#Owen Strand's Coffee pot

[bluenet13]

It’s two sugars, right.

Part 2 of my Tarlos collection of short stories: Carlos and Owen share a moment while they wait for TK to wake up from his coma.

Carlos knows he should have cut his losses long ago. Any smart man would see that TK's been fighting any progress between them since the moment they met, so he should just try to let the man go and stop his treacherous heart from falling in love. It might hurt now, but it will hurt less in the end.

But Carlos Reyes has never been one to follow rationality over emotion, and instead he usually goes all in, with his heart leading the way. So today, Carlos again steps into the hospital's waiting room and sighs, not because of the location itself, but because he hates how it's already starting to feel like home. After all, in the last week he's spent more time here than at his own apartment. Taking in the people sitting in the uncomfortable chairs, Carlos waves sadly before bypassing the room, and all conversation and questions -he knows the 126 crew means well, but the only voice from the firehouse he wants to hear right now belongs to the man still unconscious on the bed, so he goes directly to his room.

Like every morning in the past six days, Carlos closes his eyes just before he enters the room. He's never been a religious man, not like his deeply devout family, but he still remembers many Sundays in church and how he always used to accompany his mama without complaint, and he hopes that has to mean and count for something. So, again, he gives a silent prayer to the heavens, even if it really sounds more like a request, because right now he feels at his limit and he doesn't think he has a lot to offer. But still he asks, God or anyone willing to listen, to please spare TK's life, and not take him away before they have the chance to really figure out what they mean to each other, and what they could be. He thinks it would be something very special, and he needs TK to live so they can at least try.

But as every morning before, his plea is not answered and Carlos steps into the room to an unconscious TK, his father like always sitting on the chair next to the bed. "Morning," Owen says, without even turning back, this moment nothing special and just a repeat of every day that came after TK got shot.

"Good morning, any change?" Carlos asks hopefully, even if he should know better. In their jobs, hoping gets you nowhere, usually it only gives you a broken heart and more things to talk about with your APD-mandated therapist. But hope is everything that Carlos has left, so he clings to it for dear life.

"Nothing," Owen answers sadly, a hand clutching TK's as the other runs through his son's hair.

"Nothing is better than bad news," Carlos tries, a small, sad smile gracing his lips when Owen finally turns back to look at him, but it falls instantly as soon as he takes in the other man's disheveled and tired look. "Have you slept at all, Captain Strand? If you want I can stay with TK tonight and you can go home. Maybe take a shower, eat a warm meal and sleep for a few hours?" Even as the words leave his lips, Carlos can't help but feel that he's overstepping. Not only because Owen is his superior, even if they don't work for the same agency, but even more because he's the father of his… something? Not boyfriend, but also not nothing. Just something in between that still hasn't been given a label. Which only means that he still deeply cares for the man lying on the bed, and as consequence, also for the older man in front of him, and he knows TK wouldn't want his dad's health to suffer because of what happened to him.

Owen shakes his head and brushes off the concern, turning back to look at his son without muttering a single word.

"I'll go get us some coffee, then," Carlos says instead of further pressing the issue, knowing that being proactive is a better approach than arguing with the fire captain, "it's two sugars, right?"

That finally gets Owen's complete attention, and for the first time the man loses all physical contact with his son as he turns to look at Carlos fully, both eyebrows raised in a silent question.

Thinking back to his words, Carlos blushes and his eyes go wide, before his cop brain takes over and he schools his features and tries to calmly say, "TK once told me. And I just happened to remember. Cops, you know, we need to have a good memory to recall faces and case details." His attempt at normalcy would have been good if he wasn't rambling, and Carlos finds himself taking a step backward as Owen's face breaks into a grin. The man hasn't smiled at all in the last week, but this one seems genuine, and even if Carlos fears the words that will come out of the captain's lips, he still feels proud at being the one that put it there.

"Have you been spending nights at my house, Officer Reyes?" Owen asks, and his nose scrunches as he seems to ponder something. "That would explain the good coffee lately. My son is good at many things, and excellent at being a firefighter, but we all know he can't cut it in the kitchen. Not even for coffee."

"I-uh-I-" Carlos' brain is short circuiting and words evaporate as quickly as they come to his overloaded mind, not only because he just outed himself in front of his something's father, but because as soon as the man in question wakes up he's going to be the one ending up dead because TK will surely murder him for the slip up.

"Relax, Carlos. I already knew there was a new important someone in my son's life," at Carlos' questioning look, Owen chuckles before continuing, "not only because of the amazing coffee I now often find in the pot when I wake up, but TK, he's just been smiling more than before, and there's a new bounce to his step, you know? He looks happier than ever in the last year, and probably, just happier than ever, period. I'm just glad it i-" Owen stops abruptly and shakes his head, then turns back to the bed and retakes TK's hand, a few minutes, apparently, the longest the man can go without a physical connection to his boy. "I'm just happy he is happy. That's all."

Carlos has the feeling Owen was about to say something else, something more akin to approving of him as the man making his son happy. And his heart almost bursts at that possibility. If only TK could catch up to his father and also see what's right in front of their eyes. TK already makes him the happiest man on earth -just his smile fills him with warmth, and every look they share starts butterflies in his stomach- and he's not even his to call boyfriend yet. If given the chance Carlos knows he would gladly spend every day and night making sure TK feels as happy in return, and just loving and caring for him as he deserves, even if TK himself doesn't think he's earned it yet.

Lost in his thoughts, the silence stretches for too long and Carlos knows he should say something, reassure the man in some way, or at least thank him. But for now, he feels like he's already revealed enough. So not wanting to embarrass himself any further, or put a bigger target on his back when (not if, but when) TK wakes up, he just nods and turns to the door, but before he can exit the room, he's stopped by Owen's voice.

"And Carlos, yes, it's two sugars. Thank you." This time Owen doesn't turn back around, but Carlos can still sense the smile on his lips, so he smiles too. Both hoping their presence, joined hearts and shared wishes are enough reasons for TK to fight to wake up and breathe and smile again. But for now, both fire captain and police officer take comfort in this moment and the love they feel for the man lying on the bed. Because Carlos would be a fool not to see that he's fallen for TK already.

#911 lone star fanfiction #tarlos #911 lone star #Carlos Reyes #Owen Strand #tk strand #season 1 coda #coda 1x08

[getthesamovarready]

First Sight

I just love this chapter honestly

also on ao3

Chapter 2: twist of fate

TK is sitting at the kitchen counter when he walks in the door. “Long night?” He asks, bringing his coffee to his lips. Owen cringes silently, shutting the door behind himself. He shouldn’t be coming home to his son trying to parent him, and his stomach rolls over in guilt. Immediately though, TK drops his frown, descending into a fit of laughter. “Glad to see you’re embracing your new surroundings Dad.” He stands from his stool, padding across the floor. “Don’t take too long getting ready, we have to be early today.” He pats him on the shoulder, making his way to the stairs. “Oh!” He calls, halfway up the stairs. “I really hope there doesn’t end up being a bunch of mini-Strands running around Texas.”

Owen pours himself a desperately needed coffee from the pot TK brewed, following him upstairs with a laugh. With the amount of times he caught TK sneaking home in the early hours, he supposes he should let his son enjoy this one. Even if it is a little humiliating.

He didn’t notice it this morning, but when he takes off his shirt he catches a whiff of perfume, and it shocks the breath right out of his chest. He can feel her hands on his chest, and his stomach twists as he tries to shake it off.

It takes a shower, and the familiar comfort of his skincare routine, to stop heart racing and memories of last night sending tingles down his spine. His hard work is undone, however when he starts to dress for work.

His work shirt is perfume-free, but still his fingers fumble with the buttons, unable to avoid thinking of unbuttoning the back of Michelle's dress last night. He screws his eyes shut, willing his shirt to cooperate with his hands.

When he makes his way downstairs he is flustered, and TK's casual leaning on the countertop doesn't help. "I thought I said not to take too long?" He smirks at him, glancing at the clock. An hour isn't too long, Owen thinks, but he doesn't respond. He just scowls at TK. "Oh wow." TK chuckles. "Must have been some night." He notes Owen's flush. "She really did a number on you didn't she?" He pushes himself off the counter to head to the door. "You sure you're fit to drive in that daze?" TK calls from the doorway, and Owen leaves indents in his fingers as he squeezes the keys in his fist.

Xx

Knocking on Dustin's door probably wasn't what Owen had in mind when he suggested that she celebrate Iris's birthday. He definitely wasn't suggesting that she slam at it, and scream until he called the cops. But that's what she did. And she actually feels a little better, kicking his house. She feels a little of her tension dissipate.

So she doesn't even feel that guilty when Carlos's squad car pulls up. She even nearly smiles when she greets him. She doesn't feel the usual guilt when he has to handcuff her.

She doesn't smile, however, when he pauses. And her chest tightens when he coughs. "What's that?" He asks her, and she whips her head around to question him. He's staring right at the back of her shoulder.

She flushes instantly, remembering Owen unbuttoning her dress, kissing her neck, his teeth dipping lower to nip at her shoulder. She turns her head forward again, determined not to answer Carlos's question.

"Michelle…" She huffs, desperately wishing she could tug her sweater to cover the bruise. "Do you have a hickey on your neck?"

"So what if I do?" She snaps. She's a grown woman, what's it to him what she does anyway? She starts to walk towards the car, Carlos close behind.

"I just...you didn't tell me you were seeing anybody." There is a hint of disappointment in his voice, and she realises that maybe she's been more distant than she thought recently, if he really thinks she could hide something like that.

"I'm not." She tells him when he opens the door, and her stomach twists at the look on his face.

"So who?" He starts to ask, closing the door behind her and slipping into the front of the car. "So who was that?" He points at his own neck, concern lacing his voice.

"A guy." She mumbles.

"A guy? Just some random guy?"

She sighs. "I met him at the Honky Tonk last night." This is honestly way more humiliating than the handcuffs around her wrists.

"Last night? You let some guy you don't know do that?" He's eyeing her through the rear-view, and she squirms. "I'm assuming you did more than just…" He huffs out a sigh, gripping the steering wheel tightly. "You let some random guy you don't know take you home?"

"Actually… I took him home." It gets exactly the reaction she expected.

"Michelle!" He groans. "What the hell? You let a stranger into your house? He could have been a murderer! Or like… robbed you? What's wrong with you?"

"Not everyone is a criminal Carlos." She groans. "Some people are normal!"

"Says the woman I just arrested for violating a restraining order for the fifteenth time!" She slumps back in her seat. He has a point, and it's not the first time he's tried to convince her that maybe Dustin might be innocent.

"If you people would do your jobs I wouldn't have to violate any orders, because you would have found out what happened." She snaps back. "It's her birthday Carlos, I can't just let her go on her birthday."

"We're not gonna have any new birthdays to celebrate anytime soon are we?" She struggles for a moment over his question, wondering what on earth he could possibly mean.

"Oh my God, Carlos!" She scoffs. "I'm not a total idiot."

"I just had to be sure." He eyes her again through the mirror.

"Whenever you want to stop being my father and start being my friend, just tell me." She glances out the window. "Hey, I start work in twenty, can you just drop me there?"

"Michelle, I'm not an Uber." He chuckles.

"I wasn't gonna tip." She smirks at him, chuckling when he takes the turn for the firehouse. "He was lovely, by the way. Not even a little bit murdery."

Carlos, back to being her friend again, laughs at her. "Good."

"You know," she leans forward. "Normal friends, when their friend has sex for the first time in a very long time, are happy for their friends."

"It's not that I'm not happy for you, Chica." He taps his hands against the steering wheel. "It's just...not like you. And you've made some...questionable decisions recently." She isn't sure if he's talking about Billy or...everything else in her life. But she wouldn't call Billy 'recent', so she assumes he's talking about the multiple arrests in the last few years, and everything else since Iris went missing. "It just feels very… new-Michelle."

"I know." She mumbles behind him. It is very new-Michelle. She'd had this very problem last night. "He was really nice though." She smiles, blushing as she thinks of how sweet he was about her little freakout. "He was really nice to talk to."

"Yeah, I'm sure you did lots of talking." Carlos scoffs, smirking.

"We did, actually. We talked a lot."

"So what does he do?" Carlos asks casually, and she flushes.

"I don't know."

"What's his name?"

"Owen...something. " He eyes her suspiciously.

