abaker74

[abaker74]

I can't even name all the things I love about this. Seriously change the names, write a book because this is so good.

Two Good Reasons, Part 11

Summary: Christmas time is here

Pairings: Andy Barber X Reader

Rating: mature

Warnings:  language, Scott, Audrey 🥺, 18+ ONLY

Word Count: 8.4K

Previous

Series Masterlist

*Divides created by @firefly-graphics

Audrey groans softly as she opens her eyes. Leaning over her brother, she keeps her face close to his, until she feels his breath brush over her skin. The little girl lays a hand on his stomach, counting his breaths before she rolls to the other side. Panting with how long she had held her own breath. Another bad dream. A dream of her brother not breathing.

Her fingers reach toward her iPad Mini before she drops her back on the bed. She leans over to check the floor for monsters before reaching towards the iPad again. Deciding it’s best to keep her hands safe under the covers while she stares longingly at the tablet. Daring herself to either be brave enough to walk out of this bedroom to get her mommy or brave enough to just pick up the iPad.

—

Ransom’s hands cling to the bed as he hoists his hips back into the girl. She was good enough to fuck, but would never be good enough to have a decent conversation with. It beat spending another holiday alone. He drives his hips deeper into her before he looks towards the bedside table. His phone lighting up with the cutest little picture of the sweetest little girl. A smile spreads over his face, until he realizes the time.

Scrabbling off her, despite her protests he picks up the phone, and walks himself into the bathroom, locking the door behind him. He answers the call quickly, trying to catch his breath, “Audi, baby, what are you doing awake?”

“I had a bad dream,” her voice sounds as wrecked as a five year old’s voice could. Deep circles pocket under her eyes with her lack of sleep since her party.

“The same one about Suede?” She nods her head, and Ransom could barely see it in the dark room. He sighs, “Have you told your parents?”

“Daddy won’t call me,” his head leans back as he looks up at the ceiling. Scrounging around for some pants to put on, and get this girl the hell out of his house. He’d buy a fucking airplane ticket to Michigan if he had to. He wasn’t supposed to like kids. But now he’s invested, and he wants to kick Scott Huffman’s ass. In court. Legally of course.

“What about your mom and Andy?” Audrey shrugs, looking down. Her eyes open up quickly, trying to avoid falling asleep.

“I don’t want to bother them,” so instead she calls Ransom in the middle of the night, and stays on call with him until she feels comfortable enough to fall back asleep, “Mommy got in a fight with aunt Morgan. She had to take her outside.”

“I’m sure your mom gave her a mouthful,” Audrey shrugs, looking behind her at her brother before flipping to her back. “You’re sharing a bed with your brother?”

“Uh huh. I sneak into his bedroom sometimes to make sure he’s breathing. But uncle Ryan’s bed isn’t like my princess bed. It’s lumpy and smells like a boy.”

“Sweetheart, we really need to tell your mom and Andy about your nighttime habits. I can’t help you like they can,” she sighs, and holds her hand over her brother’s mouth the same way she’s seen you do. Counting his breaths again before he offers a pitiful smile, “Is he breathing?”

“Yeah-huh. Do you think I’ll become a lawyer one day?” One thing about a five year old, they can change the subjects of conversation quickly.

“I think if that’s what you really want, yeah. You’ve got the best people in the world to help you,” but what every adult in her life wants her to do is to be a damn kid. But the one adult she wanted attention from, she wasn’t getting it. So now becoming a lawyer is the most important thing.

“Daddy won’t help me though,” she looks off to the side before back at the screen, “Did I do something wrong?” he starts taking a mental stock of every time that he wants to punch Scott on Audrey’s behalf. He’ll behave and start at one.

“No, Audi, you did nothing wrong. I think your daddy is still very scared about what happened.”

“What about me?” He barely can the tears start to well in her eyes, but the break in her voice is enough. “I’m scared, too.” That deserves at least one hundred punches.

“I know. And your daddy is a big man that should know better. We adults suck, you know?” She nods her head, trying to give him a smile. “Well, what else have you done since being there?”

“Me and mommy had a mani/pedi. My fingernails are pink,” her voice starts to get more animated, and she giggles. Holding a hand over her mouth, trying to quiet it. “And I got glitter on them. My dad — Andy said that they look just like a princess.”

“Youd,” the little toddler groans beside his sister. A kid that needed his sleep.

“Suede, buddy, are we being too loud?”

“Chess. Me seep. Oo youd,” Ransom gives a smile to the little boy that flops over to the other side. His body wiggles a bit, until the blanket is nearly over his face, but he wouldn’t be asleep for long. If Audrey was with Suede when she called Ransom, this is always the routine.

“I think my giggles woke him up.”

“I’m sure they did. Are you going to buy me a Christmas present while you’re there?” She smiles, nodding her head. “It’s going to be bigger than the plane, isn’t it?”

—

Andy pets around your belly, while you’re in the middle of dozing off, and staying awake to keep feeling him. He isn’t even snuggling you as much as he’s cradling your stomach. “Doe, it’s late, go to sleep, honey.”

“I’m enjoying you,” enjoying feeling more loved and worshiped than you’ve ever felt. Elated that you are the one giving Andy the family he’s craved. No one would ever love you like Andy, and no one would love Andy like you.

“You’re going to continue to enjoy me for many months. Go to sleep,” your eyes droop down for a bit longer, and you take comfort in his warmth. His protective hold over you and the unborn child in your belly. He’d proven more times than not his protection extended to Audrey and Suede as well.

It’s like everything is finally fitting in a pretty little puzzle. Just the way that you have always wanted it. You start to drift, until you hear the sweetest little giggle, “Andy?”

“Shh,” you think you’re falling asleep again before you hear two cute little giggles. “Is that?”

“What are those two up,” you sit up in the bed, but Andy playfully pushes you back on the bed. “Excuse you.”

“Let me go check on them,” he is not serious. If it wasn’t for his playful smile, you’d have already stubbed up.

“No,” you stubbornly answer, sitting back up again, and slinging your feet off the side of the bed. “If they’re giggling that means they’re having fun. And it’s vacation, so if they’re having fun, I want to join in with them,” grinning wildly, he stands up, extending a hand towards you, and you tiptoe out of your childhood bedroom, and walk towards Ryan’s.

It isn’t until you get closer that you hear a man’s voice. Not just any man either. But the endearing part is it’s a little conversation with all three of them. You could stand and listen to them having their moment. Their safe space. You open the door, and are followed by Andy. “Hey, mommy.”

“Hi, mama. Uck Ann, my mama and daddy!”

“Hey, Andy. Hey, Doe. Don’t be mad. I, uh, I called them because I couldn’t sleep,” you get closer to the mini, and frown at him. He didn’t call. He is doing a great job of keeping the camera higher, but he was topless. So the question then becomes, why did Audrey call?

“Did they pull you away from an — engagement?” You ask with a smirk.

“Nothing important. Audi?” you look towards your daughter before glancing behind you at Andy.

“I have nightmares, and call Uncle Ann. He doesn’t care. He just gets me to laugh, and I fall back to sleep,” your daughter has nightmares, and she doesn’t seek you out. She finds someone else. You don’t want to cause a scene right now in the middle of the night, but you want to know what she’s dreaming about. And while you’re happy that she feels comfort from Ransom, it hurts that she didn’t try and find it with you.

“I’m glad you could find someone to talk to,” Andy says, walking behind you, and his arm wraps around your waist. His hand resting on your barely swollen belly. “Ran, are they bothering you?”

“Nah. They’re just giggle boxes right now. Suede was asleep,” was. So the call woke him up. “Audi says that you’re buying me an airplane for Christmas.”

“Nu-uh, you said that my gift was going to be bigger than the airplane, I didn’t say that about yours. Mommy his nose is getting bigger,” the true joy you see in her eyes, melts your heart. Despite all that she’s been through, and is still going through, she has managed to keep her beautiful smile. Even the sweet little bantering between her and Ransom. But you’re still jealous.

“Did he now? Ran, I don’t know if we can do that.”

“Chess. Big big ruck!”

“A truck?” Ransom snarls.

“Chess! Big um!” Ransom’s nose crinkles as he tries to tell Suede he would not be driving a truck. “Chess!”

“Shh, buddy,” Andy blurts in. Audrey keeps moving the iPad to point at whoever is talking, and she lets that mini tablet capture Andy’s awkward hold on your stomach, while he addresses the kids, “We should really let Ransom get back to his — plans, and get back to sleep.”

“The plan has already left,” he smiles, hoping that Andy sees his eyes flicking down to see his hold on you. He knew that his partner wouldn’t be able to stop touching you once you got pregnant. If he liked Scott, he’d pity him. Andy will now have this innate need to protect you and the kids even more. People have yet to see how ruthless Andy can be for his family. “It’s not a big deal.”

“And then, we’re going to sneak into the kitchen for hot chocolate, and Audi and Suedey are going to come into the bedroom with us for a Christmas movie,” both kids get excited, wiggling around, but Ransom sticks his tongue out at Andy. Is he now jealous that you're taking time away from him? Did you just find a trustworthy babysitter? “And when we get back, we’ll make sure to invite Ransom and ’a plan’ to have a Christmas dinner and movie at home, okay?”

“I can live with that. But there’s only one ‘plan’ that I would take to your house, and meet the kids. And her name starts with a Tay and ends in a Tum,” Audrey turns the iPad to look at him, questioningly, and gasps, “Bye, cuties. I look forward to hearing everything that has happened while you’ve been gone, and movie night. Yay!” The video ends abruptly, and Audrey looks up at you and Andy with her brows furrowed.

“He doesn’t have plans with Miss Tatum yet.”

“Yet?” You ask her, and she puts both hands on her hips as she gets out of the bed with her princess nightgown, followed by Suede. “What do you mean yet?”

“He told me that he would do a book read in class for Christmas. That is his plans with Miss Tatum,” oh she sounds grumpy. First crushes are hard, especially when this crush could never happen.

“I’m sure he just misspoke, baby. Come on. Andy makes the best hot chocolate you’ve ever had, okay?” Suede is already sassy walking towards Andy with his arms outstretched for him. “You need to wipe that moody look off your face.”

“Why would Uncle Ann bring Miss Tatum to our house?” She stomps her foot. Sass you expect from Suede, but never her. She’s entitled every now and then of course. But it’s extremely out of character.

“The bigger question is why Uncle Ann even said that,” Andy mumbles, starting to walk out the door with Suede.

Kneeling down, you look at Audrey’s sweet face. Brushing some baby hairs back, “Would it bother you if he did?”

“Well, if he did, would that mean I can’t sit in his lap?” Oh no. “I don’t want her to sit too close to him.”

“Why not?” You don’t want to giggle at this. But you wonder if she’s going to tell you why she doesn’t want Miss Tatum close to Ransom.

“I am his girl,” there it is. “Not Miss Tatum. His only plan is to read a book in class. And I get to sit in his lap.”

“You’re right, baby. And in the daylight, we’ll make sure to tell Ransom not to be telling fibs, okay?” She gives you a single nod, and almost marches towards the bedroom door. Little girls' first crushes usually are someone that is kind to them. But having your five year old be jealous of her teacher is not something you were able to be prepared for.

But you didn’t want to think about it. You want hot chocolate with your family. You want to snuggle up all in the bed together. You want to stare at Andy as he watches over all of you. Watch Suede starfish out as much as he can, while Audrey tries to touch every person in the bed in some way. She just didn’t know she would also be touching another member of the family.

“Suedey, go potty before we take sissy to school,” Suede may blow out a puff of air, staring up at the ceiling, but he also bops off to his and Audrey’s shared bathroom, and you turn to look at Andy looming in the doorway. “What?” You ask, standing up, and going to check on Audrey.

“If you’re that nervous about a babysitter, we can take Suede with us,” you shake your head no as you walk up to him. Giving him a chaste kiss. “You’re not nervous about a babysitter?”

“What’s there to be nervous about? You’re going to be with me. And she is going to be at the office so Sloane and Ransom can make sure that our baby is being taken care of. Do you think that making her watch him at your office was the best idea?” Of course he doesn’t care. Andy said that’s what was going to happen, and that’s just how it was going to be. Suede was at the office enough to know his space. Know that under Sloane’s desk was an okay spot. Know that if Ransom didn’t have a client, he could be in there with him. But more importantly, the sitter couldn’t be alone with Chris.

“If it means that his mama can be at ease at her doctor’s appointment then yes,” you give him a little kiss, heading towards Audrey’s room. She needed to wrap a present for Miss Tatum by herself. You peek your head into her beautiful princess room. She never asked for anything, but she wanted the giant pink canopy bed, and Andy made sure that she had gotten it. It’s still one of her prized possessions.

“Do you think this is pretty enough?” Her nose crinkles up as she turns the wrapped gift around. It wasn’t the best. “It’s not very pretty like yours.”

“I think it’s beautiful. And I think Miss Tatum will love it,” she sighs, looking up at you as you join her at her tea table. “What is it?”

“Can I just stay with Uncle Ann?” You shake your head no. “Why not? Suede gets to.”

“And mommy gets a little bit scared when Suede isn’t with her,” she crosses her arms over her chest, looking towards her bed. The very bed that she asks you to help her make every morning so she can pile her stuffed animals on it.

“I get scared when he’s not with me, too.”

“I know you do, baby. We’ll have to slowly start trusting other people with him. But your job as a five year old is to go to school. Have fun with your friends, and other classmates. And tonight we’re decorating the gingerbread houses. And it won’t be long until Christmas. And,” she pushes her chair out from the table. Brushing down her jumper she grabs her school cardigan from her bed, and brings it to you. “Are you mad?”

“No,” her voice is a bit short as you put the cardigan on her though. “Can dad — daddy make hot chocolate tonight, too?”

“Yes, he can,” you’re proud of her for trying to figure out the most comfortable name to call Andy. It changed constantly. Sometimes Andy still popped out, but recently it seemed to go between dad and daddy.

“Can Uncle Ann make gingerbread houses with us?”

“We can ask him,” if he wasn’t busy that man would probably buy all the gingerbread house kits he can find and show up. He never can tell Audrey no.

“And he can’t invite Miss Tatum, okay?”

“Okay,” she holds out a pinky towards you, “I pinky promise Uncle Ann won’t invite Miss Tatum tonight for gingerbread houses,” you aren’t sure what Ransom’s plans are with the teacher. If he’s going to read in Audrey’s classes for brownie points, or if he truly enjoys it. You didn’t know, and you didn’t want to know. Ransom’s private life was his.

“I’m ready to go to school now!” All worries are washed away as your sweet girl jumps up from the pinky promise with a smile. The joys of being a five year old. She had deep feelings, but she still had her many joys in life. And you still had many annoyances with trying to get in touch with her father.

Fuck Scott for ever acting like he wanted full custody of your children. He has missed three weeks with them. Three weeks of not seeing their faces, or hearing their voices. Three weeks of not asking how his son was doing, but how his daughter was feeling! Three weeks without your children sounds like a lifetime.

This is the difference between you and Scott. You wanted him to spend time with his children, even if it meant more time away from you. You wanted them to have a relationship with their father. You wanted him to step up for Suede. You wanted him to treat Audrey like the little girl that she is. And all he cared about was trying to get one over on you.

He used custody as a weapon against you. He wanted you to suffer because he needed you to pay for his transgressions. These three weeks away from their dad, without any word, showed you that he didn’t even truly care about either of them. It makes you sick to your stomach that he can so callously walk away from his flesh and blood. When a man who didn’t even have kids wanted to call them every night. It is Ransom who Audrey turns to with her nightmares, not her own father. Or you. You still haven’t got over that.

“Alright everyone!” Andy shouts from the bottom of the stairs. “The train needs to head out of the station,” Audrey gives you a little giggle as she grabs her gift for Miss Tatum. It’s a bit early, but she has been excited to give it to her. And now, to check on the little Barber bean in your belly. After you get both kids situated.

Taking a deep breath, you look around you and know no matter what this baby will be loved and cared for. Andy would never let three weeks go by without needing to see or hear from Audrey and Suede, and now another one. Andy didn’t even like the weekends the kids were gone. It’s why he implemented naked Saturdays. Saying seeing your tits was the only way he didn’t feel like something was missing.

He wanted to talk to them when they were with Scott. Needed to hear their voices, and see their little faces. And the man that wanted a third child with you could go three weeks with nothing. He claimed your lack of providing him with a third child was one of the reasons that he cheated. That your behavior after Suede made him fall out of love with you. Pig. Of all the ways he’s flawed, when it comes to being a father, it’s his biggest downfall.

“So,” your doctor begins as he roots around for the baby. Of course the pregnancy test was positive. You’d tested enough without Andy’s knowledge just to be sure. Nearly a daily reminder to prove you weren’t dreaming, you were pregnant. You couldn’t get over seeing the two pink lines, the word pregnant, and whatever colorful array of tests that said you were pregnant. “How far along do we think we are?”

“She’s probably about two and half months,” leave it to your fiance to know roughly the length at which you’re pregnant. He knew these things. He’d been paying attention when you were trying to ignore what your body was telling you. You couldn’t get pregnant. It’s what your old doctor told you. Andy agreed with you, he didn’t want you to see that doctor. Except the petty part of him wanted to go back just to say, ‘You were wrong.’

“Well,” he says looking at the monitor, and you grip Andy’s hand tighter. He squints his eyes, and then looks towards you. And then looks back at the monitor. There is no denying what you see. It’s clear as day, right there, “Umm…”

“The baby is okay?” Andy asks, looking at the monitor, and slightly shaking his head with confusion. He didn’t see anything. Nothing but blobs.

“Is there two?” you screech. Andy’s grip on your hand now matches your own when the doctor nods. “But they’re in different sacs,” you’ve been here before, you know what sacs are. Know the what two means. They’re not identical. You could have a boy and a girl! You could have two boys, or two girls.

“Not just different sacs.”

“I really do not see two. What…oh,” you’re so thankful to be looking at Andy when the Doppler picks up the heartbeats. His face immediately changes at the sound. He looks so calm hearing a steady heartbeat, and a less loud one in the background. His eyes go misty as he leans to kiss your temple without removing his sight from the monitor, “Can we talk about what’s happening. That’s their heartbeat?”

“Yes, Mr. Barber. But…you were told you couldn’t have any more children?” Maybe you should make an appointment to see the doctor, after the babies are born.

“Yeah.”

“You weren’t given a true explanation as to why?” You shake your head no. It was complicated. He said there were several factors at play. Your uterus was shaped wrong. There was scaring. You were old. You may have PCOS. “I mean there’s some scarring, you said that your son’s birth was difficult?” You nod your head. A ball of anger starts forming in your gut, and you’re not sure why. “Hmm,” that’s all he says. Hmm.

“What does that mean?” You ask, starting to get agitated. Your uterus has always been a big conversation with some people, and clearly it works just fine. But your uterus, your business. Now you just have mixed emotions. Would it not be for the two beautiful beans growing in you now, you might be raging.

“I mean it would have made conceiving difficult, but not impossible with viable sperm,” you snort. “I did not make a comment about your ex’s sperm. Here’s the biggest issue we currently have,” you didn’t like the sound of that as he starts to clean up. You kind of liked seeing and hearing the babies. It gives you calmness while talking about something you hate. Even though you’re struggling to wrap your head around babies. Two.

“Is there actually three?” Poor Andy is in shock, and not saying anything, he just stares at the now blank monitor.

“No,” the doctor answers shortly. He rolls his chair away from you, and picks up your file. “Baby B seems to be growing a bit slower pace, or…”

“Baby B was conceived after Baby A?” You ask, and he nods his head. He wipes his brows as he looks towards you, “What are you suggesting?”

“This isn’t uncommon mind you. I know you said your periods were irregular, and there is the scarring. There’s a few concerns. You’re older, you’re starting off at a disadvantage. Multiples are high risk anyways. I want you to take things easy. There will most likely come a time you will be on bed rest if you want healthy babies, and I’m assuming that you do. I will not sugar coat this. The babies can be fine, but stress…”

You hear what he’s saying without saying it. Stress. You’re a mother of two, you’re going through a divorce with an asshat, your baby daddy won’t call his kids, you have emergency sole custody of Suede, now you’re finding out that you’re having twins and one is possibly much younger than the other. Stress is no big thing. Completely stress free life here.

“I get it. Stress is next to impossible. But I need this to be a very valiant effort. But both babies have a great heartbeat. Both are growing well, despite Baby B at a bit of a disadvantage. And I’m going to urge you to think about this being the last pregnancy,” you nod without question. Two more babies is more than enough. You’ll get fixed, Andy could, you didn’t care. You didn’t need another.

