#「i need you by my side you always know what to do…」 rayan

[rico-the-nicoo]

MY WIVES💕💕💕

[inkwell-and-dagger]

Day 15: A Soft Reprieve

5 weeks and 4 days. That was how long it took Madeline to find him. To find her own goddamn little brother, who she had sworn to protect since they were children.

Madeline couldn't remember the last time she'd been at peace, since this whole ordeal began.

What had started as a night out with his friends had ended in Rayan getting taken captive for weeks, all for the petty excuse of him being Immortal. Half of his arm, gone, replaced with a pathetic chunk of metal. Faded scars from what Madeline could only assume was torture, since Rayan wasn't too keen on explaining his situation.

But this was a nice change of pace. Her phone wasn't buzzing, bombarded with threats from an unknown number. Rayan tucked against her side, fast asleep on the sofa with a soft blanket draped over his shoulders. A random, shitty show displayed on the television, in a futile attempt to ease her sullen mood. But what was there to be happy about? Sure, Rayan was home, but what had happened to him plagued Madeline's mind. What if he was never found?

“Hey,” Vivana appeared in the doorway, holding two mugs of tea in each of her hands. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” She replied with a sigh, looking over with a tense smile. “Just tired.”

“Well, don't fall asleep until you've had this tea. I made it with love.”

“As always.” Madeline remarked, watching as the elf walked over and set the two mugs on the coffee table, sitting herself down beside her. Hand buried in Rayan's hair, rubbing small circles into his scalp, she pulled her brother closer to her side.

“How's Rayan?”

“Good. Maybe. I— I don't know, he's still not talking much.” As she spoke, Madeline looked over to the small figure of her brother, face buried in the side of her torso. Lines tainted his mouth and eyes that had not been there prior to his captivity, arms wrapped around his sister's arm for dear life. “At least he's asleep. Stubborn little shit thinks he doesn't need it."

“He's still not talking?”

She shrugged. “I don't know what could've happened to make him stop talking.”

Vivana sighed, draping her arm across Madeline's shoulder. “Maddie, honey, c'mon. Stop worrying about what happened and what could've happened. He's home now, it's over. For both him and you.”

“I just—” Madeline swallowed, shaking her head as she toyed with the ring on her finger. “I can't.. help but think about what could've happened if Evelyn hadn't taken him in. He still wouldn't be here. He'd be on the streets, wasting away, and we'd be chasing our tails trying to find him. He was already half dead when she found him so—”

“In mortal terms.”

“That's still bad! If he wasn't Immortal, he'd be brown fucking bread and it'll all be my fault for not looking out for him!”

“Maddie, stop.” Vivana chided with a reassuring grin. She reached a hand up to place it on Madeline's cheek, brushing her thumb under the dark, watery green eyes above. “He's okay. He's here, and he's recovering, and he's Immortal. He's a lucky bastard, as stupid as he is sometimes.”

Maddie returned with a tense smile, leaning into her touch. “I'm the stupid one.”

“No you're fucking not. You were looking out for him as best as you could; it isn't like you could see into the future and make preparations from there. And,” She held up a finger. “Don't even mention wishing you could do that. You did the best you could, and that's all that matters.”

At first, Madeline didn't believe it. But the sheer sincerity in Vivana’s eyes, the unwavering smile that always seemed to lighten her day, made her second guess. “...Fine.”

“Thank you.” Pressing a soft peck to her cheek, Vivana reached for the remote. “This show’s horrible, at least put something kind of happy on. Corrie?”

“Nothing good happens in Corrie either.”

“Well, sometimes— okay, fine. I'll have a look. Either that, or we can just watch a film?”

“I'm— I'm not fussed, Viv.”

Vivana shrugged. “Film it is. Might pick a lighter one; it'll be a nice surprise for Rayan, hearing you laugh for once in your life.”

Madeline snorted, elbowing Vivana lightly in the side. “Dick.”

“I don't have one.” Vivana grinned, resting her head on the other's shoulder.

“That is why I married you.”

“That's it? What about my amazing looks? My glowing personality?”

A laugh bubbled in Madeline's throat. “Fuck off—!”

HTKAI Taglist: @kira-the-whump-enthusiast @whumpy-wyrms @creppersfunpalooza @toyybox @vidawhump

@whumpmasinjuly-archive

[the-moon-lullaby]

Hi! How about some domestic and nsfw hc for Rayan? The sandy-skinned god deserves some love too 😆

Domestic Life with Rayan

N/A : This took a little while to write, sorry you had to wait dear !

Warning : NSFW under the cut

Goes to the Cosy Bear Café every morning before heading to Anteros Academy to have a little chat with Candy and enjoy a cup of coffee with her (also if she needs to and that he has the time to do so, he helps her to put the tables outside)

Sometimes, when he’s done with his classes of the day, he comes to the Café and sit in corner, sipping on a drink, while he’s preparing his next classes, grading some of his students’s essays or simply reading a book

He always order something different to drink because he wants to try everything Candy put on the menu

Grocery shopping with Rayan is so funny because he has his little list and it always begins with him following it diligently but he’ll always end up wandering around the aisles (and Candy looses him in the supermarket)

He and Candy often end up buying everything but what’s on the list lmao

Loves perfumed candles, there’s dozen in their apartment (I JUST KNOW THIS, and if Candy looses him during grocery shopping, he's probably picking up some)

He likes cleaning days  and he’s very particular about the cleaning products he uses (once again he spends so much time in the supermarket choosing them)

He often puts on jazz or (modern) classical music in the background while he’s working or reading 

He knows all the tea about the neighbours and he shares it with Candy (he’s very good at small talk and at connecting with people, therefore my man end up being told everything that’s going on in the building lol)

Likes doing online shopping with Candy (whether it’s for him or her)

Watching documentaries (documentaries on Ancient Greece or just historical documentaries in general and that’s just a personal intake ‘cause I love these lol)  together while cuddling on the couch with Rayan combing her fingers through Candy’s hair

Actually, loves playing with Candy’s hair when they’re cuddling

Random compliments all the time (like complimenting her outfit or just tell her that she’s the most beautiful woman he met)

naps together became a habit, especially during more stressful times of the year

also sleeps in on Sundays and would probably make a brunch with Candy afterward

Rayan wearing his glasses when he reads or when he’s on his computer and Candy going feral because of this (sorry but the illustration of him for that Valentine’s Day event, LORD HAVE MERCY)

He’s often the one that organises the dates : he love trying new restaurant and I think he likes gastronomic cuisine since he finds it as tasty as it is pretty 

He also likes the kind of dates that allow him and Candy to show their creative side (like the date in one of the Valentine’s Day event where they went to a workshop to make perfume, that was so sweet btw) 

He likes to go out with Candy whenever they can but he also enjoys when they stay home together for some quality time

𝙽𝚂𝙵𝚆 :

When it comes to oral, he’s a giver. He’s not really the one to tease but he likes taking his sweet time doing so

He likes to receive it too though and if Candy wants to get on her knees, he has no objections 

however he loves it the most when it happens in the morning (the morning wood oops) or at his office at Anteros during an unexpected visit 

About that, he may or may have not fucked Candy on his desk and it may have happened more than once (I had to do this one, I MEAN GUYS)

Candy trying on his glasses for fun and him realising he has a thing for this because she look so hot with them

Would moan but lowkey you know ? Like he isn’t that loud but he doesn’t restrain himself either (And I just know this man has a deep voice so it’d be music to Candy’s ears) 

However, he likes it if Candy gets loud and it makes him go even harder 

Praises. A lot of them. Also call her with pet names during sex (might let out a « good girl » and ahhhh)

he owns a copy of the Kama Sutra (I am not saying that he’s into that or anything - even though he really might -  but he definitely read it because well, as art enthusiast, of course he wanted to know a little more about the art of making love)

As much as he loves admiring Candy’s face, he loves backshots (because it allows him to hit it deep)

Breading kink ? (Maybeeee)

Despite all, I don't think he's really into being called Daddy (even tho he has that "Daddy aura", whatever that means, idk myself) because it'd make him think of that Freudian theory lol

I'm sorry I am taking so long to post (I didn't expect to receive this much requests but I'm also glad to see that the fandom is still alive lol) but I'm trying my best to answer them all !

[otomelavenderhaze]

Cave dialogue a) Rayan talking about Chloe, his ex wife ~

"Oh... You too can't sleep? Come here, sit with me. Let's enjoy the show."

Candy: (He didn't have to ask me twice. I snuggled in and we watched the celestial night sky).

(I watched his stare get lost on the ocean of stars. He seemed to be in another place.)

"When we see this, without any light pollution, how the first humans must have seen it…"

"I can understand why they thought the stars as the soul of their dead. It was a bautiful tribute."

Candy: (I get it... So that's what going through his head that time. It doesn't surprises me why he looked a little sad) You... I know we never talk about this, but... Do you still think a lot about Chloe?

"Of course. Our story (his and Chloe's) always gonna be part of me. And I can even not believe in anything..."

"If our ancestors are right then, I know she's shining for me up there."

Candy: And... you get sad when you think about her? You need...

"No, not even one bit. If today I am crying, it's out of joy."

"Y'know, I honestly didn't think I would get over losing her."

"And then after you got in my classroom and into my life. So, yes, I should have a star up there shining for me."

"Because, with you, I understood the meaning of true love."

"And it wasn't the same of what I had with Chloé."

"Sometimes, I think, if the story/timeline was another, if I had met you first before I met her..."

"She and I would've been simply friends, without anything else between us."

"If fate hadn't been so cruel with her, it would've ended like that anyway, actually." (I think he means, they wouldn't have ended together anyway if she didn't die).

"I think she would have been happy to see me so happy these days."

"Just like I would have been in seeing her meeting someone else just as important as you're for me."

"And when I think of her today, is in this way: as a friend that left too soon."

"And that, of course, I still get a little with my heart tight. She was someone wonderful/beautiful."

Candy: I don't doubt you... I... it may seem like an inconvenience but I would have liked to have met her.

"There's still some of her in me. But, when I met you, I was like a ghost."

"Thanks to you and our feelings, she just became a beautiful star, just like my father..."

"And all the anothers that make me understand, day after day, the lucky I had for being alive and have you by my side."

(He smiled to me. All that sadness seemed to have melted away from his features when he kissed me).

[rico-the-nicoo]

no cuz let's talk about it because what the fuck was his arc in love life?

I seriously can’t stand Rayan’s arc, I mean it’s risky, interesting and dramatic. What I can’t stand is how those involved behave after the truth came out, I can’t stand Murielle or Priya… they are everything that’s wrong

why can’t I just punch them in the face?