"You talked to this guy, a lot. You took him home with you. And you don't know what he does? Or who he is?" Her cheeks are absolutely burning. "I don't even have a last name to find out about him! How are you supposed to show him to me? How could you have sex with someone and not let me know what he looks like?"

"It didn't seem important." She defends, omitting the fact that it seemed important to her not to know any of these things last night. "I'm sorry that I can't show him to you. He was quite something." She grins.

"Just his looks? Or?" He doesn't finish his question, and she giggles slightly when she finishes it for him in her head.

"Not just his looks." She sends a wink through the mirror, and he nods approvingly. She smiles out the window, the tension from Carlos's initial questioning gone completely.

He lets her off at the firehouse, with yet another warning. "Don't want you to make a bad impression on the new team." He tells her, unlocking the handcuffs. "Good luck today, Chica." He pulls her in for a quick hug, pressing a kiss to her hair.

"Come out for a drink with me after work?" She asks, pulling away. "I'll probably be taking the team out anyway, but it's Iris's birthday." She explains. "We should celebrate it."

"I'd love to." He squeezes her hand with a nod, turning to get back into the car.

It takes her a while to walk inside, and she's glad Carlos managed to drop her off early. It's quiet when she enters, and completely different to the last time she was here.

Nothing is the way it used to be, and she has to wander a bit before finding her office. She doesn't see a soul, and she can't help but wonder where they could all be. But she's not in uniform yet, and her shift starts in five minutes. So she finds the changing rooms, and she's just made it back downstairs to meet the team, when the alarm blares, and a group of unfamiliar people rush past her.

Tim and Nancy follow the group at a stroll, and smile weakly at her when she sees them. "You guys okay?" She asks, casting her eye over the new firehouse. The pair of them shrug. "You met them? What are they like?"

"They're nice." Tim shrugs, frowning slightly. "They're okay I guess."

"Captain Strand is more than okay." Nancy mumbles with a smile, squirming her eyebrows at Michelle. The pair of them chuckle, while Tim shakes his head.

“You guys okay? You ready for this?” She’s pretty sure she’s not ready for their first call out in six months, but still, she leads them to the ambulance, her hands shaking only a little when she reaches for the door handle. “If you’re not…” She can technically get dispatch to send another team. But that probably wouldn’t do any good.

But Tim and Nancy assure her that they are fine. Months out of the rhythm of things, has the three of them silent the whole drive there. Each of them rehearsing the motions in their heads.

Michelle thinks she's finally okay, that she's ready for her first call in months. Until she hears the Captain speak, and her stomach drops. "So we have some room to work." She catches, her stomach twisting itself into knots as she steals herself for the inevitable.

"You mean give us some room to work?" He spins around like a shot. "This scene belongs to us." She looks him in the eye only briefly, a warning for him to calm his obvious panic, before she brushes past him. She does her very best to hide hers, shoving it down as far as it will go before starts to direct Tim and Nancy.

"You must have missed the part where they made me the captain of the 126." It's suggestive, late-night, Owen, and she whips around, steeling her features.

"Michelle Blake, Paramedic Captain." She introduces herself coldly. "And this scene is medical, so I run the call."

"Woah, since when does EMS tell Fire what time it is?" She has to give it to him, he does a remarkable job pretending never to have met her before. Probably something to do with his newfound talent for getting on her nerves.

"Guess you didn't read the Travis County Manual, did you?" She presses, starting to get to work.

"I'm more of a … visual learner." She doesn't miss his eyes trailing over her, and she turns her head to catch him in the act.

"In Texas, EMS calls the shots involving medical emergencies." He has a hint of a smirk on his lips, and she can't help but snap at him. "So you do what I say, Captain." It's so unlike last night, and if she wasn't freaking out so much she would probably find it funny. He hides it well, but she can tell that Owen finds it hilarious.

She's good at her job. She always has been. She knows that she's impressive, but it's nice to have an audience, and this one is enthralled. They've obviously heard that the old 126 was in serious need of a re-haul, and probably didn't have high hopes for the remaining members. When she's finished, she looks back at Owen, and he's still watching her.

"Nice work, Captain." He smirks when she passes, following behind Tim and Nancy. "Impressive."

"Welcome to Texas, Captain." She winks. Immediately, she regrets it at the flush of his cheeks. And she's brought back to this morning, in her robe, letting him out of her house. She starts back on her way to the ambulance, blushing furiously.

Xx

He's in his office when she returns. He looks like he's deep in paperwork, she suspects the county manual, but almost as soon as she sees him he's out of his seat, making his way to her office. "Captain Michelle Blake." He stops in her doorway, leaning against it. "What a happy coincidence."

"This is not a happy coincidence." She huffs, dropping into her chair. "This." She gestures to him. "Is payback from God for my bad decisions." Of course she couldn't have a one night stand and move on with her life, of course there would be some kind of consequences.

"From God?" He chuckles. "I didn't think you were all that concerned about God, Michelle?" At least, not when that god wasn't Owen in the middle of the night.

"When things like this happen, I start to think maybe I should be." Carlos is going to have a field day with this.

"You say payback." He steps into her office fully. "I say fate." She can't help but smile, blushing softly. "Come on, it's like a movie. I think that if God had anything to do with it, he's giving us a sign." It is, it's exactly like some stupid romantic comedy.

"It's not a movie Owen." She sighs. "This can't be anything, you get that, right?" He doesn't seem to get it, his head cocking to the side with a hint of a pout. "Owen, we work together now. It would be a really bad idea." He looks like he disagrees, moving to sit on the edge of her desk.

"Okay." He sighs with a nod.

"No one can know about this. No one can even suspect." A smile springs on her lips unexpectedly. "So, if in future, you could avoid checking me out when I'm working, that would be a big help."

"Fine." He grins with a laugh, before sobering up quickly. "So, you okay? First day back?" If it hadn't started with such a shock, she would probably be less okay. But she nods silently. "I know the place is really different. I know that can be difficult…"

"I'll be fine, Owen." She assures him. She's actually a little bit glad the place looks so different. She had been worried about being assaulted with memories at every turn. But the place is bright, shiny, and new. "Thank you."

He nods softly, standing from the desk. Just when he reaches the doorway, he taps it with a sigh, turning around. "I should probably warn you." He bites his lip. "TK works here, he's on the team."

"TK?" Her eyes widen, and he turns again. "Your son TK?" And he's gone.

Xxx

When she gets back from their next call, there is a cupcake sitting on her desk. Owen, the only person she can think of who would do this, isn't in his office, so she can't immediately go berate him for doing something so sweet. So she approaches the offending cake, picking up the post-it that sits under it.

Couldn't get a candle quickly. For your sister. -O

She sets the cake aside, smiling at it every now and then, while she does her paperwork. She decides against indulging immediately. It's the only cake Iris is going to get, and it doesn't seem right to eat it on her own, at work.

Owen is in the kitchen when she emerges for a cup of coffee. "Captain Blake." He greets her casually. "How's your first day back?" His head tilts towards someone rummaging in the fridge. "TK whatever you're looking for isn't going to be there if you haven't found it already." His eyes dart over to her when she straightens her spine. He smirks at her, and she glares pointedly at him.

"I don't even know what I'm looking for Dad." TK admits, emerging from the fridge with a soda. "We really gotta work on the snacks in this place. And by that I mean I gotta do it, I don't trust you.  We need things like cookies, and chips."

"There's a bakery around the corner." They offer in unison, both of them immediately flushing and avoiding the other's eyes.

"It's great," Michelle continues, thinking about many an impromptu celebration catered by said bakery. "And they like us, might even do you a deal." They liked the old team anyway, but she's sure they'll warm to any member of the 126.

TK thanks her, leaving the two of them alone in the kitchen.

"Way to not be suspicious." She laughs, almost going to nudge his arm, but thinking better of it at the last minute.

"He'll just think I've been sneaking around in secret eating illicit cookies." He brushes it off easily.

"Thank you, for the cupcake. It was really sweet of you." She blushes. "I really appreciate it."

"I told you to celebrate today." He shrugs. "I wanted to make sure you could."

"Speaking of celebrating." She starts, twisting her fingers. "I think we, the team I mean, should go out for a drink? After work?" When he starts to nod, she bites her lip nervously. "The thing is… we always went to the Honky Tonk after work." He stops nodding, twisting his lip awkwardly. "I think Tim and Nancy would like it if we did the same. And I told Chris last night I'd take the new team…"

"Sure."

"Sure? That's okay? It won't be weird?"

"Of course it'll be weird." He scoffs. "It's fine though, tell the team." She nods, starting to walk away, when he stops her. "I uh...I just wanted to ask. I left my number, on your bedside table. If I didn't work here...would you have called it?"

Her answer is easy, and it twists in her stomach. "Yes."

#michelle blake #Owen Strand #owelle #michelle x owen #911 lonestar #owen is the sweetest in this fic honestly #he doesn't really deserve it #also im really trying not to let this be a captain strand rip-off so sorry if anyone thinks it is but i really hope it doesnt seem like that

[leedongwook]

Prompt: 4 times people thought TK and Carlos are dating and 1 time they really did. ❤️

1.

TK can’t for the love of god not find his new aftershave. He looks in his room and the drawer in the hall way, it’s not there. He’s back at the bathroom again and going through the cabinet for the third time, but he can’t find it.

He sighs.

„Dad, have you seen my aftershave?“

TK gets no reply.

„DAD!“

There’s noises coming from downstairs.

“What?“

TK rolls his eyes and sticks his head into the hall way.

“Have you seen my aftershave?“

TK can hear his dad move around in the living room.

“Is it not in the bathroom cabinet?“

TK frowns.

“No, I’m just looking at it now, it’s not there.“

Silence.

TK looks at himself in the mirror and fixes his hair. Well then he needs to get a new one after work. He puts his shirt on.

“Wait, I think it put in the drawer under the bathroom sink.“

TK crouches down in front of the sink and opens the bottom drawer. There’s hair gel and razor blades and the new aftershave.

TK laughs. Why did his dad put it down there.

“Right, got it thanks!“

He opens to box and gets the aftershave out. He opens the lid and smells on it. It’s a new one. Carlos had told him about it and how he liked the smell of it and TK wanted to try it out.

He puts some of it in his hands and rubs it against his face. It stings on his neck and TK notices he’s got a little cut there. He dabs a tissue against it.

He looks at the clock again to check the time when he hears the door bell ring.

TK walks into to his room to grab his jacket, wallet and keys.

When he makes it downstairs his dad is already opening the door.

“Officer Reyes?“

Carlos smiles but waits outside of the door.

“Good evening Captain Strand. I’m here to pick up TK and please call me Carlos. I’m not on duty.“

Captain Strand nods.

“It’s Owen then.“

TK quickly walks over and stops next to his father.

He smiles at Carlos.

“Hi, sorry I’m a bit late.“

Carlos shakes his head.

“It’s fine.“

TK starts to move when he hears his dad speak again.

“Wait, are you taking my son out for a date?“

Captain Strand looks questioning from Carlos to his son. Carlos blushes and TK’s eyes grow wide.

“Dad! No it’s not a date. We‘re just hanging out at the pub togehter.“

His father laughs.

“Mhhhhhmm right.“

He gently nudges his sons shoulder. TK rolls his eyes. He feels freaking awkward and just wants to leave.

“Right, shall we?“

Carlos points over to his car and TK jumps into action without looking at his father again.

“TK.“ Owen laughs. “Have fun.“

He sees his father winking at him and TK’s face turns red. He rolls his eyes at his dad again and gets in the car without saying anything.

2.

TK’s chilling on the couch in the fire station. His shift is going to end in about 10 minutes and he can’t wait to get off.

“Hey little bro, what you up to?“ Judd is leaning over the couch, squeezing his shoulders.

Paul walks over from the kitchen and sits down next to him.

“Nothing, just chilling. Shift‘s over in 10 and Carlos is gonna pick me up. He’s cooking tonight.“

“Oh look, Carlos is cooking tonight.“ Paul laughs and bumps his fist against TK’s shoulder.

Judd throws his arms around him from behind.

“What’s going on there? Got yourself a piece of that hot officer TK?“

TK shoves his arms away. “What? No.“

“We just noticed that you guys hang around each other a lot. You dating or something?“

TK turns around to face Judd.

“We’re not dating, we’re just friends.“

Paul reaches over and pokes TK in his side.

“Oh it’s like that.“

TK frowns.

“Seriously guys we’re not dating.“

Paul grins and Judd pokes his cheek.

