#'your dad DOES NOT LOVE YOU YOU CAN DO BETTER'

[in-class-daydreams]

Note: Gojo & the reader are ~40 in this, Sen is 18, and the guy you're seeing (if you don't already know who it is) is aged up accordingly (~30)

Imagine your and ex-husband Gojo's son Sen finding out you're seeing someone.

"You're going on a date?!" Sen asks in disbelief. "With who?"

You smooth out your outfit and check yourself out in the mirror. This look is one of your best, if you do say so yourself.

"Does it matter?" you ask neutrally. Sen is just mature enough to not blatantly freak out at this revelation, but only just. The less he knows, the better.

"Of course, it matters! I need to know who to hunt down if you disappear!" he replies, hands flying up to fist in his hair. "I need to vet this guy!"

Your ex-husband appears in your bedroom doorway. "Who are we vetting?"

Clenching your prospective clothing in your hands, you grumble, "Doesn't anyone knock any more?"

Satoru leans against the door frame like he's someone's booktok boyfriend (he used to be your booktok husband but that's beside the point). He takes in how you've cleaned up and instantly recognizes your date look. Of course, he's only seen it a million times.

"Oh, the kid didn't know you had boyfriend?" he asks.

"Boyfriend?!" Sen cries. Your temple throbs. "Who is he?"

Satoru shrugs. "I dunno, I just know he exists and his one move is sending flowers because he's basic."

"He's not basic and he is not my boyfriend!" you shout, throwing your hands in the air. "We go on dates, yes. We're seeing each other. 'Boyfriend' implies exclusivity, and none of the people I'm seeing are my boyfriend."

Your son and ex-husband stare at you wide-eyed. As Sen gets older, the black roots of his hair have become his last line of defense against looking like a carbon copy of his dad, and having both a young and old(er) Satoru look at you with their stupid big blue eyes is unsettling. Someone hurry up and blink.

"What?" you ask tiredly.

This time it's Satoru that has something irritating to say. "'People?' As in plural?"

"Satoru, don't start."

Sen raises his hand. "I'm with dad on this one. I don't trust anyone with you, not even dad--"

"Thanks, kid."

"--much less strangers."

Part of you understands that your son and ex-husband are the two people in the world that love you the most. Growing up as isolated as you did, your younger self would never have imagined having the both of them in your life. They're just trying to protect you.

The other part of you is on the verge of telling them both to step the fuck off.

You're all saved by the doorbell ringing and before you can even react, both of them are at the door interrogating whoever's on your porch. But you always met up with your dates instead of them picking you up in case of this exact scenario. There was no way he came to the door without your permission.

Sprinting to the door, you find your son, your ex, and a terrified-looking deliveryman holding a bouquet of flowers. You shoo the boys away from him and accept the flowers with thanks and a generous tip for dealing with them.

There's a handwritten note attached. It reads:

You didn't think I'd let you walk out the house without a present, right? Pretty girls need pretty flowers.

You can't hold in a grin. He always found ways to go above and beyond even without an official label.

"Well, at least he's a sorcerer," Sen says. He gestures to the note, "There's a teeny bit of residual CE on there. Not enough for me to recognize, though."

You try not to make your sigh of relief obvious. Sen was still in training and Sukuna said his ability to recognize specific cursed energy needed some work. Getting advice from his dad would help, but your son got his stubborn streak from you.

"Well, good. I don't need you tracking him down." Handing the flowers to Sen, you ask, "Put these in a vase for mama, please?"

Sen, ever the obedient son, runs off to do so immediately. You fondly watch him round the corner into the kitchen, then double back to grab you and place a kiss on your cheek.

"I don't like this, but please be safe, mama! Call me any time, I'll be there," he says, then returns to his task.

Once he's out of sight, you slip your shoes on, holding Satoru by the shoulder to stabilize yourself.

"I'll be back before 11. There's pasta in the fridge and I just washed the sheets in the guest room if you want to stay over," you tell him. Pulling up the back of your shoe, you look up at Satoru to find him stock still looking past you. You can't see his eyes, but you can tell they're fixed on the card you received.

That's when you remember that while your son may not yet be at full potential, veteran sorcerer, strongest in history Gojo Satoru knows damn well who sent you those flowers.

Shit.

