#{ imagine a mercedes support :sparkles: }

[musaslullaby]

I was so scared

Kimi Antonelli x fem reader

Summary: during Kimi's debut there was a small accident.

Warning: fluff

Masterlist

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Saying I was excited would be an understatement; I was bursting with anticipation. I couldn't comprehend how Kimi and his father could remain so focused and composed in the face of a Formula 1 debut.

As soon as we entered the paddock, I started to realize just how many people were there, just to watch a practice session. Everywhere I turned, there was something dedicated to Kimi—whether it was a banner or a chorus of people chanting his name. I knew it was just a debut, but I couldn't help imagining how incredible it would be when he was announced as a Mercedes driver, and how many people would celebrate and support him in all his races.

"Love, is everything okay?" Kimi asked, intertwining his fingers with mine in a gentle, reassuring grip.

"Oh, yes, I should be asking you that," I replied, slightly embarrassed, as my cheeks turned pink. He responded with a laugh, pulling me closer to him.

"Everything's fine, thank you."

In no time, we arrived at the Mercedes garage. My heart was racing; I could hardly wait. I had been given the opportunity to stand in the garage right next to Toto Wolff and George Russell himself. My hands were sweating, and as soon as Toto introduced himself with his charismatic smile and extended his hand, I froze for a few seconds. George was standing beside him, and I must say, he was even more handsome in person, with his eyes sparkling in the sunlight.

Kimi nudged me gently with his elbow, bringing me back to reality. I looked at him, slightly surprised, then remembered where I was. With an embarrassed smile, I shook hands with both of them.

"I'm sorry, I'm just really excited," I mumbled, thinking I had made a terrible impression. But instead, they both gave me a reassuring smile and led us inside the garage.

The three guys started talking about technical stuff while I looked around in awe. It felt like a dream, everything was so incredible, and then there was the car Kimi would be driving, the one used by Russell. Instinctively, I moved closer and touched the wing with my finger. It was smooth and cold. Suddenly, I felt hands around my waist, hugging me from behind.

"Do you like it?" asked a voice to my right.

"It's beautiful," I said with loving eyes, admiring the car's color, which reminded me of the sky.

"I know, it's my car," came a voice with a strong British accent from my left. I turned my head and saw George Russell smiling playfully at me.

Kimi tightened his grip on my waist and kissed me on the cheek. "I'll see you later," he whispered in my ear before heading off to get ready to enter the car.

The practice session was going well. I was standing close to George Russell while watching the race. It seemed so surreal to see Kimi in a Formula 1 car, finally making his debut.

"YN, are you nervous?" the Brit asked, noticing that I kept playing nervously with the rings on my fingers. I was happy, yes, but a small shiver of anxiety ran through my body. A string of "what ifs…" started to race through my mind.

George placed a hand on my shoulder. "Everything will be fine, he's been doing great." But he didn't even have time to finish that sentence before Kimi lost control of the car and, accelerating, crashed into the wall. A thick cloud of smoke rose around the car. My eyes stung, and I felt a tight knot in my stomach. I was scared, very scared.

"Is he okay?" I asked quickly, looking anxiously between Toto and George.

"They're taking him to the medical station, but he's fine," Toto replied gently.

"I want to go to him," I said desperately. I could only imagine how he must have felt at that moment. I wanted to be there for him, to comfort him and tell him everything would be alright.

"Hey, hey, YN, you can't go. Wait here with us, I promise he's fine," George said, looking at me with a serious expression on his face.

Defeated, I sat back down. I tortured my hands and bit my nails while waiting. Time passed slowly, and my body was filled with worry. When I finally saw on a camera that Kimi was returning to the garage, I jumped up from my chair. Toto tried to stop me, but I didn't care. I ran as fast as I could; the hot air burned my lungs, and when I saw him in front of me, safe and sound, I threw myself into his arms.

His arms immediately wrapped around me, holding me tightly, and relief washed over me like a wave. I couldn't hold back the tears, which started to stream silently down my cheeks. I could feel Kimi's heart beating strongly against my chest, and I knew he must have been shaken too, despite his usual calm demeanor.

"Hey, it's all okay," he whispered, his voice calm and reassuring. "I'm here, I'm safe."

I pulled back slightly, just enough to look into his eyes. His blue eyes, usually as cold as ice, were now filled with a warmth that melted my heart. Despite everything, he always managed to keep his composure, even when things seemed to be falling apart.

"Kimi, I was so scared," I said, my voice breaking as I lowered my gaze to hide my vulnerability. "When I saw you hit the wall… I didn't know what to do. I just wanted to be there for you."

He smiled slightly, taking my face in his hands and making me look at him. "I know, I know. But I'm here, with you. And that's all that matters."

In that moment, I realized just how important he was to me. He wasn't just a driver, a guy chasing his dream. He was also the man I loved, the person I wanted to protect at all costs, even though I knew that, in reality, he was the one protecting me.

Ci fu un momento di silenzio tra noi, rotto solo dai suoni lontani del paddock e dal ronzio dei tecnici che lavoravano intorno a noi. Poi, Kimi mi diede un altro bacio, questa volta più lungo, più intenso. Un bacio che disse tutto quello che non eravamo riusciti a dire a parole.

[ljosalir]

home is where...

     White rose stems cut into her hand, yet every prick from a thorn is easy to ignore. Sharena sets them into her basket, gently, afraid that even the slightest tilt or pinch would shatter the flower she holds. It’s not possible but the fact can’t settle the anxiety in her mind. Except, among the flickers of unease, there’s a sense of serenity. Peace. A sense that makes her smile and her face flush ever so faintly in joy. 

     She’s happy here. Of course she is.

     Alfonse is here. And although Anna and Fjorm and a multitude of their heroes aren’t here as well, she’s still able to thrive and prosper simply in the presence of her brother. Kiran is here, too, so the chances of Fodlan feeling comfortable is increased. Kind of.

     The last white rose is set in her basket and Sharena sighs, her thumb massaging into the dip of her opposite palm--it wasn’t a good idea to take off her gloves while she went flower gathering but she couldn’t help it. She wanted to feel the flowers; their message and their petals. Also, her gloves were getting a bit worn so she should probably get a new pair soon...

     It’s when she rises from where she first sat in the meadow, that Sharena realizes that she isn’t alone.

     “Mercedes?” Her smiles widens as she waves to her classmate, “Hey, Mercedes! You’re here for white roses, right?” Although garlands didn’t just have to be formed out of white roses, they symbolled a certain feeling that even she simply had to grasp. Sharena walks over to her friend with a tilt of her head. “If you need some, I can share mine with you. I’m trying to make garlands for my family and friends back at home, but I should have enough just in case you’re missing a few.”

     Truthfully, she already made many for everyone back at home ( not all of them contained white roses ). The one she had in mind to make though, wasn’t for... well, friends. Saying that it would be one made for a lover would be incorrect, but there wasn’t much to title the lady she had in mind. To be fair, love is difficult. So are labels but they don’t depend on each other, technically.

               OK. Thinking about it isn’t going to get her anywhere.

     “Actually,” Sharena pauses, “would you happen to know anything about...” but the intensity of her thought pushes it away just as quickly. She, instead, shakes her head. “Nevermind. Do you want to make garlands together?”

starter for @lalamines

[lewisdiary]

“I’M HERE NOW”

Quick A/N: Bummed I couldn’t find a fitting gif to the scenario I have in my head so cute picture it is. credits to @ctolisso.

Disclaimer: This imagine is by no means supposed to reflect directly on Lewis Hamilton or his feelings towards the current championship/previous race. It’s purely fiction and it should be taken as such.

Part Two to “I JUST WISH SHE WAS HERE”

The journey to the hotel had been a quiet one, a half-asleep Lewis Hamilton leaned against your shoulder for the most part, his hand tight on yours as if he feared you running away.

“Don’t you want to shower first?” You semi-whispered as you watched Lewis throw himself on the bed, the fatigue on his face was very much apparent but it was the frustration that spoke louder. Your heart ached because there wasn’t much you could do besides being there, and how could you know if just being there was enough?

Lewis shook his head, his face turned towards the ceiling and eyes refusing to open, his white Mercedes shirt clung to his muscly body it almost made you bite your lip.

“This is exhausting...” Lewis whispered, almost sounding like he was finally confessing something he had held for longer than supposed to and it threw you off your thoughts.

Your lungs seemed to collapse, your eyes filled with tears as it dawned on you how tight the battle was being on Lewis, thoughts of him struggling in the W12 haunted you, the look on Bono and Toto knowing there wasn’t much else from the car and that it all depended on Lewis.

“I can’t seem to have one good day, no matter how hard I try. It just somehow reverts back to being a burden to carry or a damage limitation situation.” He sighed.

You stood frozen, your body against the bedroom wall as you heard him vent. How do you even comfort this? What can you possibly say to someone that is seeing his chances decrease as the races go by? How do you keep a sane level of faith amid circumstances?

“Baby… thank you.” Lewis whispered, his eyes now wide open and focused on the ceiling above him. Almost as if on cue, you moved towards him. Lying on your side facing the man on your dreams, to which he did the same. His body weight shifted towards you and now you were both facing each other his arm straight under your head for support. You threw your leg over his waist, an action he positively responded to by softly running his hand through your thigh.

“For what?” You questioned. His eyes sparkled, he was emotional you could tell, so you played your hand on his cheek for a bit more of reassurance.

“For being here. For having flown here…” Lewis began. “I don’t know how you do it, but you always do it. You just know when to be here and you are. Thank you for being the one consistent variable in my life when I need it most.”

You couldn’t believe your ears, it was upsetting to hear the man you want to protect from the world talk about how the battles were affecting him, but it was so heart warming to feel seen and to feel like your efforts weren’t in vain.

“Thank you for being you and for reminding me that I still have it, for not counting me out. I don’t know how much of this I would be doing without you…” A tear rolled down the side of your face, your eyes now closed and your forehead rested against Lewis’.

“You are the love of my life. There isn’t one thing in this world I wouldn’t do for you… And you know if I could go push that ca-”

“I know, baby.” Lewis interrupted you mid-sentence. “I know you would. “And I know my frustrations might start coming out more and more now and how that always leaves you on the edge and has you questioning things but you here is all I was needing to keep going because I don’t know how I’m going to keep going…” Lewis trailed off, his voice breaking. You couldn’t bear hearing him torture himself any longer so you pressed your lips against him to which he responded by pulling you closer and tighter to his body.

Lewis kissed you passionately, it felt like he was desperately grasping for a lifeline and you had been just that. He had never been good at communicating or expressing his feelings, so to hear that he was on the verge of possibly giving up and wasn’t telling anyone about it broke your heart. Your lips played with his, his tongue warm against yours as he leaned on his elbow for support, his body slightly over yours.

“I love you. So so much” He spoke softly, resting next to you again. “I genuinely don’t know what I-”

“Baby, I’m here now.” You interrupted him. “That’s all that matters. I’m here now”

Lewis’ arms swung over your body, his grip tightening around you and embracing you once again into home.

“You’re my home. Don’t leave.” Lewis begged, his nose snuggled on the crook of your neck.

If at any point of that trip to Mexico you had any doubt or unclear thought as to how Lewis felt about having you around, it was gone. It had evaporated with every word he spoke. You are home. You are where he wants to be, who he wants to be with and it felt so good to hear.

“I’m never leaving, Lew.” You sniffled through your words, your fingers trailing on his bicep. Tonight was all about Lewis, he deserved it. You were committed to run him a bath and make him dinner. Netflix, cuddles and kisses. He deserved it all tonight more than any other night. Brazil was fast approaching and the need for positive energies was extremely necessary.

***

If you read this whole thing, thank you! <3

Wanted to write a piece that would resemble the connection Lewis has to his fans… At times it does seem like the world may crumble upon his feet but he has us, he has you.

And to the very first person of my tag list: @imthebadguyyy ! thank you so much for your support. 💜

[chateautae]

maybe i do | kth. II

➵ summary :  maybe you love each other, maybe you don’t. when a deal between your fathers leaves you forcefully wedding kim taehyung, arguably seoul’s most powerful CEO, you’re prepared for a loveless marriage of eternal regret and unhappiness. but maybe, it doesn’t turn out that way after all.

↳  part of the high-class series!

➵ pairing : taehyung x reader

➵ genre :  arranged marriage!au, ceo!tae, s2l!au, eventual smut, fluff, angst

➵ rating : 18+

➵ word count : 10k

➵ warnings : none really, swearing, mainly fluffy and funny interactions, some angst! :o 

➵ a/n: and i’m back with chapter two! i really wanted to say thank you for the love and support i received on the first part of maybe i do, it was astounding!! i’m so grateful so many people loved the story and asked to be tagged (all at the bottom <3), it made me feel so motivated to write. if you would also like to be tagged please message me. your feedback is always appreciated! 

chapter two : “on my pillow, can’t get me tired” 

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Taehyung didn’t remember sleeping anywhere near you last night. 

He remembered that even though you willingly agreed to share the same bed, he still opted for caution and slept with the most space between you two as possible.

Though when his eyes fluttered open the next morning, eyeballs burning from the light that bled into the suite, the first thing he realized was that he was not on his side of the bed from last night. 

No, he had somehow gravitated towards the center, and as if almost on cue, your slight movement and the sound of your breathing alerted him of your nearby presence. 

Peering down at you, Taehyung caught sight of your sleepy head turned towards him and lying on his arm, his other thrown over your torso with you unsuspectingly nuzzled into his side.

Taehyung’s eyes shot open, acknowledging he had succumbed to his habit of hugging something to sleep during the course of the night and he internally panicked. He began retracting his arms slowly, just about drawing himself from you until alarms rang in his head at the sight of you stirring in your sleep. 

Taehyung took the golden opportunity to sit up in a flash, having to physically shake his head to rid the image of your tranquil, sleeping face from his brain, crushing the thought that it was kind of cute.

He found himself chanting the same denial from last night, he couldn’t be thinking of such complicated things concerning you when he knew the second he’d step foot inside his home, there’d be a mountain of paperwork ready for him; even more on his work desk.

He had to be thinking about his job, not you.  

Even if Taehyung was married now, it wouldn’t lessen the amount of work that plagued his life nor make it any less demanding. If anything, his life would be harder now considering the fact that he had another priority to add to his list, another aspect of his life he had to split his attention between. 

He didn’t necessarily hate the idea, just found himself needing to work harder than he already was. 

Taehyung sighed heavily at the thought and swung his legs off the bed, rubbing his tired eyes. He took a moment to look back at you, thinking if he observed you a second time he’d be able to piece together how the hell you two ended up in that position, that close. 

By evidence of the forgotten blanket half-thrown off you, he could see you were the tossing-and-turning type, maybe the only explanation for your proximity considering he was the same. 

He also noticed you slept all curled up, like you were cold and the only warmth you knew was snuggling yourself.

Cute.

There it was again, cute. 

Why does that word even exist? 

Taehyung discarded the notion altogether and stood to his feet, stretching out his stiff muscles. He made for the bathroom eagerly to begin his day, though not without fixing at least some of the blanket back onto you. 

“You don’t have a driver?” 

“Not for everywhere I go. I have two hands, I can drive myself.” Taehyung made it a statement to jazz hands at you, showcasing the perfectly capable limbs he was gifted with.

“That’s.. nice, actually. I always see asshole CEO’s getting other people to drive them around.” You relayed as you trailed behind Taehyung, letting him lead you towards the front of the hotel where dozens of expensive cars lined the curb side.

You had no clue which luxury vehicle belonged to Taehyung because quite frankly, he could probably afford every car your eyes caught sight of. It wasn’t until he approached a certain one and retrieved his keys from the valet that your jaw completely dropped, floored.

“This is your car?” You gawked, the sleek design, crispness of its shape and nearly sparkling gloss completely sweeping you off your feet.

“Yeah, think someone like me can’t get a car like this?” Taehyung cocked an eyebrow, gesturing towards himself.   

“It’s just-wow. Mercedes CLS?” You inquired without really looking at him, inspecting the car instead as you admired its every curve. Safe to say, you were beyond in love with it. Even if you were always more of a minimalist and preferred the average product, there was just something gorgeous about luxury cars that appealed to you.

“Yeah, actually it is.” Taehyung looked at you impressed, momentarily reminded of just how different you were compared to any other woman he’s chanced upon. 

How many of them knew car models?

Taehyung was intrigued by the fact before speaking with one of the hotel workers, confirming if they had loaded his car with both your luggage and some wedding sentiments your parents insisted you keep. 

Once receiving affirmation Taehyung made towards your side of the car and pulled the door open. He flashed you a tight-lipped smile as he gestured for you to hop in, drawing you out of your stupor. You thanked him warmly before sliding into your seat. 

He let you scramble in comfortably before shutting the door and walking to his side, positioning himself in and clicking on his seatbelt. He watched as your expression lit up once occupying the car, face beaming with excitement as you touched and drank in at the high-end features the vehicle had to offer. Taehyung found himself smiling before he licked his lips and straightened his face, igniting the engine and beginning the smooth drive. 

It was easy to settle the debate on where you both would be living. Taehyung was an enormously rich CEO who lived in an expensive, massive home while you lived in a measly apartment. You knew it was useless to live separately, even more useless to have him live with you. And so you agreed without protest to pack your things and relocate, begin your move into the house you’d share with him for a lifetime. 