“God, you’re like children, you two.“

TK pats their hands away.

“TK you there?“

Carlos walks into the fire station. Paul and Judd are still laughing and TK looks annoyed at them.

“What’s going on?“

Carlos looks confused at the three of them.

“Nothing, they’re just idots.“ TK huffs.

“You ok with fish today and I’ve got this new bread recipe, which fits perfect to the fish.“

TK gets up from the couch grabbing his bag. Judd walks around the couch and before TK can walk over to Carlos he ruffles through his hair and grins.

“Enjoy dinner kiddo.“ He looks over to Carlos. “You be good to my little bro or we might have to have a conversation.“

Carlos scratches his head and looks confused. “Right.“

“Oh god this is so embarrassing guys.“

TK rolls his eyes and walks over to Carlos, grabs him by the shoulder to move. He can still hear the boys laugh when they make their way out of the fire station.

3.

“How’s buttercup doing? Michelle told me you’ve got a fire station dog now.“

Carlos takes a sip of his coffee and looks at TK with a smile.

“Yeah my dad thought it was a good idea. He’s ill like him, lung cancer but he gets treatment.“

Carlos frowns.

“Oh, you ok with that?“

He gently puts his hand on TK’s arm.

“I wasn’t at first because you know … but he’s too adorable and I just love dogs.“

Carlos softly rubs his arm before he takes his coffee and takes another sip.

“You had a dog before?“ The other man ask.

TK shakes his head.

“No I’ve always wanted one but living in a high apartment with no garden my dad thought it wouldn’t be a good idea.“

Carlos nods.

“Yeah makes sense. My auntie Tia had this cute little pug and I loved chasing around with him when I was a kid.“

“Cute.“ TK laughs.

He gets distracted for a bit when he sees the door of the coffee shop opening and Marjan walking in.

She doesn’t notice the two men though and walks over to get some coffee.

“TK?“

He can feel Carlos tap at his arm.

“Yeah?“

“I asked if you wanna try out the new restaurant in town on the weekend?“

They get interupted by a waving Marjan walking over to them quickly.

“TK! Carlos!“

She puts her coffee to go on the table and sits down next to TK.

“I’m not interrupting a date, am I.“

She laughs.

“What no we’re not on a date.“ TK blurts out almost choking on his coffee.

“Oh right, well you should though, date I mean, you two look really cute together.“

TK’s face turns bright red and he coughs awkwardly. Carlos just laughs but avoids to look at TK.

Marjan reaches over the table and takes a bite from TK’s cake.

“Anyway, you two coming for my birthday party on Saturday? Big family meet up and since you’re my family too, I’d love to have you there.“

Her eyes sparkle and she’s got a big smile on her face.

Both men nod in agreement.

“Nice! Alright, gotta head to work now, shift’s starting in 20. See ya there kid!“

She gets up and gently bumps against TK’s shoulder.

He watches her leave the coffee shop when Carlos grins at him.

“She’s right though.“

TK rises his eyebrow. “About what?“

“You are really cute.“

TK chuckles and shakes his head. “Oh shut up, I’m not.“

Carlos laughs out loud and takes a swipe of the cream on TK’s cake and puts it on the other man’s nose.

“Yeah you are.“

4.

“Ahhhh TK, wait up I’ve got a cramp.“

TK stops and looks at his watch. He still has to run 30 more minutes to finish his task for today. He looks back though and sees Carlos leaning against a tree. He walks over to where the other man’s standing. Carlos breaths hard and TK grabs his water bottle and hands it over to him. Carlos takes a sip of the water. TK sees him wince out in pain when he puts his foot back on the ground.

“Damn the cramp won’t stop.“ Carlos looks annoyed.

“Let’s get you over to that bench.“

TK puts the other man’s arms over his shoulder and helps him over to one of the benches on the side.

“Sorry, I’m interrupting your running cycle.“

Carlos looks sorry and sits down carefully.

“Nah, don’t worry about that.“

TK smiles and lifts up Carlos leg to put it on his lap. He shoves the material of the other man’s running pants up to his knee.

“Does it hurt here?“

He presses his fingers on the inside of Carlos calf and the other man yells out in pain.

“Fuck.“

TK keeps on massaging the leg and Carlos relaxes after some minutes.

“Better?“

Carlos leans back and nods.

“Thanks.“

He wants to move his leg off TK’s lap when the other man grabs it and holds in place.

“No, wait let it rest for a bit before you walk again.“

“Look who‘s having a running date.“

TK looks up and Mateo is suddenly standing in front of them, legs still moving on the same spot.

Carlos looks confused.

“We’re not on a date? We just went out on a run together.“

Mateo looks from Carlos to TK.

“Damn, that means I won’t win the money pot.“

TK looks at Mateo with questioning eyes.

“What money pot?“

“We were betting on you two dating or not.“ Mateo chuckles.

“Who was betting?“ TK asks.

“Ask Judd.“ Matteo giggles and runs off.

TK looks back at Carlos shaking his head.

“Maybe we should put some money in the pott as well and win?“

Carlos puts his leg back on the floor and gets up.

TK blinks confused. “Huh?“

Carlos laughs. “And go on a date?“

TK blushes and runs his hand through his hair. “Oh.“

“Anyway, think about it but now get your arse up, we need to finish your running cycle or are you tired Strand?“

TK gets up blowing out a breath.

“You old man needed a break not me.“

Carlos chuckles again.

“Well go and catch the old man then.“

TK sees Carlos run off. He shakes his head but smiles and runs after him.

+ 1 time TK and Carlos are actually going out on a date

TK hears the door bell ring and quickly opens it.

“Thank god you’re here I need your help.“

The young man grabs Grace by the arm and drags her into the house.

“Where’s the fire.“ Grace laughs.

TK holds a shirt in front oft he woman‘s face. She eyes it up and looks questioning at the younger man.

“Two buttons are gone and I can’t get sew them on. Dad’s not here and I have a date in 20 minutes. Can you please help me.“

“Oh I see.“ Grace takes the shirt out of his hands. “You got a needle and some yarn?“

TK walks over to the kitchen and comes back with a sewing kit.

Grace sits down and gets to work. TK sits down next to her, fidgeting nervously around with the ring on his finger.

“You ok kid?“

TK looks up.

“I haven’t been on a date for ages and I just really don’t wanna ruin it.“

Grace skillful weaves the needle in and out and the first button is back on the shirt.

“Not to be too nosy and you obviously don’t have to tell me but who you going out with?“

TK stops moving and his face softens.

„Carlos.“

Grace‘s face lights up.

“He’s a good one.“

“Yeah I know that’s why I’m scared and I don’t wanna screw it up and last time I was on a date it didn’t go well. And I don’t know maybe I get this  all wrong and- …“

TK’s breathing quickens up and he feels himself slipping into a slight panic.

Grace puts the needle and shirt away and gently takes his hands in her own.

“Hey take a breath. It’s gonna be fine. I can with a certainty say that Carlos really likes you. You can’t screw this up kid. Just be yourfself, that’s all that matters.“

The older woman‘s hands help him to calm down and he takes a deep breath.

“Thanks Grace. I’ll remember that.“

Grace nods and goes back to work to sew on the last missing button.

“Take it slow and you don’t have to go any further if you don’t want to. Carlos is a good kid, he’ll understand.“

TK scratches at his head.

“Actually we already did that?“

He blushes.

“Oh. Ohhhhhh“ Grace looks baffled but smiles. “I don’t blame you. He looks good but don’t tell Judd I said that.“

TK laughs.

“Right, this is done.“

Grace hands the shirt over to TK who immediately changes his clothes. He walks over to the hallway mirror to have a last quick check over his outfit.

“You look nice. The color suits your eyes.“

The door bell rings and TK grabs his jacket and keys. Grace follows him to the door. Carlos is waiting at his car and waves at them from the street.

TK closes the door behind him and Grace. He hugs her.

“Thank you for this and you know - …“

Grace puts a kiss on his cheek and softly rubs his back.

“It’s nothing kid. Go and enjoy your date. It‘ll be all good.“

TK smiles and squeezes her hand before he walks down the stairs over to a waiting Carlos.

“You look good TK.“ Carlos hugs him quick. “Is that Grace over there?“

TK looks back at where Grace is waving at them. “Yeah, my saving angel.“

“That she is.“ Carlos agrees.

Carlos holds out his hand waiting for TK to take it.

“Ready for a nice date, Tyler Kennedy Strand?!.“

TK chuckles and his faces lights up. He takes Carlos hand and it feels good. All nervousness gone.

“I’m ready.“

#tarlos #tk strand #carlos reyes #911 lone star #tarlos fanfiction #911 lone star fanfiction #haleys fics #my fics #my writing

[tarlosbuddie]

Summary: Buck and Eddie are hosting the 126 monthly dinner at their house. The whole team and their kids are here.

Or the one where Buddie and Tarlos are friends and have lots of kids.

This is also part of my collaboration with the amazing @harvestleaves

Word Count: 2477

Chapter : 2/2 (part one)

Tags: Established relationship, Kid fic, domestic fluff, crossover, future fic

Relationship: Buddie and Tarlos

Read on AO3

From his spot in the kitchen, Buck can already hear the voices of the first five guests, the Strand-Reyes. Bella runs to say hi to both men, and Matias is sitting on the couch next to Andrea before his dads can even take their coats off. Baby Luis is asleep in Carlos’ arms. 

“He’s growing so fast”, Eddie says while opening his arms to take the one-year-old so TK and Carlos can finally make themselves comfortable. “Be careful, he’s going to be a teenager before either one of you can blink an eye,” he adds and tilts his head towards his oldest.

“I can’t believe we are the first ones to arrive,” TK says and takes a look at the living room. Half of the guests have yet to arrive and the room is already full of the best kind of noises; their kids laughter. “Do you want me to take him back?” he asked Eddie but it looks like uncle Eddie has no desire of giving him his son back. 

“No, I got him” he replies and sniffs the top of the kid’s head, full of black and curly hair.

“What are you cooking us, Buck?” the youngest firefighter asks, the head already bending toward the pot.”

 “Something great” Buck’s husband answers for him, and the three other men smile at Eddie.

 “Eddie has secretly decided to turn tonight’s dinner into a cooking competition between our husbands, TK”. Buck explains and all smiles grew wider.

 “I never said it was a secret”,  Eddie jokes.

“Well, if someone wants me to compete I should probably get my hands in that kitchen, then?” Carlos adds. He kisses the top of his baby’s head, who is still sleeping soundly in Eddie’s arms, and moves next to Buck. “What can I do, Bucky?” he asks while winking at Christopher, the only person Buck allows to call him with that nickname. 

 “The main course is almost done, I also tried to make pão de queijo with the recipe you gave me, but it doesn’t smell as good as yours” Buck confesses.

“It smells great, man” the younger man reassures him and puts a hand on his shoulder. “What if I work on making the bottles?” Carlos offers. “You feed us and the small ones, I feed the smallest ones.” 

 “Deal” Buck accepts.

“Isn’t it cheating?” TK jokes. He’s enjoying the scene though, Carlos is rolling his sleeves, and opening his bag and the kitchen cupboard to get what he needs. The two of them spend so much time at the Diaz’s that none of them have to ask where things are. Even before they had kids, they all enjoyed spending time together.

--------------------

Buck still had four hours left in his shift when Eddie heard the pounding on the door. Even if Buck had forgotten his keys, he wouldn’t be back so soon. Not without calling him to warn him first. Eddie brushed his bed hair back and out of his face and walked to the door. He was expecting a delivery guy - since his fiance was ordering new furniture for the baby’s future room every time he read an article saying that kids might need this kind of thing. What the firefighter was not expecting was to open his door to find TK, soaking wet, shaking. Before asking why he was there, the older man took him by the arm to bring him inside and rushed to the bathroom to get him a towel. His dark hair was half-covered by his hoodie, but TK was still pretty wet. 

“You wanna tell me what you’re doing in my living room, looking like a wet golden retriever?” he asked kindly.

 “When did you know?” TK asked. His voice was shaking and he was out of breath. Eddie waited for the rest of the question in order to respond. “When did you realize Buck was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with?”

 “Not soon enough” Eddie half-joked. “But if you ran under the pouring rain to ask me that - it’s because you already know Carlos is the one for you” he continued, knowing that that’s where the conversation was going. “You want to propose to that boy, right?”

 “I’m madly in love him, Eddie” TK replied. “I love him so so much.” 

