#'You're going to teach me Italian so I can flirt with your brother.']]

[angel-dust-addict]

Angel looked startled at Alastor speaking Italian to him, but that expression only stayed for a moment before the spider eased into a wide, warm smile. He leaned in to kiss Alastor briefly, then pressed his forehead against the deer's and replied, "Sei il mio tutto. Love ya, too, Smiles."

He leaned into Alastor's hand on his cheek. The affection was nice. It was reassuring. Alastor made him feel safe, and that was something he hadn't had much of in a very long time. It was incredibly helpful that he had reason to trust that Alastor wouldn't harm him. The Italian, too, was a nice surprise. Even if Alastor only knew a few phrases - Angel wasn't quite sure exactly how much he knew - it showed he cared enough to learn at least that.

The spider made a mental note that he should pester Husk about teaching him French. He spoke a little Spanish from his time living in DUMBO. That had been reinforced by the nearly half a century he had spent with Valentino. The moth spoke a different dialect than the men he had known all those decades ago in Brooklyn, but it was still Spanish. But Angel didn't really speak any French at all.

Angel didn't realize just how incensed the song had Alastor. That was likely a good thing, though. He relaxed against the deer, holding him more loosely than before, but settling comfortably against him.

With a soft sigh, he laid his head back on the stag's should and told Alastor, "I got a few Val'd've killed me for. I'm usually pretty careful what I let him hear. But it's... a good way ta vent, ya know? Fa' a long time, I lived in tha studio. Didn't really have anybody outside, didn't have anyplace ta go, didn't even have an excuse ta leave half tha time. It was just... nothin' but work. An' Val. Fuckin' bastard was just there, all tha fuckin' time. Even when I wasn't livin' wit' 'im, I may as well'a been, ya know? Wasn't a door in that place'd keep him out if he decided he wanted somethin'. An' that was it. Fa' a few years there, that was all I had. Started writin' songs about it just ta pretend like I had somebody I could talk to. Probably would'a lost my damn mind othahwise."

That explanation was pathetic, but it was honest. That had been how he had survived the years between moving out of the penthouse and fleeing the studio. He hadn't had any safe outlet for his emotions, so he had created one. He hadn't been able to look at Alastor while he gave his explanation and he still didn't raise his head now. He knew there would be no judgement there, but on the off chance, he didn't think he could take it.

Angel cuddled in a little closer as Alastor draped the blanket over him. He appreciated the thought behind it. He picked his head up when Alastor mentioned drinking something. That did sound like it might be a good idea, and since Alastor had solved the problem of having to move...

He picked up the glass and took a sip of it. It was warm and he could taste the bit of lemon in it. But it seemed to be nothing more than that. He drained the glass quickly, though he just held onto the glass and leaned into Alastor a bit.

"I got some other stuff I don't do at tha club," he offerred. Alastor had mentioned Angel singing to him again. So now that he had had something to drink, he carefully leaned over and set the glass down before taking up the notebook again.

He flipped through it, glancing at the lyrics to various songs and judging how complete they were. He finally stopped on one that wasn't terribly old, but it was old enough to be complete. It wasn't nearly as upbeat as the others he had sung, but given Alastor's comments about his music coming from a place of authenticity, he felt it might be okay.

This time, he didn't sit up much at all. He stayed leaning into Alastor, although he didn't look at the smaller demon. His voice was soft this time and lacked the ferocity the other songs had had. "Don't think I can take it. With every drama a piece'a me dies. Like some kind'a sadist I think that he likes ta see tha pain in my eyes. He knows that I'm lovesick. He kissed me an' promised me I'd be alright. We both know it's bullshit. The longer I'm wit' him, the less I'm alive."

His primary eyes slipped closed as he moved into the first bridge. "Doctor's on tha otha' line 'cause he's not comin' home tanight an' I just took my very last pill. Need somethin' ta numb tha pain, demons knockin' on my brain, I think they're comin' in fa' tha kill."

As he moved on to the chorus, he managed to both sit a little straighter, but also press himself a little closer against Alastor. "Nine one one, I need someone. My baby plays me like a game, I'm not havin' fun. Nine one one, tell him he's why my heart is always achin' an' I gotta be done. 'Cause I~ I~ I~ gotta lose my guy or I~ I~ I'm gonna lose my mind."