Click [here] for more of Sen being mean to his dad | Ask stuff about Sen and the fam [here]

[fallstaticexit]

Prev / Next / Beginning / Pillowfort

AN: Source for tarot reading

Transcript under the cut

Morgan: Ever done this before?

Nancy: Can’t say that I have.

Morgan: Are you as put off about this as that other bible thumper?

Nancy: [rolls eyes] We’re not all the same. I’m more than my faith.

Morgan: I don’t doubt that. I’m sure there’s many layers to you. Where are you from?

Nancy: Brindleton Bay.

Morgan: Really, I’m from Portridge, a small town south of the Bay. Originally.

Nancy: Yeah? So, how did you end up a Fyres?

Morgan: Great question. My mom was his secretary. Super scandalous shit, which would explain while the Royal Barbie hates my guts. He’s not a bad step dad though. Hell of lot better than my actual dad. So, your parents-

Nancy: Isn’t the probing developing a bias or something?

Morgan: Just a little small talk. So, is there a question you want answered? Perhaps, a question about your past, your present or your future?

Nancy: I-

Nancy Narrates: [I want to get forget my past. I want to survive my present. I want to escape my future. Could there really be an answer for all that in those cards]

Nancy: I don’t know...

Morgan: That’s ok. You intention will guide us.

Morgan: Pick three cards that call to you. Based on the three, we will see what the cards have to say about your past, present and future.

Nancy: And you believe in this?

Morgan: We believe what we believe in, right? You have your three?

Nancy: I think so..

Morgan: Let’s take a look.

Morgan: Your past—the Upright Fool. Innocence. Curorsity. Something new and exciting—perhaps a first love in your youth that swept you off your feet?

Nancy Narrates: [Already I hated this...]

Morgan: Your present- the Reversed Star. Insecurity. Self doubt. A loss of faith. Interesting. Perhaps a struggle with one’s own faith? Are you having any doubts, Nancy? About yourself? About your God?

Morgan: Your future- the Upright Devil. Lust. Obsession. Temptation. Could be for the material things of life, or maybe a desire of the flesh.

Nancy: [clears throat] That all seems incredibly vague.

Morgan: [grins] Does it? Your poker face could use some work. Let me ask you something. Who exactly did I remind you of? Someone from your past?

Morgan: Your silence is very telling. I have a real gift for reading people.

Nancy: I’m sure you believe you do.

Morgan: [laughs] I really do!

Morgan: Tightly wound, fidgeter. You bite the hell out of your nails, right at the skin on the tips of your fingers, unconsciously. You pick at it until it bleeds. It’s the only thing that’s keeping you tethered to your own body. The pain, that is.

Morgan: Right?

Geoffrey: You made it! And making friends! Sorry, am I interrupting girl talk?

Morgan: It’s cool, boy wonder. Want me to do your reading?

Geoffrey: Are you kidding? Of course I do!

Nancy: Actually, I think I want to g-

Geoffrey: Really quick, Nance, then I’ll walk you to your dorm!

Geoffrey: Upright Death for my future sounds kind of scary when you think about it, huh? She said it could mean profound change. Sounds promising.

Nancy: [tsks] That could mean literally anything. That whole practice strives on vagueness. You can never be wrong if you’re bound to be right.

Geoffrey: Yeah, but it’s about how you perceive it, right? It’s unique. She did yours, didn’t she? What did yours say?

Nancy: Yeah, I um, don’t remember.

Geoffrey: Maybe you can ask her again. You two seem to hit it off.

Nancy: [huffs] Please. I am not going back to that shabby bar. She’s a sham. Those cards mean nothing. It’s stupid.

Geoffrey: [sighs]

Nancy: What?

Geoffrey: [blows raspberries]

Nancy Narrates: [Truth was, I was more curious than anything]

Nancy: So. Those cards. Could they...I don’t know- tell me something that could happen in a week? Like if I asked if I’ll pass my Statistics exam?

Nancy Narrates: [I was completely captivated by this otherworldly experience, whether I’d admit it outloud or not]

Nancy Narrates: [and Morgan was always happy to indulge me]

Nancy: [whispers] So I past my exam. How does this even work? I mean, how could they know? The cards. Could you do another reading after the debate?

Nancy Narrates: [But of all the questions I did ask, there was one that burned inside me more]

[heavy metal spills into the hallway]

Morgan: [startled] Nancy?

Nancy: Is this a bad time? I know it’s late...I can come back another time. I just have so much on my mind and I can’t sleep.

