-a Vander x oc fic. And Day 7, the end, of #HotVanderSummer from @zaundads-events *sob* For this last prompt I went with 'Bedtime' and kinda 'Cuddles'. I've had a lot of fun this week. It's certainly been a challenge, especially with being really busy, but I've managed to pull through. Please, if you're reading this and have enjoyed this, my other fics, or those of other writers let us know. It really means a lot.
It was late, how late, no one was keeping track. Late enough that the last of the bar's patrons had vacated, some stumbling out the door before Vander locked and bolted it behind them. He'd already done a lot of the cleaning up, and was counting the money earned that night, jotting down sums and losses in his book when he snuck a sideways grin at the figure on the other side of the room. She was sweeping an area he hadn't gotten to, turning a few chairs back around to their proper places as she went.
"Rosie ya don't have to. But I appreciate it." he sighed, giving her a more direct half smile.
Rosemary shrugged, pausing to yawn and stretch her back, "Yeah well, someone has to."
He chuckled, going back to his own task with a brief yawn himself, "Gettin' awful late..." he lowered his pen, snapping the book shut and shoving a few notes inside for later. Standing he went over to her and gestured for the broom, and as she handed it over said, "Ya really didn't have to stay so long. I know you got your own things to do."
"I know. But Van, you got so much on your shoulders. I like helping y'all out where I can. And besides..." she slipped her arms around his neck with a sly grin, "I get to see this handsome face for a little longer."
He hummed, setting the items aside to pull her closer, "Is that so? You just like me because of my looks?"
"Among other attributes." she countered, before yawning again, "Sorry. I better get moving before I pass out on the way back."
His heart leapt and before he could second-guess himself he asked, "Would you like to stay here tonight? With me?"
Rosemary blinked can you surprise at him for a moment, a flush on her face before saying, "Oh! If you don't mind? But also I didn't exactly bring it anything to wear that ain't covered in sweat or oil."
"You can borrow one of my shirts. It should fit."
She looked him up and down exaggeratedly before giggling and saying, "Well I should hope so. Alright then. I'll stay here tonight."
A little while later Vander was relaxing in his room after getting everything ready and set up for Rosemary. He himself had changed into a worn but comfy tank top and grey loose pants, and was fluffing up his pillows when there was a soft knock at his door, and he turned to see Rosemary in a shirt that almost went to her knees.
She grinned at him and shrugged, "Well it does fit."
He returned her smile and wearily flopped on the bed, sliding over so that she had room to easily join him. She paused for only a moment before stepping over and slipping under the patched up blanket beside him. Reaching over, he flicked off the bedside lamp and turned back over to slip his arms around her as she did the same to him.
They lay there in the dark, silent for a few minutes, enjoying the comfort of each other's presence and noting the quiet but profound intimacy of this. Outside they could still hear the neverending sounds of the city around them, but in here, right now, none of it mattered. This wasn't the first time they'd slept together, but this was the first time they'd literally slept together for an entire night.
Rosemary could feel his warmth and where her head was she could hear the steady, deep drumbeat of his heart. Her hand came up to rest on his chest, and she snuggled against him a little tighter with a contented sigh.
Vander wound his arms fully around her, enveloping her against his torso and sighing into the top of her head. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to fall asleep like this every night.
"Goodnight..." she whispered, almost afraid to break whatever spell they were under.
"Goodnight. Sweet dreams...and I'm right here if they're not..." he murmured softly.
-a Vander x oc fic. Day 6 of #HotVanderSummer hosted by @zaundads-events. Aaaaaah once again I had ideas for several of the prompts but ultimately chose 'In The Mines'.
'There's been a cave in'
Five words that no one wanted to hear, that caused panic and dread among the Undercity's residents, that could spell ruin and grief for anyone affected...the words that were shouted from the mines far too often.
Rosemary was trying to write out a customer's order slip at the heavy wooden counter of her family's repair workshop when a man popped his head in door and called out the dreaded phrase, saying there'd been a collapse in shaft 5. Her customer mumbled an apology and ran out the door. For a moment Rosemary stood there with her arms crossed, heart going out to them but pissed that they'd probably lost a sale...