Now onto more things. Divorce finalized, and custody dealt with.

“We need to keep the pregnancy as much from Scott as possible,” you didn’t care if Scott knew or didn’t know. It didn’t matter either way.

“Is there a reason why?” Andy’s hand on your thigh squeezes you slightly. “So what are you not telling me?”

“We need the divorce finalized before you start showing,” you would have liked the divorce finalized a month ago. “Umm, he could contest the pregnancy.”

“Excuse me?” There is no contesting. The twins were yours and Andy’s. He can’t force you to do shit.

“Legally you’re married to him.”

“And physically I’m with you. The doctor said no stress, but this is stressing me out. Can you just spill it?” He’s trying to protect you. But in terms of your children, you didn’t care right now.

“He’s enough of an asshole that if he found out that you are pregnant, he would demand a DNA test while you’re pregnant. He’ll want me to be legitimized to be a dick,” you’re still not fully understanding. “Legally those are his children. Our twins.”

“No,” tears prickle your eyes. Not tears of sadness, but pure rage. “No. No, they are our babies.”

“Legally they are his. I don’t doubt what a DNA test would say about either baby. But if we can avoid that it would be more ideal,” Scott would be the asshole that would make a mockery of yours and Andy’s relationship. “We shouldn’t tell the kids until after the divorce. Not that he is calling to see or talk to either, but still.”

“Why is he not calling her back? I’m getting tired of lying to my baby. But I won’t have us speak ill of Scott, she’ll figure it out all on her own. But she’s a confused child right now. Can — is there anything legally I can do?” So many thoughts and question run through your mind. Scott could contest the pregnancy. He could say whatever he wanted in court to put doubt in a judge’s mind. He could say infidelity happened.

“It can be brought up during the custody hearing. I just don’t know if it’ll make a difference. Scott knew he screwed up, and he’s continuing to screw up and doesn’t know how to stop it. They’ll be fine,” you aren’t worried about Suede, he doesn’t even talk about Scott. He is young enough to accept the man with him daily is his dad.

“So we can’t say anything to the kids, we need to keep the pregnancy on the downlow, I’m currently at risk and need to have no stress while my stress is piling up. Andy, I just want to be divorced. I’ll give you whatever type of wedding you want, but I want divorced, and I just want to be your wife. I want you to have custody of Audrey and Suede in case something happens,” his hand tightens on your thigh again. “I need to know that if anything happens to me their dad will take care of them, not their father. This is the responsible part of being adults; thinking about the hard stuff.”

“I know. And we’ll do whatever we have to. Just promise me that you’ll keep the babies safe,” that isn’t something that needs to be discussed, it just is what you will do. What you’ll do for your family. You want Christmas to be a pleasant one. You want Scott to put his big boy pants on, and you want him to be a fucking adult for once.

Uncontested little prick. Andy knew that Scott was operating on a low moral scale, but contacting Ray to just inform him that he would sign divorce papers uncontested was something Andy couldn’t predict. He knew that you had the ammunition to smear him and his good name. He agreed to the terms of child support. Agreed to you having full custody, but wanted to go back to every other weekend with Audrey. Just Audrey.

Your eyes glazed over as Ray told you all this information. Hitting you like a blast of cold wind when he got to the end. It’s not that you want Scott to have Suede, it's the fact he could easily throw him away. You should have known. You allowed your son to be around him for too long.

It’s bittersweet hearing your ex wanted to sign away his rights. The one thing that was never mentioned was alimony. Ray advised you to proceed with getting some money, but you didn’t fucking care. You’d be marrying Andy anyways, and wouldn’t receive it. Scott folded over under pressure.

You know that Andy is wanting you to do something more by his pacing around the house tonight. He doesn’t like you’re not getting alimony. He doesn’t like that he wants Audrey, and not Suede. He doesn’t like that you aren’t doing more. “You know I just want to make sure they're safe.”

“You have the power to do that,” he answers with a bit of anger in his voice. “You should get alimony for putting up with that prick. I don’t know why you’re agreeing to his terms. You’re making it too easy for him.”

“Or I’m thinking of how this speeds things up. Scott wants to sign away all of his rights for Suede, giving you the ability to adopt him. I don’t need alimony when I want to immediately marry you, and it’ll go away anyways. Do you see him having children with anyone else?” Andy sighs. “I actually wonder if the asshole got snipped, and he’s the reason I couldn’t get pregnant. He just made me believe I was the issue in the family,” you heard the doctor loud and clear. It’s stuck in your head. Something you can’t prove, and won’t try, but it’s made you wonder if all this time it was always Scott.

Andy sits down at the bar, while you stuff a loaf of sourdough back in the oven. His fingers make odd circles on the counter. “You think I’m making a mistake?”

“I think you’re thinking too rationally, and in the end it makes sense. But I also want him to pay,” you just want him to disappear. “Has he even called you? Asked about his golden child?”

“No,” you answer shortly. Circling around the counter, you lean against Andy, letting him cup your belly. He gives you a kiss to your temple, holding his mouth there while you listen to your babies giggling and laughing in the playroom. “He’s a coward, and probably won’t do anything until after Christmas anyways. I still have full custody. You heard Ray, I get the say so on holidays. It’s because he doesn’t want her to cramp his style.”

“He’s a damn sperm donor. I don’t see how he just kept spiraling,” plain and simple, he wanted to own you. He was realizing he couldn’t, and then he made a grave mistake with Suede, and his reputation was put on the line.

“Well, according to Sloane, his ego has been hit,” Andy’s brow cocks up as he looks at you questioningly. Sloane always gets the best gossip in the courthouse. “Taylor, well, she has this thing with fucking men that don’t belong to her.”

“What?” He smiles, getting excited to learn that Scott was the one cheated on.

“She’s cute. And doesn’t have a job. He was working late, and she found her a young man to fuck in Scott’s bed,” you don’t want to rejoice at his bad luck. But it does serve him right. “She was too young for him, and lets be honest, she doesn’t need kids right now.”

“So where does that leave them?”

“Well, she did show up at his office, and told him it would never happen again,” Andy snorts, and rubs on your belly. He couldn’t feel anything, and neither could you. But the bump is becoming more noticeable. Clothes are struggling to hide the babies growing there. “So it seems that she’s back at the house with him. But it’s not about love, it’ll be about finding someone with more money.”

“But he knows that she doesn’t have a problem with cheating,” you shrug. You didn’t care anymore. She was Scott’s problem. Maybe if he wasn’t so concerned with parenting an adult, he might be better a parent to his daughter. “I just can’t sit and think about him giving Suede up.”

“I know. And I’m both amazed, and pissed off that you can do that,” you know it bothers him. But Scott fighting for Suede would be worse. It’s like he knew deep down he could not give Suede the care that he needed for health reasons. He didn’t want that responsibility, and you would always be there over his shoulder with him. “Are you angry with me for thinking you’re crazy?”

“No. Because you’re looking at this as being Suede’s dad. You can’t fathom why a man would give up their rights to their child. Could throw him away without thinking about it. You’re thinking like someone that loves Suede, because you do.”

“I also think he’s giving you what you want,” he definitely was. He knew that it would be hard for you to let things go back to how they were with Suede. It’s possible you could have enforced monitored visitation for Suede’s safety.

“And I don’t care about his reasons. I am done trying to figure out Scott Huffman. I’m done trying to appease him. I can’t think about if this is a grand scheme of anything because I know that our son will be safer without him in the picture, and Suede Barber sounds nice.”

Andy gives a sighing chuckle as you start to get off him. “I like the way that sounds. So what do you think the babies are?”

“Healthy,” you already have one of each, so it doesn't really matter. You wanted healthy babies.

“And how is Christmas going again?” Neither of you have family in the area, so it will be Christmas at home with the kids in the morning. Just you and your little family.

“Uncle Ann is coming by for Christmas brunch, and,” you walk backwards away from Andy with a smile. Going to check on the bread.

“And? You’re being very coy and secretive,” he pulls you into him, pressing himself up against you in a not so innocent way. But the kids can be heard, and they aren’t anywhere near you. “Doe?”

“Miss Tatum couldn’t get a flight back home, and she’s alone, so she’s coming here,” Andy looks at you confused, and it’s so sweet how clueless he can be. “Ransom has a crush on her.”

“And Audrey has a crush on Ransom.”

“A bit of an oversight, but it can never happen. Ransom can, however, date this cute little teacher at Audrey’s school. He goes there to read books,” Andy shakes his head no. Oh, he really is clueless. “He’s been there three times. Once was to read How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

“Ransom Drysdale went to a Pre-K class to read books for what reason?”

“Andy!” He is so dense right now. “He is trying to impress Miss Tatum. He wants to see her, and how else would he see her?”

“She’s a teacher,” he reminds you. Rolling your eyes you take out the Dutch oven, and smile at him. “I don’t think I’m following.”

“He wants to see her, and impress her, so he goes to her classroom, and shows that he can deal with sticky hands. And he wants to make it clear that you’re not his partner,” Andy’s face goes flat as he stares at you.

”I shouldn’t have told you that,” giggling, you pull him into you.

“I’m really glad that you did. You and Ransom make a very handsome couple,” he leans to the side, blowing a raspberry on your neck. “Make sure to invite me to the wedding.”

“Is dinner ready? I’m getting tired of your attitude. I think I should punish you later,” emphasizing his baseless threat with a swat to your bum, “Audi, Sued, dinner is ready!”

“No, it’s not!”

“You little,” playfully he grits his teeth, and nibbles on your neck. His hands squeezing your ass as Suede runs in, giving Andy’s finger a pinch. “Suedey!”

“Dada, no, my mama! Mama! Mama!”

“Come here, buddy,” you’re able to snake out of Andy’s arms, and pull your baby up, getting a stern look from Andy. “Do not tell me not to pick my son up.”

“I just want…”

“Picking up my children was not on my list of don’t’s. And I will hold them, and if I’m told I can’t, we’ll deal with that then, okay?” He gives you a nod. You know he worries about you, about the babies. He’ll help out how he can, you know that. But not being able to pick up your kids just isn’t an option for you. You need them.

“Is dinner really not ready,” he pouts at you, leaning in to give both you and Suede a kiss.

“It is. And, you know what tomorrow is!”

“SANA! Uck Ann. Peesants and baby,” his legs wiggle around, and you stare at Andy with your mouth gaping. What was that last part? You can’t bring it to Suede’s attention, or he could go blabbing to everyone else.

“You told Suede Ransom was going to be here?” Andy focuses on that part more than ‘baby’ being said.

“Uck Ann. Chess. Me yike Uck Ann. Dow, mama. Dow der,” you put him down, and take a long breath. Saying a silent prayer that Scott could find it in his heart to call his daughter. If you didn’t have Andy in Suede’s life, you would feel like a failure to him. He has someone. But how Scott could ever throw a little precious boy like Suede away is shocking to you.

But is it worse that he wants Audrey enough, but doesn’t want to call her? See her? It just didn’t make sense. Didn’t add up. You know that Andy wouldn’t do that. He would fight to see both the kids, and they weren’t born from him. You’d chosen the wrong man, and deep down, you knew it. But you got the right kids. The best kids.

Ones that are now surrounded by so many people that love them. You are making it work out here away from family. Growing a village, and everyone is happier because of it. Even though Ransom wasn’t happy about the plan for you to fade out of work, but you and Andy decided as a unit that it was best if you slowly weaned your hours down to nothing.

Ransom might not be the biggest fan of that idea, but he couldn’t argue much. You volunteered to do some work from home. Help him out as much as possible. You’d already made him change his mind about children at the office. Suede was easily entertained, and entertained himself well. You just couldn’t let his health be in someone else’s hands right now. You weren’t ready.

Now, onto Christmas Eve, and Christmas.

“Uck Ann, and yoys, and mama, and dada, and Audi, and yots a yoys, and tees, and mine dog, and…” Ransom’s eyes just keep getting larger the more that Suede jabbers about that morning. Ransom gave the morning to your family, but the moment he walked in after cleanup, Suede and Audrey attacked. They were not expecting him, nor expecting him to spend the night.

“Audi, can you translate for me?” He asks, smiling at the little boy, and giving him some rib tickles.

“He had a good Christmas,” she covers her mouth, giggling. They both did. So far, Audrey hadn’t even mentioned Scott. His loss. She very may well later. But she is too much into her feels about new toys, and decor for her bedroom, and now Uncle Ann to care. At bedtime, it was sure to be different.

“Chess. Mine yoys in for. Oo pay me,” Suede points to the wide array of toys in the living room floor. You’re just relaxed with Andy the giant chair of his, enjoying the sight. Before toys had to be strictly cleaned up and put away, and never brought out into the living room. What is the fun in that? This living room is big enough that they had a little nook for additional toys that didn’t fit in their play room.

The fireplace was on, and you soak up Christmas morning. Even more, Andy’s joy of having a Christmas he always dreamed of. The both of you sat in the floor with the kids, opening up presents with them. Then opened up boxes, added batteries, built the race track for Suede. You enjoyed the time with your kids.

“He wants you to play in the floor with us,” Audrey nods. It’s what she is wanting to. If she had it her way she’d probably spend her time sitting in his lap, and getting him to play baby dolls with her.

“Chess,” Suede does one solid nod, and points to the living room. “In der wi us.”

“Can I sit in your lap? Suede likes to get up and move too much,” he responds with a chess, still pointing in the living room. “Please?” Your little needy, sneaky girl.

“Of course,” she giggles again as Ransom carries both of them into the area with you and Andy. Such a lazy Christmas today. The kids have been in the living room with their toys all day, you’ve had a Yule log on the television, and the fireplace on, while you snuggled with Andy, watching the kids play, or playing with them.

“Hey Ran,” you smile up at him, and Andy rubs over your belly, getting an eye roll from Ransom. Apparently, he’d been ragging on Andy for being able to knock you up, while ‘Scoot’ and his limp dick couldn’t

“How the babies?” You cringe, looking up at Ransom. You hadn’t told him. The divorce is official final, but it just was never the right time.

“Mine otay. Chess. Yots a toys!” Suede answers, because he is the baby.

“What babies?” Audrey looks at you accusatory as you gawk at Ransom. “Like me and Suedey are your babies?”

“Me no babE! Me ig boy,” Suede’s brows furrow at his sister. You take a deep breath, trying to think if this is the wrong time. Christmas should be about their happiness with being kids. You’ve already signed the divorce papers. You agreed to Scott’s terms. You allowed him to belittle you over and over again to keep the peace. You deserved to have this family. And they deserved to know.

“Doe,” Andy’s voice is reassuring, and not pressuring at all. He’s always let you lead things when it comes to the children. But you want him to have say as well. He’s earned it. You gulp staring at Audrey who continues to just look at you. Miss Tatum will be coming, and Audrey is already jealous of Ransom’s attention. Would she feel like you are replacing her?

“I got a new baby doll for Christmas. And she looks real,” oh sweet girl. “Is that what you mean?” Audrey twiddles her fingers, as Suede swings his legs, silently asking for Ransom to set him down, and he does.

“I’m sorry,” he says, still holding onto your sweet girl. “I thought…”

“Audrey,” your voice cracks looking at her sweet face. The little girl that made you a mom. The one that has been so strong, and yet is still your baby. The one that calls Andy’s partner to tell him about her nightmares. She’s suffered through so much, and you don’t want this to hurt her, but you wouldn’t change it.

“Honey, Andy and I have a big surprise for you.”

“More yoys?” You shake your head no, at Suede, and he returns to his playing. He didn’t care about anything but more presents.

Audrey looks at your belly with glassy eyes. Andy’s hand is still splayed over it. She’s so smart. Too smart some days. And then her mouth turns up into the biggest smile, “Babies?” She is going to be okay.

“Uh huh. Two of them,” letting her work through the emotions, you just smile up at her.

“Twins!” She screeches, causing Ransom to grimace holding his ear, and he lowers her to the floor, and she bounds towards you. Crawling up into your lap, and kisses your neck. You melt into her touch. Hugging her back, and kissing all over her cheeks. “But daddy said you can’t have babies,” daddy shouldn’t be talking to her at all.

“But mommy can,” Andy says proudly, kissing both of you. “Mommy can have two at once.”

“NaNa my daddy,” Suede sings, connecting the magnetized blocks together. He’s taking it well. Still just worried about NaNa being his daddy. He’d eventually figure out there are babies in your belly, and then there are babies in his home.

“So Suedey is going to be a big brother!” She covers her mouth again giggling. “Can I name one?” You smile, pushing her hair back as her hand joins Andy’s on your belly. Giggling when she feels the growing bump.

“As long as it’s not Princess Peach or Bubbles,” her sweet nose scrunches up, shaking her head at Andy. “Maybe Princess Banana Hammock.”

“I was thinking Aubrey,” she says so sweetly. Something to match her.

“We don’t even know what we’re having, just that there’s three,” her hand stops right above your belly button, and both of you lock eyes for a moment. She felt it, too. Of course your sensitive girl would feel the small flutters. Or just knew that you could. Or it was all in her head. Children’s perceptions are strange.

“You’re sure? Can we put a third in there?”

“I’m sure, and two is enough” you answer. Turning towards Andy you nod your head, and he reaches over to his wallet. He digs through it before pulling out the photos of the ultrasound. “See, this is baby A, and that is baby B.”

“That is a blob. What is that?” She asks, squinting at the photos. “These are not babies. Are they going to look like that when they’re born? That’s terrifying.”

“No,” Andy chuckles, giving her another kiss to her head. “Oh,” he looks at Ransom with a smile as the doorbell rings. “Ran, can you answer the door?” He smiles, putting the photo back in his wallet. Realizing now he can have the ultrasound on display with the family photo. And soon a family photo with your bump. And then photos with all four kids.

“Is it Santa?” Audrey claps her hands, jumping up to cling to Ransom as she follows him out of the living room.

“Sanna! More yoys! Yots a yoys,” both kids run with Ransom to the front door, but you just look at Andy for a moment. Creating new traditions for Christmas. A village unfolding and hopefully no tantrums with Miss Tatum joining you for dinner. There is the couch if she wants to stay, but Ransom better give her the guest bedroom.

“That went better than I thought,” Andy yawns, and brings you practically in his lap. His hand goes up underneath the oversized sweatshirt. He didn’t have to hide anything anymore. You are carrying his babies. And he’d shout it to the moon.

“Now, let’s hope that Audrey does well with this,” you agree. Let’s hope this goes well. She did have such big changes happening.

“Miss Tatum!” Audrey screams, and two sets of feet start jumping up and down, and Ransom says absolutely nothing. “Can I show you my room?”

“Mine yoys. Mine Uck Ann. Mine mama. Mine daddy.”

“Hey, Ransom,” you know that voice. At least Ransom’s crush is reciprocated. That can be your gift to him this Christmas. “I brought a cookie box, and some fudge.”

“My Ike tookies!”

“Ands, everything is okay,” he shushes you, and gives you a chaste kiss. “I’m not sleepy,” you are. You’re very sleepy. And cozy, and comfortable.

“Say hey to Miss Tatum, I’ll offer coffee for everyone, and make hot chocolate for the kids if they want it, and we’ll play a movie. You can sleep right on here with me during the movie, okay, little deer?” You nod as you start to stand up. Better yet, let you make the coffee, he make the hot chocolate, and you get a cookie and be a cordial houseguest. Nap can come later.

Christmas just got so much sweeter.

Next

Masterlist

Taglist: @tis-thedamn-season @marveloustaylortot @pono-pura-vida @peaches1958 @seitmai

@smile1318 @andydrysdalerogers @cjand10 @midnightramyeoncravings @kmc1989

@pandaxnienke @kmm-fluv @rogersbarber @theinheriteddutchess @buckybarnesisdaddy

@hisredheadedgoddess28 @capswife

[abaker74]

Ok but imagine - Logan Howlett family fic

Picking up Logan from work

note: when it comes to dinah's speech it is purposely spelled wrong! i didn't edit this, idk the word count maybe fix it later lmao i loved writing it tho i want a family with him so baddd.

You were on your way to pick up Logan from work as 'Dancing Queens' flowed through the car. Your six-year-old, daughter, Dinah, sitting in the back humming along with a dolly in her hand. Flicking on your turn single before turning into Logan's work site. As you rolled up towards the grounds, you parked on the side and turned down the music. Your hand resting over your large bump, feeling your son's feet pushing against your stomach.

Dinah had been a ten-pound baby and you weren't surprised that the little boy was getting to the size he was. "Where's daddy?" Dinah asked, her voice soft.

