#<- alright. new selfie tag. ok.

[vinniedirkota]

alright posting from when i put my face thru faceapp

because they give me such incredible euphoria, gender and kin wise. someday i will have REAL facial hair. i am your butch dad

[misshoneyimhomeagain]

Chapter 3 -

Summary; sometimes, in order for a friendship to grow, it need’s to be broken down just a bit; when William overhears Julia talk about him, and he gets the wrong idea; 

Tags; William NylanderxOfc, angry!William; “We never go out of style”

Warnings; swearing;

A/N; tried to capture a bit of a different side of Willy in this; I don’t believe he’d actually be upset that easily, but at the same time I do have a feeling that when he feels hurt, he takes it personally; 😉

Words; 3.5K

-

"Words are like weapons, they wound sometimes."

“Fucking hell!" Charlie exclaimed.

"Come on, just one more," Julia encouraged.

Julia had taken Charlie to the gym, or rather, she had mentioned that she was going for a quick workout, and Charlie had asked if she could join. A decision Charlie was starting to regret now.

"You can do one more, babe," Julia reassured her.

Grumbling, Charlie managed to push herself through one more pull-up.

"You're an awful coach..." Charlie panted, half-jokingly.

Julia chuckled. She wasn't exactly a fitness expert, nor was she in the peak of physical condition. However, she was reasonably fit and tried to work out regularly to stay healthy. After her breakup with Ezra, she had embraced a routine of working out multiple times a week. While she had always enjoyed running, she had also taken up CrossFit and some lightweight lifting.

"What are you up to?" Julia asked, watching Charlie take a selfie after the workout.

"Just snapping a pic for Auston..." Charlie admitted.

Julia chuckled. "Mmm Hmmm... everything's good then?"

Charlie nodded, her cheeks turning slightly pink.

austonmatthews: damn, looking good ladies 😍

charlie.thompp: thanks 😂 but she’s killing me!! 😅

austonmatthews: then why did you agree to come along? 😂

charlie.thompp: because she’s also cooking dinner 😅 and believe me, if you ever try JJ's food, you'd be glad that you're working out 😂

austonmatthews: Why's that? 😅

charlie.thompp: Her cooking is AMAZING! 😛

After wrapping up their workout, the girls headed back to Julia's flat.

"I have a feeling we'll be feeling this tomorrow," Charlie whined.

"Yup, most definitely," Julia agreed with a chuckle.

_

“So, any news?” Camille smirked as she and Julia were FaceTiming.

“Nothing much,” Julia chuckled. “Well, apparently I’ve sort of become a part of the hockey community.” 

Camille chuckled.

“Uh really? So, you and Mr. handsome guy, you a thang?” Camille asked bluntly giving Julia a flirty look.

Julia simply chuckled. “Oh no, he’s all sweet and lovely- but he’s just a friend.”

“You sure babe - I mean, you’ve already shagged, so you might as well just do it again,” Camille joked.

She knew how Julia had felt after their first encounter, but she could also tell from how she talked about William now, that all hard feelings were gone, and it was ok to joke about it. 

“Nah, I mean he’s great for sure, but it seems like we’re becoming quite good friends, which is nice so, I think I’d just keep it at that,” Julia smiled, thinking of the walk and talk from the other day, where she’d really gotten to know William a lot better. 

“Alright bab, it’s good that you’re taking care of y’self, I mean, I love you and I just want you to be happy!” Camille elaborated.

“Thanks love, I am and honestly I really do feel amazing here - it’s just all going so well and I’m so happy that you made me move,” Julia chuckled. 

“Course! I’d do anything for you, even make you move across the fucking world and away for me.”

They both shared a moment of laughter. 

“Yeah well, for now it seems like it’s the best thing I’ve done so far,” Julia offered a friendly smile. 

As they hung up, Julia had a wonderful feeling. Everything about moving to Toronto had proved to be the right choice so far; her work was great, she’d got some nice colleagues, as well as made some really good friends like Stephanie, Mitch, Auston and William. It was like everything was suddenly falling into place, and nothing could throw her off course. 

_

TOR 3 – DAL 2 (OT)

On the following Thursday, Julia and Charlie experienced yet another unforgettable hockey night as they attended the home game together. This time, the Toronto Maple Leafs were up against the Dallas Stars, and the match proved to be an intense battle from the very start. The game was tightly contested, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. Julia and Charlie were on the edge of their seats, cheering passionately for their beloved Maple Leafs with every shot on goal and critical defensive play. As the regular time came to an end, the score was tied at 2-2 overtime commenced, and the atmosphere in the arena became even more charged with anticipation. Charlie's heart pounded in her chest as she watched the Maple Leafs and the Stars fight relentlessly for the winning goal.

In a heart-stopping moment, none other than Auston Matthews surged forward and managed to score a thrilling overtime goal, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory against Dallas. The arena erupted with joy, and Julia and Charlie shared in the euphoria, celebrating their team's hard-fought triumph.

After the thrilling match, the girls, accompanied by the friends and partners of the players, made their way to the players' locker room for a celebration. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and camaraderie as they gathered to congratulate the victorious team. Stephanie warmly included Julia and Charlie, delighted to see them partaking in the post-game festivities. Auston and Mitch joined the group, their faces glowing with pride and joy after the hard-fought overtime win.

"Can you believe that game?" Charlie exclaimed, still in awe of the incredible action they had just witnessed.

Auston nodded with a grin, "It was tough, but we managed to pull through. The support from the fans in the arena was unbelievable."

"Yeah, the whole place was roaring, and pumped us up to totally own the ice!!" Mitch added, doing his majestic winning gestures. 

Charlie chuckled, "The game had us totally on the edge of our seats the whole time!”

“It was bloody amazing!” Julia chimed in, making the guys laugh.

“Wow, that is like the most British comment I’ve ever heard,” Auston commented with a chuckle. 

After his interview, William walked past the group, offering Julia a cheeky smirk and a wink.

"Enjoyed the show?" he teased, referring to his impressive performance with one goal and one assist.

Julia playfully responded, "Well, you weren't half bad, I suppose," as he continued to chat with some other teammates.

The conversation among the guys revolved around the game and the challenges they faced to secure the win. They were all impressed, particularly by Auston's game-winning goal in overtime.

"I've got to ask," Julia said, "how does a boy from Scottsdale, Arizona, get into ice hockey?" She asked Auston curiously.

"Well… actually it was my uncle who got me into it by bringing me to the rink and some games," Auston told. "I mean, no one in my family actually played, but when I wanted to get into it, they were all supportive and have been ever since," he chuckled a bit, reminiscing about his childhood and how he’d worked his way to the NHL over the years.

“Sounds impressive,” Julia remarked. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I'm aware of how everyone works insanely hard to be here, but it sort of seems like a lot of players are like born into it, whereas you weren’t," she smiled, and Auston nodded, chuckling.

“Yeah, I guess so."

Standing nearby, William couldn't help but overhear their conversation while chatting with fellow Swedes Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren. Julia's words about being "born into it" hit him unexpectically, and he briefly felt a sting about his own hockey lineage, being the son of an NHL player.

Hang on, was that what she thought of him?

Shaking off his thoughts, Sandin called him into the locker room to shower and wrap up the day.

_

While the guys were finishing up, Julia and Charlie passed the time by strolling the halls, admiring Toronto Maple Leafs posters and merchandise, and making a quick visit to the ladies' room.

Charlie couldn't help but inquire about Julia's interactions with William, her tone suggesting juicy information. "So, what's going on between you and Willy?" she asked, having noticed the playful banter between them.

Julia shrugged and smiled coyly. "Nothing much," she replied casually, although she couldn't help but remember the one time, they had shared an intimate session, a secret known to no one else.

Charlie pressed on, "Come on, JJ, he's totally flirting with you, and you're not exactly shutting it down." Julia chuckled at her friend's observation.

"Well, I can't deny the playful banter," she admitted, "but it's all just friendly. Nothing serious going on."

Charlie nodded, understandingly. They continued walking, and Charlie complimented how much fun Julia seemed to be having with William.

“Not to mention he’s insanely hot,” she added.

"That's definitely part of it," Julia chuckled. "I mean, after everything with Ezra, which was all so serious, I just appreciate how laid-back and easy-going William is," she explained.

"So, neither of you sees each other as more than friends?" Charlie inquired, but Julia simply shook her head.

"He's amazing, and I genuinely like spending time with him. But I doubt he'd ever be interested in someone like me. I bet I’m way too serious and dull for him," she laughed, unaware that her following words once again were being overheard in the locker room.

By William, who had taken longer to finish up. He was always the last one to get ready before a game, and almost always the last one to leave the arena. As he was putting on his shoes, he could hear the girls’ voices in the hall. He didn’t really mean to eavesdrop, but he couldn’t help himself when he heard Julia talk.

"I mean, William's all fun and jokes - he doesn't really take anything seriously, so..."

As Julia spoke, William couldn't help but wonder if she was talking about him. They walked through the halls as she continued sharing her thoughts.

"He acts a bit, I don't know, goofy maybe, and like everything is just always so easy for him," Julia added.

Listening to her words, William felt a pang of hurt. He had thought that they had formed a genuine connection during their recent walk and talk. He had enjoyed their time together and had opened up about his childhood, something he rarely did so quickly. He felt like they had developed a close friendship, and their conversations had made him believe he knew her quite well.

But now, her words indicated otherwise. It was clear she didn't really know him at all. She didn't understand the hard work he had put into getting where he was. Yes, his father had been an NHL player, but William had worked tirelessly to make a name for himself. He didn't choose to be naturally gifted at hockey, nor did he apologise for it.

William was known for his laid-back and easy-going demeanour on the team, but that didn't mean he didn't put in the effort. He stayed after training, putting in extra workouts and enduring cold baths to maintain his physique. So, Julia was mistaken about him.

He couldn't help but huff in frustration upon hearing her words. He hadn't expected her to hold such misconceptions about him, and it stung.

“He’s a positive influence,” Julia finished, as she and Charlie were back with the others.

“Well, I still believe he’s flirting with you, and you’re also smitten, even though you won’t admit it” Charlie said, giving Julia a flirty look. But Julia simply chuckled.

_

After the guys had finished their media commitments and changed into their post-game attire, Mitch, Steph, and Auston proposed going out for a late dinner, a suggestion to which Charlie and Julia happily agreed.

Standing a few feet away, William was packing up his bag when Julia walked over to him, a warm smile on her face.

"Hey, Willy, do you fancy coming out with us for something to eat, or are you busy?" Julia asked, but William just shrugged.

"Hmm, I don't know, do you want me to come with you?" he replied, his tone devoid of much emotion.

"Of course, why wouldn't I want you to come with us?" Julia responded with a light chuckle.

"Well, you know, maybe because you think I'm just a spoiled kid who doesn't take anything too seriously..." William retorted in a serious tone.

Julia was taken aback. Where was this coming from?

"What are you on about?" she asked, giving him a concerned look. She was genuinely surprised he would say something like this.

"You know, earlier, when you said that thing about Auston, how admirable it was that he worked so hard to make it to the NHL, while the rest of us are just born into it," William's voice remained calm but firm.

"Willy, that's not what I said..." Julia tried to defend herself.

"But it's what you meant, isn't it?" he pressed.

"No, I... no, it's not," Julia hesitated. She knew it had sounded that way, and yes, there might be some truth to William's accusations, but it was not at all how she had intended it to be understood. "Seriously, Will, what's going on with you?" she asked, growing increasingly worried.

What had she done to provoke such a reaction from him all of a sudden?

"I'm just being serious... see, I can actually take things seriously..." he said, almost mocking her.

Julia felt anger rising within her. How could he talk to her like that?

"Okay, seriously, what's that about?" she demanded, her tone firm.

William let out a sigh. "I heard what you said to Charlie, earlier..." he confessed. "You said that I don't take anything seriously... that everything comes so easily to me."

"You heard our conversation?" Julia asked.

"Yeah, I heard you when you walked past the locker room."

"Oh, so you heard our entire conversation. Or did you just hear one bit and decided to get all pissy about it without knowing the context?" Julia tried to maintain her composure.

Their tension had drawn the attention of the others, who were watching the exchange as if they were characters in a romantic comedy.

"Well, I..." William was taken aback. No, he hadn't heard the entire conversation. "No, I didn't," he admitted, sighing.

"Wow, you're really something," Julia said, shaking her head slightly. "Well, maybe next time you should listen to everything before assuming what people think about you," she added.

Feeling guilty for jumping to conclusions, William found himself at a loss for words.

"You’re such a prick, Willy..." Julia huffed as she walked away.

William let out another small sigh, watching her walk past the group, and he noticed Charlie looking at him.

"She actually said some really nice things about you," Charlie said with a gentle expression before they all left the arena, leaving William alone with his thoughts. 

_

The following day turned out to be a rather hectic one for Julia. She arrived at the office bright and early, all set to tackle her extensive to-do list. This included fine-tuning project plans and making sure all the necessary materials were prepared for her meeting with Andrew.

Throughout the day, Julia was in constant motion, shuttling between different departments and her desk. She had little time to spare for meals or coffee breaks. She found herself quite taken with the energetic pace of the office, even though it could be rather exhausting at times.

On this particular day, Julia achieved an impressive level of success. She flawlessly delivered all required materials, demonstrated adept financial acumen in managing the budget, and her dependable computer performed without a hitch, despite its continuous operation. She even managed to find a moment to catch up on Charlie's recent encounter with Auston from the previous evening. It was a thoroughly accomplished day.

They had spent the night together, and Charlie hadn't held back in describing the details of their actions, resulting in the not-so-surprising conclusion that Auston had been the best sexual experience she had ever had. Julia found amusement in her friend's very content state of mind and couldn't suppress a chuckle upon learning about the exciting experiences they'd had. 

But now, after a long day, all Julia needed was some food. So, she decided to order a pasta dish and some Mozzarella sticks for takeaway from Sugo – a place the hockey boys had recommended the moment she mentioned that Italian cuisine was her favourite.

She quickly packed up her things and headed for the door.

As she waited for her order, she suddenly felt a presence nearby. It was William. Clearly, he’d had the same idea of grabbing some quick takeaway on his way home. 

When he walked into the restaurant, he immediately spotted Julia. His first instinct was to make a quick exit, but he’d thought that would be childish and absurd. After all, they were still friends, weren't they?

So instead, he moved towards her slowly, and Julia caught sight of him in his cap, tracksuit, and trainers. She turned to face him, offering a friendly smile as their eyes met.

"Hey," he said softly, still feeling the guilt from yesterday.

"Hi," she replied, matching his low tone of voice. 

They stood there for a few seconds, not speaking, just simply sharing the air around them.

"I'm sorry," William said.

Julia let out a small sigh. "For what part of it?"

"For what I said, yesterday… I shouldn't have said it like that," William explained, but Julia just gave him a soft smile. A part of her didn't want him to get off that easily. But another part of her could also sense that he truly was sorry. And she didn’t really want to be angry with him. 

"Willy, I don't care about how you said it…" she spoke softly, "What pissed me off was that you thought that I'd think so little of you."

He looked at her with intense eyes. A lump filling his chest.

"I know that what I said to Auston came out wrong, and I'm sorry for that," Julia added. "But what you said, about what I thought of you, is not true…"

William offered a little smile, feeling relieved that he'd completely misunderstood Julia's chats with Auston and Charlie. Those thoughts had left him feeling a bit hurt, which was something new to him. And it had been in that moment he realised that he didn't want Julia to see him that way. 

Surprisingly enough, he had wanted her to think better of him, only to find out she already did.

"Still… I'm sorry, JJ. I shouldn't have got mad at you like that," he said, but Julia just lightly shook her head, offering a forgiving smile. 

"It's all good," she said. "It was a terrible misunderstanding, and it’s water under the bridge."

“Thanks,” William smiled, relieved that Julia didn't hold a grudge or had been angrier with him.

"Geez, Wonderboy - you really need to stop doing things you then have to apologise for later," she chuckled, which made him laugh as well.

"Yeah, I suppose I do."

As if on cue, Julia's order was called out, and she went to grab it with William right behind her.

"So, uh… what's your plan now, with the food?" he asked. 

Julia gave him a slightly confused look.

"Well, my plan is to eat it… you know, as you do with food," she said, chuckling.

"I mean, are you going to eat it with someone…" William added with a shy smirk, which made Julia smile, catching on to where he was going with this.

"No, I'm all by myself."

"Do you want to, you know, eat dinner together?" he asked light bighting his lip, as if he was a bit nervous, and Julia nodded. "I live nearby; we can go to my place, if you'd like?"

Julia couldn't help but be intrigued by his exceptional charm. God, she hated how charming he was - well, a part of her hated it, the other part loved it and couldn't resist it.

"Sure," she simply replied. 

For some reason, this man really had a talent for getting under her skin. And she secretly enjoyed it. 