When her stomach dropped to her boots realizing who was on shift that day.
Yelling to her father that she had to go check it out, she barreled out and dashed in the direction that others were heading, her heart hammering with every step and a prayer on her lips.
"Please be okay please let them be alright-"
By the time she got to the shaft entrance a small crowd had already gathered, some trying to assist, or at least trying to see if there was anything they could do. Rosemary pushed her way towards the front, helping to guide a few dirt covered, coughing people that had already emerged to others waiting with first aid. She'd tried to ask them about Vander and Silco but no one had seen them.
Trying not to panic she kept offering assistance in any way she could, always asking about them, never getting answers. Suddenly Felicia and Connel showed up, panicked and asking if she'd seen them. Rosemary, despite having a mild disdain for Felicia (she'd seen the looks she gave Vander), pushed that aside for now and shook her head. They said they'd keep asking and vanished into the crowd, also trying to help.
From the pieces of information that had been gleaned from survivors, apparently a piece of the ceiling that they thought was reinforced hadn't been as much as was needed and had collapsed, causing a chain reaction that pulled an entire section of rock down around them.
People were still exiting, much more slowly, and experienced rescue crews had already moved in and had been pulling the injured out. But still there had been no sign of them. Rosemary was beginning to truly and deeply panic when she saw two figures emerge, limping along slowly. Her heart leapt and she ran to them, sobbing "Vander!! Silco!! Oh thank gods-!"
She hugged Silco tightly, less so when he hissed in a pained breath and wearily said he was okay. She then paused, her own breath caught in her throat; Vander had a deep gash on his head, rhe blood dripping down his face to the spreading stain on his shirt. He looked haunted, distracted, and stared through her with hollow eyes for a moment before recognition came back and he murmured, "Rosie....?"
Choking out another sob, she buried her face in his chest, ignoring all the dust and sweat and blood and stench because he was alive. He was okay, he was here, he made it.
Silco rested his shaking hand on her shoulder for a moment, then said he needed water so he'd be back.
Vander wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pressing his face to her hair.
"No more..." he mumbled
"Hmm?'
"No more," he repeated, his tone now full of venom and rage, "No more people dying, being crushed, wondering if they're gonna see daylight or their families again. Something has to give. The Pilties are gonna fucking listen this time..."
-a Vander x oc fic. Day 5 of #HotVanderSummer from @zaundads-events. Y'all I struggled with this one I had a few ideas. Some angsty as all a few not so much. Finally decided on the 'Alternate Universe' prompt in a modern day setting.
Vander looked up from drying some glasses he'd just pulled from the dishwasher with a grin. He'd heard the creak and thud of the heavy wood bar door opening then shut, glancing up to see his favorite regular. Rosemary was a local car mechanic, and her family owned a shop just a couple blocks from his bar. She'd been coming in every Thursday night for a couple years now, and they'd slowly grown closer. She always had a faint smell of grease or oil on her, which for some reason he found endlessly charming about her, on top of many other things.
Not that he'd admit it to her. Yet, anyway.
She caught his eye with a somewhat more subdued smile than usual, and he instantly pulled out a tall glass and a few ingredients as she made her way over and slid onto a stool. There were only a few regular bar flies around tonight, so he could easily take the time needed for, it seemed from her expression, to cheer her up.
Finishing up by placing a delicate slice of lemon peel on the rim, he stepped over to her, heavy boots on the old wood floors audible over the soft jazz drifting from a jukebox. Placing the glass in front of her he asked, "I'm assuming the usual tonight...but I also got a feelin' it may be a two drink night."
She stiffled a laugh, then reached for the drink, her fingers brushing his and they both mumbled quick, awkward apologies before she took an appreciative sip.
"Aaah..." she sighed, "You know how I like 'em."
"Ya been coming in forever, Rosie. A good bartender knows their loyal patrons." He frowned slightly, "I can tell somethin's up. You need a willing ear?"