He took a deep breath in and out again, turning his head to hide his face against Alastor's hair for a moment. And then he was back into the second verse. "You must think dat I'm crazy. Well he does too, so I guess that makes three. Need someone ta save me. I'd really appreciate if you'd intervene."

He leaned his head against Alastor's and kept it there as he moved into the second bridge. "Doctor's on tha otha' line 'cause he's not comin' home tanight. Can't seem ta find my bottle'a pills. Swear ta god I'm not insane. Tha voices only say his name when I'm startin' ta think that dey're him."

And then he was back into the chorus. He had taken on an even more pleading tone now. "Nine one one, I need someone. My baby plays me like a game, I'm not havin' fun. Nine one one, tell him he's why my heart is always achin' an' I gotta be done. 'Cause I~ I~ I~ gotta lose my guy or I~ I~ I'm gonna lose my mind."

That chorus repeated once more before Angel settled back down to rest his head on Al's shoulder. Very softly, his primary eyes still closed, Angel explained, "I, uh, ain't eva' let Val hear dat one. He'd be pissed."

He was still trembling, still huddled as close against Alastor as he could manage. The chills were still going strong. He was doing his best, though, to simply ignore the symptoms of withdrawal. He wasn't completely successful, but he very distinctly did not want to talk about it.

Finally, he opened his eyes, watching the deer quietly without lifting his head. He did hope Alastor would understand. This song was older than his residence at the hotel. It was from a point when walking out into the fray on E-Day was starting to sound like a good idea. He'd been getting desperate. Putting up with Val's demands all the time had had him at his wits end. It was around that time that he'd confirmed yet again that overdosing didn't stick in Hell.

[addthespaghetti]

The Holiday Blues

shorter than what i normally write because i wrote this quickly to help cope with my dislike for the holiday season.

warnings: family drama, sickeningly sweet fluff, angst (kinda), and flirting

650+ words

The holiday season is hard for you. Having to visit family that you know doesn't support your sexuality, but they act like they do. Not being able to bring your girlfriend to Thanksgiving or Christmas, unlike your brothers, because you know it will cause tension between you and your father. Being forced to listen to your ignorant father talk about politics and complain about the way your life turned out. But at least you have Emily.

Emily Prentiss, your incredible girlfriend, is the only reason you get through the holiday season. She has been there to help you through every moment, even if it was only over the phone. She has helped you when you cry over an argument with your father and holds you when you need someone to ground you.

Emily is the most significant person in your life, and you have had to get used to many things, like her job. While Emily's job is demanding, and her traveling all the time took some time to get used to, you have never had an issue with it. She loves it. Her team is her family, and they are slowly becoming your family, and you couldn't have asked for a better situation.

Whether it's Penelope forcing you on shopping trips to buy new decorations for you and Emily's shared apartment or Dave teaching you how to cook Italian food because you wanted to surprise Emily. The BAU team is the best family you could have asked for.

It had been a long couple of days of staying at your parents' house because of Thanksgiving. You couldn't wait to walk into your and Emily's shared apartment and finally be able to hug your girlfriend after the screaming match you had with your father.

As soon as you opened the door to your apartment, you dropped your luggage and ran up to Emily. You immediately pull Emily into a bone-crushing hug, inhaling the signature lavender scent of your girlfriend.

"I never want to let go of you again." You say against Emily's neck. Still refusing to let go of your tight hold around her waist.

Emily responds, amused by your reaction to being home, "How will I catch serial killers if you are permanently attached to my waist?"

"You're the Unit Chief. Can't you figure it out?" You look up at your girlfriend, tiredness evident in your voice.

"I don't think my bosses will be okay with it, but I will see what I can do," Emily smirks at you, obviously joking.

You roll your eyes, trying to suppress your grin as you pick up your luggage to bring it to you and Emily's shared bedroom. Emily follows you as you drop your luggage on the floor and walk into the closet to grab clothes to get changed.

Emily continues to follow you as you walk out of the closet with your clothes in your hand.

"You just going to continue to follow me and watch me while I change?" You question Emily as you start changing.

Emily looks you up and down before answering without blinking, "Yeah, pretty much."