 “So why are you in my place and not at yours with your gorgeous boyfriend?” 

“I’m scared” TK admitted, drying his face with the towel and using this as an excuse not to look at his friend.

 “You’re afraid he will say no?” the older man assumed “Carlos loves you, I have no doubt about it.”

 “I’m afraid he will say yes” TK replied and his voice started cracking.

 “I don’t get it” Eddie said while turning his back on him a few seconds to set the coffee pot.

 “What if I’m not enough? Carlos deserves so much better.” TK’s words almost broke Eddie’s heart. One of the many things TK and Buck have in common is that they both are hard on themselves. Eddie always considered himself lucky to have a friend like TK, who’s kind, strong and will stop at nothing to help the people who need him. Carlos and him are a perfect match, everyone who spends more than five minutes with them can notice that. “My dad loved my mom, and they still got a divorce” the youngest added.

“You’re not your dad TK. You are an amazing man. You have so much to offer, and if you don’t already know it, Carlos sure does” pressing a warm cup of coffee in his friend’s hand. Eddie told him about something he knew for a while “The first time we had dinner together, at the Ryder’s, Grace asked Buck and I if we planned on getting married.” 

 “I remember that” TK spoke but his voice was still unsure.

“What you don’t know is that I knew by then I was gonna marry Buck someday. And you know what I already knew too?” He didn’t wait for TK’s response since the young man seemed confused. “I knew you two were going to be together forever too. I could see it in the way you two looked at each other.” 

“You seem so sure” the Strand boy said, a little less shaking thanks to the hot cup in his hands. 

“I’m marrying Buck in three weeks, this is how I’m sure about all of it. And I’m also sure that you didn’t need me to tell you this to know you belong with Carlos” he took his own cup and pointed his other hand to the couch to invite TK to sit with him. 

Thanking him for his help, the young man left his untouched coffee on the table and run back to his car. The rain had stopped and the sky was clearer, just like TK’s mind. He knew what he wanted, but he knew it long before he knocked on the Diaz’s door. He just needed a push.

And if one year later Eddie didn’t mention it in his toast at their wedding, it was because he was not the reason behind the proposal. TK and Carlos did this on their own, they built their relationship step by step and learned to trust each, to rely on each other. Relationships take work, effort, especially after Alex broke TK so much he almost did not make it. Carlos was his light in the dark. His conversation only helped him see something he already knew deep in his bone.

 ------------ 

Eddie and TK are sitting on this same couch, admiring both their husbands in the kitchen. As much as Eddie was proud that TK trusted him enough to knock on his door years ago, he takes no credit for them getting engaged, and then married, he knows that they didn’t need him. The kind of love Carlos and TK have for each other is too strong for them to ignore it. 

When he left the 118 to go to Austin, Eddie was afraid he would never feel a bond as strong ever again, but the Strands have a special power, they make everyone feel at home. They are still in contact with Bobby, Hen, and Chim, especially since the latest married Maddie a few years ago. When Eddie met Chim, he liked the guy immediately, but he never imagined he would be the uncle of his and Maddie’s daughters.

Owen knocks at the door so loudly his son knows it’s him before anyone had the chance to open. He smiles at the house owners and they both gesture the door so he can welcome his dad himself. Not wanting Eddie to move with the sleeping Luis in his arms, TK happily opens the door and neither Owen nor Zoey are surprised to see him instead of the Diaz. TK hugged both his dad and his step-mom before letting them in.

“Is Grace breastfeeding Mary or should I get a bottle of formula ready for her?” Carlos asks Buck before seeing the new guest in the kitchen with them.

“I think she’s still breastfeeding” Buck tries to remember the last dinner but it was a month ago and he knows how fast things go with babies.

“So, three bottles it is.”

“I brought my own bottle, thanks” Owen jokes and put the wine bottle on the counter before hugging his son in law. Owen is on his third marriage, but he knows Carlos is the one and only for TK. His son loves his husband so much that Owen doesn’t even want to imagine the possibility that he could one day lose him. They deserve to grow old together and to have everything Owen didn’t find with his two previous marriages, unconditional love, and understanding. He’s glad Zoey fits well in their little family. She gets along with TK, Carlos, and the kids.

As if he senses his grandfather’s presence, the youngest Strand-Reyes is awake and screaming, soon comforted by Papa Strand.

The Ryders arrive a few minutes later, followed by Michelle, Mateo, Marjan, Paul, and his girlfriend. It’s the second time he brought Irene to a dinner with the rest of the crew and everyone knows it means things are getting serious for him to introduce her to his fire family. Now that everyone is here, they all can move from the couch to the tables. Of course, as they suspected, Bella keeps moving around and decides to finally stop running when her grandpa offers to let her sit on his lap if she stays still for the rest of the dinner.

TK tries his best not to tease Buck about his pão de queijo because he will never love it as much as he loves Carlos’ but it may have something to do with the fact that he has the memory of his husband showing their oldest son how to cook it. 

Marjan and Mateo excuse themselves early. They love their family, but they are the only singles of the crew and they are planning on going out after dinner to grab a few drinks and blow off some steam by dancing at the bar. Paul and Irene left soon after them because she has an early shift in the morning but she will make up for it by helping Paul host the next dinner at his house.

When it’s time for the dessert to be served, Andrea takes her hostess role very seriously and helps Eddie serve the carrot cake she made with Buck. They bake the same cake every time they are in charge of the monthly dinner, but kids really love it and they always eat the leftovers for breakfast the next morning. After all this time, Buck still doesn’t know how much food to make for a group of people of this size, so he always cooks too much food. He usually gives away the leftovers but keeps the cake to feed his own army.

TK is trying to eat while rocking Luis back to sleep. Carlos offers to help by doing something he loves to do even though there’s a decent chance people might laugh at them. He places a gentle arm around his husband to bring him closer to him and feeds him cake like he’s feeding a small child. They did it at the wedding reception, feeding each other a part of the huge wedding cake and Carlos still enjoys doing it. He loves that it makes TK smiles while chomping on a piece of dessert. This guy has a sweet tooth and they’re both glad their kids haven’t inherited this trait or they would have trouble putting them to bed from the sugar rush. When he’s done eating, TK is as sleepy as his son is, and he lets his heavy head fall on Carlos’ shoulder. 

Grace is feeding her seven-month-old daughter. And Owen has flashbacks of when TK was that small. Sometimes, it still feels like it was yesterday. Mary Ryder is not even the youngest member of the extended 126 family. The newest additions to the family are in their dads’ protective arms. Roberto is the sweetest kid, he barely cries, but his sister Annabeth cries enough for the two, especially when she’s not next to her twin brother. Getting these two to sleep on different cribs is impossible. Eddie is holding her in one arm, while Buck has both arms wrapped around his boy like he’s trying to shield him from any kind of danger that might come his way. They are 4 asleep babies at the table, but when a loud snore comes out, all heads turn towards TK. Carlos is blushing because he knows for sure everyone’s assumption is right.

Judd is one of the only people with both free hands, so he jumps off his chair and starts collecting plates to bring them to the kitchen sink. Christopher follows him and gets ready to do the dishes.

 “I’d like to help, but” Eddie starts and points to his baby girl.

“Let me” Owen says and Eddie already knows the captain is not offering to clean, so he surrenders and gives him the baby. She slightly starts to move but Owen rocks her slowly and she’s fully back to sleep. Papa Strand magic works on every single baby.

With that, Eddie moves to his kitchen, to help Judd and Christopher. Judd might not be as familiar as the Strand-Reyes in this house, but just like at the firehouse, they all take turns doing the dishes after a family dinner. They never questioned it, not even the first time Carlos and Eddie hopped in the kitchen with Grace to clean everything and to exchange secrets while the others were playing poker. Poker turned into board games, but the feelings are the same. They’re family. 

#tarlos #Buddie #evan buckley #eddie diaz #christopher diaz #tk strand #carlos reyes #owen strand #judd ryder #grace ryder #this is stupid #but I wanted to write it #so here it is #EmilieLoves911 #my stuff

[spidey-babe-parker]

From Afar

Chapter 9: we should be honest cause sometimes I can’t tell

Featuring: Sam Winchester x Plus Size Reader

Summary: It’s time you both sit down and talk about the past.

Warnings: angst, crying, smut

AN: Writers block was a real struggle with this last chapter. This is the end of this series and I can’t thank everyone enough who read or commented on this series. This is probably the most proud I’ve ever been of anything I have ever written.

Links are broken and all past chapters can be found in my masterlist

THEN

Walking into the bunker everything feels so strange for you. You and Owen are completely over, you made a choice, you picked Sam.

Dean is the first person who sees you. You hold up the keys Dean had given to you long ago and you give him a sad smile. He knits his eyebrows together and stares at you for a long moment before he walks over and pulls you into a hug.

“Can I possibly stay here for a while?” you ask as he’s still holding you tight.

Dean pulls away from you and is holding your shoulders and says, “you can live here.”

“I broke up with Owen,” you say softly as your eyes are brimming with tears just thinking about the heart broken look on his face.

“I’m sorry darling.”

“I’ll be okay,” you give him another sad smile.

“Let me show you your room.”

Dean leads you down the hallway to a room near Sam’s. Walking inside you look around at your new home. You sit down on the edge of the full bed that is in the middle of the room. Dean is standing in the doorway watching you.

“He’s sleeping by the way. I know you have been dying to ask where Sammy is.”

You smile at the fact that Dean knows you so well.

“Thank you Dean.”

-

The sound of someone knocking on your door catches your attention. You open the door and find your best friend standing on the other side. He looks at you like he’s not sure what he should say to you.

“Can we talk?” he asks.

You nod and step aside. Walking over you sit down on the edge of your bed. Sam sits next to you and there is a long moment of silence between the two of you. 

“I need to know something,” he says looking over at you.

“You can ask me anything.” 

“Did you leave Owen because of me?” 

His question makes your stomach drop, because you can’t lie to him. He needs to know the truth, and he deserves to know the truth.

Slowly you nod your head.

“I’m sorry,” he reaches over resting his hand on your chubby thigh.

“Don’t be sorry,” place your hand on top of his and gently squeeze it.

“I don’t deserve you,” he says as he leans forward and presses his lips to your cheek.

“Sam my life always seems to have something missing when we’re apart,” your voice is slightly shaky as you’re trying your hardest to not cry.

NOW

Laying in bed your head is resting on Sam’s chest. He’s holding your chubby body close to his. He hasn’t held you like this in such a long time. You’ve missed the feeling of him holding you close.

“This feels right,” you say, glancing up at him.

“It really does,” he responds.

“I can’t thank you enough for coming here with me. I don’t think I could handle this without you,” you say as you aimlessly start to draw circles on his stomach.

“I thought you realized by now I’ll literally do anything for you,” he says as he leans down and kisses the top of your messy hair.

You can't even think of anything to say to him, you lean up and press your lips to his for a soft kiss. It’s not a passionate kiss or anything like that, but this is the first time you’ve kissed since Sam had lost his soul.

He stares into your eyes and you can’t help but smile. His eyes are shining bright as he stares at you. You love him so much, that your life doesn’t really exist without him. You’ve tried your hardest to have a life without him, but it just doesn’t make sense.

“I could go for some coffee,” you say.

He lets out a soft laugh and says, “let’s get you some coffee then.”

You both get out of bed and take some time getting dressed before heading out into the kitchen. You find your mom and Kalen getting ready to leave. They tell you that they’re going to the store that they’ll be back in an hour.  

Walking over to the coffee pot and make yourself and Sam a cup of coffee. You walk out to the back porch and sit down on the comfy wicker chairs out back. The weather outside is slightly chilly but the sun feels warm against your skin. You take a sip of your coffee and look over Sam who is staring at you.

“What’s on your mind Sammy?” 

“Do you ever want a life like this?” he asks.

You shrug your shoulder and think back to the time when you thought this was what you wanted. You pause for a long moment before saying, “I used to want a life like this, but now I don’t feel like I need this.”

“Did you want a life like this with Owen?” he doesn’t want to ask but he knows deep down inside he needs to know.

“I thought I did,” you say softly with your voice shaking slightly.

“Sammy do you want a life like this?” 

His eyes never leave yours as he stares at you for a long silent moment. “I used to back when I went to Stanford, but now I’m just happy as long as I’m with you.” His sweet words make your heart flutter. 