The car ride remained quite silent, you mindlessly bopping your head to whatever mainstream song played on the radio, while Taehyung tapped his fingers against the steering wheel or his lap. 

You found your eyes wandering to his slender fingers wrapped around the wheel every so often, sometimes venturing to the other one he placed against his thigh. You began reprimanding yourself once you realized with all the staring, observing and ogling, you most certainly had a thing for his hands already. 

Fuck. 

They were just so big, bigger than what you’ve seen of the average man and it didn’t help that they looked crafted to perfection. 

There was just something about the veins that decorated them, his palm large in size as his fingers seemed deft turning and working the steering wheel. His little accessories like a ring or two, bracelets and his watch did absolutely nothing to deter your interest either.

It only increased once you realized he looked good driving, really good. You knew men had this common attractiveness to them when they drove, watching them all focused and effortlessly working the car somehow sexy; but watching Taehyung drive was another experience entirely. 

He looked insanely hot, and you felt like throwing yourself out your window for even thinking such a thing. It was another case of you ogling him without realizing until his deep voice suddenly fished you out of your thoughts, questioning. “Did you like the wedding?” 

“Huh?” 

“The wedding, did you like it?” Taehyung repeated, glancing at you. 

“Does it really matter if I did?” You asked, this one phrase seeming to perfectly sum up the misfortune of your life, provoking an ironic laugh even. 

“I think it does. A bride should always enjoy her wedding.” 

“Well, I didn’t.” You deadpanned, your expression turning frustrated having to remember that one of, if not the most special night of your life had just been robbed of you, thrown to the wolves while you were only left to accept the sad fact. 

“C’mon, you didn’t enjoy a single thing?” Taehyung didn’t mean to flash back to the kiss you two shared, though found himself doing exactly so. 

You didn’t enjoy that? he questioned in his head. 

“Not really, I just imagined having more choice in the wedding.” You answered honestly, trying not to sulk so much. “It’s not you, I just... thought I’d be able to decide things at my own wedding. I’m grateful your parents did so much, but I didn’t really get to choose anything.” You grew more solemn as your gaze fixated on nothing, watching the world pass you by through the car window. 

“My favourite flowers weren’t even there.” You said only despondently to yourself, shoulders drooping, though Taehyung didn’t miss it. 

“You don’t like roses?”

Your eyes flashed towards him with furrowed eyebrows, surprised he heard your comment. You straightened up before shrugging back a response. “I like peonies.” 

Taehyung looked at your side profile as you turned away, finding the conversation turning more sorrowful than he liked. He allowed some silence to linger as you leaned your chin against your palm, boringly watching the bustling streets.  

He decided to change the subject.

“So you don’t think I’m an asshole, huh?” 

“What?”

“You said you always see ‘asshole CEO’s’ getting people to drive them around. But I don’t, so I’m not an asshole to you?” Taehyung halved his attention between you and the road, glancing in your direction with one hand working the steering wheel.

You thought the question over, “No, you’re not an asshole.” You said simply, distracted by the thoughts that previously occupied your mind. 

“I see.” Taehyung pursed his lips. Another beat of silence passed through the downcast air before Taehyung perked up again.

“Is it just the driving? Or do you have other criteria?” Taehyung asked inquisitively, leaning back into his seat as he observed you. 

You could detect from the corner of your eyes the way his stance drew attention to his legs, thighs broad as he sat. “I guess there is.” 

“Like what?”

You didn’t really know why Taehyung was so curious. You thought it was common knowledge what the stereotypical asshole CEO was like; they were nearly all jerks with horrible one-percenter mentalities and treated people like gravel.  

You scoffed a bit. “They’re usually so full of themselves. They act like they own the place all the time, which makes sense at their own companies but not everywhere else. It’s like the position gets to their heads. Even the way they talk is condescending, belittling, or straight up rude to anyone not on their level. It wouldn’t kill to be nice.” You revealed almost too eagerly, avoiding eye contact with Taehyung as you viewed the traffic on the road ahead, remembering he was a CEO himself. 

Long story short, you’ve had your fair share of experiences meeting them as you grew up during the beginnings of your father’s company. They were quick to skew your opinion ever since you watched the way they treated your father all due to having a start-up, for simply being small in name or reputation. They acted like he was less than, some even daring to behave as though his company would simply never make it. 

It always boiled your blood, left an extremely distasteful image of CEOs and the business world in your head. 

And you were certain it all sucked after that. 

“Understandable.” Taehyung nodded agreeably. “But you think I don’t fit any of that?” He rested a hand against his thigh, sitting laxed as he spread his legs apart further. This time it was definitely hard to miss the way they appeared, all laid out and long as your eyes drank him in, following up his thighs all the way to his-

“You don’t. I thought maybe since you’re super successful you’d be full of yourself. But you’re not, really.” You snapped yourself out of whatever the hell you were doing, trying to refocus on the conversation.

“Ah, seems like a stepping stone.” 

“Stepping stone? Towards what?”

“Towards you not hating me.” His voice came out with a more solemn timbre than you expected, his jaw tightening for a mere second. 

Taehyung only thought such a thing because even if he decided you didn’t harbour negative feelings towards him, there was no way of him determining whether that was true or not without your real input. 

“I don’t hate you, Taehyung. I don’t.. think I can.” You claimed with poignancy, his statement causing you to reflect on your own feelings about him. 

You don’t hate Taehyung, you couldn’t because he did absolutely nothing wrong in this situation. He was dragged in just like you were. You only despised the unfairness of the arrangement, not him. 

There wasn’t much to hate about him.  

“So you’re saying you like me then, aren’t you?” Taehyung suddenly teased light-heartedly, all smug as his amused eyes flickered to you. 

“Shut up, I never said that.” You turned away, scandalized by his remark. 

“I’m kidding. But, why do you think you can’t hate me? I pretty much.. ruined your life.” Taehyung internally felt his chest tighten at the words, remembering the exact thoughts from where he stood no less than 24 hours ago, seconds from lawfully marrying you. 

“And I didn’t ruin yours?” This time you turned your gaze towards Taehyung, meaningfully. Your eyes instinctively communicated your emotions as they locked with his for a moment, Taehyung all attentive. 

“I took away from you just as much you took away from me. We both ruined each other’s lives, there’s no use in blaming each other. That’s why I can’t hate you.” You finalized, crossing your arms and opting to watch the passing buildings through your window again. 

Taehyung absorbed your sudden confession with reason, realizing that in a sense, you two were partners in this unfortunate case. Even if your matrimony constituted a forced partnership neither of you liked, there seemed to be a natural comradery in having to deal with the aftermath of that forced partnership. 

Trying to accept it. 

“I don’t think I can hate you, either.” Taehyung admitted, ending the more miserable part of the conversation as you fell silent. You thought he was done until he decided to bother you again. 

“I think you’re still saying you like me, though.” 

You turned to him half-appalled before pointing towards the road, eyes narrowed. “Just drive us home, will you?��� 

Taehyung laughed at the moment and pressed down on the accelerator, internally grinning at the fact you never said no to his statement. 

“This is your house?” You found yourself gawking again at something that belonged to Taehyung, stepping inside a luxury home you’ve only ever dreamed of living in. Sure, you lived with your parents until you were 18, though your father was still starting out with his company for most of those years, not exactly owning anything too luxurious until after you permanently moved out.

So as you stood trying to prop your heels off yourself, your jaw dropped at the sheer elegance and high-status look to the interior of Taehyung’s home. You had already done enough gawking at the exterior, but being inside and processing the fact that you were now to inhabit this home for the rest of your life sent another wave of shock. 

You immediately observed Taehyung was the type who decorated his home with only the finest, his taste easily identifiable. Aesthetic, lavish, charming. He seemed like a man of utter simplicity though his home said otherwise, showcasing an artistic, exquisite feel you never really expected from him. 

“When will you stop saying that?” He titled his head and smiled through a laugh, removing his shoes and slipping into his indoor slippers. 

“Right, sorry.” You were still struggling for normalcy, somehow forgetting almost every hour Taehyung’s wealth and only registering it once you saw something that indicated it. 

Taehyung sauntered inside and took a deep breath, enjoying the feel of his abode. He enjoyed nothing more than being home, in the comfort of his own space. Especially for someone who worked so busily, he found pleasure in doing the bare minimum at home. Relishing in the feeling right now, he pressed his lips together in a smile before glancing back at your struggling figure, catching sight of your size. 

His eyebrows shot up to the sky. “Woah, you’re short.” 

“Huh?” 

“I think I’ve only ever seen you in heels.” Taehyung informed. “Now that you’re not wearing them you’re a lot shorter than I thought. You’re tiny.” He pointed out as he eyed you from head to toe, processing the amount of height you lost simply from removing your shoes. 

“I mean, that’s kind of what heels do, you know, they add height.” You deadpanned, stating the obvious for him. 

“Sorry, it’s just..” Kind of cute, he thought, though fought for another response. “I could probably throw you.” 

Nice save. 

“Excuse me? It’s not my fault you’re so tall.” You scowled at him. “Besides, you’re all height and no muscle, you probably can’t even carry me.” 

“Wanna see me try?” Taehyung was already coming towards you with his arms held out and you sputtered immediately, “No, no, no.” you held your hands up defensively. “Let’s just start the house tour, yeah?” you offered a smile for compromise. 

“That’s what I thought.” Taehyung narrowed his eyes coyly and turned on his heel, signaling you to follow him. 

What you realized strolling through the home as Taehyung discussed its details was that it emphatically represented him like an open book. Even if Taehyung was predominantly unreadable and seemed to always hide a mystery behind his eyes, you could see nearly all of him reflected in his home. 

You often found valuable trinkets or sentiments scattered around the house. It seemed like he cherished a lot of things in his life, namely memories or people. It would also be hard to miss the exquisite selection of paintings and embellishments he draped the walls with, all harbouring their own charm and adding to the overall artistic feel of his home. 

There were famous works consisting of Vincent Van Gogh all the way to local Korean artists you’ve never heard of, though admired their work. 

It seemed as though he selected the paintings himself. 

Another large aspect you couldn’t miss were the many photos he kept, calling to question whether they were of his own work. 

“Did you take these?” You approached a shelf in one of his grand hallways on the second floor, hand brushing the wooden frame of a captured photo; six men including Taehyung himself posing comfortably, like they were extremely close, backdrop reflecting what seemed to be a trip.  

“I took all of them.” He stated casually, hands tucked into his pockets as he eyed the shelf along with you. 

“All?” 

He simply nodded and didn’t elaborate further as he watched you admire the photos, yourself impressed by his adeptness for photography. 

“You’re really good.” You complimented absentmindedly, enjoying the other photos of not only people but scenery, empty streets, candid shots from what looked to be his own little adventures. 

“Thanks.” Was all Taehyung could manage, trying to mask the sheer gratitude he felt hearing the first ever person to admire his work; something that wasn’t related to being a CEO or a businessman. 

He also felt slightly embarrassed you’d seen a small part of him he usually hid.

Taehyung continued walking down the hallway until he reached the end, revealing what you could tell was the largest room in the house. You were thrown off by just how unnecessarily large it was. It seriously reminded you of an extravagant hotel suite, more like the grandest one among them. 

“This is our room.” Taehyung introduced, gesturing towards its interior. 

“Our?” 

Taehyung nodded “I should’ve told you earlier but I wanted us to sleep in the same room. If we slept apart our marriage wouldn’t look convincing to my two housekeepers. I trust them but I don’t want any information about us getting out to the public, not over my dead body.” Taehyung stated in earnest as he relayed the information, wandering further into the room. 

“You really care that much about publicity?” you genuinely questioned. 

Taehyung scoffed. “Not me, I couldn’t care less about what people think.” He denied instantly, almost laughably. “It’s my father. He hates bad press, especially concerning our family or the company.” 

“I thought bad press is still press, so it’s good.” You suggested as you followed him further into the room, admiring that though large, his room held a sense of comfort to it. Quite frankly, all of his home felt rather welcoming and cozy, surprising of a CEO who ran such a monstrously successful company.

“My father doesn’t think so. Kim Enterprises has always been generational, each of our CEO positions strictly kept within the family. Our name is our brand and pride, it alone accounts for at least half of our success. We’re extremely well-known for our high status, it’s just plain fact in the upper social circles of Korea. We can’t afford to taint our name with petty things like bad press or corruption, our reputation is too valuable.” Taehyung stated this all nonchalantly as he adjusted his suit jacket in his mirror, like it was something he’s grown accustomed to and has known all his life. 

You found your opinion impeding his words.  

“So you can never just, escape this life? As long as you’re a Kim you’re bound to this company?” You found the concept wildly restrictive, clearly shackling down any person that would run the business and you felt a disagreeing shiver shoot through your spine. 

“Of course, why would you want anything else?” Taehyung tiled his head to the side, eyeing you in genuine questioning and your entire being was trying to bite back the desire to correct him, tell him there’s so much more to life than just some company your family owns. Though you opted for changing the subject instead, unwilling to step on his toes and dictate his life when you knew next to nothing about it. 

It wasn’t your place. 

“Woah, you have a balcony?!” You exclaimed with a simper, eyes flickering towards the curtains that revealed two ajar French doors leading to an open space.

You made towards it excitedly and stopped just in the middle of the platform, enjoying the breeze of the fresh air.

“It’s my favourite part of the house.” You didn’t even realize Taehyung followed you until his towering figure stood directly behind you, feeling his proximity permeate through your body. 

You swallowed. 

“Why don’t you look at the view?” Taehyung cocked his head towards the railing of the balcony, though you didn’t move a step. 

You weren’t about to tell Taehyung you’re terribly afraid of heights.

“I-I can see from here. Wow, looks beautiful.” You perked up superficially, trying to throw him off and changing the subject again. “By the way, what’s our closet situation gonna look like?” 

“Ah, let me show you.” Taehyung strided back into the room towards the sliding double doors you spotted earlier. He almost theatrically glided both dark wooden panels open and your jaw dropped for the 47th time today. 

You were welcomed by a ridiculously large walk-in closet, enough to be renovated into its own bedroom. You simply couldn’t normalize its size, especially after registering every suit, tie, watch or accessory Taehyung stored in the gracious space. 

You couldn’t even begin to imagine how much money lied in here. 

“Oh my God.” Was all you could manage, meandering in sparingly as you viewed each and every expensive piece he owned in the room, no doubt of the highest quality designers, finest of men’s fashion. 

“You don’t have to worry about unpacking and moving in here, the housekeepers will do that for you.” Taehyung watched as you looked upon in awe, finding the way your eyes sparkled with emotion very similar to that of Bambi’s.  

“How will I fit-”

“I specifically made space for you, there’s enough.” Taehyung stated, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed. He’d resolved a while ago he really would try to take this marriage seriously, victoriously achieve the work-life balance his father kept preaching. 

He saw giving up his closet space as the first step. 

It was indeed so because Taehyung thoroughly enjoyed fashion. He genuinely adored every suit, accessory and outfit in his collection, though if he wanted to reach this new goal of balance, successfully add you to his list of priorities, then he had to be willing to cut down. 

Even if that meant reallocating a third of his exorbitant wardrobe just for you, he’d try not to mind. 

“Are you sure? I could just use another room’s-” 

“I want to.” Taehyung finalized as his eyes turned unreadable from across the room, locking his gaze with yours and you were only left to look back impressed, his generosity unforeseen. 

“Thank you.” You voiced a little weak, still shy by the suffocating nature of his stare. 

“Don’t mention it.” He offered plainly, propping himself off the wall. He looked off to the side eyeing the empty pockets of space he left for you, until your voice called out to him.  

“Taehyung.”

“Hm?” He snapped his vision back to you. 

You wanted to ask him something, more so a favour and you were unsure how to word the request. “Um.. I didn’t want to ask so openly, but..” You found yourself beating around the bush, timid of what his response would be. 

“Go on.” 

“Um, so it seemed like there were a lot of empty rooms in this house, and I was just wondering if I could maybe.. transform one of them into an art studio for myself?” You winced at your own request. 

“I’m sorry, it’s just I had one at my old place and it really grew on me. I would get most of my work done in that room and gained a lot of inspiration from it. I have a lot of art supplies and designed often in that studio, so I need a home for all my supplies and it would suck getting rid of it all. I’m sorry it means I would have to steal one of your rooms in the house, if you don’t want me to then-” 

Taehyung couldn’t help but break out into a small grin as he watched you ramble on, shyly fidget with your fingers, so apprehensive of asking him for something and it reminded him why he was so eager to provide you with anything you wanted. 

You spent too long trying to do everything on your own, achieve everything on your own, relying solely on yourself. Taehyung could see this all as plain as day, quite enjoying of how he’s never really met someone like you, and wanted you to know you didn’t always have to be so independent.  

Especially with him. 

“Y/N.” He called out to you with the same honey-coloured tone from last night, stopping you. Your eyes flickered to his, awaiting his next sentence and Taehyung already found himself having a thing for your doe-eyes. 

Fuck. 

“Of course you can have a room. You can have anything in this house. It’s yours.” Taehyung stated with a degree of assurance, his eyes locking with yours in earnest. 