[raayllum]

fanfic writer emoji asks!!!!

🤲🏻💖🎶

🤲 Would you please share a snippet of a wip?

snippet from an upcoming rayllum / caylangst oneshot called “once i realize you’re there” in which callum experiences a nightmare both with rayla by his side and during the two years they’re apart

Strictly speaking, Callum doesn’t have nightmares often (and no, dark magic induced coma dreams don’t really talk). For someone with such a creative mind, he doesn’t have dreams too often, either—not the fantastical kind Ez does, anyway.

snippet from my next rayllum reunion drabble in which things don’t quite go according to plan...

There’s barely time to process it’s her—Rayla, five feet away from him, his water flask tumbling out of his hand in shock as she bounds over the river, feet hitting the grassy riverbank—barely time for her to register it’s him, taller with wind-slicked hair and here in Xadia—before the trees behind her shake, leaves scattering into the water, and Callum realizes she’s being chased. Rayla’s face goes from shock to fleeting happiness, eyes bright amid the scrapes on her cheek, to fright, before she’s yanking at his hand and pulling him along because now they’re being chased—

“This way,” she says, and he leaves his water flask, his most consistence source of substance, abandoned in the grass as they weave through trees, the earth pulsing at their backs.

snippet from og work bc i’m having a great time with draft 1.3 of book two, feat. two old childhood friends reuniting on very different sides of a political divide 

It was cooler in the shade, the sun shining on the other side of the courtyard, and Felicity took them down to an alcove that might've been a shrine once upon a time, the moss covering too much of the wall and statue-bust to tell for sure.

Felicity turned around to face them, and Ally tried to figure out how much space to leave in between them, standing. What she should do with her hands. Felicity wouldn't even have to reach for a weapon, with the talons embedded in her hands ready-made, precious seconds that had likely cost other people their lives.

"Interesting," Felicity drawled. "That you brought those two."

Ally stiffened. "They're my friends—"

"One is quite small," Felicity said, pointing to Rayan with a finger. Then to Flames. "The other would be much more useful to your friends if they needed to get away quickly, yes? If, say, we captured or killed you, your friends would struggle to leave without a dragon, would they not?"

The blood drained from her face. Oh gods. "Felicity—" Heat flared at her right arm, radiating from Flames, whether due to anger or nerves she couldn't tell.

Felicity leaned back against the mossy statue bust, her hands braced on the stone. "Relax," she said. "But I remembered you being smarter, Ally. Unless you are distracted?"

💖 What made you start writing?

i’ve been writing fanfiction ever since i was like six, i just didn’t know it! the first ever ‘original’ story i wrote was a one page bit about two twin sisters who lived in a house (and now i’m writing about a pair of twin sisters who are death and life incarnate, so funny how things circle back) and another about a girl raised by dragons on an island and political divisions when i was like ten.

thus, finding fanfiction.net when i was like twelve was a god send and i’ve been writing more formal fic and og work ever since

🎶 Do you listen to music while you write? What song have you been playing on loop lately?

yes, always! i listen to a little bit of everything but lately it’s been a lot of gracie abrams and lizzy mcalpine’s album “five seconds flat.” i also love florence and the machine, flora cash, SYML, sleeping at last, and a plethora of other stuff to get the perfect lyrics and/or writing vibes for a given situation, although sometimes i write the saddest shit with the happiest song on loop, so i don’t need it to match the mood. it’s just fun when it does

[melodyalanaroster]

My Candy Love Love Life Episode 14

Yeah, I know, I’m nearly a week late on this... I’ve got a lot on my plate.... Those of you in my Discord know what, so I’m not gonna go into detail unless someone asks me directly. This post is a little long. It goes in depth into my opinion of my playthrough and my theories about the future. Honestly, this episode seemed rather short and uneventful. Yes, I know, Candy essentially loses the Cozy Bear in the end, and if the player chooses the bad end, she loses the Love Interests.... But it still really didn’t do much for me. Now, for those of you who don’t know, I accidentally lowered my affinity with Nathaniel in Episode 12, I did re-raise it within my first couple of choices in this episode and kept it raised. As for the outfits... I am not against them... I think the whole “flag” theme to the pants is cool and I love the black shirt. I love that the second outfit is free and that the only real choice for the outfits is “Which extra illustration do you want?”. As much as I love how hot Rayan looks in his extra illustration, I, of course, chose the extra Nathaniel illustration. I’m REALLY glad this cool black top is part of it! I had forgotten that I took Dan up on his offer in previous episodes... However, it was just an oral agreement. My brain has been kind of fried these past few months, due to my IRL issues, so I really don’t remember what I did... Just that I got Nina’s illustration from the episode where Dan proposes it. When Dan tried to bring me down with him, Candy stated that it was just an oral agreement, then Nathaniel became relieved... I asked the girls in my Discord and they think that I agreed to Dan’s proposal, but went with the option of having a lawyer look at the agreement. With Dan and his desire to use Candy, I found that fascinating. His original intent was to use her for his personal gain and then eventually throw her under the bus. However, when he realized that her love of art was as sincere as his, he grew to see her more as a comrade and felt guilty for using her. This was kind of endearing... To go from “You stupid girl, you’re an easy target.” to “Your passion for art is the same as mine, I feel guilty for what I’m doing to you.” is always interesting to see. Yes, he is the villain of her story in this case, but, he does feel remorse. I went with the option that angered Eric. Frankly, I’m annoyed with myself for not lowering his affinity more... But, I tried to play nice with him in early episodes because of his friendship with Nathaniel. Its what I do. I try to be nice to my darling’s friends so that there is little to no friction.  The point where Candy was crying in front of Sweet Amoris did seem like a healthy dose of foreshadowing.... But, until Episode 15 comes out, I won’t have anything else to back that up. However, I am not the least bit surprised that she will likely lose the Cozy Bear. It does not seem like the café is her ultimate goal. There must be more to it. The scene with Miss Paltry was interesting... I get that she was upset with Rayan but she more or less used Marina as a means of getting back at him for being what she deemed as “inappropriate”. Now, I hated the Marina situation from all sides, and I was only nice about her because of Chani and Rayan. But, damn... You’d think a woman in Miss Paltry’s situation would be more mature about it. I really want to know what he did or didn’t do to her to make her go on this crusade against him. I picked the option that keeps Rayan at Anteros. I didn’t see Hyun, Priya or Castiel this episode. But, I did see Auntie. As much as I love Castiel, and wouldn’t mind seeing the other LIs... I understand why I didn’t see them. Rayan’s arc needed closure, so we saw him even if you’re not on his route. The other routes were somewhat tied up with bows, so you didn’t really need to see them if you’re not on their paths. Now, to the main course... Nathaniel. Firstly, I HATE his last name. Carello just does not fit him the way Jacott does. If you don’t know where Jacott comes from, there is an old Facebook post that Beemoov made of Amber naming her as “Amber Jacott”. We all assumed that Jacott would be Nathaniel’s last name. Hell, I’ve even written it several times throughout Alana’s Canon. Some people assume that Jacott is Francis’ last name, that Carello is Adelaide’s maiden name and that Nathaniel must have changed his last name to his mother’s in an effort to distance himself from his father... However, Beemoov is known to be very inconsistent.... This is probably just another one of Beemoov’s MANY inconsistencies.  Nathaniel you beautiful bastard, I love you so much! There are many points in this episode where I just want to kiss him! Each time he called me little pet names, and smiled, I just melted! Now, I am a loyal girlfriend, and Nathaniel is no exception to that. I did not cheat on him. I’m also an honest girlfriend, and was more than happy to tell him about Eric’s advances. Of course, he has full right to be angry with Eric. However, Candy does have a point. Eric’s advances are probably a side effect from all of the drama, stress, and strain he’s been going through... Even if he did cause all of it... Nathaniel’s sweetness and appreciation for our honesty always moves me. While the moment left me craving more, that’s how I always am with this moments. This moment was not disappointing. I am very happy with it. The emotion, the illustration, the ending, it was all very loving... As usual, I just wish there was MORE.... I have heard that Episode 15 will be the final episode of Love Life. I really hope that, if there is a Season 4, we will FINALLY marry our love interest. I hope we get to meet the other LI’s parents. Yes, I know, we’ve already met Nathaniel’s and Castiel’s parents, but, in game, we haven’t seen them in nearly a decade. We’ve seen a lot of Hyun’s parents, but have never seen Priya’s or Rayan’s. I also want to see Amber again. I also REALLY want Nathaniel to finally get the therapy he so desperately needs! I also think that the game might come full circle and have Candy become an art teacher at Sweet Amoris. If we get a Season 4, it will likely be the final season of MCL and it will be very cliché, yet appropriate, for it to come full circle. I feel like the next season may be called Married Life.... Or, at least, I hope it is....

[rico-the-nicoo]

reblogging to my side blog, but i'm absolutely in love with this! thank you so much!!

Commission for @mrshamada-dorian with Rayan and their candy. <3

I decided to post my commissions from now on.

[rico-the-nicoo]

nicknames my candy gave each li

note; sorry cas stan, rico didn't like him in hsl so his nicknames are mean.

twin, best friend, babes, robin ( doesn't like it ),

whore ( joking ) ( also doesn't like it)

( only in hsl ) piece of shit, dick, stupid bitch

( only in ll ) bestie, bestest, my partner, cassy, cas

officer eric, officer coffee, officer, 12, five - o

sweetheart, sweets, boo, my plug

kenny ( doesn't like it ), girl scout ( also doesn't like it)

sander, ma, mama, pretty mama

nath, nathan ( when rico's serious )

( only in ll ) officer nathan, officer, 12, five - o

girlie, babe, hottie

love, teach, professor, genius, sexy, handsome, baby

( only after they're married ) husband

[edrodgg]

My Candy Love - Love Life | Episode 5 Guide | Nathaniel

Outfits:

The first is for Nath / Hyun.    

The second is for Castiel / Priya.  

The third is for Rayan.

~ Translated content, so wording may be slightly different in My Candy Love.

Negative answers ( - )

Positive answers ( + )

Neutral answers ( / )

PA: 1350 ( approx, with Agatha ).

Nath: Ah ... do you want me to go?

Evidently! After experiencing the stress of the Cozy Bear for a month, we will toast his rebirth! ( / )

Oh ... well, well ... do what you want. ( / )

Why? You do not want to come?

Nath: Or worse, with some rich old men who explain contemporary art to me ... and as a gift, who also explain life to me!

So are you afraid of art lovers ...? I just dropped a myth. ( + )

I would have liked, yes. But anyway, I'm not going to force you.