You felt yourself blush. Embarrassed, you tried to hide your face as you continued to change, but Emily kept her word. She watched you finish changing and followed you as you went into the bathroom.

After you finally finish getting ready to relax. It took you longer than it typically would because Emily kept following you and pulling you into her embrace. You finally sat on the couch and turned on Divorce Court, your favorite show, but if anyone asks, you would never admit to watching.

Emily sat down next to you, pulling you into her arms. You lay your head against Emily's shoulder, scooting closer so you would be entirely in her embrace. Emily kisses the top of your head as you sink further into her.

"I love you," Emily says against your head.

"I love you too," You say softly.

[smolfrogi]

Love amongst the himbos

Chapter 2: Oh

TWs: extremely mild homophobia towards the end, micro aggression towards the Fire Nation, etc. Nothing too extreme

Here we gooo

"Zuko! How was school today?" Zuko's uncle always had a hopeful smile on his face.

"Good." Zuko sighed, fire lacing his breath. He hung up his backpack and sat at the table with him.

"Did you make any new friends?" Iroh asked, pouring a cup of tea.

"Yeah. Sokka, I think."

"He sounds wonderful."

"No yeah, he's great." Zuko looked up. "What happened to my mother?" Iroh clenched the teapot tightly. "How did the war even end? It seems like everything just stopped and the Fire Nation fell."

"She ran away, Zuko, and the Fire Nation fell apart when Azulon and Ozai died. You know that."

Zuko narrowed his eyes, well, eye. "What aren't you telling me?" Iroh set down the teapot. "Are you lying?" They both sat in silence for a moment.

".....yes," Iroh sighed. "I don't think you want to know."

"I knew it! I knew she wouldn't just leave me!" Zuko smiled subtly. "Of course I want to know. She left, I can't imagine why."

"You can't?"

"No."

"What happened the year before she vanished, Prince Zuko?"

"She ran away."

"And?"

"...And while she was gone, I got-" Zuko paused. "What does this have to do with anything?"

Iroh sighed. "You must figure it out yourself or be patient."

"I have a lot of homework." Zuko sighed. Iroh frowned, but didn't protest.

"Do what you must to succeed." Zuko nodded, closing the door of his room.

"Ursa....of..the..fire....nation.." Zuko muttered. "6 results? Are you kidding me?" Zuko slammed his head on his desk. He opened his laptop and found the assignment.

'What caused the Fire Nation to collapse? What scared off the residents?' Zuko stared at the screen. "This seems like it goes against several exposure laws."

Zuko's phone dinged.

Sokka💙🏳️‍🌈 is typing...

Sokka💙🏳️‍🌈: Hi

Zuko👁👄💥: Hi

Sokka💙🏳️‍🌈 is typing...

Zuko's heart was in his throat. He wasn't sure what would happen. What if he'd already said the wrong thing? What if... What if he-

Sokka💙🏳️‍🌈: I can't remember the english word for like-

Sokka💙🏳️‍🌈: okay so when something isnt cold so it hurts??

Zuko👁👄💥: Hot? Burn?

Sokka💙🏳️‍🌈: yeah thanks

oh, okay.

Sokka pov

Nice save, dumbass. Sokka thought.

"Ohhhh! $2, Aang!" Toph laughed.

"What!?" Sokka looked up at them from the floor.

"I bet her $2 you wouldn't chicken out of flirting with him." Aang sighed, passing two dollar bills to Toph. Sokka sighed.

"Guys, I've known him for a day." Sokka grumbled.

"True, but $2 is $2." Toph shrugged.

"Katara!" Sokka shouted. "Tell your boyfriend and your friend to get out of my room!"

"Wowwww." Aang mumbled as he dragged Toph out of the room.

Sokka sighed.

Sokka💙🏳️‍🌈: How's homework for you?

Zuko👁👄💥: what the fuck is math

Sokka: yikes

Sokka: you want some help?

Zuko: alright I guess

Zuko pov

Does this count as a date? I think it does? Is a study-date still a real date? Zuko thought about everything while he walked downtown. This area of the city was different. Then again, Zuko and Iroh lived above their tea shop. This area was more residential.

"Watch it scarboy!" Zuko swerved to avoid someone hitting his shoulder. Fuck you, stranger. He kept walking.