You both shared a look as your lips curved into a gracious smile, biting your lip to contain it. His stare wasn’t so much intimidating as it was merely.. calm. Gazing at you for the sole purpose of gazing, and you found some heat rushing to your face under his scrutiny. 

Taehyung seemed to realize he was staring and immediately cleared his throat, turning a little nervous as he began another conversation. “So um, I’m sorry to say this,” he began with unease, almost apprehensive and you didn’t know what he was so sorry about. “But I have work today.” 

You blinked. “What?” 

Taehyung internally winced at your reaction, hands finding his pockets. “I took some time off for the wedding, so now I have twice the amount of work left behind. I need to complete it.” He informed straightforwardly. 

“Our wedding was just yesterday, though, aren’t you tired?” You were only taken aback because you were slightly concerned for his wellbeing, wasn’t he tired from yesterday? You recalled him knocking out almost immediately upon hitting the pillow of your hotel bed last night, snoozing away. 

“Maybe, but I can’t afford to rest. I’ll only have more to complete if I do, so I won’t be spending anymore time with you today.” Taehyung relayed the information, readying himself for the even greater disappointing news he’d be passing on. 

“Actually, we won’t be able to go on our honeymoon, either.” Taehyung thought it was best to slip in all the bad news, growing more and more unrelaxed as he was unsure of how you’d react. 

Though what you said next had him nearly floored.

“Honeymoon? Taehyung, that’s the least of my concerns, you should at least rest a day before getting back to work. That’s not really healthy.” You chastised him as lightly as possible, still afraid to be stepping on his toes when you didn’t know his life. 

Taehyung was certain you’d hate having been stripped of a beautiful vacation where you could’ve relaxed in the sun and tropics of Cancun. Your father had mentioned to him you’ve always longed to visit the breath-taking city in Mexico, its clear waters and tropical air as a means to truly get away from your stifling life. 

So when he found you disregarding the trip altogether and instead focusing on him, more precisely his health, he was left damn well speechless. 

There you were again paying attention to the littlest things about him he didn’t care much for; he still had that bandage you offered him a month ago tucked into one of his pockets, not wanting to use the adhesive just yet. 

“I’ll be fine. I’m just sorry we can’t go on the vacation because of me, it would’ve been nice, you know?” Taehyung apologized, feeling genuinely guilty for having ruined the honeymoon. Even if you two weren’t going to travel as some lovey-dovey couple, you both simply could’ve enjoyed the time off.

“It’s okay, just, at least work from home today. Heading to the office would be too much.” You suggested for the sake of the fatigue you could discern on him. 

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m gonna be home for the next few days since everyone thinks we’ll be on our honeymoon.” 

“Oh. That’s.. good.” You nodded faintly, half at the idea you two were even faking your honeymoon and half at the blasphemous energy he had to work after yesterday. 

The sleep from last night was nearly not enough to recharge from the antics of the wedding, having drained your batteries for the next few days. You were certain his were drained too; he was half the damn couple. 

“I should get going. I’ll send Mrs. Choi and Seo up with your things. They’re probably finished with lunch too, you should eat.” Taehyung advised as he stepped out of the walk-in closet, running a hand through his gorgeous hair and you couldn’t help but ogle at the sexy way his strands fell back on him. 

“Okay.” You voiced as you followed him out, watching him near the room’s door and just about to vacate the premise before you spoke up. “Taehyung.” 

He stopped in his tracks, peering back at you. “Yes?” 

“You should eat something, too.”

Taehyung half-smiled at you with a nod “Sure”, before stepping out of the room, leaving you alone. 

And you couldn’t help but kind of like the way he smiles. 

It was well into the evening now, bordering dinner time as you helped the last of your clothes into Taehyung’s closet, refusing to let the older housekeepers do all the work by themselves considering it was your own luggage. 

You also tried to occupy Taehyung’s room as scarcely as you could with your belongings, feeling odd about suddenly moving in with all your might and changing things around. It just didn’t feel appropriate, like you were invading his space and so you opted for scattering only your necessary items.

“That should be the last of it, Mrs. Choi.” You retrieved your last piece of clothing from the rather soft-spoken housekeeper, tucking the blazer away among the rest. You were satisfied to see not only your wardrobe neatly organized now, but fit just about right with Taehyung’s things. 

He was right about space, there was enough.

“Mrs. Kim, please rest. You didn't have to move a muscle at all for us.” Mrs. Choi remarked, genuinely concerned for you. 

“Yes, please, Mrs. Kim. We can finish up with the little things. I’ve just finished preparing dinner downstairs, you should eat.” Mrs. Seo chimed in as she entered the walk-in closet, gesturing towards the door. 

“Are you sure? I can-”

“Mrs. Kim, you’re very kind for offering your help, we’re very grateful you’ve done so. Though we are Mr. Kim’s housekeepers, we are meant to care for his home and his lovely wife. You need not worry about helping us.” Mrs. Choi stated with an earnest tone, speaking respectfully as she addressed you. 

You were going to protest again before you considered her words, registering that if you indeed helped them, it would technically negate the entire purpose of their work. 

You bit back your reply as a result, crafting a new one. 

“I see, I’m sorry, Mrs. Seo, Mrs. Choi. I’m just.. very used to doing things on my own,” you looked towards the ground. “I apologize.” You almost dipped for a bow until Mrs. Choi rapidly cautioned you, scrambling towards your figure. 

“Oh dear, Mrs. Kim! You do not need to bow to us, you’re Mr. Kim’s wife, you are the one who is bowed to.” 

“Yes, you do not need to apologize either, we appreciate your help, it was very sweet of you.” Mrs. Seo added with a warm smile, bowing to you instead. “Please go for dinner downstairs, I’ve also informed Mr. Kim for dinner, though I’m unsure if he has made his way down yet.” She added on, urging you towards the room's exit and you recognized it was probably better to listen to her. 

Even if all this high-class, status stuff had yet to sink in or make sense to you after being away for so long, you understood there was an eventual tolerance you had to build for it. Just as Mrs. Choi said, you’re Kim Taehyung’s wife now, and that came with a hell lot of status you hadn’t even scratched the surface of yet.

You could already tell it was going to be a pain in the ass. 

“I suppose I should. I’ll get going, then.” You smiled graciously at both women, appreciative of their kindness and began vacating the closet. You just about pulled the room door open before Mrs. Seo suddenly came to you.

“Oh! Mrs. Kim,” she halted you. “I was informed by Mr. Kim to provide this to you. He would have done so himself though he’s quite busy at the moment.” Mrs. Seo extended her hand and presented a pristine looking card, black and incredibly sleek in design. Your eyebrows furrowed until you noticed the telltale symbols, almost ominously minimal branding indicating a rare card only those with some of the highest networths in Korea could own. 

Your eyes widened in horror. 

The Black Card. 

“P-pardon?” You needed her to reiterate, there was no way Kim Taehyung was giving you a black card, the same card that was limitless on credit and only exclusively owned by the affluent one-percenters of society. 

“He’s informed me this belongs to you now, and that you’re to keep it in your possession.” Mrs. Seo elaborated, smiling through the mental whiplash you were currently experiencing.  

“Belongs to.. me? This is mine?” You were still having trouble processing, why would Taehyung be gifting you this? Who’s account was it even attached to? Was it yours and he’s decided to graciously pay all the expensive fees, or worse, was it joined with his own account? 

Don’t tell me it’s joined with his account.  

“Yes, Mrs. Kim. It’s yours.” Mrs. Seo held it out more outwardly, nudging it in your direction. 

Your mouth fell agape for another second before you mentally collected yourself, quickly grabbing the card and thanking her as you made your exit, marching through the house for Taehyung’s unbelievable ass. 

Taehyung could not be providing you with this card. It was irrational, simply had to have been a decision he made with at least two bottles of soju in him, right? You didn’t care what his reasoning would be, you were denying and returning this. There was no way in hell you’d accept this card, especially if he linked his own personal account to it. 

You tried loosely recalling where Taehyung mentioned his study, logically assuming he was working there. You inspected majority of the second floor, working your way through the halls until you finally caught sight of the familiar wooden doors with glass panels, slightly ajar, light bleeding through.

You made for the room quickly and stormed in without a care, attempting to steady your breathing from all the rushing around. You caught Taehyung completely off guard, having shredded his suit jacket to instead sport the rolled up sleeves of his dress shirt, adorning black-rimmed, designer glasses. 

He looked 100x hotter than he should’ve. 

Taehyung suddenly propped up from the leaned-back position he’d assumed on his chair, expression caught by surprise. “Y/N?” He questioned, eyebrows furrowing. 

You held up the card and addressed him immediately. “Taehyung, what’s this? Why are you giving this to me?” You huffed, looking at him incredulously. 

“The card? For you to use..?” Taehyung responded cooperatively, confused as to why you seemed so frazzled. 

“But why, Taehyung? This is a black card, the annual fees on this are insane and I can’t pay-” 

“You’re not paying for them, I am.” Taehyung cut in, shutting the binder he was holding and placing it on his desk. 

“What? No, no way. If it’s my account then I should be the one-”

“It’s not your account, either, it’s mine.” Taehyung brought his elbows to his desk, hands clasped together in front of his lips. It was now he gave you that same intimidating stare he did back when you first met him, calculative and devoid of expression. 

It seemed he did this when he got serious. 

“Your account? But-Taehyung, this is your money, I can’t just have it. Please, take this back.” You stepped towards his desk to return the card eagerly, but Taehyung’s firm tone stopped you. 

“No, it’s yours. I gave it to you to keep.” His words held this underlying sense of authority, scratch that, dominance when he spoke seriously, resolute. You could instantly tell he possessed a natural sense of alpha male characteristics, enough that even though he wasn’t being harsh or looming, his words and the tone he coated them with held more power than you could manifest. 

You almost cowered, but remained adamant on returning the card. It was worse with the card attached to his account, you couldn’t just keep Taehyung’s money like it was your own, it simply wasn’t. Your money sat ordinarily in a separate account on a separate card, which you were happy enough to use. You weren’t going to mooch off of him, it went against every principle that made up your very being. 

“This is your money, Taehyung. I have no right to use it.” 

“You’re my wife. You have every right in the world to use it.” Taehyung countered with no emotion, or at least any you could discern, uncertain what was running through his mind with only his eyes as a guide towards the answer. 

And you knew his eyes didn’t tell. 

“Taehyung, this doesn’t feel right to me. This isn’t my money and I can’t use it.” You emphasized more strongly, drawing closer to his desk though halting your actions once he spoke again. 

“My money is your money, you can always use it.” You knew he was relaxed, appearing practically unbothered as he leaned onto his desk and eyed you. Though with the intense look in his eyes, his aura screaming for anyone within the vicinity to submit to him, he could easily seem frustrated with the situation, namely you. 

And it made you want to crawl into a hole.

“No, it isn’t. I’ve already intruded your home, taken your closet, your room and even an extra one just for myself. I will not take your money either. Please, take this back.” You held out the card more prominently, desperate to have him understand you.

Taehyung wasn’t necessarily frustrated by you, no, he was slightly pissed you kept referring to everything as just his and not yours, that he was the only one considering you two as a married couple now while you still viewed each other separately.

Did you not see him as your husband yet?

He also disliked the fact that you seemed scared of him, or unable to trust him like last night. He could see you fighting back the urge to cower away, genuinely upsetting him you still held a degree of fear and unsureness in your eyes. 

Why are you so afraid of me? 

“Y/N, everything isn’t just mine anymore, it’s yours, too. We’re a married couple, husband and wife. What’s mine is yours.” Taehyung tried to reason, loosening himself up more to seem less intimidating, more approachable.

“But money, Taehyung-it’s different. I didn’t even want to take my own father’s money, there’s no way I’ll take yours, please.” Pleading leaked into your tone as you lips started doing that thing where they just about pout, emphasizing their plushiness and Taehyung couldn’t help but notice it again. 

He started growing frustrated as he removed his glasses, placing them on his desk and pinching the bridge of his nose. It seemed like he was digesting the situation, searching for the best approach.

“Y/N, look. I know the kind of situation you had with your father, but I’m not him. Didn’t you hear what Mrs. Choi and Seo addressed you as?” 

You thought it over, unknowing of where he was taking this. “They.. called me Mrs. Kim.”

“Exactly. Even my last name is yours, everything I have is yours. I’m your husband, I’m always going to provide you with things from now on. That card is just one of many.” Taehyung offered his best explanation, making sure his tone wasn’t as serious to sidetrack any fear you still had.

“I understand. But this is a black card, Taehyung, and it’s your hard-earned money, not mine. It feels wrong even just having it.” You couldn’t fight your inner turmoil, you genuinely believed this to be wrong. After spending almost a decade trying to work for yourself, pay for yourself, seldom seeking the help of another, this just left a disagreeing feeling to churn in your stomach.

Taehyung sighed heavily before pushing his chair back, rising from his seat. He made his way over to you where you grew unintentionally defensive, retracting from him slightly as he neared you. He noticed it and pursed his lips, reaching out for your upper arms and taking them warmly, tenderly, waiting for your eyes to meet his before he spoke to you.

“Y/N, do you remember what I said before I kissed you yesterday?”

Your eyes widened having been reminded of the intimate moment, nodding at him innocently. Taehyung witnessed you trying to avoid eye contact and found himself softening. 

“I didn’t say that without reason. I meant it when I said I would take care of you. Your father is a different story, if you don’t want to use his money, I respect that. But I’m your husband, and I want to be a good one. I want to give you things.. do things for you simply because I want to.” Taehyung reasoned, gripping you lightly. “I want you to use my money, you’re allowed to use it.” He tried voicing with sincerity, earnestly, hoping he could change your mind.

He saw you still hesitating to accept the offer, however, deciding on a compromise.

“Look, you don’t have to use it all the time. You can still use your own card, but you can use mine here and there. Seriously, Y/N, using it won’t even make a dent on me. I’m the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company, use it at your discretion.” Taehyung could practically see your gears shifting, searching for your eyes as he wished you’d understand him. 

He saw this as a second step towards work-life balance, only feeling the responsibility and genuine desire to be the good husband in spite of the unfortunate nature of your marriage. He didn’t want any doubt concerning his ability to be a good husband, either.

After all, when Taehyung did something, he always did the best he possibly could.

“Okay, I guess you’re right. But I do have my own money, and I’ll be using that 100x more often than yours.” You relaxed and oddly let him hold you, looking down at the black card that rested in your hand and clutching it to your palm.

Taehyung realized he was still holding you and let go, retiring to fluff his hair instead. You caught a glimpse of his bicep underneath his rolled up sleeve as he did so, and you truly hated you chose a time like this to find him stunningly attractive.

“You should come downstairs, Mrs. Seo prepared dinner.” You ignored your thoughts.

“You go first, I’ll be down in a second.”

You nodded agreeably and turned away, leaving his study. You took a second look at the card in your hand, then glanced around the house as you strolled through it, trying to embed what Taehyung said into the crevices of your resistant thinking.

Everything I have is yours, you reiterated, registering that Taehyung had in fact grown accustomed to the idea of you two as a couple already. He’s accepted it, embraced it, even enforced it now with his earlier declarations and this black card. You automatically felt behind, like you were the tortoise in the race and needed to pick up your pace.

If Taehyung had already come to terms with your marriage, it was only a matter of time before you did as well. Marriage is a two-way street, and if you wanted to make this easier on both yourself and Taehyung, you would compromise with him, accept the true sense of partnership that entailed your status as husband and wife.

Thus was the exact mantra that played in your head as you fiddled with the card, remembering the way his big hands held you.

Warm.

It was night. 

You could say it was like any other ordinary night, though that would be a gargantuan lie. 

This night was the first time Taehyung and yourself were going to sleep in the same bed.

In your own home. 

The hotel suite left you both with your own space and privacy since it was a random, public room with no personality or attachment to it whatsoever, making it easier and comfortable to sleep with him.

So when you emerged from your walk-in closet in a thin camisole, loose pajama shorts and without a bra, you were cursing yourself. God damn you for needing to sleep in minimal clothing for comfort. You’d slept in a loose t-shirt and bottoms at the suite last night since it was a public room, and long story short, it left you tossing and turning more than you liked. 

You had no clue prior to arriving here that you’d be sharing a room with Taehyung. You’d expected to sleep in a different one, in the privacy of your own room where you could prance around as you wished and as a result packed your usual sleepwear. 

But now that you were left having to slumber with Taehyung, clothes on the more revealing side, there was no turning back. 

And what there was truly no turning back from, was when you opened the closet door and your eyes landed on Taehyung’s shirtless, wet self drying his hair after a shower. 

You immediately malfunctioned.

Your eyes fell to his bare back, ruffling his wet hair as his plaid pajama pants hung loosely at his hips. You immediately exclaimed and clamped a hand over your mouth, trying to shut yourself up. 

You did not expect at all for Taehyung to have such honey-coloured skin. It was like it naturally glowed, a healthy tone that made him appear all the more delectable. It certainly didn’t help that his shoulders were broader than you first observed, sincerely an other-worldly experience when he wasn’t wearing clothes. 

You also got an all-access view of his trap muscles, adding to the width of his shoulders overall and when Taehyung turned around to the sound of the closet door opening, gaze locking with yours, you could confirm his neck, chest and collarbones were indeed crafted to perfection.