But I would love for you to come. I want you to be by my side for the occasion.

Hyun: Well what do you say? Do we record?

I prefer not to ... When I see everything that is happening to Castiel, I do not feel like exposing myself online. ( - )

Okay, why not?… Anyway, it's not as if the same thing could happen to me as to Castiel. ( + )

Nina:

But then, you haven't told me ... Who is the lucky one?

It is normal to be on the nerves when you are ... in love. ( + )

Agatha is at the entrance to the university, before going to Leigh's shop. :)

Gabin: By the way, he and Leo have gone on vacation for fifteen days. A little respite, go ...

Than!? It's disgusting! I thought they were friends ...

But why? Precisely, it's time to support each other, right?  ( / )

Gabin:

You are right about Castiel. Although he will never show it, he must feel sorry that his friend does not call him.  ( / )

Honestly, your friend goes too far not responding. For him, Twitter is right and Castiel is a thief! 

Gabin: I think he wants to talk to Castiel, but since the record company does not trust him, he is afraid of being like the black sheep.

He is also not asked to leave the label.  Simply call a friend when you're having a bad time. ( / )

In any case, he's not scared of being a bad friend… While on vacation, Castiel is savoring him.

Rosa: Well, anyway, I imagine we will know when we should know ... But this silence does not tell me anything good ...

Poor ... he was not doing well on a professional level ... and if it's over between them, it's like going back to the starting box. ( - )

It is not easy ... But hey, between us, if it was over between them, Alex has looked for it a bit, right? ( + )

Rosa: However, passion, by nature, is made not to last ...

He has always been a romantic ... ( / )

Don't you think that passion can last? However, you and Leigh ... ( / )

Rosa: Do you think I see him with the eyes of a high school student who is experiencing her first crush?

I do not agree! Look at me, we still have the passion!

It is true that seen like this ... It would be rather ridiculous. A couple evolves. ( + )

Leigh: Hello Candy. All good? Hasn't she knocked you out with his psycho-blabla? I've heard it from afar ...

Haha, no, I'm fine. At least she likes her job! Also, you're right. ( + with Rosa )

Let's say we want it as it is ... ( - with Rosa )

Castiel: Candy! What are you doing here? We had arranged?

No, it's just that ... I went to see how you were. I'm worried about you. ( - )

Wow, you seem happy to see me, I'm very happy ... Can't you come to see a friend in an improvised way? ( + )

Castiel: And do you really believe him? I don't know what to think ... I just get all of this fed up.

I think Gabin is wrong about Zack. I think he is just an opportunist. ( - )

Not everyone reacts the same way to stress. Apparently he only knows how to do like an ostrich. ( + )

Castiel: Without forgetting all the videos that will not stop appearing ... I'm not sure I want to give the matter a boost ...

Come on, Castiel ... I would like to celebrate the salvation of the gallery with all my friends. If you don't come, it won't be the same ... ( - )

Since when do you let other people's eyes dictate your behavior? Who are you…?  ( + )

Eric: My parents traveled a lot for work. They are musicians.

It should not be easy to grow up without having your parents at home ... ( / )

Musicians? I did not know, I did not know it! It must be great that your parents are artists. ( / )

Eric:

I'm not used to hearing people talk like that, I find it funny. ( + )

The truth is that sometimes I would need an interpreter to understand you.

But I like it. It has a certain charm! ( / )

Eric: He's not in trouble, is he? If that's the case, you know you can count on me ...

Can you keep a secret? It is important... ( / )

Oh, no. Well, not that I know of. But he told you what he was doing here, right? A story of ... I don't remember anymore, I've only brought them coffee. ( - )

If you participate in the video

Dan: It is a matter of principle and elegance. Do you understand

Excuse me, but if I take care of the organization of the event I am free to do the promotion as I want, right?

No problem. There will be no more videos. Roger that. I would not like to contradict you ... It was just ... ( + )

Dan: Just like tattoos! What do you think, Candy?

I ... I really don't have a clear opinion on the subject.

Sorry Dan, I think tattoos are part of art too. I think a tattoo can be as exciting as a painting. ( + Rayan and Dan )

It is true that it is a pity that this artistic expression is so closely linked to its support ...

Nath: It seems that human nature does not evolve much, it matters little the level of education ...

This ... has a great sense of justice. It's another reason why I love him! ( + )

Nath! Stop. If you're going to be rude to my guests, I definitely would have preferred you to stay home! ( - )

Priya: So ... It would be nice if ... I'd really like to talk to her. What do you think?

Listen, if it's as important as you tell me, I'm going to introduce it to you. Although it was very clear about it last time. ( + with Priya / - with Yael)

I'm very sorry, but the last time was very clear about it. It is a delicate subject, I do not want to insist. ( - )

Alexy: Of course, it's true! We are at your house! Can you pay me a drink?

No way. You've had enough to drink tonight. ( - )

You know what? You and I are going to make a bet ... If you can drink a glass of water, invite the house! ( + )

Alexy: But I love him! Why didn't you want to hear me ...?

Don't you have a little idea why? I remind you that your behavior has not been ... irreproachable. ( + )

Calm down, Alexy. Anyway, you are not in the best state to think about all this ...  ( - )

Alexy: You see, Candy ... He has already turned the page ... Three years together and he is sleeping with another two weeks later.

And at the same time, can we blame him for wanting to turn the page?  ( - )

That doesn't mean anything, maybe he's just trying to feel better. ( + )

Nath: Well I'm glad Morgan is having a good time. He deserves it. I honestly think Alex screwed up a lot with this.

Yes. Obviously, I have not said so, but I think the same and have tried to make him understand. ( + )

True, but anyway what happened to him tonight is a bit harsh. I mean ... people make mistakes. ( - )

[inkwell-and-dagger]

"Can't you see that you're lost without me?" — Whumptober 2023!

Day 10: Broken Phone || Stranded || "You said you'd never leave."

A/N: sibling angst real

Characters:

— Rayan Hyacinth (Whumpee) he/it

— Madison Maguire (Caretaker) she/her

— Vesker Faithern (created by the wonderful @er0s-1s-whump1ng!) (dead lmao) he/him

—> —> —> —> —> —>

"You said you'd never leave, Rayan."

"Y-You can't blame me alone!"

Madison sighed, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand. She couldn't do this today. Not on the day where Rayan had just gotten back. It was meant to be a day where they could relax, and she could take care of him. Rayan, however, had other ideas, as the blanket that Madison had ever so gently placed on his shoulders not even ten minutes ago was now bundled up on the floor.

"Right?" Rayan continued. "You can't fucking blame me for being scared of this place because for years those fucking creeps have been hunting me down!"

"We all tried to keep you safe, kid—"

"Well you clearly didn't do a good fucking job!"

Letting out a sharp exhale of breath, Madison's leg began to bounce anxiously. She.. had done a good job, surely. She tried and tried and tried, and even though they did get to Rayan at some points, he always managed to get back home one way or another. Right? She'd tried, right?

She lowered her voice, eyes downcast. "I mean.. you were gone for so long. You even knew that they got arrested—"

"Yeah, well fucking Esrana got away! Do you know what she did to me?! She—"

"Please, don't." Madison didn't want to hear it. She had enough altercations with Esrana, and she knew just how cruel she was.

"What, do you not fucking like it?! Imagine how I fucking felt! Having one of the biggest fucking threats still on the loose after the police arrested all of them—"

"I know, I know Rayan, God's sake!" Madison snapped, standing up. Rayan stopped in whatever he was going to say, staring warily up at her.

"I know! You don't need to— to fucking—" A groan of frustration left her, sitting back down whilst she stumbled over her words. She hated getting upset.

"I tried to keep you fucking safe. I tried. We all did. You could've called, or—"

"They broke my fucking phone—"

"Don't interrupt me!"

She saw the way Rayan flinched and went silent, feeling a pang of regret. "...Sorry. I just— can't you understand that I tried my best, RayRay?"

"Don't call me that."

A deep breath. "...Fine. Just— Please, understand that I tried my best."

But her pleas fell on deaf ears. Rayan stood up, shaking hands balling into fists. "I don't care. The damage was done, this— this is what I fucking am now, you couldn't stop it, Vee couldn't, not even fucking Vesker back then—"

"Please do not talk about Vesker like that."

"What, are you sad 'cause he's fucking dead?!"

"I'm sad because you let him die!"

Madison got up and left then, hands fidgeting at her sides. She couldn't fucking deal with this today.

—> —> —> —> —> —>

[otomelavenderhaze]

The last scene was so beautiful,my heart still aching for it.rayan come back for the person he loved the most,his strenght, the place where he belongs.

at least this christmas i will be in peace knowning he is with us again. Fa, do you have some headcanon of Candy and Rayan enjoying Christmas together?

I guess it was a pretty scene, I kinda wished that Candy would stop hushing Rayan in the middle of the sex kkkk she always do that and I always stay curious wondering what he was about to say. 

But yeah, he does belongs on Candy’s side. 💞💞 I just love how 2 days was his limit to be without her. Yes, it’s nice to think that indeed they will be spending it together again, makes me feel even softer about Christmas this year. 

Oh, sure, anon!!! 

Christmas Headcanons RayanxCandy 🎄🎁❄️

- This year the two of them will be spending it at home alone, her parents already said that this year they will not be able to travel there, so this year will be just between the sweethearts; 

- Buying gifts together is always a nightmare, Rayan always says that he does need anything and Candy will always echo his words, just because he insists he wants nothing, in the end, they just buy presents for their friends mostly, it’s rare the moments when they actually buy anything for the other together; 

- Rayan is not without a mug in his hand, he is always drinking something hot and very Christmassy, he’s always filling Candy’s mug too, every time with a kiss on her forehead; 

- They decored the apartment together, modestly, but together, their Christmas spirit is not in the decor, it’s on the food and their favorite Christmas movies (NO “LOVE, ACTUALLY” the canon don’t know what they’re doing picking this movie);

- Night walks will become part of their routine, especially when it is snowing very lightly, it is the perfect excuse to walk snuggled together while watching the Christmas decorations; 

- They will leave presents around the house for one another, really small and silly presents, sometimes just mementos of memories they had together this year and that only means something for them; 

- Dancing slowly to the sound of their favorites romantic Christmas songs are a given, more so after a few glasses of wine and a really delicious supper; 

- Candy will try some of Hyun’s recipes for pastry cute things and surprise Rayan, however, Rayan will always get a wind of it and convince her to let him help, at some point they always get distracted with one another and always get really close to burning whatever is in the oven; 

- It’s on the quiet moments when he’s reading a book on the couch and she’s lying in his lap or over his chest, feeling his presence and comforted by his warmth, Candy will whisper one “I love you” and he will finally drop his book, embrace her properly and reply “same here, my love, I love you”.

