map.

"You boys stay out here for a sec. I'll be right back." You said as you walked into your bedroom. After the door closed, Ben rolled onto his back on your couch, getting snug.

"I could get used to this."

Matt stood by the couch, looking around once more.

"Don't. We wont be dogs forever. Someday, somehow, we will figure out how to change back."

"I hope it's soon."

Matt and Ben looked over to Kylo, who had been quiet up until now.

"Oh really? Because the way i see it, you're her favorite so far."

Ben was trying to make Kylo blush but being a dog, he couldn't tell if it worked. But kylo did feel a bit embarrassed by it.

You came out of your room in some comfy pajamas and smiled at the dogs as you walked into the kitchen.

"How about some dinner? You guys look like you're starving." Ben and Matt walked into the kitchen excitedly, kylo of course staying by the door. Ben and Matt pulled chairs out from your dining table and jumped up and sat in them. You didn't think much of it, assuming it was a trick their previous owner had taught them, either way you thought it was both cute and amazing. You made a big dinner, you didn't eat much but made sure you had plenty for the dogs to eat. Kylo eventually got hungry and came over to eat, luckily you thought ahead and made him a plate. After eating, you gave each dog a bath. Ben tried pulling you into the water with him but other than that they were all well-behaved. Matt seemed to appreciate it the most and surprisingly, Kylo didn't fight it.

You were drying off Kylo when you had a sudden realization.

"Oh, you guys probably have an owner, or owners. Tomorrow I'll take you guys into work and see if you have chips or if anyone has reported missing dogs. But until we find your owners, you can stay with me." Kylo listened attentively and seemed to nod in agreement with your plan.

It wasn't too late at night so you and the 3 dogs congregated in your living room to watch movies. Halfway through one, there was a knock at your door. Kylo stood quickly and rushed over to the door but didnt bark, the other 2 couldn't care less.

"Wonder who that could be. Nobody ever visits me this late...or ever." You got up and walked over to the door, patting Kylo's head when you reached him. You unlocked it and opened it slowly, peering out into the hall.

"Did you fill out the proper paperwork to have dogs?"

It was your neighbor, Armitage Hux. He was a ginger haired, obnoxious, by the book kind of guy but seemed like decent enough person that you didn't see him as any sort of threat. You rolled your eyes and chuckled as you opened the door more.

"Well hello to you too, Armitage."

"(Y/n), you know I'm deathly allergic to dogs, right?"

You laughed a bit and Hux blushed as he folded his arms. You looked at him and shook your head.

"No you're not, you just don't like them."

"Same thing. And three of them? Are you that lonely?"

You stopped laughing and kind of glared at his comment which he of course noticed, he tensed under your gaze.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Why have 3 dogs when you can have 1 boyfriend? Come on, (Y/n). It's one date. Some dinner, a movie, you name it."

He kind of whined when he said it and you huffed.

"Hux, i told you, I'm not the type to have a boyfriend. Anyway, i gotta head to bed soon. Goodnight."

You closed the door and heard Hux sigh as he walked away. You looked at the three dogs who were all staring at you, looking as if they were waiting for an explanation.

"That's my neighbor. He's been trying to get me to go out with him since the day i moved in."

You walked over and sat on the couch. Kylo stayed by the door just in case, Ben was quick to jump to your side and Matt sat in the recliner that you had. You smiled at all the dogs.

"Who needs human boys when i have the cutest doggy boys?" You gently grabbed Ben's cheeks and mushed them and rubbed noses with him.

Ben got into your lap and licked your face, making you laugh. Eventually, you had to go to bed. And of course, Ben came to sleep in bed with you. Matt was hesitant but followed as well and laid at the foot of your bed. However, Kylo stayed awake, patrolling around your living room but eventually fell asleep on the couch.

The next morning came and you put all 3 of the dogs on the leashes you kept at home for situations like this. You walked all 3 down the sidewalk and they were calm and made walking to the clinic a breeze . You reached the vet clinic and you walked in. The boys looked around the lobby and you felt comfortable letting them off their leashes. Matt stayed with you while Ben sniffed around and Kylo followed behind you.

"Hello? Anybody home?" You joked.

"(Y/n)? Is that you?!"

Poe poked his head out from the back and saw you. He rushed out to greet you and but halted when he saw the dogs.

"Um...(Y/n), what's going on?"

You blushed and awkwardly scratched your hand, still in bandages.

"You remember the dogs i was telling you about?"

Poe became tense and looked at the 3 dogs before his eyes landed on Kylo.

"And i'm gonna guess that's the one that bit you."

You kneeled down by Kylo, who didn't care for Poe's unapproving look.

"Yes, but he also protected me from some guy who was gonna rob me .... and possibly rape me. So you really should be thanking him."

Poe rolled his eyes and pulled you away a bit.

"(Y/n), what are they doing here? And what are YOU doing here. You know the boss said you aren't supposed to come back until you for sure dont have rabies!"

You chuckled and Poe gave you a confused look.

"I'm actually here as a client."

"Uuuhhhh, what?"

"Can you check them for chips and see if anyone has reported 3 missing dogs?"

Poe rolled his eyes and took your hand in his gently.

"I'll do it for you, sweetheart. No charge. But promise me you will take care of yourself and this hand."

You nodded and looked to the 3 dogs, who had all grouped in front of you and Poe.

"Okay, boys. Go with Poe and he'll take good care of you."

"You talk to them like they're people? Geez, (Y/n), you are something else." Poe teased. You laughed and sat down. The boys followed Poe obediently and after about and hour and a half, they all came out with treats in their mouths. You looked at Poe, hoping he'd have addresses to their homes.

"Nothing. No owners, no shot records, nothing. These dogs only have names on their tags, (Y/n). That's a little strange, don't you think?"

You did find it strange but you questioned Poe further.

"What about missing dog reports?"

Poe shook his head. You found that really strange.

"Maybe someone was trying to get rid of them."

"Why would anyone want to get rid of these sweet boys."

Poe looked at Kylo who glared in response.

"I can think of a few reasons."

You stood, a bit peeved by Poe's comment.

"I'm taking them home. Thanks for everything, Poe."

You sincerely meant thanks but were a bit mad that Poe only seemed to recall Kylo biting you.

Poe told you to be careful and you leashed up the dogs and walked out of the clinic.

You looked around and it was a pretty decent day and you decided to take the boys out for some fun on the town. You smiled at the dogs and they all looked at you with confused looks.

"Let's go to the park."