Zuko took out his found and stared at the address. Sokka's bitmoji thing popped up. Fucking snapchat. Now I have to say something.

Zuko: I'll be there in five minutes

sokka: k thanks

Zuko sighed. "Just breathe, you've got this." Just take a step and drop it, compliment her hair or- now is now the time for songs.

Zuko knocked on the door. Sokka answered almost immediately. "Hi!" He smiled. Zuko smiled back, it was like he couldn't help it. "Come on in!"

"Oh, he's- okay." Hakoda glanced around. Sokka practically growled.

"That's my dad, Hakoda. Let's go upstairs?" Sokka grabbed his wrist, not tightly enough for the bad type of panic, but still panic.

"Hey! Is that Zuko?" Katara asked as they walked past his room.

"Yup! This is my sister, Katara, and her friend, Toph. Oh, and her boyfriend, Aang."

"It's nice to meet you all." Zuko looked uncomfortable, so they took a few more steps into Sokka's room.

His bed was like a bunk bed with a couch instead of a bottom bunk. A TV sat on his dresser, which was across from the bed. Next to the dresser was a corner desk covered in papers and books.

"Alright, which question are you on?" Sokka interrupted his thoughts.

"1."

"Oof." Sokka beckoned him towards the desk. Zuko walked over. "Alright so the formula is y2-y1 over x2-x1."

"I thought it was x1-x2 over y1-y2."

"Well you were wrong." Sokka smiled. Zuko sighed. "So, the first y coordinate is at the y-intercept, which is at what point?"

"(0,6)."

"So it's the y coordinate of the other point- 7-6=1 so the numerator is 1! Ya got all that?"

"Yup, and I cant believe I'm struggling with 9th grade math."

"You're in your Junior year."

"Yeah. I'm just that bad." Zuko chuckled. Sokka explained more of the math and helped with science, Zuko finally got to help him with French.

"I speak like...." Zuko stopped and pulled out his hand, mumbling while he counted on his fingers. "English, French, Japanese, Russian, Italian, uhh I know a tiny bit of Khoisan. I'm still a beginner in Vietnamese, at least according to the placement test of duolingo."

"Wow...I only know English and Inuktiut! Plus one phrase in Irish." Sokka was in awe.

"What phrase? How come only one?"

"Buachaill maith. Good boy. I learned the phrase a while back, the manager of the store I work at was fluent."

"So do you want me to teach you all the swear words in every language I speak? I can also teach you how to call someone a dumb bitch in sign language."

"Please do."

So they spent 3 hours learning cuss words in their respective languages. They are 16 years old, what do you expect?

"I have to get going. It's gonna be time for dinner." Zuko sighed, suddenly unable to remake his smile from a moment ago.

"You could stay here for dinner?" Sokka pleaded.

"Thanks, but no. I didn't even tell my uncle where I was going. He's probably worried." Zuko sighed.

Sokka stood up and they walked out. Gran Gran was walking about the kitchen, in the middle of making dinner. Zuko was still thanking Sokka for the help. Gran Gran narrowed her eyes.

"Sokka, who is this?" She didn't even pretend to smile. Sokka glared at her.

"Zuko. He's my friend." Sokka answered.

"He's Fire Nation."

"What an astute observation." Sokka snarled, walking Zuko to the door. "Get home safe!"

"I will!" He responded. Zuko sighed in defeat, as soon as he left he could hear Sokka snapping. Of course people hate the Fire Nation. Why wouldn't they? Shootout to the non-bender nations for staying out of the war. They hardly had any territory yet they fought amongst themselves. Every nation had nonbenders, but the non-bender nations had no benders at all.

Zuko walked across the half-empty side walk. Thoughts were racing in his head. Why did it feel so amazing being around Sokka? Why was Sokka so defensive of him? Why did Sokka's room look like heaven? Is Sokka gay or bi? What's the difference between bread and cake? Am I gay?

Am I gay?

Am I gay?

Am I gay?

Zuko shook his head, trying to shake off the thought. "I'm straight, right? I'm straight." He sighed. His dad would kill him if he knew. He was completely sunken in thought when his phone started vibrating.

'Pick up your phone. Do it!' 'Do it or we'll kill you!' 'NO!' Zuko picked up his phone and swiped up, gulping at the thought of it. He hadn't heard that tone in years.