Rosie sighed again, more weary, running a hand through her dark chocolate hair, the gesture making the streaks of silver grey flash for a moment, "It's...it's nothing, really."
"Don't sound like nothing. But, if you don't wanna discuss it I ain't gonna pry into your business. Enjoy I'll be back 'round."
He picked up a rag and started to move away-but she reached out suddenly, placing her hand over his wrist. He froze in confusion, not sure what was going on yet his pulse could not help but react to the warmth of her skin against his. She stared at him for a moment, before seeming to realize what she had done and quickly withdrew her hand, "Ah fuck. Sorry. I um, yeah. Yeah you know what? You've been a good friend; if you want to hear me out I certainly wouldn't mind someone to talk to."
Vander set his rag down and still slightly startled, yet admittedly enjoyed, her sudden touch he nonetheless leaned on the counter next to her and said "I'm listenin'"
Thus she recounted the story of how her dad had slipped and fell and would be out of work for a couple weeks, and how their orders were already backed up in addition to a missing shipment of break pads they were fighting with the courier service about.
"On top of that, some cranky old bag accused us of letting our dog shit in her car. We don't have a dog! Finally, she remembered her own mutt had taken a dump in there and she forgot."
Rosemary exhaled wearily, downing the last of her drink. She thoughtfully turned the stem in her fingers before catching his eye, "Thanks. I feel better....and..." she slid the glass forward, this time intentionally brushing his fingers, "I'm here for you, ya know, if you ever need someone to talk to. You deserve a kind ear, too. If you ever need a break and wanna hang out, you know where our shop is."
He gaped for a moment, scarcely able to believe this was actually happening. For ages he'd secretly hoped for a chance to hang out with her outside of this hole in the wall, maybe even go on a date, and he had an inkling she might feel the same but had never dared to really let that hope fully take root.
"I...yeah. Yeah, I'd like that sometime."
Outside, the neon glow of the sign lit up the sidewalk as her answering smile lit up the heart of it's owner.
-a Vander x oc fic and day 4 of #HotVanderSummer from @zaundads-events. I had a few ideas but went with 'Love Language'. It's less of a singular story but a collection of all the little things he and Rosemary do for each other to show their love.
It's not so much the 'I love you's', appreciated and treasured as they are. It's not the grand gestures, the rare bundle of fragrant blooms, the dances under the faint starlight, an old table lit with candles and the scent of a favorite meal.
These are all wonderful things, and needed, but it's the smaller ones, the silent, unspoken ones.
It's washing up the dishes without a word. It's picking up items that fell over. It's noticing when the whiskey or clean glasses are running low and stepping in to resupply.
It's shepherding the kids to bed (or at least getting them to shush). It's helping to settle squabbles. It's sweeping and mopping when the bar starts to empty so there's less to do.
It's seeing Vander sitting alone at the end of a long night, his pipe sending bitter wisps of smoke into the air as he rolls a glass around in his fingers, and knowing from his expression if he needs company or time to himself.
It's popping in just to say hello to brighten her day. It's bringing items to fix, even if it's it can probably be done easily yourself. It's grabbing a broom when something spills. It's working side-by-side in a small area, being able to know exactly where the other is and moving about in a perfectly coordinated dance.
It's knowing the invitation is always open, that your home is also theirs. It's silently offering a towel and a hot drink when she comes in from the rain. It's warm smiles or brushes or squeezes of a hand. It's a playful pat on the ass with a smirk. It's just standing there side by side, counting the days earnings and balancing the books while leaning against each other, the tedium lessened with company.
It's saying I'm sorry. It's not having to say it but knowing they are. It's saying I love you. And it's saying it in endless ways...but it's still never enough times.
-a Vander x oc story. Day 2 of #HotVanderSummer hosted by @zaundads-events. I loved and had ideas for both the prompts of 'Parenting' and 'Cooking' so I kinda mooshed them together into this piece of domestic fluff. Sometimes ya just need it.
"Alright team. Do we understand our assignments?"