You had arrived at the nearest dog park and let the 3 off of their leashes, but to your surprise, they didn't seem interested at all. You kneeled down by them.

"What's wrong, guys? It's a dog park. Don't you wanna go play with the other doggies?"

The 3 dogs all looked at each other and then you before they split up and walked around the park. You chuckled and got up to go sit on a bench. Kylo saw you go sit down and went over to join you, jumping onto the bench to sit next to you. You pet him and watched as Matt was frightened by everything around him and Ben was playing tug of war with some boxer dog. You looked at Kylo, he had also been looking out at the other dogs.

"Kylo, don't you wanna go make some friends?"

He only huffed and you laughed at him. He did a sort of bark grumble and it made you think, what was he saying? You looked back to the other 2 dogs.

"I wish i understood you, Kylo."

Kylo's ears perked up and he looked at you. You noticed and smiled at him, petting his head just behind ear.

"You guys always seem to know what I'm saying. It's so cute. I just want to be able to understand what all of you are saying, too."

You laughed at the thought of the dogs talking when suddenly Matt rushed up, whimpering, which brought you from your thoughts and you saw him being followed by a few other dogs. When Matt reached you and hid behind your legs under the bench, and Kylo jumped off the bench in front of you. The dogs following Matt stopped dead in their tracks when they made eye contact with Kylo, and ran off with their legs between their tails. You sat on the grass in front of the bench and coaxed Matt out of hiding. He lunged into your arms and you hugged him tightly. You looked over to Kylo and smiled, reaching out to pet him.

"Youre such a good boy, Kylo."

Kylo leaned into your touch more, wanting more affection, which you happily gave. You decided it was time to take the boys home.

When you reached your apartment, you heard some meowing from the other side of the hall. You looked over your shoulder to see Hux's cat, Millicent. You smiled and unlocked the door to your apartment, opening it to let the dogs in, Millicent took the opportunity to follow them in. This was a common occurrence when Hux was in a rush to get to work, and is actually how you met your neighbor in the first place.

---

"Millicent? Millicent?"

You put down the box that you were unpacking, and went to your door. It was open and you peered out into the hall. A sharp dressed, red-haired man was frantically searching the halls. You watched for a moment but suddenly felt something brush against your leg, you looked down to see an orange cat looking up at you as it leaned against your leg.

"Millicent. Milli-"

"Is this who you're looking for?"

The man turned around and when he made eye contact with you, he felt his face become heated as his breath was being taken away. He swears he had just seen an angel, and in this angel's arms was his beloved cat. He calmly rushed over to you and you handed Millicent over.

"Thank you so much. I was in such a rush to leave for work, she must've snuck out while i wasnt looking. Um, i take it you're the new tennant."

You nodded and pet Millicent as your new neighbor held her.

"Yup, as of today. I work at the clinic and this was the closest place with available apartments."

The man offered you a hand while holding his furbaby with the other.

"My name is Armitage Hux. I live across the hall."

"I'm (Y/n). Nice to meet you."

---

You picked Millicent up in your arms and pulled out your phone. It went to voicemail.

"Hey Armitage, it's (Y/n). Millicent got out again so I'm gonna hold onto her until you get back. Bye."

You put your phone back in your pocket and shut the door with your foot after entering, kissing and petting the purring cat.

You set her down and walked into the kitchen. Millicent followed you and the 3 dogs all watched and inspected the cat.

You smiled at them and pet Millicent again, showing them that she was friendly. You glanced at the dogs again, they still didn't know how to react to the cat. Maybe their previous owners didn't have cats. You thought more about the dogs' previous owners and how cruel it was that someone might want to get rid of these 3 sweethearts, but you also thought that maybe there was someone out there who was worried about them. You took a few pictures of each dog and made a post on your social media pages, showing the dogs and stating that you had found them and would hold onto them until the rightful owners came to get them. You hoped they would be able to return home soon and be with their families.

You spent the rest of the day at home, cleaning up and waiting for someone to call and ask about the dogs but nobody did. The afternoon seemed to sneak up on you and Hux came to retrieve his pet. You locked up for the night and went to bed, the dogs doing just as they did the night before.

It was 3 A.M. and the phone rang. You jolted awake, waking and scaring the dogs. You grabbed your phone and checked it, but the number was unfamiliar, and you answered anyway.

"Hello?"

"The brothers must learn their lessons before they can return to their true forms."

The voice was that of an old woman. You looked at the dogs, confused, and they returned the looks.

"I think you have the wrong number, m'am."

Just as you were about to hang up, the voice spoke again.

"(Y/n)! You must listen. You are the only one who can help them!"

This made you more anxious but you listened.

"The brothers are beast, in the mind and in appearance. You must help them fix the mistakes they have made."

"Lady, i don't know the brothers you are talking about." You tried to explain.

"They will know. They will tell you."

Then then phone hung up.

"What the hell? I must be dreaming."

You pet the dogs and told them it was nothing and you all went back to bed. But that night, you had a strange dream.

3 tall boys were laughing and talking with you but you had never seen them before. 2 of them had long, shaggy, black hair and one had blonde hair and glasses, but they all had similar faces. You felt so safe being with these boys you didn't recognize. It was sunny and warm where you all were. You smiled, enjoying the company of such sweet boys.

You woke up suddenly. You felt your eyes flutter open and slowly all your senses woke up too.

"I'm just saying, if we lived in a town like this, we'd all be getting laid. There are so many hot women in more populated areas."

"You're so gross, Ben!"

You sat up quickly, panic already setting in. You looked around your room. The dogs were missing and there were strangers in your home. You quietly got out of bed and snuck to the door, peering out into the living room.

"I wonder when she's gonna be up. I'm getting kinda hungry."

You looked out but didn't see anyone, this was starting to really freak you out. Where were the dogs? Suddenly you saw Matt jump onto the recliner.

"Be patient. She was nice enough to let us stay here and cook for us out of the kindness of her heart, she's not our nanny."

Your jaw dropped. It WAS the dogs.

"Holy shit."

You covered your mouth immediately. The dogs looked at you and you quickly backed into your room, slamming the door shut and locking it.

"HOLY SHIT!!!"

#kylo ren x reader #kylo ren #matt solo x reader #matt the technician #ben solo x reader #ben solo #star wars #dog days

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justherekinda · 4 years

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In Your Dreams // part 1

Summary: Kelsea thought it would be like every other day at her work. She’d take care of things, work her double shift and then leave. An accident causes an unexpected with a face she only knew through a screen. And boy did she not expect things to go like this.