[wandaluvstacos]

Chapter 3 of Book 7 is up on Patreon!

Book Summary

Zhas now sits at the middle of a conflict between two Empires without knowing who he can trust or what the future holds. As the Bazha family mourns the loss of a child, the drumbeat of imminent war grows louder, and it’s Zhas that Mehda Shabulu of the Suiga Empire calls upon to act as advisor. With Jabari sick and grieving, she believes that Zhas is better able to make the tough decisions. But Zhas’s connection the Bazhas is tenuous; after all, once they fled Bhajar, Zhas’s role as zhalja was made obsolete. Mehda Shabulu suggests that Zhas formalize his connection to the Bazhas through marriage. After all, in the Suiga Empire, Jabari can marry whomever—and however many—he likes.

Even with the title and role that Zhas has always wanted in Jabari’s life, other problems loom large. As Jabari’s mental state crumbles, the Suiga Empire prepares for battle to take Khabut Naseel back from the Hahnar Empire that conquered it a century ago. It’s no small feat, and it will require a delicate coordination between the continent’s most powerful rulers—one only the most talented ex-zhalja can forge.

For chapter archive, artwork, and further information, check out my website!

Excerpt:

“Are you alright?” Zhas asked, deciding now might be a good to ask since the tension had dwindled.

“I’m fine.”

“If you need some more time to mourn—”

“I’ve had plenty of time. Time is not the issue.” Jabari reached up to touch the corner of his eye, probably to stop a tear from gathering. “The issue is the hurting.”

Zhas pulled his hand from Jabari’s and slid it over his shoulders. “I want to help in whatever way I can.”

“You’ve helped about to the extent you can. I appreciate your efforts. But some things are too deep and too painful. No one can fix this. I don’t know how I fix this. Every day feels like I’m standing closer to a giant pit, and I’m not sure how I escape it. The world just feels…” Jabari stopped himself and clenched his eyes shut a moment. “Ever since Hazhir was attacked in the street back on Khabut Naseel, I feel this sickness in my stomach that never goes away. I can’t sleep, I can’t think. All I do is worry and dread whatever comes next. You’ve put up with me beautifully, but I can sense your frustration with me at times.”

“You’re very perceptive,” Zhas said softly with a hint of a smile.

Jabari smiled briefly but it soon faded. “I grew up hearing about all my faults, and I learned to deal with my inadequacies as best I could, but my one pride in joy in life was being a good father who protected and loved his children. Then Hazhir was kidnapped and Rayan was hurt, and it pierced my armor. I was distraught, but I was also outraged. So when you were whipped, all I could think of was how I was going to make Lama Jhad regret it. I had him killed, and all of that led us here, to my son being dead.” Jabari inhaled shakily, again wiping at his eyes. “I tried protecting my children in the way I knew how—by doing what the Empire wanted—and I failed. Then I tried violence, and I failed. So what else is there? What can I do to protect people? Nothing?”

“There’s no way you can guarantee anyone’s safety. Only God has that power.”

“So what’s the point?”

“The point of what?”

“Of all this?” Jabari gestured to the room around. “Why am I here? What are we doing?”

“Getting back your island so that the Hahnars can’t threaten you or your family again.”

Jabari laughed without humor. “The Hahnars will never stop. Maybe we’ll win a few battles, but they won’t forget this. They’ll come back at us with a vengeance, just like they always have. Besides, the Hahnars didn’t kill my son. Some crook without a conscience did. And who’s to say the Suiga are any better? One side of a boulder might look different from another, but it’ll crush you all the same when it falls on you.”

[rico-the-nicoo]

christmas; rico // rayan (in which rico comes home for christmas)

honestly wasn't sure what to write, but i kinda came up with something. hope you enjoy :)

rico let out a relieved sigh as she closed the door to their shared apartment after braving the cold and treacherous outdoors.

the woman was away for a month and a half, traveling from city to city doing shows. saying it tired her was an understatement. not to get her tiredness confused with her not enjoying it. she loved what she did with a passion. and she didn’t regret any moment of it.

but if she could change one thing, it would be to have more time with rayan. the duo got busier and busier everyday. but ever since rico got over her doubt of success and actively pursued her music career, they saw each other less and less. she actually told him she wouldn’t be able to make it home for this christmas.

she didn’t have a chance to think about that right now . rico knew she had little time until rayan came back home, so she had to act now. she put down her things and immediately got to work. first grabbing her speaker, she turned on her christmas playlist starting with ‘i’ll be home for christmas’ covered by bryson tiller. she crooned to the music as she got their christmas decor out and started decorating.

rico didn’t do a lot of decorating as she herself wasn’t yet used to decorating for any holiday. she always traveled to a different city for christmas to visit her mother’s or her father’s side of the family so she never had to decorate.

afterwards, rico set up the couch with fluffy blankets and pillows to watch holiday movies. after that she when into the kitchen and grabbed their mugs for the peppermint hot chocolate she planned on making. it didn’t take her long to make and soon she was done with all the preparations.

rico set the hot mugs on the coffee table then sat down on the couch to rest. it was only a matter of time before rayan would open the front door. she just hoped he liked her christmas present.

theme song; i'll be home for christmas - bryson tiller

Santa Candy (mcl&eldarya event)

In the last 2 years or so I had an event where you sent me your candy and I made them clothes for Christmas. This year I decide to change this a bit.

🎄How it works?

As in previous years, you have to reblog with your candy/gardienne (or references) or send it in private, but I decided to include a little something. Besides that, you will also add what they'll do this Christmas and with whom + a theme song for this. It could be some sort of short story or you can just tell me straightforward.

I'll choose the ones that I like the most (excluding the candy/gardienne part, that's just for reference)

🎄What are the prizes?

For this year I decided to draw your candy/gardienne. I'll do a half body, probably with a Christmas vibe (not sure about that).

I'll choose 3 winners.

🎄Dates

You can start submitting starting today (4th Dec) until 12th Dec (including that day).

I'll announce the winners and their gifts on 25 Dec.

🎄Anything else?

If you have something in mind about the drawing or any ideas in general, do tell me. I'm always open.

Good luck!

[tetrakys]

Pleaseeeeeeee, the headcanon of anal sex with Nathaniel and Castiel!!!! There's not rush but please keep it in mind for the future, I need to read them someday 👀 (I feel like that Nath and Castiel,they were who suggested to Candy and they would be more rough than Rayan)

I know I said headcanons, but the next one came out as a short fic, hope you’ll like it anon. (Please remind me about Nath at some point)

(Headcanon about Rayan here.)

Ehm… very nsfw.

Castiel

“You’re crazy…”

I stayed motionless for a moment, watching Castiel taking off his bag and his coat.

“Castiel, I bet that we’ll be in all the tabloids tomorrow morning!” I said looking around nervously. The hot spring looked completely deserted, but what if someone came out from one of those locked doors? And… gosh… what if there were cameras?

“Let’s give them something to write about then,” he replied with a mischievous grin. He quickly removed every last piece of clothing, and I enjoyed the sight of his firm and toned body, until he got into the water.

“Come on, the sooner you get into the water, the sooner we can enjoy ourselves!”

I was on high alert, attentive to any little noise, but it really felt like we were alone in the world. I jumped over the barrier, quickly got undressed and followed him.

He was lazily lounging in a corner of the natural pool, his back against the rocks, his eyes following with interest my every move as I made my way towards him down the small steps, immersing myself in the hot spring. The water level rising at my every step, from my calf, to my hips, until eventually covering me up to my chest.

 “There you are,” he said sweetly pulling me towards him, tucking me under his arm. I rested my head in the nook between his shoulder and chest, that special spot that felt like it had been moulded specifically for me, and closed my eyes as I drew lazy circles with my fingertips on his chest.

“I don’t want to go back…”

A warm laugh welcomed my words. “Two minutes ago you couldn’t wait to get out of here, and now you don’t want to leave? Damn woman, you are fickle!”

“Stupid!” I replied jokingly slapping his chest. “I meant that I don’t want to go back home, I want to stay on holiday… here with you… forever.”

“And what about graduation? What about my band?”

The mention of his band reminded me immediately of his imminent tour and that was something I really didn’t want to think about.

“I don’t care,” I pouted, as I pushed myself closely against his body. All my soft bits pressing against his hard ones.

“Mmm…” he hugged me even tighter, “you do have some convincing arguments. Maybe I should explore them.”

Before I could reply, he grabbed me by the hips and carried me to the other side pool, laying me down with my back against the steps. The front of my body completely exposed to the air and his hungry gaze.

I saw him smirking as I felt my nipples hardening and my skin shivering. I wasn’t cold, my back side was still immersed in the hot water, but the idea that there could be cameras filming us right now got me both embarrassed and slightly turned on. And the way he was taking me in, running his eyes on me from top to bottom definitely didn’t help.

“Castiel!” I cried out as he pushed my legs open and settled himself between them. “We shouldn’t.”

He grabbed my breasts with both hands, squeezing as he lowered himself, his face mere inches away from mine, and whispered, “oh little girl, I think we should. We really should.”

I felt his length rubbing against my core as he started lazily moving his hips up and down against mine, and I couldn’t help a moan escaping me.

“You have such beautiful lips, I want to kiss you. I want to devour you.”

I had no intention to deny him, so I closed the small distance between us and put my lips on his, but before I could really start kissing him, he smiled again and said, “these are not the lips I’m talking about.”

A moment later he’d spread me completely open holding my knees apart up in the air and kneeling with his head between my thighs. 

If there really were cameras, I was sure they had now an unobstructed perfect view of my shivering body and blissed face. But at that moment, as the first stroke of his tongue against my clit made me arch my back and moan in pleasure, I didn’t really care. And as he kept exploring every nook and cranny, making me feel things only he could, I forgot where we were. I probably forgot even my own name.

“You taste so good,” he hummed enthralled against my folds, he rested one of my legs on his shoulder, and I felt one of his long, calloused fingers probing at my back entrance.

I stiffened in surprise, but only for a moment. It wasn’t the first time we played like this, and I kept wondering when we were going to take things to the next level. And as two of his fingers were pumping inside me, his mouth on my clit, sucking and licking with devotion, I knew it was time.

“Castiel, I… I need more, please…”

I knew that begging was going to be his undoing, I never said I didn’t like to play dirty too.

He chuckled against my fold before delving deeper with his tongue, and my legs began to shake as desire reached its apex. Two seconds later my cries of pleasure were being drunk down by his rough kiss, his body now covering mine, as I felt something big, much bigger than his fingers pushing at my back entrance.