As William's order was called out as well, he led the way to his condo only a few streets away.

[qingxintea]

➼ chongyun || hiraeth

tw: mention of knives (no violence), kidnapping, explosion _______

you angled your camera to catch your face and upper body correctly and adjusted your blinds for the correct lighting. you put thin pieces of yellow and pink paper over your lamp to give off a sunset lighting sort of aesthetic in your minimalist room. your tiny cacao tree sat in the corner of your room, setting some sort of simple beach vibe.

then, you began to stream.

you watched as majority of your followers came to view as you sat in your rolly gaming chair. the greetings came rushing in and you noticed two of your friends had came along too, xingqiu and chongyun.

"hey gang, it's kingexplosionmurder here with your weekly sunday stream," you smiled and watched as comments came in asking you to notice them. beginning to select randomly, you flicked a short strand of hair behind your ear. "you have been noticed, yourlocalsugardaddy," you blessed them. and you swore you chose randomly.

on the other side of the screen, chongyun's face slightly flushed before eating his popsicle again. yes, that was his username, selected by xingqiu after the guhua heir was somehow able to trick him into selecting so. the situation must've been that he accidentally consumed some jueyun chili's, that was also xingqiu's doing.

he watched you smile as you explained your schedule for this stream, when he noticed you suddenly began laughing. it sounded genuine, he wanted to believe it was genuine, but there was a trace of disappointment in it. he observed your face, noticing you were looking at the chat box. "i agree too, scarymoose."

scarymoose: this streamer's kinda dog shit ngl 😐

by instinct, his fingers grazed over the keyboard as he analyzed the tone. this kid wasn't joking around with himself, he was really out to bring you down. he exhaled, shaking his head, wondering how you would deal in the situation.

yourlocalsugardaddy: miss karen this isn't yelp 🙄

he wasn't content with that yet, things could've gone onto more serious matters, but he knew you liked to keep your chat clean and peaceful. you went to the farther extents to keep that from happening, agreeing with rude comments yourself as a said joke, but actually have it sometimes harming you.

so chongyun tried his best to keep you happy.

redrumreaper: yo moose chill 😳

he recognized his friend xingqiu also trying to calm the situation as you just laughed it off and attempted to continue, sooner enough just beginning to ignore all his comments. some other viewers came up to your defense but in all honesty, you wanted to move on.

"s-so, i found some silk flowers outside of wangshuu inn yesterday, aren't they pretty?" you took a tiny bouquet of the said silk flowers and presented it to your viewers, holding it next to your cheek. the pink tone of the flowers matched the color of your cheeks and made for a nice picture. chongyun would've screenshotted it, but he respected your privacy.

yourlocaldumba$$: yes they're so pretty we love you 😍

13lue13erry: yes ong ong 💕 thiccer than my granny

Straw13erry: don't bring madame ping into this 💀💀

colino: are you sure it's alright to take from someone's legally owned property ?? much less from their garden

Straw13erry: u mean ur neighbors don't harvest ur flowers every day? 🙄 privilege spoke 🤚

yourlocalsugardaddy: vv pretty 😳

redrumreaper: simp 💀

you slightly choked over on your side and xingqiu calling chongyun a simp, for you. quickly clearing your throat, you regained your composure. your viewers could see that your cheeks had been dusted with a darker shade now.

13lue13erry: 👀

Straw13erry: 👀

yourlocaldumba$$: 👀

redrumreaper: 👀

sireluck: 💀

bazinga: 👀

dandelionn: 👀

poetichoe: 👀

"okay- anyways," you pushed that aside, watching the chain of 👀's coming in. you weren't too sure at what they were referring to, but just assumed that they were interested in xingqiu exposing chongyun. but, there was no way chongyun really felt like that, right? it was just a friendly compliment from what you believed. "just a tiny flex but y'all guys, i am so cracked at apex, not gonna lie. for all the new followers out there," you randomly commented. 'and to change the subject.'

"actually, you know what? fuck the schedule, let's go to trolling little eight year old kids posting selfies on instagram. due to certain reasons i'm just not gonna be blurring their usernames out, but please don't spam these people, i don't wanna be cancelled 💗" you sweetly smiled as you pulled up instagram and started streaming on your phone.

of course your sus notifications ruined it 🤡🤡

because xingqiu took advantage of the situation, sending messages to your discord. nothing mentioning your romantic life because he knew better than that, but just trolling. 'HEY GANG. ITS ME, TONY, AND TODAY WE'RE GONNA SEE IF IM FASTER THAN THIS MOUSE TRAP.' 'TURNS OUT, I AM NOT FASTER THAN THIS MOUSE TRAP.' 'AN UPDATE, IT HURTS. ALRIGHT. BYE GUYS.' you tried hard to contain your laughter, but certain giggles came out in the end, giggles that made chongyun's heart flutter.

xingqiu just kept spamming without a stop, to the point that you accidentally clicked into the notification instead of someone's username on a selfie post. so now everyone could see your group chat with xingqiu, chongyun, and a few other viewers that were actually your other friends.

13lue13erry: oh no 🤡

Straw13erry: 🗿

yourlocaldumba$$: HAHAHAHA WE'RE EXPOSED 🤡👌

just water support boy 😔: image.png

oh my god he's sending chongyun catboy edits. you made this concerning noise, glad no one really seemed to know who chongyun really was on twitch. you went back to instagram, beginning to dm a random kid, ignoring the situation that had just happened.

chongyun choked, slight heat running to his cheeks. what the fuck was xingqiu doing- how did he even get those pictures? maybe it was that one time xingqiu forced him to go to a furry con, but how did he ever get the time to photograph these? he nervously fidgeted and played with his fingers.

13lue13erry: 🤡

Straw13erry: 🤡

yourlocaldumba$$: 🤡

redrumreaper: 🤡

<— oraoraoraor

kingexplosionmurder: chav check

oraoraoraor: what

kingexplosionmurder: chav: check 😹😹

oraoraoraor: bruh

oraoraoraor: who tf are you

kingexplosionmurder: hope you like baddies cause i'm bad at everything 💗

oraoraoraor: bruh ok i'm blocking

kingexplosionmurder: stop dming me

oraoraoraor: 😐

kingexplosionmurder: stop dming me

oraoraoraor: wtf

kingexplosionmurder: stop dming me

oraoraoraor: wait wait UR that one twitch streamer?

kingexplosionmurder: stop dming me

oraoraoraor: ig ur fans gonna be so disappointed in you

kingexplosionmurder: stop dming me

oraoraoraor: hahaha wtf i'm gonna post this and tag you

kingexplosionmurder: stop dming me

afterwards you sent a barrage of really cursed images and left the person on read when they tried to complain and get a reaction out of you. you chuckled, extremely satisfied with yourself. this is what your viewers followed you for. you went on hunting for another user, "GO Y/N GO" filling up your chat.

you were just about to dm this other kid until you heard a ring from your doorbell. "oh what the fuck, i didn't invite anyone. but you know what, i'll pull something up to entertain y'all guys while i'm afk." searching on youtube, you typed in 'banana fish ep. 1' and clicked on the longest video you saw. then you got up from your chair, making your way to the front door.

you didn't mute yourself before because you thought there was really no need to, and you underestimated your mic sensitivity. god did you wish that you could go back and time and do just that.

twisting the doorknob, you opened your door and was met with... a certain, someone.

someone that you recognized and has caused you so much pain, and it was all so fun and games before they had to come along. "bruh. aight what you here for fam?" you played it super chill, though you were really sick and tired of this person's shit.

"(y/n). we need to talk," her stern voice made you flinch as you just stared straight into her eyes. you simply nodded your head and crossed your arms, shifting your weight onto your right leg. "we're thinking of taking you back home."

your froze, your breath hitching as you just stood there, waiting for her to go on. clenching your fists and looking down, you stayed silent for a little moment and questioned, "...why?"

"well, you have a stable income source, right?" she asked, putting her hands on her hips. "you can finally be of use to us," she clasped her hands together, a bright smile on her face. your finger twitched, awaiting an explanation. "you're a streamer, yeah? so you can be a useful asset to our family name."

"...you only want me to come back so i can make you all seem... good?"

and here you thought, just for a second, that you would be accepted back into the place where you really belonged. your shoulders slumped, as small tears began to well up in your eyes. "and for our profitable gain of course, it would be a shame to not acquire that from you."

you composed yourself and looked up. "im afraid my profit can only cover for one person, and it would be myself that i focus to make a suitable and independent living out of. you've kicked me out ever since i've graduated from college and had me fend for myself, now inviting me back once i have a stable job?" you breathed, fiddling with the sleeves of your black hoodie.

"oh, not inviting, dear. taking."

confused by her words, you let your guard down as she suddenly pushed a warm cloth over your mouth as you let out a constrained scream. you tried to break free of her grasp, reaching for the switchblade in your pocket, but the drowsing chemicals from the cloth took control of you and you felt disoriented. "you... bitch..."

your head hit the floor.

》●✿ time ● skip ✿●

silence.

thats all you heard when you awoke.

pure, unfiltered silence that overwhelmed you as you were completely lost. what was happening?

you tried turning to the other side of your childhood bed, the moon casting light shadows into your 'room'. there was a rope around your wrists you noticed, so you brought them up to your lips and starting gnawing on them until it broke apart. (guys we feral its not a furry instinct ok?/ ??  ?)

the material had irritated your skin, but you put that aside for now. escape- thats what you really needed to do. it was fairly dark, but you didn't have a good estimate of time. the analog clock was broken and set to a different time that displayed 11AM. you sat up, your fingers running along the frame of the window next to you.

for a moment, you stopped, thoughts rushing into your head. what if you could start a whole other life here where things could finally be peaceful, what if you didn't have to feel so isolated anymore, what if you could- ...

no. (y/n), get yourself together. what has happened will anyways stay there, and there is no healing scars. ...still, you couldn't shake off the feeling of missing this home so much when you had an amazing childhood, though full of fake actors who had manipulated you.

opening all the cabinets silently, you grabbed things that you assumed would come to your aid. a tiny backpack, which you then stuffed with other things around it. a first aid kit, a spare knife just in case, along with a clean oversized sweater and a couple dollar bills. all that, along with a compass.

you turned towards your window, stepping on your bed.

pushing open the sides of your window, your stepped on, the brown coldness of the frame coming in contact with your feet. you shivered just a little bit before stopping to think. what would you do once you were out of here? you barely knew your way here. and not to mention, your devices were still left at your other house, so there was no way of contact.

...

did your stream ever end? even if it did, had you muted yourself before leaving? no, you didn't, and you could remember in precise detail. someone out there, anyone, would be willing to help, right? you couldn't possibly be here forever, not when you're basically blown up all over your socials?

your friends, yes, your friends! xingqiu and chongyun were watching the stream and had made obvious interaction in doing so, and they'd be willing to protect you. if they just had a lead...

but... what lead was there? all they heard was the woman's voice and, that was probably it, wasn't it? only a voice with no other clear features that could identify her. it looked like you were doing this on your own.

you came in contact with the blades of grass tickling your feet and conveniently found a pair of sneakers outside. it definitely wasn't yours, and it smelled like the scent of your old room. most likely, it belonged to someone from inside your house, lavender and mint, but who inside there was in the age range to wear modern day sneakers..?

brushing that question aside, you unhesitatingly laced them on and they were just a bit too big, but you could manage.

you breathed, inhaling the freedom intertwined air, a much needed factor of bringing you back to your lost sense of happiness. then, the fear struck you once again, because you needed to improvise now. you needed to run, but which direction? you barely knew this place at all.

you dug around your pocket for the compass you had and it was pointing east. you remember that stepping out of your house was facing west, so you were going the right way... but who knows how messy the path was? it couldn't have been an exact pathway, but going directly ahead was your simplest option.

you heard a pair of footsteps coming from inside the house, probably a few seconds away to opening the door. you sucked in your breath and ran, ran as far as your legs could take you. your intimidating speed and played into your advantage, and taking one last look, you saw the lights on, before continuing.

a few minutes into it, you felt some elemental energy. it was a sense you learned to develop since you were young, giving you the upper hand in a variety of situations. you followed the trail of glowing lines, the air starting to get colder and colder. you shuddered, the crisp coldness nipping at your skin.

you sat below a tree, taking your backpack off your shoulder and took out the oversized sweater. you put it on over your black tee and light blue skinny jeans, its nostalgic aroma filling your sense of smell.

it was... warm.

it shouldn't be warm.

the warmth proved as a sign that someone had worn it before, but this size was from what you knew, too small to fit the woman you came across again, and you absolutely did not recall any other beings within the house. it was a small household.

suddenly, you remembered what she said.

we're thinking of taking you back home. you can finally be of use to us.

plural. you should've noticed it before and you shook your head, slightly disappointed in yourself. you didn't remember any other birth siblings. could it be the fact that during the time, they had, in a way, replaced you?

you sat up, then suddenly went drowsy. your eyelids were getting heavy as your back hit the same tree. ah, that clever bitch. you chuckled to yourself, but still unsatisfied how this was gonna end. reaching inside your pocket, you grabbed a bomb that a little kid gave you, and threw it as far as you could. it wasn't as far as you hoped, but it was exceptionally far considered your sleepy state.

in a few couple seconds or so, it was going to explode. you did that to divert the attention of her and slowly ran as far as you could. a few seconds in, you gave in, hoping that your efforts were enough. 》●✿ perspective ● shift ✿●

chongyun heard an explosion.

he raised his head in the direction smoke was coming from, and made a run for it, then stopping to think. no, you're smarter than this. he gathered his shit together and remembered that one day klee gave you a bomb. he deducted that you had used it as a diversion, and began to search around the area.

and finally, he came across your sleeping body. to ensure your living state, he crouched down and let two fingers travel across your neck, searching for a pulse, and was relieved when he found one, pulsing at a normal rate.

he then carried you on his back, picking up the pace since he deducted someone was out for you, would you need a distraction. he remembered some details of the woman, she had ended your stream with your sleeping form in her hands, a dirty smirk coming across her lips. she had dark hair with some natural highlights, but that was all he saw because the rest was concealed by a cloak.

a few minutes, maybe half an hour later, you began to stir. chongyun decided that he ventured far enough to liyue and slowed down for your comfort. he wanted you to get some well deserved rest. but slowly, you woke up, but only the tiniest movement was made. your eyes were still droopy and you wanted to return to sleep.

but the sight of pastel blue hair kept you from doing so.

you felt the familiar silk coming in contact with your arms as he kept on trudging forward at a more consistent and smooth pace. "..chongyun?" you muttered out weakly, earning a small smile from the male. he hummed in response, continuing forward.

your mind was cloudy, unable to interpret the language of the world. but softly, words effortlessly escaped your lips, "... did i do the right... thing?" blinking multiple times, you awaited his answer.

"yes, yes you did," his soft voice reached your ears, making you smile a bit. you nuzzled deeper into his shoulder, clinging onto him tighter, unwilling to let go.

"thank you," you whispered.

he chuckled a bit before responding, "anything for you."

_____

bro ending is a little off because i'm wrote this at 2:53AM and so my brain has went ⬇️⬇️ also i'm just hungry

copy and pasted from my wattpad,, @ppeachtea_

[keeyo7]

Sorry I’ve been blowing up all of your notifications, I’m finally catching up on a bunch of tags and I’m trying to spread out who I’m tagging but some of you are going to get it multiple times haha. I was tagged a few months back to do this by the wonderful @eckspress thank you!

10 songs- put your music on shuffle no skips:

1. Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) - Lady Gaga

2. A Thousand Miles- Vanessa Carlton

3. Fake Happy- Paramore

4. Psilocybin (Love in Full Effect)- Jhene Aiko

5. Running If You Call My Name- Haim

6. Let Me Go- Haim

7. Hotel California (Live on MTV)- The Eagles

8. See You Again- Tyler the Creator ft Kali Uchis

9. Monster- Lady Gaga

10. Love Song- Sara Bareilles

Six favorite albums:

1. Nirvana Unplugged in New York- Nirvana

2. Silence, Echoes, Patience, Grace- Foo Fighters

3. Days Are Gone- Haim

4. The Fame Monster- Lady Gaga

5. 2014 Forest Hills Drive- J. Cole

6. Mesmerize/Hypnotize- System of a Down

I know the last one didn’t come out as a double album but it pretty much was

Check in: how was your day? My days been alright, I’m having stomach problems but other than that I’m ok

What’s the last thing that made you smile?

It was probably a picture i saw on here I’m not sure

What’s keeping you entertained these days?

I’ve been listening to music, working, and catching up on these tags I’ve put off for like a year haha

Podcasts: Threedom, The Around the NFL Podcast, the Ed and Dad podcast, The Mismatch, Teachers Lounge, Talking Simpsons

If you are in some kind of quarantine/self-isolation, what do you hope to achieve during this time? I’m just trying to make it to the next day at this point haha

Post a selfie if you’re comfortable:

I don’t think I’ve posted this one yet!