Warnings: none

Word Count: 1542

California is a wonderful place; after all it is called the land of opportunity, right? That was my thoughts when I first moved out once I finished my degree work in my home state. Although, I did see my life being a tad different than it is currently. I spend about every day and night working in a local animal hospital around the LA area. Rather than doing the partying and random hooking up with celebrities that my young self was convinced would happen. I can’t complain though, I’m doing what I always wanted to be doing with my life and that was helping animals of all shapes and sizes become well again. I didn’t realize that saving one particular dogs life would throw my life through the ringer and make me make choices that seemed only real in books. Hi, my names Kelsea Smith and this is the story of how decisions can come back and bite you in the ass.

It was a normal Thursday evening at the hospital, cats coming in for nail trims and a few scheduled surgeries occurring throughout the day. Keeping me busy, of course, but it wasn’t one of those days that sent nerves running through me, well it wasn’t until I heard the noise erupting in the entrance. Soon enough I was yanked into the surgical wing and was saving the life of a little guy that goes by the name of Ronnie. A small precious boy that had 50% pitbull, 50% chihuahua underlined per the owners request in the file. The receptionist informed me right as I was getting ready to head home that Ronnie had swallowed a squeaker from one of his toys and the X-rays showed it couldn’t pass. In general, the surgery is quite simple but working on such a little guy always made nerves send through me. It was a simple mishap that turned to a very dangerous test of fate that would leave the little guy recovering for a few weeks. Once we had gotten him all stitched up and ready, I finally walked out to meet the owner who had not left since bringing him in. Imagine my surprise of coming face to face with a man whose videos helped fill my free time through college. The moment I heard his voice say, ‘You must be Dr. Smith, is my Ronnie gonna be okay?’, was when I flashed back to the time that I had first heard that voice.

The ranting I have done in private to my friend Rachel about a specific aggravation had helped me but I couldn’t figure out why the pit in my stomach was still there. That’s when I decided to explore on YouTube a bit to try and distract myself from all the drama that was slowly being created on my timeline. I didn’t realize how much it was bothering until I landed on a video that eased the feeling almost instantly. I didn’t stray too far of course from the friend group of his but I did land on a guy named Aryia. Luckily enough, it was his most recent music video for ‘Bad Boy’ and I knew I’d be sucked in from there.

The flashback that occurred in my head ended as fast as it came, and I was back standing in front of this man whose dog I had just saved. “And you must be this happy boys owner and please call me Kelsea, never was a fan of my last name,” the words flowed out with ease, a smile growing across my lips.

His eyes locked with mine, giving a quick glance over my scrub covered body before he held out his hand to shake mine gently. “I’m Aryia, thank you so much for saving my baby.” He said, sincerity clear in his voice. I handed him the leash over once our handshake ended, not being able to control the flush coming onto my cheeks as our fingers brushed.

“It was a simple procedure that surprisingly we have had to do with a multiple amount of dogs.” I said, a smile coming across my lips as I spoke about the passion I luckily got to have for a job.

“And for Ronnie,” I began, bending down to scratch the sweet boy under the chin gently. “He’s going to be just fine. Gonna need a checkup here in a few weeks but he’s going to make a complete recovery.”

Once those words flowed out of my mouth, I stood back up straight to look at him with a grin. The sight before me was probably one of the cutest I’ve seen in my time working here. Aryia bent down to give Ronnie repeated kisses on the top of his head, making his tail wag even quicker than it already was. Lets just say the scene in front of me made a feeling erupt in my stomach that’s never happened before with my other patients.

That’s when his eyes glanced up at me, the pure joy obvious in his smile before he said swiftly, ‘Thank you so much again Dr… I mean Kelsea, I owe you.”

Puzzlement showed clear on my face, my nose scrunching up as I went to wave my hand again. I was about to go on another tangent about how it was my job before he gave a halfhearted laugh. I watched as he stood up again, his arms crossing over his chest before saying, “And before you say I don’t need to, either way I’m going to.”

I couldn’t help but notice the smirk spreading across his lips as he turned back and walked to the counter to discuss payments I presume.

Right before the two of them walked out the door, I called to them, “Call if you have any questions!” He shot me a thumbs up, adding an extra pep to his step as the doors closed behind him. I thought nothing of my little phrase, considering I said it to all my new patients. I should’ve known better than to assume nothing of it when it came to him. That was until the daily phone calls to the office started coming in from a specific guy asking about his dog Ronnie.

The first few that came in I just let the receptionist handle due to me being with other patients at the time, only hearing the tales of “Is Dr. Kelsea there? Ronnie swallowed a grape will he be alright?” and “Ronnie keeps sneezing a lot, is it possible for dogs to get colds?” Those were only a few of the questions Aryia called with within two weeks time. When the fifth one for that day came in after around a week of hearing the tales of why he was calling I finally personally answered.

“Los Angeles Animal Hospital, this is Dr. Kelsea, how can I help you?” I said, a smug smile coming across my lips as I heard a chuckle from the speaker.

The smirk in this tone was obvious as he said, “You know you’re a hard one to reach, thought I was gunna have to make a trip again.” I glanced around the office area, seeing it mostly being empty due to it being close to closing time. When my eyes finally landed on the receptionist, Ashley, sitting beside me, she had a knowing smirk spread across her lips. The look on her face made a blush spread across my cheeks, clearing my throat slightly as I responded back to him.

“What can I say, I’m a busy one. Now, Aryia am I going to have to report you to PETA for mistreatment of sweet Ronnie or are you gonna ask me for my personal number?” I watched as Ashleys mouth dropped, her fist pumping in the air as I bit back a giggle threatening to slip. I heard a few chuckles from the opposite end before hearing the cockiness start to grow in his voice.

“Well maybe that was my whole plan all along? I just wanted to hear that sweet voice, tragic you kept it from me over two weeks.”

I let out a slight scoff that was soon followed by a slight laugh, shaking my head slightly before I said back, “Dunno if you have my sweet tone and my annoyed tone confused, I guess since you won’t ask,” I said in a sing song voice. ‘I’ll just give the phone back to Ashley, for your, I’m sure, really worrisome question.”

A slight snort was let out from the opposite end, the smile clear in his voice, “Can I pleaseeeee get your number Kelsea, I promise I’ll send tons of pictures of Ronnie as a reward.”

I rolled my eyes slightly, a grin spreading across my lips as I told him my number before quickly adding, “but only because you offered pictures of the sweet boy.”

