THIS I AM OWED

Harmony allowed her silhouette to linger for a moment in the door. It was just long enough to give Finn a warning, a chance to snuff out the joint before his mother got closer. Harmony knew, but she was trying not to smother him. The smell turned her stomach and agitated Finn's little sisters. She steeled herself, closed her robe, picked up her cups, and finally stepped outside. The tea in her hand was warm. Harmony handed one to Finn, not giving him room to deny it. She looked up at her boy, who was now heads above her. ❝Hey, baby,❞ Harmony murmured, blues made stormy by the questions she bit back. ❝It's chamomile and honey.❞

The moment he noticed someone moving towards him from the corner of his eyes, he pressed the lit tip of his joint against the paneling on the house. Shoving his hands- and by default, the rest of his joint- into his pockets, he offered a faint smile towards the woman as she came outside with him.

Finn cradled the mug in his hands with a soft thank you, though, he really didn't have any interest in drinking it.

He just wanted to be alone, smoke a bit, and relive some of the moments with the Grabber, just as he did every other night before bed. He found that if he at least confronted his assailant before bed, he had fewer nightmares. At least, he told himself that's what happened.

It was easier having that ritual, regardless.

By God, at least he never shut her out completely. She would always be her kids' best friend, even when they were hurting ; there was comfort in that.

Harmony realized then she was too quiet. ❝I'm sorry,❞ she said softly, clearing her throat. Her head leaned back, eyes closing for a moment. Almost all of her hair was that pretty pale silver. It suited her, perhaps more so than the blonde she had when he was a child. The bottom of her cup rested briefly on top of her belly. ❝Gwenny was sleep - walking. I tucked her in, tried to check on you, and, well ...❞ Harmony's blues cracked open, staring up at him. ❝Every child in this house is restless tonight. One of you I could get back to bed. These two are taking well to the tea.❞ Harmony's fingertips touched her robe. ❝They're upset, I think ; they're running out of room.❞

the truth is, he hadn't even noticed the blood seeping through and staining his side. it had been far from his mind, so wrapped up as he was in the task at hand. arthur had been out in the field with her horses, pitching hay over the fence and then working on repairing said fence. there are a couple of weak spots, broken posts and the like ; nothing that her employees couldn't fix, but ... he had to earn his keep around here somehow.

still, when she speaks, the outlaw's attention shifts. blue eyes flicker from the fence post to the lady of the house, and then back down to his side. sure enough, the bandage wrapped around his torso is slowly turning bright red again. a sign of pulled stitches, for sure.

“ ah, damn, ” he curses, shaking his head. “ that's just great. ”

the tools in his hand fall to the ground, dropped with perhaps a bit more force than necessary. if it were up to him, this wouldn't necessarily be a deterrent from finishing his job, but with the keen, watchful eye of harmony cobel trained upon him, it is probably for the best that he take a break.

Nevertheless, Harmony accepted the cigarette, drew a match from her own book to light it ( obstinate as ever ), and drew in a deep breath. The pungent taste calmed her. With a light huff, she hung her hat and bag on the nearest post.

There was no question of permission asked. Harmony tugged up Arthur's shirt to inspect the bandages, cigarette between her teeth. Her bright blues narrowed. A breeze tossed the few waves of her hair that managed to escape her braid on the ride out. Harmony's palm pressed to the cloth, observing where the blood welled up beneath it with firm pressure.

Finney sobbed into his mother's chest, clinging to the fabric of her pajamas as he finally stopped fighting against her warm yet solid hold on him. He hadn't realized he had be crying out in his sleep, thrashing beneath his blankets as the nightmare engulfed him- at least, not until his mom managed to rouse him from the terrors.

When he'd calmed down, he'd check his mom to make sure he didn't accidentally hurt her in her quest to rescue him from the echo of horrors he'd already endured.

In the meantime, though, the only thing that was on his mind was what he'd managed to escape physically.

❝Come here, baby,❞ she said. Her voice was soft but firm. Harmony rocked back and then forward again gently. ❝It's just us, Finney — it's just us.❞ She tucked his head underneath her chin. Harmony's blue eyes unfocused on the pale wall of Finney's bedroom ahead of her.