Taehyung’s eyes widened momentarily drinking you in, not expecting your light sleepwear when just last night he witnessed you in a full pajama set. Not to mention, and he hated that he could tell, but you weren't wearing a bra. 

And the camisole did nothing to hide that. 

Taehyung straightened himself up realizing you two were practically gawking at each other, resting the towel around his neck as he cleared his throat. “That’s what you sleep in?” 

“That’s what you sleep in?” You retorted, arms over your chest. 

“Guys usually sleep shirtless, this is normal.” Taehyung gestured towards his own body and you had half a mind to floor yourself. It’s like Taehyung knew but also didn’t know he was hot, knew the effect he had on people though never grew cocky or proud enough to purposefully parade it around. 

And it frustrated you even more; he was fairly humble about being a sexy Greek God. 

“Girls sleep like this too, this is normal.” You copied him, looking off to the side. 

“I was kidding, I only sleep shirtless sometimes. Just get in bed.” Taehyung narrowed his eyes as he gestured towards the sheets, returning to his palace of a bathroom to toss his towel in the hamper and pull a t-shirt over his head. 

You wanted to move, feet just about ready to carry you but you never abandoned your spot. Instead, you pressed your lips into a thin line contemplating that sharing a bed with Taehyung, in clothes like this and in such proximity, all held a degree of intimacy you didn’t know you two shared yet. 

It’s only been a day. 

So when Taehyung returned to your unmoving figure, arms holding your chest and avoiding eye contact with him, he was quick to get the message. 

“Um.. if you really don’t want to sleep here, I can give you another room.” Taehyung offered, figuring himself this may be too soon. 

“No, it’s okay, that’d be kind of a hassle.” You waved him off. “Besides, your bed looks comfy.”

You were honestly trying to live up to your acceptance that Taehyung was the man you’d spend your life with now, so you’d better start getting use to him. You’d sleep next to him for numerous nights, spend endless days together and share a multitude of things; this would simply just be a first of many first times. 

So you paddled over to the bed and removed the covers to snuggle yourself in, the bed’s coolness sending a shiver through you before you hugged the blanket to yourself. Taehyung stood with a smile before crawling in himself, adjusting the covers to his liking. 

He felt at peace in a matter of seconds, the feeling of his own bed lulling him into a state of slumber already. He reached his arm out to shut off the lamp on his bedside table, leaving the room pitch dark and only his digital clock and balcony as a light source. 

You began to cower a bit in the darkness, thankful for the sheer curtains that allowed the moonlight to spill into the room. 

You felt another shiver run through your body when you shifted, realizing you were cold even under the sheets. You tried warming up on your own by shimmying the blanket around more comfortably, but it didn't do much. 

You were left lying on the bed trying to think warm thoughts, unintentionally breathing in the constant scent of Taehyung from his bed; his cologne, his aftershave, his body wash all filling your nostrils.

It was intoxicating, absolutely distracting and sleep began to slip your mind. It didn’t help that you were still cold too, moving around and turning onto your side where you now faced Taehyung. 

He seemed to have already dozed off, face tranquil as he slept soundlessly on his back. You couldn't help but admire his side-profile, the sparse moonlight illuminating his features. It was hard to not stretch your hand out and nearly run a touch along his cheek, like he was a rare work of art that naturally called for admiration.

You realized turning towards him that he radiated a wave of warmth from his body, remembering boys were pretty much furnaces while girls usually froze.

How wonderful it is to be a woman. 

You desired some of that heat and shuffled just a little closer to Taehyung, nearing the center of the bed. You discerned he was indeed warm and maneuvered slightly closer, just about stopping at the center of the bed. You fought back the urge to shimmy any closer, leaving a mindful gap between you two. 

You were seconds from catching a peace of mind until Taehyung unexpectedly spoke in the silence of the night, startling you. 

“You can come closer, I don’t bite.” The smirk in his voice was obvious, making you scrunch your nose and snap back at him. 

“Shut up, I’m not getting closer to you.” 

“You should, I’m really warm, and I can tell you’re cold.” There he was again teasing, his tone coy as he kept his eyes shut, unbothered. 

“Over my dead body.” You mocked him from earlier, turning away from him abruptly and pulling the covers over your head. 

Coffee was probably your favourite thing life had to offer. One of the couple things you’d fight someone over; coffee and your independence, if you wanted to be specific. 

So it made you genuinely happy Taehyung had such a wide selection of coffee to choose from, ranging from all kinds of beans to instant coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, you name it. It took no time for you to craft a cup to your liking, shuffle into a seat on the island and begin picking at the breakfast the housekeepers had whipped up earlier this morning. 

You’d woken up early today keeping in mind the day you had planned. You decided this to be another move-in day as part of your studio setup project you’ve entertained for the last week. The granted time off due to your odd honeymoon farce with Taehyung proved to actually come in handy, thankfully. 

It had been another peaceful morning for you, having woken up with sunlight gracing the walls, certain you could hear birds chirping as if you were in a Disney film and little mice would come out to start sewing the gown you’d wear as a princess. 

It had been a peaceful morning indeed, but when you stretched out to loosen your stiff muscles, the chaos that met you was anything but peaceful. Even if it’s occurred at least 5 times now, you kept forgetting that you shared a bed with someone else now, and that said someone had somehow always founds a way to gravitate towards you during the night, even daringly cast an arm over you sometimes. 

It left you in a state of panic registering that Taehyung’s, dare you say warm and cozy body would be just behind you, his chest mere centimeters from your back. You would stay still for some time, calculating the optimal way to remove yourself from his hold until he eventually stirred enough to loosen his grip, darting right out of bed. 

Other times, he’d wake earlier than you and you wondered what would cross his mind once he registered your oddly proximal bodies. 

Did it ever bother him?

Nonetheless, it brought a mischievous smile to your face thinking about the fact that Taehyung had such a perfectly human habit like cuddling. He was always so serious, so put together and a near machine at everything he did, seeming as though he wouldn’t give anything romantic the time of day. 

But it was hard to forget the fluffy feeling that blossomed in your chest when you would sense his proximity, maybe inviting a liking to it. You had always slept alone, only yourself and the darkness to keep you company in your lonely bed, in your lonely home. 

So sleeping next to someone, namely Kim Taehyung left an impression on you you couldn’t quite shake. It was difficult to erase the image of his calm, sleeping face after the handful of times witnessing it. Long eyelashes delicately pressed to the skin under his eyes, lips plush as he seemed to naturally pout in his sleep. The sunlight only accentuated his honey-coloured skin, adding a glow to his features that made him appear prettier than he already was. 

It was nice to think you’d wake up to that every morning. 

You found your mind still playing around with the idea until you snapped yourself out of it, questioning why the hell you always ventured off whenever you thought about him. 

Weird. 

You were scolding yourself until your eyes caught Taehyung strolling into the kitchen with his phone in is hand. He’d foregone a jacket today, black shirt sleeves folded to mid-forearm paired with black slacks.  

You were normal until you almost spat your coffee seeing he wasn’t wearing a tie but instead had the first few buttons of his shirt open, revealing a generous view of his neck and the beginnings of his chest. 

Fucking hell.

You were staring stupidly until Taehyung peeked up at you, smiling “Morning.” 

“M-morning.” you stuttered.

He seemed unsuspecting as he returned his attention to his phone, proceeding to the kitchen counter and retrieving a cup to fix himself a drink. He appeared to be reading something conscientiously on his device, never taking his eyes off and you quickly became bored, ready to use the weapon you’d acquired. 

“So.. you’re a cuddler, huh?”

Taehyung nearly dropped his cup.  

“I’m sorry, what?” 

“You’re a cuddler when you sleep. Cute.” You rested your chin in your palm, playful smile on your face. 

“I think you’re mistaken, I am not a cuddler. And I’m not cute.” Taehyung denied as he only focused on the cup, his back to you. You then watched him reach for his selection of tea and purposefully evade the coffee, your eyes lighting up with mischief.  

“Wait, you’re a cuddler and you drink tea instead of coffee? Very cute.” You pulled on his leg, chuckling as you brought your mug to your lips

This was going to be fun.

“Shut up, I don’t like the taste and tea is healthier.” Taehyung practically sneered back, harshly ripping the packet of his tea bag.

“Doesn’t take away from the fact that you’re a cuddler.” You sipped on your coffee, unbothered as you swung your legs back and fourth. 

“Doesn’t take away from the fact that you like it.” 

You nearly spat your drink. 

“What?” 

“I remember a certain someone that shuffles closer to me for warmth, no?” Taehyung snapped back as he returned to his phone and popped his tea into the microwave, his shoulders high to the sky. You could imagine his smug face proud of his remark while searching for your own, realizing that Taehyung was damn good at arguing and you’d really have to upgrade your comeback game to counter him. 

He was unfortunately your match.

“Even if I were one, which I’m not, It’s not like I’m committing a crime.” Taehyung suddenly finalized with a snippy tone, and you realized you may have hurt his ego. 

Men. 

“I never said it was a bad thing.” You commented under your breath and looked away, popping a raspberry into your mouth. 

Taehyung bit back a smirk as he retrieved his cup of tea, taking a sip as he returned to his phone and took a seat across from you. He began compiling his plate of breakfast as he worked his device, typing away with one hand as if he was drafting the Magna Carta. 

You became bored again.

“Why do you have so much coffee if you don’t like it?” You genuinely felt like inquiring, if he didn’t like the taste why would he have so much? 

“For my housekeepers, they drink it.” He took a sip of his tea, all attention on his phone. 

You nodded understandingly. “Why do you have two housekeepers, by the way? Isn’t one enough?” 

“So they can keep each other company.” He answered absentmindedly, eyes still glued to his phone as he bit a piece of his toast. You really hated that he wasn’t actively interacting with you because it only left room to stare at him, and that was never any good.  

He looked illegally attractive with the unbuttoned part of his shirt, your mind profusely bugging out over the exposed bit of his chest. You were reminded of the full view from last night, and began pondering how long you’d survive having to see that for the rest of your life. 

“O-oh, that’s nice.” You stuttered back a reply, squashing your previous thought.

You were actually quite impressed by the kindness Taehyung showed behind that decision, noticing he had these small moments where he was caring, considerate, all hidden behind his unreadable face and seriousness when it came to business. 

It was quite interesting. 

You were mindlessly eating until Taehyung spoke up, eyes flickering towards you. “What are you going to do today?” 

You swallowed your fruit. “I was planning on moving more stuff in again, start finishing my studio setup. Thank you again for the room, by the way.” You expressed your gratitude once more, forking some eggs into your mouth. 

“Don’t mention it.” 

“What are you doing today?” you echoed his question, taking another swig of coffee.

“I’m working again. If you need anything I’ll be in my study.” Taehyung sent you a half-smile before snatching up his plate, bringing his phone to his ear as he stepped out of the kitchen. 

You sighed heavily only being left to think about your day, which would be majorly spent unpacking and arranging things. You had a plethora of art supplies, design tools and canvases to set up in your studio, leaving you constantly thinking of how to even begin. 

It would be a mission alone to sort through everything you had left, knowing you didn’t exactly label out of sheer laziness and would have to individually unbox and organize everything . 

It was this exact task that took up most of your day, time having slipped by in the blink of an eye. It wasn’t easy when you had to be rummaging through your belongings and situating them where you thought appropriate, also trying to envision a new look for your studio. 

You hadn’t realized 3 hours had passed until the ring of the front doorbell caused you to check your phone, curious as to who would be visiting your home in the middle of the day. You assumed it be one of the housekeepers and abandoned your work, cascading down the staircase and striding towards the grand entrance. 

You drew towards the monitor Taehyung had showed you just yesterday, explaining it to be your home security system. Taehyung detailed it had a camera for your front porch that detected movement and the doorbell alike, so you peered at the monitor to see the stranger outside your home. 

Your eyebrows furrowed registering a woman, her back turned towards the door as she fidgeted nervously with her purse in her hand. 

Sheer curiosity took you over and you paddled towards the door, unlocking it. You wore a smile on your face as you swung the door open, though it was immediately wiped off taking in the last person on earth you ever wanted to see. 

“Mother?”

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tags : @thedarkwinterrose @ayujaded @couldbeyourlast @ladyarmanto @anpanman-sonyeondan @apollukee @blueevelvt @taesluttt @scalubera​ @laurynne5​ @dreamsindreamss​ @thequeen-kat​ @awsome-small-k​ @wrecklesssly​ @kweenhu​ @jalexad​ @staerify​ @bangforever​ @dyriddle​ @aianloveseven​ @waves-and-woods​ @hoefortaeshands​ @veronawrites​ @nightapple4jk​ @wataemelonz​ @aomi-nabi​

[freedom-of-writing]

Forever my wife

Just my take on how the WayHaught wedding could’ve turned out. I wrote this before the airing of episode 4x12, so expect it to be different. 

It’s here. Their weeding day has finally arrived. Nicole has been smiling her brightest smile all morning. She can’t believe she is finally getting married to the love of her life, her Angel, the Guardian of her heart. Waverly Earp. Her wife. Wow... that sounds so good.

She is all dressed up and almost ready for the ceremony, thanks to Rachel. She is wearing a beautiful maroon suit with a very simple and natural-looking makeup. It was Rachel’s idea, and she absolutely loves the result. As for Waverly, she has Wynonna to help her get ready. Obviously. Part of Nicole wishes she could just peek at them, sure they must be having a lot of fun right now. But she and Waverly agreed their wedding looks should be a surprise, so she is getting ready in the barn, while Waverly is in their room in the Homestead.

“Alright, there you go!” Rachel exclaims when she’s done with Nicole’s hair. “What do you think?”

Rachel curled her beautiful red hair, and clipped it backwards on one side, so that it is falling nicely on her right shoulder.

“Wow...” Nicole stares in awe at her figure in the mirror.

“I know. I’m pretty proud of my work too.” Rachel says with a proud smirk.

Nicole chuckles lightly at that, and then she turns to face her. “Thank you.”

Rachel smiles brightly at her, moving her hand up to fix a lock of Nicole’s hair. “I’m... I’m gonna go check on Waves. See if Wynonna needs any help...”

“Okay.”

When Rachel leaves, Nicole moves to sit on Wynonna’s bed. Closing her eyes, she tries to recall all of the milestones that led them here. Their first meeting at Shorty’s... Waverly Earp smiling at her from her front porch... her heart shattering when Waverly told her they should’ve been just friends, and all its pieces coming back together the minute Waverly kissed her in Nedley’s office... their first time, their big fight, all of the times they’d lost and found each other over the years... her regret of not having said yes right away... her hope slowly fading away in those 18 months alone... what they did on the stairs, and on the kitchen floor, and in the barn this morning... What a ride they had, huh?

That’s what she said. She can imagine Wynonna saying to her. The thought makes her smile. That woman is a real sucker for a dirty joke. And she’s part of their journey too. Who would’ve thought they could become best friends. And yet, here they are. It’s crazy how close they’ve become.

Right as she’s thinking about that, Nicole is brought back to reality by the sound of knocking on the front door. Speaking of the devil...

“May I come in? Please, tell me you’re not naked...” Wynonna asks as she walks in with a hand covering her eyes.

“Actually, I’m lying completely naked on your bed right now.” Nicole jokes.

“I’d rather not think about what you did on my bed this morning...” Wynonna says lowering her hand.

“Excuse me?!” How the hell does she know about their morning... exchange of love.

“Poor innocent Jeremy told me about it. Poor soul, I think you traumatized him for life...” she mocks her.

Nicole shakes her head in disbelief. “Just come here, and sit with me, Earp.” She invites her patting at the space beside her on the mattress.

“Huh uh, no way. I’m never touching that bed again.”

“We didn’t even do it on the bed!” Nicole yells before she can realize what she is actually saying.

“Yep. I’m burning this whole barn to the ground tonight.” Wynonna states in a joking tone before going to sit on the bed near Nicole.

When she was settled, Nicole smiled her beautiful bright smile at her, and Wynonna noticed her eyes were sparkling with tears.

“You okay, Haught?”

“I’m getting married to Waverly Earp today...” she says as if that could answer Wynonna’s question.

“You’d better.”

Nicole chuckles lightly at that, and then she asks: “how is she?”

“She’s ready.” Somehow Wynonna knows exactly what Nicole needed to hear. “Oh, I almost forgot. I got you something” She exclaims a moment later, taking a necklace from her dress, in the space right over her boob. “No pockets.” She explains with a shrug when Nicole laughs lightly at her. Same old Wynonna.

“Please tell me it’s not a boner necklace...” Nicole jokes.

“Damn it! Now I’m mad I didn’t think of that!”

That makes Nicole laugh again. And in that moment, she realizes the tears that once threatened to fall are now completely gone. Wynonna did it again. It crazy how this woman can make it all go away with just one joke.

“But seriously... here.” Wynonna says as she hands over the necklace to Nicole.

Nicole takes it and lays it on the palm of her hand, so she can study the pendant. It’s the shape of a heart, and inside it there are two small figures, two girls sitting on its outline as if the pendant was a swing. On the outline of the heart, then, there are two small inscriptions: always my sister / forever my friend. Nicole reads them, and then turns to look at Wynonna in shock. That’s definitely not the gift she was expecting to get from “miss everything’s a joke to me”.