Laughs echoed from the other end as I went to say my goodbyes to him, only holding for a second as I heard him say, “Wait wait wait!” The urgency in his voice made my place the phone back to my ear, only to hear him say, “PS. I hope you were kidding about reporting me to PETA.”

#in your dreams #my writing #aryia emrani #aryia fanfic #aryia x oc

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chasseurdeloup-retired · 4 years

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Raiders of the Lost Arf || Layla and Kaden

TIMING: After Celeste’s death, Before the June Full Moon LOCATION: Animal shelter PARTIES: @laylacooke and @chasseurdeloup SUMMARY: Layla comes to the shelter to adopt Indiana Bones and Kaden ends up helping a teen wolf.

It had taken Layla a lot of courage to return to Animal Control, especially knowing that Kaden knew exactly what she was. They had, after all, faced a poltergeist together. But all she could think about lately, aside from Celeste and the heartbreaking fate she ended up facing, was the small puppy she had fallen in love with the night she had first went to AC. With a deep breath and a new found courage, she stepped across the threshold only to be greeted by a smiling face, “Hi there! What can I help you with today?” The woman was kind, and it was refreshing to hear. The idea of encountering Kaden first hadn’t sat well with and had almost been the reason, she had not come in. “You guys have a puppy; Indy. I was wanting to start the adoption process for him.” A soft smile spread across her face, as her heart started to flutter in a good way knowing Indy would be coming home with her soon.

Kaden had a scared stray cat with him who he needed to drop off, one of the few normal moments in his job in a while. Earlier that day he had dealt with an amphisbaena that had gotten into someone’s home and then later he had to shoo a bonedoggle away from a trash compactor. Finding and helping a stray cat who might find a nice home was a welcome break. Even if the fucker had taken a couple swipes at him before Kaden could get it in the cat carrier. Cat safely left in a crate and ready to be treated by the vet and all the files squared away, he decided to take a few minutes to say hi to whoever was at the front desk, maybe see if any of the animals had been adopted recently, the nice fluffy part of his job. He didn’t expect to see a familiar redhead at the front desk. To be fair, he felt the chill down his spine before he saw her, he’d just pushed it aside temporarily. He should really turn and walk away, let the staff take care of this so he could get back to work. Didn’t feel right to just leave, though. “I’m assuming you’re here to pick up Indy?” he asked. It looked like the paperwork was complete or just about. “I can bring you back if you want. Do the whole double check, make sure it’s the right dog, procedure while they get you all squared away.”

Layla had been working on her paperwork, when the familiar scent had made its way through the building. Kaden. He was here. Memories of that night flashed through her mind, and she felt a phantom pain rush the stab wound that was now mostly just scabbed over; the last of the stitches Celeste had put in, coming out days prior. Pushing the paperwork over to the lady at the counter, she remained smiling, but that smile faltered a little when she saw him come out, “Yep. Told you I’d be back. Couldn’t leave the little guy here any longer.” She really didn’t want to be alone in a room with the man, but if it’s what she had to do to get the dog, then she would. “And sure. Lead the way.” She would follow him, reluctantly, when he was ready to take her back.

Kaden took her to the back right to where Indy’s cage was and the dog timidly got up to see who was there. One or two little sniffs in the air and he bounded over to the front of the cage to greet them. “Here he is,” he said. “Looks like he remembers you.” He smiled a little, almost forgetting the whole situation, what she was. Kaden wasn't entirely sure where whatever sympathy he felt for her came from, but it was there. That wasn't true, he knew a little. For one, it was hard not to feel a little empathy towards someone who loved animals as much as she clearly did. As much as he didn’t want to feel shit for a werewolf. But also their shared experience with hunter parents, the harsh life that comes with it; there was a reason it was so easy for him to find fast friends in just about any new town or city he went to, so long as there was a respite for hunters somewhere. Their backgrounds weren’t the same, surely, but close enough. Always was. “You have plans for him for the full moon?” he asked, looking back at the dog who seemed eager to say hello to both of them, but mostly Layla.

When they reached the cage, Layla kneeled down to greet Indy. There he was in all his small, fuzzy puppy glory. And she swore, she could see a smile on his little face. Sticking her fingers through the bars, she giggled as he licked them, “I’m so grateful he’s still here. I figured a little fella as cute as him would’ve gotten adopted much sooner.” She continued to play with him through the bars, until she heard Kaden’s question, “He’s staying with a friend. This dog will be nowhere near me when the full moon comes. If anything happened to him, because of what I am, I couldn’t live with myself.” She knew Indy could smell what she was, and maybe that’s why he was drawn to her so easily, but she would find a safe place for him days before the full moon.

“Well I made sure you had first choice, in case you decided to come back,” Kaden said plainly, like it was routine. “It was the least I could do after…” The poltergeist. He trailed off and looked around the place, remembering the state it had been in the last time the two of them were there and shuddered a little. “Good to hear. Also glad to hear you’re keeping others safe, too. You have that under control, right?” It was also good to hear she sounded reasonably responsible with her transformations, even if she was newer to them. “I’d worried about him feeling abandoned with you gone so soon after adopting him but he seems plenty attached. It should be fine.” He pulled out his keys and motioned for her to step away from the door a moment so he could open the door just enough to get through. “Did you bring your own collar and leash?” he asked as he pulled out a slip lead and slowly placed it around the dog’s head.

She hadn’t expected that kindness from Kaden, but she had appreciated it, “Thank you. That actually means more than you know.” She listened to him trail off. Layla didn’t want to remember that night just as much as he had. And in fact, she was almost waiting for something to happen. Being there had kept her on edge, but knowing that Indy would be coming home with her made things easier, “Yeah, Ari’s sister…” She looked down. “I know where to go and how to chain myself up. And I’ll bring someone along with me that I trust.” Lies. She didn’t know anyone, besides Frankie, and she wasn’t exposing her girlfriend to that. “Trust me, I’ll want nothing more than to snuggle with the little guy when I get home.” She did as he requested. As she watched Kaden slip inside, her heart started racing with excitement. The one thing she hadn’t got to do was hold Indy. A collar and leash? Shit. “Uh, I didn’t know I was supposed to...My parents...they had hunting dogs, but they were bought from breeders, so…” She had hoped this wouldn’t discourage the chance at taking the puppy home with her.