Rosemary planted her hands on her hips with a smile at her four assistants lined up in front of her in the Last Drop's small kitchen. Powder gave a sharp salute, "Yes ma'am! Keep Vander distracted at all costs, and make supply runs to the pantry as needed!"
Nodding, Rosemary flicked her gaze to the others, who in turn voiced their understanding.
"Measuring ingredients!" said Claggor.
Vi chimed in, "Mixing and pouring!"
"Oven watching..." added Mylo, then with a disgruntled sigh, "Aaaaand main washing duty."
"And I'll supervise and assist where needed," finished Rosemary, "Okay ya pack of chaotic pups, Operation Birthday Cake is on! Go!"
In a blue blur Powder darted away, while the others set to work trying to whip together a cake for Vander's birthday (whether he had expressed his reluctance to celebrate or not) in swift order before the man realized what they were up to.
Despite Rosemary's best efforts there was soon bits of flour, eggshell and other ingredients flung across the counter, old work table and on the floor. She grimaced, realizing the cleanup might take as long as the creation....she glanced towards the doorway, ignoring Vi and Mylo's disagreement over whether to add extra sprinkles, and prayed Powder was having an easier time.
Meanwhile, the youngest member was seated on a barstool, swinging her feet happily as she sipped a juice concoction, thoughtfully tapping her chin.
"Well?" Vander inquired with a grin, leaning on the counter by her.
Dramatically she gave a thumbs up, making a satisfied 'mmm' sound before wiping her mouth with an arm, "Delicious! What's in it?"
"Nope. Secret recipe." He teased before turning around, earning a pout. From the corner of her eye Powder caught movement and glancing saw Claggor waving a hand. He was pointing toward a small pantry door and gesturing their agreed upon code for 'sugar'. Powder's eyes widened but she nodded back, glancing around trying to think of some way to distract Vander long enough to covertly grab the needed ingredient and get it to Claggor undetected.
Her eyes settled on the cup in front of her, and her shoulders sank mournfully realizing what she needed to do. Wincing and whispering an apology, she 'accidentally' bumped the cup just as Vander was about to turn back around.
"Aaah!" she yelped, jumping as it spilled over the countertop and dripped onto the floor on his side of the bar, "I'm sorry I'm sorry I didn't mean to-"
"Hey, hey hey it's alright, Pow!" He reassured her quickly, whipping the towel off his shoulder and bending down to start to wipe off the floor. Silently, and while his back was turned, Powder sprang off her stool and darted to the pantry, reaching in to snatch a canister of sugar and dashed to Claggor handing it off. He grinned and mouthed 'awesome' before vanishing. She was still standing there, feeling a glow of pride when Vander turned and saw her, quirking an eyebrow.
"Ya don't have to run, sweetie. I'm not mad."
"Oh! I uh, I was just seeing if I could find uh, another towel..." she offered awkwardly, wandering back.
Back in the kitchen, things had smoothed out to a more efficient process, as the cake was now done baking and the frosting had been made. They were working on cleaning up when a panicked Powder dashed into the kitchen.
"He's coming I couldn't stop him he said he needed something and would get it himself and I couldn't-" she hissed.
The others groaned but Rosemary held up a hand decisively, "I got this. Powder, you tried. Good job. All of you, stay on task. And no peekin'."
Tossing her apron on a table she stepped out the doorway and down the hall towards the main bar area, quickly running in to Vander.
"Why hello there, handsome." She grinned, leaning on the wall.
He smirked, making note of her almost suggestive pose, "'Ello gorgeous. There a reason you're blocking my path?"
"Hmmm?" She hummed, tilting her head, "Dunno what you mean."
He sidled up to her, and she had to fight the slight wobble in her knees when he leaned in, warm breath near her ear, his tone teasing yet serious, "I know when there's shenanigans afoot in me own domain, love."
Her hand trailed up his side to his arm then his jaw, turning his face back towards her, raising an eyebrow, "And if there were, would there be any possible way to hmm distract you from investigatin'?"
"Depends..." he mused, letting himself lean against her a little more, "Ya got any ideas?"