"He's coming baby." You promised, hands fiddling with each other before falling to rest on the steering wheel. Your thumb playing with your diamond ring, your shoulders pressing against the leather seat. You sighed as Logan came into view. His jeans tight against his muscled legs, axe resting over his shoulders. Walking with confidence with his hand holding his bag, his hair a windswept mess. Your hand goes to the handle, pushing the door open and pushing yourself up. Logan grinned as he came over to you, leaning over the door to kiss your lips.

You smiled against his lips, hand coming to the back of his head. You turned to slide into the car as Logan went to the back to put his axe away. Dinah started jumping up and down in her seat, excited to see her father. Your heart felt overwhelmingly warm as he leant down to give her a wide dopey smile, waggling his fingers at her. Both you and Dinah couldn't control your giggles. You were surprised when he came back to the driver's side, "Move over, you don't need to be driving everywhere."

"I can drive baby; you've been working all day." You said, glancing up at your husband as he glared down at you.

"Your nine months pregnant, scoot over, doll." He argued.

"Well, who's fault is that?" You perked as you started moving over to your seat before crossing your arms over your chest, naturally resting your forearms on your bump.

"Takes two to tango." He retorted, lifting an eyebrow.

"Dadddddy." Dinah chimed in, drawing both of your attention as a large smile crossed his face. An instant smile lighting up not only Logan's face much an identical grin mirrored his.

"Hey bub, watcha got there." Dinah rolled her eyes at her father.

"It's Becca, dad!"

"Oh yeah, Becca, I remember now." Logan grinned back at her, reaching over the seat to kiss her forehead. Dinah moving towards him to help reach him. Then he sat back down in his seat, hand reaching out to slip into yours. "How was your day, pumpkin?" He asked, looking back through the rearview mirror.

"Mommy, uh read Harold and the perpel crayon to me!" Dinah started, her voice raising in pitch as she got more excited.. Dinah was so intelligent for her age; she soaked everything up like a sponge. She also had the best stories. "Then-then then we went to the park to see Addy and her baby sister, Tillie. And-and i told Addy's and Tillie's mom-."

"Rachel." You hummed.

"Ratchel, that it's okay if she has a girl 'cause my mommy is having a boy."

"You said that huh?" Logan chuckled.

"You excited it's a boy not a girl?" You asked.

"Oh...." She thought for a moment, glancing back to see her sweet eyes looking up at the ceiling of the car, familiar wrinkles on his forehead. "Oh yeah, I do. I loveee my little baby brother!" You couldn't help but let out a quiet laugh at how excited she got about the new baby. "Are you excited, becca???" Logan glanced over at you, his eyes scanning over your face before a slow thoughtful smile reached his face. He leaned in to softly kiss your lips, as you giggled. Before starting down the road back towards the farmhouse.

"You need chapstick." You commented, hand coming to your bag as Logan quirked an eyebrow.

"Oh yeah? Can't even kiss you?" He joked, as you giggled shaking your head before handing him the balm.

"For a guy with regenerative healing you would think he wouldn't get chapped lips." You retorted, as he rolled his eyes, putting the stick up to his mouth. Pursing his lips to put on the Chapstick, glancing over at you and raising his eyebrows like he was saying, 'See I did it, babe'.

"If it came down to it, you'd still kiss me." Logan smirked, handing it back to you.

"I'm not the one that whines about his cracked lips, it's funny too because it almost immediately heals." Your hand moves to his thigh, squeezing.

You knew he liked teasing, and you enjoyed it too, but in your mind, you had to let him know you were joking. His hand came back on yours, his fingers squeezing yours before slipping into yours. Bringing your intertwined hands to his chest, feeling so safe and loved even with a simple hand hold.

Logan murmured just loud enough for you to hear, "I got you, baby."

That's what he told you when he knew you were feeling insecure in your emotions, interactions, appearance. Logan didn't like complimenting you all day (he loved calling you beautiful but only when you heard him), it wasn't what you needed. You needed reassurance in his words, that he would see you and that you didn't do anything wrong. If you did, he would tell you in his own way in his own time. I got you, baby.

"I love you, Lo." You sighed, eyes glued on to him as he drove down the road. Logan would do just about anything to look at your pretty face right now. Dragging both of your hands up to his face, turning his palm over to kiss your soft knuckles. Even in the vulnerable moments, you made his chest lighten as a giggle fell from your lips.

"What is it?" His deep voice spoke softly.

Then as you always did you made him laugh, "Definitely glad you put on chapstick."

tags: @chronicallybubbly @delicateholland @bubblegumholland @mega-kittyglitter-1 @dis-plus-fanfic-reblog-writes @squishyfruitloop @jessjessmarvelandhp @midnight-wildflowers @buffkirby2020 @unsatisfiedghostt @juneko0

[abaker74]

IM NOT CRYING YOU ARE

Follower celebration

Dad!Bucky suggestion: Bucky with his newborn son/daughter (you decide) marvelling at what he helped create and talking to them about things. (Again, you can decide) and rocking them to sleep.

Lame I know, sorry.

Hi firstly it is not lame at all! I love the suggestion, thank you so much.

Warnings- Fluff.

Bucky's journey to finding love and starting a family was unexpected. He had spent so much time believing that his past mistakes had left him undeserving of happiness or a family of his own. The idea of having a child, let alone finding a partner who could love him, seemed like a distant fantasy

But then you had come into his life like a ray of sunshine, breaking down his walls and showing him what it was like to love and be loved in return.

And yet here he was, holding a tiny bundle of joy in his arms - his 'angel' his son, he had created with you, the love of his life.

As he looked down at the newborn, he couldn't help but marvel at the fragility and strength of this little life he held. The emotions swirling through him were unlike anything he had ever felt before, a mix of awe, love, and a deep sense of protectiveness.

Bucky took it upon himself to take on the night duties, insisting that you needed rest after the childbirth. You insisted that you were fine, but he was adamant, gently shooing you away to bed.

In the quiet hours of the night, the world outside seemed to hold its breath. Bucky sat in the rocking chair by the window, gently cradling his newborn son. The moonlight cast a soft glow on the baby’s face, highlighting their son's delicate features. Bucky marvelled at the tiny life in his arms, a mix of awe and gratitude filling his heart.

Bucky gently stroked his son's soft hair, smiling as he gazed at his newborn in the pale moonlight.

“Hey there, little angel,” he whispered, his voice soft and tender. “You have no idea how much you mean to us. Your mom and I, we dreamed about you for so long. We wanted you so bad. And now, here you are.”

He paused for a moment, the weight of the situation settling in. The baby stirred slightly in his arms, opening his eyes for a brief moment before closing them again.

Bucky continued to rock the chair, each movement sending a gentle, soothing rhythm through the room. He looked down at his angel, the small bundle wrapped up in a soft blanket in his arms.

“You know, I did bad things,” he started, his voice barely above a murmur. “Things I never wanted to do. I didn't think I'd ever have something like this. There were times when I didn't know if I'd make it through the day.”

He paused for a moment, his gaze drifting as the memories flooded back, before he pushed them away and continued.

“But then I met your mom,” Bucky said, a soft smile playing on his lips. “And everything changed. She saw past all the darkness, all the things I thought defined me. She saw something worth saving, worth loving.”

The baby stirred in his arms, opening his eyes once again, as if listening intently to his father's words. Bucky gently caressed his son's cheek, marveling once again at the miracle he was holding.

The baby gurgled softly, his tiny fingers grasping onto Bucky’s thumb. Bucky’s smile widened and he felt a wave of warmth wash over him.

Bucky chuckled softly, reminiscing about the days when you were still pregnant with their child. He looked down at the baby in his arms and said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice,

“I used to talk to you daily, when you were inside your mom's tummy. I know you could hear me.”

He paused for a moment, his eyes soft as he recalled the countless conversations he had had with his unborn son, hoping his words would provide comfort and connection.

Bucky's heart melted as the baby, still asleep, seemed to respond to his words by giving a slight smile. It was as if the baby was saying, 'Yes, I heard you.'

Bucky couldn't help but chuckle, feeling a mix of love, pride, and just a hint of wonder at the bond he was already forming with his son.

He looked down at his son, “You’re a miracle, you know that? Your mom, she’s the strongest, most incredible person I've ever known. And you... you're our little piece of heaven.”

Bucky continued to rock, his mind filled with a mix of memories of the past and hopes for the future.

He looked down at his son, and said softly, “There’s so much I want to teach you, so many things we’re going to do together. We’ll explore the world, and I’ll tell you stories about your uncle Steve, about how brave and kind he is. Especially your annoying uncle Sam.”

The mention of Steve and Sam brought a small, nostalgic smile to his face.

Bucky's voice cracked slightly with emotion as he continued.

“But most of all, I want you to know how loved you are. Your mom and I, we’ll always be here for you, no matter what. You'll never have to face the world alone.”

He swallowed, trying to push down the lump in his throat. The baby gurgled again, as if sensing the change in Bucky's demeanor. Bucky chuckled softly, running a finger over the baby's tiny hand.

The baby’s eyes fluttered closed with an adorable smile, lulled into sleep by the gentle motion and the sound of Bucky’s voice. Bucky looked down at his son, a sense of peace washing over him. “Sleep tight, little one. Dream sweet dreams.”

The night wore on, and Bucky remained by the window, holding his son close. Outside, the world continued to turn, but inside, within the quiet sanctuary of their home, time seemed to stand still. In that moment, everything felt perfect.

“Thank you,” Bucky whispered, looking up at the sky. “For giving us this chance. For giving me this family.”

And as the first light of dawn began to break, Bucky closed his eyes, content in the knowledge that he was exactly where he was meant to be. With his son in his arms, and his heart full of love, he knew they were ready to face whatever the future held.

TAGLIST- @imyourbratzdoll @blackhawkfanatic @ordelixx @sapphirebarnes @ilovetaquitosmmmm

@differenttyphoonwerewolf @vicmc624 @thezombieprostitute @nekoannie-chan

@mrvl-addict @mercurial-chuckles

@emerald-writes @caplanbuckybarnes

@redbloodedgurl @cjand10 @chemtrails-club @slutforchrisjamalevans @gracescor3

@ghostlythinggoingaround @princezzjasmine @3xclusivemariii @ephemeral-oasis @zuri-767-666

@geeky-politics-46 @dexter99 @calwitch

@caplanreblogsfics @winterslove1917

@pono-pura-vida @renegadesgirl1991 @iwudbutnah @ghalouha @sebastians-love @saranghaey @greatmistakes @baw1066

@bucks-babe @lolzies123r @kandis-mom @purplecolordeer @avioletkurt

@unaxv @pattiemac1 @lovely-geek @hzdhrtss

[abaker74]

Strong attraction - part 3

Summary: You discover that two of your patients are in the mafia. You can't help decide not to see them anymore. Life decides to throw you a sign.

Pairing: Mafia boss Steve Rogers x female nurse reader. - Platonic mafia Bucky Barnes x female nurse reader.

Word count: 2064

Warnings: none on this one.

A/N: /

“Male, in his thirties, bike accident…”

You can’t hear the rest of the information. He is here again, dying in front of you. Your hands shake. It’s been two months since you last saw Steve. The last time was when you were in the café telling you that he was meeting with his team. You realised that he must own it and decided to go somewhere else in the future. It was the last time that you saw his blue eyes and smile. You dreamed about them often but you knew that you couldn’t be with him.

“Asher, Can you hear me?”

You got pulled out of your thoughts.

“What’s his name?”

“Asher.”

“Oh thank God.”

Your colleague looked at you strangely.

“I am sorry. It was inappropriate.”

Once you finished working the patient and the surgeons were with him, you finally were able to breathe.

“I need to go. I can’t be here right now. I will be back tomorrow.”

“Y/N, you can’t just leave.”

“I am sorry. I have to.”

Your colleague saw your hands shake. She let you go before reminding herself to ask for days off.

The door opened faster than you thought it would. You almost tripped. Thor took your wrists to steady you.

“Is he here?”

You didn't have to precise who you were talking about.

“He is in a meeting but it’s just with Buck so you can go inside.”

“Thank you.”

You didn’t waste anymore time, almost running. You opened the door strongly, letting it knock against the wall. Steve stood up quickly, taking you in his arms when he saw you coming like a ball towards him.

“Are you alright?”

“You are alive.”

“Yes, I am. Why wouldn’t I?”

You looked at him, touching his face to make sure that he was really in front of you.

“There was this patient. He looked so much like you. I thought... I thought it was you. I just… I can’t lose you again.”

“You didn’t lose me.”

He let you calm down.

“I am sorry. I shouldn’t have barged in on you like this."

“It’s alright. I am happy to see that you are doing good.”

You nodded while Steve kept you a bit more against him. He let you sit down while he asked Bucky to bring you something to drink. You looked at him for a moment. His eyes stayed on you. It has been so long since he last saw you. He missed seeing your face.

“Would you like to go on a date with me?”

Steve was surprised. He wanted it so much but he couldn't. Not like this. Not when the reason you were here was because of a trauma.

“I think you are in shock.”

“I am not. Well, maybe a little bit, but this is what I really want. I can’t stop thinking about you and your perfect lips. I can’t stop looking for your eyes when I am entering a room. I know that I shouldn’t want this. I shouldn’t even ask you that. I mean, you are a criminal, and I believe in good, but I can’t be scared every time that I see someone who looks like you on an operating table. I can’t pretend that I don’t have feelings for you.”

He was trying to see in your eyes if he should accept this. He wanted this to be real. He wanted to be able to kiss you when he wanted, but he knew that you were someone good who shouldn't be linked with him. Despite his own judgement, he asked:

"What about your husband?"

The husband that you pretended to have so he would asks no more questions? This husband? The one that should have been yours but that you couldn't hurt? Not like this.

“I am not married. It was a lie. I broke up my engagement.”

You got surprised at his lack of reaction.

“You already knew, didn't you?"

“Bucky told me.”

“Why didn’t you say anything.”

“Well, if you wanted me to know, you would have told me. You didn’t so you had your reasons not to.”

You looked at him impressed. He didn't force you to reveal the truth when he could have or just show up at your work to know why you lied to him.

“You are a strange man."

"I believe in choices."

"Then let be reassured that me asking you is my choice. No one else."

His eyes never left you. He could see that you were serious despite the fact that you, asking, was probably just luck.

"I will go on a date with you but I will organise it."

"Steve, I asked you."

"I know, but I want to."

"Only if you promise me not to be extravagant by booking a full restaurant or room or something like this."

"I promise."

"Good."

"Great."

Silent planned between the two of you. It wasn't a heavy one. Bucky came back with water for you before leaving you two alone.

"When are you available?"

You knew that you would need to work overtime that next day to compensate for today. You were also supposed to be at the hospital for two days back to back.

"Wel, I am busy until Saturday but I am free today."

You knew it was last minute, so you probably will have to wait until the end of the week for it. Steve didn't seem to think about it for too long, which was reassuring. He really wanted to spend time with you, too.

"Give me thirty minutes to organise everything."

"You don't have to. We can just go for a coffee or something."

He smiled at you. There was no way that you would just go for a beverage. He knew that what he was thinking about might be a bit strange, but he still hoped that you would like it. It was a part of him that he was about to show you.

Less than one hour later, Steve brought you to the back entrance of an ice rink. He knocked, waiting for a response.

"Good afternoon Mr Rogers."

"Good afternoon, Mr Simons."

"Everything is ready for you sir."

"Thank you very much. You don't have to call me, sir. Until 6 is still alright for you?"

"Yes, the rink only opens at seven tonight, so it will give us time to put back the ice."

Simons let you enter while Steve let come enter first. You followed them. You smiled without even thinking about it.

"What is your size miss?"

You gave him your shoe size before lacing them. Steve entered the ice first and gave you a hand that you accepted with pleasure.

"I didn't picture you as someone who liked to skate."

"The cold air helped me with my asthma. Playing was rough sometimes, but I made it work."

"Show me what you are capable of."

Sreve took the challenge. Your smile was enough to agree to it. He did a few tours and a few tricks before coming back to you, sliding in reverse.

"And you? Did you ever skate?"

"Just from time to time."

You skate slowly for half of the ringk. You speed up before doing a double axel and spin for a least a minute. You went to Steve, who was looking at you with an awe.

"Maybe I was actually doing competitions but had to stop because of a knee injury."

"So you were ready to be an olympian?"

"It was one of my dreams, but dreams change."

"I know too well what you mean."

You skated next to Steve. You tried to go faster than each other, which was fun. You both did your trick, enjoying the company of each other but skating like you both prefered and needed.

You stopped a bit too abruptly. You almost fell, and Steve caught you. You were so close. You thought that maybe he would kiss you. You missed his lips against yours. They were so soft, so perfect. You dreamt about them. He let you go, pink rising on his cheeks. He took your hand to let you show him spins. You liked it. It was so fun. You were having a great time.

You told him not to book a room for just the two of you but had to admit that the ice ring was a great idea. It wasn't like if you were taking time out of people and always hoped to one day skate in an empty ice ring.

After skating, Steve brought you to a very nice restaurant. It was something small that he knew would be safe for both of you. He let you decide what to eat even if there were some surprises. You loved it. He found the perfect meals just by listening to what you ordered. You had such a great time. The best that you had in a very long time. Everything seemed so effortless. Just talking to him or be next to him. You didn't want for the evening to end. You had to as you had a shift the next day.

You looked at Steve, who walked you back to your door. If this morning someone told you that you would be coming back from a date, you would have thought that they were crazy. You were happy that it happened. You were now sure of what you wanted. You wanted to be with Steve. You wanted to be able to have fun and feel your heart beats like crazy because of the way he was looking at you.

"I had a great time today."

"Me too. I am really happy that you came."

He kissed your hand, letting the two of you there.

"Have a good night. I will see you soon."

You were surprised. Things went well, and still, he did nothing to kiss you. You wanted so much to feel him.

“Are you not going to kiss me?”

He smiled at you.

“I want to, so so much, but I won’t. Not tonight. The next time that we kiss, I don’t want you to run. I want for us to be something more.”

"I won't run, I promise."

"Then I guess we can wait a bit more. What is one more day?"

You arrived in Steve’s office. He stood up when he heard you coming in. You took his shirt, making him bend for you. You kissed him passionately. It felt so good to have his lips against yours again. You could feel how soft they were while your tongues were searching for each other. You put your arms around his neck.

You wanted to tell him that one more day might mean that you won't be here that maybe it was your last chance, but he was right. It has been months since you kissed. You could wait one more day. That didn't mean that you won't dream about it.

"I wasn't sure that..."

You cut him.

"You told me that you didn't want me to run. I had a two days shift, and I dont have your number."

"Fair. I didn't think about it like this."

You kissed him again. You let your hands find their way to his hair.

“I want to be with you. I don't want to wonder with who you can be or what might have happened. I just have one request. I don’t want to know what you are doing. I don’t want to be in the middle of anything.”

He looked at you, a smile spreading on his lips like it never did before. You could see hope and relief in his eyes.

“You won’t, I promise.”

“Then, it’s a deal if you still want me.”

He kissed you again. Now that he had you, he would never stop kissing you.

“Of course I still want you. I have never wanted anybody else since the first time I met you.”

You looked at him suspiciously.

“It was more that ten years ago.”

“I know. I am a patient man.”

You kissed him again, letting fire go through your body. It felt good to feel warmth inside you. You haven't felt so sure of yourself in a very long time.

"I want to kiss you again."

"What is stopping you?"

Steve kissed you. He needed to feel your lips against his.

@mochie85 @katymae12344 @identity2212

[abaker74]

Come and Visit! (Masterlist)

Come and Stay A While in: Velaris (ACOTAR)

Come and Stay A While in: Jackson (The Last of Us)

Come and Stay A While in: New York (Marvel)

Come and Stay A While in: Egypt (Moon Knight)

[abaker74]

•°𝓦𝓮𝓵𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝔂 𝓷𝓮𝔀 𝓶𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽 °•

𝓝𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓰𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷:

✧𝑶𝑮 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕┊𝑨𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒎┊𝑲𝒐𝒇𝒊┊𝑨𝑶3┊𝑹𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒔✧

𝓑𝓵𝓸𝓰 𝓢𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵𝓼:

✧𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒍𝒚 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔┊𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒚𝒔┊𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒔/𝑾𝑰𝑷𝑺✧

✧June

𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓼 𝓜𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓼:

✧𝑴𝒂𝒇𝒊𝒂 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔•II↬𝑩𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔↬𝑩𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔✧

✧𝑩𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒃��𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔↬𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝑴𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒕↬𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝑨𝑼𝒔✧ ✧𝑼𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝑴𝒚 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉

𝓢𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵 𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓼:

✧𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒂𝒓𝒚/𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝑺𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 (𝑱𝒖𝒏𝒆 17𝒕𝒉-25𝒕𝒉)✧

☆Sweet Than Sugar (Baker Bucky)☆

Drunken Thoughts

Ever wonder why you're his favorite donut?