“I said I would,” he said just as simply as before. Kaden may not have been a fan of fae type promise bounds but going back on his word wasn’t something he was fond of. His brow furrowed at the mention of Ari. “Her… You mean Celeste?” It shouldn’t have surprised him that the hunter would find another stray werewolf, especially the child of hunter parents with a story so closely linked to her own. She really thought she could save them all, huh? He shook his head and bit back the threat of emotions. “As long as you have it handled.” With Indy on the leash, he opened the door back up and walked out, the dog trotting right over to her and standing on his back legs, front paws climbing up her legs to get closer to her. “It’s fine, they have some up front. You just have to pay for them.” And if she didn’t have the twenty bucks, he had a feeling he might cover it at this point. Which surely made him an idiot, going out of his way to help a werewolf. That dog looked so happy to see her, though. It tugged on his stupid heartstrings. “My mother only tolerated hunting dogs. When our friends had them. I wasn’t allowed to have any pets. I got Abel to be a hunting dog. He’s a bit of a dud on that front.”

Layla had appreciated him keeping his word. However, when he mentioned Celeste’s name, she could only nod quietly. She still couldn’t wrap her head around things. Couldn’t even begin to imagine what Ari was going through. “I do.” It’s all she said on the matter of chaining herself up, and her mind easily shifted when she saw Indy come over begging for her to pick him up. A smile spreading across her face, she leaned down and picked up the small puppy. Bringing him up to her face, she was showered in kisses, which made her laugh. “I hit the jackpot with you, didn’t I, little guy?” She returned the kisses, before lowering and cradling him in her arms. Kaden’s story had sounded similar to her’s. No matter how much she wanted a pet, her parents only allowed dogs that were strictly trained to attack and maim, “Same. Our dogs weren’t friendly. They had one job to do, and one job only.” She raised a hand up to show Kaden a scar from when she was a child, “It was my job to feed them, when I got old enough.”

“She was a good friend.” Kaden wasn’t sure what else to say. Surely Layla and her had bonded over their parents and the shitty situation they were in. He wanted to ask if she’d helped Layla. Or had offered to. But it sounded like she had it covered. He also wasn't sure how much he wanted to unload his feelings here and now. Or with her. Still, there was this tenuous connection he knew he shared with a werewolf by virtue of having both grown up with hunter parents. It was hard to wrap his head around. It was also hard for him to be fully comfortable with a werewolf owning a dog this close to the full moon. But if he turned a blind eye to what she was, pretended he could make an exception, maybe it would be okay. She was more prepared than most turned wolves anyway. It’d be fine. “Sounds about right. God forbid you keep anything that doesn’t serve a fucking purpose. At least so long as it serves no purpose for hunting.” Kaden hadn’t felt much resentment towards his parents in the past, not like this. He always understood where they came from, even if it was tough and hard and a little unforgiving at times. That was just the life they led. It was getting harder and harder to justify. Fucking hated that.

“She was.” She had tried to give herself time to mourn and grieve Celeste, but so much had been going on, and now, she was going to have this little guy to keep her company. The way he was licking her on the arm tickled and it made her smile. A smile she couldn’t let go of now that she was holding onto something that loved her so unconditionally and couldn’t judge her for the things she’d done. His words brought her back to the moment, “Right? Everything had to serve a purpose. That’s why my mother started me in archery so soon and in self-defense lessons. She wanted to make the perfect killing machine.” She looked back down to the small puppy and spoke in a higher pitched voice, “But it didn’t happen. No, it didn’t.” At least not in the way her parents had wanted. Layla looked back up at Kaden, “Kinda funny you ended up in Animal Control though. I mean, in the sense that you get to be around puppies and kittens all the time now that serve purposes in different ways. Kinder ways.”

“Did she help you?” Fuck. Kaden wished he hadn’t asked. He didn’t want to have to think about Celeste right now, not in public. Or care anymore about Layla. Or share anything more with her. He just wanted to do his job and give this dog a home and move on. “I mean I always liked animals. I just wasn’t really allowed to waste my time with them when there were monsters to learn about. As my parents put it.” His mother never let him get the Images Doc’s, French kid’s educational magazines, with the animals on the cover when he saw them in the grocery store. He constantly stole them from the stores, libraries and other kids, anywhere he could get his hands on them. He was shocked how rarely he got in trouble for doing it. Usually just got a look of pity from the adults in question, ire from his mother when she caught him. The flames still flickered in his mind when he remembered what happened when she found his stack one time. He pushed the thought away and led her and Indy to the front. “I’ve got the fee, Sarah,” he said to the woman at the front desk. “And going to need a collar and leash.”

Layla hadn’t expected to hear his question, and it had somewhat caught her off guard, but she answered anyways, “Um, yeah. She did. She was the one that stitched me up after, uh...after the stuff that happened here.” She didn’t want to further divulge anything, but she could tell in his voice that he was hurting too, “She was a good person, Kaden.” She bit her bottom lip and looked down at Indy, before letting the animal take her worries away once more, “Sounds about right, except I was kinda rebellious in certain ways. But they always made sure I paid for it.” Her smile faltered thinking about some of the things her parents had done to her, but she was relieved when Kaden took the lead and invited them to the front of the building. Following behind, she was surprised to hear he was offering to pay the fees for her, “Hey, thanks. I know I’m not your favorite person, but I’ll never let anything happen to him, okay?” She pulled Indy up for a kiss on his little, white and tanned head, “And we can talk anytime you want. I am a pretty good listener.” She walked to the counter to finish up what she needed to in order to take Indy home.

“I know.” There was no denying Celeste was better than he was, he knew as much. Kaden nodded and tried to ignore the worry that threatened to push its way through. If Celeste usually helped Layla, who would do it now? No, that wasn’t his problem. She wasn’t his problem. Sure, she was just a teenager and the daughter of hunters, but she was still a werewolf at the end of the day. He had to temper his empathy. Just in case he had to make a decision down the line. Not that she made that easy. “I know that, too.” This wasn’t for her, it was for the dog. Obviously. That dog had found his person and he was obligated to make sure he got to go home with her. That was all he was doing. Nothing more. Plus she didn’t deserve the shit his mother put her through. She might be a monster but that still wasn’t right. Or something. “Don’t mention it. Just take care of him. I’m sure you will.” Kaden nodded and walked away, leaving the staff there to take care of the rest. He had to get back to doing his job, anyway. Hopefully he never had to run into her during his night shifts. He had a feeling it wouldn’t end this well.

#wickedswriting #writing #chatzy #layla #laylacooke #Raiders of the Lost Arf #i was gonna do a srs title #but then casey happened

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awkwardnessandbaseball · 4 years

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No one asked for it, but you got it anyway: Three choice scenes from the Little Dog Universe from Killian Jones’ POV. Enjoy!