“Can you taste yourself on me?” he whispered, the tip of his cock slipping inside me and I closed my eyes, lost in the sensation.

“Look at me, Candy” he said grabbing my chin with his strong grasp, and I saw his face strained in concentration as he was trying to restrain himself for my sake. Inch after agonizing inch, it felt like he was impossibly long and big and never going to fit, as he made his way inside me, helped by the water and the previous preparation.

The moment he was settled completely inside me, I felt so stretched, but it also felt incredibly good. 

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he moaned, grabbed my ancles raising my legs up in the air again and started pumping in and out of me, slowly at first, excruciatingly slowly, but soon after he increased his pace. 

“Fuck, you’re so tight… I’m not going to last long, but I want you to come for me again first, babe.”

Castiel stuck his finger in my mouth, and I licked it, swirling my tongue around it, the implication of what else I was willing to put in my mouth very clear. His grey eyes went dark, his gaze burning into mine as he got the message, and removed his finger to place it against my sensitive nub once more, rubbing firmily. 

“Mmm… Castiel…” I moaned as my pleasure increased again and again at each of his powerful thrusts, pounding me hard.

He continued to rub me until I was dripping down his hand and the moment he slipped three fingers inside me, the double stimulation was too much that I came around his fingers, shouting and shivering, taking his own orgasm along with mine.

He fell over me as he came down from his high and kissed me tenderly.

“I guess you’re right,” I looked at him confused and he added, “we should stay here forever.”

I snorted into his hair and hugged him closer to me.

“But we can’t, I rented this place only for one day.”

“You did what?!” I shouted in disbelief. A cocky grin as he replied, “do you really think I would let any random slazy weirdo see you naked?” he caressed my face, adoration in his eyes. “I will always protect you, little girl.”

I kissed him, a part of me wanted to fight with him, but that was us, one moment he was so annoying I wanted to murder him, the next we were not able to take our hands off each other. 

“How long do we have before we have to leave?”

“Until evening.”

“Well…” I smiled cheekly at him, “I have a few ideas on how to pass the time, then.”

I put my hands in his hair and pulled him towards me, meeting his lips again. Over and over again.

[saiilorstars]

Rise Up

Ch.3: Lonesome Rogues

Previous Story: It Had To Be You || Current Masterlist

Pairings: Barry Allen x Female OC

Chapter Summary: The Snarts have made their way back to STAR Labs only this time they're in need of help.

Pronunciation of OC: Bell-en. The last syllable has an emphasis so it’s not pronounced like ‘Helen’ would be.

Taglist: @ocfairygodmother @anotherunreadblog​

Maritza Palayta knew by now not to expect many visits for her, from anyone. She counted herself lucky if Belén decided to stop by once a month. Having her mother sitting in front of her now was something beyond shocking.

"Mom?" the word tumbled from Maritza's mouth before she could even finished thinking.

Veronica stood on the other side of the glass, her facial features not as readable as they once were. She didn't know what to make of her eldest daughter now. She'd been there for Maritza's sentencing, head held high but nothing but disapproving of Maritza. Never in Veronica's mind did she ever consider her daughter becoming a metahuman and much less a criminal.

"I didn't expect you to visit me..." Maritza said after a minute of awkward silence. "At all."

"Should I?" Veronica's tone was cold, but Maritza knew she deserved it. In her mother's perspective, she ruined their reputation in the police department both in Central City and in Starling City.

"I don't know," Maritza answered honestly. "I don't let Axel visit, and I'm lucky if Belén decides to give me the time of day, so...to what do I owe this visit?"

Veronica closed her eyes, sighing. "If you haven't seen Belén already, I think you know what my situation is right now..."

"Ah," Maritza slightly raised her head. "Are you still bothering Belén about my son's custody? You know I left instructions, written out legally, of who I wanted to look after my son, right?"

"Maritza, we both know that Belén is neither ready nor has the means to sustain herself and a child," Veronica remained adamant in that aspect. She viewed this as logically as she could and it was the simple truth. On her own, Belén was able to pay for herself and do her own things, but having a child was something completely life-changing. "You and I, we had our children at a decent age. At a time where we were physically, emotionally and economically ready to care for a child."

"Well, one of us was," Maritza corrected coldly. "Because I may have gone down the wrong path, killed people, but I was always there for my son no matter what. Can you say the same? Where the hell were you?"

"I accept my faults," Veronica lowered her gaze, surprising Maritza for a second there. She'd never won a small disagreement like that, ever. "And after seeing how each of my children have ended up...I realize I should've been there more. It's why I want to try and get close to Belén."

"Your words are nice but your actions say something else," Maritza sighed. "You want Belén, fine, but on your terms and that's not going to work, Mom. And that's the problem. Mom, I love you, I really do. In your own way I know you love us back but you are making the biggest mistake of your life. You lost Dad, Rayan, me...do you really want to lose Belén too?" Maritza so desired for her mother to see the errors she was making. She would want nothing more than the last remaining family of hers to be together.

Veronica swallowed hard and looked down. "I am trying-"

"No, you're fighting," Maritza corrected her softly. "Mom-" she laughed softly, "-stop fighting and help Belén instead. You think it doesn't kill me to know she's struggling because she has to raise my son? I wish nothing more than to change what I did, but I can't. But you...you still have a chance to mend your errors. You want to have a relationship with Belén? Prove to her that you are committed to seeing her perspective for once."

Maritza hoped her mother would heed her words because she was sure if Veronica kept going forth with her plan, Belén would never forgive her.

~ 0 ~

"So my mother has filed for custody of Axel," Belén sighed as she explained to Barry. The two were sitting on the steps of her front porch. Little by little, they had scooted closer to each other. "Like, she actually filed for it. I thought she was angry and bluffing but she wasn't. And you know she did it because I said 'no' to going back with her to Star City."

Barry was honestly shocked to hear what Veronica did. He never had the pleasure of meeting her and actually talking with her in a full conversation, but this was enough to put her on his bad list. "I'm so sorry Belén..."

Belén sighed and glanced at him with a sad smile. "I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to spread my depressive news to you."

Barry smiled back for a moment before assuring her everything was fine. He'd come by with the intention of asking her to lunch since they still hadn't had the chance of going on a date since their break up. But as soon as he'd taken a look at her face - which was after asking her to lunch - he saw something was wrong. And boy was he right.

He took her hand and gave it a gentle kiss. "We'll figure something out, Bells."

"C'mon. I'm 26 I don't know the first clue about being a pseudo-mother to a four year old. I'm selling my childhood house to keep up with bills. Maybe, on some level, my mom's right to file for custody..."

"You're doing everything you can, and you know what? If your mother is truly concerned then maybe she could help instead of doing...this!" Barry couldn't help the anger lacing his words the more he thought about Veronica's actions. "If she wants to fight, then let's make sure our fight is a damn good one."

Belén was smiling softly, and he had no idea why. The way he'd automatically joined her side with 'our fight' made her feel...warm. She missed that. A lot. "I'm glad you're around again."

The smile that came to Barry's face was automatic. His hand gripped hers and there was a moment where he thought he couldn't ever let go of her hand. "So am I."

"And...I'm sorry about the whole...date thing...I'm-"

"-I get it Bells," Barry reassured her again. "We can go another time."

"Are you sure?" Belén asked, still mighty guilty. It'd been some time since they technically were trying to be together again and it was rather hard to do when there were no dates involved.

"Yes! C'mon," Barry stood up and, with his hand still holding hers, made her get up as well. "Let's go to STAR Labs. Cisco might be done with the breach search, remember? Portals into another world might be something fun to see, you know..."

Belén dramatically sighed. "For nerds, I guess." Barry deadpanned her until she laughed. "Alright, let's go see this breach thing. I need to pick up Axel anyways."

~0~

Indeed Cisco had finished with the breach search and found quite more than he would've thought. Down in the basement of STAR Labs gathered the group save for Stein, Iris and Joe to look at the biggest breach of them all...which turned out to be out of 53 in the entire city. It resembled a blue, moving blob suspended in air over a small platform.

"Pretty amazing, isn't it?" Cisco couldn't stop looking at the breach.

"It looks like a blob," Belén crinkled her nose. Cisco immediately shot her a look of offence for diminishing the breach's worth.

"Still can't believe what I'm looking at," Jay admitted.

"52 breaches in Central City, and the biggest one just happens to be in our basement," Caitlin remarked, totally unsurprised by the turn of events.

"We need a name for it," Cisco popped a finger in the air.

"It's not a pet, dude," Barry's words meant nothing for Cisco who was already on a brainstorming path.

"No," professor Stein walked in carrying a squared monitor hanging on a strap, "It's a wormhole."

Caitlin immediately turned for the man. "Professor Stein, what are you doing? Your blood pressure is 147 over 82! You could pass out again."

Stein didn't look the least bit worried over his condition despite the fact he had collapsed a few days ago while giving the group a lecture. "Oh, it's merely a few points above the 140 average for someone my age. Besides, I have some ideas I would like to contribute to this discussion, Dr. Snow."

"And I want to hear them. This isn't just a wormhole. It's my way home," Jay reminded them all. "Back to Earth Two."

"Jay, you really think that we can use this as some kind of bridge from your world to ours?" asked Barry.

"Zoom uses the breaches. Why can't we?"

"We don't know how. Everything I put through just bounces back," Cisco sighed.

Axel, who had been left sitting at a nearby desk looked up from his drawings he was working on. "Can we throw more things!?" he excitedly asked.

Not even waiting for the answer, he grabbed his crayon box and hopped off his chair to run for the breach. He and Cisco had taken turns throwing things into the breach earlier to see if they would come back and he was mighty disappointed when Caitlin came in to tell them not to do it anymore. He liked seeing everything they threw be bounced back at them.

"Cisco!" Belén exclaimed as the boy made a beeline for the breach, his arm already raised to throw the crayon box.

"Got him!" Cisco snagged Axel of his feet as he passed by him.

"Aw," Axel frowned. Everyone laughed at the young boy.

"I can't believe you," Belén shook her head at Cisco for yet again teaching something wrong to her nephew.

"If Zoom's using these breaches to transport people from Earth Two, maybe it takes a speedster," Barry suddenly theorized and gave a smirk.

"Barry don't-" Belén didn't get to finish when he sped out of the room. "He wouldn't…" she dared to think that Barry wouldn't be that impulsive.

But...Jay knew better. "Yeah, he is," he answered with eyes shut.

A second later, Barry sped into the room straight for the breach only to be thrown backwards. He landed in a small roll on the floor and groaned. "Maybe I'm not fast enough."