"Hello, brother."

Alright you'll get to finish the cliffhanger in about 2-3 weeks. I'm not a fast writer.

[k347]

Evanstan ficlet

Prompt – "Your wish is my command"

Pairing: Chris Evans x Sebastian Stan

Word Count : 2.5 k

Warning: None. Maybe a bit of fluff

Summary: He was excited for the date. Very much so. But unexpected arrival of a girl at Chris' house changed their plans a little bit.

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

With his shoes shining extra bright, having fixed his tie & handkerchief in the coat pocket for probably the hundredth time, Sebastian comes out of the black Audi he parked in the corner spot. It's far enough from the mahogany door for hiding, but also close enough so that he can keep an eye on the place. There's still no movement though, so maybe he is still getting ready.

It’s his third date with Chris and Seb is bubbling with excitement and nerves. Yes, the previous two have gone great and he loved walking through the parks and exploring bookstores with the guy. But it still felt like two friends hanging out together rather than two potential boyfriends. So seb decided to take matters in his own hand and give tonight a more romantic cut. This is probably the first actual, proper ‘date’ they are going to have. They'll talk about each other all night and flirt from across the table, have eachother's complete an undivided attention. Reservation made at one of the finest and fanciest hotels in the city, where he plans to wine and dine Chris Evans and charm the fuck out of him. 

He really needs tonight to go just right. Exactly the way it is planned. Wants to make a good impression. Not that Chris doesn’t know him already. But Sebastian wants to come off as the good Boyfriend material instead of being the shy kid in a grown man's body who is still secretive and giggly around his crushes like he's some teenager. He was stuck in the friendzone spot for so long, it's sometimes still hard to believe he has escaped it. They have been working at the same firm for years now. But it was just last week when Seb gathered the courage to ask out the man of his dreams on a date. But more important (and still very shocking) is the fact that Chris indulged him and reciprocated the feelings instead of laughing them off. They’ve decided to take it slow and just see where it goes at the moment. ( Sebastian might have already dreamed of their wedding, pets and future babies though. He has been doing that for a couple of years. Not in a creepy way. He is just the hopeless romantic, thinks of himself as a rom-com lead sort of a person) But tonight he plans to be the best of the best. Create a whole James Bond vibe and make all that extra effort it takes to win over someone as special as Chris. He is dressed in his finest Italian suit and had his hair quaffed perfectly, wearing the best cologne and is present on the doorstep at sharp seven thirty, like he said he would be. Punctual. A good start to being a good date. He rings the doorbell and pulls out his most charming smile, for Chris. Only when the door opens, instead of the familiar handsome bearded face and stormy blue eyes, the visual of an empty drawing room greets him. He turns his head to both sides. Nope. No one. What kind of sorcery is this? Who opened the door, if he can’t see any human in front of him right now?

"Psst. Tsk tsk. Here."

A small, sweet voice reaches his ears. He looks down and finds the source behind that. It’s a little girl. Probably 4 or 5 years old. She has blonde hair and chubby cheeks, barely reaching up to his waist even though she is standing on a platform higher above him. Has a curious look on her face and is analyzing him from head to toe. He instantly smiles after looking at her. Tiny angel dressed in a onesie that has cartoons scribbled all over it. Two seconds in and she is already melting his heart. Damn you baby fever.

“And who might you be?”,He asks leaning down to reach closer to her height.

“I am Stella. Don't tell me who you are. I already know. You're the date guy. Where are your flowers?”, the little lady asks him, tone too judgemental for a five-year-old but adorable nonetheless.

“My flowers?”, He is a bit confused right now.

“Yeah. Flowers. When you go on a date, you are supposed to bring them”, she tells him impatiently and gives a disapproving look, like she’s the adult and he is the kid in this scenario.

“Yeah, Sebastian. Don’t you know simple date manners? Where are your flowers?”, Seb finally hears the voice his ears had been craving for. Chris just came to the door too. Wearing a crisp white button up and dress pants. Tie undone and hair a little messed up, indicating he had been running his hands through them frequently. The kind of thing people do when they are nervous. Chris doesn't show any other signs of distress though, has a playful tone and glint in his eyes, clearly stating that he’ going along with the joke and self imposing in the ongoing conversation.