“Sam what do you want to happen after this?” you know deep down inside you want nothing more then to be with your best friend, but you don’t know if he wants that. 

Moves so he’s sitting on the edge of the chair and reaches over and takes your hand in his. He’s looking at you as if he’s staring right into your soul. You move so you’re sitting on the edge of your chair as close as possible to him. The world feels so small as you stare at each other.

“I want what we have to be real, I don’t want to play this game we seem to be playing. I finally want to be able to kiss you and hold you. I want people to know that you’re mine, and that I will never love anyone like I love you.”

You swallow as you fight back tears, you weren’t prepared for him to finally confess what he’s been feeling.

Tears start to slide down your cheeks as you say, “Sammy are you sure want this?”

He nods as he seems as if he’s fighting back his own tears, “I don’t think I have ever wanted anything more in my life.”

“I’m really hard to handle,” you say as you lean forward resting your free hand on his scruff covered cheek.

“We both know that's a lie,” he lets out a soft chuckle that warms your heart.

“Sam I love you so much,” you whispered only loud enough for both of you to hear.

“We’ve been through literal hell together, and through all of this I have never wanted anything more than a life with you. Do you know how hard it was for me to swallow my pride and just be happy that you found someone normal to love. I hated watching you fall in love with someone who wasn’t me,” he pulls away from you and stands on the porch in front of you.

“Sam I watched you fall in love with someone too.” Watching him fall in love with Jessica broke your heart, but you told yourself over and over that she was going to give Sam the life he truly wanted.

He looks down at his feet for a long moment. You stand up so you're standing in front of him. Reaching forward you grab his flannel catching his attention. He looks at you and smiles as he reaches up and pushes a stray strand of your hair behind your ear.

“I should have gone to Stanford,” you were stating your one main regret in life.

“Life led us here for a reason,” his strong hand rest on your round face.

“I hope we went through hell and back for a good reason,” you say with a soft laugh as tears continue to slide down your cheeks.

“Why are you still crying?”

“Because I finally got to hear you tell me, that you want a life with me. They’re happy tears,” you smile.

Silently he leans down and presses his lips to your for a soft kiss. He holds your round face in his hands as your lips move together. You grip his shirt holding him close to you. You kiss as if you need each other to breathe, and in that moment you think you need him to breathe. Because you don’t seem to exist without him.

Pulling away he rest his nose against yours. You hold your eyes close taking in the closeness between you.

The sound of a car approaching the house catches both your attention. Pulling away from each other you say, “I think my mom is back.”

You both head out front and help bring in the bags from the store. You keep catching Sam staring at you and you can help but smile everytime you lock eyes. You love him so much, and now you’re together. 

When dinner time comes around you help your mom cook while Sam spends time with Kalen. Your mom must notice something is different because he notices that you seem to be glowing. She says you seem like you’re in love. You don’t even bother denying it, because you are.

Late at night you take a shower attempting to get a few moments to gather yourself. Walking back into the guest room you were dressed in an oversized shirt and panties. You found a shirtless Sam laying on the bed reading a book. There is a sudden tension between you as he looks over at you and gives you a crooked smile. Walking across the room you laid down on the bed next to him, resting on your side. You watch as he puts his book on the nightstand lays down on his side so he looks at you. Part of you wants to rip what little bit of clothes off he’s wearing while the other part of you just wants him to hold you.

“Why do you look so nervous?” he asked, knowing you all too well.

“I’m overthinking everything, what if you get bored of me?” you lay all your fears out in front of you. You want there to be nothing between you.

“I won’t ever get bored of you,” he takes your hand in his and brings your hand up to his lips and places a gentle kiss on top of your knuckles.

“I hope you don’t.”

“I promise you, I won’t. Lay on  your back I want to hold you,” he says.

Rolling over he waste no time curling up right behind you. He holds you close and whispers he loves you before you fall asleep.

-

When the sun starts to rise you and Sam meet your mom and Kalen in the kitchen for one last cup of coffee before you head out of the road back to Kansas. It was really nice to see your mother, but you’re very ready to get back to Dean, Jack, and Cas.

The whole time Sam is driving home he has his hand resting on your thigh. At the three hour mark you stop to get a quick bite to eat. Sam gets a salad for lunch, and you order yourself a waffle with strawberries.

“Do you remember the time I ate so many strawberries I gave myself hives?” you say between bites.

He shakes his head and lets out a laugh, “how could I forget? We were seven. We discovered that if we ate the strawberries straight from your mom's garden we didn’t have to ask if it was okay.”

“She said the fruit were for snacking while we played, she just didn’t expect for me to have zero self control with strawberries,” you laugh thinking back to Sam about crying at the sight of you covered in hives.

“I don’t think I ate strawberries for a year after seeing you covered in hives.”

You took another bite of your waffle before saying, “I think you were more traumatized by that situation then I was.”

“You were covered in hives, it was terrifying at seven,” he says, defending himself.

You love how easy things are between you.

-

The rest of the drive to the bunker isn’t too bad. You arrive home in mid afternoon, you find Dean attempting to cook for Jack and him while Cas is watching with a confused look on his face,

“Hi boys,” you say walking into the kitchen area holding Sam’s hand.

Dean’s eyes immediately drop to your hands and look at both of you with an all knowing look. You nod your head and smile letting him know that things have changed. 

“(Y/N) can you please help Dean cook?” Jack asks.

“Hey I have cooked these last few days with no problem,” Dean says, sounding offended.

Jack looks over at you with a pleading look.

You release Sam’s hand and walk over to the stove where Dean is standing. “I can help.”

You work on cooking dinner with Dean for all the boys and when dinner is served you all sit down at the table and share a meal together. You’re sitting next to Sam like you alway do, but this time you can feel Dean staring at both of you. 

“Dean what is it?” Sam finally asked, getting tired of his brother staring at him.

Dean shrugs his shoulders and says, “nothing.”

“Really nothing?” Sam says as he narrows his eyes.

“Sammy you just seem really happy, and it’s nice to finally see.” his eyes dance over to yours and you can’t help but smile at Dean’s words.

“Dean I am really happy.”

“That’s great Sammy,” his older brother says.

Jack and Cas are both looking over at you and Sam with confused looks on their faces. You know you should probably explain to them that things have changed but at the moment you don’t want to.

“We’re both happy,” you smile looking over at Jack and Cas.

“Like finally happy?” Jack says catching on.

Sam nods and smiles looking over at you.

“Well that’s good to know,” Cas says before taking a drink of his beer.

-

After dinner you go off to your room to do a little unpacking. After getting dressed for bed you lay in your bed alone, and feel as if there is something missing. Walking out of your room you walk down next door to Sam’s room and take a breath before knocking on the door.

You hear him mumble that he’s coming and when he opens the door he almost looks surprised to see you. 

“I don’t really want to sleep alone,” you say.

“That’s good, because I really don’t want to sleep alone either,” he says with a smile playing across his face.

You follow him inside and he walks over and sits down on the edge of his bed and you stand in front of him between his legs. Running your fingers through his hair he looks up at you with a passion filled look. Things between you finally feel so right. His hands rest on your doughy hips and his hand move down to your butt and tugs you closer to him. Your hands stay in his hair as he stares at you.

“I love you,” he says.

“I love you too Sammy,” you lean down and press your lips to his for a more passion filled kiss.

Your lips move together as you touch. His hands gently grasp at your butt and you can’t help but moan into the kiss. In one quick motion he moves so you're straddling his legs. His hands move up and down your curvy sides as your lips dance. 

Your lips part and you stare at each other with lust filled eyes. You reach for the bottom of your shirt and toss it on the floor. You’re sitting on him completely bare from the waist up, you’re in nothing but a pair of panties. Sam’s eyes take in the sight of your body with a look of wonder. He’s still only in a pair of boxers that are straining with his excitement.

“Stand up for me please,” he says.

Without even questioning his request you stand in front of him. He drops down to his knee in front you and looks up at you. “Can I?” he asks.

Wordlessly you nod quickly.

Hooking his fingers into your cheeky undies he slides them down your chubby thighs. He sits back on his hunches and stares at your naked body that is on full display. 

“You’re beautiful,” he says, making you feel pretty.

“Thank you.”

He stands up and takes off his boxers leaving him just as naked as you. The sight of him naked is something that will always amaze you. He’s such a beautiful person inside and out. 

It’s not long before he has you lying on your back as he slides a rubber down his length. As he hovers over you he connects his lips to your before gently moves into you. As your body moves together you feel as if he was made for you. Sam makes you feel things nobody has ever made  you feel. 

Your body feels warm as his hands work on touching every part of you he can get his hands on. His lips moved from yours down the base of your neck and across your bare chest. With everything thrust he pushes you closer and closer to the edge. 

You whimper his name over and over. 

This time together was very different then your first time when you were inexperienced, and just a love sick teen, and it was just as different from the time you and soulless Sam had sex in the hotel room. That time was lust filled that led to regret. This time this both of you finally admitted that you were meant to be together and that you loved each other.

With his lips pressed to yours he pushes you over the edge. You find your release and you see stars. He only gets a few more thrust in before he finds his own release. 

Laying on your back you try to catch your breath as you ride out your high. He’s lying next to you holding onto your hand as his own chest rises and falls. Leaning over he presses his lips to your shoulder and says, “that time was perfect.”

Looking over at him you can’t help but smile and say, “it was perfect because we finally aren’t afraid to give us a real chance.”

You lay there together for about five minutes before you both crawl under the covers. Your head is laying on his strong chest as he rubs your back. You know this is how things between you are supposed to be. Everything in your life has led you to each other. Even in your worst moment Sam was there for you, and you held him through his worst and you both got through him losing his soul. All of the good and bad finally led you here.

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[datleggy]

A hazing you say, to you say, do tell us more please.

oh839ruef it is 6am and im still drunk from the nite before so forgive this mess but u asked for it >:]

TK hasn’t been sleeping well at all; just a bunch of restless nights in a row, all of these thoughts keeping him awake.

Thoughts of his ex boyfriend—almost fiance’—thoughts of his father’s diagnosis—what would he do without him in his life?—and of course, those pesky little thoughts called addiction, which never really leave his subconscious, not even on the good days…

He ends up falling asleep in one of the trucks when he’s supposed to be cleaning, but God, he can’t help himself, he’s exhausted and the cushions are so warm and inviting.

Only minutes later Judd and Marjan come across TK, who’s sleeping soundly, (for the first time in over a week, though they wouldn’t know that) instead of doing his work, and the conniving begins!

They call Paul and the probie over.

“This is team building,” Judd tells Paul, when he asks, not for the first time, if they really think this is the best idea. “A little hazing never hurt nobody.”

Marjan, who’s grinning from ear to ear, agrees wholeheartedly. “Yeah, c’mon! Hurry up with the hose probie!” 

One moment TKs resting peacefully and the next he’s being forcibly dragged out of the rig, giant arms wrapped around him so tight it’s impossible for a half awake TK to wiggle his way out of them.

“Wakey wakey sleepy head!”

He barely has time to react when he’s suddenly being hosed, the water pressure enough to fully wake him. Coughing now and struggling against whoever is holding him still, TK only manages to break free when another set of strong hands grab hold of his shoulders and pull him away from the harsh spray of water hitting his face and chest.

“That’s enough, you guys tryna’ drown him?” Paul shakes his head, grimacing as he looks down at the kid in his arms. TK is soaked through and through.

TK coughs into the crook of his arm, gasping for air. When he finally looks up at the rest of the crew, Judd is expecting some kind of animosity, but what they get instead, is a mischievous grin, “You guys know payback’s a bitch, right?”

Matteo instantly drops the dripping hose like it’s on fire and tries to defend his actions. “They made me do it!”

Marjan huffs, putting away the phone she’d been using to record the whole thing up until now, glaring at the probie. “Scaredy cat.” then she turns around and points the finger at Judd, grinning. “Anyway, it was all his idea.”

Judd raises a brow at her, acting betrayed. “No loyalty, huh?”

Paul pats TKs wet shoulder and sighs, “I tried to stop them, if that’s any consolation.”

TK coughs again, rubbing at his chest, “I mean, a little warning woulda’ been nice.”

Paul raises his hands, “Hey man, you might be canoodling with a cop, but I’m no snitch.”

TK is less than thrilled by all the teasing ‘Oooh’s’ and ‘Aaah’s’ that follow Paul’s comment. “Yeah yeah,” TK’s cut off by another cough. And then another, and another. And after a few more coughs TK realizes he can’t stop, his chest tight, and fuck.