This time it was only Axel who burst into laughter. "Boom! Barry went boom!"

"Yeah!" Cisco gave him a high-five, missing Barry throwing them a mini-glare as he got back on his feet.

"I don't believe your speed is the entirety of the issue, Barry. It might be the breach's stability or lack thereof," Stein hypothesized more correctly.

"He's right," Jay nodded. "We need to think of the breach as a door, and on Earth Two, there's another door. In between, we have a hallway, but the hallway's constantly shifting, twisting, collapsing upon itself. And the doors keep moving with it."

"So we stabilize the door, we stabilize the hallway," Cisco understood the idea.

"And then I can jump through it," Barry beamed.

"Exactly, it would serve as a kind of cannon," Jay smiled but no one like Cisco.

"A speed cannon. Mm. We should hang out more," Cisco pointed at him, making the others laugh.

"Alright," Stein cut into the laughter. "No more tests today. All of you are leaving now, as am I. Cherish the gift of youth as I will go cherish my much needed nap." He motioned the entire group to get going. "Clarissa's already on her way to pick me up. Why not go get some coffee?"

"That is a fantastic idea!" Cisco agreed, already rubbing his hands together at the thought of some sweet coffee. "Jitters anyone?"

"You paying?" Belén teased.

"Can I get some chocolate milk?" Axel rushed up to Belén with his own hands put together. When Belén saw that she sighed do deeply.

"You have got to stop spending so much time with Cisco, buddy."

The others snickered while Cisco let out a mighty offended gasp with a hand over his chest.

~0~

Iris joined the group for some midday coffee and was excited to hear about the breach discovery, though not so much after she learned there 53 in their city. While Barry went to get their coffee, the others remained at the table chatting. Belén, however, was pulled away from the conversation when her phone started ringing. Seeing it was her mother calling, she dumped her phone into her purse and decided to go help Barry bring back their drinks.

"Need some help?" she asked him.

"Still waiting," Barry motioned to the barista running behind the counter. "You okay?" he noticed her anxious expression.

"Yeah," she said a bit too fast to be convincing. "Mom's calling and all."

"And you're not going to answer?"

"Not if I don't trust myself not to shout."

Barry thought that was fair enough. He pressed a kiss to her temple and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, bringing her closer to him. Belén smiled to herself and got to thinking about the fact they hadn't really kissed either.

What kind of getting-back-together is this? Belén wondered if Barry had thought about it too. If he had, then he was being really good about it.

"Order 20!" A barista slid a coffee on the counter then hurried to continue with other orders.

A blonde woman leaned on the couple's side to reach for her drink then offered a shy smile at them once they could see her clearly. Only a couple days were needed to learn that Patty Spivot was a shy woman.

"Hey guys," she greeted with a wave of her free hand. She seemed far more cheery than when they first met her (separately). It stemmed from the fact she was finally on the metahuman task force at the precinct.

"Hey, Patty," Barry greeted. He looked down at Belén and realized he never introduced them, not that they didn't know each other already. "Oh, this is-"

Belén chuckled and lowered his gesturing hand before he could finish. "We already know each other, don't we?" she looked at Patty who laughed as well.

"Yeah, she's the one that gave me the advice to continue hassling Joe for a spot on the task force."

"I've been meaning to congratulate you, actually," Belén said. "Barry told me Joe let you in. I'm sure you'll be great."

Patty sheepishly smiling. "I'm hoping." Her smile sort of faltered when she noticed Belén's injured arm was...no longer injured. "Sorry, um...how's your arm?"

"Hm?" Belén quickly looked at her perfect arms. Her metahuman abilities kicked in and aided her in healing quicker than a normal human.

"Oh, um, it's fine. It's still a little sore but since the bullet didn't actually hit my arm it healed quicker," Belén cleared her throat and looked at the counter that was being filled with their drinks. Patty seemed to buy it since she gave an 'oh' and smiled about it.

As Barry tried gathering all of the, together, Belén laughed and decided to help. "Bells, it's hot," he said and then motioned to her hands.

"Oh shut up," she playfully rolled her eyes and took at two cups. She glanced back at Patty who was taking a sip of her coffee. "Do you want to have some coffee with us?"

Patty's eyes snapped back to the two. "Hm? Oh, no thanks," she shook her head. "I was stopping here on my way to work. Another day? I owe you for your help."

"Sure," Belén beamed at the idea.

"Great," Patty stepped aside to let the two get on with their coffee.

"C'mon," Belén led Barry away. "I like her."

"I do too. She's lively and she knows her way around a crime scene," Barry said, missing Belén's sarcastic glance.

"Hmm, young, pretty, blonde and a nerd? Should I be worried?"

"Wh-what!?" At that point he nearly did dropped the cups in his hands. "I-I no! That's...that's not at all what I meant, Bells!"

Belén laughed as they approached their table.

"What's with you two?" Iris eyed them.

"Oh, nothing, just teasing Barry on his new girlfriend," Belén said calmly as she took her seat next to Axel.

"She's not-" Barry began rather adamantly before he realized this was just another play of hers. He sighed and shook his head. "That's not funny," he pointed at her with a stern finger.

"Seems pretty funny from my end," she said slyly and picked up her coffee.

"Hey, you guys think Professor Stein is okay, right?" Caitlin didn't even pick up her own cup before thinking yet again on Professor Stein. "I mean, Clarissa would call if there was anything wrong."

"Yeah, of course," Barry said to her, but apparently it wasn't enough to convince her.

She grabbed her phone and started getting up. "All right. I'm just gonna call and check in. I'll be back."

"Uh- I don't see that call going well," Cisco said right before he started imitating Stein. "Young lady, these repeated intrusions are interrupting what should be a speedy recov-" but in the midst of his mockery he bumped into a passing brunette woman. "Oh, I'm so sorry."

The brunette looked up and revealed herself as Lisa Snart who answered in her usual flirty tone. "Don't apologize. You can bump into me any day, Cisco."

"Lisa Snart," Cisco's eyes widened.

"Oh, hell no," Belén said outright annoyed. Meanwhile, Barry tried hiding behind his coffee cup.

"You here to double-cross us again, or are you and your big bro holding up coffee shops now?" asked Cisco.

"Auntie Belén," Axel once again tugged on her good arm. "Who's she?"

"Someone who needs to go," Belén answered loudly for Lisa to get the point. "I would think you and your brother would stay away from places where there's children present."

Lisa didn't respond in her usual snarky tone. "I need your help," she said instead.

"In your dreams, Sister Cold," Cisco nearly laughed.

"I think her brain was finally frozen," Belén stared at the woman. "You do realize we could call in the Flash and the Azalea at any moment, right?"

Lisa nodded. "Call him. I know you two have a thing, so call him."

Barry nearly choked on his coffee while Belén gaped. Iris just smirked - she kinda liked this Lisa Snart.

"Unbelievable," Belén looked away, her face rather warm. "Was it that obvious?"

Her response was a very loud scoff from Iris.

Cisco had been studying Lisa in the meanwhile and had noticed something was just off with her. There was an actual shred of fear sitting in her eyes, and...concern? Was that even possible in a Snart?

"You really want us to call then," he said in realization.

"I need their help too," Lisa confessed. "My brother's been kidnapped."

~ 0 ~

Of course very curious to see what Lisa meant, the group took her back to STAR Labs to get the full story. However, both Belén and Barry made the excuse they had to go take Axel somewhere else - they may have forgotten their excuse as soon as Lisa was gone with Caitlin and Cisco. Instead, they let Iris take Axel and the two beat the trio to STAR Labs to get changed.

"I saw it happen," Lisa swore. She stood in the middle of the cortex, explaining her situation to the group before they would send her off. "Last night, Lenny, me, and Mick were knocking over the cashier's cage at Central City Racetrack-"

"Does it physically pain your family not to rob people?" Belén blamed herself for being so surprised when she knew she was dealing with a family of criminals.

Lisa rolled her eyes. "I never finished the job. After Mick torched through the side entrance, I looked back for Lenny and saw him getting thrown into the back of a van."

"And why didn't you and Mick follow?" asked Barry.

"I would have. Someone hit me from behind and knocked me out," Lisa gestured to her head. "When I came to, Lenny was gone, and Mick already made off with the cash."

"How do we know this isn't some kind of a trap?" Cisco logically wondered.

"If Lenny wanted Flash dead, he would have let Mardon, Simmons, and Bivolo take that honor, remember?"

"Yeah, I remember," Barry mumbled, thinking of it as yet another logical reason not to help them again.

"Good. Then you'll also recall that you owe Lenny a favor for saving your life. Time to make good on that debt."

"Even if we wanted to help, how are we supposed to find him?" Barry asked honestly.

Cisco turned on his feet and walked for the desk. "Not a problem. See, when I rebuilt the cold gun, I didn't have time to place a tracker on it, so I devised a method of locating it by borrowing some military technology." He started typing on the computer. "See, the gun works the same as thermal imaging, only instead of infrared heat signatures, it's looking for ultraviolet cold signatures. Whoa, look at that. The gun's UV thermal reading was last picked up at 5th and Hoyt eight minutes ago."

"All right. Let's see if you're a liar," Barry said to Lisa before speeding out.

"I'm not," Lisa argued but he had already left.

"That's debatable," Belén said under her breath, but not as quiet as she thought because Lisa had heard perfectly.

As it turned out, Cisco was right on where to find Snart. However, they did not account for Snart being with his father. As a result, Barry ended up being nearly frozen to death. Thanks to Cisco's new addition to the suit, the ice melted into nothing and he was able to return to STAR Labs where he had half a mind to tell Lisa Snart off.

"So your brother was not kidnapped. He was pulling a job with your father," he sourly informed Lisa upon arriving.

Lisa was nothing but confused. "What? No, Lenny would never do that."

"Oh, just like he would never try and kill The Flash with his cold gun?" Belén pretended to think. "Do you know your brother?"

Lisa still couldn't get over the confusion. It was the first clue that perhaps she wasn't lying to them. "Are you sure it was my dad?"

Cisco pulled up a reference file of her father. Caitlin walked over to the computer hanging on the wall. "That's him. Lewis Snart. Convicted of larceny, armed robbery, aggravated assault, assault with a deadly weapon."

"You have to believe me," Lisa pleaded. "Lenny would never work with him," she then added, like it was a secret no one in the room knew, "He's a bad guy."

"Did you miss the memo or something?" Belén honestly wondered if Lisa was just pretending she and her family weren't criminals. She was aware she was being ruder than usual but when it came to the Snarts she had no control.