Bucky's Strength

He doesn't mean to manhandle you. Most of the time..

☆Fine Lines (QB!Bucky)☆

The interview

Media day is always interesting when Bucky's around.

☆Ruin My Life (Biker!Bucky)

Jealousy, Jealousy

Bucky is not jealous of your crush.

Everytime

Bucky says to always wake him up.

↬Personal Faves

Demon!Bucky

You push your demon!Boyfriend too far and he teaches you a lesson you'll never forget.

Beefy!Bucky

Size kink? Size kink!

↬

↬Personal Faves

Biker!Steve

Steve doesn't approve of your attitude.

↬

↬Run, Run

You pushed Steve a little too far this time. Run bunny.

[abaker74]

Main Masterlist-Mafia & Biker AUs

Neighborly Behavior

The only gift he wants

The Morning After

And then there were none

It all belongs to you

Better than Work

Show Me How to Ride

Coming Home to You

A Party For Two

Parking Lot Fun

Wrapped Around Me

And He's Feeling Good

Just One Taste

Three Whole Days: The Night Before

Three Whole Days

Lemonade Stand

I'm the lucky one

Just Say Yes: Coming Soon

Don't Make Me Wait

A Love Like Ours coming soon

Unbreakable, Shattered

I'll Wait For You

Paper Rings

Drabbles:

Dad!Bucky

Mrs Smith and the house key

Mrs. Smith

Reasons Why Bucky is a great boyfriend

Road Trip Drabble

Teasing Bucky Drabble

Teasing Bucky Drabble: Aftermath of the Spaghetti incident

Teasing Bucky: The Panty Incident

Consent is Everything to Bucky

The Suit and The Grey Sweatpants

A Bad Day

Mark The ex boyfriend

His favorite girls

A kiss like no other

Don't Look, Don't Touch

Take a Seat

Drunk Bucky

A forgotten pair

Morning routines

Sweatpants

Insatiable

Thin Ice

Coffee. Emergency. Thighs.

Period Comforts

What if: Nipple Piercing

Sundress Fun

Every time

More than Words

On the tip of his tongue

Worthy of You

Been Broken Before

Forever in Your Eyes

Biker Ari: Get to know him

BikerAri: What If

Biker!Ari Drabble

Cuddling

Teasing Ari

His bike

Overstimulation kink drabble

Vacation Days

Search Biker!Ari for more asks and small drabbles.

A Few Good Reasons

Fear of Falling

Now or Never

What Hurts The Most

That Love of Mine

Drabbles:

Dove's Ripped Shorts

Not A Lot Fun in the Parking Lot

Steve's Kinks

Dreaming of you

Giving Steve a chance

What he wants

Bookstore Boost

Bad Day

Only one

New clothes

Teasing Dove

Biker Asks: Features more than one pairing.

Who you can call

Tattoos

Weekend Plans

Club Roles

[abaker74]

《Welcome to my Mafia and Biker Masterlist》

《Main Masterlist》《Biker》《AO3》《Coffee》

◇By continuing to read you agree that you are 18+. Remember you are responsible for your own media consumption.

◇All fics are with a female reader.

◇ Updated May 16th ‘22.

Keep reading

[abaker74]

AUs

Mutually Beneficial

One Shots

5 Times There Was Only One Bed (and the one time there were two beds)

An Invisible Thread

Back to Work

Cariad

Give Me Shelter, For My Heart

If I Could Melt Your Heart

In the Middle of the Night

Last Christmas

Nothing But Your T-Shirt

Rule Number One

[abaker74]

Give Me Shelter, For My Heart | Alpha!Bucky Barnes x Omega!Reader | One Shot? 3k

Things are missing around the Avengers' compound and a newly returned Bucky is acting weirder than normal...Steve and Sam go to investigate and discover more than they bargained for.

Warnings: 18+ for language and suggestion of Hydra violence/torture/experimentation, omegaverse themes including alpha & omega, suggestion of pregnancy/pups, wolf shifting Rated F for Fluff and G for good friends

Challenges & Prompts: @buckybarnesevents Alpha Bucky April with extra prompts - word count, nesting, purring, beta characters, (I'll let mods decide if this hits the breeding/baby fever prompt). And @fandom-free-bingo 'forehead kisses'

Graphic by me and Canva, dividers by @firefly-graphics & @reveriesources

Masterlist | Bucky Barnes

“Hmm,” Steve looked around the supply room, surveying the gaps and empty shelves, normally well stocked with blankets and provisions. It was the third time this week he’d found himself at a loss, not just for words but his things too. Everything seemed to be going missing. 

First it was a few plates and mugs from the galley kitchen by his office, then it’d been the lunch he’d left for him and Bucky in the fridge. Last night he’d gone into Bucky’s room to make sure he was okay and found the man sleeping on a bare mattress, all the sheets, pillows and blankets were gone and the newly revived Bucky refused to explain what had happened to them or even acknowledge that there was anything wrong at all. He hadn’t even addressed that fact that the window was wide open and it looked as if he was sleeping in his shoes. 

Which brought Steve’s thoughts to the man himself. Bucky had been so odd since he’d returned. For a day or two, he’d been something like his old self, despite the awful situation they found themselves in, he’d joked with Steve and reminisced with the few memories he had. They’d enjoyed a beer together and he’d even met with Tony during their mediation and patched things up. 

Then, they’d all climbed onto the jet and he’d become distant, pacing like a caged animal until they’d landed. As soon as the doors were open he’d vanished for forty-eight hours and sent the entire compound into mayhem before strolling back in as if nothing had happened, bruised and covered in blood. Judging by the bandages he sported later that day, his cuts and bruises spread under his shirt and trousers too. 

Steve knew that he’d changed during his time with Hyrda, back in the 30s they’d both been betas, happy to plod along ignoring the madness of the few alpha’s in Brooklyn. It had been a rare thing then, to be an alpha, now they were considered a dying breed, so when Bruce’s tests had revealed that Bucky was an alpha now, they’d tried to take it in their stride that he might go off on his own sometimes, especially since omegas were even rarer. But there was still so much they didn’t know, so much to unpack and discover about the Bucky they’d rescued, and Steve was so desperate to spend time getting to know this new man that all the time apart was making him worry. 

“You okay?” Sam asked from the doorway, leaning in to hand Steve a hot cup of coffee. 

“Just doing a stock check.” 

“He take something else?” Sam stepped into the small room, lined with shelves and shelves of tents, camping stoves, parachutes, it seemed to go on and on. The bare grey shelves where stock was missing was stark against the white washed walls. 

“He?” 

“Barnes,” Sam sipped his coffee, matter of fact, and Steve confronted the worry that had been plaguing him. 

“It’s Bucky, isn’t it?” Steve dropped his head heavily and Sam patted him on the back, still sipping his drink. 

“Sorry man, told you, he’s not right yet. He’s not hurting anyone though, if he hates his bedding, who cares, if he hates your lunches, who could blame him.” 

Sam sidestepped Steve’s halfhearted swipe with a grin on his face. 

“But what’s he doing with it, Sam? Where’s it all going?” 

“Hell, I don’t know, have you asked him?” Sam raised his eyebrows. 

Had Steve asked his best friend, who flinched at his touch and shied away from any conversations? Bucky who vanished for hours at a time and came back looking as if he’d been dragged through a hedge? No, he hadn’t. He’d been too scared to confront what might be going on, what latent part of his programming might be at play. 

“Look, if you’re too scared to ask why don’t I?” 

Now it was Steve’s turn to raise his eyebrow, it wasn’t that Sam and Bucky didn’t get along, they just didn’t get along yet. Steve was working on it. 

“What if we…followed him?” He offered instead and Sam laughed again. 

“Who knew Captain America was scared of his own friends,” he couldn’t contain the chuckles. “Fine, fine. Let’s keep an eye on him.” Sam turned to the ceiling, more comfortable with the AI than Steve was. “FRIDAY, if Sergeant Barnes leaves his room, please can you alert us - privately?” 

“Of course,” the soft voice answered and Steve gave his friend a weak smile. 

FRIDAY’S alert went off twice a day, every day, over the next week. But despite their best efforts neither Steve nor Sam managed to catch up with Bucky. 

It wasn’t until the following Saturday that they managed to follow him. Bucky was supposed to be at a training session to get his official certifications but they’d both had a feeling he’d try and skip it. As predicted they’d spotted the blue of his new henley edging around the side of the compound, a full backpack strapped to his back. 

Bucky ran across the grass and towards the thick forest. His still uncut hair was tied back but tendrils fell out as he sprinted into the wind. 

He was surprisingly loud, as he strode quickly between the trees, snapping twigs and branches that Steve knew he could’ve dodge even before the serum and his training. Sam looked at him, both of their feet silent as they followed. 

Bucky’s speed increased as he turned his face up into the breeze, his backpack jostled against the trees, bouncing when he began to run. 

Steve kept up, sending Sam wide, into the breeze, in case Bucky doubled back. 

Just as he was starting to feel lost in the repetition of trees and ferns, Bucky burst into a clearing and Steve slammed to a halt. 

The pine trees gave way to a small patch of clear sky, shining down on an old shed. Unlike the other abandoned guard houses, this one had obviously been cleaned recently. The small porch was swept and a pair of Avengers camping chairs were arranged neatly facing into the forest. A line had been strung between the cabin and the trees where one of the missing blankets fluttered in the gentle wind. 

Steve crouched down, motioning to Sam on the other side of the clearing to stay out of sight. 

Bucky approached slowly, “Cățeluș, are you here?” 

At first there was nothing and then a wolf nosed its way out from behind the door, it’s chestnut brown fur almost gold in the sunlight. It leaped forwards from the porch and shot across the clearing, leaping into Bucky’s arms. 

Steve whipped his head up to try and find Sam and by the time his eyes found Bucky again the wolf was gone, replaced by a woman pulling on a large t-shirt from Bucky’s backpack. 

“James!” Her sweet voice rang out in the otherwise quiet forest. 

Swamped by Bucky’s familiar red henley, you shot from the door and into Bucky's waiting arms, the back pack dropped to the floor and forgotten. 

She was swamped by Bucky’s red henley and he wrapped you in his arms, one large hand on the back of your head, tucking you into his neck. The other supported your legs, now wrapped around his waist. 

In the clearing Bucky's shoulders relaxed as he sank into your embrace, kissing and nipping at your neck. In return you tipped your head, practically purring at the attention and wriggling in his arms. 

“Have you been okay, baby.” Bucky asked, pulling away enough to look you over. 

“I'm okay, I missed you though, James, please don't leave me again.” You begged cupping his stubbled cheeks in your hands. 

Bucky turned into your palm and kissed it, “I know, I know, I’ve been making sure it’s safe for you.” 

Steve's heart sank. Bucky didn't feel safe? 

“You trust me, don't you, my little omega.” Bucky rubbed his nose into your cheek and you giggled, holding him even tighter, your hands in his hair. 

An omega? 

Sam stared over at Steve, eyes wide. 

It was clear to them both that this was no chance encounter and all Bucky’s odd behaviour suddenly started to make more sense.

Steve motioned for Sam to leave, they could sneak back to the compound and perhaps bring this up tentatively. Perhaps leave some items you might like lying around in the hopes that Bucky would take them and understand that his secret was out, but it was safe. 

Sam moved swiftly round the clearing as Steve continued to watch Bucky. 

Bucky vanished into the cabin, leaving you on the porch alone, snuggled into his shirt and pressing the collar to your nose. 

“She’s cute,” Sam whispered, squeezing up against Steve, still hiding in the overgrown ferns that lined the edge of the cabin. 

“We can’t let her sleep out here. She must be hungry and cold.”

Bucky emerged from the cabin carrying two of the missing mugs, balancing them carefully on the railing before scooping you up into his lap. His hand hovered by his mouth, sipping in slow motion as his eyes scanned the tree line and Steve took a breath, sitting back quickly. 

“Stay here, Cățeluș,” he was up in a flash, eyes always on the tree line even when he reached into his boot to pull out a familiar gerber knife. 

Instead of flipping it into his palm, he balanced it on the arm of your camping chair. Eyes still on the trees he placed his metal hand on top of your head, “stay here and stay safe, follow the plan, do what you need to.” His voice was low, series, almost a growl. Far away from the happy, loving tones he’d been speaking to you with before. 

You nodded, and as soon as he felt your head move he was up and off the porch. 

Steve and Sam looked up in time to see a wolf leap towards them. 

It was true then, the experiments had worked and Steve had the cold feeling that returned every time he discovered something new about his friend during a fight, but he had no time to worry about it now. Not when the wolf was closing in on them. 

It was huge, its white fur dusted with fallen leaves, but its teeth gleamed in the afternoon sun as he pounced, snarling. His paws the size of dinner plates slamming into the ground in front of them, teeth bared and snarling. 

Steve rolled away, pulling Sam with him and covering his body, regretting not bringing the shield. 

“Bucky!” Sam shouted from under Steve’s arm

“Bucky it’s us we don’t want to hurt you!” 

The wolf pulled back from the two men pinned beneath him, and something like clarity passed over Bucky’s icey blue eyes and he sat on his haunches, head cocked to one side, ears floppy. Then it stood, rounding the bushes and, in a blink, the man had reappeared still hiding before the foliage to cover his naked body. 

“Steve -” Bucky looked thoroughly confused, 

“Bucky, we’re so sorry we shouldn’t have followed you.” 

“What are you doing here?” Bucky’s voice wavered, his body cold without his fur and with his clothes left behind in the cabin. 

“We were worried about you, man, you’ve been so weird - stealing stuff, going missin’, can you blame us for getting creeped out?” Sam raised his eyebrows and Bucky’s brow furrowed. 

“Sorry, I’m sorry, I just had to -” he gestured back towards the cabin and, as if remembering he’d left you behind with no way of knowing he was safe he turned and ran back to the clearing. 

Steve and Sam jumped up, chasing after Bucky once more. 

The cabin porch was empty when Steve picked his way down the slope of mud and rocks into the clearing. 

A howl rang out as he got closer to the little house, a high, pained sound and then the response came, low and level. 

There were two wolves now, hidden at the side of the cabin in the shadows.

The white wolf kept itself half turned towards Steve and Sam, who kept quiet and still, barely daring to breathe, allowing its companion to approach slowly. 

The brown wolf dropped in front of the white, ears flat back against its head, and then rolled over, showing a soft belly that the white wolf nuzzled gently before turning back to Steve and barking sharply. 

Steve held his hands up and the wolf barked again, turning tail and returning to the cabin. 

It took only moments for Bucky to show himself on the porch, pulling his henley back down over his now dirt streaked belly. 

“Come in,” he gestured up the stairs and vanished again. 

The cabin, though run down, was well kept. The porch was swept of leaves and there was even a little mat by the door. 

“Shoes,” you whispered, pulling on Bucky’s sleeve as you entered the main living space, making an attempt to hide behind him. You’d dressed again too, also in one of Bucky’s henleys and a pair of leggings that Steve recognised as Avengers recruit issue. 

“Do you mind?” Bucky asked while Steve and Sam stared between you both. 

“Shoes,” you turned to look up at Bucky again, eyes pleading in one moment and then flicking to the two new men treading mud into your home. 

“Your shoes, take them off.” Bucky helped them arrange their boots neatly by the door while you pottered around the fireplace. “This is her nest,” he whispered, making sure the doormat was straight and the little curtain was neat over the window. “It’s important to omegas, to her,” you turned shooting a glare over your shoulder, “to us-that it’s kept just right and she hates shoes inside.”

In the small living space a camping stove had been set up with a kettle, a portable fridge, and an assortment of mugs, both Avengers field regulation and novelty, which were set neatly on the mantel. You chose four, and placed them next to the kettle while it steamed happily away. 

Bucky spoke softly to you in a mixture of English and Romanian, but you didn’t come any closer to the strange men. You’d seen them before, on the television and in Bucky’s notebooks, but now that they were here, so large and imposing, you couldn’t bring yourself to even look over. 

“This is Cățeluș, well, that’s not her real name but we couldn’t find that. She - uh -” you watched Bucky struggle for words and lay a hand on his cheek, smiling warmly up at him. Your Winter, your James. “-I don’t want to say the word, it upsets her, but she was with me when I was - him - part of the experiments.” 

You poured the tea quietly, watching the steam rise into the darts of sun making their way through the broken knots of wood in the wall, and you took a deep breath. With shaking hands you gave the first man, Sam, a cup. He had a gentle face, a wide smile and he didn’t look at you with pity, as you feared, only interest. 

The second man held his breath as you approached, keeping his hands as close to his body as possible until you pushed the cup towards him. Steve. Bucky had lots of pictures of Steve in his notebooks and had told you more stories than you could remember, but he didn’t look sickly, he looked too big for the space, his shoulders drawn in, slouched. You appreciated that he was trying not to look scary, even though your every nerve was on edge.  

Bucky took the proffered mug from your hands with a kiss to your forehead and you sighed, allowing him to steer you to the only arm chair in the room and then passing you your own tea. 

“We got out, eventually and - I brought her here.” Bucky sat on the rolled arm of the chair, draping his own arm over your shoulders and fitting you into his side. 

Steve and Sam could only stare. 

“Why didn’t you bring her to the compound? She can stay -” Steve turned to you, “you can stay, either in Bucky’s room or you can have your own room if you’d prefer.” 

It took you a moment to process the offer, but eventually you shook your head, turning into Bucky’s side. 

“It was awful - in there, with them she, we both -” Bucky struggled for the words, the desire to protect you rising inside 

“It’s okay,” Sam said carefully, “I know the transition’s been rough on you, Bucky, I can’t imagine what it’s been like for her, how you even got her out here. But there’s nothing to be afraid of, maybe she’ll come with you? If you suggest it?” 

Sam kept looking at you, his eyes soft and encouraging but you turned away, pressed your face into Bucky’s ribs where his scent had soaked through his shirt, reassuring and primal, chanting in your head Alpha, safe, Alpha, safe. You did miss him, when he was gone, but how could he keep you safe in that place. 

You’d seen it, once or twice, through the trees when you took a walk, looking for whatever you could find in the forest. Guards left lots of things behind, bottles and coats and jackets, useful things. You collected them all, skirting around the edge of that horrid white building and hoping to never see the terrifying things that flew out of it, men in suits and robots, it was too much. 

“You can bring whatever you like with you, and maybe Nat and Wanda could help you with some new things, if you liked?” Steve followed Sam’s lead, keeping his voice steady and low. 

“James - my nest.” You mumbled, gripping his henley in your fist. 

He dropped a hand onto your head, “we can do whatever you like, baby. You want to stay here, we can stay, you want to go to the compound, we’ll go.” 

You felt Bucky’s heart rate pick up, its beat hammering and your anxiety grew too, your breathing more ragged, you turned even further into him, practically climbing into his lap, the henley you’d taken from him riding up. 

Instantly you knew it was a mistake, the scars of your time in Hydra were still visible, raised on your skin, yellowing patches of healing bruises and calloused skin from repeated bouts in the chair. 

Sam and Steve could barely conceal their inhale of breath. 

“Bucky, did you get her checked by a doctor or…” Sam trailed off, Bucky looked angry again, his arms fully surrounding you. 

“And what would I have said, Sam?” He growled, “I know she looks like she’s been kept in a cage and beaten but please don’t arrest me, I promise it wasn’t me? Her social security number? Sorry, I don’t have it, we don’t even know her name. I did the best I could.” His anger tipped over into a resigned sadness. Bucky cupped your face in one hand and forced you to look up at him, “I did the best I could, baby, I really did.” 

You nodded and his grip loosened so you could nuzzle into his chest again, your own tears running down your cheeks at the memory of those early days. Bucky’s shaking hands patching up your burns and cuts, the whisky you’d slugged before he pulled out a stray bullet from your arm and stitched it with floss. Every touch had been gentle though, every time he’d changed your bandages or cleaned you up, it had been gentle. It had been everything he could give you. 

“We didn’t mean it like that, Buck,but we could help, get her checked over and then you can come back here.” Sam’s voice was plaintive, deliberately soothing and it made Bucky’s blood boil. 

“I’m not taking her to that place.” He bit back, there was no mistaking the way he curled you into his body, tucking your head under his chin and wrapping his arms around your back. 

It didn’t hurt anymore, to be touched, but then it’d never hurt to be touched by James. His hands had always been careful with you, his strength used only for protection and it was for that reason that you lay your trust in him completely. 