Once again, so many thanks to: @cspupstravaganza and @sherlockianwhovian. And a huge special shoutout to Svenja, who you all know but who for some reason Tumblr will not let me effing TAG, for coming up with Procella’s name in the very beginning.

Tag list: @quirkykayleetam, @squidvisious, @carpedzem, @revanmeetra87, @kmomof4, @capnjay21

AO3 if that’s your jam: Original Story | Ch1 | Ch2 | Ch3

Until I Met You

A Little Dog Universe story

Chapter Summary: Killian doesn't have a dog, so he's trying not to overthink the sheriff's dog's reaction to meeting him. But then two dogs appear and he and his sister don't have dogs and... what if it's time to take fate into his own hands? Or... hand, as it were.

Chapter One: Killian Jones Gets a Dog

Killian Jones is a smart man.

He knows that incessantly thinking about a beautiful woman with a dog can’t possibly be a good idea. He doesn’t have one himself, and it seems as though he’s destined to be alone forever because of it.

He’d had love once, of course, but the odds of that happening again, and without a canine companion, are slim to none. Closer to none.

But still, he can’t stop thinking about the woman from the diner. The one with the handsome dog who’d nearly climbed into his lap when he’d said hello. Most dogs were indifferent towards him, others didn’t seem to like him at all. But he’d never experienced… that reaction.

And that means nothing, because Killian doesn’t have a dog.

He’s heard about the dogs at the shelter, of course. He knows a bit of the story now, a few days after it all happened. Knows that the sheriff and one of the deputies were apparently able to get the dogs to follow them.

And then he finds out that the sheriff of this small town he’s found himself suddenly living in, the very sheriff who was able to get these stray dogs -- what a strange phrase -- to follow her, was the very same woman who’d enchanted him in the diner.

What are the odds?

He’s not sure how he convinced Mary Margaret to go to the shelter with him. It certainly wasn’t easy, and it took longer than he’d been hoping. His sister loves animals but she believes they shouldn’t be kept cooped up as pets. Dogs aside, of course, as they’re more companion than pet, but she hasn’t got one of those either.

Together in their loneliness, the two of them. It’d be sweet -- two siblings who never had a chance to get to know each other, finally reunited -- if it weren’t so damn sad.

Killian doesn’t believe in coincidence. Fate, sure, he guesses. At least when it comes to soulmates. He’s a romantic that way. But he doesn’t believe that people have no control over their destiny. So when he really thinks about the fact that there are two dogs who appear just after he and his sister have arrived in Storybrooke, and they don’t seem to be claimed yet, he decides to make his own fate.

He’s going to go and see if one of those dogs belongs to him.

So, he convinces Mary Margaret that if they adopt a small animal, a lizard or a bird or something equally innocuous, that it’ll liven up their lonely loft apartment. Her defenses have been down ever since she saw the deputy giving a talk at the school, as all her thoughts seem to be occupied by him. Killian knows they went to lunch together, but she hasn’t told him much else.

On the short drive to the shelter, he wonders if the deputy his sister is so enamored with is the same one who helped the sheriff catch the loose dogs. He glances at her and wonders how she hasn’t made the same connection.

It takes all of Killian’s strength not to go straight to the kennel where the two goldens are sitting together. They’re right by the front, staring at him and his sister. The attendant gasps and Killian turns to look at her, eyebrow raised.

“They… they never wake up to see visitors,” she tells him. This finally grabs Mary Margaret’s attention and the siblings stare at each other for a moment.

Killian finally clears his throat and approaches the kennel.

The larger of the two dogs stares at him, unsure. He eyes him up as Killian holds his hand out to the smaller one. She sniffs him, cocks her head.

Can I trust you? She seems to be asking.

“Hey, little love,” he says softly. “You’re a little scared, yeah? That’s alright, I’ll take care of you. If you’d like.”

He feels silly, talking to a dog as though she’s a human, but she seems to understand him and she drops her head into his hand, asking for scratches.

Asking for love.

The larger dog whines as Mary Margaret finally approaches the kennel. His tail wags, swishing against the floor as he waits patiently for her to kneel down before him and offer her hand for him to consider.

“Killian…” Mary Margaret whispers. Her eyes are lit up and Killian recognizes the look on her face as the same one from the day she’d seen the deputy at the school: it’s one full of hope. “Is that… are these…?”

“It certainly feels like it,” Killian responds. And it does. There’s an ache in his chest that he’s never felt before. He can’t quite figure it out, but it’s almost like he misses something, someone, but he’s not sure what or who.

“Do you guys want me to open the kennel?” Killian jumps at the sound of the woman who’d brought them in. He’d forgotten she was there. “I don’t… I’ve never seen them pay attention to anyone besides the sheriff and her brother.”

Mary Margaret stiffens beside him at this, and Killian looks at her questioningly. She shakes her head. Later, she mouths.

When it’s all settled and everyone agrees that these dogs belong to Killian and Mary Margaret, they head home. Mary Margaret chooses “Charming” as her new charge’s name, a sarcastic choice because of the way he keeps growling at Killian under his breath whenever Killian reaches for Procella.

Procella.

He’s not sure where the name came from. It popped into his brain, a long-forgotten word from his tutoring side job back home, as soon as she’d been let out of the kennel. It turns out to be pretty accurate, moody as she is.

No, not moody.

It’s more of an unwillingness to trust.

Charming follows Mary Margaret around as though they’ve been together their entire lives, but Procella only comes near Killian when he least expects it. When he’s sitting on the couch, pointedly trying to avoid looking at her for fear of scaring her off, she’ll come and sit at his feet. The more he turns away from her, only allowing himself sideways glances at her, the more she seems to come near him.

It’s much like courting a shy woman, and Killian can’t help but laugh at the ridiculous relationship he’s forming with his dog.

But he can’t deny that his life feels right in a way it never really has. As though there’s been a heavy, invisible chip on his shoulder and he’s finally shaken it off. Or, rather, Procella has pushed it off, allowing him to stand up straight for the first time in his life.

It only takes a couple of weeks before he finally runs into the sheriff again.

She smiles when she recognizes him, and that boosts his confidence as he approaches her. Rascal is by her side, anxiously trying to greet his friend. Procella pulls at the leash a bit, clearly wanting to see Rascal as well, but sensing that Killian can’t hold his coffee and her leash at the same time if she pulls too hard.

Once he reaches Emma, they settle into easy conversation and he finds himself wishing he’d run into her sooner.

Watching Procella play for the first time is eye-opening for Killian. She doesn’t play, really, not even with Charming. She’ll seek him out for comfort occasionally, but they don’t wrestle like she is with Rascal. This is something different.