Home Screen:

If you’ve talked to me you know this is on brand

Last song: Francis Forever- Mitski

Last photo saved:

I tag @montagnes-and-vorfreude @juiiicyfruiitkels @leeeeaahh @sainaht @thiccandtide @s0ul-me3ts-b0dy @joeyridersghost @976-evil @katiedorny @leeeexxii @zestyzombie @0livejuiceyout00 @caniwishforthis @unicorn-cupcake-lace @malevolent-god @do-we-really-exist @rrrrrocio @chabelitaaaa @mad-again @kate1ky @w4sted @littlexmermaid @ultraryolence @buttplugs-666 @beefy5layerburrito @akomwtofit @ishaaaa @phasesofamoonchild @borderlinebabbyyy @urnotrealman @moreeeeweedddd @gh0ullia-x @lunarlovewitch @stuck-1n-0uter-space @manderz182 @olvidame @sweetnspxcy @softbutch-withlonghair @talkingtrashcan @astro-traveller @pulledbythetides @jaebae-21 @dukekevingswell @hikozarus @silkymacadamianut @certain-perfection @p1nkmonday @abby-lynn214 @crispmemes and anyone else who wants to do this, as always no pressure ☺️❤️

[shinymooncolor]

Hi all!

As usual, I owe all of this to the wonderful world created by @lumosinlove. 🙏🏻

I love Kris so much. Single dad, hockey star is a mood. Apologies in advance. 😇

Enjoy!

Sweater weather chats #2

Kris joins a super secret club. Lily gets emotional. We get introduced to the bat cave. Kris is a cautionary tale for the rookies. Or that’s what Nado days. Kris is also an honorary mom. Celeste reminisces. Kasey, Nado and Kuny babysits. Everybody loves Remus. Ava wants a pony. Natalie has plans. SO MUCH BROMANCE.

—————

Emotional support group and Remus 🤩🥰🏒:

Friday 3.32 pm

NatNat added Kris to the group.

Allison: do I spy a new member? Welcome to the dark side, Kris. The rules are simple - this is a safe space for us to discuss our men, babies and other related topics.

Lucia: also, never tell the boys what happens at brunch. 😁

Celeste: welcome Kris. We thought you’d enjoy coming to brunch with us - Ava is always welcome.

Kris: woah? What is this? Shit. I’m honored. Also Remus? Wtf.

Remus: hi kris yeah I don’t know how I was allowed in, but it’s nice. 😁

NatNat: well Dumo might be the honorary dad but Kris is totally the honorary mom on the team. He wiped Gatorade off of Leo’s face last game. It was adorable 😍😍😍

Kris: well James did unscrew the top as a prank, not actually sure it’s a prank if you do it every game. And Leo didn’t realize. And he’s weird about not taking his blocker off. Had to help the kid out. 😆

Allison: well it made us enroll you in our secret and sacred club. Welcome! 🤩

NatNat: i forgot to send this on Wednesday!! Baby Russian with baby puppies

*kuny puppy pic*

GingerLily: awwww he looks so happy. James said he’s been depressed he cannot train this week. I love this. 😍

Anyaismyname: my baby. I knew him from he was 16. Such a sweet boy.

Kris: sweet? Are we talking about the same Kuny? He taught Ava to cuss a ref and last time the media asked her what she thought of the game and my playing, she parroted that. I had a trending tag for a month after that on Twitter😔

NatNat: I’m not condoning it but it was hilarious. I cried. But seriously he adopted a cat and named her Aya and they send me selfies with her every 7 minutes. They built her a castle in their ridiculous bat cave game room. 😅👑🐱

Remus: the bat cave is awesome. They’ve got pro surround sound and all. And a real slushee machine. 🤖 also kris, coach want you all back on the ice in 10.

NatNat: yeah haha kase is excited to go for halo night. Apparently they’ve got some sort of new VR stuff for practicing as well. 🏒🏒🏒

Celeste: Kris, don’t worry about the curse words. Marc spent three months yelling fuck at everything after Logan accidentally taught him. They get over it quick and the fans love you even more after that - haven’t you been on the most eligible list for your entire career? Also, didn’t Anya tell Kuny’s mom?

Anyaismyname: da, and believe me, Scolding work better in Russian. And I promised her to look out for her boy.

Kris: thanks guys, I know. I was just shocked. She’s my baby and sometimes I just can’t handle how quick she grows... it’s not fair... and yeah, apparently a single dad with a travel heavy job is eligible. Weird.... also - the boys’ game room is amazing and they did set up a my little pony game for her last time on the projector. Be there in three Re!!! 🏃‍♂️

GingerLily: awww I cant believe she was a baby when I first met her. She grows sooo quick! 😍

Kris: well it’s you soon! Good luck - you think you know what love feels like but. Damn, a baby just changes things. ☺️

GingerLily: we’re starting on the nursery next week and I can’t wait. James is hopeless with tools though but we’ve decided on a color theme at least 🥰🥰🥰

Celeste: mmh, that is always a big moment. I remember when I was pregnant with Adele, Pascal was still just settling into the Lions and we’d already moved twice, but something changed when we started working on the nursery. It got real then - he didn’t get the puck theme he wanted but nevertheless, I think that was when he really realized he was about to become a father 😍

NatNat: awwwww, can’t even imagine you two without your babies 😁

Celeste: me neither, honey, me neither. 😉

Friday, 4.38 pm

Kris: Natalie do you think we could find a puppy for Ava? We could house train it during off season and she’s been begging for a puppy for a while and i really want one too and hopefully with a puppy the “I want a pony” phase can be forgotten! :)

NatNat: of course!!! Also shouldn’t you be at training?

Kris: We finished 5 minutes ago. :) also thanks for cheering Kuny up, he was allowed to do stretches today.

NatNat: oh god. Forget the time out here. Is kase done too?

Kris: yeah but he’s currently unavailable. Something about hug a goalie day *pic of kasey and Leo, on the ice under a mountain of players*

GingerLily: 🤦🏽

Celeste: on another note my lovelies. I would love to host brunch next Sunday! We have full attendance - Elsa is visiting from Sweden! :) please let me know how many babies you’re bringing.

Sunday 7.03 am

Kris: hi Celeste. I’m really sorry to do this last minute but ava’s mom has cancelled again and I can’t get a sitter this late. I’d love to come for brunch next time though.

Celeste: oh my dear. Bring her. It’s absolutely no problem.

NatNat: hey kris. Kasey is going to nado and Kuny and he says they’re happy to babysit. Also he wants to know why you and Remus are invited to brunch. Don’t tell him anything. 😉😉😉

Kris: oh I don’t want to be a problem they probably don’t want a 4-year old to disturb their halo game...😬

NatNat: it’s not a problem at all :) (also need kase to practice - not getting any younger here 😏🤩)

Kris: well if it’s really no problem I know Ava would love to spend time with them. :) also totally rooting for baby blizzards soon!

———-

Blizzard created a new group: Babysitting

Blizzard added RussianGod, Nadotheman and KrisVolley

Blizzard: hey guys. Quick change of plans. Ava is hanging out with us today. Kris is going to brunch with the girls?! Said we’d be happy to spoil baby munchkin and teach her more Russian curse words

RussianGod: ok. Can we eat cookie? Also no bad words. Don’t want more yelling from Anya. She scary.

Blizzard: season diet Kuny. Oreos are only for Ava. And isn’t Anya like 5.2?

RussianGod: nado is still sleeping. But we can go to park and meet ladies. They love single dad. But Anya is little but scary. Have you not see how she keep sergei in check?

KrisVolley; you are not using my baby to meet ladies. Haha oh never thought of that. Anya is always nice to me 😂

KrisVolley: Here are the ground rules gentlemen!!!!

1) no begging - you need to say no and stick with it, unless she’s crying properly don’t give in to her. She hissy cries when she wants things her way

2) not too much sugar and candy alright? (Looking at you Kuny)

3) Kuny and nado can’t use her as a ploy to ensnare women.

4) do NOT teach her any more Russians words unless they’re good, safe and cute words. The press still hounds me from the time you taught her to cuss a ref....

5) have fun and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do

Nadotheman: Morning boys. Also happy to babysit. But tHaNkS fOR aSkInG kase... 👍🏻 also @KrisVolley:

1) how the hell are we supposed to say no to that face? No idea how you made such a beautiful baby.

2) no problem. (Totally lying to you)

3) we would never use our baby niece in such a despicable way 😳 also it was one time and we can’t help that we are irresistible to baby-crazy ladies.

4) she can only scold a ref. According to Kuny totally safe and good words. Don’t believe what Sergei or Sunny says. Or the press.

5) so don’t knock up a fan at 18? Alright man got it.

KrisVolley: ....

Nadotheman: just keeping it real. You’re a cautionary tale for the rookies man. But your baby is cute. And you do a great job bro! 💪🏻

KrisVolley: I’m a what?? And thanks Nado. 😊

Blizzard: When you’re done with your moment.... I’m picking her up in five, can Nat go with you to Dumo’s? Ava and I will go have brunch at the bat cave and have an awesome time. And don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on the boys.

KrisVolley: thanks Blizzard. Good practice as well 😉

Kuny: 👀👀👀👀 baby blizzard????

Blizzard: alright calm down m8. We’re not even married (no judging kris)

Nadotheman: whatever you say bro. You gotta make a baby with that girl - she swooned at family skate. Also we all saw you makin heart eyes at the Brady bunch. 😆😆😆😆

Blizzard: they’re adorable and this conversation ends here. We’re outside now Kris. Also don’t encourage Nat. I’ve got a plan. 😬

——-

Nado: Kuny. Kuny. Is it baby safe? They’re here in 15 minutes.

Kuny: why you text me? I’m next door.

Kuny: also yes is fine. Maybe get bra down. It been in fan for 3 days

Nado: you’re the tall one. Get it down.

Kuny: I not put it there.

Nado: fine you lazy jerk. I’ll get it down.

Kuny: 😘

Nado: fuck off. But I love you too bro.

—-

Until next time, my lovelies 🥰

Always open for ideas, prompts, constructive criticism!

Also - does hug a goalie day exist? I think it should.

[plasticnightmaredoll]

So, this is a drabble I’ve been sitting on for a little while, mostly because I wrote it while in a “mood” and thus it’s kind of personal. However, I do still like it and want to share it.

It does involve Erron Black and Cassie Cage from “Mortal Kombat,” so if you’re familiar with them then kudos, I suppose. If not, then it’s no a big deal. You don’t need to know all about them to understand what’s going on in this drabble. 

I didn’t tag this writing with anything Mortal Kombat related because it’s kind of...bashing BlackCage (Erron Black x Cassie Cage) and doesn’t paint Cassie Cage in the best light. I don’t want the drama and bullshit that could result so I am keeping the MK tags far away from this drabble.

Now, this fic DOES involve Arkham Knight Riddler, so it’s a crossover, and I am 100% ok with tagging him and Scarecrow (Yes, he’s in it, too, sort of). Neither of them are portrayed in a way that would piss people off. 

Now, the fic is very personal to me and technically it’s a self-insert, but I refrained from using my real name or my alias, and has just referred to myself with pronouns. Why? Because I’m kind of shy and weird like that. Plus, it’s super personal and emotional to me, this drabble, and I just don’t feel comfortable directly attaching my name -- or even my alias -- to it right now.

This isn’t on AO3 for the reasons I’ve already mentioned, and I am honestly ok with any feedback on this, be it positive or negative. Seriously, if you have thoughts, then share. If you happen to be a BlackCage fan and/or Cassie Cage then feel free to send me hate -- no anon hate, though, as I have turned off anonymous asks.

I will warn you now, the drabble deals with self-esteem issues, and the ending, if you are familiar with Scarecrow (and if you’re reading this, I sure hope you are), the ending is kind of.....dark. Nothing actually happens but it is heavily implied someone is in for a traumatizing time.

Volunteer

“I don’t know what I did wrong,” she said, sounding as defeated and drained as she looked. “I tried my best yet I still only managed to be in the friend zone. He said it’s not that I’m not good enough, but that he had liked her for a while and she finally said ‘yes’ to going out with him so…”

“What does this girl look like?” Edward asked, displeased with the situation.

“Hang on.”

Edward had to admit he wasn’t shocked by this news. From the start, he knew Erron Black was that type of guy, one of those dim-witted pretty boys who had no sense or reason. However, Edward didn’t say anything to her as she was an adult and could make decisions on her own -- even if they were the wrong ones. Besides, she was so smitten by Erron that Edward suspected she wouldn’t have listened to or believed his warnings anyway.

She searched on her phone and found the (infamous) girl’s Instagram profile and then handed it to Edward. Looking through Cassie Cage’s photos, frowning, shaking his head, he found himself unimpressed. This was the woman that got Erron’s attention? Honestly? She was a spoiled, bratty, self-centered blonde with the IQ of a donut! 

Clearly.

Although, seeing as how Erron’s IQ was clearly no higher than that of Cassie Cage, Edward figured birds of a feather flocked together...one dodo for another.

“Ugh, I’ve seen enough,” Edward said, handing her back her phone. “She’s a social media brat who has fluff for brains and probably uses her looks to get what she wants. There’s no way she’s actually an intelligent, fascinating person. Anyone who takes that many ridiculous selfies is, without a doubt, an idiot.”

Edward noticed she didn’t appear to be relieved by his words, so he quickly thought of something else to add, hoping it would provide some sort of window to clarity that she desperately needed for this situation.

“So, this Cassie fits society’s shallow and pointless standards of beauty,” Edward said. “She’s an absolute bore, I tell you! She’s got a pretty face and an attitude, probably only is successful because she’s relied on her parents for everything.”

She still looked upset, and maybe even more so.

Ok, Edward, think! thought the criminal genius, chewing on his lower lip as his anxiousness grew. There’s got to be a way to get this through to her. This is a waste of her time!

“I mean...I wouldn’t want to spend time with her,” Edward said, placing a hand on his chest. “I’d probably lose my mind after listening to whatever pointless drivel would inevitably spill forth from her mouth. As for her looks, well, let’s be realistic here: they won’t last, and then what? She’ll be stranded with her own deflated ego and nowhere to go.”

Edward could tell that she was nearly crying now much to his dismay, and she kept her head down to hide the tears gathering under her lashes. This was absurd, he thought. Why did she feel so hurt by a guy who was a complete moron and a girl who looked like every other blonde girl out there? It was a waste of time, energy, thought, and emotion to dwell on such people. Why couldn’t she see that?

“I understand what you said,” she said, sniffling. “I agree with a lot of it but...it still hurts, maybe more so now that I realize how much of a bimbo Cassie is. And Erron chose her? I’m not blonde...is that what he wants?” She gripped her phone tightly. “Do I need to start acting like an obnoxious brat, taking selfies and posting them online for attention?” The grip was now threatening to crack the protective outer case of the phone. “I did all I could to be a good friend to him, was there for him, listened to him, treated him well….and yet, I’m still not good enough to earn his...his love? He waited a long time for Cassie...well, I’ve waited even longer to stop being rejected because I’m not good enough!”

Not wanting her to injure herself, he reached out and placed a hand over hers, watching her fingers loosen around her phone.

“I don’t feel good enough,” she said softly, finally crying. “I’ve never been good enough. I don’t know why...I don’t know...I try and I try but it’s never enough...”

Edward watched her sob quietly to herself, unsure of what to do but his internal panic was growing worse. This wasn’t exactly his area of expertise, and he still thought she was wasting energy on two idiots. However, there was nothing he could do about that, not right now, not when she was still overwhelmed by emotion.

So, he reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling a little awkward doing it but it was all he could think of at the time.

“It’s going to be alright,” Edward told her. “I promise.”

A few weeks later….

Edward was typing away at his computer as she sat at a table nearby working on one of her custom dolls. With her headphones on, she drowned out the world around her, entirely focused on painting the face of the doll. Because of this, she didn’t notice him get up from his chair to “greet” the ignorant Neanderthal standing outside under the security camera mounted on top of the main door.

Edward opened the door to see a worried Erron Black standing outside.

“What do you want?” Edward asked in an exasperated tone. 

“Have you heard from her?” Erron asked. “She hasn’t responded to my texts or calls, and it’s really botherin’ me. I wanna know if she’s a’right.”

Edward crossed his arms, sighing in annoyance.

“Yes, I have seen her and spoken to her,” Edward said. “And it’s her right to ignore you if she chooses to.”

“I...I know that but…” Erron rubbed the back of his neck. “I...I want to speak to her...there’s somethin’ I got to say. I...I just...I need to see her and talk to her, face to face.”

“Haven’t you done enough?” Edward demanded. “No, you can’t speak to her. You’ve done enough damage to her psychological state with your puny, insignificant brain.”

Erron looked taken aback but said nothing as guilt consumed him further. As much as he hated Edward’s callous words, the cowboy wasn’t in the mood to pick a fight.