Morgan: You want another reading?

Nancy: Is that ok?

Morgan: Of course it is, Nancy. Come in.

Morgan: Sorry for all the smoke. I can open a window.

Knox: Babe, who’s this? It’s not my birthday.

Morgan: [smirks] Want me to get rid of him? I can.

Knox: Hey! I’ll be quiet! Won’t even know I’m here.

Nancy: I don’t mind. I just had a question.

Nancy: Could you do a reading for someone else, even if they’re not here?

Morgan: [hums] Not really...not without their permission or their intention. Who is this person to you?

Nancy: [looks away] Someone from my past. Someone I need to forget but- I can’t.

Morgan: Did this person hurt you?

Nancy: [shakes head] If anything, I hurt them. I ruined them with my... [lowly] um, perversions. I just need to know if they’re ok. If they hate me for it.

Morgan: [softly] I see... Here’s what we’ll do. Just like before, I’ll do a three card spread.

Morgan: Set your intention. Clear your mind. Ask your question. The first card is ‘you’. The middle card is ‘them’. The third card is the relationship.

Nancy Narrates: [‘Vanessa, do you hate me?’ ‘Do you blame me?’ ‘Do you regret loving me?’ ‘Do you know that I never stopped loving you?’]

Nancy Narrates: [‘Do you know that I’m sorry?’ ‘Do you know that I miss you?’ ‘Do you know that I need you?’]

Morgan: [exhales] It says... that you are a filled with love, Nancy, even though the world around you wants to drain you of it. There’s just too much of it inside of you and your friend-

Nancy: [weakly] Vanessa.

Morgan: [smiles] Vanessa. She loves you all the same. She may be experiencing her own hurt in this world, but having loved you keeps her strong. You two brought something bright and beautiful into each other’s lives.

Morgan: You can’t rid her from your life, because she’s apart of you, and...I- I think that’s a love worth fighting for, Nancy.

Nancy: [between gulps] Right. Right, thank you. Thanks, Morgan.

Morgan: Wait, Nancy, you don’t have to leave. It’s ok-

Nancy: It’s fine. I uh- I should go.

[door clicks shut]

Knox: Uhh, did you just make all that up?

Morgan: [weakly] I don’t know why I did that..

[lizzieolseniskinda]

BRADLEY BRADSHAW - i still love you

x MITCHELL!FEM!reader

(requests open)

SUMMARY: bradley says you should communicate more with him, you tell him that he should be less protective of you. so your dad steps in helps you solve your problems.

WORD COUNT: 5051

GENRE: angst-ish, fluff at the end <3

CONTENT WARNING: english is NOT my first language, i had to get help from the internet about these plane things (i understand nothing), idk if plane or jet is the right word to call an F-18, but lets pretend it is :D

NOT PROOFREAD :D

pacing in the small kitchen of your house, your arms were crossed over your chest as your mind was racing. the air was thick with unspoken words, and your heart pounded in your chest. across from you, stood bradley with his jaw clenched, his fists balling at his sides. 

“i can’t believe you went behind my back like that, bradley,” you scoff, not holding back the hurt in your voice. 

 he ran a hand through his short hair, “i didn’t go behind your back. i was trying to help! your dad agreed with me—“

“of course! of course, he agreed with you. like he always does! but that is not the point,” you cut him off. “this isn’t about him, it’s about us. you made a decision to get me off the mission without even talking to me!”

"you've got to be kidding me," bradley's voice was low and angry. "you didn't even tell me you were-

"i didn't need to tell you, bradley. i'm a pilot, just like you, it was classified!" you interrupted, voice rising. “i’ve been around fighter jets my entire life life. i know the risks better than anyone. and it is not your decision to make!”

he scoffed, shaking his head, "classified? you could've said something. a heads-up, at least. i had to hear it from hangman, of all people, God knows how he even got that information. do you know how that feels?"

"i don't owe you a whole play-by-play of every mission i'll be going on. you know that is not how it works!" your voice getting an octave higher as frustration started rising in you. "we're doing the same job, bradley. i'm not going to run to you for permission every time i'm assigned something dangerous."

rooster shook his head, "that is not what this is about, and you know it!" bradley's voice cracked as he pointed his finger at you, accusingly. "you've been reckless, and it's not just this mission. you've been pushing your luck lately, takin' unnecessary risks that-"

"taking risks that what?" you cut him off, taking a step forward. "that you think you wouldn't take when you'll get the opportunity? don't act like you're the only one who's capable of making tough calls up there."

bradley ran a hand through his hair, "it's not the same. you've been flying like you've got something to prove, like you're invincible. i've seen it, multiple times!'