As if on cue, the ache in his chest returns for the first time since he came home with Procella. He glances at Emma and finally decides it’s time to take fate into his own hands once again.

“Emma, I don’t want to come across as too forward,” he begins, and her face changes entirely. Her eyes widen, and she somehow looks afraid and excited at the same time. He tries not to think about Procella’s face the first time he’d tried to take her outside alone, without the comfort of Charming and Mary Margaret. “But would you and Rascal perhaps join me for lunch?”

#cspupstravaganza #captain swan #captain swan fanfic #cs fanfic #cs ff #caitlin writes

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elopez7228 · 4 years

Text

Scenic Route 37/47

Read on AO3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/18268208/chapters/43229774

Start over : https://elopez7228.tumblr.com/post/620919089893933056/scenic-route-0147

***

Eventually, Syed left the wheel to Saul. They were going on a sped of 150, and she hoped they would catch Rey before she hit California. The two of them had an advantage: they could switch off and take breaks. She didn’t stand a chance.

And of course the police were the least of her concerns. What were they going to do, give her a ticket? Even if they arrested her a call from Snoke would remedy that.

Leaving a message for Hux, she summarized their current situation.

“The girl changed cars—she’s probably in Kelsi’s Lincoln. I’ll text you the plates. She has an eight-hour head start, but you should still alert Nevada PD, I’m sure she’s on I-80. Best case, we get to her before Lovelock, worst case, before Reno. After that she could take any number of ways west, so we run the risk of losing her.”

Next, Syed decided to take advantage of the next eight hours on the road to have a little talk with Saul. It was time to test the waters. How much did he really know about Earth Soldiers, Rey, and Kylo?

After a few hours of careful conversation, she realized that he was still loyal to Kylo, but not immune to Hux or Snoke’s orders. The mission that they agreed on was to capture the girl and the dog, and retrieve the microchip. After all, that was Kylo’s mission too.

Syed kept the part about beating Kylo Ren’s ass to herself. Whatever happened, she could take care of that alone.

Suddenly, Saul slowed down.

“What are you doing?” Syed demanded, turning sharply in his direction.

“Road’s blocked. See the cones?”

“Shit.”

They were forced to take a detour via Wells, Nevada. It was 11 PM now, technically 10 PM because they had crossed into a different time zone.

Syed contemplated their surroundings in dismay. It was a soulless town: nothing but a truck stop, if the dozens of semis lining the immense casino parking lots were any indication. The neon signs to WIN BIG were the only things that illuminated the dark night like a lighthouse in the storm.

Worst of all, if Rey had actually made it through before the closures, she would be way ahead of them by now. Dammit!

The last vestiges of twilight remained, revealing the passing silhouettes of stray casino customers and other cars against the purple-tinged desert horizon. Syed gave an exasperated sigh, powerless.

“Hell, that’s it for tonight. Go ahead and park here. I’ll go find us a motel, you look for some food. We’ll meet back here.”

Saul disappeared into the crepuscular light, in the direction of an illuminated building across the street. Syed got out of the car to light a cigarette.

“BB8, heel!”

Her heart skipped a beat. No fucking way. As if in slow motion, the cigarette fell from her lips onto the pavement. Some thirty feet away, the now familiar sight of Rey was crossing the street, BB8 in tow. Syed could hardly breathe.

She glanced around, looking for a trap. Surely Kylo was with her, and the cops lurking behind...?

No, she was all alone.

Fuck. It was now or never. Time to strike in the dark while she least expected it.

Never taking her eyes off of the girl, Syed opened the car door and grabbed the gun in the glovebox, making sure to turn the safety off. Her fingers trembled, throat suddenly dry.

Silently, she took a few steps forward, eliminating the distance between them. She pointed the gun at the nape of Rey’s neck.

“Rey Jakku, if you scream, I shoot. If you run, I shoot. Turn around.”

Rey was stuck in Wells for the night. She would leave at dawn if the roads opened up again, maybe even earlier. There was nothing she could do besides force herself to rest in the few hours of downtime. She updated Leia, booked a room at the aptly placed Motel-6 on 6th Street, and proceeded to take a long, hot shower.

Then, sprawled our on the bed of her tiny motel room, she sent a text to Ben Solo.

Rey

Roads are blocked due to a fire. I’m stuck in Wells, NV. Will try to get out ASAP. How’s Syed?

Ben

She’s after you, and fast. She knows about the Lincoln, keep it out of sight. I’m on the way, an hour behind them. Be careful.

Hours passed. Rey slept, but just barely, jolting awake now and then at the slightest sound. She woke up hungry. BB8 begged for a walk.

Tugging on her shoes and jacket, she put a leash on BB8, leading her out of the room. A walk would do both of them some good.

Wells clearly hadn’t been built with pedestrians in mind. The streets were massive and lacking in sidewalks and crosswalks alike. Instead, the roads were bordered by strips of fencing, littered with dirty bits of glass and cigarette butts. It made for a terrible walk that must have been rough on BB8’s unprotected paws.

The garish neon signpost of a nearby casino caught Rey’s attention. It was getting late and Rey could use some caffeine. She could even spend her pocket change—a grand total of two dollars and a quarter—on the slot machines. It was practically a right of passage, what kind of person left Nevada without gambling away money at a casino?

BB8 yanked Rey forward, trying to sniff at a piece of rubbish that was out of reach.

“BB8, heel!” She scolded the dog.

BB8 gave a little yelp, obediently standing by Rey’s side again with a wag of her tail. Rey looked up at the nearest traffic light. It was green even though no cars were there. Given that it was getting dark, it would be better to wait for the red.

Suddenly, she heard a click as something pressed into the small of her back.

“Rey Jakku,” said a voice. That voice. The one from her nightmares, right behind her now. “If you scream, I shoot. If you run, I shoot. Turn around.”

It was Syed Ren.

She was going to die. Kylo had warned her to be careful. To keep out of the way. She should have stayed in her room. She just had to go out at the worst possible time, didn’t she? What a genius she was.

She turned around slowly, half-frozen in fear. Syed was recognizable even in the dark, pointing a gun at her.

Oddly, the first thing that she noticed was that she had never seen a gun from this close. It was the first time she had really seen one at all, not that she wouldn’t give anything to get out of this position.

“Syed. What do you want?”

“You know what I want, and you’re going to give it to me.”

Rey looked around. Where was everyone? The bystanders, the highway patrol, the cops? Why was this place suddenly so deserted?