“Now, run along, Little Cowboy,” Edward said. “Go back to your vapid Selfie Queen where you belong.”

With that, Edward closed the door in Erron’s face, smirking triumphantly. Why that idiot thought he could just walk on back with his tail between his legs and beg for forgiveness, Edward had no idea. Then again the other man was too selfish to realize the error of his ways, so it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise he tried that.

As Edward made his way back to his computer, he suddenly got an idea; a beautiful, incredible, ingenious, devious idea. Taking his phone out of his pants pocket, he searched for and dialed the number he had in mind for this situation.

“Hello, Crane,” Edward said, smiling wickedly to himself.

“Ah, Edward,” said Jonathan, who was fully expecting to be hit with Edward’s ego. “I am surprised to hear from you. To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“I’ve got something, or rather someone for you.”

“Oh?”

“You said you were working on a new variation of that fear toxin of yours, am I correct?”

“Yes, and it’s nearly ready. Perhaps just another day more and it will be finished.”

“Great! Then I have a candidate you can test it on.”

“Oh, yes, do tell. I am always looking for ‘volunteers,’ as you know.”

Edward gave Erron’s name and description to Jonathan, his smile turning into a malicious grin as he did so. As much as Edward wanted to teach the dumb cowboy a lesson himself, he also thought it wasn’t worth the effort and Scarecrow loved having ‘volunteers’ for his silly little gas...

“I will have my men apprehend him right away,” said Jonathan.

“Just don’t leave any permanent damage,” Edward said. “Otherwise...have at it.”

“I would never do such a terrible thing,” Jonathan said, chuckling darkly. “I take good care of all of my ‘volunteers.’”

“Don’t say I never did anything for you.”

“Before I go, may I ask why you are recommending this man to me? Is he one of your henchmen? Did he steal from you? Fail to complete a job?”

Now this caught Edward off guard. How was he going to explain this? He couldn’t even fully explain his feelings about this -- about her -- to himself. Yet, he didn’t want to deny Jonathan an answer, either. It was a perfectly valid, logical, albeit nosey question.

“This man, he…” Edward began, his words catching in his throat for a moment. “He, um...he...damaged something...something very valuable to me. And...and as much as I want to discipline him myself, he is too far beneath me for me to waste any of my precious time dealing with him further.”

“Ah, I see,” said Jonathan. “I must be going now, but thank you, Edward. You are too generous.”

With that, Edward hung up and made his way over to her, lightly tapping her shoulder. Turning around, she smiled up at him and removed her headphones.

“Hi, Eddie,” she said. “Did you need something?”

“No, no,” he said with a charming smile. “I just wanted to get a closer look at what you’re working on. It looks impressive so far.”

“Really?” she looked delighted, her cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink. “It’s not done yet but...thank you! You have given me a little confidence boost.”

“And you deserve it,” Edward said, patting her shoulder. “I look forward to the final result.”

Back at his desk, Edward continued working on code for upgrades to the Riddlerbots, humming to himself contentedly. Maybe what he did was a bit much, but the cowboy needed to be put in his place. Men like Erron -- people like Erron -- always did. Besides, she would forget about the fool in time. Edward was certain of this because that was the nature of things: you forget about what no longer has any meaning or purpose in your life, and seeing as how she wasn’t at all interested in conversing with Erron anymore...well, it didn’t take a genius to figure out the conclusion.

“Just dance,” she sang softly to herself. “Gonna be okay, da da doo-doo-mmm...”

Edward nodded to himself upon hearing her, smiling.

Yes, it’s going to be ok, My Dear, he thought. It’s all going to be ok…

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

And that’s the drabble....Now, think of this: Riddler could fuck Erron Black up. I mean, he has a goddamn robot army. And Riddler is a criminal genius -- well, even without the “criminal” part, he’s still a genius. Erron is....he’s not. No offense but he’s not. 

In this drabble, Eddie is aware of all of this, but -- and this is where the self-insert part comes in so forgive me -- he does have strong feels for myself (which sounds weird but, like I said, this is a self-insert type of thing and I self-ship with this Riddler so......), as I’m the only friend he’s got (only friend he’s probably ever had, really). So, he’s very protective. 

I can see Arkham Knight Riddler being this way if he actually cared for someone. They’d be special to him for a lot of reasons and he wouldn’t want them to be hurt. He’d be devastated because he cares for them, they care for him...it’s the last the he’d want, for them to be hurt in any way.

And we know Riddler isn’t above getting revenge, and this is personal. 

Yes, I know Batman pissing him off and humiliating him over and over is personal, but I think this sort of situation would be even heavier for AK Riddler for the reasons I already mentioned. 

Some idiot dared to make his one and only friend, the only person who has been both kind and respectful towards him despite his flaws, feel awful about themselves and for no good fucking reason? 

A guy who reminds Eddie of the bullies he had to deal with growing up (I do think AK Riddler was bullied growing up -- it seems to be implied, and with how poor his social skills are, I think he would have sadly been a target for bullies in school)? 

A guy who is so beneath both Eddie and his dear friend, that said guy doesn’t deserve to walk away from this without paying a price?

But Edward isn’t a master of mental torture like Scarecrow is, and we know Scarecrow’s fear toxin makes people hallucinate terrible, terrifying things, including their worst fears and possibly any traumas they have endured in life. Erron Black didn’t have the best childhood based on his intros with other MK characters. It seems like he grew up in an abusive household, has trouble being open with anyone, has trouble forming serious relationships, chases cheap thrills over and over like he’s filling some sort of void....

Something tells me Erron wouldn’t have a good time under the influencer of Scarecrow’s toxin, and while Eddie doesn’t know about Erron’s unpleasant childhood, he...also doesn’t and wouldn’t care because, AGAIN, of the reasons I have already mentioned. In Eddie’s mind, he’s getting revenge for his only friend, the only person he actually cares for, and he’s getting it in a very fucked up kind of way. 

Phew...that was a real fucking ramble. I apologize but I have a lot of feelings about this drabble and its subject matter.....

And let’s be fucking REAL, Bitches: Erron should be glad we’re dealing with Arkhamverse Riddler and not Telltale Riddler. If it were Telltale Riddler.....omfg Erron would probably beg for the fear toxin.

Because Telltale Riddler doesn’t fuck around. 

[demivampirew]

Keep Calm and Go to London chapter 11

Synopsis: This is the story of (y/n), a successful actress, musician, musical producer and songwriter. After battling depression and breaking up a long relationship, she seeks for a change of air, escaping LA for a while going to visit some friends in London and there she meets Henry. -Disclaimer: some chapters are mostly smut.

Previous Chapters:

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Triggers:  crying.

Tag list: Here’s the incredible people who showed me support (thank  you   so much for that) and people who asked me to tag them too  ☺️   (I   think I will write a few chapters of this story, if you want me to  tag   you, tell me ☺️   ) @cavillanche @mary-ann84 @henry-owns-these-tatas @yespolkadotkitty @dancingwendigo   constip8merm8   penwieldingdreamer iloveyouyen  littlefreya  wondersofdreaming  alyxkbrl solariumss  sweetybuzz25 @thethirstyarchive @agniavateira   @honeyloverogers @hell1129-blog   @lunedelorient​  @michelle-1185​

-So, how did the audition go?- Henry asked you. You video-called him as soon as you woke up as you promised to do every day that you spend apart. You also agreed that he'd do the same before going to sleep. You had your audition the day before in the afternoon, but by the time it ended, he was already sleeping because he needed to be awake at 3 am to get ready to be on the set of the show, so he just left you a sweet good night text and went to bed. He was once again on Geralt's makeup but you were starting to get used to it. - Great! - you said, happy but not overexcited. He studied your expression. - Are you sure? You don't seem that excited. - Yes, I'm sure. I just don't want to get my expectations too high so it won't hurt so bad if I don't get it. - you admitted shrugging. - You'll get it. You're amazing! - he encouraged you - I know...and so are the other actresses up for the role. The casting director told me I did an amazing job, but he, the director and the producers needed to have a chat to see who of all the potentials candidates was the most fitting for the role, but he assured me that I was on that list. It's a good thing, but until they tell me "you got it", I won't celebrate anything. Ok, maybe the fact that it felt really good to be back on the acting game. It's been a while and until now I haven't realized how much I missed it. - I have not doubts you'll get it, but if you don't, you'll get other chances to work with Meryl Streep and there are thousands of movies ready for you to be on them if you want to and you know that.- he said proudly and made you smile. -You're right. Thank you.- How's Kal? - He's great. Kal! - Henry screamed at Kal to see if the puppy came to say hi to you but he showed you that the puppy was lazily resting on a couch. Both of you laughed. - Hi Kal! I missed you!- You could see him moving his tail, probably because he recognized your voice, but he continued sitting on his spot. - He's lazy today, but he's missed you too. We both do. - And I missed both of you too. - Do you by any chance know when you are coming back? - he asked - Not yet. They told me that by tomorrow the should have a decision made and then they let us know because they need to sign the contracts. So for sure, I have to wait another day and if I get it I have to stay until I signing. - I see. - he sighed- Well, it could be just a few more days hopefully. - Yes, let's hope so. - What are you going to do today? - I... I'm going to Jared's house -you said sighing in a sign of displeasing - You're going to your ex's house?- he repeated in an inquisitive tone, he clearly wasn't pleased with that. - Yes. When I moved out I didn't take everything with me, just some essentials. I have clothes, my awards, a few instruments and some other things that I still have to pick up. - Is he gonna be in there? - No, as far as I know. I haven't been talking to him. I only talk to his assistant Shayla, we're cool and she actually took the time to put most of my belongings into boxes to save me time. I just have to go and grab them and see if there's anything else mine that she might have forgotten to pack. We spoke yesterday and she told me that he agreed to leave the house for the day so I could take all my stuff and leave. He'll just give the key to her and she'll let me in and help me with everything. Are you jealous? - you questioned amused. - It's not that...It's just... you suffer a lot with him and in that house. I'm just not happy about the idea of you being in the place that caused you all that pain. - I know. It's not exactly happy for me either. I hate that house. But, I want my possessions back so I've got to go. I'll be alright, I promise. - I hope so. I'll call you tonight, ok? I have to be back on set right now. Bye baby- he said waving you. - Ok. Bye baby! - you replied blowing a kiss.

The house hadn't changed a bit since you left. The only difference is that for the first time in a long time was practically empty, except for Shayla, Beth - who went with you to help you and for moral support- and two men from a moving company waiting outside by the truck; Jared gave the day to all the employees that are always around the house so you could be alone as you picked up your stuff. You always begged him to do that, but of course, he had to wait for you to broke up to do it, but still, it was a nice gesture. Shayla's done a pretty good job boxing all your stuff. There were just a few minor things, like a pair of shoes, one of your guitars that she thought that belonged to Jared and a few books. You went to the closet to see if she missed any piece of clothing and you didn't find anything yours, but to your surprise, you found a woman's clothes where yours used to be. It didn't take you a long time to recognize some of those clothes and you knew that those belong to her; the woman he slept with right after you broke up with him, the woman he told you for a long time that "was just a friend". You looked at Shayla raising your eyebrow in a sign of annoyment. She didn't need you to say a word to know what was going on in your head. "She's been staying in here for the last couple weeks," she told you and you rolled you eyes and replied "whatever". After taking all the things that were yours, you hugged Shayla a thanked her for her help. She's always been so nice to you. She was one of the few people that you were going to miss now that things between you and her boss and friend were over. You decided to leave the unboxing part for another moment. Moving this was already exhausting. You went to take a shower and went to bed early. As soon as your head touched the pillow, all the feelings hit you hard and you started to cry, trying hard not to make a sound so your friend wouldn't hear you. True to be told, you didn't love Jared anymore, but he was important and meaningful to you and you were hoping that it'd be the same for him when it came to you. You have the feeling that he was never really in love with you, but you thought that you were important to him somehow. But now it didn't seem like it. He not only slept with that woman the same day of your break up, but he allowed her to move in with him after you moved. It doesn't hurt that he moved on. It doesn't even hurt that is with her. It hurts that he's saying "I don't care, you're replaceable". Because that's the truth, for him, neither Valery nor you are irreplaceable. You are just a woman and he could always find a new one. After a long cry, you felt better. You needed to let those negative feelings leave your body and don't let them bother you anymore. You left him in the past for a reason. And you made a promise to Henry. "Henry!" you said and gasp. He called you as promised before going to bed, but it was the afternoon in LA and you were still in your ex's house and you just had found out about the woman living there so you were a little distracted when he called you. You told him you were fine, but he saw your face and notice that something was off but you continued to avoid talking about it. You grabbed your phone, that you hadn't touched in all day and after seeing notifications from twitter, due to a paparazzo that took photos of you moving your stuff from Jared's house and ignoring it, you went directly to read the messages. You had one from Henry that said " I don't know what happened to you today, but I know you were not feeling ok. You're not forced to tell me anything, but I want you to know that I'm always there to listen when you need, no matter the time, the phone is on if you need a call. I hope you feel better. Talk to you, tomorrow baby." Once again you had tears on your eyes, but this time were tears of joy. You smiled and open your gallery and saw a few selfies that you two took together, several pictures of him cooking for you, pictures of him and Kal and pictures of Kal and you. You grabbed your phone and decided to text him the truth. You apologized to him because you failed your promise, but you assured him that you felt much better now. You left your phone on the nightstand and closed your eyes to sleep. A few minutes went by and your phone started ringing and you saw that it was Henry. -Hi- you answered is a low tone - You should be sleeping. - I was - he replied and you notice by the sound of his voice that he was telling the truth- and I will be asleep again shortly, I just wanted to say that you're irreplaceable to me. You're not just another woman, you're special. You're extraordinary and I'm sorry if he failed to let you know that. You're incredible - he assured you. As he was saying this last words you heard him yawn. -Thanks, baby. Now, go back to sleep, we'll talk better tomorrow. - Ok. Sleep well!- he told you as you were pretty sure he fell asleep as soon as he finished saying those words. - You too, baby! - you replied and hung up.

[bangtans-peaceful-piegon]

My Cup of Tea: Prologue

My Cup Of Tea: Prologue | YoongixReader

Warnings for this Chapter: none, just a post-breakup suffering OC who is saved by a whole Min Yoongi

“Coffee is bitter, so people add a little bit of sugar or creamer until it suits their taste. However, once it’s added it can’t be separated. It’s also addictive, it’s your choice to keep it as your poison or to control how much you take. Some people need it, some people don’t...In that case, it really isn’t their cup of tea.”

A/N: im finally deciding to post this after who knows how long sajkdfhd,, tysm for beta reading this for me @jtrbluv !!! again u were a huge help because the tag game you tagged me in gave me the final push to actually post this fic thats been collecting dust in my drafts. ily boo !!! <3 it also took a while because i wanted to do more research for this fic. i dont think ive read about or drank so much tea in my life for the past few months. pls enjoy the prologue everyone!

Word Count: 1,600+

You sat in the worn out leather booth, eyes trained on the steaming mug in front of you.

What just happened?

Something that took five years to grow ended in mere seconds.

Five years of dedication.

Five years of convincing yourself it would work out, that it could be fixed.

Five years spent on a relationship that should’ve ended before it began.

You mindlessly took a sip of your coffee hissing as the hot brew burnt your tongue, mind drifting back to the argument that occurred hours ago...

“You’re never here!”

“Was I not enough for you?”

“Where’s the old Y/N that I knew and loved?”

You weren’t sure about what was said after that except for... “I’m seeing someone else.”

The bruising pain on your tongue began to throb and you couldn’t help the tears that formed.

You never liked coffee, but the café was your favorite place. 

Perhaps it was the enticing aroma that attracted you every time you walked in, or maybe it was the cleverly thought out name that was in the form of childlike puns: Bearly Awake Brew.

Either way, you couldn’t despise coffee any more than you already did in this moment.

“Are you alright?”

You whipped your head up to see a man standing above you.

Through your bleary eyes you could make out a set of kind brown ones shielded by black frames which rested atop a boopable nose. On his head, a black mop of neatly trimmed hair along with soft cheeks paired with a soft jawline.

The man was dressed in a black turtle-neck and long-coat as if returning from a meeting discussing the newest stocks and bonds of business.

After a small, possibly noticeable, ogling of the stranger, you shook your head ‘no.’

He motioned to the seat across from you raising his brows inquisitively, “May I?” 

This time you slowly nodded.

He seemed harmless enough, and even if he tried anything there was pepper spray in your purse.

You sniffled as he took a seat.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No y-you wouldn’t understand.” He leaned forward onto his elbows—a determined furrow in his brow.        

“Try me.”

Who was this guy? He didn’t come off as threatening but somewhat… familiar.

You couldn’t quite place his face or remember his name.

“Not yet, right now I just need a good cry,” you replied sinking further into your seat.

“Alright.” He said, shrugging and not saying much, or really, nothing.