"maybe i do have something to prove!" you shouted. "do you know what it's like being maverick's daughter? everyone assumes i'm only here because of him. that i'm not good enough if he wasn't here!"

"i never said that," bradley yelled back. "i know how good you are, but that doesn't mean you can just ignore the consequences. this ain't a game, y/n! one wrong move and-"

"and what? i could die?" you finished for him, your voice hard. "yeah, bradley, i know."

his eyes hardened for a second. “i am just trying to protect you! you don’t need to be involved in such things, you know how dangerous things are-“ 

you felt your blood boil, "you do not get to control when and if i fly! i made a call, and it worked. i got them out of a situation that they couldn't get out of alone," you took a breath. "don't act like you're the only one who's scared of the consequences. but i'm not going to let fear control how i fly, or how i choose to live my life."

"yeah, this time," bradley snapped. "but one day it ain't gonna work, and i'm gonna have to watch you get hurt, or worse-" he stopped himself.

his face was twisted with frustration, "this is not just about fear. it's about trust - trusting the people around you." bradley shook his head, “i lost my dad to this job, remember? i can’t lose you too, you’re asking me to sit back and watch while you put yourself in danger.”

you ran a hand through your hair. “i’m not asking you to watch from the sidelines, bradley. i’m asking you to trust me, to treat me like an equal, not someone you have to shield all the time.”

bradley sighed, "i thought we were in this together, but lately, it feels like you're flying solo. you should've told me about the mission, and you should've thought twice before pulling that stunt in the air today."

"you can't protect me from everything, bradley," you said, your voice quieter now. "we are in this together, but that means you have to trust me to do my job. i'm not reckless, i'm doing what i've been trained to do."

bradley let out a frustrated breath, "i do trust you, but you have to meet me halfway. you shook your head, "we are a team, bradley. but you have to stop treating me like i'm going to break every time things get tough."

he looked at you, the only thing between you two was a heavy silence, before you walked outside towards your dads house.

a week had passed since the fight, and you had ignored bradley every single day. you hadn’t spoken to him since that night in your house. every time he tried to approach you, you either turned away or conveniently found yourself busy with something - anything else. 

you knew your friends noticed the change, but neither of them said anything. they respected your silence, even if someone gave you the occasional concerned look. 

the hangar buzzed with energy as the team prepped for the next mission briefing, but your eyes were completely focused on the clipboard in front of you, pretending to read the details. you could feel bradley’s eyes on you angrily cross the room, but you refused to acknowledge him. 

“you okay?” phoenix asked softly, disrupting your train of thought. 

you forced a tight smile. “yeah, i’m fine. just.. reading.” phoenix raised an eyebrow but didn’t keep asking questions. she had known you long enough to understand that when you didn’t want to talk, it was best to let you be. nat glanced over at bradley, who was standing near the planes, staring at you like he wanted to say something but wasn’t sure how to approach you. 

bob, ever the quiet observer, gave you a look. “if you ever need anything, just let us know.”

you appreciated bob. he had a thing of being there for people without pushing. which made the weight on your shoulders feel a little lighter. 

at the mission briefing, you found your spot next to phoenix, grateful for the buffer she provided between you and bradley. you sensed him sitting just a few seats away, and it took every ounce of willpower not to glance in his direction. so, you kept your eyes on your father, who was explaining the mission.

"phoenix, bob, you'll be running a close-formation drill. i want you tight and focused," maverick said, his voice commanding as always.

"y/n, you'll assist in the observation and debrief."

you nodded, keeping your face neutral, it wasn't anything usual you did things alone, usually working with bradley. observation duty meant you didn't get the chance to fly, and it gave you the perfect chance to stay away from bradley. the last thing you wanted was to be stuck in a jet with him.

"bradshaw," maverick called out, pulling your attention (unwillingly) to him, "you're up on solo drills today. i want you working on precision landing. that means, stay sharp."

bradley nodded, though his gaze flickered towards you for the briefest second. you kept your expression to the front, refusing to give him any acknowledgment.

once the briefing wrapped up, everyone began to filter out to the tarmac. you stuck close to your friends, walking with them as they headed to their aircraft. bradley trailed behind, clearly wanting to catch up with you, but hesitated as he watched you being in a conversation with nat about fuel calculations - anything to keep your mind occupied.