“Really, you’re going to kill me here, in the middle of the street?” Her voice sounded feeble.

“And I wouldn’t even think twice. But first, I’m going to need that microchip. Hand it over.”

“I...”

Should she hand over the chip? Would it be better to die for the cause, one that wasn’t even hers? Rey’s eyes filled with tears. All this, and to what end? The bad guys won.

Suddenly, BB8’s leash was no longer in her grasp. BB was in full attack mode, her back arched and mouth twisted into a growl that bared teeth. She snarled, going straight for the target.

“What the fu—“ Syed exclaimed as the little orange dog charged at her, snapping at her calves.

A sharp pain pierced through one of her legs, as she stumbled back to escape the dog that was currently biting down on her. Rey latched on to Syed’s arm which was still holding the gun, remembering enough from the self-defense classes she had taken with Finn a lifetime ago to twist and pull, in an attempt to disarm her assailant.

The gun fell to the floor with a metallic scrape and Rey made sure to kick it away for good measure. But Syed tackled her to the ground, punching her in the face. Rey fell back, grimacing as she saw BB8 groan in response to a well-placed kick from Syed.

Syed clutched the dog by the back of her neck as she fashioned a noose from the long end of the leash and tied it to a nearby lamppost in order to strangle her. But Rey jumped to the rescue, grabbing Syed’s hair with both hands and tugging hard enough to make the woman lose her balance. BB8 whimpered pitifully, struggling to breath every time Syed pulled on the leash. She lay in a heap on the ground, panting and groaning softly.

Rey, who had tumbled to the ground with her opponent again, tried desperately to reach for BB8. But it was too late as Syed got up again and kicked her violently in the ribs.

She struggled to catch her breath, curling up into a fetal position and using her arms to protect her face from the blows. But Syed reached down and grabbed her by the collar, forcing her to look up. Her cheek was bruised where Syed had punched her earlier.

The Knight of Ren reached out with one hand, never letting go of Rey, to pick up the fallen gun that was still lying on the concrete. It hadn’t gotten very far.

Rey closed her eyes as she felt the cold press of the barrel under her chin.

“Where’s the chip, you filthy bitch?” Syed spat angrily.

In response, Rey gritted her teeth, swallowing despite the pain. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Her heart was beating fast enough to explode, it hurt to breathe.

“Where the hell did you hide it? Tell me or I shoot the dog!”

There was a slight click as the barrel turned to face BB8, who was curled into a helpless ball of orange fluff on the pavement, still gasping for air as she was tied to the post.

“No, no,” Rey rasped, afraid. “It’s...it’s in my bra, in the lining.”

Her nose was bleeding now. Little black dots danced in the corner of her vision. She didn’t have the right to die without seeing Finn again. He didn’t deserve to wake up from his coma just to find out that she had died, just because she had decided to go on their honeymoon alone and make bad decision after bad decision. He wouldn’t cope. It would kill him all over again.

“Hand it over, slowly.”

The barrel was shoved against Rey’s cheek this time, cold against her hot, bruised skin. She cried out in pain. She slowly raised her palms up to show that she had noting to hide. Her fingers slid against her left bra cup, feeling for a hard, rectangular piece of plastic tucked away in the satin lining. With trembling fingers, she pulled it out of the tiny incision in the fabric, which she had made a few days ago with the point of a pocket knife. She held it up to Syed, who snatched it away.

“Good girl,” Syed cooed, a wicked grin splitting her face. “All that trouble for this, Rey? You should’ve never interfered, and you should’ve never gotten involved with Kylo Ren, you little whore. Now get back of the floor and don’t move, I’m not done with you yet.”

Syed let Rey fall unceremoniously to the ground and walked away in the direction of a parked car. Rey tried to get up, but her head was spinning hard enough that instead she was overtaken by a wave of nausea. She turned around to throw up. Her stomach was so empty that only bile and saliva came out.

Soon Syed was back again, holding a canister that Rey didn’t immediately recognize.

“An eye for an eye, you brat.” Syed declared triumphantly, and Rey realized in horror that it was bear repellant.

The familiar click of a loaded gun made both of them turn their heads.

There stood Saul Ren, a to-go bag of mac n’ cheese in one hand and a pistol in the other. He aimed at Syed, who flinched.

“Saul, the fuck are you doing?”

“Give me the chip, bitch. I’m taking that shit to Snoke myself. I’m sure he’ll be happy to cash in and make me the leader. You and Skylar dropped the ball on this one, you fucking losers. Weapons on the ground, now!”

Syed put down her gun, as well as the bear spray. She didn’t understand.

“Where the seven hells is Skylar?”

“Right now? behind bars. While you two were fucking around on your smoke break, I used his phone to send a little something to Krennic, I’m sure he’ll appreciate it. That dumbass won’t be back. And now it’s your turn.”

“You backstabbing son of a bitch. I’m going to kill you.”

“Enough with the promises, Syed. Give me the microchip and turn around, hands behind your back.”

Syed obeyed, as Saul bound her hands together with a plastic zip tie. Rey saw him slip the microchip in one pocket and produce a roll of silver duct tape from the other.

Fuck.

He taped over Syed's mouth and shoved her roughly into the car.

Tires screeched against concrete as the SUV sped away, leaving Rey coughing in a cloud of fumes. Soon they were out of sight, and all was calm again.

Rey leaned back, head pounding against the dusty pavement. Her sobs were mixed with terror and relief. Everything hurt but the pain was glorious, because she knew that she had survived, that she was finally free. Syed and Skylar were gone. It was over.

It took her a long time to catch her breath and sit up.

Still on her knees, she shuffled to BB8’s and gently undid the knots in her leash.

The dog wriggled her way to freedom easily, lapping affectionately at Rey’s face. Rey cuddled her, scratching her head and belly.

“It’s okay puppy, it’s over.”

Rey checked for broken bones, but only found bruises. After her adrenaline levels fell, she could barely walk. She’d lost the microchip, after all this time.

Fifteen minutes later she was back in her room, still fully dressed and curled up on the bed. She had dozed, but a knock at the door woke her up immediately. Oh shit, Syed was back!

No, no, calm down. Syed was gone, taken away for good. It was probably nothing, unless?

Another knock.

Rey got up, wobbling slightly. She looked at the clock on the wall. It was 2 AM—no wait, 1 AM. Who the hell could it be, was she doomed to never sleep in peace again?

She opened to door to find Ben Solo standing on the other side.

#Reylo #fanfictio #Modern AU #Scenic Route

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