He remembers being six and suffering from asthma up until the age of ten, maybe.

But it’s been over a decade now since his last attack, this can’t be that, can it?

“Hey man, you alright?” Judd reaches for TK, a hand on his shoulder, brows knitted in concern.

TK continues his coughing fit, but manages to shake his head no. The air around him feels thin and his chest is starting to hurt.

Judd blinks, “Shit, you’re not pullin’ my leg, are ya’?” He looks to Matteo, who’s standing there looking about as petrified as he feels at the moment, “Something’s wrong, get Captain Blake, quick!” he orders.

Probie wastes no time, practically tripping over his own two feet in his haste.

Paul helps Judd get TK into a sitting position on the floor, guiding him with gentle but firm hands. “TK, look at me, just shake your head yes or no, do you have asthma?”

TK gasps for air between his bouts of coughing, he shakes his head no but realizes that’s not completely true, “When,” he pauses to cough, wincing and clutching at his chest, “When I was little.” he admits.

Marjan curses. “I’m gonna’ get Cap.” She’s not sure what that’s gonna’ do—she doubts Owen has a spare inhaler from when his kid had asthma over ten years ago, handy on him—but she’s seen the way the two interact, if nothing else, the older mans’ presence will help TK feel a bit less panicked.

Both Captains get there at almost the same time, one after the other, both bending at the knee to get face to face with the young firefighter.

Owen doesn’t have to ask what’s wrong, when he sees his son, because the scene is all too familiar, though it’s been years since the last time it happened. “It’s an asthma attack.” he tells Blake, “He hasn’t had one since he was ten.”

Blake nods, already digging into her kit for a rescue inhaler. “TK, open up, I need you to take two puffs, breathe in slowly for five seconds and try to hold your breath for ten, it’ll help the medicine get into your lungs, can you do that for me?”

TK nods anxiously, letting her press down on the inhaler. He tries to do as he’s told but ends up coughing up the puffs before they can be fully absorbed. “S-sorry.” he can’t catch his breath and the wheezing is only getting worse.

“It’s ok, you’re gonna’ be ok, let’s try it again.” Blake helps him a second time, with Captain Strand now behind TK, rubbing up and down his back encouragingly. “Ready? Slow breath TK, slow breath, c’mon.”

This time TK is able to hold his breath long enough that he can feel the albuterol taking effect on his lungs. Dizzy with relief and beyond exhausted by the exertion, TK nearly falls backwards.

Thankfully Owen is there to catch him, wrapping his arms around the kid carefully and breathing out his own sigh of relief. “Jesus TK.” That’s another gray hair for the books.

TK pats the arm around him, “I’m good.” he assures his dad, though it comes out breathy and short. But he is fine now, just tired, and frankly, embarrassed about having an asthma attack of all things, in front of the entire crew. He tries to get up on his own two feet but the moment he’s standing upright another dizzy spell hits him and if not for Judd who steps in to support him, he’d have ended up right back down on the floor again. “Thanks.”

Judd looks down at him, guilt etched onto his features. “Don’t thank me, Christ kid, I’m the reason all this happened. Shit.”

“What did happen?” Owen asks, looking like a disappointed dad as he stares at his team, all of whom are looking down in shame.

TK rolls his eyes, though it’s hard to act like it was no big deal when he’s still holding onto Judd like a day old calf who just can’t seem to get his legs under him yet. “Dad, it was nothing, it’s not their fault, I—” he doesn’t want to admit the truth. That it’s all the nights of little to no sleep for over a week now that exasperated his asthma, and that the hazing thing only helped push it that little bit over the edge.

“It was my fault.” Judd cuts in, seeing the look of conflict on TK’s face. “I thought a little hazing wouldn’t hurt, but it was stupid as hell and childish and it nearly got TK killed.” he turns to the younger man in his arms. “I’m so sorry man, that was reckless—”

Marjan interrupts, squeezing TK’s shoulder from the side. “It wasn’t just Judd, I ran with it too, I’m sorry TK.”

Paul and Matteo take responsibility too, gathering around TK to apologize.

Though the Captain is grateful that the crew are seemingly handling this among themselves, he still feels the need to say something. “Hazing is for college fraternities and has no place in the work place, and I hope this is the first and last time we need to have this conversation, do I make myself clear?”

This is followed by a chorus of guilty little “Yes Captain”’s.

Hours later, when everything has calmed down and most everyone is in their own bunk, getting ready for bed, TK finds himself in the kitchen, making himself a pot of coffee.

Paul joins him as he’s about to take his first sip. “Nuh uh.” Paul snatches the cup away and pours it down the drain. “That is not what you need.”

TK would be offended if he had the energy, but as it is, he’s just too tired. All that comes out is a faint, “Hey, that was mine.” and it comes out whiny.

“I’m making you some tea.”

TK huffs. “I wanted coffee.”

Paul clears his throat, already boiling the water. “You know…if you ever need to talk, we’re all here for you.”

TK looks away, biting his bottom lip. “I’m fine.”

“If you say so. I just think you need reminding that it’s ok not to be fine sometimes, and it’s even more ok to talk to someone about it, even if all the other person can offer is an ear to listen.” he goes about preparing the tea, throwing in a spoonful of honey for good measure.

TK takes the warm mug, grumbling about his coffee all the while. After a few sips he looks up at Paul, who’s sitting on the stool with his own cup of tea. “I um, it’s not a big thing, I just haven’t really been sleeping. It’s just…” he knows his dad hasn’t told too many people about his cancer yet, and he doesn’t want to go spilling the beans. “It’s a lot on my mind lately, that’s all. And then last week my ex sent me this stupid text telling me I still had some clothes at his place, if I wanted to go pick them up—what the hell am I supposed to say to that? It’s been over three months, why now?”

Paul shakes his head, sipping his tea. “That asshole.”

TK lets out a surprised laugh at the amount of righteous anger in Paul’s voice on his behalf. “Right?!”

They spend a good hour just talking—mostly shit about his ex, and then shit about some of Paul’s exes, and then about life in general—and before he knows it, TK’s downed his entire cup of tea and his head is laying on his arms on the countertop, and his eyelids are so heavy he can barely keep them open.

He hears voices above him, but they’re quiet voices, “Hey big guy, wanna’ help me get him to bed?”

“Yeah, I got sleepin’ beauty.” he can’t mistake that Texan drawl for anyone else but Judd, and soon he feels himself being lifted into a pair of strong arms, and he knows he should be embarrassed to be carried off like this, but he’s too tired to really care and Judd’s surprisingly gentle.

He’s laid to bed and for the first time in a long time, he sleeps soundly throughout the night.

#ask #anon #911 lonestar #fic #this was inspired by a string of awesome TK has asthma fics i read the other day iyuwrfhiuebgkdfj

[blustersquall]

Only Make Believe // Chapter 4: Parents

First // ArchiveOfOurOwn  // FanFiction.net // Master Post // Previous // Next

December 17th

--

Cullen woke to the smell of coffee and a woman softly humming. A memory stirred in the back of his mind and He fought not to open his eyes - the last time someone had been in his place humming and brewing coffee was... he banished the thought, opening his eyes. He knew where he was in an instant. Not in his apartment. The woman humming was a client and not a ghost of his past. There was nothing intimate about this situation. Cold light streamed in from one window where Nevena had opened the curtains, while the rest of the living area was still mostly in darkness.

The couch was more comfortable than Cullen first anticipated, and he was surprised he didn’t have a sore neck or pain in his shoulders and back. It was narrow, but soft and deep and he’d slept well. Of course, there were some things even the deepest bed or most comfortable setting could never quite remedy - but that was his own problem. The nightmares and flashes only came twice during the night. They woke him, as they always did. But twice was better than the more usual three to five times.

He considered  it a good night's sleep just for that.

Outside of his makeshift bed, the cabin was blissfully warm. So warm, in fact, Cullen realized he had kicked off half his blanket. Not that he would complain about being warm, as it appeared to be snowing or sleeting through the one uncovered window.  

He stretched and yawned, a satisfied groan rumbling in his throat as his muscles contracted and relaxed. He sat up slowly rubbing his hands over his face and pushing his fingers through his hair.

"Good morning." Glancing around, he saw Nevena sitting at the table in the kitchen area, tablet in hand and a pot of coffee steaming in front of her. She was wearing glasses. "Coffee." She pointed at the pot. "Mugs." She pointed at a cabinet. "Sugar is over there." Her finger turned to another cupboard. "Milk in the fridge."

"I didn't know you wore glasses." Cullen said. He crossed to the kitchen and followed Nevena's directions to find a mug, after picking up an old sweatshirt from the floor and pulling it over his head and the t-shirt he slept in.

"Why would you?" Her tone was sharp as she looked up at him, blonde hair a tangled mess and half tucked into the grey hooded shirt she wore. "I wear contacts most of the time."

"I'm sorry for mentioning them?" Cullen sat. "I just think they're nice. They suit you." He poured the coffee into his mug and took a sip. The ceramic was warm between the palms of his hands. Nevena gave him a shrewd look. A look he was certain she used on students.

"Thanks," she said eventually. "I'm sorry for snapping."

"That's fine." He sipped his coffee. "How d-”

"Did yo--"

They both faltered and gave matching awkward laughs. He noticed Nevena's cheeks grow slightly pink and Cullen rubbed the back of his neck, diverting his gaze to the ceiling.

"How did you sleep?" asked Nevena after pausing for several seconds.

"Fine." He looked at her.

"Oh?" She arched a brow. "I thought I heard you talking in your sleep." Cullen's stomach turned but he controlled his expression to keep it still and impassive. "And I thought I heard you get up a couple of times." His stomach turned over again. He often did get up after waking. Pacing helped to clear his mind and to calm him down. It helped to relieve the stress and the adrenaline pulsing through him when he woke from the nightmares. He never considered it to be an issue before. But now... He would need to be more discreet. "Everything okay?"

"Everything's fine," he answered a little too quickly. "I used the bathroom. That's all." He felt Nevena staring at him, gauging him and drank deeply from his coffee until he was sure her eyes were no longer boring into him.

"Okay." She shrugged and the collar of her hooded top slipped off a slender shoulder. She left it like that. Her eyes were scanning back and forth on her tablet. She put her mug to her lips, and it hovered there for almost thirty seconds before she put it back on the table without taking a drink.

Cullen smirked a little, "Good read?"

Nevena lowered her tablet, "Sorry. It's getting to a good bit."

"What is it?"

"Don't laugh," Nevena prompted. Cullen leaned back in his chair, stretching his legs out under the table. "It's called 'The Viper's Nest' by Varric Tethras. It's kind of terrible, but I love it."

"I know it," Cullen barely concealed a smirk. I know the author. "You've read it before?"

"Oh, hundreds of times," she smiled–big, genuine. Cullen noticed dimples in her cheeks and a crinkle in her nose. Her smile - her genuine smile - was one of her best features. "I used to have a veritable library in my apartment, but downsized a lot the last time I moved. My copy was falling apart and I wasn't able to find another physical copy since it went out of print." She put her tablet on the table. "I swear I was one of the first people to pay for and download it when it was officially released online." She sighed. "I'd love to have a hard copy again."

"No chance of it being re-released for publication?"

"Not likely," Nevena shrugged her shoulders. "Mr. Tethras is focusing more on his 'Hard in Hightown' series, and 'Swords and  Shields'. They're good... but I guess I have a special place in my heart for 'The Viper's Nest'."

"At least you can read it on your tablet," offered Cullen. He tilted his head to one side. In doing so, a few strands of tousled, curly hair fell across his eyes. He noticed Nevena’s half-smile at that, as he brushed them back into place. "What's the plan for today?" he asked, clearing his throat and leaning forward so his elbows rested on the table.

"My parents are arriving," Nevena said. She got to her feet and started to tidy up. Cullen noticed her pajama bottoms - teal and white striped, reminding him of toothpaste- hung low on her hips. "Ineria has been texting me since about six this morning telling me to dress nicely."

"Why?"

"Because she's Ineria," Nevena emptied the dregs of her coffee into the sink and rinsed the mug under the tap. "She likes things to be just so."

"That would drive me crazy," said Cullen following her example and taking his mug to the sink after draining the last few mouthfuls of coffee.