"you sure you're good?" phoenix asked you as you reached the jets. "you've been off all day."

you took a breath, "it's just.. bradley. we had a fight, and i don't wanna talk to him yet." phoenix frowned, glancing over her shoulder at where bradley stood a few feet away, looking frustrated and lost. "you can't avoid him forever, you know."

you nodded, and bob gave a sympathetic nod, adjusting his glasses. you appreciated their concern. as phoenix and bob climbed into their F-18, you took a step back to give them room to prep for takeoff. you took your clipboard and started ticking off boxes for the check up.

the sun was starting to set, casting shadows over the hangar. you were leaning against one of the vacant jets, deep in thought as you watched the fading light reflect off the metal wings. it had been a long day - avoiding him.

you sighed and pushed yourself off the F-18, wiping the sweat from your forehead. you needed a break, or at the least a moment to breathe. before you could turn to head inside, footsteps approached from behind, but they weren't the ones you'd been bracing yourself for, for the entire day.

"evening, y/n," the person turned out to be jake. you redirected your vision from the wing to your clipboard. "hangman," you nodded. "what brings you here?"

he strolled up beside you, hands tucked into the pockets of his flight suit, wearing that trademark smirk of his. "saw you out here all alone, figured you could use some company?”

you rolled your eyes, but there was no intent behind it. “i can take care of myself, thanks”

“never said you couldn’t,” jake said with a smirk, leaning against the F-18. his casual stance did little to hide the intensity in his gaze as he looked at you.

"i'm fine, jake," you said, trying to keep the conversation light. "just doing my task."

he cocked his head to the side, clearly not buying it. "uh-uh, sure doesn't look like it. you've been quieter than usual, which, for you, is saying something," jake took a few steps back, blocking the sun off that was lower now. "anything to do with a certain aviator with a mustache, or... am i reading this wrong?"

you shot hangman a look, but he didn't stop smiling. "you know, for someone who's so smart, you're real bad at hiding what's going on in that pretty little head of yours," jake's smirk only widened.

you gave a big sigh, knowing it was pointless to dodge him. he wasn't the type to let things go easily, especially when there was a chance to get on someone's nerves. "what makes you think this has anything to do with bradley?"

hangman gave you a look, "i'm not blind, y/n. everyone's noticed the way you two have been acting lately. hell, even bob asked if something was up, and that guy avoids drama like the plague."

you huffed a laugh at that. bob was definitely not one to get involved in anyone's personal life, which only meant your fight with bradley had become more obvious than you thought.

"it's... complicated," you shrugged. you didn't want to elaborate, you didn't really think you had a good reason to be mad at bradley.

jake just nodded, surprisingly not pushing for more details. "well, complicated's a word i know all too well. but whatever it is, you can't keep ignoring him, ya know."

you rolled your eyes, "you sound exactly like phoenix."

"smart woman, phoenix," jake shot back at you with a grin. "you should listen to her."

you didn't respond immediately, the silence between you settling into something a bit more comfortable. the truth was, you didn't know how to face bradley yet. it was easier to ignore the whole situation - easier to ignore him.

after a few moments, jake glanced at you, his voice a bit more serious. "look, i'm not here to stir the pot - at least, not too much. but if you ever need to talk... i'm around. no judgement."

his offer caught you off guard. jake wasn't exactly known for being the most emotionally available person, but there was something in his tone that told you he meant it. maybe beneath the cocky exterior, there was more to him than he let on.

"thanks," you nodded, offering a small smile. "i'll keep that in mind."

jake gave a nod in return, "anytime, darlin'."

jake turned around to leave after giving your shoulder a slight squeeze. you watched him walk towards the tarmac, where his F-18 was.

just as jake waltzed towards his F-18, he spotted bradley making his way across the hangar, bradley's expression was quite unreadable, his eyes locked on the same spot where you and jake had just been talking.