“Don’t make me go, Alpha.” You whispered, your lips brushing the base of his neck where you’d marked him, right over his scent gland, your teeth marks an eternal brand. You nuzzled into him, your chest rumbling again. 

“I won’t make you go,” he looked back at Steve and Sam, the finality of his decision sat heavily in the air. 

“Can we at least bring some medical things here? Would you let Sam check you out?” Steve offered, he was increasingly concerned by the way Bucky had retreated into the chair, his own legs now curled up on the overstuffed cushion.

Above you, James nodded once, “just you and Sam, don’t tell anyone else. I’ll know if you tell anyone else.” The panic edging Bucky’s voice had Steve raising his hands in surrender. 

“I promise, Buck, just Sam and I.”

Sam and Steve left the cabin at dusk while you and Bucky watched from the deck. As soon as they were beyond the trees he pulled you even tighter against his chest, his heat warm. 

“Everything is going to be okay, baby, I promise, no one’s going to ever, ever, hurt you again.” His hands slid down your arms and across the slow swell of your belly. “But we should consider their offer, make sure we’re making a choice that’s good for you and me, as well as them.” His palm pushed up under your shirt, splayed on your tight skin and, deep inside, your pup pushed back. 

[abaker74]

Let's goooo

A Lovers' Circle (Poly Haishira x Reader) Ch25 As Days Go By In January

Taglist: @shadyd3ar @jcrml

@tengensangel @miniverse-zen @mysteri0uz @jjamsbangtan

@the-unknown-fandom

@lavenderdropp @mimisweetz. @purplesoulsapphire

@kksmush @denkpanda18 @whomisi @lessthanimperfect @silver-rin

@namis-noodlebox

@k1ttyluverz @akiramente

@rascalraccoon @ravenclawkae1

@gilded-sunrays @crescent-blades

@yukari1k @bloodymarysgirl21

@artbyrebel @abaker74 @lunarluna9482

@rainbowidol @lanabanoms @whatarewe-choppedliver

Remember if you want to be added to the taglist lemme know

(This chapter night be a little cluttered but that's because it's a big filler chapter for the next chapter when things really take off. For better or for worse?...Well what fun would it be if I spoiled anything?)

The new year was an odd feeling to the body. 

It felt like everything was new but the same as always all the time. And thus you decided to make yourself a new year revolution bucket list. Spend more time doing the things you loved with the people you loved! You had so many more friends than you ever did at any point in your life, and you were going to start spending more time with them. Starting with your oldest and most dearest friend!

The clinking of a plate and teacup being sat upon the table as the spices from the noodles and broth they say in. The smell accompanied by the scent of Earl grey tea placed right next to the bowl by a smiling face.

"Here you go. One of these days I'm going to learn how to make my own noodles then it'll truly be made from scratch."

Murata breathed in the delicious fragrance before sighing and picking up the chopsticks you leant him. His stomach growling. "Thanks, Y/n. Can't remember the last time I had a home cooked meal."

"It's ok. If you want I'll pack you up what I had to make for baking class. It's just taking up space in my fridge and we both know that I don't really enjoy spicy foods all too much anyways."

He looked at you. "Hey. You really don't have to do that. Sabito an' I get by fine on our own-"

"It's not a trouble. At this point it's just taking up space in my fridge and I'd hate to waste food." Your only other option was to give it to Giyuu and Shinobu..or call up Mitsuri as a quick food disposal but everyone was very busy with classes as the finals for the year were approaching and every chance to study counted. Plus Murata needed it more. "All I ask is for my containers back when you're finished."

"Alright. I'll get it. You'll be making me take them home anyways." The smile on his face was a rare one for him and how stressed he usually was. "Thanks."

You smiled brightly at him already on your way to go empty out your fridge. Honestly most of the dishes stuck in there was just foods you had to bake for health class to pass and then just got stuck left in your fridge as most of it was spicy foods you didn't like all too much. But Murata and his boyfriend liked these so they'd go to them.

So into the tupperware containers they went as you dug them out from cabinets and sorted out the fridge situation. Busing yourself by speaking to the happy man slurping down the udon like he hadn't had a good tasting meal in the last year. He'd stopped by just an hour ago for old times sake and you were happy to catch up with your old friend.

"How's college been?"

"Mood," he answered muffled by his full mouth giving a sigh as the delicious taste waved down his throat. "If I pass this year then maybe I can graduate early! That way I don't have to work that stressful pizza job anymore."

"Oh. Well don't strain yourself studying. Get some sleep before you start staying up all night."

"Right. Right." He paused a moment to watch as you poured spicy miso soup into a small container for him, eyeing your form before taking a sigh to brace himself. "So .um. How's your boyfriend been treating you?"

"Gyomei?" You took a second to look back over your shoulder at him. "He's been nothing but the perfect gentleman. I'm very happy with him."

Murata slowly nodded looking concerned. "I see. And he.. hasn't done anything that's bothered you or hurt you in anyway?" He rolled his wrist. "Especially with the whole I'm seeing nearly half the college thing. Sounds like cheating to me."

"Murata!!" You scowled hard at him making him hold up his hands. "Why on earth would you say that?!"

"I'm sorry! It just sounds really suspicious to me! And you can't blame me with your dating streak...N-No offense."

"Gyomei is not dating around with every person he sees!," you growled pointing a spoon at him threateningly, "He's polyamorous. NOT a cheater! I know exactly every one of his partners and all of them are lovely people who see no one but each other! There's a big misidentification between being poly and being a cheater!"

"Sorry! Sorry, sorry, sorry!," he repeated trying to calm you down. "I just wanted to be sure you were ok."

"I'm perfectly secure in my relationship with Gyomei. He's been completely upfront with everything and doesn't seem anyone outside me or his partners which I have stated before that I'm perfectly fine with him doing." You jabbed the spoon towards him firmly. "And I'm not seeing them, he is. So you can not make such rude accusations towards my BOYFRIEND, Murata."

"Ok, ok! I apologize!" You huffed still scowling at him before turning back to the task at hand. "I just wanted to be sure you were ok. You're like a sister to me and seeing you go through do much well..."

You sighed. "I appreciate your concern but you know me. If Mei was just like the other guys I dated, then I wouldn't even have gone on a second date with him let alone be his girlfriend. Look. I promise you IF anything bad happens, which it won't, then I'll be outta there faster than a cheetah. Ok?"

He sighed again too. "Alright. But if you ever need any help-"

"You and my aunt are the first ones I'll call. Now hush up and eat your udon before it goes cold."

He deflated but busied himself by eating the food and trying to lessen the tension in the air caused by his sudden disturbance. About ten minutes passed between him emptying his bowl and sipping his tea in silence before he spoke up again. 

"So..where is he now?"

"He's helping a friend study for a history exam he has next week. He won't be around today if that's what you're worried about."

"No, no. Just curious is all."

"You'd like him if you ever got to meet him. Even my aunt likes him."

"Your aunt is crazy no offense."

"Auntie is crazy in a 'lets go to a restaurant with my pet tarantula' kinda way. She's not crazy in a 'seeing things that aren't there' kinda way."

"Hm. Touche."

He took another sip of his drink as you sighed before there was a loud knock at the door causing both of you to turn to said door as loud knocking cascaded from the other side. 

"Oh! That's probably Auntie! I told her to come visit me this week!" Excited by the thought of your aunt coming by to visit you too, you placed down what you had been packing up, sped walked to the door, threw it open, blinked at wbo was on the other side, and then smiled. "Hi, Guys. I wasn't expecting you three to show up."

"HI, Y/N!!," Mitsuri instantly shouted with a full arm wave at you. Behind you keeping away from her furiously waving arm was Sanemi and Obanai whom looked more bored. 

"What are you guys doing here? I thought you were studying for final exams?"

"Those aren't until May which is months away," Sanemi grunted softly pushing Mitsuri's arm away from him before she accidentally sent him flying into the snow. "We're going to a concert tonight and wanted to know if you wanted to come along."

"Oh..Well I've never been to a concert before so I wouldn't know what to do there."

"It's not like a famous singer or anything, it's just a show party thrown together by a bunch of locals."

"Oh. Sure then! Sounds fun! Just let me finish up in the kitchen first. You guys wanna come in?" Stepping aside to allow them in immediately of course Mitsuri's attention turned to the kitchen.

"Do I smell udon?!"

"Yep! Do you want some?" She nodded eagerly making you smile and gestured to three of them to follow you. "Come on into the kitchen then. I'll fix you guys some."

Murata had been confused holding his cup as you returned only to be followed by a woman and two men he didn't know. Mitsuri didn't seem to have any problems with there being a literal stranger in your kitchen however both Sanemi and Obanai stopped in their tracks to stare at the confused man sipping away at his teacup. And equally as confused look graced Sanemi's face however Obanai's eyes widened... Before they narrowed suspiciously looking him up and down before pointing an accusing hand to him.

"WHO is HE?," He spat out rudely.

The tone made you look up from putting a lid on a container before blinking. "Oh, right. Guys, that's Murata. He's my best friend from highschool."

"Um.."Murata glanced the three individuals with confusion. "Sup?"

"HI!! OH MY GOSH!! I DIDN'T KNOW THAT Y/N HAD OTHER FRIENDS!! THAT'S SO SWEET!!," Mitsuri gushed in enthusiasm as usual.

He winced at her loud tone but nodded. "Uh..Yeah. Hey. You're the girl who was in the play right? My cousin was the Nutcracker." Obanai glared harder at him. 

"No way! I never would've guessed!!"

"So who are you guys?"

"That's Mitsuri." You continued to finish packaging his food since you were almost done anyways. "And Sanemi and Obanai."

"PFT?!" Instantly Murata nearly spat out his tea but he didn't. Instead it puffed up in his cheeks making him comically look like a chipmunk in horror before he eventually managed to swallow it down and proceeded to get into a minor coughing fit making you look at him. "*COUGH COUGH HACK!!* S-Sanemi Shina- *cough* -gawa?!"

"Yeah." Much like Obanai he gave a suspicious look crossing his arms. "What if it?"

"N-Nothing! Nothing!" Murata squeaked out looking a million shades suddenly paled now with a gulp. "I-It's just...Y/n spoke about you a lot is all."

"Yeah. These are the friends I told you about!" You turned with three tupperware containers stacked up in your hands before you proceeded to plant the three in front of your terrified friend. "They're all studying to become teachers! Isn't that neat?"

"Great!," he squeaked out high pitched, "We can always use more teachers!"

"What are you studying?," Obanai bluntly asked almost challenging him with his gaze.

"...Murata's studying computer science and programming! He wants to be a game developer. Isn't that great?", you answered for him when it was obvious that your terrified friend couldn't.

"Huh...I suppose." You have Obanai a frown making him sigh. "Snake On A Train is a good game though."

"Hey, Murata. Maybe you should get these home to Sabito before it goes cold."

"OKYEAH!!"

Helping your terrified friend find an excuse out, you politely showed him out the door sighing before returning to the kitchen finding Mitsuri helping herself to the entire large pot of udon and Sanemi still staring at everyone completely confused.

"What the hell was his problem?"

"Sorry. He's just-..Shy around some people."

"Uh huh."

He didn't seem to believe you but didn't push the issue figuring his reputation had just been what scared off your friend not taking offense to it. Thank goodness. Obanai however was suspiciously still eyeing where Murata was sitting like he personally offended him.

"Who was he?"

"My friend from highschool? I told you that." You eyed Mitsuri still slurping down broth, noodles, and veggies like it was nothing. Well...at least you wouldn't have any leftovers cluttering your fridge between Murata needing food and her appetite. "He just stopped by to visit me since we hadn't seen each other since Christmas."

"He wasn't trying to put the moves on you?" ...You, Mitsuri, and Sanemi both turned to give him looks. Yours confused and surprised and Sanemi a 'what the hell are you doing ' meanwhile Mitsuri's looked shocked before changing to beaming in happiness at her Boyfriend as if just confirming something. "Uh.." He quickly took notice of the situation before backtracking. "He..told me about the pub incident." He explained pointing a quick finger at Sanemi.

Did he assume Murata was hitting on you because he was eating in your kitchen? That was weird. "No. Nothing like that. Besides Murata already has a boyfriend so I don't think he's interested in me like that at all."

Obanai's eyes widened. "So...he wouldn't like-.."

"Not unless I suddenly turn into a man and changed my personality to be his type overnight. Which he's already in a long term relationship anyways so there's like zero chance there, Obi. You shouldn't jump to conclusions like that."

His eyes looked so cartoony widd as he stared at you before he looked away. "Right...Sorry."

"It's ok, but next time just ask me nicely before jumping the gun." You explained to him reminding you of the kids in the daycare.

"Anyways," Sanemi started looking at you, "-are we going or not?"

Well that was very awkward and confusing but luckily nothing bad had happened like Sanemi getting angry with Murata over a misunderstanding and it was only the second week into January. At least the 'concert' was fun even if you could call it that. It was just a small gathering of about thirty or so people and some mediocre bands played off tune or too loudly. But you had fun spending time with the three of them for a couple hours.

More days passed by and it was the same thing as usual mostly. Get up. Go to work. Do classes. Get the notes you couldn't get from Shinobu or Giyuu. Shopping. Bills. Chores. And the like. The third Monday of January you spent some time with the Kocho sisters and Giyuu. He'd asked you to come play shogi with him like you had promised him on Christmas and you agreed because a promise was a promise after all. The sisters were there. Shinobu was helping Kanae study for an upcoming exam using flashcards and a fake test to which Shinobu would 'grade' her on after to help. But they took time out to come over and talk to you about their current obsession.

"Have you read this book?"

You took a moment to glance at the book Shinobu held up to you. Of Butterflies and Devils. Before shaking your head no and turning back to the board game at hand. The entire game was confusing to you and the last two games you'd already lost quickly to the blue eyed man sitting across from you.

"Can't say that I have. What is it about?" You glanced around the pieces trying to calculate the best move. Didn't help that Giyuu had most of your pieces while you only had one of his.. eventually you settled og moving your third to last one to the left.

"It's about two sisters fighting against this unfeeling evil presence of their world." She spoke almost as if it was a personal journey she had gone through. "The entire story is their journey leading up to their first climax against the devil. Unfortunately the older sister passed away-"

"Shinobu, don't spoil the entire story for her." You glanced at Kanae on your other side as she held up a second much thicker book than the one Shinobu held. Poisoned Stained Glass was displayed on the cover. "That one is just a prequel story to the actual novel here. I think it's quite a lovely story even though her journey is quite tragic. You should read them sometime. Then you can join our book club."

"Oh. Sure! But I don't have them." You blinked as Giyuu held up your piece in his hand having made a move while you weren't looking. 

"I win again," he said simply.

You sighed at the fact he managed to beat you again. You really weren't very good at shogi. "Sorry, Giyuu. I'm not really much of a player."

"Why are you apologizing?," he asked simply placing down your piece again. "I find playing against you enjoyable. The entire purpose of the game is to find enjoyment not win isn't it?"

Huh. Spoken like a true team player or a really good coach. He was definitely going to make a great gym teacher. The entire statement had you smiling and nodding your head. "Yeah. I guess you're right. Practice makes perfect as they say so do you want to go another round?"

"Yes. Very much. This time I'll help teach you how to play." Already he was moving to reset the little wooden pieces. "That way you can make better moves."

Sounds good to you. You blinked as Kanae sat her book in front of you with a smile on her face. "Here. You can borrow my copy to read then we'll show you the third installment in the series about their youngest sister."

You opened your mouth to answer her but before you could say anything Shinobu suddenly put her book on top of her sister's making even Giyuu blink. "Read this one first! It's the prequel so it'll help make the second one make more sense."

"Oh. Ok. I'll be sure to give them a read when I can."

Seemed interesting enough anyways. You'd be nice and give them both a read in-between work and other obligations as you went along. You didn't see why you couldn't indulge in some of your friends' interests too especially when they've been nothing but kind to you after all. Speaking of friends you also ran into another friend of yours while going on an outing with Gyomei. 

Nothing fancy. Just a dinner together and a little walk around a new party of town you hadn't been to but Gyomei had, so you allowed him to lead you around the still snow covered ground and looking at a few new establishments you'd never seen. A mechanic shop, a book store, what looked like an antique store- 

You blinked as Gyomei slowly stopped also stopping you as your arms were linked before he gestured to the antique looking store. "Kyojuro works there as the assistant manager. Should we stop by and say Hello?"

Kyo? You smiled. "Sure. I haven't seen him in like three weeks. It'll be a nice surprise."

Gyomei agreed and lead you across the cold street and towards the small shop. It wasn't anything fancy. Just your average small shop that looked like it sold antiques and donated items like clothes, toys, and other random things. Yep. Just your average hand me down store. Though you did spy a few foreign cook books you were interested in. The one from France made you completely stop and skip from Gyomei's arm to go rummaging through the shelf of books and magazines. Picking up some cheap cookbooks you were very eager to look through.

"Did you folks find anything you like?"

Both of you turned and you lit up at the sight of a brightly smiling flame haired man holding up a decently sized cardboard box in his arms. "Kyo! There you are! Mei said you worked here!"

"INDEED!!" He shouted loudly with a bright smile on his face. "Welcome to Greatwill!! A percentage of every purchase goes to the local woman's shelter! How can I help you today?"

He must've still been acting professional cuz he was still on the clock. No matter. You were still happy to see him so you held up the old pre owned books. "Can I buy these really quick?"

"Of course! Just let me finish putting up this china set and I'll get right to you!," he said holding up the box.

Definitely caught him in the middle of working. Only watching as returned to a shelf to finish unloading the breakable china onto the shelves before making his way over to the counter and smiling brightly at you holding your books. 

"Did you find everything ok?"

You nodded. "Definitely. I can't wait to look through these recipes. Aren't you working a bit late though?"

"I was about to close up the shop actually. You both caught me right when closing."

"Oh. Hey. Do you wanna come have dinner with us?"

Kyojuro and Gyomei blinked at you surprised by your offer. "You're...inviting me to dinner?"

You nodded. "Only if you'd want to though it's been a while since I last saw you and I'd like to spend time with you too. As long as Mei doesn't mind." You turned to him in question.

Gyomei hummed raising a brow as he stared in your direction. "I..do not see why not as long as he is comfortable with it."

"But of course!" The flame haired man beamed at you both in happiness. "I'd love nothing more than to join you both for dinner! But first thing's first. That'll be ten forty five for the books."

The night was pretty casual. You three had a few burgers at some small hole in the hall restaurant just catching up with him asking his his exam went and how his dad was doing at his new job. You were happy to hear Mr. Rengoku was doing a lot better now than you last saw him. And you were happy to see Kyojuro also doing so well seemingly much happier now that he didn't have to worry about his father struggling with a job. Speaking of which you've learnt through the grapevine that the Shinazugawas were doing much better as well. Most of Sanemi's friends had helped to chip in with helping Mrs. Shinazugawa pay off the massive debt her deceased husband left behind. So now Sanemi's siblings wouldn't be forced to take on part time jobs after all which was a relief. That poor woman didn't need to go through that. Before parting on good terms for the evening and heading on home.

You supposed the Uzui's heard of you hanging out with practically everyone else so not to be outdone, Makio sent you a text inviting you to come over next week and see where they put up the painting of you. You agreed and the last Wednesday of that month drove over to the Uzuis' home. Greeted at the door by Makio whom invited you in and found the other two ladies preparing lunch in the kitchen but made sure to greet and talk to you for a little bit before Tengan danced his way down the stairs to greet you.

"Well if it ain't my lovely nude!~," he greeted you brightly upon seeing you there.

"Hey, Tengen. How's your next painting coming along?"

You noticed that he was wearing that paint stained apron and he had his hair tied up in the same messy bun he always wore when you posed for him, so you assumed that meant he must've been painting again.

He lit up giving a wink and finger guns. "Sharp eye. My neighbor commissioned me to paint her this cherry blossom landscape but that's not what you're here for." You blinked when he all of sudden threw an arm around your shoulders and squished you against his side. "How about I show you where I put that portrait at?"

"Sure!"

With a smile he brought you upstairs and over down the hall a bit before he showed you the wall right next to the guest room proudly. On it was the absolutely beautiful painting Tengen had painted you last month. It's a surreal feeling seeing yourself somehow so beautiful and painted. Made you happy seeing Tengen's face so proudly smiling at it.

"I think you picked a nice spot for it," you complimented making him smile. "I'd love to see your other painting when you're finished."

"Will do! You'll love it! Cherry blossoms are one of my favorite things to paint!" He motioned with his hands lighting up like a kid in a candy shop. "After all, they're absolutely beautifully breath taking and the romantic undertones are perfect for that special someone."