“Sorry. The vendor was a mean guy. Didn’t give me any. And how many dates have you been on to know all this stuff?”, Seb asks the girl after shooting  Chris a full smile.

“Five”, Stella replies promptly.

“Five? Wow, sounds serious. Who’s the lucky guy?”, Sebastian can’t help but talk more to the little munchkin. She sems fearless and very confident. Unafraid of talking to strangers and making conversations, a quality Seb wishes he had in himself.

“His name is Ethan and he’s boy. Not a guy. But he does remember  to bring me flowers every time”, She tells him with her chin held high.

“Well, maybe we can have a double date next time”, he replies while giggling at the cuteness and she just shrugs like ‘it’s no big deal’.

“Stel, why don’t you go inside and keep and eye on dodger while I talk to Mr. Stan over here”, Chris pats her shoulders and Stella just nods and runs off back in the house.

“Mr. Stan? Really? I love it when you are formal Evans, but I’d prefer to be called Sebastian for the rest of the night. We are not in the office now, remember?”, he asks sheepishly.

“You gotta teach the kids good manners, right? Can’t have them all turning up as uncultured swans like you”, Chris was always that guy in the room who makes sweet jokes and tries to put every one a ease. Another reason why Sebastian loved the guy. Handsome, kind, compassionate, and witty. He truly is the whole package.

“Between the two of us right now, who is dressed more properly and has his tie done in a Windsor knot?Stop making excuses. She clearly has more sass than both of us combined. So if I were you, I’d stop worrying about teaching little grandma manners and start thinking about the wrinkles on that shirt”, Sebastian was never the one to shy away from fun banter either.

“Yeah, you’re probably right. That’s all you wanna say though? No further questions?”

“Oh, I was gonna ask if you forgot to tell me something but you clearly don’t let your guests speak without badgering them about having manners”.

Chris gives him an apologetic sort of smile and says, “I am so sorry Seb, I did try to call you but when you didn’t pick up I figured you were probably driving and on your way here anyway, so...”

“A good answer, but not one for the question I was gonna ask”

“Oh, you mean you were gonna ask me about our daughter?’, Sebastian gives him a dry chuckle. “See that’s funny because you and I never slept together”, Chris explains further, thinking he’s being hilarious right now and Seb has to prick that bubble.

“I don’t find it funny by the least, Chris. And by ‘it’, I mean the fact that we never slept together. Also please tell me you know that even if we did, it is biologically impossible for us to have a kid together”, Seb gives him an incredulous look and that makes Chris laugh out louder than before.

“Oh, pardon me. I am an investment banker, life sciences were never really my strongest subjects”, he apologizes, with a hand on his heart.

“It’s actually more of a common sense thing and honestly you are right now making me reconsider the decision of asking you out for this date.”

“That’s probably a good thing, because we are gonna have to reschedule the date anyway. Stella is my niece, Seb. My sister just dropped her off, couldn’t find a baby sitter at the last moment. So here I am. Stuck in between being the best brother and the most favored uncle at the moment. Ditching a hot guy and a fancy date to take care of a sassy 5 year old. Good Times”, Chris lets out a self depreciating laugh, still looks really apologetic and genuinely sorry which makes Seb’s heart sink even deeper than it already has after hearing the date he was so excited about is getting a rain check. He musters up a smile though.

“It is okay, Chris. Really. I understand”, he tries very hard to sound normal and not let any disappointment he is feeling pour into his voice.

“It’s not though. We decided this together and now I am just bailing on you at the last moment. Cancelling plans on such a short notice. Even though I know how much you planned for tonight and the reservation will probably get wasted. I’ll pay for it if yo-“,Chris starts with another round of apologies and Sebastian already knows the guy wouldn’t stop rambling unless he’s cut off.

“Chris. Chris, stop. It’s no big deal. The Plaza is way too overrated anyway. I guess we can have more fun by ordering a pizza and watching care-bears while waiting for it”, Sebastian suggests. Still a little hopeful that he’ll get to spend the evening with Chris anyway. Doesn’t matter if it’s at a fancy hotel or on a couch at his home. All he wants is to be close to this man.

“You..you wanna come in and spend time with us?”, Chris’ eyes are wide with surprise. He  was clearly not expecting the situation to take this turn. Sebastian instantly feels like an asshole for trying to decide everything on his own.