❝He's not here. There's only me, and you, and Gwenny's asleep in her bed.❞ It tore her up inside, hearing how broken he was. — but Harmony had known from the moment she saw him after his rescue this would never be over for him. A part of him was forever trapped in that basement. All she could do was comfort what was left that emerged from that blackness, now held in the safest place she knew. ❝I have you, baby. I have you. I promise ... you will not get hurt again. By him or anyone else.❞

What a foolish statement from the woman who wasn't there before, when he needed her. That needling thought twisted up Harmony's insides.

❝  i’ll always want to listen to you.  ❞

❝  any time spent with you is time i treasure.  every second.  ❞

❝  my favorite color changes but it’s always the same,  whatever color you’re wearing.  ❞

❝  whatever matters to you matters to me,  you’re important to me.  ❞

❝  you’re so strong.  and brave—but i wish you knew you don’t always have to be.  i’m here,  if you’re ever willing to let me help shoulder those burdens.  ❞

❝  i’m not staring,  i’m admiring.  ❞

❝  i’ll always be yours,  in one way or another.  ❞

❝  you don’t ever have to worry with me.  i’m here for good.  ❞

❝  you are more beautiful than you know.  ❞

❝  you have a beautiful mind and a wonderful soul,  don’t ever let anyone make you think differently.  ❞

❝  i’m happier when you’re here.  ❞

❝  you’ve become my joy.  ❞

❝  whatever else happens,  if i have you,  i’m content.  ❞

❝  well,  i do feel a little better now that you’re here.  ❞

❝  you do make me happy,  it’s important you know that.  ❞

❝  you will always be my priority.  ❞

❝  i love you forever.  ❞

❝  you don’t know how glad i am to see you.  ❞

❝  you look wonderful.  ❞

❝  i want you to feel safe with me.  ❞

❝  i’m not letting you go until you say it out loud.  you’re beautiful and strong.  you deserve to believe it.  ❞

❝  sometimes you amaze me—i mean you always do.  but you have such intuition and real wisdom about things.  i like understanding the way you see the world.  ❞

❝  you carry yourself with such grace.  ❞

❝  you have a way of lighting up even the darkest moments.  ❞

❝  a tender heart is a courageous thing to preserve.  don’t ever be ashamed of having one.  ❞

❝   being around you makes me a better person.  ❞

❝  i hope you know just how full of worth you are.  ❞

❝  you always make me see things differently.  i appreciate your perspective. ❞

❝  i’m just enjoying you.  you look happy today and i like seeing that.  ❞

❝  you’re very valuable to me.  ❞

❝  you can come to me with anything.  anything at all.  ❞

❝  there is not a place in the world i would rather be than right here with you.  ❞

❝  come here,  come sit in my lap and tell me about your day.  ❞

❝  come put your head in my lap and tell me something new.  ❞

❝  i love it when you smile at me like that.  ❞

❝  i don’t think i can share you with anyone today.  ❞

❝  i’ll take you anywhere you want.  just tell me where.  ❞

❝  bored? of you?  impossible.  ❞

❝  if you like it i’ll get you one.  ❞

❝  your happiness matters greatly to me.  ❞

❝  you deserve to reach the goals you want in life.  you deserve to obtain anything you wish.  ❞

❝  you’re doing well.  you’re just discouraged and tired.  ❞

❝  you need to rest,  you don’t have to do it all today.  ❞

❝  the way i love you goes beyond description.  even those words don’t seem like enough.  ❞

❝  you come first.  you’re always my first choice.  ❞

❝  no,  if you’re upset that’s what matters right now.  talk to me.  ❞

❝  i want to share in your joy.  i want to be part of all things that make you happy.  ❞

❝  all of my best moments are the ones that have you in them.  ❞

❝  i would give you anything you ask of me. ❞

[ COMFORT ]  sender discovers receiver brooding and quietly approaches to carefully hug them from behind. 

[ SOOTHE ]  in the midst of a tense moment,  receiver turns away to conceal their emotions but sender wraps their arms around them and holds them from behind. 

[ CLOSE ]  sender reaches out and pulls receiver into their lap as they’re walking by. 