“Waverly gave it to me for my eighteenth birthday, right before I left Purgatory... She wanted me to know that I’d always have a home here if I wanted to come back. I always have it with me. Even if I’m not wearing it. It’s like my lucky charm. Which is kind of stupid considering all the troubles I got in in my life...”

“Wynonna, I...” Nicole’s at a loss of words. No one’s ever given her something that was so special to them.

“You’re gonna be my sister now, right?” she says matter-of-factly, and Nicole can feel herself getting all emotional again.

“I’ve never had a sister…” She states, mimicking what Wynonna had told her a little less than two years ago. I’ve never had a best friend.

“You do now.” Wynonna states in all seriousness as she fights back the tears blurring her eyes. “A pretty messed up one, but...” she starts to joke, but Nicole interrupts her.

“She’s perfect that way.” She says taking hold of Wynonna’s hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

They stay like that for a moment, neither one breaking the peaceful silence that fell upon them. Nicole can’t take her eyes off the necklace. Waverly gave it to Wynonna, and now Wynonna is giving it to her. It’s not just a promise to be friends and sisters forever, it’s also a way for Wynonna to say “Waverly’s the most precious thing that I have, and now she’s yours to protect and love”. The idea makes her even more emotional, but if she cries now, she’ll ruin all her makeup, and it took Rachel half an hour to put it on. So she takes a deep breath to force back the tears, and then she gets up and turns to face Wynonna.

“Help me put it on?” She asks, holding out the necklace for Wynonna to take.

A tear falls down Wynonna’s cheek as she smiles at her friend. She wipes it away quickly with the back of her hand, and then, she gets up grabbing the necklace. As she is fastening it, they hear a knock on the door. It’s Rachel. In a very Wynonna-fashion she does not wait for an answer before walking in. She is here to let them know everyone’s ready, and they’re just waiting for the two of them. All of a sudden Nicole feels like she can’t breathe. It’s happening. It’s time. OMG. Her heart is racing uncontrollably, and she thinks she might get sick. That, of course, does not go unnoticed on Wynonna, who puts her hand on Nicole’s shoulder, giving it an encouraging squeeze.

“C’mon, Haught. You’ve waited long enough. Now you get to be happy.” She smiles lovingly at her friend. Best friend. God, she’s so happy for her right now. She finally gets to be happily married to the love of her life. It’s what she deserves.

When she feels Nicole is breathing somewhat steadily again, she offers up her arm for her to lean on as they walk out. With a deep breath, Nicole puts her hand on Wynonna’s arm, and she lets her friend lead her out of the barn, with Rachel in tow. It’s a beautiful sunny day, and she can smell the perfumes of a thousand flowers, and the green grass around the Homestead is glowing bright in the summer sun. Nicole takes a look at the guests waiting for them by their seats. It’s not many people, it’s true, but all the ones who matter are here. Jeremy, Doc, Nedley, Billy, Mercedes… wait. No way! No! She turns towards Wynonna in shock.

“Are you serious right now?!” she exclaims in disbelief.

“Do you know someone else who can officiate your wedding?!”

“Anyone but Bunny!”

“Listen, sheriff, she’s who I found, okay? Do you wanna get married or what?”

“You’re gonna be the death of me, Earp…”

“Oh, please, your life would be so boring without me.”

“I’m marrying your sister, I can think of a few ways to entertain myself…” she objects with a smirk.

Their banter is interrupted by Nedley clearing his throat to get their attention. “Ladies…”

Both turn to look at him. Nicole can instantly feel the tears forming in her eyes. He’s here to walk her down the aisle. This is all surreal. How is this real life? She feels like she’s in a dream.

“Wow… Look at you.” Nedley says in admiration.

“Yeah, you don’t look bad yourself.”

“I’m proud of you, kiddo.” He says in her ear as he brings her in for a tight hug.

Nicole’s been able to hold back the tears so far, but after those words she just can’t. Her parents might not be there to support her, but she has Nedley, and that’s all that matters. She allows one tear to stream down her cheek, but then she collects herself quickly. She can’t cry. Not before the ceremony has even started. Nedley smiles lovingly at her as they let go of each other, and then he holds out his arm for her to lean on. Nicole takes one last look around, and she notices Wynonna is gone. She must’ve gone get Waverly. It’s time. No more waiting. This time it’s for real. Smiling back at Nedley, she puts her hand on his arm, and they start walking towards the others. My God, this is crazy. She thinks as she sees Bunny waving at her happily. Just a perfect Earp-fashion wedding...

As they walk slowly down the aisle, her eyes get wet all over again. She just can’t help it. When she got to Purgatory she was completely alone, and now she’s getting married to the love of her life and she’s got a family who loves and supports her. She is smiling so big right now, she can feel her cheeks beginning to hurt, and just the idea of seeing Waverly makes her hearts burst with joy. She looks at Rachel, her maid of honor, and she feels so proud. The past 19 months weren’t easy for either of them, but they got through. Together. They’ve seen each other at their worst, and now hopefully they’ll get to see each other at their best too. Today a new chapter begins. A better one for sure. No matter what happens next, nothing can be worse than the hopelessness and loneliness she’s felt in those eighteen months alone.

Nicole is brought back from her thoughts when Nedley gives her hand a gentle squeeze. Nicole gives him a sweet kiss on the cheek, and then he moves away to get to his seat. All of a sudden, murmurs fill the air, and she turns to see Waverly and Wynonna walking out of the homestead and towards them. Nicole can feel her heart pounding hard. Wow… Waverly looks so beautiful… She is in a long sleeveless white lace dress. Her hair is tied up on the back of her head, and it has beautiful colorful flowers in it. Her makeup, just like Nicole’s, is very simple, and she is absolutely breathtaking. Nicole can’t help but stare at her in awe as she walks down the aisle leaning on Wynonna’s arm. And the same goes for Waverly as she studies her fiancée’s look. They both look perfect. This is all so perfect.

“Hi” “Hey” They greet each other once they’re standing side by side.

“Haught.” Wynonna says as she lets go of Waverly to embrace Nicole. “You take care of my baby sis, okay?” she whispers in her ear, her voice cracking with emotion.

“Always.”

“You got the girl, Nicole. Now go get your wife.” Wynonna says leaning back and winking at her.

What happens next is a mystery to Nicole and Waverly. All they can focus on is the person standing right in front of them, and it feels like they’re in a bubble, just the two of them. They can barely process what’s going on as Bunny takes the word to let the ceremony begin. They come back to reality when it’s time for them to say their vows.

“Sheriff…” Bunny invites her to go first.

She’s had a hard time in the past few days trying to find the right things to say, but she’s figure it out at last. Although no words could ever fully express how much Waverly Earp really means to her. As she takes Waverly’s hands into her own, she begins.

“Waverly Earp… You are my home, my love, my Angel. You are the oxygen that keeps me breathing, and the light that brightens my days. Being loved by you is by far the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You came into my life at a time when I was lost, and alone, and you turned my world completely upside down. You filled the void in my heart with joy, and laughter, and love. You gave me memories to hold onto, and reasons to fight, and stay. You turned this unfamiliar place into my home, and these strangers into my family, and all of my insecurities into my biggest strengths. You taught me to love myself just as much as I love you, and you showed me perfection where I could only see flaws. You inspire me to be the best version of me, and to always be fighting for what I believe in. You are everything I’ve ever wanted, and so so much more.” She pauses briefly to turn and take the ring from Rachel, and then she continues.

“So today, in front of our friends, and family, I take you, Waverly Earp, to be my wife. I give you this ring as a promise to love you, respect you, cherish you, and support you as my partner, my person, and my equal. And I swear I’ll do my absolute best to make you smile as bright as you do today for the rest of our lives. I vow to be a loving and protective wife, to be open to change, and ready for every challenge that comes our way. And for as long as I live and breathe, I will be by your side. Always your shield, forever your wife.”

Wow... that was a lot. Waverly knows it’s her turn now, but she is so emotional she is afraid she might forget everything that she wanted to say. She looks down at the ring on her finger, and somehow it calms her down. Looking back up into Nicole’s beautiful brown eyes, she knows she just has to speak from her heart, and the right words will come. So she takes a deep breath to steady her voice, and then she begins.

“Nicole Haught... wow, I can’t believe this is actually happening! I’ll never forget the day you walked into Shorty’s with your uniform, and your Stetson in your hands, and confidence for days. I’d been living a life in black and white for so long that I’d forgotten what real happiness felt like. But then you smiled your beautiful bright smile at me, and it all turned into colors. You showed me that it’s okay to be ambitious, and that I should never settle for anything less than what I deserve. You gave me a choice when I thought I had none. In a world of people telling me who to be, you just asked me to be myself. You held me together when my world was falling apart, and you made me feel special, when I didn’t know who I was anymore. You... you, Nicole Haught, are extraordinary. Whenever I’m in a dark place, you light my way back to safety. You are my harbor, my anchor, my rock. I don’t have anything to give you if not unconditional love, and support. And I don’t know what the future will hold for us, but I’m not afraid. Because I know that, whatever comes next, we will face it together. Side by side as it’s always been.” Mimicking Nicole, she pauses briefly to turn and take the ring from Wynonna. And then, she continues.

“Today, I take you to be my wife, on this land that’s always been my home, because you, Nicole Rayleigh Haught, are my home. With this ring, I promise to love you, respect you and support you as my love, my equal, and my partner. I will be your shoulder to cry on, and a rock to lean on. Your number one fan, the reason for your smile, and your light in the darkness. I vow to be a loving and protective wife, to love all of your flaws and imperfections, and to stand by your side for the rest of my life. Always your angel, forever your wife.”

Tears are streaming down their faces by the time Waverly finishes talking. They turn to look at their family, and they are all crying as well. Even Bunny seems to be a little bit emotional when she takes the word to conclude the ceremony.

“Alright then. Let’s make this official!” She exclaims. “By the power vested in me by... Wynonna Earp this morning, I now pronounce you partners for life, wife and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

Waverly and Nicole don’t waste a second. Without letting go of each other’s hands, they lean in for their first of many many kisses as wives. It’s just a tender kiss, but it still conveys all the love they have just professed for one another. When they part, Nicole leans down so her forehead is resting on Waverly’s. And as they stay like that for a moment, it seems like everything else disappears, and it’s just the two of them. Their eyes are blurry with tears, and all they can see are the big bright smiles lighting up their faces. This is doubtless the happiest day of their lives. There is so much joy in their hearts right now that it feels as if they might even explode.

“My wife.” Nicole states in a dreaming tone.

“Forever.” Waverly adds.

“I love you, Waverly Earp.”

“And I love you, Nicole Haught.”

None of the rest matters. As long as they have each, there is nothing they can’t overcome. Their love has survived the most impossible situations, and it will last forever. Of that they are sure.

Always your shield, forever your wife.

Always you angel, forever your wife.

[redheadgleek]

When You Wish Upon A Star 1/?

Written for @lishashisha. A year or so ago, we were talking about a match-maker Klaine story. This isn’t quite it, but I hope you like it anyway. <3 you, my friend! This is very much a WIP, I don’t know when I’ll get to write the next part (or how many parts it’ll end up being). 

Written for Klaine Advent 2018, Day 1: Snowman.

Chapter 1 - In The Meadow

“Okay. I’ve got height and weight requirements and possible careers down. What else?”

“What else is there?”

Kurt puts down his pen, talking over the den of the coffeehouse. “Dani. You can find a girl on Tinder with that little. I’m not trying to find you a date. I’m in the business of finding you love. When you think about the woman that you want to spend the rest of your life with, what do you imagine.”

Dani stares at her hands for a moment. “I guess. I guess I imagine her sitting in the front row of an intimate club. I’m performing, and she’s looking at me like every word I sing is written just for her. And I’m singing as if she’s the only one in the room. Just her and I.”

Kurt smiles encouragingly. “Okay. I can work with that. What else?”

Kurt Hummel learns two lessons shortly after moving to New York City. One, it is everything that he had dreamed it would be: bustling, massive, overwhelming, and full of people just like him. And two, his full time job at the Starlight Diner will only just barely cover rent. His wardrobe budget is nonexistent - he can’t even afford the clothes at the local consignment stop.

He falls into his second career accidentally. It first started when he introduced his best friend, Mercedes, to a young man modeling for his art class. Mercedes and Sam hit it off instantly, and three months later, Sam was tagging along as Mercedes went on her first world tour.

Rachel is next. His suggestion that she meet Jesse St. James, the hot, up and coming Broadway director, who just happens to be a guest instructor at NYADA, is also a roaring success. They announce their engagement six months after their first date.

Rachel being Rachel raves about Kurt’s skills the matters of the heart and pretty soon, Kurt has line of clients from NYADA and beyond, and over just a few months, it morphs into a business that supports him while he pounds the pavement auditioning. People pay well for the opportunity for love, and his vest collection much appreciates the few hours devoted to making connections, a job that he is surprisingly good at.

Well. He’s good at finding love for others. His own love life has been nonexistent ever since Adam had called it off two years ago shortly before graduation. Kurt’s not exactly unhappy about it - his freedom means that he has time to take extra dance and acting classes to increase his chances of getting that lucky break.

He looks up from the barre as Rachel taps on the door.

“Kurt!” She kisses his cheek. “I’ve come to kidnap you for lunch. Grab your bag.”

“Rach-”

“I’m not taking no for an answer. You’ve been avoiding me for weeks.”

“Fine.” Kurt grumbles good-naturedly tucks her hand under his arm. “But you’re buying.”

They chat aimlessly as they wind down the snow packed sidewalks, not yet cleared after the latest snowstorm - it’s been a surprisingly wet and white winter for so early in December. Kurt never gets tired of seeing the lights of New York sparkling in the (briefly) clean snow, even if it does make navigation a little more difficult.

Rachel naturally dominates the conversation for the majority of their walk across Central Park to their favorite restaurant on the west side, chattering on about her most recent audition and the strength of her competition, before she squeezes Kurt’s arm. “Of course, I keep going on and on, and haven’t heard a peep from you. You must tell me what’s new with you! Oh did I tell you I ran into Paul last week? I just can’t figure out why you two broke up. You were so cute together.”

“We didn’t break up. That would require more commitment than the two dates we went on. And I know for a fact that Paul just moved in with Ben, my neighbor down the hall. I introduced them.”

“Kurt.” Rachel stops walking and looks at him earnestly. “You’re allowed to find love for yourself too.”

“I’m not a repressed monk.”

“I know you’re not, but you can’t deny that you’re lonely.”

“I’m really not. I enjoy my solitude and I have plenty of friends. Including you most of the time.” Over her protests, he tugs on her arm to get them to start walking again. “I mean it. I don’t have the time right now to balance a relationship along with everything else and that’s fine. I work for people looking for love and I know better than most of how random these connections can be. So can we just enjoy this walk? I want to see the snow sculptures.” Kurt gestures to the collection of elaborate creations that decorate one of Central Parks lawns.

Rachel pouts, then relents. “Fine. I just want to see you happy.”

“And I am.”

They linger over the snow dragons, octopuses, and charming cottages, ooo over the exquisite details, before leaving to resume the meander to the restaurant. Despite Rachel's annoying persistence in meddling in his personal life, he is feeling more refreshed due to their walk in the crisp air. This had been a good idea after all.

As they exit the park, a snowman posed next to the sidewalk catches Kurt’s eye. Even amongst the sculptures, the details in this carving are mind-blowing: hands reaching up to slick back curls that appear to be fighting against the breeze and a mirthful smile with lips that seemed made to be kissed, complete with a jaunty bowtie just off of center.

He stares at the carved snow for several moments, feeling like he’s 6 again and falling in love with the cartoon character of The Little Mermaid’s Eric. There’s a strange pull of familiarity and warmth towards this creation and he wonders briefly, if fairy tales do exist. If he pressed his lips against the cool carves, would they melt into tender flesh?

He shakes his head ruefully at his illogical thoughts. He tunes back into Rachel’s chatter realizing he has missed much of her one-person conversation “but I hope you won’t be offended if I continue to set you up. I know so many nice guys in the theater and surely one of them will catch your interest. You just need to date more, I'm sure.”

He shakes his head and firmly interrupts her. “Rachel. You might as well wish alive that snowman there to be my date. I told you, I’m not interested right now. So can we please drop it?” He glares at her protests. “Nope, no more. We’re going to go in there and have a nice lunch and we’re going to talk about my latest audition and you’re not going to mention a word about my love life. Understand?”

She nods meekly.

"I understand."

Kurt holds the door open and for a brief moment, glances back at the snowman. Too bad you couldn’t wish snow sculptures to life, he thought, as that one really did seem made just for him.

The door chimes merrily as it closed behind him.

[dipulb3]

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offers a uniquely American take on luxury

New Post has been published on https://appradab.com/the-2021-lincoln-nautilus-offers-a-uniquely-american-take-on-luxury/

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus offers a uniquely American take on luxury

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus is refreshingly honest. At a time when so many luxury vehicles emphasize record-setting lap times, in-your-face styling and overcomplicated tech, this updated SUV charts a different course. Cushy and quiet, the Nautilus is a rolling sanctuary, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything else.