He sat across from you— not making eye contact but quietly observing the café.

Several questions raised in your mind: Where did he come from? Why is he here of all places? Did someone send him with the intention to make you feel even more like a fool than you already did?

“Don’t you have anything better to do?” you asked when the silence became a little too long.

“No, not really...” he replied slowly. “Would you like me to leave?”

“No, I mean, it’s just-“ you hesitated, “You’re fine,”

“Ok then.”

Silence.

One look at him and it’d be hard to believe women find him approachable, but the man came up to you.

Much less, while you were on the verge of outright bawling in the middle of a café.

“What’s your name?” you asked, initiating conversation. You might as well since he was there.

“Yoongi. Yours?” You hesitated knowing it wasn’t fair to not give him your name.

“I’ll reassure you I’m not a stalker, at least not the bad kind.”

You let out an amused scoff, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He chuckles and you couldn’t help but enjoy the sound.

Were you really that joy deprived?

“Ok then, I’m Min Yoongi, and I’m a stocker. As in I distribute and track merchandise in stores.” he reaches a hand out to shake and you can’t help but stare at it.

“Well go on I won’t bite,” you huffed a laugh, taking his hand and shaking it.

He smiles and you can’t help but return it.

Who is this guy?

“Why don’t we go for a walk?”

You contemplate his offer.

You had just met him but you hadn’t had casual conversation in a while… or hung out with friends for that matter. So maybe it’d be good for you after-

“Sure let’s go,” You replied immediately while standing up, maybe a little too quickly— your chair scratching the wooden floors and making a startling sound as you headed to the door.

He raised his brows in surprise at the sudden burst of energy before trailing behind you, ignoring the stares of café patrons.

“Hey wait up!”

-

This was another reason why you visited the quaint coffee shop often.

The park outside was always bustling with life and energy.

There was a little pond where ducks would glide across its surface diving from time to time, scavenging for the weeds at the bottom, maybe even getting sustenance from people who were ignorant of the ‘Do not feed the ducks’ sign.

It also had an open field where locals and families would enjoy the hot summer days by setting up little camps with blankets and food or even play small games of football or soccer.

While children played in the vast expanse of green, parents would sit back and converse with strangers forming new friendships. It was a place of change and growth and you loved it.

“So,” Yoongi continued as you both walked down the dirt path, “other than your name, and why you were crying in my café, is there anything about you I have yet to know?” Your cheeks flushed red as you shifted your sight to the ground.

“There’s nothing much really,” you replied with a shrug before backtracking his sentence, “Wait, your café?”

“Don’t change the subject. There’s got to be one thing about you… how about your favorite color?”

You purse your lips at the dodging of the question, albeit a basic one, but it was a start. “I guess Rainbow,”

He nodded with a hum, “Wise choice,”

You let out a huff of amusement, “Alright wise guy, what’s yours?”

He pondered for a moment before affirmatively replying, “Black,”

You hummed. “Kind of... dark, isn’t it?”

He turned around and shrugged, “I’d say the rainbow but you took it already,”

You scoffed, resuming your place beside him.

He continued asking basic questions to which you replied and vice versa.

You liked dogs, but him on the other hand didn’t have a favorite animal, at least until he adopted a poodle which made him keen on the creatures, more specifically one named Holly.

You were allergic to bees and he was allergic to cats.

You both enjoyed a variation of music from rap to classical piano music, but the question also led to a debate on what artist is the most superior to all.

Neither of you won, and concluded neither lost with valid points made during said argument.

It only felt like minutes had gone by but wasn’t until you looked at the time that you realized how late it was.

The crowd at the park had begun to thin out while shops surrounding the area were beginning to close for the day.

The once bright sunlight began to fade behind clouds as it began its descent to the horizon.

“I should probably be heading home,” you cut in politely before he could delve into the topic of what they would do in a post-apocalyptic world.

“Oh,” he replied, obviously disappointed.

He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “Well could I ask you one more thing?”

You nodded expecting it to be another ‘get to know you’ question or something along the lines of ‘if you had to would cut your arm or leg off?’ but it was something much more complicated.

“Can I get your number?”

You stiffened, unsure how to respond.

You weren’t sure if he was asking as a friend or a man with an ulterior motive.

Could you really do it?

Especially after you had just-

“I’m sorry that came out wrong,” He quickly mended, fumbling his words, realizing your distress.

“I think you’re really great, and I’d like us to continue talking. Just two people who enjoy each other’s company, you know?”

You looked up at him and saw he was offering to be friends that would be nothing more.

You couldn’t deny: you had fun.

For the first time in a long time.

Maybe it wasn’t a relationship you needed, but a friendship.

You smiled, “I’d like that,”

You reached into your pocket pulling out your phone, “Here.”

You both swapped devices, putting in the respective numbers. Once the contact was added, you returned each device to the rightful owner.

He grinned, holding up his phone, “How about a contact photo?” 

You smiled, nodding as you  stood beside him while  he took a selfie of you side-by-side. Once the picture was taken he slid his phone into his pocket. “Thanks,” he glanced down at the phone, that darn smile growing on his face, “Y/N. I’ll talk to you soon?” 

You nodded and finally split ways.

As you began the trek toward your apartment a dopey smile remained plastered on your face.

Maybe everything would be alright.

[sheerfreesia007]

Fallin’ All In You (Pt. 9)

Title: Fallin’ All In You (Pt. 9)

Pairing: Agent Whiskey x Reader

Author: @sheerfreesia007

Words: 2,572

Tags: @cosmo-bear, @two-unbeatable-beaters

Author Notes: I really enjoyed writing this one. I’m working my way to the more intimate parts, still not comfortable writing them yet and I know I can’t keep dragging it out where they aren’t too intimate. If anyone wants to be tagged in this let me know. And any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you all for reading and enjoying my work!

Gif by: @elskay​

           You grinned softly as you walked off the commercial plane and into the hub of LaGuardia airport. People were hustling and bustling about you trying to rush for their flights. You held tightly to your little carry rolling suitcase and felt instantly out of place. Your attire was a little too country for this and you felt a little insecure, you wore a multicolored Native American print poncho over a simple white tank top, a pair of light wash denim boot cut jeans, your trusty pair of worn dark brown leather cowboy boots, a pair of silver feather dangle earrings and numerous pieces of turquoise jewelry. You felt you looked cute but you didn’t fit in here. Not with the glamorous New York style that most women walking around you wore.

           Pulling your suitcase along you tried to not let the self-doubt overwhelm you as you made your way to doors that led out to the parking lot and other forms of transportation, you were here on a mission. Thankfully Statesman usually kept a car parked at the 2 major New York airports just in case their agents traveled on commercial flights instead of the jet. Agents usually flew commercial when they wanted to lay low and didn’t want to bother filling out paperwork to take the jet. That was your reasoning for this trip; you hadn’t wanted to tip off anyone in the agency that you were traveling to New York. More specifically a certain senior agent. But you weren’t going to be using the vehicle that Statesman kept here, no you wanted to completely go dark and sneak in without detection. You were going to be using the subway system to travel and walking. It wouldn’t be a long trek anyway since the city was built so close together.

           Champ had grinned and laughed joyously when you had come to him with the request for a few days off. At first he had been hesitant to you let off because the Kentucky HQ was being bombarded with contract work from the FBI as well as their own cases that they were handling. But when you had told him the reason for the time off he had looked at you warmly and agreed on the spot.

           You see there was a particular high-ranking agent who had a birthday coming up and if you knew him at all you knew he wouldn’t be celebrating it at all. So you had taken it upon yourself to plan a few days to come and spend time with him for his birthday surprise. Champ had even called up to the New York and told management that Jack was to be given a few days off and to not expect him in the office for the time frame that you were going to be in New York.

           Walking out of the airport you took a deep breath and wrinkled your nose. You had forgotten what it was like living in the city. You were originally from the New England area; in fact Statesman had found you in Boston, Massachusetts when they had recruited you. It was your engineering and mechanic skills that had drawn the agency to you and when they had researched your background they offered you a position in their lab.

           You turned from the lively airport and began walking towards the nearest Q33 bus stop. It would take you about an hour to get the Statesman New York HQ. There you would be able to speak to the front desk about where you would be staying for your time here and to check in so that the agency had a record of your travel.

           While you waiting at the bus stop you felt your phone beginning to buzz in your pocket. You pulled it out of your back pocket and grinned down at the silly selfie of Tequila that flashed across the screen. Swiping your finger over the screen you held it up to your ear quickly.

           “Hey Tequila.” You said happily leaning against the edge of the bus stop shelter.

           “Hey Cur, just wanted to make sure you got there alright.” Tequila’s deep drawl came over the cellphone and the smile stayed on your lips.

           “Yeah just landed twenty or so minutes ago.” You explained easily.

           “Does he know?” came the question and you flinched softly.

           “No not yet. I was hoping to surprise him. “Do you think he’ll be mad?” you asked quietly beginning to second guess yourself.

           “Cur, o’ course he won’t be mad. It’s you and he’s wrapped ‘round that little finger of yers.” Tequila teased softly. “Anyway I just wanted to make sure that you got there okay and that you were safe. But I’ve gotta get goin’ Champ needs me for another mission.”

           “Ok you be safe Tequila. When I get back you can tell me all about it.” You said as you watched the bus pull up to the bus stop. “I’ll talk to you later.” You said to him as he told you goodbye. Hanging up your phone you easily slipped it into your pocket and waited for people to exit the bus before you moved onto it paying the rider fee.

           The bus ride was uneventful and you were quickly making your way towards the 82nd street subway station to catch a ride on the 7 line. Just as you were nearing the station you felt your phone buzzing in your pocket again. You moved to the side of the station entrance and fished your phone out of your pocket. Blanching slightly at Jack’s picture flashing on your phone you quickly sent it to voicemail and sent him a quick text.

           Sorry can’t talk. Is everything okay handsome?

           Yeah just missed your voice. Wanted to talk before you go into that meeting.

           Once I get out I’ll call you but I’ve gotta run. I love you.

           Love you too.

           You felt slightly guilty for lying to Jack but you really didn’t want to ruin the surprise for his birthday. Thankfully you had already called him earlier this morning before your flight to wish a happy birthday. You knew you were cutting it a little close but as soon as you got HQ in midtown Manhattan you planned on baking Jack a cake and then surprising him in his office with it. You just hoped that the subway was running on time.

           Finally walking into the front doors of HQ you looked around in awe. You had been to the New York office before, there were a few times that you had been sent over to train new lab techs in engineering and mechanics. But it had been awhile since you had been here. They had changed a few things and you found yourself a little distracted as you looked around.

           “Hey Cur!” someone called out behind you and whirled around to see agent Vodka. You had met her while you were training and she had shown your class knife wielding.

           “Hey Vodka! How are you?” you asked excitedly as you both shook hands.

           “I’m doing good. Heading up to a meeting now. What are you doing here?” she asked smiling warmly at you. You blushed deeply and turned your head towards the floor.

           “Uh, it’s Whiskey’s birthday.” You said shyly. “I wanted to surprise him. You won’t tell I’m here will you?” You explained a little worried she’d spill the beans on you.

           “Oh is it?” she said with a smug grin growing on her face. “I didn’t know.” She said teasingly.

           “Yeah he’s not big on celebrating it but I wanted to surprise him. He doesn’t know I’m here at all and I wanted to bake him cake and bring it to him tonight in his office.” You explained.

           “Aww sweetheart. You’re the cutest. Love looks good on you.” Vodka said slinging an arm around your shoulders as she steered you over to the front desk. You blushed deeply again and shrugged your shoulders. “Of course I won’t tell him. And I won’t tease him either about his birthday. Wouldn’t want to tip him off.” She said easily. The front desk clerk quickly checked you in so that Champ had record of your arriving and handed over all the information for where you would be staying. Turning to Vodka you smiled warmly at her.

           “Thanks Vodka I really appreciate it.” You said grinning. You held the key for the place you were going to be staying and looked over the address quickly.

           “Hey when the meeting’s over I’ll send you a text so you know when it’s good to come and surprise him.” She said smirking. You nodded eagerly at her as you shook her hand one more time.

           “Thanks Vodka!” you said happily as you waved over your shoulder and walked quickly out the doors. Quickly making your way towards the apartment you would be staying you stopped at a grocery store not far from the apartment.

           It was about an hour later that you were pulling the baked cake out of the oven in the small kitchen. Grinning softly you inhaled the delicious smelling chocolate cake. Suddenly your phone began to ring and you quickly swooped it up from the counter your grin never leaving your face.

           “Well hello there birthday boy.” You huskily said in a breathy voice.

           “It is so good to hear your voice darlin’.” He said in a deep warm voice with a soft chuckle.

           “Are you done with your meeting?” you asked curiously as you set the cake down on a cooling rack. You pulled out the fudge icing that you had made earlier.

           “Yes darlin’. I’m going to be stuck at the office for a few more hours doing paperwork and won’t be home til much later, so we probably won’t be able to video chat.” Jack said miserably with a sigh.

           “Oh sweetheart, I’m so sorry. We could do a video chat now if you want I’m free.” You tried to cheer him up. You could only think of how surprised he was going to be when you showed at his office with his birthday cake.

           “No darlin’ I want to get through this paperwork as quickly as possible and just go home.” He said dispassionately.

           “Are you sure?” you asked warmly trying to make him feel better.

           “Yeah darlin’. I just wanted to hear your voice it’s been a rather boring day.” He said disheartened.

           “I’m sorry handsome I wish I was there.” You said softly into the phone. “I miss you Jack.”

           “I miss you too darlin’.” He said lowly. “Alright I’m gonna get started on this paperwork I’ll send you a text when I’m home so I don’t wake you. I love you darlin’.” He said easily.

           “Happy Birthday Jack. I love you.” You responded softly. Jack hung up the phone and you swiftly turned to the cake and iced it with the fudge icing and then used blue icing to spell out ‘Happy Birthday Jack’. You packaged up the cake and set it on the counter before walking over to your luggage and rummaging through pulling out a small box hat was the length of your palm. Slipping it into your purse you picked up the cake box and walked out of the apartment.

           Jack groaned softly as he rubbed a hand over his tired eyes. Looking back down at his desk and sighed. There was such much more paperwork that he had to get through. It was gonna be a long night, and it was already dark outside. A quick knock was heard on his door and sighed again, he was dog tired and didn’t want to deal with any more problems that came up.

           “Now’s not a good time.” He called out shaking his head. Whoever was at the door didn’t either hear him or care because they slowly opening the door. Looking up with a scowl Jack watched as you walked into his office holding a large box. And suddenly his tiredness and anger was replaced with a sense of happiness and peace. He was up out of his chair and walking towards you quickly. “Darlin’? What are you doing here?” he asked softly as he took the box from your hands.

           “Surprise! Happy Birthday Jack!” you claimed just a little louder than your normal voice. Jack embraced you tightly wrapping his arms completely around your body and twirling you in a circle. You chuckled warmly and placed your hands on both sides of his face before pulling him down for a longing kiss. Jack groaned into your mouth and tilted to his head to deepen the kiss. “Now I know you don’t like celebrating your birthday but I felt it was duty as your girlfriend to come and surprise you with my presence and homemade cake.” You said breathlessly as you pulled away from him.

           “Well happy birthday to me.” Jack intoned to you in a gravelly voice and you smiled almost sinfully up at him before pulling him back into a kiss. “How long are you here for?” he asked softly almost not wanting to know the answer figuring it would only be for tonight.

           “I asked for a few days off. So you’ve got me til Friday night.” You replied easily as your arms moved to wrap around his neck and you fingers played with the hair at the back of his neck. He shivered and pulled you closely to his body.

           “That’s four full days I get you all to myself?” he asked softly to you. One of his hands was trailing lazily up and down your spine just taking in the feeling of your body against his. You hummed deep in your throat to him feeling your body relax into his. “It definitely is a happy birthday to me.” He groaned softly leaning his head into the crook of your neck and began placing kisses against your skin there.

           “Wait. Wait.” You whispered breathily and Jack groaned into your skin.

           “Darlin’.” He warned as his hands gripped at your hips dragging you even closer.

           “I have something for you. A gift.” You said grinning softly as you pulled away slightly.

           “I thought you being here was my gift.” He teased softly as he watched you pull out a small box from your purse.

           “Well part of your gift yes. The cake, me being here with you for four days, and this.” You presented the box to him and stole a quick kiss. He smirked at you and took the box from your hand. Opening it slowly he looked down and began laughing loudly. Nestled inside the box was a new silver belt buckle in the design of a Jack Daniel’s whiskey label.

           “Darlin’.” He murmured to you sweetly with affection. “It’s perfect.” He claimed and pulled you back up against him leaning down for a kiss.