"Oh I'm a well of ideas.." she let her lips just barely graze his, smugly noting his sharp inhale, "Ya need a drink?"
His fingers dug a little more into her hips, a barely audible growl in her ear, "You know you're in trouble later ya little minx. When I'm done with you, you won't be able to walk normal for a couple days or is that what ya want?"
Rosemary shuddered involuntarily, her mind clouded for just a moment, knowing exactly what she was in for before regaining her composure and clearing her throat, "It's a date."
"Good. Now," he stepped back, his demeanor back almost to normal, "What are you lot up to?"
Before she could think of any replies, Vi poked her head through the kitchen doorway and frantically waved an arm at Rosemary, who stammered that she'd be right back and went to the pink haired teen.
"What?!" The older woman whispered.
Vi grinned, looking off the tiny bit of frosting on the corner of her mouth, "It's done! Get him in here before Mylo eats it!"
Rosemary heard a faint, indignant "Hey!" from the kitchen but turned and smiled at a now confused and slightly disgruntled Vander.
"You want to know what shenanigans are afoot?Well get in here and find out."
Sighing, he strode down the remainder of the hallway and stepped through the doorway saying "I don't know what you guys are up to, but this had-"
He was cut off by a loud, joyful chorus of, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!" and the sight of the kids standing by a slightly messy, frosted cake covered in sprinkles with a couple uneven candles and-a sparkler stuck in it. He gaped at them for a moment before chuckling and rubbing his face, "So this is what all of the fuss has been about today eh?"
"We wanted to do something special for you." Vi shrugged, smiling uncertainly.
"It's your birthday! You should have cake!" declared Powder.
"You're...always taking care of us, and...yeah. Happy Birthday." Mylo offered awkwardly, but smiled as well.
Claggor added, "I know you said you didn't want anything but we decided you deserved it anyway."
He crossed his arms with a sigh and a resigned but joyful smile, shaking his head, "You know, if there's one time you guys are not going to listen to a word I say...I suppose this isn't bad. Thank you, really."
Flicking his gaze to Rosemary he added, "And I suppose you're the ringleader of this little circus?"
"Guilty. Sorry boss man." She replied with feined innocence, earning an affectionate eyeroll before he declared they should probably eat the cake before it melted from the candles and-oh dear.
The sparkler had caught the corner of a paper towel alight.
- entry number one for #HotVanderSummer week from @zaundads-events. Today's chosen prompt is "First Date", in which he and my arcane oc Rosemary have their well, first date after realizing they have the hots for each other.
Rosemary adjusted the hem and neckline of her well loved dress, tugging them both down and up respectively as she leaned against a street lamp along the promenade, that almost liminal, crowded place that marked an unofficial boundary between the upper and lower parts of the city. Evening was settling in the sky, muted shades of lavender and smoke gray with the ever deepening blues towards the east, starting to come alive with a smattering of twinkling stars. It was a perfect late spring evening; warm but without the humidity of weeks to come, a warm breeze wafting off the bay carrying with it a scent of brackish water, a smell that some despised but she cherished. People bustled to and fro either coming home from their work shifts or heading out for an evening's fun, not a one paying her any mind, a notion she appreciated with the nervous excitement flitting about her stomach.
Why should she feel apprehensive at all? This was just a casual date right? A date with someone she'd known for a long time. Someone she'd looked up to-literally-and had quite often dreamed of being in this very situation with. So what was it? Decisively, she undid her previous adjustment to her dress with a smug grin, resolving to let her natural assets bolster the confidence her mind lacked.
She was watching a sailboat come into the harbor when over the noise, she caught a familiar, deep voice approaching her and turned with a smile, "Thought for a minute you'd forgotten 'bout me."
Vander gave her his own cocky, lopsided grin, which did nothing to help her nerves and a look-over with an appreciative whistle at the low-cut, periwinkle and silver trim number, "Can't rightly forget somethin' like this. You look really nice tonight, Rosie."
"Ah, well, thank you, it's eh, one of my favorites." she chastised herself internally for sounding awkward-get it together lass! "You look pretty damn good yourself. Did you-ah, shall we?"