"I didn't take you for a romantic, but then again you work at a host club so that checks out."

That actually had him blinking before looking amused and loudly laughing. "Hahaha! I'd like to think I'm quite romantic with all my partners, but I was actually referring to the painting itself as romantic considering the guy whom commissioned me plans to gift it to his crush next month."

You rose a brow a bit confused. "Next month?"

Now Tengen's brow rose. "Did you forget?" He motioned at nothing with his hand when you didn't catch on. "Valentine's Day!"

"Oh." Realization dawned on you. "I must've forgotten with how busy I've been this month." Although you did notice the fliers advertising for the upcoming Sweethearts Dance the university was hosting but soon after forgotten about them. 

"Yeah. Y'know it's tradition to confess under cherry blossoms? Well it's still going to be too cold for them to bloom next month so the guy figured that he'd confess by giving his own cherry blossoms. Courtesy of yours truly of course!~"

"Aw! That's honestly kinda sweet."

"Yeah! I'm treating all three of my wives to an expensive dinner and treating them like the queens they are!~ And of course Kyojuro's not going to escape my flamboyant love either! What about you guys?" He looked interested tilting his head at you. "What are you and the big guy doing for V Day? Wait! Don't tell me. The big lug's taking you to that cute dance right?"

"Oh...um." You looked away suddenly shuffling embarrassed. "I uh-...Never celebrated Valentine's Day romantically."

Slowly magenta eyes blinked at you. "Huh?"

You shrugged. "Well...I do celebrate it just not like everyone else."

"Whaddya mean?"

"I just-..Well Valentine's Day is about celebrating all kinds of love not just romantic. So I just sorta celebrated self love. Every year."

"Uh huh." He hummed looking you up and down. "Haven't you ever been to a dance before?"

"Once. At prom...But it didn't go so well."

"What happened?" 

You frowned deadpanned. "Well my 'date' ghosted me and didn't pick me up, and when I decided to just go myself I found out he just decided to dump me and go with one of the cheerleaders instead. I spent the entire time just drinking punch standing around like an idiot because no one asked me to dance." That and you only got home because Murata was there and like a good friend had offered to drive you back home.

His eyes widened at that. "Wow. That's despicable."

"I know. Before Mei I've had really bad luck with dates."

"I see.." It was then that his eyes lit up with a bright idea that made him. "Well I'm sure you'll have a good dance one of these days."

"I doubt that but thank you, Tengen. I appreciate it."

"But of course.~ Now why don't you join us for lunch? Hinatsuru makes some delicious gyudon."

You hadn't really expected anything to happen after that encounter with the Uzuis. You simply had lunch and then left soon after not giving Tengen a second thought to anything he had said as he saw you off digging a phone from his pocket. Just choosing to focus on work and school through the rest of the month and into the first few days of February. 

When it happened.

You were in the nursery when it happened. You had just changed the diaper of one of the babies and put them down for their nap when your coworker poked her head in with a mixture of shock and 'i just saw a ghost' on her face. 

"Hey, Lacey. Are you ok?" You looked concerned by the thousand yard stars she was giving you. "You look like you saw a ghost."

She just stiffly looked at you before pointing behind her towards the front lobby. "Th-Th-There's-..For you?"

You were further confused furrowing your brows. "For me?..Is there someone in the lobby?"

She stiffly nodded making you him. Who could be in the lobby at this hour? Classes weren't over yet so nobody could've been here to pick up anyone yet. By the look on her face, it could've been Sanemi scaring the living daylights out of her again but that wouldn't make sense if he was still in class. Curiosity got the better of you as you bypassed the frozen, pale woman and left the infant wing towards the lobby. Up the hallway you noticed something up ahead. A much taller figure was already standing there and you recognized him immediately.

"Gyomei?" The man in the apron turned to you with a blink as your footsteps approached from up the hallway. "What's going on?"

"That is what I was just trying to figure out." He turned back forward across the lobby and you did too.

What you saw had you stopping in your tracks. 

"Guys?" 

"HI, Y/N!!," Mitsuri was the first one to answer giving you a full armed wave and smile.

Everyone was there. Hinatsuru, Giyuu, Obanai- 

"What are you all doing here?," Gyomei asked confused as if reading your mind too. His brows rising. Did that mean Lacey told him to come to the lobby too? "Shouldn't you be at work or have classes?" His head tilted as his brows furrowed. "And how come I smell so much floral?"

"Why are you guys holding flowers?"

Each and every one of them held some kind of flowers. A full on bouquet for most even if Sanemi and Obanai looked entirely flustered and red faced about it refusing to make eye contact.

"Kanae donated them from the florist shop but enough of that?" Tengen smiled brightly at you as if proud of his little mischief plan. "We came all the way here to ask you both something!"

Ask you both something? You glanced at Gyomei but he just seemed as lost and confused as you were continuing to just stare ahead in sheer dumbfoundedness at the group of people in front of you both until you looked back up when Tengen got down on one knee.

"Gyomei. Y/n." With the most mischievous grin on his face he dared to hold up the roses to you both. "Will you do us the honor of going to the dance with us?~"

[abaker74]

I don't have the patience for this 🤣🤣🤣 put me in coach. It's time for a new friend on base. A young one, who doesn't have problems bar fighting for our pregnant friend. Girls girl and all.

Aim for the Sky Part 32 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: You're struggling through your pregnancy, trying to stay calm as your worries about Bradley grow as quickly as the baby. Bradley wants to put his best foot forward at work, making himself available for office hours, but maybe he's made himself too accessible.

Warnings: Angst, adult language, body image, DILF Roo, smut, pregnancy topics, lactation kink, jealous

Length: 3400 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

Aim for the Sky masterlist. This was written to accompany my series Is It Working For You? along with a bunch of my one-shots and other series, but it can be read on its own! Check my masterlist for the reading order.

Bradley's new office was coming along nicely. Everything was standard issue Navy grade, but he started adding some touches here and there to make it look more personal. The file cabinet was covered in ultrasound photos, one column of Rosie and one of her younger sibling. 

He glanced at the wedding photo on his desk before adjusting it and wincing. You were still mad this morning that he overdid it at the Hard Deck last night, but he wished you would just let it go. It's not like he drove home drunk or anything. Nat and the guys were just excited to learn he was going to have another kid. The drinks just kept coming.

There was a knock on the door, and then Maverick poked his head inside. "You have a minute?"

"Yeah," Bradley replied, waving him inside. "It's not like I can tell you no. You're my commanding officer, Mav."

The older man chuckled, setting some folders on the desk. "I need you to keep all of the forms updated for each of the pilots. It's best if you work on it every day and then update the hard copies. You should have time to do this between visits during your office hours."

Today was the first time Bradley was holding office hours, and honestly he felt a bit like a college professor: the aviators were kind of his students, and he was responsible for making sure they were prepared to fly.

"Not sure how busy my office hours will be," Bradley muttered. He should probably send a text to remind you he'd be home a little later than usual tonight. While he didn't want to make a habit of missing dinner with his girls, this was a far cry better than being deployed. 

"You might be surprised," Maverick replied with a smile as he backed toward the door. "You've got a lot to show the others, Lieutenant Commander."

Then he was gone, and Bradley could feel the warmth rising in his cheeks. He just wanted to prove himself, but the first time someone had him up against the wall, scrambling for an answer, he wasn't sure what he was going to do. He'd only started to advertise his extra hours during today's lecture, so it would probably be another week or so until someone came to him for any sort of guidance on a Monday evening. But he would try to be ready.

He was just opening one of the folders from Maverick when there was another knock on his door. This time when he looked up, he was met with a flight suit complete with a Golden Warriors patch identical to the one he wore. That would have been enough to let him know it was Indigo, but then he met her eyes as he stood up behind his desk.

"Lieutenant Jeffries," he greeted with a smile as she strode inside. "How can I help you?"

She studied his face with a knowing look for a few seconds before breaking out into a smile of her own. "Sir, I can think of so many ways you could help me. It's not even funny."

Bradley blinked, brow furrowed as he examined her. "Well, why don't you start with an easy one? It's been a long day. And something tells me you might be regretting the late start you got at the Hard Deck last night."

Her laughter filled the room. "I could never regret finding the officer hangout before the rest of my peers from Texas. I need to keep the edge I have over Rex and Spice." When she started to close the door, Bradley frowned.

"Keep it open," he said casually, reaching out to catch it before it shut. He didn't want anyone thinking he was playing favorites, and the little pout on Indigo's lips convinced him she wanted to be his favorite aviator. But she didn't argue. She simply sat down on the edge of the couch and looked up at him.

"The easiest way you can help me is by telling me where I can improve," she said, fingers toying with the zipper at her neck. "I want to be the best you've ever seen."

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

You couldn't tell if Cat was actually annoyed with you or if she was just teasing, but you were too exhausted from a restless night to care.

"I can't believe Bradley told Jake you're pregnant before you told me yourself! I just saw you last night!"

Her gaze dipped down to your belly as you stood before her in the lab. You knew you were showing. There was no denying it now. You had a bunch of appointments coming up with Dr. Morris, and you were just going to keep getting bigger until you had to wear the maternity tent again. You knew you were already huge and that you'd probably never be your normal size ever again. And the last thing you wanted was Cat Coleman of all people scrutinizing your appearance when she always looked pristine.

Everything was made worse by Bradley's interactions with Indigo. She was everywhere on base, but now she had taken over your bar, too. You saw her this morning but managed to duck out of the way before those piercing eyes landed on you. She knew what you looked like now, and Cat's gaze lingering on your belly was doing nothing to give you a boost of confidence.

"Please make sure you're eating and drinking enough," she told you. "We don't want another repeat of Annapolis where you could barely give a presentation. Or a repeat of the day you fell at work."

You gritted your teeth. "This pregnancy doesn't even feel like my last one. Okay? I'm eating just fine. Too well, actually."

You turned on your heel, boot squeaking on the floor and headed out to collect Rose from daycare. Everything was just a reminder of your size right now. Visions of candy bars danced in your head as you told yourself you'd go home and eat a sensible dinner while Bradley held his office hours. But you already knew... you just knew Indigo would squeeze her way in there with her pretty eyes and her perky tits. And your husband seemed to be oblivious to her. At least you'd tried to convince yourself he wasn't actively looking. But you knew she found him attractive. You could smell it on her a mile away.

Tears filled your eyes as you approached the daycare facility. If he was looking at her, you couldn't blame him. Indigo was beautiful, her body stunning even in her flight suit. Meanwhile you looked like an exhausted, lumpy, khaki-covered potato with acne and zero energy.

"Let's go home," you whispered to Rose, trying to smile at the daycare staff as you pushed her out in her stroller.

You were absolutely fine. You were totally fine. Or at least you would be. Or at least that's what you kept telling yourself.

But all week long, you heard the same collection of call signs spilling from Bradley's lips, and Indigo's was always the first one. She was the fastest, most cunning, smartest, most decisive pilot he'd ever flown with. Any time you asked him a question about work, she was the answer. And he was late coming home almost every day.

"Hey, Sweetheart. Sorry, I had to stay in the infirmary with Spice after she strained her shoulder," he said, rushing inside on Friday night as you made dinner. "She couldn't even raise her arm to get her helmet off."

He kissed your cheek, letting his hand rest on your belly for a beat before he ended up on the floor next to Rose's play mat where she was trying her hardest to crawl to Tramp. As soon as Bradley showed up, she changed her mind and tried to get to him instead.

You pressed your lips together as you turned off the stove burner. "Did anyone else stay with you and Spice?"

"Yeah, Indigo hung out," he replied easily, brushing his fingers along Rose's hair with a smile. You swallowed hard, watching him on his hands and knees in his khaki uniform. He looked so good. Like ridiculously good. Broad shoulders and big biceps and a handsome smile.

"Why am I not surprised?" you muttered, turning away from him.

"I think they're friends," he said. "It's kind of amusing getting to experience the love and hate dynamics amongst the group. The women tend to stick together on the ground, but anything goes in the air."

Your stomach ached with hunger pangs, and the only thing you wanted to eat was ice cream. When you realized you'd eaten a frozen burrito barely an hour ago, you desperately wanted to go to bed hungry, but you started to feel guilty about the baby.

"My parents listed their house today," you announced, trying to change the subject before you started to cry.

"Did you hear that, Nugget?" Bradley scooped Rose up in his arms and carried her into the kitchen where you were plating two meals. "Your grandparents are moving here to spend more time with you. And next summer, we'll take you and your little brother or sister back to Virginia to see where ol' Goose and Carole used to live, okay?"

He peppered her face with kisses until she was giggling wildly, and every negative thought started to get fuzzy around the edges. When his brown eyes met yours, you nodded toward the table, and his arm slipped around your waist.

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

Bradley came home from his office hours on Monday to find you wearing only his old UVA shirt. The soft cotton was hugging your bump and showing off your legs, and he was ready to get on his knees and beg for you.

After he put Rose in her crib for the night, he met you in bed where you were wearing your glasses, your face freshly scrubbed. He was plainly getting hard in his gym shorts the more he looked at you. It was so obvious. When you stood on your knees and coaxed him closer with your finger, he met you there.

"I hope you know how good you have it, Roo," you whispered against his lips.

He knew. He knew all about it. He let his hand slide down over your belly, keeping you in place when you tried to scoot away. Then his fingers slowly yanked up the hem of his shirt until he was touching your pussy. 

"Of course I know it, Baby Girl." He circled your clit with his middle finger before slipping it inside you. "I've got my Rosie. And my hot, pregnant wife with her perfect pussy." When you whimpered, he kissed your nose. "I've got it all."

You dragged the shirt up over your belly and chest, tossing it aside. For a beat, Bradley went completely dizzy at the sight of your tits. Then you made everything better by placing your hands on your breasts, working them until beads of milk appeared. Your head was tipped back, pussy squeezing his middle finger, and Bradley almost lost his mind.

His kisses were rough. He knew it. But you were whining Roo as he got undressed, and then you were guiding his lips to your tits. He had to have it dirty. His cock was so fucking hard, he needed to make you scream.

"Oh, fuck," he growled as his lips grazed your nipple, lapping up your milk until he thought he was going to pass out. Every inch of your body was so sweet and supple, but he wanted you babbling and begging.

Bradley meticulously cleaned you up until you were clinging onto him, then he pushed you onto your back. Without hesitation, he started fucking you. When you needed a hand over your mouth to keep from waking Rose, he was all too happy to help. When you spread your legs wider, he watched his cock glide inside your welcoming body over and over again until he felt his orgasm in his balls.

"Shit. I'm gonna cum," he groaned, waiting until you nodded against his palm to lose himself. Hips thrusting, filling you with shallow strokes, he fucked you until your pussy was dripping. He watched the mess he made dribble down your ass before catching it with his fingertips. "I swear I don't think I can keep my cock out of you long enough for you to not be pregnant ever again."

You snorted before reaching for his hand and bringing it to your lips. "After this one, I'm going right back on the pill. No more slip ups," you whispered. Bradley watched as your tongue darted out, licking his sticky cum and swallowing every drop.

"No more slip ups," he echoed, smiling at your belly. He'd never consider this a mistake. Not in a million years. A surprise? Absolutely. But not a mistake.

Bradley's phone lit up where it had been discarded on the floor when you slipped into the bathroom. He had a text from an unknown number with a Virginia area code. At first, he thought it might be his cousin Brenda letting him know she had a new phone number, but when he opened the message, his brow creased in confusion at first.

Lieutenant Commander, thanks for spending so much time with me today in your office today.

Only three people had been in his office with him earlier. One was Maverick. One was Forrest who he had to reprimand. The third was Indigo. Bradley hadn't been giving out this number, but it was readily available if anyone wanted to look through the registry in the lobby of the building where his small office was housed.

He scratched the rough stubble along his jaw, contemplating if he should respond after nine in the evening. He saved her number under her call sign and tossed his phone on the bed when you walked back in with a smile on your face. He should wait until the morning to respond if at all.

You yawned when he passed you. "I'm ready for bed, Roo."

"Give me a minute to brush my teeth, and I'm right behind you."

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

By the end of the week, your parents had two offers on the house where you were raised. They were officially downsizing to a cute bungalow a few streets over in Coronado, and you were excited. Or you wanted to be.

But every time you let your heart fill with happiness over your parents or the baby, you remembered that Indigo was texting your husband. You saw it for yourself. Right after he fucked you so good, you could barely walk, you glanced down at his phone on your bed. He had her number saved in his phone, and you wanted to cry.

You could ask him for permission to look at his phone. You could see what his reaction was. That would give you a good gauge of what exactly was going on between them. But Bradley had never once asked you to hand your phone over to him. He'd ever insinuated that there would be a reason he didn't trust you. 

Unsure what else to do, you sat in your office during your lunch break and cried. The tears were hot and miserable on your cheeks, and a headache instantly started brewing behind your eyes. It took you almost ten minutes to get yourself under control, and by then you didn't even feel like going to the cafeteria for food.

When someone knocked, you looked up at your door. Maybe it was Bradley. Maybe you could get his phone from him somehow and check it yourself. "Come in," you called, voice soft from all the tears you'd shed. Instead of your husband, Jake strolled inside. "Did you get lost? Cat's probably in the lab."

"Aww, come on, Angel," he drawled, dropping down into your extra chair. "I came all the way up here to see you."

"Oh." You were a little surprised. Everyone was so busy as the last quarter of the year was beginning, you felt like you hadn't seen much of him.

"Why do you look so sad?" he asked, already leaning forward to stand again. "Want me to grab you and the baby something to eat and bring it up here?"

"No," you told him quickly. "I'm fine. Just a little stressed." You tried to smile, but you felt like you could cry again. "Are you having a slow day?"

"Nah." He leaned back with his arms crossed over his chest. "Just had to get away from your annoying husband and his band of misfits clogging up the comms with their exercises."

"Band of misfits?" you asked with a soft laugh.

"Bunch of children," he replied with an eye roll. "Look like they just graduated from high school." His eyes went wide. "Oh shit, that probably means I look old now."

"You don't look too bad for someone older than me," you promised with a smirk. "Hey, do you know anything about any of those new pilots?"

"I know they like to hog the line in the cafeteria. One of them took the last slice of pizza yesterday, and I had to wait for a new pie to finish baking. Food should be based on seniority. I outrank all of them."

You were laughing at his smile now. "Hey, maybe I should get something to eat. And it might be nice to get out of my office for a few minutes."

"I'll walk you down." Jake stood and helped you to your feet. "Can't hang out too long though. Mav has a fire under his ass about getting Phoenix, Bob and I in the air this afternoon."

You headed to the cafeteria with Jake, getting a chance to hear his side of the wedding plans after listening to Cat for weeks. They wanted something small and simple, but he assured you there would be room for the Bradshaws on the guest list. Once you had a tray piled high with a salad, breadsticks and once slice of pizza, you took a seat while Jake headed back out to the tarmac to get back to work.

Your lunch tasted incredible. The cheese from the pizza was practically melting in your mouth. When the cafeteria started clearing out, there were only a few tables occupied, and you started stacking the plates on your tray. You could have a calm, reasonable conversation with your husband. He'd let you look at his phone, and everything would be fine.

"Okay, but what's up with Lieutenant Commander Bradshaw?"

Your eyes darted up from your tray to find two officers sitting a short distance away. The one facing you had a patch on her flight suit that said SPICE, and you recognized her call sign from conversations with Bradley.

"He's hot, but he's wearing a wedding band," she added.

You swore your heart stopped at her words. Then you realized that the woman with her back to you was Indigo. Her jet black hair was wound up in a tight bun that accentuated her long neck even from behind, and her laughter set your teeth on edge.

"I already told you," she said, and you had to stop breathing to make sure you heard every word. "His wife is a civvy. I saw her at the bar the only night he showed up. They have one kid, and apparently she's pregnant again. At least that's what I heard Lieutenant Trace saying."

"What does his wife look like?" Spice asked, casually taking a sip of her drink as if your world wasn't crumbling to pieces.

"It was hard to tell in the dark, but her face seemed okay. Nice-ish body, but come on..." Indigo gestured to herself. "The man's only human, and his wife is definitely older than me. That much is easy to tell. And she'll be huge again soon."

You tried to get up from your seat quickly, fighting with yourself to get out of the room, but it was too late. Both of them were standing now, still chatting as Indigo turned your way. As soon as her eyes landed on your face, you saw them widen. That pretty blue color looked terrifying as a smile of recognition spread across her lips.