           “Just like you.” You whispered against his mouth before claiming his lips with yours. Jack placed the gift on top of his desk before caging your hips against the edge of the desk with his. “Happy Birthday Jack, I love you.” You sighed against his mouth while your fingers knocked his Stetson from his head and carded into his hair scraping against his scalp. Jack moaned and pressed his hips further into yours.

           “I love you darlin’.” He breathed against your lips before kissing you again.

[lightsburnbrite]

Things We Do for Love: Part 2

(Third part to Such a Thrill and The Devil is in the Details)

As the months passed, Leon slowly started to form normalcy. His apartment resembled more of a bachelor’s pad as Karina’s personal items were removed. In an effort to get his mind off of things, it wasn’t uncommon for two or three of Leon’s friends to come and stay for weeks at a time and he genuinely appreciated the company but it didn’t replace the fact that Karina was gone. Mathea, never one to miss an opportunity, soon moved herself in and resumed her role as the doting girlfriend.

“Ha! I’ve found her.”

Leon let the basketball rebound off the floor before holding it still. Putting the net up in the living room seemed like both his best and worst idea to date. “What? Found who?”

“Karina.” Sebastian called back out. He wasn’t Leon’s official agent, but he acted in a managerial capacity in addition to being Leon’s close friend. “She’s listed on the website as the Associate Curator of European Art.”

Leon put the ball down and walked over to the sofa where Sebastian was lounging. He stopped short, trying to decide if he would feel better knowing where Karina was or if he would feel worse. “What website?”

“AGO.” Sebastian looked up from the screen at Leon. “Does Marius really not know where she is?”

Leon shook his head. “No. Their parents haven’t come out and said it but he figured they’d cut him off too if he tried to get in touch with her. What does AGO stand for?”

“Art Gallery of Ontario.” He turned his laptop towards Leon. “As in Ca-na-da, eh?”

Leon smirked at Sebastian’s over pronunciation but he couldn’t help but smile at Karina’s picture placed alongside her bio. She looked essentially the same, her hair might have been a bit longer and she had it straightened in this picture, but she looked genuinely happy. Leon knew that Karina had a “professional smile” that she used to counteract her natural inclination to frown but the smile she wore in her picture proved her to be happy and proud of this new position.

“Oh damn,”

Leon turned back to Sebastian who was on his phone now. “What now?”

“Looks like she’s got a new…” Sebastian hesitated. “Well, have a look.”

Sebastian had pulled facebook up on his phone but he didn’t know the person who’s profile it was. It was a picture of a group of six people at what looked to be an outdoor wedding reception, the bride and groom were placed in the middle with two people on either side. Karina stood to the very right, tucked neatly against the side of man who looked to be about the same age, her hand resting on his chest while his was placed low on her hip. Again, Karina smiled brightly while the man had more of a smirk and that instantly put Leon off him. He had been hoping maybe she was just the man’s plus one as a favor but then he read the caption and his heart sank.

Happy Siblings Day to these two weirdos. Loved having everyone together again at my wedding. Loved it even more that we finally got to meet baby brother’s new girlfriend who is the sweetest!

“What’s his name?” Leon looked over to Sebastian again. “Can you tell?”

Sebastian took his phone back and shrugged. “Look at the tagged names. Obviously we know Karina’s and if they are siblings then look for last names that are the same. Here we go…Cosmo is your guy. Or, I guess it’s more like her guy. Heh. What the fuck kind of name is Cosmo.”

Leon groaned but curiosity eventually got the better of him. At various points throughout the day, he was looking through multiple forms of social media belonging to a floppy haired hipster that had somehow caught Karina’s eye. He was mainly active on instagram, posting random landscapes and other seemingly artistic compositions. Leon was relieved that he didn’t see any pictures of Karina on there but when he came across a few pictures of Elsa, that was somehow worse. It had now become a serious relationship in his mind because Karina had allowed her beloved dog around this man.

Karina had effectively vanished from the face of the Earth in the 14 months since she left Leon. At first, Leon thought she had just blocked him but when she ‘liked’ one of his posts about a charity endeavor he and Joshua were working on, Leon realized she had just been silent. That initial ‘like’ broke the seal, it seemed, and just like that, she became active again. There were a few selfies and a few more pictures of Elsa but then came the pictures of Elsa and the new boyfriend. It wasn’t a blatantly obvious picture of the two of them, but he recognized the fragment of a roman numeral tattoo he had on his arm from other pictures.

While laying in bed one night, Leon was scrolling through pictures. Mathea moved closer and rested her head on his shoulder. “Who’s that?”

“Oh, um..” Leon cleared his throat and thought of how he could explain that he was essentially stalking the new love interest of his estranged wife. “Karina has a new boyfriend.”

Mathea took his phone and looked at pictures of the two of them and sneered. “He’s got a big nose. Whatever, you’re hotter.”

It made Leon feel at least a bit better to hear her say that, but there was now way Mathea could be objective. He had decided to give Karina a call and see if she would actually answer. Karina had donated a sizable amount to his charity and calling to say thank you seemed to be a good reason. To his surprise, she answered.

“Hi Leon, what’s up?”

He instantly smiled. “Hey, Maus. I, uh, wanted to say thank you for your donation. That was really generous of you.”

“Of course.” She held the phone away and coughed. “You and Joshua are doing great things, I’m happy to help.”

“Right…” He nodded even though she wouldn’t be able to see him. He wanted to say it was good to hear her voice, that he was happy she was ok and hoped she was doing well but all of a sudden, the words came before he had the chance to stop himself. “Mathea found your wedding dress the other day. I guess I could ship it to you?”

“Oh, um, honestly, I don’t want it back. You can do what you want with it.” She hesitated. “Listen, Leon, I was thinking it’s time that we finalize things. We’re kinda in limbo right now and I think we both just need to move on. I’m going to be in Munich next week, would you be able to meet with our lawyers?”

Leon let out a sigh. She was right, but it still hurt him to hear it. “Um, yeah. We can do that.”

They sat in a meeting room around a circular table and had an unsurprisingly civil conversation.

“I see that you maintained separate accounts so that makes the division of assets somewhat more straightforward.” Leon’s lawyer shuffled some papers before addressing Karina specifically. “Will you be petitioning for spousal support, Ms. Müller?”

Karina shook her head. “No. I’m not asking for anything, I just want this to be finalized so we can move on.”

His lawyer nodded. “And you are fine with returning the ring and vacating the residence?”

“My client has already returned the ring and has maintained a residence in Toronto for the past year.” Karina’s lawyer interjected now. “We are mainly concerned with making sure that your client will not be trying to get anything from Ms. Müller.”

“I see there is a dog, was the animal obtained together-”

“Elsa belongs to Karina. I’m not contesting that.” Leon spoke up. “Any piece of artwork too, it’s all hers.”

“Ok,” Karina’s lawyer responded. “Both parties agree to part with what they entered the marriage with. Is this correct?”

“I don’t know…I guess i just feel like…” Leon sighed heavily as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “I feel like we’re rushing things along.”

Karina sat perfectly still in the chair next to him, straight as a pin. “Leon, we’ve been separated for over a year, it’s time for us to move on.”

Leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees, Leon sighed again and tried to wrap his mind around how their relationship had progressed to this point. “Alright. What do you need me to sign?”

Once the papers were signed and notarized, their lawyers shook hands and departed leaving Leon and Karina to sit in silence.

“Do, um…” Leon was getting frustrated with how hesitant he was feeling. “Would you want to get dinner tonight?”

Karina opened her mouth before frowning slightly. “Leon, that sounds very nice but I’m not sure if that’s the best idea.”

“Yeah, I get that. It’s just this feels like a shitty way to close things.” He shrugged. “I thought this would be an ok way to make it up to you.”

She started to say that there was no need to make anything up to her, she held no ill will towards him but ultimately she thought better of it and simply nodded. Karina would have rather done anything else than to sit down to dinner with him but considered it one last good faith effort before moving on completely.

Leon set the reservations at the restaurant of the Charles hotel where Karina was staying. He had done so out of convenience for Karina, she knew that, but she also knew he had probably forgotten the time when they sat in the same restaurant and she confessed that she was hopelessly in love with him.

With a sigh, she pulled a simple black shirt dress from the closet and made sure it hadn’t gotten too wrinkled in travel. After deciding that her hair and makeup were fine, Karina checked at the front desk but was shown to the table despite Leon having not arrived yet.

She glanced over the menu but didn’t see anything that really jumped out at her so she let her eyes wander around the restaurant. Karina looked up towards the entrance just in time to see Leon holding the door open for Mathea who was wearing the same dress Karina wore to their wedding. Seeing the two of them walk in together caused Karina’s stomach to plummet to the floor. She saw a server pass and she held up one finger to flag him down. “I’m sorry, could I get a double vodka soda with a slice of lemon, please? Thanks.”

She stood as they were ushered to the table, avoiding any sort of eye contact as they sat down.

Leon smiled and placed a hand on her forearm. “You look great, Mausi.”

Karina smiled but more out of a desire to be polite. Mathea being there to begin with put her on edge, but the display of affection from Leon only made it worse.

Mathea didn’t pass up the opportunity to look her over from head to toe, ending her gaze with a smirk. “Do you ever wear anything with color?”

“Rarely.” Leon had to stop himself from laughing as Karina delivered the line deadpan.

Her expression turning to a sneer, Mathea would not let Karina get away with besting her. “You look like a nun only there’s the problem of your devil worship-”

“Mathea, enough.” Leon cut in now, attempting to keep a somewhat civil conversation.

“It’s nice to see you as well, Mathea.” Karina offered a kind but entirely forced smile. “A bit unexpected if I do say so, especially in that dress.”

Mathea grinned. “It’s lovely, isn’t it? I needed to have it taken in, I was practically swimming in it before!”

Leon immediately ducked his head. “Sorry, I thought you’d be bringing…sorry.”

“Bringing who?” She pressed him, curious as to who Leon would have had in mind.

He inhaled deeply. “I thought your boyfriend would have come with you.”

“Nope. Just me.” Karina forced a smile. “No boyfriend.”

“Hmm.” Mathea smiled more smugly now. “That’s a shame. Leon and I just got back from Ibiza, we had a great time together with Marius.”

“Lovely.” Karina nodded slightly, attempting not to bristle at the mention of her brother. “Glad you had fun.”

Leon went on about various events and goings on, seemingly oblivious to Mathea’s desire to agitate Karina and Karina’s subsequent distress.

“You know,” Mathea looked over to Leon and smiled fondly. “I’ve always wanted to see what you call ‘the big house’. I’ve always wondered of it really was that big.”

Leon hesitated, knowing that would be a sore spot. “No, that’s not really-”

“It's being rented, actually,” Karina hadn’t intended it to be a jab but the shocked look plastered on Mathea’s face was incredible satisfying. “About eight months ago.”

Mathea shook her head. “No, you had no right to do that without consulting us. What if we wanted to use it? I thought it would make a nice setting for a wedding.”

“A wedding…” She spoke softly and did her best not to show her irritation that Mathea was even part of this discussion. “It's my house, my estate. I discussed my thoughts with Olga and she was ready to move on as well. Apparently Marwin told her that he didn’t want me to feel weighed down by the house and should sell it if I wanted to. I thought about that but I didn't want to part with it because of my memories with Marwin there.”

It wasn't intentional, but Karina enjoyed watching Leon flinch when she mentioned wanting to hold on to her memories of Strohmann.    

“But you were married. Leon should have gotten half.” Mathea was practically scowling now. “Or spousal support.”

Leon held his hands up. “No. There is no reason for me to ask anything of Karina just because she’s worth more than I am. I’m not going to be petty or vindictive because you want a bigger place to live.”

The waiter had arrived with Karina’s drink and prepared to take their orders as well when she stopped him. “Thank you, but I think I’m actually just going to take this to my room. If you could charge their meal to my room as well?”

Slightly dumbfounded, the waiter nodded as Karina stood and raised her glass to Mathea and Leon. “Enjoy.”

Back in her room, Karina drained her glass quickly. The alcohol hit her hard on an empty stomach but it wasn’t enough to numb her yet. She grabbed the room service menu and ordered a dinner she would appreciate much more than anything at Sofia’s and a bottle of Prosecco to wash it down with.

Leon was visibly sullen for the rest of the evening which only frustrated Mathea.

“What are you so pissed about?” Mathea sat in the passenger seat and sulked.

It took Leon a minute to respond. “You could have pretended to be nice.”

“Sorry? I just figured we’re never going to like each other and we’re never going to see her again so why bother?” She reached over and rested her hand on his thigh. “Besides, we can actually talk about getting married now.”

Leon didn’t respond. He figured it would be better to wait to tell her that he wasn’t sure he ever wanted to get married again.

[softlass27]

ok go: 42. “I am about to emerge from metamorphosis as a beautiful butterfly. Don’t laugh. I’m serious!”

AO3 link here

Aaron awoke slowly and stretched an arm out across the hotel bed, only to find Robert’s side empty. He cracked one eye open, spotting Robert’s handwriting on a piece of paper from the room’s stationary set. Yeah, it was that kind of hotel.

Hey lazy, Gone down for a swim. Come find me if you fancy it :) R x

Aaron grabbed his trunks and a towel, making his way down the corridor to the ridiculously opulent staircase. When Robert and Jimmy had discovered a Friday business function they had to attend was being held in a pretty fancy spa hotel, they’d talked Aaron and Nicola into tagging along for the rest of the weekend. Not that Nicola needed much persuading to get a break from her demonic offspring – her words, not Aaron’s.

It was all a bit swish for Aaron’s taste – although the bed was the most fucking comfortable thing he’d ever had the pleasure of resting his backside on, and the chilled champagne reminded him of their honeymoon. Even a car ride with Jimmy and Nicola was worth that.

He made his way through the seemingly never-ending rooms until he eventually reached the fairly quiet pool. He scanned the swimmers doing laps up and down the lanes, but couldn’t spot Robert anywhere. Wondering if he’d gone to try out the one of the jacuzzis, Aaron wandered through a door that led to the spa area of the hotel, which was far busier than the pool room had been.

He looked over towards the jacuzzis – still no Robert. He turned around, ready to give up and go back to the room, when he stopped in his tracks. Across the room lay a motionless Robert and Nicola, both sprawled out on large water beds wearing matching fluffy robes and bright green face masks.

Barely able to contain his glee, Aaron made his way over to them, silently scrambling for his phone to take a photo of his absolutely ridiculous husband, who looked dead to the world. Jesus Christ, he even has cucumber slices on his eyes.

He snapped a couple of pictures, including a daft selfie of himself doing a thumbs up next to Robert’s motionless green face. Satisfied with his blackmail material, he pocketed the phone and reached down to poke Robert awake. When his finger just was inches away from Robert’s face, a hand shot up and blocked it.

“Don’t you dare.”

Grinning widely, he reached forward and plucked the cucumber off Robert’s narrowed eyes.

“Alright down there?”

Robert let out a contented sigh. “’m so relaxed, you h’ve no idea.” He did look relaxed, long body stretched out and damp hair sticking up wildly. He sounded relaxed, too, speech slurred to the point of almost sounding drunk. Nicola let out a snore from the bed next to his.

“Thought you were going swimming?” Aaron stroked a hand along his leg.

“Hmm, I was, but then I bumped into Nicola and the spa lady was wantin’ people to try this face mask; s’the treatment of the month, apparently. Good for redness and unclogging pores and-and, oh shut up!”

“I didn’t say anything!”

“Yeah you did, with-with your face. It’s doin’ it right now,” he scowled, pointing an accusing finger at him.

“Okay, okay, sorry.” Aaron held his hands up in surrender. “And the cucumber?”

“She just gave it to me, it’d be rude not to take it.”

“Ah, because you’d never be rude to anyone, ever.”

Robert just shrugged. “They also said it was good for gettin’ rid of baggy eyes. Which, let’s face it, we have a toddler at home so I could use all the help I can get. I might have a whole new face after this.”

“If you say so.”

“I do say so. I am about to emerge from metamorphosis as a beautiful butterfly. Don’t laugh. I’m serious!”

Aaron had been holding in his laughter since he’d started talking to Robert, but now he was full-on giggle-snorting at his husband.

“Oh my God, what have they given you? Did you take something down here?”

“Just a bit of green tea,” Robert crossed his arms, pouting now.

Aaron shook his head fondly. “Well, if you’re just about done here, maybe bring your new face back to our room and a bed that isn’t full of water, and you can keep relaxing up there? With me?” He covered Robert’s hand with his own and dropped his voice an octave. “I’m thinking room service, bit of bubbly, early night?”

Robert’s pout disappeared and was replaced with a smirk. “Sounds like a plan, Mr Sugden.” He intertwined their fingers together.

“‘Kay, get that stuff off your face and let’s go.” Aaron tugged the hand he was holding to pull Robert up, only to see him hesitate and glance towards the small table next to the bed.

“Uh, actually…”

“What?”

Robert gestured to a small egg timer on the table that Aaron hadn’t noticed before.