"Why should we trust anything you say?" Caitlin crossed her arms.

Lisa stared at them a minute and then pulled on her jacket and blouse's collar to reveal a long scar running around the side of her neck. "I didn't get this scar being a criminal. I got it being a daughter," she mumbled and walked away.

The others, feeling a bit guilty, meant to follow her and get her back when Cisco stopped them. "Let me go. I got this," he made a gesture and left the room.

"I have to get to work," Belén knew she couldn't last long in the same room as a Snart. She was going to crack. "Every time I see a Snart all I think of is my sister's secret. Maybe the Azalea can take a rain check here."

"Don't worry," Barry said, understanding this wasn't one of her best moments. "We'll call you if something comes up."

Belén thanked him for it and took her leave. However when Barry got to thinking what she was planning on doing at work, he followed her out to the elevators.

"Uh, Bells, hold on a minute," his call stopped her in time. "About that article you, Linda and Iris are doing..."

Belén nodded, already knowing where this was going. She'd talked to him and the others about what they were doing and needless to say he was a little concerned with her decision.

"Barry, it'll be fine," she tried to say but he just couldn't agree so easily.

"I just don't think it's a good idea looking at where we are right now," he sighed. "You wanting to be the Azalea isn't the problem here, you know..."

"I do," Belén agreed, crossing her arms. "But if I live my life in fear because someone from another world decided to hunt me down...I'll never be happy."

"Datura is hunting you down for whatever reason and you letting the city know that the Azalea is alive might just give her more fuel to hurt you."

"Either way, Barry, she's coming to hurt me," Belén stepped closer to him, putting on her best encouraging smile for him. "Might as well let her know who she's dealing with."

Barry's lips briefly quirked into a smile. He loved hearing her so brave and sure of herself. He didn't want to be the reason it disappeared, but he just wished he could stop worrying so much.

~ 0 ~

Belén met with Linda to look over their almost finished draft. Since it was Iris' day off, they wanted to have everything finished for tomorrow so they could just give it another proofread and turn it in.

"This is really good," Linda said after reading some of Belén's lines. "Your perspective on the Azalea's disappearance is really interesting."

"Thanks," Belén felt a little ridiculous for taking a comment about a piece she did about herself. "I just think the city should wonder if this woman was away for so long then maybe it's for a big reason."

"I think they'll believe it," Linda said with absolute certainty. "And you know what, maybe reading this might encourage the Azalea to come back."

Belén smiled at their draft. "I think so."

"Belén?"

Belén inwardly groaned when she heard her mother's voice. "Mom," she turned away from her desk to find Veronica approaching her. "Seriously? You can't do this at my job-"

But Veronica calmly raised a hand to stop her. "I'm not here to argue. I want to talk. For real."

Admittedly this did stump Belén for a minute. Her mother seemed calm, calmer than any time she'd seen her as of late.

"You can talk in the conference room," Linda suggested, nodding her head towards the empty room behind her. "No one will bother you there."

"Thank you," Veronica told her before walking towards the room, leaving not much of a choice for Belén.

"I'll be back soon," Belén promised Linda then followed her mother. She closed the glass doors and readied herself for whatever her mother threw at her.

"Bells, your mother's here…" Caitlin's eyes were widened as a gesture that she was pretty nervous of Veronica's appearance.

"Belén, please. I have a proposition," Veronica came out with it in one go, however Belén had a different idea of what she meant by a proposition.

"If it's me and Axel getting out of the city then you can forget-"

"I want to stay," Veronica surprised Belén so much that for the next minute Veronica had free range in the conversation to say what she needed to. "I've been going wrong about this, and I get it, and I'm sorry. I'm just...I've lost my kids, and not just from the divorce, but from life. Rayan's gone, Maritza's gone, even David's gone. And I thought that staying away was the best thing. I've always done better when I'm alone..."

"How'd that work out for you this time?" Belén crossed her arms, unable to keep her resentment at bay. "Because for us it didn't go too well."

"I was wrong," Veronica knew those three words would become part of her daily vocabulary. "I have never been very good at expressing my feelings and when I do they're always in the wrong manner. But you just have to know that I do love you, okay? You're my daughter, how could I not?"

"I have never doubted that," Belén said quietly, shifting on her feet. "But you have never, ever, tried to see things from another person's perspective. Everything always has to be your way or it just blows up."

"I know, I see that now," Veronica nodded her head. "That's why I want to stay here in the city, and change, so that I can be that mother you need. I know things will never be perfect, but I want to try."

"You say that now but by Sunday you'll be back to your regular self," Belén remarked.

"Not this time. I mean it. I already made calls to SCPD to transfer here."

Belén's eyes widened. "You...you did that?"

"Mhm. I'm hoping to get transferred here, at the CCPD. And look," Veronica went back to her purse where she pulled out a manila folder, "this is something else I think could be good for both of us." She walked up to Belén and held out the folder.

Eyes glued on her mother, Belén took the folder and opened it up. She skimmed a couple of lines which resulted in a contract...and proposition?

"What the hell is this?" she looked up.

"I want to buy the house off you," Veronica declared. Belén's mouth fell open once again. "It's clear you and I can't live together, and maybe it's for the best now. You're a young woman who, as you've said, is trying to make her life now. You're selling the house and I would like to buy it."

Belén's eyes nearly popped out from her head from how wide they were.

"And-" Veronica continued with a gesture that Belén should keep looking through the papers, "-I want you to sign Axel's custody over to me, but-" she raised a finger when she saw Belén opening her mouth to argue, "-with conditions. I honestly don't think you are ready to take on the responsibility of a child. It's not that I think you are incapable. I just think you're too young for this."

"I am-"

"Belén please just stop being stubborn and view things logically for a moment," Veronica pleaded. Belén snapped shut the folder but adhered to the request. "You're at the starting point of your life. You just had an accident, your job is barely beginning, and I even hear you're starting a relationship again, and all that gets complicated when you have a child to look after. Tell me you haven't gone crazy looking for babysitters? Axel goes to school now and that can't be easy when it's only three hours a day. Plus, I can't imagine the sleepless nights you've had trying to look after him. He's four and he doesn't have his mother anymore. I know you're trying, but...it has to be hard for you, right?"

Belén bit her lip, her initial annoyance subsiding when she got to thinking. Of course there'd been days where she just couldn't find someone to look after Axel while she went to train for the aerial show or even just to go to work. There were sleepless nights that often had her nearly falling asleep at work. Then there were moments that she just didn't know how to talk to Axel, especially when he asked about Maritza.

"I'm not trying to take Axel away from you. On the contrary, I want to stay here in the city, live in the old house with Axel where you and I can make plans to see each other more often. I'm going to get old eventually," Veronica smiled lightly, "And when that time comes, you'll probably have a family of your own and then you'll know how to care for Axel and your children. It'll be your decision to have them."

Belén re-opened the folder to look things over again. Her mind was fumbling with different ideas but they were all screaming at her to agree. This was the closest thing her mother had ever done to benefit her and Belén couldn't find it in her to disagree when her mother seemed to be honest. Because in the end, she did love her mom and she did want to form some sort of relationship before it was too late.

~ 0 ~

Returning to STAR Labs (as the Azalea), Belén came to quite a sight. Lisa was sitting on a stool with Barry and Caitlin, the former as the Flash and holding some sort of whirring device in front of Lisa's neck.

"What in the hell is going on here?" Belén walked over to them.

"There's a bomb inside Lisa's that her father put," Caitlin responded then moved on to tell Barry, "Once you hold it steady with the magnet, I can surgically excise it."

Cisco came running into the room shouting for them to stop. "Put the magnet down! This is a really concentrated bomb. It's gonna combust if it's exposed to magnetic friction and an oxidant."

Caitlin and Barry retracted one large step away from Lisa who shared the same confused face as Belén.

"In English please?" Belén asked them.

"Air. Uh, the bomb will explode if it comes in contact with air," Barry replied.

"Scientific minds. Can we confer, please?" Cisco motioned to be followed into a side room.

"Yeah, I'm not scientific but I don't want to be near her," Belén mumbled and flashed an apologetic smile at Lisa. "This time no offence."

For once Lisa smiled back.

"What if Flash speed extracts it?" Caitlin wondered once they were in a separate room.

"Nope, it's too risky," Cisco shook his head. "I'm gonna find a way to get it out. I just need a little time."

"But you could lose track of Snart and his dad," Belén pointed out.

"I wish we knew what he was gonna steal next and when," Barry said, thinking. It only took a moment for an idea to pop into his head. "Maybe I can get them to tell me. Their tech guy is dead, so I'm betting they're gonna need a new one. I should infiltrate Lewis' crew."

Belén burst into a fit of laughter but abruptly stopped when she met Barry's offended face. "Oh, you weren't kidding?"

"No, I wasn't," Barry frowned.

"You're gonna pretend to be a criminal?" even Caitlin was surprised of the idea.

"How hard can it be?" Barry shrugged, not thinking about it too much.

"How do I say it nicely…?" Belén mumbled, thinking for a minute before coming up with, "...you're kind of a dork."

Barry tilted his head at her. Was this the best she could come up with? And she was trying to be nice. "Well, as long as you're being nice."

Belén smiled. "You know I mean that affectionately, but...you just have a thing about you that screams…"

"Nerd?" Cisco finished, or blurted.

Belén laughed again. "That's the word!"

Barry shook his head at them. "Thanks guys, really."

"Oh, c'mon," Belén couldn't stop laughing however and so Barry left the room before they added more to his apparent persona.

~0~

"He actually went through with it," Belén couldn't say she was surprised Barry went through with his idea to pretend to be a criminal and tag along with Snart and his dad.

Caitlin laughed as the two walked for the cortex holding respective cups of coffee in their hands. "I think he might have done it just to prove us wrong."

When the two women returned to the cortex Cisco had devised a new way to retrieve the bomb from inside Lisa. He had fashioned a gun-like device with a fitted clear tube sticking above from it.

"What exactly are you gonna do to me with that thing?" Lisa hadn't stopped staring at the big gun she knew was going to be aimed at her pretty soon.

"Operating pressure on this is over 1,000 PSI. This will easily suck the micro-bomb out of your neck and into the barrel of this with one high-powered sho," Cisco tapped the top of the gun. "There is one slight risk."

"Besides shooting a high-powered weapon directly against my neck? "

"The gun does use compressed air," Cisco admitted and looked at the other two women.

Lisa reached a hand on his arm and softly said. "I trust you, Cisco."

"Maybe that's one thing we have in common," Belén smiled at Cisco. "Do your thing. But, uh...we'll be over here," she gestured to herself, Axel and Caitlin.