“I didn’t mean to sound so presumptious, but yeah...I’d like to do that. If you’ll have me?”, he asks for permissson and is half expecting for the door to slam in his face.

“Of course we’ll have you, Seb. It’s always pleasure. Come on in”, Chris moves back, inviting him inside the beautiful place and Sebastian happily accpets the offer.

“Good for you. Because if you had just refused, I was totally planning on setting a camp right in front of your door step to make you feel horribly guilty”, he says while taking off the coat and hanging it up on the rack. He is delighted to hear the sound of Chris’s laugh at his recycled, not-so-funny jab. The date might not have gone where he wanted it to, but it’s definitely going somewhere. And for now, that's good enough.

“Oh and Seb, Care bears is so 1985. Kids these days don’t really watch that y’know?”

“Well I thought CNBC and the stock market channels would be a bit much for her”

“Don’t worry. She knows exactly what she wants. A Disney fan.”

“So I see, she takes after her uncle. Please tell me it’s not Frozen though."

“No, tonight's reserved for Tangled.”

"Hmmm. A bit better. I can deal with that. She has a good choice."

“Takes after her uncle in that regard as well”, Chris winks at him before turning to go into the kitchen and Sebastian’s heart is doing backflips at that simple action.

***

They spend the rest of their night watching and singing along with the animated characters. Building pillow forts, telling Dodger to fetch the colourful balls and mimicking sesame street voices. It’s the best date Sebastian has ever had, even if it was hijacked by a kindergartener and a furball. At the dinner table, Stella tells Chris she wants to sit next to ‘Bastian’ and asks him to cut her pizza into little bites for her. Seb tries so hard to hide the tears that well up in his eyes, though he is sure, Chris caught a glimpse of them. Because right after feeling too emotional, he had gotten a squeeze at his thigh and Chris interwined  their fingers together, skin warm and cheeks flushed red. This looks and feels so much like the future Sebastian had been planning for them. He can’t tell if he manifested that by imagining it hard enough or is fate just being extra nice and kind to him since last week. Either way, he hopes this doesn’t change.

***   

Finally it’s after 10:30 and Chris reminds Stella it’s way past her bedtime, she shouldn't take advantage of him just because he caves in everytime she pouts. He takes her to the upstairs bedroom while Sebastian stays in the kitchen to do the dishes, no matter how much Chris asks him not to do that.

“Please don’t. You’ll only make me feel like a shitty host”

“Please let me, if I don’t, I’ll be the one feeling like a shitty guest”.

Just when he’s done drying off the last plate, Seb hears footsteps coming down from the stairs. He walks out of the kitchen and stands at the very end of it, waiting for Chris to come down.

“She asleep yet?”, he asks when they’re just two steps away from each other.

“Actually no. Said she wants you to go up there and kiss her goodnight too”, Chris laughs but answers with a certain seriousness that tells Seb this is not entirely a joke. Stella actually did ask for him. That realisation warms his heart even more.

“Alright, I can do that”, he starts climbing up the stairs and crosses Chris. Is stopped by a large hand softly reaching out to hold onto his elbow. ‘”You know, you don’t have to, right? She’ll go to sleep on her own in a few minutes anyway. Don’t spoil her too much”, Chris wants to make sure Seb isn’t feeling obligated to do any of this just because of him.

“I know I don’t have to. I want to though. And cuties like you Evans people deserve a little more spoiling every now and then. Let me take care of that”, he smiles and frees his arm from Chris’s grasp. Walks a few stairs further but is stopped in his track again. This time, by Chris’ deep husky voice.

“Hey, Seb?”

“Yeah?”

“After you are done with putting the little madam to sleep, I want you to come downstairs and kiss me good night too. I’ll be waiting in my own room”, Chris is flustered, pale skin turned the loveliest shade of pink at the make but his voice still holds a demanding and authorative tone that manages to make Sebastian weak in the knees.

“Sure”, he says with his own voice trembling and can’t begin to believe his lucky stars.

'Whatever you say. Your wish is my command, Christopher', Sebastian thinks.

 Actually, he might’ve just said it out loud judging by the way Chris snorts then blushes a shade darker and smiles some more standing on the other end of that staircase.

***