“I still have, like, ten more minutes left before I’m supposed to wash it off.”

“…Seriously?”

“Well I want it to work properly!”

“Oh my God.”

“Look, why don’t you go ahead and order the food? I’ll be up by the time it arrives.”

“Fine,” Aaron huffed. "You’ll be needing these back, then.” He gently placed the cucumber slices over Robert’s eyes and ran a hand through his hair, grimacing when he realised it was sticky with… no, Aaron didn’t even to know what ridiculous concoction he’d put in it.

“You better be back soon.”

“I will, promise. Might even bring up something for you to try, too; you know your t-zone’s been looking a little oily lately so – hey!”

Aaron grabbed one of the cucumber slices back from Robert’s right eye, popping it into his mouth and chewing it with his eyebrows raised. “That’s what you get.”

[turning-dreams-into-chaos]

New Beginnings (Part 8)

*Not My Gif*

Post Date: 12-30-19

Paring: Peter Parker x Stark!reader

Word Count: 1.7K

~Master~

~New Beginnings Master~

After everything sitting on an airplane next to Peter just calmed you down. It was like finally got the chance to breath after that hell of a field trip. The lights of the plane were barely one, just enough so no one would trip down the walkway as you leaned on Peters shoulder, watching a random movie Peter put on. You didn’t really mind though because whenever something funny happened on the screen, Peter would chuckle and you got to hear one of your favorite sounds.

Peter looked down at you on his shoulder, your eyes barely open as he focused on your breathing. It soothes him as he placed a kiss on the top of your head, his cheek filling the spot soon after.

“Peter?” You muttered, half asleep as Peter hummed. “Can I call you my boyfriend?” You felt dumb asking him that after everything but with your half asleep state, the words just came out. Peter felt the flutter in his chest and he knew his cheeks were bright red. He was thankful that you couldn’t see him right.

“Y-yes! I uh, i mean, yeah. I-I’d like that.” He cursed himself for stuttering but you just swooned, grabbing his hand in yours before you fell asleep completely. Your phone buzzed on the tray table front of you as MJ sent you a message on Instagram. Peter didn’t mean to look but he couldn’t help himself.

MJ sent you a picture she took of Peter and you on the plane. You and Peter just happened to of glanced at each other at the same time and MJ caught it on her phone.

He looked over his seat to a couple rows in front of you to where MJ sat smirking at him. He blushed even more as she gave him a two finger salute, finishing it off with a wink as Peter chuckled.

“What happened?” You yawned, looking at the screen for something funny. Peter just squeezed your hand, brushing the hair out of your face.

“Nothing Babe, just go back to sleep.” You let out a smaller yawn, your head falling closer to Peters where he could feel your warm breathing on his skin.

“Ok... love you.” You fell asleep the moment the words escaped your mouth but that didn’t stop Peter from kissing your forehead.

“I love you too Y/N.” He whispered before letting you rest for the rest of the flight.

The airport was pretty full when you all filed out of the plane. All of your friends trying their best to stay together until you were out of the terminal.

“Hey.” Peter pulled your arm, getting you to stop walking as he stood in front of you. You smiled knowing exactly what he was doing as you climbed onto his back, your arms falling down his shoulders as he held your thighs to keep you up. You giggled into his ear as he smiled to you, giving a quick kiss before catching up with your friends. MJ raised her brow at you as you stuck your tongue out, getting the girl to laugh before you spotted a few of your classmates families.

Peter slid you off his back as he grabbed your hand, getting you to stop walking more. “You sure no one else has figured it out?” Peter asked you as he glanced over at MJ.

“Yeah, I mean MJ’s too observant for her own good. And it’s not like anyone really pays attention to you.” You shrug as Peter gave you a tight lipped smile.

“Ouch.”

“I mean, except for me.” You backtracked as Peter blushed.

“Aww. Thanks.” He squeezed your hand and you nudged him.

“You guys are so cute.” Betty said behind you as you turned around to see her and Ned come up. Your hand was still locked with Peters as you wrapped your arms around his arm, effectively keeping him in your hold as you thanked her.

“You know, we should go on a double date!” You told them. Ned and Betty just shared a look, making your smile fall a little.

“We broke up.” They said at the same time as you shook your head, biting back a smile.

“What? No! Why?” Peter asked as Ned explained that men and woman grow apart and how the journey they share will always be a part of them. It didn’t help your laughing problem as Betty cupped Ned’s cheek and you hid your face in Peters sweatshirt.

You and Peter watched Ned and Betty leave before sharing a look, neither of you having any words as you walked to find May and Pepper.

“Pepper!” You shouted when you saw her and Morgan waiting on the outskirts of the group. Pepper put her hand to her chest as you jogged over. “I’m alright! I’m alright.” You assured her as she pulled you into a hug.

“Thank god.” She sighed in relief as she let go, letting Morgan take her place.

“Hey Morgan, miss me?” You asked her as she hugged your legs, keeping you from moving as Peter walked over.

He put his hand on your back to get your attention. “I’m gonna go find Aunt May.” He said as you nodded, letting him kiss your cheek as he left.

Pepper just grinned at you as you avoided her smirk. “So you and Peter, huh?”

“I don’t want to have this conversation right now Pep.” You blushed as Pepper nodded, not saying anything more as you all headed to the car outside.

“I always thought you two would be cute together.”

“PEPPER!” You pleaded as she put her hands up in surrender before putting Morgan in the car. You glanced to your side, seeing Peter and May hugging as she waved behind his back. You gave the woman a smile, returning the wave before Peter and her got in their car and you got in yours.

You barely got back to the tower before Peter was texting you.

Peter: so I just remembered I still have to have the talk with May and Happy...

Peter: wish me luck

You giggled, tapping Happys shoulder to get his attention. “Are you busy after this?”

“Uh, no I don’t think so, why?”

You just smirked, patting his shoulder as talking your spot again. “Stop by Peters.”

Happys face fell at your comment, looking in the mirror as you texted Peter.

Y/N: I just told Happy to stop by. Good luck spidey 🕷

Peter texted back, telling you he promised to take MJ for a spider swing later since she had been bugging him since she figured it out.

You finally rolled up to the newly constructed tower, biding Happy goodbye (and good luck) as you sent him on his way to Pete’s.

You made your way up the tower, stopping to say hi to anyone you saw before you finally made it to the living room.

You jumped onto the couch, turning the TV for background music as Morgan came into the room.

“I missed you, Miss Morgan.” You told her as she jumped onto your lap.

“Just don’t leave next time.” She began to play with your hair, as she sat in your lap. “Can I braid it?”

You nodded, moving to prop yourself up on the couch arm and letting Morgan stand behind you, pulling your hair out of the messy bun you had it in so she could braid it.

“Promise you won’t pull?” You asked her, flipping open your sketch book as you turned to look at her.

She gave you a cheeky smile. “Promise!” You went back to your sketches, feeling Morgan run her hands through your hair. Occasionally she’d pull it, but then she’d apologize and giggle.

Your phone had chimed so Morgan grabbed it off the coffee table for you having seen Peters name pop up. “Thanks Mo.” you said as you pulled the selfie Peter sent you.

It was of him flipping through the air on his way to pick up MJ. You couldn’t help but smile at your dork of a boyfriend.

Y/N: Don’t text while flying ❤️

“He’s whipped.” Morgan said as your jaw dropped open, looking back at your younger sister. Morgan just gave you her little 5 year old smirk as she leaned on the arm of the couch.

“He is not! And how do you even know what that means?!” You shouted as Morgan just laughed with a shrug.

“Mommy told me Daddy was whipped when they first started dating.” Again your mouth hit the floor before you started to laugh controllably.

“Pep!” You shouted as you pulled Morgan into your lap, your art book and braid long forgotten as you tickled her sides.

“What’s going on in here?” Pepper asked when she saw the two of you on the couch, Morgan’s face beat red as she barely tried to get you to stop through her laughs.

“You told her what whipped means?” You asked the woman as you and Morgan calmed down, big smiles on both of your faces.

“Oh please, she figured it out herself.” Pepper told you as you turned to look at Morgan who covered her face with your sweater.

“You liar.” You teased, poking her in the ribs softly as she squirmed. Pepper couldn’t help but smile as she watched you, knowing that if Tony was here he would love the sight of his girls together. She pushed away the thoughts of Tony before the TV caught her eye.

“Y/N.” She spoke barely loud enough to get your attention as she grabbed the remote off the table, turning up the volume. “Y/N!”

Your ringtone went off as you grabbed it, seeing Peters name and answering as you looked towards Pepper.

“Y/N, turn on the news!” Peter screamed into the phone as Pepper pointed towards the TV, bringing a hand up to her mouth to cover it as Morgan shouted Peter.

You were very confused as you stayed on the phone with Peter, hearing Morgan tell his name, and seeing Peppers reaction while you looked towards the TV.

“Peter!” Morgan yelled once again as you dropped the phone on the carpet. Peter’s school picture popped on the screen along with the words ‘Spider-Man’s identity revealed’. You scrabbled to grab your phone, standing up and knocking Morgan off your lap as you spoke into it.

“What the fu-“

A/N: There is one more part and I’ll probably post it tomorrow just to finish this series before the New Years! I actually wrote the next part before this one so I’m officially done writing this series and I’m so sad! I’ve had such a fun time with this series in particular just because the movie was so amazing and Peter Parker is just so perfect.

Let me know what you think!

***Reblogging with NB tags***

Permanent: @literal-fand0m-trash @just4muggles @saturn-aka-six @nathaliabakes @whyamihere-bro @colored-confetti @wiseeggspickleslime @sadn0va @btsiguess-kpop @galacticstxrdust @independentgirl @wellhellotherelovey @hollymac79 @delicately-important-trash @emcchi @rauwz

Peter: @laic2299 @danielabetancourth @darktwistydiamond @pastelsweaters-and-bubble-t @missmulti

Marvel: @hahaboop @laic2299

[milkchu]

joe mazzello as a dad ♡ headcanons.

pairing: joe mazzello x fem!reader

warnings: just some swearing, kinda long???

a/n: i actually made being married to joe headcanons before this so go ahead if y’all wanna read!! 💓

so it’s no secret that this man would be 1000000% dad material

we’ve all seen pics of him with kids and it’s fuckin adorable

so imagine his face when you told him you were pregnant

he would be s o b b i n g

though it took some attempts

you had so many cute ideas and plans on how to break the news to him

like putting a bun in the oven or doing the whisper challenge thingy

but he just wouldn’t get it for some reason

so after like 938382728537 attempts

you decide to straight up say it to his face

“joe i’m pregnant”

his reaction brings joy to your heart nonetheless

he just pulls you in for a tight hug and buries his face in your shoulder

“i’m gonna be a dad?” his voice bREAKS bc he’s crying aw :(

and you just kiss his head and stroke his hair

“yes joe”

you also couldn’t help but tear up bc you know he loves kids so much and he’s been wanting to have his own and he can finally have a family with you 💗 uwu

ofc joe was with you through every step of the way

he would cook you breakfast and bring you literally any craving you had without question

“what do you wanna eat for lunch, babe?”

“pizza ,,, with mac ‘n cheese on top ,,, smothered in ranch ,,, and a milkshake with peanut butter in it ,,, lots of it.”

“ok gotchu babe”

he would also talk and cuddle your bump as much as he could

late at night he would make sure you were asleep (sometimes you weren’t so you pretended to be asleep)

and just talk to your bump

“hi there, mommy and i can’t wait to see you”

“i don’t care if you’re a boy or a girl or both or neither”

“i’m still gonna love you with all my heart and soul and protect you at all costs”

then he softly kisses your bump and goes back to sleep

you tried so hard to contain yourself bc you just wanted to squeal and drown him in a billion kisses

omg imagine when both of you went to award shows or premieres

showing off your baby bump like an icon™️

joe would be so silly when taking pictures on the red carpet

like he would just point at your belly and be like “i did that *wink wink*”

nonetheless both of you just looked so amazing like the ultimate power couple you are

when the due date finally comes OH BOY

all hell breaks loose in the house

“jO E m Y WATER JUST B RO KE“

and he would panic a bit but he would be prepared

like he had an emergency bag with your clothes and some essentials in it

he would guide you to the car

“yeah that’s right baby, you’re doing fine”

“fine? FINE??? i am totally NOT FINE JOSEPH”

then you finally arrive in the hospital

before you could even get down from the car, joe just picks you up and carries you to the emergency room

he holds your hand the entire time

after you finally give birth he just gives you tons of kisses

“you did so well, baby”

the nurses hand the baby over to him and he’s just looking at it with glossy eyes

then he shows your child to you

“he/she’s so beautiful”

“just like his/her mom”

he would def post a picture of the three of you on his instagram right after

proud parents™️ :’)

if you had a son, you would definitely name him after joe

like when you’re calling for one of them, “hey, joe?”

and they both turn their heads and say in unison, “yes?” lmaooo

“that’s it i’m calling you joey”

“oh god moOoOoOoM”

so the first few months of taking care of your baby was tough ofc but you both got the hang of it as time passed by

thank god you both took parenting classes

both of you would have this silly competition on who could put the diaper on the baby faster

or who could cheer your baby up first when he/she starts crying

but you still had your sweet fluffy moments

one time you woke up in the middle of the night and joe wasn’t beside you

so you went to your kid’s room and saw him on a chair, holding your baby :’)

the baby woke up crying so joe went and checked up on it

he was talking to it so you just hid behind the door and watched

“hey tiny person”

“it’s okay, it’s okay, shhh”

“daddy’s got you” :’)

then the baby would start smiling up at him, gurgling

and you swore you heard “dada” come out the baby’s mouth and it wAS U G H just brought tears to your eyes

you literally had your hand against your heart bc it was such a beautiful sight uwu

so you couldn’t help but approach the two, putting your hands on his shoulders

“oh sorry, did we wake you up, babe?”

“no, the bed just felt cold without you”

he chuckles, “be there soon, have to take care of this little one first”

you both just spent a few minutes together before you suggested to bring your baby to your bedroom

so you all slept together with your baby in the middle :’)

you also had a lot of picnics together !!!

your kid was about three years old and you would watch him/her play around in the grass (bonus if you have a dog!!!)

while you had your back against joe’s chest, his arms wrapped around you

“he/she grows way too fast” he grumbles and pouts against your shoulder

you turn your head to peck his lips, “that means we did well, right?”

he continues to have this cute pout on his face, “but he/she’s gonna grow even more then he/she’s gonna be an angsty teen, rebel against us, go to college, have a job, get married—“

you just cut him off with a kiss, you giggled, “and i’m gonna be by your side the whole time”

“enjoy the moment while he/she’s still small” 💗

then your child comes running up to the both of you, flailing around with cute lil chubby arms and legs uwu

“mommy! daddy! let’s pway!”

and you just spent the whole day playing around in the grass with your beautiful family :’)

when you have get togethers with the borhap cast

lucy would definitely be all over your kid, “sorry, guys. he/she’ll be staying with rami and i from now on”

also when you talk with the others while your kid is on your lap

joe, not paying attention, is beside you making goofy faces at your kid, giggles coming out from them

and oh boy expect lots of instagram posts from joe

one time he was alone with your kid while you were at work and both of them were missing you

so he decided to post a selfie of the both of them, making cute pouty faces

“it’s so lonely in the house without mom 😪 @(y/n)”

then you send joe back a selfie with a scrunched up face, “i’m at the grocery store buying food so you two babies don’t starve to death”

another is your kid’s first day of school !!!

you took the picture, joe was kneeling down, hugging your kid tightly

“it’s this little troublemaker’s first day of school! don’t burn the school down!” 😂

joe is definitely a dedicated dad

schedule a meeting at 3? no way man i gotta pick my kid up from school

omg when he arrives at the school too early

he parks his car first and decides to make a random video for instagram

y’all already know what it would be

then your kid, already a teenager, comes to the car and just finds joe like this—

“what the hell are you doing, dad?”

lmao alright that’s all i have for now !!! def making another part in the future!

*gif not mine!

tags: @b-hardys // @hunterswearingplaid // @livingforrt // @bensrhapsody // @jennyggggrrr // @little-weirdo-13 // @kemeryyyy

[dykerory]

I was tagged by my favorite Jeb @madprinceofdenmark​ so let’s do this for once

1. How has your day been

it’s been ok. my sister recently had a fever so I was pretty worried but she’s getting better. It’s hard to keep up with schoolwork during a time like this, but my friends have all been making this easier. 

2. What’s the last thing that made you smile

@zaritarazi​ made a video edit that had me in TEARS 

3. What’s keeping you entertained these days

I’ve been watching breaking bad with my dad! plus i’m running a d&d campaign for my high school friends and that’s a whole lot of fun. I do alright. 

4. If you are in some kind of quarantine/self isolation: is there anything you’d like to achieve in this time?

I want to write (i signed up for a big bang, which is new and exciting), but actually something else is that I’ve taken up knitting! I’m slowly but surely getting the hang of it. 