Cisco nodded a thanks and moved a bit to the side to finish the last bit of the gun. Almost at the same time, Belén's cellphone went off. She took it and walked to the side to take Iris' call, not that she had much of a conversation since Iris was in a fit.

"Bells? I need you!" Iris blurted frantically, worrying Belén she was in trouble.

"What? What is it!?"

"It's just...my dad told me that...that my Mom was actually alive and-"

"He what?" Belén's mouth fell open. "She's...like...breathing-alive?"

"Oh yeah, the whole thing. Please, I just...I really need someone I can talk to with 'mom problems'. Didn't even know I could have those," she mumbled in the end.

"Y-yeah, don't worry. Are you home?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I'll be right over," Belén promised and hung up. "I have to go but I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Is everything alright?" Caitlin asked once she detected something was off in Belén's tone.

"Yeah, um...I hope," Belén pushed herself up from her chair. "I'll be back later, promise."

"We'll handle things," Caitlin assured.

Belén thanked her once more and hurried to find Iris. Like the woman had said, Iris was sitting at home completely alone. She had Axel coloring at the dining table actually quiet. She had pulled up several of her old albums that happened to contain some of her mother's pictures. It was all completely crazy to her. First, she thought her mother was dead and now apparently Francine was more than alive. But then...her father told her that Francine was dying. How was she supposed to think when there was all that behind it?

She nearly jumped from the couch when she heard someone knocking. She opened it up and was relieved to find Belén on the other side. "Thanks for coming, Bells."

"Yeah, of course," Belén walked in but not before giving her a hug. "I can't believe your mom's alive."

"Me neither," Iris said and closed the door. "I didn't have anyone to talk to about this. I mean, I tried getting through to Barry but he wasn't answering-"

"Oh, he's off being a criminal," Belén waved that off and headed into the living room. Iris made a face behind but filed that under 'ask later'.

"Bells, I'm so confused. I saw her today," Iris stopped by the couch, allowing Belén to sit down first. Belén reached for an open photo album with a picture of a baby Iris and her mother. "Like...she was there, and…" Iris shook her head, still unable to believe it.

"How is she?" Belén thought to ask.

"She's...put together," Iris took a seat beside her. "My Dad said that...she used to be a drug addict. She was put together and I told her...to go away. That's what I said to her."

"I think that's completely understandable. I mean, if she left…"

"Oh, she left," Iris said with a bit of resentment in her tone. "She just got up and left and then suddenly decided she wanted to see me again." But even then Iris knew that wasn't the complete truth. "She's...sick. That's what she told my dad. But...I don't know if I can believe her. She's made my dad lie this whole time who knows what comes out of her mouth now."

"Well, you're a reporter, research her," Belén instructed. "You're the daughter of a cop, and a badass of a reporter. This is your perfect talent. Use it."

"And if it turns out to be true?" Iris asked quietly. "If my mom...is dying...what do I do?"

"I can't tell you what to do," Belén shook her head. "I mean, you see the problems I'm having with my own mother, but if Francine came back at this moment...she probably wanted to make amends before she…" made a gesture and sighed. "But you have to be really committed. You can't do it out of guilt. It's okay if you don't want to know her because the truth of the matter is, while biologically she's your mother...she was never A a mother to you. I think she would understand that."

Iris nodded. "Yeah," she mumbled.

Belén stared at her for a minute before reaching over and hugging her again. "Come here!" Iris smiled as she was rocked a bit by the woman. "If you want we could research together."

Iris truly thought about it for a minute but went against it in the end. "I need to do it alone. But thank you so much."

"Don't worry, I understand," Belén nodded her head. "But you also need to understand that I'm gonna hug you for five more minutes."

Iris laughed.

~ 0 ~

At one point in the heist he was being forced to pull, Barry wondered how he would rub it in Belén's face that his plan had gone right so far. She thought he was too dorky to actually play off being a trained techy criminal. She so owed him, that much he knew.

Now as the Flash, he appeared to Snart and his father right at the end of their heist, ready to stop them. Both of them were getting ready to leave the vault with all the diamonds they found.

"Only place you're going is back to Iron Heights, Lewis," Barry spat at the older man he really disliked, and not just because he had shot him five minutes ago.

Snart raised his cold gun at Barry but did not shoot. Lewis, on the other hand, just smiled. "Ah, you wanna bet?"

That was the question wasn't it? Barry raised a hand to his earpod. "Do I wanna bet?

"Do not bet!" he immediately heard Cisco's shout. "Give me a minute."

"Tell me this, what kind of man puts a bomb in his own daughter?" Barry started to ask, hoping Cisco wouldn't be too long.

"A very rich man," Lewis smirked. "Shoot him, son." But as Snart failed to do so, Lewis pulled out a small, silver device that Barry assumed was the controller of the bomb inside Lisa. "Kill him or you'll never see your sister alive."

Barry wondered how this could play out where both he and Lisa got out alive. Thankfully, he didn't have to think for too long before he heard Cisco's 'okay'.

"Lisa's safe," he told Snart. Almost on reflex, Snart redirected his cold gun at his father and shot him square in the chest.

Lewis fell on his knees with nearly his entire body covered in ice. "You're working with The Flash? I thought you hated him?"

"Not as much as I... hate you," Snart responded, almost trembling from the hatred he felt for the man now dead on the floor.

Barry cautiously moved up to Snart and gently pulled the cold gun from his hands - to which the other man didn't even fight for. "Lisa was safe. Why did you do that?"

Snart looked up with cold eyes. "He broke my sister's heart. Only fair I break his."

~0~

With the Snarts' dilemma finished - however badly it was - the rest of the team called it a day. Belén hadn't stopped by STAR Labs anymore due to the time, so she left Iris' place with Axel and returned home. She put Axel to bed, with the promise that things would be looking better for them now. He was certainly excited to learn his grandmother would be staying in the city. His excitement deterred his sleep but eventually, after two or three bedtime stories, Belén got him to fall asleep.

She had to admit, the idea of having her mother around - on good terms - was something that made her smile.

Her thoughts about the new arrangement were interrupted when she found her dining table decorated with candles and dinner she'd most certainly hadn't cooked. (She may or may not have bought Axel take out and called it dinner).

"This is a surprise," she admitted when she saw Barry standing next to the table. He was holding one azalea in his hand and was wearing a nice outfit.

"The many perks of being a speedster means I can basically be a ninja," Barry smirked which just made her laugh. He moved up to her and held the azalea out for her. "I know we didn't have a chance for a nice date outside and I know it's just harder for you right now, so...I thought maybe a house-date might work better."

"House date," Belén repeated with a soft chuckle. "Thank you for that." She took her azalea from his hand and gave it a sniff. "And thank you for my flower. My deadly, poisonous flower."

"Yeah, keep that away from Axel..."

Belén playfully rolled her eyes and gazed at the dinner table. "Thank you for this. All of it. I really love it. I'm just sad I'm not better dressed."

"What are you talking about? You're looking lovely as usual," Barry dramatically gestured at her.

"Barry, stop," Belén laughed but Barry continued on with his compliments, from her hair to her shoes. Eventually she managed to quiet him down only to keep Axel from waking up.

The two sat close to each other at the table and started on their dinner. It was from the same restaurant they visited on their first date.

"Good points, Mr. Allen," Belén pointed her fork at Barry. "Only this time I'm not going to spit anything out."

Barry nearly laughed when he remembered her spitting out a spicy meal she'd ordered on their first date. "I thought it was cute."

"It was awful. I'm surprised you didn't walk out there and then," Belén reached for a sip of her drink.

"Why would I? You were gorgeous then, and now I know you're the best thing that could ever happen to me."

Belén lowered her fork for a moment to smile at him. "You're smooth tonight. Thanks."

"I'm just glad you're smiling again," Barry passed a finger under her chin, widening her smile.

It was then that Belén realized she hadn't told him about her mother's latest visit that day. "My mom stopped by again..."

"Oh, Belén..." Barry figured Veronica pushed her again and was prepared to comfort her.

"No! Um...things actually got better," Belén felt weird just saying that sentence about her mother. She was so used to always having problems with Veronica. "She um, she...she made a proposition. She's buying the house from me. She's going to live here, actually, with Axel."

"She still made you give up custody?"

"No, uuh...I agreed," Belén nodded. She drew in a big breath before explaining her reasoning. "I love my nephew, I do, but I'm fully aware that I'm not ready to take care of him nor any child for that matter. I'm trying my best but if things keep going the way the were...I'm going to drown, Barry. I'm just...I'm not ready for it and I just want Axel to be okay..."

Barry set his hands on her shoulders to keep her from going into a long ramble that would eventually turn her face purple due to lack of oxygen. "I get it. You don't need to explain it to me."

"I don't want you to think I'm giving him up like if he were nothing."

"I would never think that. I've seen firsthand how much you love him. If you're making this choice it's because you're sure Axel is going to be okay. He's going to be good."

"I think he will be," Belén said with absolute certainty. "Mom's transferring to the precinct so she'll be around. Who knows, maybe this is our chance at actually having a relationship."

"I'm really happy for you, Bells," Barry said, taking his hands off her shoulders. "I'm glad Veronica finally came to her senses."

"Well..." Belén cleared her throat. Barry noticed her shifting on her chair and wondered what else she had to say. "She didn't come up with it entirely on her own. Maritza...actually inspired her." Barry's eyebrows raised together in shock. "I know," Belén chuckled lightly. "I was just as surprised as you were. Mom told me she visited Maritza and that Maritza basically called her out on everything."

"I mean...that was..." Barry couldn't even find the proper words to commend Maritza for her actions. It certainly brought a lot of happiness for Belén and that made him see Maritza in a new light.

"I'm thankful," Belén bit her lip nervously. "I'm basically getting a second chance with my Mom thanks to Maritza."

"I'm happy for you, a lot," Barry smiled.

Belén stared at him for a minute with a soft smile. "Yeah, things are finally getting better for me."

She got up from her chair and surprised Barry by sitting on his lap. She looped an arm around his neck and pressed her lips to his for a kiss. It was a much awaited kiss that was filled with feelings - some of those feelings were from the very day they'd broken up. Barry wrapped an arm of his around Belén's waist, keeping her steady as well keeping her close to his body. His free hand came to rest on her cheek and repeatedly stroked circles over her skin with his thumb.

They remained like that for a couple minutes until they felt their feelings for each other had been rekindled.

They gazed at each other with the same dazed smiles until someone spoke up.

"I need more dates like this," Belén spoke for the two of them.

Barry thought the same thing and went ahead and kissed her again.

Dinner was pushed back for a couple minutes.