[  STOP  ]  sender reaches out and takes receiver’s face into their hands,  drawing them away from what they’re doing so they can just look at receiver for a moment.  

[ GIVE ]  sender greets with receiver with a gift. 

[ BRING ]  sender takes receiver out for the day to pamper them. 

[ ATTENTION ]  sender peppers a series of caresses over receiver’s face in an attempt to make them laugh or smile. 

[ COAX ]  sender knows receiver has had a lot on their mind,  so they hold them for a while to help them relax and hopefully open up. 

[ CARESS ]   sender sits by quietly while receiver works,  petting their hair and simply providing company. 

[ RELAX ]  sender gives receiver a massage. 

[ LOOK ]  for receiver to catch sender gazing adoringly at them.

And the worst thing Finney had to stomach- the worst part of it all- were the constant strings of are you okay? from everybody he came across.

How could I be okay!? he wanted to scream each and every time. How could I be okay when my best friend was murdered, I was kidnapped, I watched someone get an axe to the head, and I just killed someone?!

But he didn't.

Each time he just smiled politely and nodded.

And when he was finally home with his family, he was grateful for the calm. He could finally go a bit numb and just shut his mind off.

But then bedtime came and he realized, for the first time since he escaped, he'd be alone.

Gulping thickly, Finney looked at his mom, finally offering a soft, "You like that late show, right? I was wondering if I could watch it with you."

She slid her hand down to her son's shoulder and pulled him in closer. Harmony kissed the top of his head, much like she had just done with Gwen, and swallowed past a sudden lump in her throat.

With a low hum, she looped her arm around Finney. ❝Of course,❞ she replied, voice equally as soft. ❝Let's cheat for tonight. We can put it on the set in my room.❞ Her laugh was as loud and abrupt as ever, even if it was notably strained.

You can stay as long as you need, Harmony offered silently. The promise of her embrace, the warmth of her bed, and the time they would spend together was extended, too. A hand rubbed his upper arm soothingly.

Harmony steered him gently toward her bedroom then. It was painted a soothing blue and full of antique wicker furniture. She had picked these items because they reminded her of the sea that she grew up by, she always claimed. There were plants on every available surface. Two monstrous potted spider ivies were crawling from the window sill. The room smelled strongly like the jasmine blooming on her bedside table ( as Harmony herself often did ).

"Healthy is a good thing to want, innit?" he agreed, reaching a hand up to hook his pointer finger around one of Harmony's.

"I'll be happy regardless, so long as our child is happy and healthy," Steven began, a dreamy glint twinkling in his eyes. "Though, I'd love a little girl. Someone to play dolls and dress-up with. Put little pink bows in her hair. Have tea time with scones and little sandwiches with her every day."

Turning his head upwards to meet his wife's shining blue eyes, a different type of sincerity replaces the twinkle in his dark hues. "And with you for a mum, she'll be so strong. No one will ever hurt her or take advantage of her. Smart as a whip, too.

Her father, Harmony thought, lifting her hand to rub at the side of her stomach. Steven's vision was indeed a beautiful one. The thought of a little girl tucked up in his lap and babbling about her day while he did her hair was sweet. Something moved beneath her palm. Harmony glanced down instinctively — and a suspicion she had been harboring for weeks became confirmed all at once. It had never happened in unison like this before.

❝Steven.❞ Harmony's hand slid down to cup the base of his skull. Her other reached for his fingers and brought them to her stomach. When had she started shaking ? Harmony swallowed past the sudden lump in her throat and forced a thin smile for his sake. ❝I have felt this ... strangeness in me since our daughter started kicking, but I assumed it was just nerves.❞

Harmony and Steven's conjoined touch shifted at a gentle shove from their child — who was also still prodding where Steven left. Either this baby was far, far larger than it should have been, or ...

Severance Gifset request -> Favorite character + Emotion "Tame in me the tempers four that I may serve thee evermore. Place in me the values nine that I may feel thy touch divine."

“Harmony,” he purred, nosing at her ear before he was murmuring into it, “I’m happiest when I get to give you the love you deserve.”

Even if she didn’t believe she deserved it.