5. Post a selfie! (If you’re comfortable doing so)

this is a selfie of my emotional state

6. Last, but not least: send this to some mutuals to keep the game going

@batmanisagatewaydrug​ @deputy-ajay-ghale​ @snailcowboy​ @taakoshell​

[suffering-and-happy-about-it]

WhatsApp? Part 12. (Steve Rogers x reader)

Description: You’ve never been lucky with guys. You just wanted to catch someone’s eye, to be loved. One day, that’s about to turn completely - with one fake, completely imagined number a guy gave you

A/N: Here we go for the first time.

Word Count: 2.6 K

Warnings: Full of nervousness.

Tagging: @missdictatorme, @songforhema, @mikariell95, @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory

Read the rest here: Part One  Part Two  Part three  Part four  Part five  Part Six  Part seven  Part eight  Part nine  Part ten  Part eleven

If you like to have your readings in order :):  H E R E  

"You've told something to him?" - You looked Bucky in the eyes with a serious frown. You almost exploded after you hung up on Steve's call.

Steve Rogers asked you out after soon to be six months of testing. You were out of your mind. The wanted to go fucking out with you on a date. You immediately called to Deena and she was excited as well, she told Bucky in the next few seconds because he was apparently staying over at her place.

"He finally got his thoughts together." - You heard Bucky yell. The excitement was shaded by a little frown. Was this Bucky's work? Did he nudge Steve to do that? That was the question you were thinking about the whole night. So naturally, when James drove Deena to the office, that was the first thing you asked. You basically jumped at him.

"What? No. I didn't do anything." - Bucky smiled with all of his nonchalance. You were sure that he's lying. One hundred percent sure. You began to know his expression when he was there almost every day. Even Peter befriended him by the course of the time. And when you texted Peter those exciting news, even he thought that James worked some behind the scenes magic.

"Yeah. Right. If you've told him anything, you can tell me." - You said with a slight furrow. Bucky smiled widely again.

"I just encouraged him. That's all that I've done. A slight friendly help." - Bucky answered and took another bite from his plum. He already gave you yours - so you two just stood in the middle of the office and chew on plums while talking. You were waiting for some papers the other girls will give you to work the economic accountant magic with them.

"I hope you didn't make him do it. Because then it would be really cringy." - You raised your eyebrows. Then the door to your office opened and May with Peter was coming in. Peter had a day off of school, so May told him to come over. He liked to do some paperwork to help you and the other girls.

Although Peter was a seriously chaotic person, he was good with papers. He found paperwork pretty fun. He waved at your and James, having his back lazily over his shoulder and he was grinning like an idiot.

"What you're doing here? You're having a crush talk or what? I can discuss with you." - Peter finished your circle of losers and he got a plum himself from Bucky as well.

"You do, youngling?" - Bucky raised his eyebrows playfully. You just nodded with a serious face, finishing your first plum. You were sure that Bucky will restock his supplies the very same evening and you'll have two others.

"Oh yeah, he does. Our Lil' Pete can talk for hours about his Liz." - You nudged his side. Peter looked at May, he was horrified that she could've heard something, but he exhaled loudly when he was sure that May is still oblivious about Liz.

"Shut the hell up, dude. May would larb to tell everybody then." - Peter held your shoulder tightly and rolled his eyes.

"Should I say it louder then?" - You teased Peter and everyone giggled when Peter tensed for a minute. - "Come, dummydumdum. We'll go through some archives. I need to find some financial report from the last quarter." - You bobbed your head in the direction of the archive room and smiled at James as you left him in the middle of the room with a swift conversation.

You were really grateful to Buck for what he has done in the end. He was a good friend to both you and Steve.

---

The evening when Steve was about to leave for your date, he was worse than a mother who had her first child. He matched together a few outfits, freaked out as hell and talked faster then Eminem rapped.

"Should I take a tux or not, should I go formally dressed or should I go just..." - Steve mumbled to himself and Sam watched him intensely ever tho he had an opened newspaper with a seriously interesting article, but let's be honest - this was way funnier.

Sam was sad about Bucky being absent. This would make Bucky laugh so much. So Sam had to keep his eyes opened to remember every little detail so he could tell Bucky.

"Should I use cologne?" - Steve stopped all of a sudden, shirtless with his hands on his hips and a frown, looking directly at Sam.

"Yo talkin' to Mr. Match Maker?" - Sam pointed at himself and Steve nodded with an innocent frown. He was so pure it hurt. - "So yo talkin' to me. Let me see what ya have in stock." - Sam stood up from his chair, entering Steve's room slowly, licking his lips.

He watched Steve's outfits like a fashion disaster. This old man had a funny idea of being seductive or sexy. Sam looked at Steve with a question in his eyes but Steve just shrugged his shoulders.

"Ya don't mean any of this seriously, do ya?" - Sam asked with a smile. Steve frowned even more at that point. - "Man, I'll teach ya somethin', alright? These would maybe impressed ladies back in your day, but now it's the 21st century. You're a handsome, well-built hunk. Don't be afraid of showing some of dat meat to your girl." - Sam opened Steve's not so huge wardrobe without asking, taking one specific shirt out.

Yeah, Steve took some shirts out, but those were terrible. This one was sewed from a silky material, it was in the shade of a dark ocean blue and it made Steve seriously appeal like the biggest trophy in the game. It was a bit lose around Steve's shoulders, but tight around his waist and hips, bringing attention to it.

"Are you sure about this one?" - Steve asked and he was not entirely convinced by Sam's devilish grin.

"Are ya blind? Look at it, boy. This is your key to her heart and her panties." - Sam gave him the shit to Steve. His face was deadly serious at that moment because he didn't catch that it's a joke from Sam.

"Sam, I don't it's appropriate to talk about this stuff right now." - Steve mumbled with a dead face.

"I'm joking, ya moron. But don't you try to make an idiot out of me. You thought about that nasty shit. Ya a man, so don't ya try to play that saint card on me." - Sam laughed and fetched him old jeans which were practically worn out. They used to be from Wrangler, but at that point, you could probably easily miss it.

"And wear those. Just nudge the shirt inside on the front, let it be a bit loosed around the hips and that's that. Let the magic of your charisma work. You'll be good." - Sam patted his friend's shoulder and went to the table again. Steve was redder than some bio tomato at that point of the conversation.

He would not say it out loud at any costs. Of course, he had thought about you in that sense. In the sexual one, of course. You were sweet, unintentionally racy and sexy in his eyes. For example, when you were sending him some selfies from the bed, all messed up, your hair fell out of the bun, your lips curled in a smile, sun shining on your skin.

In his opinion, that was way better than some Maxim or Playboy full of those models who did it mostly for the money. You were natural, so... Normal and yet you didn't stop to take his breath away.

"You didn't answer my question." - Steve leaned into the doorframe and Sam raised his eyes up from the newspaper while drinking some black coffee. - "Should I wear some cologne?"

"I don't know. Maybe a bit of aftershave water or balm, that smell usually goes well with the ladies, but I'm not entirely sure about that cologne. That can be a bit too much for now." - Sam answered honestly without thinking.

"And are flowers still a thing these days?" - Steve asked before he left the room completely. Sam had a poker face at that moment.

"Ya know. We are barbarians, on the first date, we take them out with a club and then we drag them to out the cave, ya nonchalant ass prince. Was that question even necessary? We, as real men, value our women. Flowers are still a real thing.” - Sam answered unbelievable tone of his voice. 

“Flowers, okay.” - Steve nodded and pointed at Sam when he slowly closed the door to his bedroom so he could calmly dress. 

---

You were a lot of more ok that poor Steve. For you, it wasn't the first date from the century ago like it was for him. To be fair, you dated two years ago for the last time and that guy was a dick to say at least. He acted like a complete idiot with no sense for public opinion whatsoever. And he came dressed like a fucking Texas cowboy.

You were sure that this will be different. But nobody could stop you from being at least partially worried. You stood in front of your mirror in a loose black blouse, jeans that reached your waist and some boots on slight platformed high heels and you looked at yourself with a frown. Was it showing too much for his taste or should you show something more? The slight valley showing your cleavage being pushed up was pretty visible, but nothing more could be seen. Only your naked shoulders.

Some scenarios crossed your mind - what if he takes you to the church? That was the most obvious bullshit you could come up with, but you were worried about your shoulders and jeans not being accepted in that scenario. Or a fancy restaurant? Or... Your head was full of what-if plans which were totally shitty, but you just couldn't stop yourself from thinking about them.

Let me say one thing as the narrator as I am, girl, you were looking burning hot. Trust me, I'm into girls, I can judge those things. Only you knew which makeup suits you the most, your hairstyling was absolutely adorable and you looked like a cute little bean.

Even girls in your group chat confirmed it. And Deena's text could be count as two because of course, she had shown Bucky. They sent a selfie back - they were eating grapes, not plums for this instance, Deena had a creepy black facemask on and she even made Bucky wear one. His was the typical white one; but while Deena looked like a demon, he had his typical big smile on and those blue eyes were piercing you even through the display, his hair somehow messily.  She overall made him do such girly things, whether he did it willingly or not.

But their compliment made you flattered and confident as you texted them back in a short text. Maybe that's why the bell surprised you as much as it did. Steve was there physically, standing in front of your house, waiting for you. That made your head stop for a second. Steve, a real one, was just waiting outside for you to come down. 

It was your completely first time seeing him, seeing his face and his overall look just as he was, you were about too see just him and nothing else. Just the way you’ve sighed and drooled about the whole time; the thing you’ve imagined for so long was just at the gasp of your fingers. The battle was on and you had no intentions to lose it. 

You felt strangely numb when you checked your apartment for the last time and then locked your door. It was the jitters hugging you everywhere on your body, that made your fingers tremble and breath to be stuck more and more. The last steps felt like the biggest hell because it was so close that you could just hold your hand, opened the front door and opened them up.

You were acting like a child, just about to slap yourself to concentrate and behave like the adult you are. So you opened the door up and let me say - he was huge. It made you shocked, surprised. You just stood there for a few seconds, watching the enormous silhouette of his back.

Even this man’s back was impressive as hell, he was huge and truly muscly. Naturally, your eyes slowly fell down to his butt. And that butt was a really nice butt, round and nice to look at.

“So that's you? I am still not allowed to see your face?” - You laughed nervously and just as he heard your voice, Steve stopped to look around the street and turned his attention only to you.

You were much shorter and your body was gentle, just as you would expect with a woman’s body. You took his breath away for a few seconds. 

But you studied him with a frown. A huge puget of roses was the first thing you’ve noticed in his hands. But then you travelled higher and higher on his body. And when you saw the face for the first time, your jaw just dropped down in shock. 

That wasn't just some random Steve. Nor some random Steve Rogers. This was the Steve Rogers, the Captain America you’ve seen on so many news, on so many internet pages, his photos were everywhere. 

Well, that must've been destiny pulling a prank on you - a seriously not funny prank on you. You knew him from the many texts you’ve exchanged. He was a romantic, gentle soul, so well mannered man that it was almost unreal. You almost didn't understand the situation at all. So, was it him, Captain America, all the time, or was it just a coincidence. Maybe Steve Rogers was around the corner and Mr America was just waiting for that hot widow on the second floor? 

“I'm so sorry, Captain. I... I thought you were someone different.” - You stuttered, ready to go back to your flat, ready to let him leave. But his warm, huge hand gently touched your arm. 

His magical made you weak - he had a boyish, bright smile and baby blue eyes. You felt like a fangirl who encountered their idol. He was really beautiful when he was leaning forward to you, his hand was warm and gentle on your arm. Captain was handsome, he reminded you of Adonis, the Greek god himself. 

You couldn't find the words to describe him at all. Captain looked like a man, but he had the energy of a boy in him. But somehow, even though he was tall and huge, he was so warm and nice, it just shined from his eyes. You liked him.

“I'm pretty sure you’re the one who am I waiting for.” - He stopped you from going back inside, making you close your eyes and giggle as you definitely closed the door, stepping on a socially acceptable distance from his body.

“So you’re Captain America.” - Your cheeks reddened and you covered your face in your palms. You giggled like hell. - “Oh my God.”

[skyeliu]

An Unexpected Gift

[Part of the “Baby, I think I’m pregnant” Project! I know the name is weird and clickbaity, don’t judge me.]

Pair: Jin x Y/N [other pairs -> “Baby, I think I’m pregnant” Masterlist]

Genre: Cute, fluffy.

au’s: Y/N and Jin are in an underground relationship, and Y/N finds out she’s pregnant...

Word Counts: 941 words

Warnings: unplanned pregnancy‼️, PG13.

You didn’t get your period this month. It’s already 2 weeks past due, and you are seriously concerned. Jin is still out on the tour in Hong Kong, so it’s just you in the apartment panicking with a pregnancy test in your hand.

After the second line slowly revealed itself, you don’t know if you should be happy or upset. You really like kids, and Jin really is the love of your life and will most definitely make a great father. But the two of you never talked about kids or marriage, so this little gift in you belly came way too soon. The moment you saw the positive result of the test, you already know you wouldn’t get an abortion, but if Jin doesn’t want it...

your head is hurting way too much for this, and you just can’t take it anymore. You sit down with a cup of black tea on the armchair in order to help yourself calm down a little, but only to find yourself biting your fingernails nonstop while overthinking.

You have to tell him, Jin deserves to know. No matter what this is the child of both of you, and it’s just selfish to hide this from him. Maybe he’ll like it, maybe he will not, but whatever it is, you guys will talk through it, and it will be fine.

Jin should be done with his tour and on his way back to the hotel, you send him a message telling him to call you once he settles down, and he quickly replies with a selfie in which he puts up an ok sign.

About 20 minutes later your phone starts ringing and you pick it up immediately, Jin’s voice travels through the phone into your ear.

He sounds really tired, it’s the last concert he has in Hong Kong and he will head back first thing tomorrow morning.

“Evening Princess! You shouldn’t stay up this late, it’s bad for your beautiful skin. ”Jin tries to stay cheerful for you as always, and his words just instantly put a smile on your face.

You take another deep breath before you start talking again. You rehearsed this so many times in your head, but actually saying it is a whole another different story.

“Jin... Darling, I’m pregnant. ”

you had to check the screen to make sure he’s still on the line, because all you can hear is silence.

Both the quietness in the house and from the other side of the phone makes you scared, but you know you have to finish what you started.

“We never talked about this, and I don’t know... Jin I’m not getting an abortion, I just can’t. ”You are nearly sobbing at the end of the sentence, tears dripping down your face uncontrollably, “Jin I’m sorry if you are not ready, I love you so so much and... Jin I don’t know what to do. ”

Jin stays silent on the other side of the phone for another 5 seconds or so, and goes: “Hang on for a little bit, we will talk in person and we will figure this out together, alright? ”

he hangs up the phone without hearing your answer, and the house goes back to the dead silence with your quiet sobbing.

On the other side in Hong Kong, Jin storms into Sejin’s(Manager) room with his sloppily-packed suitcase: “Hyung, I don’t think I can wait until tomorrow morning, I have to leave early, I already got the ticket and everything. ”

Sejin has to take a moment to let the words sink and then goes: “Ok but why? ”

Jin rushes out of the door leaving a brief answer behind-

“Family Emergency. ”

You are a very light sleeper, so the weak vibration from a notification on your phone still manages waking you up, you check your phone subconsciously and realize it’s from your Twitter. Jin’s tag has always been your only special follow, so that you don’t miss out on anything important about him. You rub your eyes while letting out a yawn and start reading the article.

“BTS Member Kim Seokjin Spotted at Incheon Airport Alone, Returning to Korea ahead of Schedule??? ”

After registering the title fully in your head, you are now completely awake. It’s been 6 hours since you called him, but his flight with the rest of the members aren’t supposed to even leave until 2 hours later.

The news article is still a little bit of a late notice considering you can already hear his key twisting in the keyhole.

Jin comes in looking like a mess, seems like he never took off the makeup and definitely didn’t sleep.

He indeed cares about his appearance very much, you could never imagine he’d show up like this at some point.

You wanted to say something to him, but he got down on one knee before words could escape your mouth.

Guess you are not awake enough for this, you freeze for a moment before your heart starts racing like crazy.

“I was gonna make this more special... I’m sorry, I like literally got the ring at the duty free shop at the airport. I-I just, I was so scared to do it, I measured your ring finger in your sleep and everything but.. I really should have done this earlier, I’m sorry I made you feel insecure and alone. I promise you I will be a responsible husband and father, so would you, I know this is gonna sound so cliché, but!!! ” He is blushing like crazy, and inevitably nervous. He clears his throat and looks at you into your eyes with all sincerities: “Y/N, would you please marry me, and make me the one? ”

You made him the happiest man in the world, and he made it the happiest day of your life.

💜Baby, I think I’m pregnant Project Masterlist💜

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