All in the family

This utility vehicle received a not-insubstantial update for 2021, a remodeling that’s made a respectable vehicle even better, though you’d be hard-pressed to tell based on its exterior. The Nautilus’ styling is barely, and I mean barely tweaked. It gains a revised lower grille section with a cross-body chrome strip and reworked fog lights. Three new colors join the palette including Flight Blue, Green Gem and Asher Gray, which is the hue this example is wearing. My tester is also dressed up with the optional Monochromatic package. Among other things, it adds black-finished 20-inch wheels and a body-colored upper grille insert for a sportier look.

Exterior changes are minimal, but the 2021 Nautilus’ most significant updates are reserved for the interior. This SUV now features a cabin that looks almost exactly like what you get in Lincoln’s other SUVs, the Aviator, Corsair and Navigator. The new dashboard is much more horizontal than before, gently curving as it spans from pillar to pillar. The Nautilus also gains Lincoln’s signature piano-key gear selector, which is neatly mounted below the center air vents and, as with the other switches and controls, feels like high-quality stuff.

Intuitive tech

Sprouting from the dashboard is this SUV’s most eye-catching addition for 2021: a gigantic 13.2-inch touchscreen, the largest found in any Lincoln. This display is easy to reach and looks great, with vibrant colors, nice contrast and excellent viewing angles so it doesn’t get all washed-out if you’re not staring at it dead on. This is the perfect canvas for a Sync 4 infotainment system running a visual theme called Constellation, which was inspired by the evening sky and features subtle blue and orange accents. Most of the time this system responds promptly to pokes and swipes, plus the user interface is elegantly simple. I appreciate the little sparkle animation when you touch one of the primary icons on the bottom of the screen. Of course, wireless Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto are supported.

The Nautilus’ infotainment system is super-intuitive, as are many other controls. It’s a snap to reconfigure the digital instrument cluster or search for a point of interest in the navigation system. Everything is simple to operate, something that reduces stress and makes piloting this SUV that much more relaxing.

A new 13.2-inch infotainment screen is the star of this Lincoln’s refreshed interior.

Craig Cole/Roadshow

Further enhancing the drive, certain Nautilus models can be fitted with a rockin’ 19-speaker Revel sound system. But even the standard 13-speaker Revel arrangement slays, offering distortion-free bass and crisp highs no matter how far you crank it.

The Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver aids is standard across this vehicle’s three trim levels and includes automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist and more. Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 Plus is optional on the midrange Reserve trim and standard on top-shelf Black Label models. Among other things, it gets you front parking sensors, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability as well as lane centering. Unfortunately, that camera array is laughably low-res, though the adaptive cruise control system works extremely well, keeping the Nautilus on its intended course and seamlessly matching the speed of surrounding traffic. It handles stop-and-go congestion with ease, smoothly rolling to a standstill and holding the vehicle there until you’re ready to go again. Just press the Reset button when traffic starts moving.

Other tech includes an available wireless charging pad and Lincoln’s handy phone-as-key system. This allows you to leave the fob at home and access your Nautilus from a mobile device; it also allows you to lock and unlock the vehicle, open the hatch or windows and start the engine, among other things.

The Nautilus offers plenty of tech, but some features are missing, things like a rear-camera mirror, night vision and a head-up display. These items are available on other vehicles including the Nautilus’ primary rival, the Cadillac XT5.

The Nautilus’ updated interior is way nicer than before, and this isn’t even a top-shelf Black Label model. 

Craig Cole/Roadshow

The inner sanctum

This Reserve trim’s cabin is nicely done, comfortable and made of premium materials, though I could do with fewer chrome accents. There’s no shortage of soft leather, and the reddish wood trim on the dashboard really pops against the black background. Hands down, I prefer this interior to the XT5’s and Lexus RX’s, though the Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5 still have an edge.

They may not be as over the top as the 30-way Perfect Position seats you can get in other Lincolns, but the Nautilus’ available Ultra Comfort chairs are nearly as nice, adjusting in 22 directions. They feature heat and ventilation, power headrests and extendable thigh supports and can even give your butt and back a massage. Despite the excellent seats, this vehicle’s driving position is a little awkward for taller folks like me. You sit too high in the captain’s chair and the pedals are oddly angled and a bit too close. Shorter people, however, will likely find this setup just about perfect.

Passengers relegated to steerage are sure to enjoy the Nautilus’ spacious and comfortable backseat. When it’s time to haul cargo, this Lincoln offers far more space than an RX 350 and has a distinct advantage over the Q5, XC60 and XT5 with 37.2 cubic feet of room behind the rear backrests and 68.8 with them lowered.

The worst of both worlds

Behind the Nautilus’ reworked front end is one of two engines. A 2.0-liter turbo-four is the base powerplant, which can be paired with front- or all-wheel drive. Delivering far greater performance, however, is the available 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6. An absolute honey, it provides 335 horsepower and a stout 380 pound-feet of torque, all of which gets routed to the pavement through an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive. Incredibly smooth and nearly silent, this engine feels luxurious, pulling with authority throughout the rev range, making this Lincoln feel plenty quick.

An unsettled ride is this SUV’s most-glaring weakness.

Craig Cole/Roadshow

Helping deliver that admirable performance, the eight-speed transmission is mostly agreeable, swapping gears quickly, though it can feel uneven. Upshift quality is sometimes irregular, and occasionally it’s a little clunky as you roll to a stop.

With that force-fed V6, expect 19 miles per gallon around town and 25 mpg on the highway. Combined, the Nautilus is rated at 21 mpg, though astonishingly, according to the trip computer, I’ve been beating that by about 2 mpg in real-world driving �� and with a heavy foot, I might add.

The Nautilus’ steering is soft and light, but not as imprecise as you might imagine. Yes, road feel is lacking, but the wheel is tuned appropriately for a vehicle that favors refinement over sportiness. Surprisingly, body roll in corners is almost nil.

The 2021 Nautilus delivers excellent performance and remains hushed at speed, but one part of its dynamics leaves much to be desired: the ride. Somehow engineers have delivered the worst of both worlds as, paradoxically, this example is both soft and stiff at the same time. It can feel a little floaty over undulating surfaces, with slightly exaggerated body motions (there’s also a fair amount of squat and dive when accelerating or hitting the brakes), but this softness is tempered by way too much impact harshness from small roadway imperfections like expansion joints and frost heaves, which you feel in high fidelity. I don’t expect Mercedes-AMG levels of control here, but the ride should be both more supple and better buttoned-down than it is. Perhaps the available adaptive suspension, which this example is not fitted with, does a better job ironing things out.

With this update, Lincoln has done a commendable job keeping one of its older models fresh and appealing.

Craig Cole/Roadshow

All for Naut(ilus)

The 2021 Lincoln Nautilus starts at a little less than $44,000 including $995 in delivery fees. The nicely optioned Reserve-trim specimen seen here is a good bit pricier, though it’s by no means outrageous, checking out for $66,890. That figure includes the Reserve I ($3,420) and Monochromatic ($1,695) packages, those 22-way seats ($1,500) and a couple of other items.

Aside from a few complaints about its transmission and ride quality, the Nautilus is an agreeable high-end SUV and a refreshing change of pace. Its focus on actual luxury — having intuitive controls, comfortable accommodations and a quiet interior — is almost a novelty these days as competitors push to deliver the most aggressive design and sharpest handling possible. In contrast, the Lincoln Nautilus knows what it is and doesn’t pretend to be anything else.

[sunshineoptimismandangels]

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails (A Klaine Fic)

Word Count: 3,603 Status: Complete Beta: The wonderful @hkvoyage Summary: Written for a Tumblr fic about Klaine getting a pet - full prompt as the end of the fic. FF.net | AO3 

Blaine was one of those people – what you would call an “animal person”. The kind of person that would stop and ask permission to pet any dog someone was walking past him. The kind of person to leave food out for stray cats, the kind of person who pointed out every puppy they passed while jogging in Central Park – even if they’d already passed a half a dozen. He even supported the ASPCA with every Amazon Smile purchase he made.

Kurt was not an animal person. Not that he disliked animals, he didn’t. He loved Rocky, the big rescue dog Burt and Carol had adopted once they became empty nesters. He enjoyed Simone, Mercedes’ pampered little chihuahua who went on tour with her. Tina had adopted a cat… and then a second one, but she wouldn’t let anyone call her a cat lady saying you had to have at least three cats for that. Kurt really liked both of Tina’s cats, he understood their general distain for being picked up and love of neck scratches. If he were an animal, he would probably be a cat. No, Kurt didn’t dislike pets, but as far as ever owning a pet of his own, Kurt didn’t see the point. Pets were messy and smelled and took up too much time and money. He would continue to enjoy them vicariously through other people. Or so he thought. Kurt got home from a long day at the theater; one actor had started stress eating so he had to let all her costumes out. Then the male lead decided that the costumes he had previously adored were all a little too “confining” now, and Kurt had lengthy discussions with the director about modifying them. Kurt didn’t actually mind, but still it was tiring. All he wanted to do was get home, order some dinner and snuggle with his fiancé on the sofa as they watched trashy television. That sounded like bliss. He walked in to his apartment, hanging his coat and bag on the hooks by the door, and slipping his shoes off with a sigh when he heard Blaine calling him from the living room. “Kurt? Is that you?” “Where you expecting someone else?” Kurt asked with a smile as he joined Blaine, leaning in to give him a quick kiss. Blaine kissed him back but seemed distracted. “Everything okay?” Blaine’s face was tense and a little worried. “Don’t be mad.” “What’s wrong?” Kurt’s heart skipped a beat; a part of him was always ready for bad news. “Nothing! Nothing.” Blaine reassured him, holding Kurt’s arms and leaning in to give him another quick peck on the lips. “Nothing is wrong… it’s just that… I um… bought something today, and I don’t want you to…” Blaine rubbed the back of his neck, not finishing the sentence. Kurt arched and eyebrow and crossed his arms over his chest, “Want me to what?” “Just keep an open mind, okay?” “Oh god, Blaine. What have you done?” Kurt loved Blaine more that anything, and he was committed to him no matter what, but that didn’t mean he was above making Blaine sleep on the couch if he’d done something truly senseless. Kurt was imagining all sorts of things, from an outrageously expensive gold foil bowtie, or matching pairs of pink alligator shoes – which okay, Kurt might wear as long as Blaine wasn’t wearing them at the same time – to walking into their music room to find a kayak sitting there. Blaine was that unpredictable sometimes. Kurt loved that about him, but right now, it was making him tense. “I was at the grocery store today picking up a few things for the weekend,” Blaine explained, his voice taking on a slightly nervous quality as he slowly led Kurt down the hall. “And they had them all out front, a least a dozen of them, and everyone was playing with them and holding them and there was one that was scared and huddled alone in a corner…” Blaine stopped outside the music room. Kurt thought he might have heard a noise from behind the door, and it slowly dawned on him what had happened as Blaine started opening the door. “Oh please, Blaine. No. Say you did not-” A blur of white movement flashed by them both scampering down the hall and back towards the living room. Kurt looked at where the thing had darted to and then at Blaine who was watching at him sheepishly. He did not bring an animal home without talking to Kurt about it first. “Um, just a sec. I really should catch him.” Blaine hurried to the living room, Kurt trailing behind him in disbelief, only to find Blaine laying flat on his stomach by the couch, arm halfway underneath as he cooed, “It’s okay boy. You’re safe.” Kurt stood nearby arms crossed and foot tapping. Finally, Blaine seemed to get ahold of the creature and gently pulled it out. He stood up and smiled at Kurt with a ball of wiry, matted fur cradled in his arms. “It’s a dog.” Blaine said, his eyes sparkling. “I can see that.” Kurt was doing absolutely everything he could not to smile himself. He was not pleased, even if Blaine was unfairly adorable right now. “Actually, it looks more like a pile of scruffy fur.” Kurt sniffed the air, “And it stinks.” “Oh Kurt, don’t say that. You’ll hurt his feelings.” The little dog was shivering in Blaine’s arms, as much of it Kurt could see at least. Kurt sighed, “Let me see him.” Blaine held the dog out, and Kurt could finally get a good look at it. Some kind of terrier mix most likely.  Skinny with bristly looking beige fur and sad eyes. Kurt could understand why Blaine had picked this dog out – he would choose the most pathetic looking creature of the bunch. Kurt rubbed his forehead and sighed. It was impossible to argue with Blaine’s tender heart Blaine tucked the poor dog back to his chest. “Are you mad?” “I mean… Blaine.” “I know. I know I should have talked to you about this first.” “Getting a dog is a big deal. It is a long-term commitment. Especially a little dog, they live a long time.” “I know. And you have every right to be upset with me. But I made eye contact with him, Kurt. And he was so sad and little and scared and shaking… I tried to walk away, I promise I did try…” Kurt uncrossed his arms and sighed. Blaine was too sweet for his own good. “If we keep him, you get to take care of him. Clean up after him. Take him on walks. He is your dog. Okay?” Blaine beamed at him, his smile infectious, “I will! I’ll do all of that. I’ll take full responsibility for him, but could he maybe… be our dog?” Kurt narrowed his eyes, “Not while he smells like that.” “Don’t worry! I got everything he is going to need. Food and a collar and a leash and toys and dog shampoo. He is already fixed and housetrained. It is not going to be a problem. I’ll give him a bath now!” Kurt bit back a smile. “Okay. Fine. We keep him on a trial basis. I’m not promising anything, but I’ll get him a try.” “That’s a deal.” Blaine swooped in and planted a kiss on Kurt’s cheek, then his forehead and then his lips. “Stop it,” Kurt was laughing by time he pushed Blaine and the dog away, “You smell like dog.” “Well, he is going to smell a lot better soon. Aren’t you buddy, huh? Aren’t you?” Blaine switched to baby talk when addressing to the dog in his arms, which strangely made Kurt’s heart swell, then Blaine hurried off to give it a much-needed bath while Kurt wandered back to the music room. Blaine wasn’t lying, he’d gotten everything you might need for a dog, and more. There were toys strewn across the room, a plush purple doggie bed, and a water and dog bowl that were already tipped over and spilt across the wood floor. Kurt groaned and turned toward the hall to grab a towel when he stepped in something wet. He lifted his socked foot with a grimace; it wasn’t water. “Blaine!!” ******** It turned out that the dog was housetrained. It had just been nervous and excited to be in a new place that first day. As long as Blaine kept up with giving it walks, which he was great at, there weren’t any more accidents in the apartment. Though it did seem to love to knock over its food bowl and leave slobbery toys all over the house, it even liked to tug things it wasn’t meant to play with from the closet or out from under cupboards. Blaine started childproofing the house. Kurt wasn’t sure it was worth the headache. Kurt did enjoy the evening strolls they had started going on so the dog could stretch its legs. They were walking through their neighborhood, bundled in jackets and holding hands while the dog led the way, it was very strong and willful for such a little thing. Blaine had even bought a little plaid puffy vest for the dog so it wouldn’t get cold. It was still too skinny and Blaine doted over it. “Are you ever going to name it?” Kurt asked watching as the wiry little thing trotted ahead of them wagging its trial. “Why? Are you getting attached?” Blaine asked turning to Kurt with a hopeful smile. “I’m not saying that – it just weird to keep calling him the dog.” “I’ve been mulling over some ideas.” “Like…?” “Levine?” Kurt scrunched up his nose. “Okay, okay.” Blaine laughed, “Maybe Hammerstein? But that’s a mouthful.” “It is,” Kurt agreed as Blaine leaned his head on Kurt’s shoulder while they stopped to let the dog sniff at the base of a tree. “Horace?” The dog looked up at them, as if even he thought that was a terrible idea. “Does he look like a Horace to you?” “I’ve always been bad at naming things,” Blaine said with a sighed as they started walking again. “Did I ever tell you what I named my hamster when I was in second grade?” “No?” “Hamster.” “What?” Kurt started laughing. “I named my hamster, Hamster.” Kurt laughed harder which made the dog stop walking and start barking at them, wanting in on the joke, “Oh Blaine, that is so sad.” “I know.” Blaine’s gorgeous smile overtook his face, “Besides I’m not sure I want to name him yet. Not if he is still here on a trial basis.” “Fair enough,” Kurt said, kissing Blaine’s cheek. “But you’ve had him a little over a week and he’s made some kind of mess in the apartment almost every single day. Let’s see if he can go a few days without making me want to pull my hair out before we end the trial period.” “Fair enough,” Blaine echoed, stopping on the sidewalk and bringing his lips to Kurt’s in a tender kiss. “He’s going to win you over eventually,” Blaine whispered and kissed him again. Kurt smiled into the kiss, Blaine was fighting dirty here, but Kurt was enjoying every moment of it. *********