"Ineria drives everyone crazy," she sighed. Cullen watched as she leaned back against a counter top. Just talking about her sisters, he noticed she had become uneasy. As if what energy there was in her moments before was drained away. She raked the fingers of one hand through her hair and huffed. "After that, she's said something about us going into town. We can pick up some bits and pieces there for the cabin. Just snacks and some basics. She's assured me there's no set itinerary and after today we can do whatever we want. As long as we turn up for family activities, like decorating the Christmas tree, she says she's fine - but we'll see how long that lasts." She shifted her weight. "She did say she'll be making dinner every night if we want to eat at the house. Or we can cook for ourselves here." She looked at Cullen. "What do you think?"

"Going into town doesn't sound like a bad idea," he reasoned, scratching his chin. "We can pick up a few things and maybe see if there's anything around. Any points of interest worth looking at?"

"The nearest town is Edgehall, it's pretty small, but Redcliffe is about an hour's drive away and I know there're more things to do there."

"Well, there's no rush to investigate everything."

"True," Nevena sighed. "Okay, I'll text her and let her know we're up and moving. Give her an estimated time we'll be up at the house."

"Sure." Cullen considered if it would too forward for him to give her a gesture of support. A squeeze on her shoulder or her hand. She looked so very tired and reluctant. Nevena moved out of reach before he could act on his thoughts and she lifted her arms above her head.

"Shower time." She disappeared into the bedroom.

The manor house was full of energy when Cullen and Nevena arrived, a crackling energy that only seemed to grow worse as time drew on. Ineria bustled about, going room-to-room making sure everything was perfect and in place. She commented on people's attire, snapping left and right. At one point Cullen witnessed her escorting her children back to their rooms to change.

Arienne was a bundle of giggling, simmering, excited nerves. Monty spoke to her quietly in the lounge. Cullen could only assume  Monty spent most of his time telling Arienne to calm down and to relax. She reminded Cullen of a nervous hound, always ready to bark or bite if someone moved too quickly. Clotilde and Owen were calmer, but there was still an element of unease about them. Clotilde repeatedly smoothed a tufted patch of her son's hair down, growing increasingly annoyed that it wouldn't remain in place. The toddler was whining and wriggling in the smart clothes his parents put him in. More than once, Cullen saw Owen drop to the child's height to talk to him. Josef was relaxed and followed Ineria around the house assuring her over and over everything was fine, though his comments fell on deaf ears.

Conversely, Nevena was the calmest of them all. She slouched on the arm of a sofa, checking the face of the grandfather clock in the foyer several times as if wishing for time to go quicker. She had opted for smart jeans, and a jumper. Ineria's face went almost purple when they turned up at the house in such casual clothing. Cullen felt underdressed. Ineria marched around high heels and a dark green dress with a black cardigan. Arienne and Clotilde were dressed similarly in knee-length, close cut dresses, their husbands in pressed trousers and dress shirts. Their attire better suited for the office than greeting family.

Cullen shifted his weight where he stood beside Nevena and the couch. He jiggled his hands in his pockets. "Why is everyone so..."

"On edge?" Nevena arched a brow when she looked at him. Her mouth curved into a wry smile. "You didn't cotton on to the surname, did you?"

"Trevelyan?" Cullen remarked, puzzled. "Not really. Should I know it?"

"My dad is Nevan Trevelyan," she paused, expression moving to one of expectation. Cullen shrugged. "You've never heard of him?"

Cullen's spine shivered uncomfortably and he was sure he felt the cold slither of sweat drip down his back. Suddenly he felt out of his depth. Though the name 'Trevelyan' did not ring any bells beyond it being Nevena's surname, the fact she believed he should have known or heard of her father or the name at least caused his stomach to coil. His throat closed a little and he struggled to swallow.

"Makes a change," Nevena snorted. "He developed some kind of processor years and years ago. It's used in practically every phone, tablet, computer, laptop... It's everywhere." She pursed her lips. "He's... Our family is..."

"You're wealthy."

"He's wealthy," Nevena corrected. She met Cullen's gaze, a small bite to her smile. "Understand now why everyone is so on edge?" She stood and shifted close enough that their bodies were touching and Cullen was the only one who would hear her. "Where dad goes, so does his wallet," she whispered. "How do you think Ineria affords this place? Or my sisters manage their lifestyles without working?"

"I see," Cullen exhaled deeply. "So, do I need to grovel or...?"

Nevena laughed, "Don't you dare. I haven't asked my dad for a penny my entire life, and I don't intend to start now."

Somehow that knowledge caused Cullen to relax a little. He was not born into wealth. His family struggled to get by when he was a child and into his adult life. Even now he was frugal with his income and was not one for spoiling himself or buying something unless it was completely necessary. His friends called him a miser for it. Cullen simply considered it good sense. He believed money lost its value when it was given to you. The fact that Nevena had access to money, yet said she never asked for it - he considered that a positive thing.

"They're here!" Ineria almost bleated. Her cheeks were scarlet and the neat style she had put her hair up into was coming loose. "Everyone be on your best behavior. Oh, Maker. I hope everything is alright for them..."

Nevena slouched back on the arm of the sofa, a contrast to everyone else who stood to attention as soon as Ineria opened the front door. They looked like soldiers waiting for inspection from their commanding officer. Cullen's hands dangled by his sides and he was surprised when he felt Nevena's fingers slide into his palm and between his fingers. Thus far every intimate interaction was initated by him. He wondered if she was feeling more comfortable but did not say anything, rather he ran his thumb over her knuckles and tried to ignore how nice her hand felt in his. Not that he was particularly successful. Her hands were small and smooth, and her fingers slotted so easily between his it felt completely natural.

"Hi, Daddy," Ineria swept back from the front door to allow Josef in. He carried two large suitcases and two figures followed him in. "How was the trip up? Not too treacherous, I hope?"

"Fine, Ineria. Fine. Stop fussing." Nevan Trevelyan was a man well into his late-sixties or early-seventies - He was dressed in casual yet expensive-looking attire. Pressed beige trousers, and a maroon blazer over a white shirt. Ineria helped him remove his winter coat once he was inside. Despite his apparent age he stood straight and with no sign of feebleness to him. He was clearly fit and looked after himself but the years had taken their toll on his face. He did not have a warm or even remotely friendly face. It was stern, hard and weathered. He had a head of thick grey hair and a neatly trimmed moustache across his top lip.

Following him was a woman Cullen could only assume to be Nevena's mother. Cullen could see hints of Clotilde, Ineria, and Arienne in her face at just a glance. Her face was severe and angular. She was not an unattractive woman by any means, but she did not give Cullen the impression that she smiled much. Much of her appearance was down to the clothing she wore. Like Nevan, expensive, and cut to accentuate what remained of her frail figure.

He struggled not to compare Nevena's parents to his own. His mother was a kind woman, in face as well as personality. He remembered her as always laughing and always doing something. She never had a mean thing to say about anyone unless they deserved it. She did not always dress the best, but she always made the best of what she had. His father was the same. Warm and welcoming, a big personality that was inherited by Cullen's brother, Branson. Just from looking at them, his parents and Nevena's could not be any more different.

Nevan greeted everyone in turn, his wife too, making polite greetings to his daughters as though they were strangers and only ever shaking the hands of his son-in-laws, not hugging them. Their mother hugged, though they were brief and never lasted very long. Neither of them said anything to their grandchildren. Everyone parted once Nevan greeted them and Nevena slid off the arm of the sofa and stood straight. She dropped Cullen's hand and he saw her smile at her father.

"Hey, Dad." She hugged him and Cullen was surprised to see Nevan hug her back. Not a brief hug of politeness, but a hard, strong hug. Nevena was small against her father, practically buried into his chest until the embrace came to an end.

"I'm glad to see you," he said, holding her shoulders. "What have you been doing with yourself?"

"Just life." Nevena shrugged. She looked beyond him to her mother. "Hi, Mum."

"Nevena." Her mother offered a thin smile. "You're looking well." Nevena's mother did not move to hug her, unlike she had with her other daughters. Cullen sensed a deep seated strain between the two of them, possibily something Nevena's father was the cause of, given his treatment of her in comparison to her sisters.

"You too."

Cullen felt the gazes of the others in the room. Ineria's jaw was tightly clenched, contorting her expression a little. There was a tension in her shoulders too, the way she held herself was stiff and Cullen noticed her cheeks growing redder and redder. Clotilde was distracting herself with her son, an uneasy expression on her face and Arienne had her arms crossed and was frowning.

He snapped from his observations when Nevena took his hand again. "This is Cullen." She introduced him, primarily to Nevan. "Cullen, this is my dad, Nevan Trevelyan. And my mum, Katrin."

"Nice to meet you both." Cullen offered his hand and smiled. Up close he could see Nevan Trevelyan had a shrewd face, and his eyes were a dark brown, almost black and the warmth in his face disappeared in an instant. Katrin didn't move from her place a few paces behind her husband and Cullen's hand hung in the air unshaken.

"What's your angle?" Nevan bit out. "Another insipid gold digger, like the others." He glanced distastefully in the direction of Monty, the son-in-law closest to him. "Interested in the name only? In the money?"

"E-Excuse me?" Cullen dropped his hand.

"What's this one like?" Nevan turned to Nevena. "What was wrong with young Richard?"

"Dad," Nevena shook her head. "It's been three years." She looked weary again. "Let it go, please. I told you my reasons for--"

"What reasons!?" Nevan snapped. "He was my oldest friend's son. You were a perfect match."

"Dad..."

"With respect, I didn't know anything about your family or what money you might have until today." Cullen stated, his tone rough. "Nevena's been very guarded about it since the beginning. There's no ulterior motive for me being with her."

"I'm sure," Nevan sneered. He was a different person from the one who had hugged Nevena so tightlyand kindly mere moments ago. It was like a switch was suddenly flipped. "We'll see. You'll be asking for money just like the rest of them before the week is out."

"Nevan," Katrin snapped waspishly, "remember what the doctor said!"

"Bloody quack. What does he know!?" hissed Nevan. "Ordering unnecessary tests. Everyone trying to bleed me dry before my time is up. Money is all anyone cares about nowad-"

Ineria swept in between Cullen and Nevan. She slipped an arm around her father's shoulders tossing Nevena an irritated glance over her shoulder. "Don't get upset Daddy, you just got here." She maneuvered him through the reception and towards the stairs. "I've got your room all ready here in the house, I'll show you."

They disappeared up the stairs and the atmosphere in the reception room fizzled a little. Anger throbbed in Cullen's chest. Anger, at the insult thrown at him by a man he only just met. As if he would be with anyone for money. He was not that shallow, and even if the situation with Nevena were different - if it was real - her father's money and the family name wouldn't make a difference.

"Excuse me." He left the reception room and walked through the lounge to the dining room where he remembered there being a door leading out into the garden. The sleet had stopped before Cullen and Nevena arrived at the house, and it was now simply cold with a soft wind bringing the temperature even lower. The gardens of the house were sprawling and vast. The doors of the dining room led out onto an elevated patio lined with decorative stone walls. There were plants in pots dotted around, and a thin layer of frost on the grass.

Cullen pressed his hands to the stonework and breathed deep. His breath turned to steam with each exhale and he watched the steam vanish into the air. He let the cold of the stone seep into his hands until it almost hurt to keep them on the surface. His face was hot and he fought to control the anger streaming around his body.

He jumped when he heard the sliding doors close, though was not surprised to see Nevena was the one who closed them and how she now approached him. He turned his gaze out over the garden, brows low and a pain developing in his jaw where he clenched his teeth together. Nevena stood beside him and placed her hands on the stone just as he had done.

They stood in silence for more than a minute. Cullen kept his breathing deep to calm himself, determined not to be the one to speak first.

"I'm sorry about that," Nevena said. She tucked her hands inside the sleeves of her jumper

Cullen snorted, "it's not you who should be apologising."

"My dad..." She ran her hands over her face. "I have no excuses. I'm just sorry he said those things."

"Why?" snapped Cullen."Why did he? He's just met me!"

"I know, I know." She turned to face him. "You heard him. My ex, the one in that photo, was the son of his best friend. They’ve known each other since they were boys. When I broke things off... I think I caused in rift in their friendship that couldn't be repaired."

"So?"

"So..." Nevena gave an uncertain shrug. "He was attached. Really attached to Rick. I assume you noticed I have three sisters and no brothers? That my name is Nevena?"

"Yeah."