The thought of teasing his love came and went. When did she ever ask for anything as explicitly as she did now? Gavin’s hand lifted briefly to Harmony’s lips to wet his fingers with her spit, then dipped past the garter of her waistband. His other hand, ever so eager to feel the offering of Harmony’s body, traced a line down the centre of her throat before curving over her breast to squeeze it.

“You’ve hurt so much,” he said, “for me, us. Our children.”

Wet fingers slid between Harmony’s folds, moving over her clit in circular rubs and rustling the fabric of the shorts still on her. Gavin pressed his forehead to his girl’s temple and hummed as his other hand explored her torso, rucking her shirt up until he was flicking and teasing a nipple to hardness.

Harmony's tongue swiped over her lower lip. ❝There was only joy, Gavin ... even when you cut me. Especially then.❞ She gasped and whimpered when her hips shifted over his lap. Harmony fancied that she could hear how wet she became as his fingers continued to indulge her, setting off an electric current that ran up through the entirety of her. ❝Our children are perfect, and you are perfect, and ...❞

Her fingers slid down her front and laid on top of his briefly. Harmony pushed gently at Gavin's hand, encouraging him forward. Deeper. Inside, if he would humor her. It was selfish of her to demand such things, and she silently invited him to reprimand her for it if he desired. She was amazed that she hadn't soaked through her shorts and onto his pants by now — and, fuck, wouldn't it be amazing if she did ? What better proof was there that she adored him so much that she was physically desperate for him ? Would he like that ?

That close, the brunette allowed eyelids to flutter close, emjoying Harmony's unique language. As much as she adored the inhuman, animalistic clicking sounds, Melissa was unable to even imitate that type of vocalization; speaking directly into her mind was helpful and made her the official interpreter for family gatherings, but the witch was appreciative of Harmony's true biology.

The tongue dragging over her neck made Melissa sigh; even if a regular bystander would be horrified and likely to assume that the creature would bite her head off, the witch was safe and content. It was a loving, intimate gesture that made her delighted; the fluttering of the pulse (despite the witch's skin never going too hot) was evidence of the pleasure derived by the human from that touch.

'You know they will welcome you with open arms, my beloved huntress,' the brunette whispered again into their bond, instinctively reacting to the touch along her back - the gowns that Melissa favored, as did her twin, were very much unable to hide her torso and curves - they snug her skin, only changing shape over arms and legs to create the illusion of a woman who seemed to levitate rather walk the grounds she stepped on. The long, flawless dark hair fell over Harmony's limbs like a curtain, shielding part of their embrace from view.

'I won't claim to be unhappy that I get you for myself for tonight. I can be a selfish soul sometimes,' Melissa joked, one of her hands moving to brush over Hecate's symbol on Harmony's chest: the three moons, symbolizing the maiden, the mother and the crone. It had moved the witch to tears when the yautja adopted that as part of her usual uniform; in exchange for that particular night, she had dressed in dark greys and blues rather than black, owning her beloved's colors as part of herself.

[ I am weary. ] The admission was soft, even in their bond — Harmony was loathe to admit any physical weakness. [ ... but by the customs of my kind, I cannot rest here until I have been granted permission by your tribe. ] Never mind that the Addams ( and now Frump ) clan had welcomed the creature with both metaphorical and literal open arms since she first met Gomez as a young, hellish thing. For Harmony, her hunt was not yet over, and she could claim no true dwelling - place until tomorrow. She hoped that the Black Warrior would not summon her for stealing away these hours with her mate. It was selfish and wrong of her to carry on as she did here, but the spiritual guilt was worth seeing Melissa before her usual ceremonial request of the Addams.

[ You will come to my ship. ] Harmony's tendrils responded to Melissa's leisurely touch, smooth - surfaced appendages twitching upward. Asking to be petted more. The blue stone bands and metal trinkets that decorated them were beautiful.

The Yautja suddenly reached down, slid her right arm beneath the witch's knees, and drew Melissa up as if she weighed nothing. Dark fabric pooled across Harmony's armor and cascaded down her, enveloping her in the scent and feeling of the witch. Harmony bent her head, pressed the plate of her skull to Melissa's brow once more, and issued a laugh. It was a mimicry — and an uncannily perfect one of a quiet chuckle from the witch herself. Harmony was fond of it.