“He’s looking at me.” “Is he not allowed to look at you?” “Blaine. Look at him!” They were sitting close together on the couch watching MasterChef, the dog was planted by their feet staring up at Kurt with big, round eyes. “Did you teach him that? He looks like you when you want something!” Blaine laughed and shook his head, “I think we are both naturals.” “What does he want from me? Why isn’t he staring at you?” “He wants up on the couch with us.” “But why isn’t he staring at you?” Blaine shrugged, “Maybe he knows you’re the one that made the ‘no dogs on the couch’ rule.” “Do not make me the bad guy for wanting to keep our things nice.” “I’m not.” “We don’t want to have one of those apartments that smell like dog as soon as you walk in.” “I agree with you.” Kurt glanced back down at the dog who whined and started wagging its tail. “Sorry mister, but I’m immune to the puppy eyes. Lots of practice resisting them.” “Oh really?” Blaine hand been leaning against Kurt’s side but he sat up to face him at that. “Yes. I am puppy eyes resistant.” Kurt smirked as Blaine lowered his chin and looked up at Kurt through his long eyelashes. “Oh really?” Blaine repeated as he scooted closer, parting his plump lips and giving Kurt his best round eyed yet seductive look. “It is going to take more than the eyes, Anderson.” Blaine smiled and moved Kurt’s leg so they stretched out on the couch, and then moved so his body was hovering over Kurt’s. “What is it going to take?” Blaine asked, lips so close to the skin of Kurt’s neck his warm breath made goosebumps run down Kurt’s arms. Kurt swallowed deeply, “What are you after here?” “Maybe the dog could sit on the couch,” Blaine suggested, pressing a soft kiss to Kurt’s neck, “If he stayed on our laps?” Blaine murmured the request against the sensitive skin of Kurt neck, kissing his way up it. “I… I don’t know how.” Kurt licked his lips and his eyes fluttered closed, “How we would inforce that?” Blaine moved to Kurt’s jawline and hummed against his skin before kissing the very corner of Kurt’s lips. Kurt whimpered a bit. “He’s smart.” Blaine whispered, “I could train him.” Blaine moved away slightly, looking at Kurt with wide golden eyes, “What do you say?” Kurt’s breathing hitched and his skin buzzed, and all he wanted was Blaine’s lips on his own. “Fine. But you better stop talking about that dog and kiss me now.” “Gladly,” Blaine said, shifting so he could roll his body down against Kurt’s and kissed him deeply as Kurt pulled him in. The dog gave up sitting on the couch and pattered away, clearly ignored for now. ******* Kurt was in a foul mood as he walked the three flights of stairs up to their apartment. The male lead in the play didn’t like the recently updated costumes and insisted they go back to the original design, even though he been the one to request the change. The director sided with the actor, as he always did, and Kurt was left in the back, ripping out seams and muttering under his breath. He hated redoing work that had already been done. He stormed into the apartment, dropping his things unceremoniously on the floor of the entryway. “You will not believe the day I had,” Kurt fumed marching further into the apartment. “It’s like working with a male version of Rachel Berry. I want to wring his neck!” Kurt paused in the living room, but Blaine wasn’t there, so he walked into the kitchen. “Blaine? Are you-.” Kurt stopped mid-sentence, his eyes falling on the trashcan by the pantry, the lid was partly open and some red fabric was sticking out of it. No. No no no. Kurt walked up to it, lifting the lid and pulling out his new Alexander McQueen distressed crewneck sweater – or what was left of it; the material was severely ripped and damp with slobber. Kurt had brought this sweater on clearance and it had just come in yesterday. He’d never even had a chance to wear it! Kurt took a long deep breath, closing his eyes and counting to ten, before stuffing the ruined sweater back into the trashcan. “Blaine,” Kurt called evenly. It was just a sweater, it was just a sweater. He would not yell at Blaine about this. “Blaine.” Kurt walked back through the living room to the hallway, poking his head in the music room to find it empty and continuing on to the bedroom. He was not going to yell at Blaine – but the trial period was over. The dog had to go. He opened the bedroom door, jaw clenched and ready to break the decision to his fiancé, but he stopped short once he entered the room. The first thing he saw was Blaine laying on his side, back to the door apparently asleep on the bed. The next thing Kurt noticed was Blaine’s laptop open on the desk – the screen was on the Alexander McQueen sight. Kurt walked quietly to the laptop, it was an order confirmation page – two things had been purchased and shipped priority mail. A red distressed crew neck sweater and a pair of leather buckle monk-strap shoes – both in Kurt’s size. The shoes were the very pair Kurt had been pining over for months. Kurt sighed and turned to face his sleeping fiancé.

He tiptoed around the bed to find Blaine sleeping peacefully, the dog curled up next to his chest with Blaine’s arm looped over it. Any frustration Kurt had been feeling melted away, and not just because of the order Blaine had placed. Blaine looked so sweet, and innocent and gorgeous. His cheeks rosy and his curly hair a mess, Kurt knew that wasn’t just from this nap – he could picture Blaine pacing the apartment after finding the torn sweater, hands threading through his hair as he wildly thought about what he was going to do. Kurt had to smile, the sight of this beautiful sleeping man curled up with a tiny, slightly snoring dog was just too picturesque. Blaine loved that dog. And Kurt loved Blaine. So damn it, Kurt loved the dog too. Kurt slipped off the suit jacket he was wearing and silently kicked off his shoes. He softly climbed up on the bed so he way lying close to Blaine, facing him with the dog curled up between them. Kurt smiled watching Blaine’s lovely face and then leaned in pressing his lips against Blaine’s in the gentlest kiss. Blaine slowly blinked his eyes open and Kurt smiled at him. “Hi.” Blaine grinned back, “Hi.” Kurt couldn’t help it he kissed Blaine again, longer and deeper this time, his hand moving to hold the back of Blane’s neck – when he pulled away Blaine’s breath stuttered a little. “What was that for?” “I love you, Blaine.” Blaine blushed and his eyes danced. “I love you too.” All too soon Blaine’s smile slipped and his features grew serious, “But um… there is something I have to tell you.” “Is it about a ripped up red McQueen sweater in the garbage?” “Oh god,” Blaine moaned. “Kurt I’m so sorry, but I promise it wasn’t the dog’s fault. I didn’t get home from work until late, and he was left on his own too long and got a little stir crazy. But I‘ve already booked a dog walking service so that won’t happen again – oh, and I bought you a new sweater! It will be here in two days.” Kurt smiled and shook his head, Blaine was too sweet, Kurt sometimes couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have him. “Blaine, it’s fine. I’m not mad. At you or the dog.” “Oh?” Blaine’s face lit up, “Really?” “I guess the trial is over.” Kurt said with a smile. Blaine’s face fell. “If I can forgive him for chewing up designer clothing, I guess that means he stays.” “He stays?” Blaine sat up, waking up the dog who yawned and immediately turned to Kurt placing its chin over his arm. Kurt laughed, “Oh, he is a charmer. He stays” Blaine was smiling broadly, the corner of his eyes crinkling, but he quickly scooped up the dog and placed him on the floor turning back to tackle Kurt with kisses. “I love you. I love you. I love you,” Blaine said between kisses and Kurt laughed beneath him. He finished with a long sweet kiss to Kurt’s lips. Kurt sighed, looking up at Blaine and feeling perfectly happy. “I love you too.” Blaine snuggled down beside him. “Now we can name him.” Kurt turned slightly to look down and find the dog sitting by the bed tail thumping and almost looking as if it was smiling. Kurt rolled back over to face Blaine, “I think we should name our dog after you, call him ‘Charmer’.” Blaine looked surprised for a moment before he tilted his head back and burst out laughing. “It seems fitting.” Blaine circled his arms around Kurt, “It’s perfect. And… our dog?” “Obviously,” Kurt teased and Blaine swooped in to kiss him again.

****** End Note: Written for this prompt: klaine gets a pet - maybe Kurt finally lets Blaine get a puppy and it tears the house down and Kurt wants to send it back but when he walk in to see Blaine curled up with the puppy he can't bear to separate them.

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[wordsablaze]

Chapter Eight: Name

All Because Of A Car Cinder's life revolved around the garage, working as a mechanic, until that one male student came in looking for a Mercedes and changed her life... AU Kinder story. Enjoy!

(Kai POV)

"Why are you late?"

Kai jumps and straightens as he hears Torin ask his question, then sheepishly clears his throat when he's greeted by the sight of a raised eyebrow, folded arms, and a questioning expression.

"And why are you dripping water everywhere?"

Kai opens his mouth to reply but an answer escapes him, and it takes all his energy to refrain from shrugging in response or utilising the plethora of sass at his disposal.

"Kai…"

"I know, I'm sorry, I just…"

Torin sighs, "It's the garage girl, isn't it?"

Kai shakes his head, but can't answer because his moral compass would probably stab him with guilt for the rest of the night. Unfortunately, Torin can easy take his answer from Kai's lack of one.

"For stars' sake, kid, you don't even know her name."

"I will… soon." Kai pulls his shoes off and slips his coat off. "I couldn't just leave her to walk home alone."

Torin sighs once again. It's something he's been doing way too often. Shaking his head, he just shrugs. "You know I can let you off this time. But you also know you're grounded if you do it again, yeah?"

Kai nods vigorously, grinning. It's not a second later that he's hugging Torin with all his might, and making the man stumble backwards with a chuckle and a shake of his head. Not that he minds; Kai's hugs are, after all, the cosiest of embraces a youth can possibly offer.

"Now, go change and come eat dinner."

"At the same time?" Kai asks, raising an eyebrow, then wincing as Torin lightly slaps the back of his head. "I deserved that."

"Hurry up," Torin laughs, rolling his eyes before going to, presumably, set the table.

Kai does, grinning to himself and quickly getting himself warm and dry, sighing at his rumbling stomach. He might have sacrificed a meal for some time in the rain with the most stunning girl he's ever seen, but his stomach hadn't agreed with that plan.

Torin doesn't get to ask Kai about the car before the food is being attacked, and quickly wolfed down as politely as possible. Shaking his head, Torin starts to eat as well, the two of them letting an acceptable silence rest over them.

"Are you going to explain why you didn't take an umbrella with you?"

"I did," Kai replies, then shakes his head, "I mean, I didn't remember."

"I wasn't aware that you were so forgetful."

"I'm very sorry," Kai says quietly, starting to eat his food again as if avoiding having to answer any more questions; he's not exactly comfortable with lying, even if he is rather decent at it.

"You're banned from the study for a week." Despite seeming reluctant, Torin's order is akin to household law, and Kai frowns.

"But-"

"I know," Torin interrupts.

"I-"

"Perhaps you should have thought of that before misplacing yet another umbrella," Torin says coolly, and Kai can't argue unless he wants to admit that he'd lied, and then also explain the actual whereabouts of the object.

"I understand," Kai says instead, sighing.

Not long after, the two of them finish their meal, Kai washing up and Torin heading to the living room. Fleetingly glancing at the news flashing on their TV screen, Kai mumbles a 'goodnight' and heads upstairs. And, like any other lowkey love-struck teenage boy, Kai logs back onto tumblr so he can talk to the girl from the garage.

-do you have a cold

-No, why?

-was making sure i didn't have to be guilty of anything

-Right…

-full sentences take ages

-mind if i shorten stuff down

-As long as it's decipherable…

-gr8

-Wow, numbers as letters?

-Why is your idea of abbreviating just reverse algebra?

-how do u type so fast

-Practice?

-wots reverse algebra?

-Sorry?

-Oh

-It's not a real thing… that was a joke…

-i knew that

-gtg kite boy gdnite

-Night, Princess.

Kai sighs, reblogging only a few posts before getting tired and sinking into his duvet, closing his eyes before he can even think about brushing his teeth.

Which probably explains why he wakes up so early, at quarter to five in the morning. As someone who's used to only sleeping a routine seven hours per night, he finds it almost physically impossible to fall back asleep once awake. With going to the study so he can read or research out of the option, Kai decides to get ready early and work an extra shift at the café.

It doesn't take him more than half an hour to assemble his school bag, his uniform neatly folded inside so he can quickly change into it after his shift, and grabs an apple for breakfast. He leaves a note for Torin before leaving, then quickly walks to the café in the darkness of a diminishing night.

"Kai? Dude, why on earth would you voluntarily work this shift?" Spencer asks him as soon as he dumps his stuff and grabs a waistcoat.

Kai grins. "Good morning to you too."

Spencer waves a hand, handing Kai one of the orders so the two can settle into their complicated yet perfectly efficient rhythm.

The two of them work methodically until Spencer's eyes start drooping, at which point Kai practically scolds him into ending his shift early. He might be against arguments and violence, but Kai is admirably persuasive when he's trying to make someone prioritise their health.

"Thanks, Kai," Spencer says as the two exchange a hug, then chuckles lightly, "Catch you later?"

"Of course."

Kai exhales as the other boy leaves, leaning against the counter for a moment and thanking stars that most people don't tend to wake up early; he's not sure if he could handle a busy shift by himself, without the practical and moral support of Spencer backing him up.

Two and a half of his three shift hours have already passed when a familiar face walks into the café.

"Can I have a black coff- Kai?" The mechanic girl asks, apparently shocked. She then immediately goes pink, as if regretting her choice of oversized shirt and old jeans.

"Hey, Princess. You're up early."

"No, I'm not. But you look like you were."

"Maybe?" Kai can't help but sheepishly grin under the power of a skeptically raised eyebrow.

The girl smiles. "So, my black coffee?"

He ponders for a minute, then decides to try and finally figure out the girl's name. "Who should I make it out to?"

The mechanic girl laughs, "You can just use my regular old name, I guess."

Kai imagines whacking his head on a desk but outwardly smiles. "And which one would that be, Princess?"

The girl smiles again, her eyes sparkling with sly curiosity. "Surely you know my name?"

"I wouldn't want to spell it wrong," Kai says, biting his lip to stop himself from messing the whole situation up.

The girl's eyes widen in shock for a minute before she frowns, then grins again. "I think you're the first barista to care."

Kai shrugs. "Names are important."

"Fair enough. It's C – I – N – D – E – R."

"Thanks, Princess." Kai winks, sighing in relief as she goes to sit down and he starts the coffee machine, almost forgetting her order as he silently cheers to himself for achieving this one thing.

"One black coffee for the Cinder," Kai announces, placing the cup in front of her.

She laughs, a bright sound in the faint light of an imminent sunrise, and tips her cup towards him. "Cheers, kite boy."

"Kite boy?"

Cinder nods. "I'm keeping that name and no amount of complaining can stop me."

Kai makes a face but doesn't complain; the nickname isn't wildly different from his own name after all.

"Bye, kite boy," Cinder calls as she opens the door to leave, her hair gently lifted up by the morning breeze, then leaves before Kai has a chance to reply.

He doesn't mind, simply content in finally knowing her name.

like/reblog but don’t repost, thanks!

[twoteaspoonsofsuga]

Five. (Klaine)

@jennytomlinson99​ prompted: Mpreg!Kurt going into labour in Glee club and MedStudent!Blaine delivering their baby. Also Mercedes and Quinn emotional support. But I threw in a bit Sam for good measure.

Imagine: Kurt realises his mistake before Dave gets to Blaine, they get back together after a lot of work. Then here they are. Set in Season 6. MPreg, BP!Kurt. I tried but nuuuuh!

“I’m sorry…” Blaine blinked slowly up away from his tummy. “ Sorry? What for?” Kurt’s brow furrowed, eyes pained. “You’re so young Blaine y-you....” “I’m barley couple of months younger than you. It’s not as if we’re sixteen, Kurt… we can do this…” he breathed his eyes wild with a growing happiness and sun glared into the windows of the loft jealous of his light. “You’re…happy?” “Of course!” he giggled bounding across the room from the sofa and gathering him up into a tight hug. Kurt laughed, relieved tears lay unshed in his eyes. He pulled back to look at Blaine. To make sure the reaction was real and true and he found happiness. Unbridled. “We’re going to be fathers Kurt…” he gasped. Kurt laughed and pulled him back into his arms.

(8 months later) “Oh hell no… we are not doing yet /another/ medley of some washed up, old, crusty chick who hasn’t had a hit since ’66. I aint happening. I mean it’s like you /want/ lose.” Rachel stood with her hands on her hips. “Yeah well I’m gonna sit there and watch my students in booty shorts on a pole either Santana.” “Obviously not. We all know tubbers over there would probably not want that thickness on show. God knows why he’s moobs kinda turn me on…” Roderick blinked, surprised to be called on. “Santana…you can’t call the students tubbers…” Kurt whined coming wincing as his whole body seemed to tighten. He sucked in a breath and Blaine grasped his hand. “Are you okay?” He nodded. He wasn’t. Quinn piped up in a droll tone. “I agree with Rachel…I mean classic rock, musicals…its what the New Direction’s are all about right Why stray from something that has won us countless competitions.” Rachel smirked at Santana.

“Yeah but it would be nice to have somethin’ fresh up in here. I mean like it or not this aint the old days…these are a different set of people, different skills. You always gotta look to the future” Mercedes chimed in.

“Thank you.” Santana smirked at Rachel. “Yeah well I’m sorry, but it doesn’t matter anyway the final decision lies with /me/ and Kurt are in charge here. And we have the final say and Kurt agrees with /me/. Don’t you Kurt?... Kurt?”

When they turned to him Kurt was white. Like a ghost. Barley even there with them.