Indigo absolutely knew who you were now. Her eyes dipped down to the hyphenated name pinned against your chest, and now she knew you weren't a random civilian. She knew you were an officer who worked on North Island. She knew way too much as she took in every inch of your body. And she looked really pleased by what she saw.

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

He has his sweet moments, but Roo doesn't see the bigger picture here. Next chapter will reveal if Rose is going to have a brother or a sister. Any guesses? Thanks @beyondthesefourwalls

@hotch-meeeeeuppppp

@solacestyles

@blog-name6996

@bcon24

@avada-kedavra-bitch-187

@katiebby04

@marantha

@averyhotchner

@abaker74

@heli991113

@k-k0129

@noz4a2

@shanimallina87

@ccbb2222

@xoxabs88xox

@thedroneranger

@cherrycola27

@fanboyswhore9

@xomrsalliej4787xo

@desert-fern

@horseslovers2016

@mattyskies

@hookslove1592

@blahehblah

@sadpetalsstuff

@local-spidey

@schoollover

@lex-winchester

@nicole01-23

@jessicab1991

@happyrebelruins

@samsgoddess

@bellaireland1981

@sagittarius-flowerchild

@mygyn

@yuckosworld

@daggerspare-standingby

@nessjo

@trickphotography2

@lyn-js

@furiousladyking

@godsfavoritebabe

@bethabear12

@halo-mystic

@sherlockstrangewolf

@theamuz

@khaylin27

@glenpowellluver

[abaker74]

The Rogue Prince’s Legacy

Fandom: House of Dragon

Summary: Amid the whispers of court, your pregnancy becomes a symbol of hope for House Targaryen’s future, forging a bond that even dragons sense. As Daemon’s love and Caraxes’ fierce protectiveness grow, you witness the unyielding devotion of both husband and dragon to the life you carry. Together, the three of you embody the fire, blood, and strength that define the Targaryen legacy, standing unshaken against the world.

Pairing: Reader/Daemon Targaryen

The news of your pregnancy spread quickly through the Red Keep, setting tongues wagging and hearts alight with anticipation. You and Daemon Targaryen were no strangers to whispers, but this time, they carried a different tone—hope, curiosity, and envy. The child you carried was the blood of the dragon, a symbol of House Targaryen’s future.

Daemon, ever the Rogue Prince, was ecstatic. His usual smirking bravado softened into something deeper—a fierce, protective pride. He rarely left your side, his presence a shield against the world. But it wasn’t only Daemon who became fiercely protective; Caraxes, his crimson-scaled dragon, had taken his role as guardian to an extreme, as though he too sensed the precious life growing within you.

Caraxes’ behavior changed almost overnight. The once fiery and unpredictable Blood Wyrm, known for prowling the skies with reckless abandon, now lingered close to the Red Keep, his sharp eyes constantly tracking your movements. He prowled the courtyards, perched on castle walls, and roared at anyone he deemed too close to you. The first time you noticed it was during a walk in the gardens. You had gone outside for air when you spotted Caraxes curled on the stones beyond the hedges, his golden eyes fixed intently on you. When Daemon joined you, he chuckled at the sight, his hand resting on your shoulder. “It seems Caraxes has appointed himself your personal warden.”

“Is this normal?” you asked, glancing nervously at the looming dragon.

Daemon smirked, his tone laced with amusement. “Normal? No. But nothing about you and our child is ordinary.”

As days turned to weeks, Caraxes’ vigilance grew. He became territorial, roaring at anyone who approached you too closely. Servants scurried away at the sound of his growls, and even the most confident courtiers kept their distance. Daemon found the situation endlessly entertaining. One afternoon, as you sat reading in the shade of the courtyard, Caraxes positioned himself nearby, his tail curling protectively around the perimeter. When Daemon arrived, he stood for a moment, watching the scene with a grin.

“Do you realize you’ve tamed not just me but my dragon as well?” he asked, his voice carrying that familiar teasing edge.

Looking up from your book, you raised an eyebrow. “Tamed? I wouldn’t call this taming. He looks ready to incinerate anyone who gets too close.”

Daemon laughed, sitting beside you. “He knows. Dragons are not mindless—they sense things. He feels the importance of what you carry.”

“Our child?” you asked, a faint smile tugging at your lips.

“Our child,” Daemon corrected, his hand brushing against your growing belly. “Caraxes is simply doing what I wish I could—guarding you against the world.”

There was one moment, however, that reminded everyone why dragons were both revered and feared. It happened one afternoon as you walked through the courtyard with Daemon. A visiting lord, deep in drink and judgment clouded, stumbled too close to you, shouting something incoherent as he reached out in jest. Before Daemon could react, a deafening roar shattered the air. Caraxes lunged forward from his perch on the castle wall, teeth bared and tail smashing into the ground. The lord froze, his face pale as Caraxes’ massive head loomed over him, a deep growl rumbling in the dragon’s chest.

Daemon stepped forward, his expression dark and cold. “I suggest you leave,” he said, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword.

The lord didn’t wait for a second warning. He fled, stumbling over himself in his haste. Beside you, Daemon’s smirk returned. “You see? He’s more terrifying than I could ever be.”

“Terrifying,” you agreed, though a faint smile tugged at your lips. “But perhaps necessary.”

For all his ferocity, Caraxes also showed moments of surprising gentleness. One day, you ventured to the dragonpit with Daemon, wanting to see him up close. As you approached, Caraxes lowered his massive head, his golden eyes softening as he sniffed the air around you. “He knows you,” Daemon murmured, watching the interaction with rare tenderness in his voice.

Tentatively, you reached out, your fingers brushing against Caraxes’ warm scales. The dragon rumbled low in his chest, leaning into your touch. Despite his reputation, there was a gentleness in him now, a reflection of the bond you had formed not just with Daemon but with the life you carried. “You’re not so scary after all,” you whispered, wonder filling your voice.

Daemon laughed, wrapping an arm around your waist. “Don’t let him hear that too often. He might lose his edge.”

As your pregnancy progressed, Daemon’s protectiveness rivaled even Caraxes’. He became your shadow, ensuring your every need was met, sparing no expense to keep you comfortable and safe. Despite his reputation as a warrior and rogue, he revealed a softer, more vulnerable side—a man who would do anything to protect his family.

One evening, as you rested in your chambers, Daemon sat beside you, his hand resting over your belly. “Do you know what this child means to me?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual.

You smiled, brushing your fingers through his silver hair. “Tell me.”

He looked at you, his violet eyes filled with an emotion so raw it took your breath away. “It means everything. You and this child are my legacy, my purpose. The world can burn, but I will keep you safe. Both of you.”

Tears prickled at your eyes, and you leaned forward, pressing your forehead to his. “You’ve already given me the world, Daemon. Now we’ll share it with our child.”

In the distance, Caraxes roared, his cry echoing across the night as if to proclaim the promise of what was to come. Between the fierce love of a husband, the unrelenting loyalty of a dragon, and the life growing within you, you knew your family was bound by fire, blood, and an unbreakable bond. Together, you would face whatever the world brought, unshaken and unyielding.

Please support my work with like and comment

[abaker74]

updated: 23.12.23

݁₊ ⊹ fluff

Selfish (❤✘): it’s your first morning at home in bridgerton house as the viscountess- only thing is, your husband’s selfish. (@leviathanspain)

Stolen Ribbons and Secret Smiles (❤): one day in the park, you stumble across the two youngest bridgertons, which leads to a friendship with none other than their eldest brother. (@writeroutoftime)

Overprotective (❤): Anthony gets overprotective when there is an injury. (@fayes-fics)

Refuge (❤): the boys tend to you when you are sick. - throuple (@fayes-fics)

Suitors and Sutures (❤): reader is named the diamond of the season but despite this, she finds the men of the ton avoiding her rather than courting her. (@sodaabaa)

Powdered Sugar Kisses (❤✘): Anthony searches Aubrey Hall for his wife, only to find her where he least expected a viscountess to be. (@sodaabaa)

Late Night Mischief (❤): reader gets dragged into a bit of late night mischief with the bridgerton siblings while anthony is away. (@sodaabaa)

Distractions (❤): Daphne requests your help in distracting her brother. (@peterpparkrr)

Kismet (❤): in which Anthony Bridgerton contemplates the meaning of life, death and love. (@writtenfangirl)

Gentle (❤): Anthony is gentle with anxious!reader. (@lydiimae)

Unexpectedly Expecting (❤): when you tell anthony you're expecting after having trouble conceiving. (@ithebookhoarder) (warning: mentions of trouble conceiving a child)

All About The Heart (❤): reader has a heart defect where you have a hard time breathing whilst running with your siblings. (@frost-queen)

[abaker74]

Marvel Masterlists

(A sublist from my main one- some I have read and loved, some I plan to!)

Masterlist by @marvelstoriesepic

Marvel Masterlist by @holylulusworld

Bucky fics by @shamrockqueen

Bucky fics by @buckrecs

Bucky fics by @wintermischief

Bucky Barnes Masterlist by @tuiccim

Masterlist by @crazyunsexycool

Masterlist by @skaye44

Masterlist by @deliciousangelfestival

Master Masterlists by @jobean12-blog

Masterlist by @buckyalpine

Masterlist by @ofstarsandvibranium

Masterlist by @navybrat817

Masterlist by @fluffysucker

Masterlist by @thefallennightmare

Masterlist by @sweetdreamsbuck

Masterlist by @bucky-bucky-bucky-bucky

Masterlist by @frostironfudge

Masterlist by @angrythingstarlight

Masterlist by @kayhi808

Masterlist by @sebstanaddict

Masterlist by @misguidedasgardian

Masterlist by @aquaticmercy

Masterlist by @fanfictiongirlie

Masterlist by @cevansbrat0007

Masterlist by @mercurial-chuckles

Masterlist by @nastybuckybarnes

Masterlist by @elixirfromthestars

Masterlist by @imtryingbuck

[abaker74]

Say Don't Go | AU

Parings: College!Hockey Bucky x Reader

Warnings: Angst, asshole bucky, drinking

Summary: In college, you’re a photography student capturing every moment of the hockey team, where your childhood best friend Steve Rogers is captain. As your feelings for star player Bucky Barnes deepen, his notorious commitment issues leave you feeling uncertain. But as flirty banter turns into deeper connections, Bucky’s commitment issues and fear of vulnerability complicate the budding romance. You find yourself questioning if his feelings are as real as yours, and if you can bridge the gap between friendship and love. you must decide whether to take a chance on love or protect your heart from getting hurt, or will the uncertainty of his heart leave you both standing on opposite sides of what could be?

--

Part One 🏒

Part Two 🏒

Part Three 🏒

Part Four 🏒

Part Five🏒

Part Six🏒

[abaker74]

I just wanna grab Rooster and

What ruined this Christmas so quickly? Lies. 3

Part 1 here Part 2 here

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x wife!reader

Summary: Just a few weeks before Christmas all goes downhill. You're left taking care of the kids and leaving work early and now your husbands brings up the topic of moving as soon as possible to San Diego. You're overwhelmed but he's willing to go no matter the lies he told.

Warnings: Mentions of throwing up, mentions of sickness, lies, overwhelmed reader, arguments, mentions of cheating

Word count: 6.1k

The soft light of morning streamed through the curtains as Bradley stirred, the warmth of your body pressed against his pulling him from sleep. His arm instinctively tightened around your waist for a moment before he let go, careful not to wake you.

He reached over to the nightstand, grabbing his phone and squinting at the bright screen. There was a text waiting for him, and when he saw it was from Phoenix, his stomach clenched.

Phoenix: Did you tell her yet?

Bradley stared at the message, his thumb hovering over the keyboard. He glanced over at you, your face peaceful and relaxed in sleep, the events of last night leaving a slight smile on your lips.

He ran a hand over his face, sighing quietly. He hadn’t told you. Instead, he had lied to you, weaving together an excuse to justify his impending trip to San Diego. You trusted him, and here he was, betraying that trust.

His chest tightened as guilt surged through him. He typed a response, then hesitated, deleting it before writing something else.

Bradley: No. Not yet.

A moment later, Phoenix replied.

Phoenix: Bradshaw… you can’t keep putting this off. She’s gonna find out, and it’ll be worse.

Bradley frowned, staring at her words. She was right, but he couldn’t bring himself to face it—not yet. You’d been so tense, so tired. The argument couple nights back still lingered in his mind, and the thought of adding more stress made his chest ache.

He locked his phone, placing it back on the nightstand as he shifted closer to you. Wrapping an arm around your waist, he pressed a kiss to the back of your shoulder, trying to push the guilt aside.

You stirred softly, the sensation of Bradley’s arm wrapped around your waist grounding you as you blinked against the morning light. The warmth of his body pressed against your back made you sigh contentedly, though the weight of the week still lingered at the edge of your mind.

“Good morning,” his voice rumbled low and soft in your ear, and you could feel the gentle press of his lips against your shoulder.

You shifted to face him, your eyes meeting his, still half-lidded with sleep. “Morning,” you murmured, your voice heavy with drowsiness. “You’re up early.”

He smiled faintly, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. “Couldn’t stay asleep,” he said, his hand lingering on your cheek. “Didn’t want to wake you.”

“You didn’t,” you assured him, leaning into his touch. “What time is it?”

“A little after seven,” he replied.

You groaned softly, stretching your arms above your head before curling back into him. “It’s too early,” you mumbled, letting your eyes close again.

Bradley chuckled, his hand running soothing circles on your back. “You can sleep a little longer if you want,” he said, though there was something in his tone—hesitation, almost as if he was distracted.

You peeked up at him, your brows furrowing slightly. “What’s on your mind?” you asked, your voice still quiet but sharper now, more alert.

He hesitated, his hand stilling on your back for a moment before resuming its slow movement. “Nothing,” he said, his smile faint but not quite reaching his eyes. “Just thinking about the day.”

You didn’t press him—yet—but you could feel that something was off. Still, the warmth of his embrace and the softness of the morning kept you from digging too deep right away. Instead, you snuggled closer, letting the moment linger just a little longer.

You smirked sleepily, the teasing tone in your voice unmistakable as you tilted your head up to look at him. “You better not be over there thinking about anything other than repeating last night’s events, Bradshaw.”

Bradley’s eyes widened slightly in surprise before a grin broke across his face. “Oh, is that so?” he murmured, his hand sliding from your back to rest on your hip.

“Mm-hmm,” you hummed, your fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. “I mean, if you’re going to keep me awake like that, you’d better make it worth my while.”

He let out a low laugh, leaning down to press a kiss to your forehead. “You’re relentless, you know that?”

“I like to think I’m persuasive,” you countered, your smirk widening as you felt his hand tighten slightly on your hip.

Bradley’s grin softened, a playful glint in his eyes as he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against yours. “Well, Mrs. Bradshaw,” he murmured, his voice low and full of promise, “if that’s what’s on your mind, who am I to argue?”

“Exactly,” you whispered against his lips, wrapping your arms around his neck to pull him closer.

He chuckled again, the sound deep and warm, before kissing you fully. It wasn’t hurried or rushed like the chaos of your everyday lives—it was deliberate, slow, and full of the same intensity that had lingered between you last night.

“You’re trouble,” he muttered as he pulled back just enough to look at you, his thumb brushing against your cheek.

“And you love it,” you teased, your smile softening as you held his gaze.

“Damn right, I do,” he admitted, leaning in for another kiss, letting the world outside your bedroom wait just a little longer.

As Bradley’s lips trailed down your neck, warm and deliberate, a soft sigh escaped your lips. You tilted your head slightly, giving him better access, but the thought still lingered in your mind, unshakable.

“You’re leaving right after New Year’s,” you murmured, your voice laced with a mix of resignation and disappointment.

Bradley paused for a fraction of a second, his lips stilling against your skin before he resumed his kisses, slower this time, as though trying to soothe your worry without saying a word. His hands tightened slightly on your hips, pulling you closer to him.

“You’ll be back soon, right?” you asked softly, your fingers playing with the hair at the nape of his neck.

“Yeah,” he mumbled against your skin, his tone low and almost evasive as he moved to press a kiss to your shoulder.

You let out another sigh, your breath shaky as you tried to push past the unease building in your chest. “It’s just… I thought this time would be different, you know? That we’d have more time together before the Navy called you away again. I just don't want any of the kids to get sick again, especially Theo.”

Bradley pulled back just enough to meet your eyes, his expression tender, though there was a flicker of something else—guilt—that he quickly masked. “I know,” he said softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. “I’ll make it up to you.”

You smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach your eyes. “You always say that.”

He didn’t have a response for that, so he leaned in to kiss you again instead, as if that could erase the weight of what he wasn’t saying. He couldn’t bring himself to tell you the truth—that this trip wasn’t just a routine call, but something he’d chosen to do, knowing how much it would hurt you.

As he kissed you, his heart ached with the knowledge that he was betraying your trust, but he pushed it aside, focusing instead on the moment, on the way you fit perfectly in his arms.

“I’ll do better,” he promised against your lips, though even he wasn’t sure who he was trying to convince—you or himself.

Bradley rolled out of bed with a groan, his movements fluid yet unhurried as he stretched his arms above his head. The morning light filtered in through the blinds, catching on the muscles of his back as he reached for his clothes on the chair nearby.

You watched him with a small, appreciative smile, your chin propped on your hand. Your gaze shamelessly wandered to his backside as he pulled on a pair of sweatpants, the fabric clinging in just the right way.

“Enjoying the view?” he teased without turning around, his voice laced with amusement.

“Always,” you shot back, your smirk growing as he turned to glance at you over his shoulder, shaking his head with a grin.

Bradley pulled on a T-shirt and ran a hand through his messy hair before leaning down to press a quick kiss to your temple. “I’ll grab Theo,” he said softly, his hand lingering on your cheek for a moment before he left the room.

You lay back against the pillows, hearing the familiar creak of the floorboards as he made his way to Theo’s room. A few moments later, you heard the soft sound of Bradley’s voice as he spoke to the baby.

“Hey, buddy,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing as he approached the crib. “You ready to start the day?”

Theo babbled happily in response, his tiny hands reaching up toward Bradley as he leaned down to scoop him up.

“There we go,” Bradley said, cradling Theo against his chest as he rubbed the baby’s back gently. “Let’s go see Mama, huh?”

Theo giggled, his little fingers gripping the fabric of Bradley’s shirt as he carried him back into your shared room.

When they entered, your heart melted at the sight. Bradley’s broad frame dwarfed the tiny baby in his arms, yet his movements were so gentle, so full of love, that it was impossible not to feel a pang of affection.

“Look who I found,” Bradley said with a smile, sitting on the edge of the bed as Theo reached out toward you.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” you cooed, taking Theo into your arms and kissing his chubby cheeks as he squirmed happily.

Bradley leaned back on his hands, watching the two of you with a soft smile. “Best way to start the day,” he said, his voice warm and sincere.

You settled Theo in your lap, his tiny hands gripping yours as he babbled endlessly, his bright eyes darting between you and Bradley.

“You’re full of energy this morning,” you murmured, smoothing down his soft hair before leaning in to kiss the top of his head.

Bradley watched the scene for a moment, his expression soft, before he stretched and stood. “I’ll start breakfast,” he said, glancing over his shoulder at you. “Any requests?”

You shrugged, shifting Theo onto your hip as you stood to follow him. “Surprise me.”

Bradley grinned. “You might regret saying that.”

He headed downstairs, his steps quiet as he moved toward the kitchen. You trailed behind him, bouncing Theo lightly as he giggled at the movement.

In the kitchen, Bradley set to work, pulling ingredients from the fridge while you settled Theo into his high chair. The baby watched his dad intently, his little hands slapping the tray of his chair as he babbled nonsense.

“Think he’s giving me cooking advice?” Bradley quipped, glancing at Theo with a smirk as he cracked eggs into a bowl.

“Probably critiquing your technique,” you teased, leaning against the counter with a smile.

Bradley shot you a mock-offended look. “I’m a pro at this, thank you very much.”

You chuckled softly, enjoying the easy banter. Despite the tension from the nights before, moments like this reminded you of why you fell in love with him in the first place—the way he could make even the simplest mornings feel special.

As Bradley whisked the eggs with practiced ease, you glanced toward the stairs. “Should I go wake the girls? They’ll probably want breakfast soon.”

He smirked without looking up, pouring the eggs into the sizzling pan. “Let them sleep in,” he said, his voice tinged with amusement. “It’s finally quiet around here. We should enjoy it while it lasts.”

You laughed softly, leaning back against the counter. “Peace and quiet doesn’t last long in this house.”

“Nope,” he agreed, flipping the eggs with a deft hand. “Which is exactly why I’m soaking this in.”