She held out an arm, trying to ignore the slight, confused furrow of his brow as his smile returned and he took it as they set off.
-"And then, and THEN! The prick had the audacity to try and haggle us down! After tryin' to swipe a box of gears!"
Rosemary downed the last of her beer, slamming the tankard on the table for emphasis. Vander did similarly, "Bastard! Did your Pa kick him out?"
"Literally!" she crowed, "He'll have me dad's boot print stamped on his arse for a week!"
They chortled, the earlier bits of awkwardnes all but forgotten with the joyful ruckus of the bar they'd ended up at, a live band playing upbeat tunes and the bright, welcoming atmosphere.
It was quite a different vibe from The Last Drop and other watering holes down in the fissures, one Rosemary had grown accustomed to with her singing career topside. She had suggested this place, feeling a bar would be familiar and therefore comfortable for their date. They were on an official date. She sipped her refilled beer and felt her cheeks flush lightly as the thought struck her once more. For the moment his focus was on the band and she could study him closely; those beautiful slate eyes, his strong jaw rimmed with stubble, that thick, deep brown hair she just wanted to tug while-
Oh no. In an instant looking at his handsome face, it all crystallized perfectly clear in her mind what all of the butterflies and nerves had been about.
"Hello? Rosie?"
She started, snapping back to reality as she realized she'd completely spaced out, and Vander was now staring at her with a bemused smirk, "Ya think you've had enough already?"
"I...I um-yeah! I mean no. I mean yeah I'm good, no I definitely have not had enough." she slung back another mouthful, trying and failing to appear nonchalant. Now his expression soured, "Rosemary. Be straight with me. You been actin' off since we met up earlier. You gonna tell me what's going on?"
Her blush deepened. Dammit. She had vainly hoped he wouldn't notice...but this was Vander, a man who's very livelihood depended on being acutely observant. It was foolish to believe she could hide it from him. "I...I just feel like...I don't want to...oh for fucks sake, can we step outside? I can't focus in here."
-Standing in the alleyway together between the bar and a millinery shop, Vander had lit a cigarette while he waited for her to gather her thoughts, the glow of the tip faintly illuminating his serious expression. He offered it to her in silence at one point, but she shook her head.
At length she sighed, rolled her shoulders, then crossed her arms, "This is supposed to be our first like, official date right? And it's supposed to be casual. It's just a drink. But I wasn't sure why I was so fucking nervous. We've gotten drinks together forever right? So what made this so much different?"
He was silent for a minute, uncertain whether she was expecting an answer or not until he read the silent, unconscious pleading behind her hazel eyes and cleared his throat, "Because...it's never been a date before?"
"Exactly!" She became more animated at this point, using her hands to emphasize points as she paced and continued to speak, "And because of that I wanted things to be perfect, and I think I got myself all worked up because...because I..."
Heart hammering, she stepped up to him and rested her face against his chest, "....I really...really like you, Van. And I don't want to fuck this up."
His arms came up to encircle her and she sighed, melting further into him. After a few beats of silence, save for the muffled music from the bar and the distant sounds of the harbor, she felt more than heard his rumble of laughter. She looked up at him with a slight pout, "You laughin' at me?"
"No! By Janna no," he snorted out another laugh, "I'm just glad you were honest with me. And I thought there was actually something wrong," his face clouded, "Like you didn't actually want to date me or we're just tryin' to use me like other folks have done."
"Vander I-"
"Rosemary I-"
They caught each other's gaze uncertainly for a moment, both realizing the step further their relationship had taken this night. Stretching on her toes as he tilted his head downward their lips met briefly, before Rosemary grinned at him with a much more relaxed expression than he'd seen on her the whole night, the brilliance of it sending a light shudder down his spine. He grinned back and incline his head toward the building, "You want to go back inside and enjoy the rest of this thing?"
"Why thank you. I'd be delighted, good sir." She replied in her best coy, smooth, "upper class" tone she used while working, snorting at his grimace.
"Please. That ain't you, not the real you..and that's who I'd like to spend this night with..."