“Kurt?” Blaine murmured, stroking his hair back. “Hey, what is it?” He turned to him eyes wide. “My water broke.” There was a beat of silence and everyone looked at the pool by Kurt’s feet. “Either that or that litre of water came back with a vengeance.” Chaos broke out. Yells, screamed and people running around. Madison even jumped up into Maison’s arms. Blaine luckily was the only one who to keep calm. Panic surged through Kurt too at the reaction. “Are you sure baby…it’s a month back from the due date?” “OF COURSE I’M FUCKING SU-“ he cut off doubling over as a strong contraction ripping through him as he doubled over. Blaine’s hand was on his back. “Its okay baby…” “HOW IS THIS OKAY!?” Suddenly there was another hand on his back. Slighter, smaller. “Take it from me, screaming will not help. We need to get you to a doctor.” Quinn told him calmly. “N-no no!” Kurt whined clutching Blaine’s hand tighter, Blaine's brow furrowed in concern. “I wanted it at home! I want my baby at home.” “Kurt baby…she’s early…we shouldn’t…” “You can deliver her…please...Blaine you’re about to graduate…you-you learned this. I don’t want the hospital! Please don’t make me go!” Tears filled his eyes and Blaine was lost, those tears and his incoming child tipping the scales of logic back and forward rapidly. Then Mercedes was there. “Blaine baby. Focus…” She snapped and he came back. “You said you graduate in May right? With honours. So, this is just one of the many things you’ll have to do from now on huh?”

“But she’s mine…” he murmured eyes wide and lost. “He’s mine…” He looked back at Kurt who was panting in time with Quinn’s directions. “Blaine…” he gasped hand going up to caress his cheek. “If you can do this…you can do anything…I t-trust you. Please.” Blaine gazed at him for and beat. Then something locked in his eyes and they were calm, business like. He turned to Sam who was standing by white faced.  “Help me with him.” / After a mad dash to the car and Sam shooting way to quickly down the high way (“SAM SLOW DOWN I’D LIKE TO GET THERE WITH MY FIANCE AND MY DAUGHTER IN TACT!”), Blaine had Kurt situated at home on the bed propped up by pillows. “Mercedes? Get me as many towels as you can. Sam if he needs to break your hand, you damn well let him. Quinn remind him to breath.” Mercedes sped away and Blaine leaned up and took Kurt’s face in his hand, he was still all pinched with pain and fear and he kissed him soft and soothing. “Listen baby…there's no way I’ll let anything happen to you. Or to her…I’ve got you. I love you… just breathe…you’re doing so well…” Kurt’s smiled weakly and put a shaky hand on top of his. “I love you…I-Blaine will she be okay.” He beamed back at Kurt and kissed him again. “I love you too. Our girl will be beautiful and strong just like you, I know it.” He promised. A sweat sheening Kurt, Blaine grabbed one of the towels from Mercedes as she came back in and dabbed at Kurt’s forehead. Another contraction came. “AHHH!” “AHHH!”” Sam copied as his hand was crushed. Blaine never looked from Kurt’s face. “I’m sorry man but you’re gonna have to deal with it!” Blaine told his friend. He moved down between Kurt’s legs, lifting them onto his lap and helped him out of his trousers. Mercedes assisted with averted eyes. “Baby… I'm gonna check how many centimetres you are yeah? This may be a little uncomfortable.” “Wait what do you…AHH!” SLAP! “Ow! Kurt what did I do!” Blaine grimaced at Sam. “Sorry man…and sorry baby I’m nearly done...” He rummaged a little longer and Quinn stroked Kurt’s hair as another contraction. “Breathe. They’ll be over soon…”she promised. “Okay…you’re ready…we’re gonna start pushing okay?” “What?! No! No I cant. I…” Blaine reached up and caressed his sweaty hair back. “Yes you can…I know you can.” Kurt still looked unsure, biting his lip. “Hey…” Blaine whispered. “You know what? I know your Mum is looking down at you now. And soon your Dad will be here too,whether in spirit or not everyone is here Kurt… we will not let you down, either of you…we’re here…right here and we’re not going anywhere.” Kurt gulped in a shaky breath and nodded. “Let’s get her out…together yeah?” Blaine smiled teary eyed and nodded. “Together.” He moved back down. “Mercedes could you pass me a towel please?” “Here baby…” she whispered. He took it. “Okay baby…o-on your next contraction…I need you to push.” He furrowed his brow in concentration. Sure enough seconds later one came and Kurt yelled out and began to push. “That’s it that’s it! Push, push, push! Aaaand, rest…there! You did so good baby!” Sam was bright white. Quinn was whispering in Kurt's ear. “Just a couple more…I promise.” He whined. “Lets try another yeah?” Blaine said softly. “As hard as you can baby… three…two...one…push!” Mercedes stroked his calf as he pushed and Blaine let out a soft gasp. “What!? What! Is she…” “She’s fine! Oh my god I can see the head! Keep going beautiful!” Kurt pushed again nearly crushing Sam’s hand and he pushed the head out, Blaine cradled her head with the towel. “That’s it baby! Oh, she’s so beautiful!” he cried a tear coming down his cheek, Kurt panted against the pillow.  “One more big push! I’m so proud of you!” Kurt pushed again, yelling out and she appeared, more and more. Bit by bit. And then suddenly she was out. Blaine let out an astonished breath and cleaning her quickly so as to not block her airways. There was a moment of silence that was eerie. “Blaine…” A screaming cry ripped through the air and their baby was okay…the tension fled from the room. She was okay…she was okay. Kurt let out a soft laugh. “Blaine! Where is she give her to me…” Blaine carefully cut the cord and she was out…out into the world. She was her own person. Mercedes helped him clean her up and wrap her with tears in her eyes. Then Blaine carried her, cradled in his arms to her Daddy. He looked up at Kurt with big wet, sparkling eyes. “She’s beautiful like you are Kurt…that kind of special beautiful…like nothing else touches her beauty, nothing is close…look.” He put her in Kurt’s arms and Sam moved out of the way with a wonder filled smile. “Wow…” he murmured. Kurt’s tears fell fast and his body shook with them. “Hey…baby girl!” he whispered. “Hey…” he shushed her sobs as Blaine settled next to him. Quinn gave the other two a look. And they all left the new Dad’s be. When the door shut… Kurt looked back to Blaine and the younger met his gaze. All full of devotion and pride. “She looks like my Mom…” he whimpered. “My Mom and you… she’s the most beautiful thing in the world…” he sobbed. Blaine laughed wetly and kissed his forehead. “Blaine you did so amazingly!” “You did too! I knew you could do it sweetheart!” “What should we call her…” Kurt wandered caressing the back of her head. “I want her second name to be Elizabeth… like we said…” Blaine nodded. “I…uh…I kinda had one…” he murmured as his finger caressed her tiny cheek Kurt raised his brow. “Yeah?” He nodded. “I chose the 5th letter of the alphabet, the fifth female name on the list. Because on Finn’s football jersey has a 5 on it…s-so, I wanted to call her Ella we can call her Elle for short.” Kurt’s eyes welled up again, he caressed his cheek and kissed his jaw. “God I love you. It’s perfect sweetheart. Ella Elizabeth Hummel-Anderson.” Blaine laughed. “So many names…” “So much love.” Kurt breathed in return as their baby girl settled in under their touch.

[eddiejpoplar]

10 Reasons the 2019 Kia K900 Is a Way Better Luxury Sedan than Before

The odds of seeing a second-generation Kia K900 on U.S. roads right now are nearly as slim as winning the Powerball or being personally serenaded by Mariah Carey on Christmas Eve. Even the first-gen car wasn’t exactly a common sight after a number of years on sale—so I was happy to snatch the keys to a 2019 K900 for an extended, two-night meet and greet. Once I opened the long doors and peered inside our VIP Package–equipped example, it was clear it represented a huge improvement over its predecessor in terms of finish and features. I started thinking the experience was going to be more like a day of pampering at the spa than a test drive.

The Korean luxury sedan has three key competitors in the Cadillac CT6, Lexus LS, and Lincoln Continental. But where those cars have flashier styling, the K900 gets the job done with understatement, albeit maybe too much as it regards the exterior. That’s much less of a factor inside, though, and once I was driving the K900 around my neighborhood I felt more like I was being chauffeured than actively piloting the car. Still, just for giggles I parked the K900 and moved to the rear compartment for a taste of the VIP experience. Using the rear console, I pumped up the volume on the melodious Lexicon audio system, and I imagined sipping a glass of Cristal, kicking off my stilettos, and instructing my driver to take the long route to my private jet. Without further delay, here are 10 more ways the 2019 Kia K900 can make you feel oh-so glamorous.

Ambient Lighting with Custom Colors

I often get into cars and find that the ambient lighting is set to either green or blue, which makes me insane when there are other options. The K900’s ambient lighting allows you to choose from 64 hues, and to add a touch of femininity and inform everyone who the boss is, I chose a shade of pink.

Lexicon Audio System

You better believe I cranked up the bass and put on a festive music playlist to get the party started. Listening to Bad Bunny’s “Mia” on the superb, 17-speaker audio system felt like Drake was guiding me to the dance floor with all 900 watts.

Maurice Lacroix Analog Clock

Oh, you fancy now, huh! Everyone knows a proper luxury car needs a proper timepiece in the dash; Mercedes-Benz has IWC Schaffhausen, Bentley has Breitling, and Kia now has Maurice Lacroix.

Interior Design Pattern

Kia has also taken a page from other more established automakers and added classy speaker grilles punched through in an interesting and complex pattern. And if you take a closer look at the rear seats, you’ll also find the pattern in a more secretive location.

Instrument-Cluster Blind-View Monitor

When you signal to turn or change lanes to the left or right, the speedometer and tachometer are minimized in favor of a camera view to show you what you might not be able to see. Your vehicle and engine speeds are still visible above the camera image, and we prefer having both views available to, say, Honda’s setup, which only shows the view to the right.

Front-Passenger Seat Chauffeur Switches

The VIP package includes a pair of switches on the left of the front passenger seatback that gives drivers the ability to quickly motor the front passenger seat away from Very Important People hopping in behind. Using the switches, you can move the entire seat forward or back, as well as adjust the backrest separately to move it even farther out of the way.

Instrument Cluster Graphics

Of all the interior features the cutest one is the K900 graphic that displays on the instrument cluster when you enter the car or shut off the engine. I really enjoyed it, and came to think of it as a sparkling, animated welcome fairy. It also tells you to come back soon every time you exit the car.

Rear-Seat VIP-ness

The VIP package also adds a rear wireless phone-charging pad (there’s already one up front), 14-way power for the right rear seat, 12-way power for the left rear seat, cooling for both rear seats, and a sumptuous sueded headliner.

Rear Privacy Shade

Every time someone followed me too closely or came to a stop inches away from the K900’s rear bumper, I rolled up the rear privacy shade. It felt good to block out those drivers with no awareness of following or stopping distance. When you put the car in reverse the shade rolls down automatically so you can be sure that the coast is clear.

Drive Modes with Automatic Driver-Seat Adjustment

When I put the K900 in Sport mode, I was shocked to feel the driver’s seat hug my sides! Then I looped through all the drive modes and discovered that the seats cleverly adjust automatically to an appropriate level of support for every mode.

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[ljosalir]

[OFFER] the sender offers food or drink to the receiver. "Oh, hello there Sharena!" Mercedes greets the younger woman who seems exhausted from training. The dining room still seems to brighten upon her arrival though and Mercedes rushes back into the kitchen momentarily. She returns with a plate of confectionary buns, filled with cream and a very, very secret fruit sauce.

"Please dig in, you look like you could use the energy boost."

meet cute / ugly - answering!

     Her vision weaves in and out--displaying a dance before the darkness of her eyelids. Just for her. Just for every flutter of her eyes. Except, the performance is finished without a curtain drawn in scarlet and silk. Sharena opens her eyes and after a series of slow blinks, she rises off the ground and retrieves her fallen training lance in the same action.

     What was to have been a small detour from the dining room seemed to have turned into what she thought was to be an even smaller visit to the training hall. Except her attention was grabbed by the shiny glint of fresh material: new practice weapons. So, she trained. As she should have. As her brother would have. ( He wouldn’t have, but she doesn’t tell herself this. ) Time betrayed her and now the hallways are empty and the walls no longer hum with the familiar echo of voices.

     The doors to the dining hall open with a slow swing--her arms almost give out when she attempts to force her way in--and she sighs at the view of scattered students. Lunch must have passed. Sharena lips immediately form a smile when the first few gazes fall onto her. Her hand rises to wave and some students wave back, others being too busy with their own tasks. She doesn’t wish to linger much longer than needed be--a quick moment to eat and freshen up in her dorm room before disappearing back into the training hall.

     Footsteps fall into silence beside her and Sharena turns to meet the friendly face of her classmate. “Mercedes!” She smiles ever so sweetly and her hand moves from her head and outwards--a small salute. “Hey hey, how are--” but Mercedes holds a finger up and walks away. She’s still smiling though so the Askran princess doesn’t feel as confused as she should feel.

     Shoulders square, face bright with a certain gentleness, Mercedes is back within a moment or two. Yet not with empty hands.

     “Aww,” Sharena’s hands press against her chest and she squeals; her form of appreciation, “Mercedes, you’re too kind! I can’t possibly...” take it. “...thank you enough. They look delicious--does the dish have a name?” but she doesn’t let her classmate answer before she retrieves the plate and raises a bun to her lips. ( The one on the edge of the platter, set to lean against one nearby. Specific that she always chooses the ones by the edges then moves to finish the ones closer to the middle. ) When she bites into it, her eyes open fully and her tongue lies heavy with cream upon it. That and the not-so-faint hints of fruity flavor alongside the puffy, light cream.

     The Askran princess squeals, yet again. What a delight this bun is! Not to exclude Mercedes who gifted her with the plate full of pastries, a delightful lady she was, as well.

[jesusvasser]

10 Reasons the 2019 Kia K900 Is a Way Better Luxury Sedan than Before

The odds of seeing a second-generation Kia K900 on U.S. roads right now are nearly as slim as winning the Powerball or being personally serenaded by Mariah Carey on Christmas Eve. Even the first-gen car wasn’t exactly a common sight after a number of years on sale—so I was happy to snatch the keys to a 2019 K900 for an extended, two-night meet and greet. Once I opened the long doors and peered inside our VIP Package–equipped example, it was clear it represented a huge improvement over its predecessor in terms of finish and features. I started thinking the experience was going to be more like a day of pampering at the spa than a test drive.

The Korean luxury sedan has three key competitors in the Cadillac CT6, Lexus LS, and Lincoln Continental. But where those cars have flashier styling, the K900 gets the job done with understatement, albeit maybe too much as it regards the exterior. That’s much less of a factor inside, though, and once I was driving the K900 around my neighborhood I felt more like I was being chauffeured than actively piloting the car. Still, just for giggles I parked the K900 and moved to the rear compartment for a taste of the VIP experience. Using the rear console, I pumped up the volume on the melodious Lexicon audio system, and I imagined sipping a glass of Cristal, kicking off my stilettos, and instructing my driver to take the long route to my private jet. Without further delay, here are 10 more ways the 2019 Kia K900 can make you feel oh-so glamorous.

Ambient Lighting with Custom Colors

I often get into cars and find that the ambient lighting is set to either green or blue, which makes me insane when there are other options. The K900’s ambient lighting allows you to choose from 64 hues, and to add a touch of femininity and inform everyone who the boss is, I chose a shade of pink.

Lexicon Audio System

You better believe I cranked up the bass and put on a festive music playlist to get the party started. Listening to Bad Bunny’s “Mia” on the superb, 17-speaker audio system felt like Drake was guiding me to the dance floor with all 900 watts.

Maurice Lacroix Analog Clock

Oh, you fancy now, huh! Everyone knows a proper luxury car needs a proper timepiece in the dash; Mercedes-Benz has IWC Schaffhausen, Bentley has Breitling, and Kia now has Maurice Lacroix.

Interior Design Pattern

Kia has also taken a page from other more established automakers and added classy speaker grilles punched through in an interesting and complex pattern. And if you take a closer look at the rear seats, you’ll also find the pattern in a more secretive location.

Instrument-Cluster Blind-View Monitor

When you signal to turn or change lanes to the left or right, the speedometer and tachometer are minimized in favor of a camera view to show you what you might not be able to see. Your vehicle and engine speeds are still visible above the camera image, and we prefer having both views available to, say, Honda’s setup, which only shows the view to the right.

Front-Passenger Seat Chauffeur Switches

The VIP package includes a pair of switches on the left of the front passenger seatback that gives drivers the ability to quickly motor the front passenger seat away from Very Important People hopping in behind. Using the switches, you can move the entire seat forward or back, as well as adjust the backrest separately to move it even farther out of the way.

Instrument Cluster Graphics

Of all the interior features the cutest one is the K900 graphic that displays on the instrument cluster when you enter the car or shut off the engine. I really enjoyed it, and came to think of it as a sparkling, animated welcome fairy. It also tells you to come back soon every time you exit the car.

Rear-Seat VIP-ness

The VIP package also adds a rear wireless phone-charging pad (there’s already one up front), 14-way power for the right rear seat, 12-way power for the left rear seat, cooling for both rear seats, and a sumptuous sueded headliner.

Rear Privacy Shade

Every time someone followed me too closely or came to a stop inches away from the K900’s rear bumper, I rolled up the rear privacy shade. It felt good to block out those drivers with no awareness of following or stopping distance. When you put the car in reverse the shade rolls down automatically so you can be sure that the coast is clear.

Drive Modes with Automatic Driver-Seat Adjustment

When I put the K900 in Sport mode, I was shocked to feel the driver’s seat hug my sides! Then I looped through all the drive modes and discovered that the seats cleverly adjust automatically to an appropriate level of support for every mode.

IFTTT