"My father was named after his father. His father was named after his father. There's been a Nevan in the Trevelyan family for generations. I got lumped with the name because of the lack of boys. Mum had a hysterectomy for her health, so no more kids, and my dad doesn't really like any of the men my sisters married... He'd probably only like them if he got to choose them. I... I think Rick was the son my dad always wanted, and never got. When I broke it off... I guess my dad felt betrayed? Like he lost a son?" Nevena shook her head. "I don't know. He was attached to him. Far more than I was."

"So? What's that got to do with me?" asked Cullen. He felt calmer, though he was still brimming with adrenaline. He wanted to go for a run, or do something to let off the energy. "What was all that," he gestured to the house, "about?"

"My dad is... protective."

"Of you, or his money?" Cullen's words were more savage than he anticipated and he could see the shock  on Nevena's face at his harshness. He was more emotional than he expected, too. He hadn’t expected to react so strongly to his intentions and integrity being  questioned so brutally.

"That's not fair," she said after a moment. Her brows furrowed and she squared her shoulders. "You don't know my dad. At all. You can't make that kind of judgment."

"Can't I?" he scoffed. "He just made almost the same exact judgment about me. That I'm here because your family has money. That really doesn't matter to me, at all."

"I know."

"It wouldn't. Even if this was real."

"I know."

With a grunt of frustration Cullen raked his hands through his hair, pausing to scratch the back of his neck. He paced a few steps one way and then the other. Nevena's whole body was leaning on the stonework now. She appeared small and tired, weary. Looking at her, he felt annoyed at himself for getting angry.

"I can't explain fully why my dad reacted the way he did to you," Nevena said, breaking the silence. "He was attached to my ex, and it will take time for him to warm up to you - if he ever does. I just..." She lifted her eyes to meet his. "I wanted to apologize on his behalf. It wasn't fair what he said, and I'm sorry that he was so rude to you." She hesitated for a moment before placing her hand on his. "I'll leave you alone." He watched her turn and begin walking back towards the door.

Cullen huffed.

He turned his eyes out over the garden once more and stayed silent. Maybe this whole situation was more than he could handle. An evening pretending to be someone's partner or a day, that was easy. He thought he could do it with Nevena for a long period. It wouldn't be that hard. But now he had met her family, seen the chaos and the dysfunction for himself. He wasn't sure he could get through almost a full month putting up with them and continuing the pretense.

He knew he could leave - but that would be like leaving a lamb to the wolves. He was sure Nevena could defend herself, after all, she’d grown up with these people and was still alive, but witnessing her with them, even as briefly as he had already, something didn't feel right. It was too hard to put his finger on, but he knew if he left, if he told her that he couldn't fulfill the contract they agreed on, he would regret it. He would feel guilty for it.

"Nevena," Cullen caught up to her in three strides. She stopped and he took her hand - certain there were probably members of her family watching from the windows. "It's not your place to apologize for your dad's comments."

"I know. But--"

"I appreciate that you did."

She shrugged. "My family is ... difficult. I know that better than most."

"I'm getting that feeling." Cullen went to her side, still clasping her hand. "Are we going into town then?" He asked, wanting to clear the air and leave the tension behind.

"I think so. Shortly. Mum and Dad are staying at the house to unpack."

"Great," Cullen breathed an exaggerated sigh of relief.

"I am sorry," Nevena said as he reached for the sliding door. "For what it's worth."

"I know." He opened the door. "Any more surprises I should know about?" he asked, looking at her with a wry smile.

"None that should crop up while we're here." Nevena shrugged and stepped past him into the house.

Hi guys!

Thank you again for reading the previous chapter, and reading this one. I appreciate you doing so. Please don’t hesitate to let me know what you think in reblogs, tags or in the comments. Or, if you’d prefer you can comment on the chapters uploaded on ff.net or AO3

See you soon for the next chapter! <3

#dragon age #cullen rutherford #cullen #dragon age au #dragon age fanfiction #dragon age fanfic #modern au #fake relationship au #cullen x trevelyan #nevena trevelyan #cullen x nevena #writing #my writing #only make believe #new chapter #update

[citizentruth-blog]

Time to #WalkAway: The Exodus of Blacks and Free Thinkers from the Democrat Party - PEER NEWS

New Post has been published on https://citizentruth.org/time-to-walkaway-the-exodus-of-blacks-and-free-thinkers-from-the-democrat-party/

Time to #WalkAway: The Exodus of Blacks and Free Thinkers from the Democrat Party

African Americans and free thinkers are finally leaving the left in droves.

Candace Owens, director of Turning Point USA, has been the victim of vicious liberal attacks because she is a black woman who supports President Trump.

On a recent Fox News interview, she said, “I think the black vote is going to become the most relevant by 2020” and “we’re already seeing a major shift,” referring to the exodus of African Americans from the Democrat Party. The conversation is changing. The black voters of America are no longer remaining stuck in that victim mentality courtesy of the Democrats and are opening up to the choice they have between a party that holds them back and a party that was initiated to put a stop to slavery.

Digital media has allowed for all of this to happen. Social media has given everyday people and insightful influencers alike a voice. We no longer have to stay trapped in the fake reality that CNN and others portray to us. Today, we are hearing different voices and convincing ideas from all kinds of people. And because of this, people like Owens and Kanye West are speaking out about how the Democrats have betrayed them and left them behind in their pursuit of illegal immigration, uninspiring anti-Trumpism, and open borders.

“There is going to be a major black exit from the Democrat Party, and they are going to have to actually compete for their votes in 2020,” Owens stated.  

Fox News’ Laura Ingraham had Brandon Straka on her show recently. Straka is the founder of the #WalkAway Campaign freeing disgusted Democrats to leave their party and join the winning side. He had a red pill experience in 2017 after the Donald was elected which was after he cried when Hillary Clinton lost two Novembers ago. And he decided to walk away from the Democrats because of their nasty rhetoric, incessant intolerance, name-calling and hypocritical judgment. Now, he’s not only worried about all that, but he also now fears outright violence from his former party.

“Their party has no future. It’s over,” Straka said. “People are leaving the left by tens of thousands.” He receives thousands of authentic testimonials from former Democrats regarding how the left has become intolerable to them. They don’t recognize their party anymore. What do they stand for? They hate Trump and love illegal immigrants. Anything else? Please email me or comment below and let me know!

“I want gay people, I want all people, but particularly minorities, in America to note that you have a choice. You don’t have to vote Democrat just because you’re a gay person. You don’t have to vote Democrat because you’re a black person. If you’re a minority, you have a choice, and that’s what this campaign’s about,” Straka finished.

Rob Smith is a black, gay former Democrat. He is also an author who has become one of the many strong voices online decrying what the left has become. He calls this the “I Don’t Have to be a Democrat Just Because I’m Black Movement,” which embraces traditional values as Democrats move farther left, defending illegal aliens while taking African Americans for granted and leaving them stranded in poverty and perpetual victimhood.

“There is a movement right now of black people standing up because we are always expected to be Democrats,” Smith said. “And there is a movement right now of younger black conservatives, which I am becoming a part of, that is saying, ‘No, you don’t define who we are, you don’t define how we think; you don’t get to control and own our voices.’” As I mentioned in an article in late April, free thinking is on the rise, and many African Americans are getting red pilled with Trump in the White House and Democrats becoming the party of MS-13 and illegal aliens.  

Democrats are not looking to better America in any way. As they proved by their lack of patriotism over July 4th, they despise our country and would welcome a second civil war as they did the first one. Instead of devising a winning strategy and an optimistic message to counter Trump’s rising America First voting bloc, they are attempting to legalize a swath of illegal immigrants to ensure another reliable group of Democrat voters for decades to come, just like they did with African Americans in the second half of the 20th century.  

The summer of 2018 has been inspirational in many ways. In the face of liberals melting down over every Trump win and Supreme Court nominee, we have also witnessed a rise of black influencers coming out of their closet of shame in support of Donald Trump. The Democrats’ stranglehold of blacks voting unanimously for their party of hate is finally coming to an end.

This has been a long time coming.

It all started in the spring with Kanye’s internet-breaking tweet stating that he loved the way Candace Owens thinks. In another tweet on April 25th, West said, “You don’t have to agree with Trump, but the mob can’t make me not love him. We are both dragon energy. He is my brother. I love everyone. I don’t agree with everything anyone does. That’s what makes us individuals. And we have the right to independent thought.” The color of your skin does not mean you have to vote for one party or another. We need to be a country of individuals and free thinkers. If we all do what’s best for ourselves and our families, we will all be better off for it. Black people are not owned by the Democrats. They are no longer slaves to their lies.

The Democrats keep pushing 'Resist" so that America will no longer "Exist" Don't Wait until Later; Do It Now#WalkAway #RunLikeHell #DitchandSwitchNow Vote Them All Out!

— Diamond and Silk® (@DiamondandSilk) July 9, 2018

“I think there was a tripling in Trump’s approval rating when Kanye came out,” declared Ali Alexander, a 32-year-old political consultant born to an African-American mother and Arab father who saw the beginnings of this movement back in 2012 when the largest sub-demographic of blacks who voted for Romney were black men in their 20s and early 30s. According to a Pew Research exit poll, Romney achieved double-digits in the black vote against a black president. A cultural and demographic shift is underway that cannot be undone if the Democrats continue on their divisive path.  

“So I knew that something bad was coming for the Democrats, and Kanye, I think, is the ball that’s bursting,” Alexander said. “It’s like, wait, when this economic pie is growing, are black people gonna have a piece of that? These demographics have been happening for decades.” To Alexander, West’s tweet was a wonderful moment that caused blacks to wonder what the welfare state does for them if they don’t plan to be on welfare. “And I think that Kanye dived on a grenade for the rest of the black community, to have them start flirting with the idea of that.”

While black unemployment is at an all-time low and jobs are available to anyone who wants to work, we are being barraged with how Trump is the new Hitler and a racist dictator who is in league with Russia. But how can Trump be a racist when he kisses black babies, and black women hug him and black men praise him for his pro-job policies? How can more and more blacks be coming around in support of Trump if he is a racist trying to keep minorities down?

Yep, #trump is a racist…. #LiberalSickness#LiberalLogic#MAGA #WalkAway #TrumpTrain pic.twitter.com/pzvLxxlhaU

— Tim Tim (@timnexis) July 9, 2018

“It has all been a lie,” said conservative black YouTuber “Uncle Hotep,” a father of two from Pennsylvania. “It’s unfortunate because a lot of us believed it blindly.” He points to the simple fact that each paycheck he gets is $100 higher than it was before the tax cut. Trump is helping not just African Americans, but all Americans. “He’s put money in my pocket.”

“I voted for Barack Obama his second term,” began conservative “Uncle Hotep,” who went on to say, “The Democrats, in my honest opinion, based on my research, I believe the Democrats have historically hated black people. And I think they still hate black people today.” It is historically accurate that Democrats defended slavery as long as possible and lamented integration of white and black society in the 1960s. They voted against not only women’s suffrage but also black citizenship. The Democrats in Congress were also mostly against the Civil Rights Act of 1964 despite the Kennedy administration’s push for it. The Republican Party was started in the mid-19th century to demolish slavery and defend individual rights for all Americans. Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president, and he promised to free the slaves and even went to war against a slavery-loving south run by Democrats. Don’t let revisionist history fool you!

“Hotep Jesus” is a black conservative comedian and author who became an internet sensation when he went into a Starbucks and demanded a free cup of coffee, as “reparations” for slavery, since he “heard y’all was racist.” The clip is hilarious and so poignant for these politically correct times.

The African American Pastor Darrell Scott put it best during his 2016 Republican National Convention speech endorsing Trump when he said: “The truth is, the Democratic Party has failed us. America is a melting pot. We’re a country of diversity. And we stand poised to make history by standing together as Americans.” Diversity is our greatest strength not because we are all different but because we are all individuals who mostly love America and have the right to think and choose for ourselves.

As Owens recently told Fox, “I really do believe we are seeing the end of the Democratic Party as we know it.” I think there is ample evidence to prove this is surely the case.

Despite almost a month of continuous Trump is Hitler incarnate and our racist in chief coverage from the mainstream media following the separation of illegal immigrant children at the border, the president’s job approval rating has remained well above 43 percent, according to the Real Clear Politics average.

Prepare for another Trump landslide in 2020 my liberal friends.

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  FBI Jailed Black Activist 6 Months over Anti-Police Brutality Facebook Posts

#African Americans #Culture #democrats #donald trump #Free Thinkers #History #politics #Republicans #Walk Away