Theo, as if sensing the calm, let out a loud babble and smacked his high chair tray with both hands.

Bradley turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow. “Okay, maybe not entirely quiet.”

You chuckled, reaching out to tickle Theo’s belly, earning another giggle from him. “This one doesn’t know the meaning of quiet.”

Bradley grinned, plating the eggs before grabbing the bread to toast. “He takes after you.”

You gasped in mock offense. “Excuse me? I am the epitome of calm.”

“Sure, sweetheart,” Bradley teased, leaning over to kiss your temple as he passed you on his way to the toaster. “Whatever you say.”

As you leaned against the counter, watching Bradley work, a thought crossed your mind. You shifted, resting your elbows on the surface as you spoke.

“Hey,” you began casually, “do you want to go shopping today? Pick up some stuff for your deployment to San Diego?”

Bradley froze for the slightest moment, the spatula hovering above the pan. He quickly recovered, flipping the eggs onto a plate, but you caught the way his shoulders tensed.

“Uh,” he started, avoiding your gaze as he busied himself with the toast, “yeah, we could do that.”

You tilted your head, sensing something was off. “I mean, it’s not like we have a ton of time. It’s probably better to get ahead of it, right?”

He forced a smile as he turned back to you, holding the plate of food. “Right.”

But there was something in his tone—something hesitant, almost strained. You narrowed your eyes slightly, studying him.

“You okay?” you asked, trying to keep your voice light.

“Yeah, fine,” he replied quickly, setting the plate on the counter. He leaned against it, rubbing the back of his neck. “Just thinking about everything we’ll need to sort before I go.”

You nodded, accepting his answer but still feeling a nagging suspicion. “Well, let me know when you want to head out. I can leave the kids with Matt or take them with us. Whatever works.”

Bradley’s guilt twisted in his chest as he looked at you, so calm and supportive despite everything. He swallowed hard, knowing he should tell you the truth but unable to force the words out.

“Yeah,” he said finally, his voice softer. “I’ll let you know.”

He turned back to the stove, pretending to focus on cleaning up, but his mind was racing. How was he supposed to tell you he wasn’t going on deployment, that the orders he claimed to have received weren’t real? The weight of his lie felt heavier than ever, and the thought of hurting you made it even worse.

For now, though, he pushed it down, giving you a weak smile when you handed him Theo’s bottle. “I’ll take him while you eat,” he offered, desperate for a distraction.

You nodded, watching him carefully as he picked up Theo and headed to the living room. Something was definitely going on, but you decided to let it slide—for now.

Bradley climbed the stairs slowly, Theo balanced on his hip as the little boy babbled softly. His tiny hands played with Bradley’s shirt collar, but Bradley barely noticed, his mind clouded with guilt.

“This is such a mess,” he muttered under his breath, glancing down at Theo, who gazed up at him innocently. “What the hell am I supposed to do, buddy?”

Theo gurgled in response, his wide-eyed stare unbothered by his dad’s internal conflict.

Bradley sighed, shifting the baby’s weight as he reached the top of the stairs. “I screwed up,” he admitted quietly, the words barely audible even to himself. “I should’ve just told her from the start.”

He paused outside Theo’s room, leaning against the doorframe for a moment. “But how am I supposed to look her in the eye and say I lied?”

Theo let out a tiny squeal, breaking Bradley from his thoughts. He glanced down and gave the baby a faint smile. “You don’t know how lucky you are, kid. No big decisions, no guilt... just bottles and naps.”

With a deep breath, Bradley pushed open the door and stepped inside. He set Theo down on the soft play mat near the crib, watching as his son grabbed a plush toy and started chewing on it.

Bradley crouched down beside him, running a hand over his face. “I’ll figure it out,” he murmured. “I have to.”

Bradley reached over to grab Theo’s bottle from the small table beside the rocking chair, checking the temperature with a quick touch to his wrist. Satisfied, he held it out to Theo, who immediately dropped the plush toy in favour of the bottle, his little hands grasping at it eagerly.

“There you go, bud,” Bradley said softly, easing himself into the chair as he helped guide the bottle to Theo’s mouth.

Theo latched on instantly, his eyes half-closing in contentment as he sucked on the bottle. Bradley watched him in silence, his thoughts still swirling.

“Your mom’s going to kill me, you know that?” he muttered, more to himself than to Theo. The baby offered no response beyond the soft sound of his drinking.

Bradley leaned back in the chair, one hand cradling Theo’s small body while the other rubbed tiredly at his face. “I want to do right by her, by you and your sisters,” he whispered. “But sometimes... I feel like I’m just making it worse.”

Theo’s eyes fluttered open, and he gazed up at his dad with an expression so trusting it made Bradley’s chest ache.

“Guess it’s not about me, huh?” he said, smiling faintly as he adjusted the bottle. “It’s about you guys. Always.”

Theo’s tiny hand reached up, gripping one of Bradley’s fingers tightly as if to agree.

As Bradley sat in the rocking chair, Theo cradled in his arms with the nearly empty bottle, he heard the unmistakable sound of little feet thundering down the stairs.

A moment later, Anna and Judy appeared in the doorway, their hair tousled from sleep and their matching pyjama tops slightly askew.

“Daddy!” Anna squealed, her voice bright and excited despite the early hour.

“Rooster,” Judy greeted, rubbing her eyes with one hand while holding her beloved stuffed bunny in the other.

“Morning, troublemakers,” Bradley said with a smile, sitting up straighter as the girls bounded into the room. Anna immediately climbed onto his lap, careful to avoid Theo, who blinked at her with wide, curious eyes.

“Why didn’t you wake us up?” Anna asked, pouting as she leaned against Bradley’s shoulder.

“Because you two finally slept in for once,” he teased, wrapping one arm around her while still holding Theo steady with the other.

Judy climbed onto the armrest of the rocking chair, her legs swinging as she looked down at her baby brother. “Did Theo cry again? I heard him.”

“Yeah, he woke me up at three,” Bradley said with mock exasperation. “Guess he figured I didn’t need sleep.”

Judy giggled, leaning over to tickle Theo’s tiny foot. “You’re a little troublemaker too, aren’t you?”

Theo gurgled in response, his face lighting up at the attention.

“Alright, you two,” Bradley said, shifting to stand up with Theo in one arm and Anna still clinging to his other side. “Let’s get you some breakfast. Pancake leftovers sound good?”

“Yes!” Anna cheered, sliding down from his arm and darting toward the kitchen.

Judy groaned as Rooster was ruffling her hair. As she skipped after her sister, Bradley adjusted Theo on his hip and headed toward the kitchen, ready to start the day with his lively little crew.

The sound of little feet thundering down the stairs filled the house as Anna and Judy raced ahead, their excited giggles echoing through the hall. Bradley followed behind them, carrying Theo on his hip as the girls darted toward the kitchen.

“Slow down!” he called after them, though the grin on his face betrayed that he wasn’t really upset.

The girls skidded to a halt just inside the kitchen, spotting you at the counter with a mug of coffee in hand. You turned at the commotion, raising an eyebrow as the girls barrelled toward you.

“Mommy!” Anna shouted, wrapping her arms around your leg while Judy stood beside her.

“Well, good morning to you two,” you said with a laugh, ruffling Anna’s messy hair. “What’s got you so hyper already?”

“We just woke up,” Judy said matter-of-factly, though the sparkle in her eyes said she was more excited to see you than anything else.

Bradley entered the room behind them, setting Theo down in his high chair with practiced ease. “Apparently, sleeping in makes them even more energetic,” he joked, leaning against the counter as he watched the scene unfold.

You smiled at him briefly before turning your attention back to the girls. “Alright, go wash up before breakfast,” you said, nudging them gently toward the sink.

“Yes, Mommy,” Anna said, dragging Judy with her as they raced to the sink to wash their hands.

Bradley stepped closer to you, his gaze soft as he tilted his head. “They’re a whirlwind this morning.”

“They take after their dad,” you teased, giving him a knowing look over your coffee cup.

He chuckled, leaning in to kiss your temple. “And here I thought I was the calm one in this family.”

You snorted, shaking your head as the girls returned, ready for whatever chaos breakfast would bring.

You opened the fridge and pulled out the plate of leftover pancakes from the morning before, giving them a quick once-over. “Good thing you made extra yesterday,” you said, grabbing a pan to reheat them.

The girls watched eagerly from the table, Anna practically bouncing in her seat while Judy rested her chin in her hands, still looking a little sleepy. Bradley had settled Theo in his high chair and was now helping him fiddle with a toy to keep him occupied.

As the pancakes warmed, you glanced over your shoulder. “Butter and syrup for both of you?”

“Yes, please!” Anna chirped, her voice full of excitement.

Judy nodded, sitting up a little straighter. “But not too much syrup,” she added thoughtfully. “I don’t want it to be too sticky.”

“You got it,” you replied, flipping the pancakes once before plating them.

A few minutes later, you placed the warm pancakes in front of the girls, handing Anna her fork first. “There you go, sweetheart.”

“Thanks, Mommy!” Anna said, digging in immediately.

“And for you,” you said, setting Judy’s plate down carefully and ruffling her hair.

“Thanks,” Judy replied, a small smile on her face as she cut into her pancake.

Bradley watched the scene unfold from his spot at the counter, his arms crossed and an amused look on his face. “You’re spoiling them, you know,” he teased lightly.

“They deserve it,” you shot back with a smirk. “Besides, you’ll just end up eating the leftovers if I don’t give them these now.”

“Fair point,” he said with a laugh, moving to pour himself a cup of coffee as the girls happily devoured their breakfast.

As you leaned against the counter, sipping your coffee, you turned to Bradley with a casual but pointed question. “So, about that shopping we talked about earlier—should we bring the kids with us, or should I call Matt to babysit?”

Bradley froze mid-sip of his coffee, his expression shifting almost imperceptibly. His face paled slightly, and he set the mug down on the counter with deliberate care, as if the question had suddenly weighed him down.

“Uh…” he started, scratching the back of his neck and avoiding your gaze. “I mean… bringing the kids could be a lot, but Matt’s usually busy, right?”

You narrowed your eyes at him, noticing the slight waver in his voice. “Matt owes me one, actually. It wouldn’t be a problem.”

His jaw clenched, and he quickly turned to busy himself with the coffee pot, pouring more into his already full mug. “I don’t know… maybe it’s better if we just bring the kids. Make it a family thing, you know?”

The way he wouldn’t meet your eyes sent a spark of suspicion through you. “Bradley,” you said, your voice firm but calm. “What’s going on? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“What? No, nothing!” he said quickly, waving you off with a forced chuckle. “I’m just—uh, just trying to think of the easiest plan. That’s all.”

You didn’t buy it for a second, but you decided not to push just yet. “Alright,” you said slowly, setting your mug down. “If you’re sure.”

“Yeah, I’m sure,” he said, his smile not quite reaching his eyes as he leaned against the counter, the tension in his shoulders all too obvious.

As you turned back to the stove, your mind was already working through the situation. Something wasn’t adding up, and you were determined to figure out what it was.

You rinsed your mug in the sink, glancing at the small pile of dishes left from breakfast. Turning to Bradley, who was still leaning against the counter with his coffee, you asked, “Can you handle the dishes for me?”

He blinked, as if startled out of his thoughts, and nodded quickly. “Yeah, of course. No problem.”

“Thanks,” you said, drying your hands on a towel before reaching for your phone on the counter. You scrolled through your contacts and opened a message thread with Matt.

You: Hey, can you come in half an hour early on Monday?

It didn’t take long for Matt to reply.

Matt: What’s up? You okay?

Bradley, still standing by the sink and avoiding your gaze, turned on the water and started scrubbing the plates. You typed a quick response as you leaned casually against the counter.

You: Yeah, it’s just my husband.

Matt’s response came almost immediately.

Matt: Oh, say no more. See you Monday morning.

You smirked at his typical no-nonsense tone and set your phone down, glancing back at Bradley. He was diligently working on the dishes, his broad shoulders tense as he focused on his task.

“Thanks for doing that,” you said lightly, though your eyes lingered on him for a moment longer. Something still felt off, but you decided to let it lie for now.

---

Walking into the lab on Monday morning, you barely had time to adjust your bag on your shoulder before Matt appeared out of nowhere, his eager expression lighting up the room. He jogged up to you, clipboard in hand, and practically skidded to a stop in front of you.

“Okay, spill. What’s the deal with your husband? This feels huge,” he said, his voice low but filled with excitement.

You sighed, rolling your eyes playfully as you pulled off your coat. “Calm down, Matt. It’s not that dramatic.”

“Come on,” he pressed, following you to your workstation. “You wouldn’t have texted me if it wasn’t serious and you know I don't like him. So what’s going on? Deployment stuff?”

You set your bag down and started unpacking your things, pausing for a moment before answering. “I don’t know, Matt. I feel like Bradley isn’t telling me everything about this deployment.”

Matt’s eyebrows shot up, and he leaned against the edge of your desk. “What makes you say that?”

“He’s been… off,” you admitted, fidgeting with the strap of your bag. “Like, distracted. He told me he has orders to go back to San Diego, but the way he’s acting—it doesn’t feel right. It’s like he’s hiding something.”

Matt crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. “That’s a pretty big accusation. You sure it’s not just, I don’t know, deployment nerves?”

You shook your head. “No, this is different. Bradley’s usually upfront about this kind of thing, but now…” You trailed off, feeling a pang of frustration. “It’s like he’s keeping me at arm’s length.”

Matt tilted his head, studying you for a moment. “Maybe he’s trying to protect you from something. You know how guys like him are—they think they’re doing us a favour by not telling us the full story.”

“Maybe,” you conceded, though the thought didn’t sit well with you. “But I’m his wife, Matt. If there’s something going on, I deserve to know.”

Matt nodded slowly, his expression softening. “You’re right. Just… don’t let it eat at you too much, okay? He’ll come around. And if he doesn’t, you’ve got me to back you up.”

You managed a small smile, appreciating his support. “Thanks, Matt.”

“Anytime,” he said, giving you a reassuring pat on the shoulder before stepping back to give you space to settle in.

Matt hesitated, lingering by your desk as you opened your laptop and tried to immerse yourself in work. His expression was a mix of curiosity and concern, and you could feel his eyes on you. Finally, he broke the silence.

“Hey,” he said softly, “this might be out of line, but… do you think Bradley might be cheating?”

The question hit you like a slap, and you froze, your fingers hovering over the keyboard. Slowly, you turned to look at him, disbelief flashing across your face.

“Matt,” you said, your voice sharp enough to cut, “absolutely not.”

He raised his hands defensively. “Okay, okay! I didn’t mean to accuse him of anything. It’s just… you seem suspicious of him, and I had to ask.”

You shook your head, your expression softening slightly as you let out a breath. “No, Matt. Bradley isn’t like that. He’s a lot of things, but a cheater? Never. He loves me, he loves the kids—he wouldn’t do that.”

Matt nodded, his tone apologetic. “Fair enough. I just thought maybe… I don’t know, sometimes when people act distant, it’s because they’re hiding something like that.”

“Well, if he’s hiding something, it’s not that,” you said firmly, your voice leaving no room for argument. “If anything, it’s probably work-related. Maybe something he can’t talk about yet.”

Matt studied you for a moment longer before nodding again. “Alright. I believe you. Sorry for even bringing it up.”

You forced a small smile, though your chest felt tight. “It’s fine. I get why you asked. But trust me, that’s not it.”

With Matt finally gone, you turned back to your desk, letting out a slow breath as you tried to push the conversation out of your mind. You opened your laptop, pulling up the equations and data you’d been analyzing before he interrupted.

The numbers stared back at you, stark and unyielding, but your focus wavered. You twirled a pen between your fingers, staring blankly at the screen as Matt’s question replayed in your mind.

Do you think Bradley might be cheating?

You shook your head sharply, as if physically dislodging the thought. It was absurd. You knew Bradley. You’d seen the way he looked at you, the way he adored your kids, the lengths he went to make you feel loved—even when things were complicated.

Still, the unease lingered, not about infidelity, but about the secret he seemed to be keeping. You sighed and forced yourself to concentrate, jotting down notes and reworking formulas. Your project wasn’t going to wait for your personal life to straighten out.

Little by little, you managed to lose yourself in the work. The problem on the whiteboard drew you in, and soon, you were focused, scribbling solutions and testing calculations. Whatever was going on with Bradley would have to wait. For now, you had a job to do.

The whiteboard in front of you was already crowded with formulas and diagrams, but it wasn’t enough. Grabbing a marker, you started jotting down new calculations, muttering to yourself as the equations unravelled in your mind.

You stepped back to survey your work, one hand on your hip and the other tapping the marker against your chin. Something wasn’t adding up. Crossing out part of the formula, you rewrote it, the sound of the marker squeaking against the board filling the room.

After a few minutes, you moved to your desk and began inputting the data into your laptop. The numbers on the screen shifted as you ran the simulation, but the result wasn’t what you were hoping for.

“Damn it,” you muttered under your breath, glancing back at the whiteboard.

You scribbled more notes in your notebook, flipping pages as you cross-referenced earlier data. Your mind was racing, but the distraction from everything happening at home was oddly welcome. Work was one of the few places where things felt controlled, logical.

The hours passed quickly as you dove deeper into the problem. At some point, you stood to erase a section of the board and replace it with a new idea. Stepping back, you tilted your head, studying the new layout.

“Okay,” you whispered to yourself, “this has to work.”

Returning to your desk, you started running the calculations again, fingers flying across the keyboard. The room was silent except for the hum of the computer and the faint scratch of your pen as you jotted down corrections.

For a while, it was just you, the data, and the relentless pursuit of a solution. It wasn’t until your phone buzzed on the desk beside you that you paused, startled out of your concentration.

You glanced at the screen and saw Bradley's name flashing. Swiping to answer, you leaned back in your chair, still holding a pen in one hand.

"Hey," you greeted, your voice soft but distracted, your mind half on the formula you’d been working on.

"Hey, sweetheart," Bradley said, his tone a little too calm. It set you on edge immediately, even before he continued. "I just wanted to let you know I’ll be staying later at work today. Something came up, and they need me to handle it."

You sat up straighter, setting your pen down on the desk. “Later? How late are we talking?”

There was a pause, a faint shuffling on his end of the line, as if he were debating how much to say. “Not too late. Probably dinner time, give or take. I’ll try to be back as soon as I can.”

The unease you’d been battling all morning stirred again. “What’s going on?” you asked carefully. “I thought today was supposed to be an easy day for you.”

Bradley hesitated, his usual confidence faltering for just a moment. “Yeah, it was supposed to be, but, uh… plans changed. Last-minute stuff, you know how it is.”

You frowned, your grip tightening on the edge of your desk. “Bradley…”

“I promise, it’s nothing big,” he said quickly, sensing the suspicion in your tone. “Just some loose ends that need tying up. I didn’t want you wondering why I wasn’t home.”

You bit your lip, unsure whether to push or let it go. Finally, you sighed. “Alright. Just don’t make it too late. The kids were looking forward to seeing you tonight.”

“I know,” he said, his voice softening. “I’ll make it up to them. And to you.”

“Okay,” you replied, though the weight in your chest didn’t lift. “Drive safe, alright?”

“I will,” he assured you. “Thanks, sweetheart. I’ll see you later.”

“Bye,” you said, ending the call and placing your phone back on the desk.

After the call with Bradley, the unease lingered like a storm cloud you couldn’t shake. You tried going back to work, but your thoughts kept circling back to his tone, his excuses, and the odd behaviour he’d shown lately. Finally, with a frustrated sigh, you decided you needed to talk to someone.

You stood and made your way down the hall to Matt’s office, your footsteps echoing softly on the polished floor. Reaching his door, you knocked lightly before pushing it open.

“Got a minute?” you asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Matt looked up from his desk, where he was flipping through a stack of papers. His expression shifted immediately to one of concern when he saw your face. “Of course. What’s going on?”

You stepped inside and closed the door behind you. The weight of your worries pressed heavily on your chest, and for a moment, you hesitated, unsure how to even voice what you were feeling. Finally, you sank into the chair across from him and folded your hands in your lap.

“How can you tell if someone’s cheating?” you blurted out, the words sounding strange and raw as they left your mouth.

Matt’s eyes widened in surprise, and he leaned back in his chair. “Whoa. That’s… a loaded question. Are you seriously talking about Bradley? The accusation you nearly killed me about.”

You nodded, swallowing hard. “I don’t know, Matt. He’s been acting… different. Cagey. Saying things that don’t quite add up. And then there’s this deployment he mentioned, but something about it doesn’t feel right.”

Matt frowned, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his desk. “Okay.”