"well, look who it is," jake said, his tone deceptively light. "bradshaw, got a minute?" jake called out, casually strolling over to intercept him.

bradley stopped in his tracks, his brow furrowed slightly, but he nodded. "yeah, what's up, hangman?"

jake's grin widened as he tilted his head toward you. "just thought you might want to know - y/n's been keepin' busy. got a lot on her plate, but she's holdin' her own. probably needs a little more time to figure things out, though," jake winked at bradley and put his hand on his shoulder.

bradley's expression hardened, and slapped jake's hand off his shoulder. "and what the hell's that supposed to mean?"

"relax," jake said, his tone light. "i'm just sayin'. give her some space."

bradley's jaw tightened, "i don't need a lesson on how to handle my own problems, jake."

hangman raised an eyebrow, "didn't mean it like that, man. just offering a little insight from someone who's seen it all before."

bradley shrugged and looked away from jake, "mind your own business, seresin."

you were sat at the kitchen table, a mug of hot chocolate cooling in front of you. It was too late to drink a good mug of coffee. the evening was quiet, your dad was lounging across from you, a plate of leftovers in from of him. he was in one of his storytelling moods, something you'd started appreciated over the years. even if you'd heard some of the stories more times than you could count.

"right? so, there i was," maverick began, his eyes lighting up with a spark, "flying an F-18 during a mission over the persian gulf. everything was going smoothly until we got, like, a distress call about an aircraft in trouble."

you nodded absently, staring into your coffee, your mind miles away, tangled up in the mess with bradley. you had been staying in mav's spare room for the past two days, needing a break from your own space. your father's voice was a comforting background noise.

"and then, just as we're closing in on the aircraft, we started having issues with our own plane," maverick laughed as his hands animated and described the scene. "the gauges were going haywire, and the engine started sputtering. and, i knew! we had to acht fast."

he paused, noticing you weren't engaged in his story as usual. his gaze softened. "y/n? you okay, kiddo? you seem like you're a million miles away."

you blinked, pulling yourself out of your thoughts. "sorry, dad. just... thinking.

your dad's expression grew more concerned. "wanna talk about it? i'm here to listen."

you took a deep breath, "feeling the weight of the past week press heavily "it's just... bradley and i had a fight. i've been avoiding him." you shrugged, "he's been trying to reach out, but i'm not sure how to fix this."

your dad's eyes softened, he always was a good listener. "i see, and it that why you've been staying here for the past couple of days?"

you nodded, "yeah, sorry. i just needed some space. i wasn't sure how to handle everything, and it felt easier to just be here."

mav laned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "well, you know, i'm glad you're here, even if it's under tough circumstances. sometimes, a change of... scenery can give you some clarity. but avoiding problems doesn't solve them."

you looked at him, "yeah."

mav's gaze was steady, full of the wisdom that only years of experience could bring. "life's a lot like a flying jet. you've got to keep your eyes on the instruments, stay focused on your course. but, also be ready to adjust when things don't go as planned. sometimes you hit turbulence, and somethings you've got to do some emergency maneuvers. but no matter what, you cannot let the storm cloud your vision."

you nodded slowly, feeling a bit of tension in your chest ease. "that.. kinda makes sense? i'm not sure."

"and as for bradley," maverick continued, his voice gentle but firm, "communication is key. if you're struggling with something, talking it out can make a big difference. don't let fear of pride keep you from making things right."

you nodded, letting the advice your dad gave you sink in.

mav's expression softened, "it's natural to need time, and it's okay to take a step back. but running away won't make it disappear. sometimes, you've got to face it."

you nodded, feeling mixture of relief and determination. "thanks, dad."

he gave you a reassuring smile, then reached across the table to give your hand a gentle squeeze. "you're stronger than you know, kid. i'm here for you, no matter what happens. and when you're ready to talk to him, make sure you're doing it for the right reasons."

you managed to give hima smile, feeling like you were 10 years old again and he was giving you advice, "thanks dad.

his eyes twinkled with pride, happy that his rambling made somewhat a bit of sense to you, "anytime, kiddo. now, let me finish that story about the F-14 before you fall asleep on me."

you laughed at your dad's comment, feeling more grounded. as mav resumed his story, you let yourself be carried away by the familiar rhythm of his voice.

rooster walked down the hallway toward the locker room, his shoes echoing against the hard floor. the low hum of the hangar was the only sound he could hear, he was way too early, but he didn't care. he could only focus on the tight knot in his chest. he hadn't spoken to you in days, and the last time he tried, jake had been there, again, standing in the way - both figuratively and literally. that only added hurt and anger to the fire that was burning inside him.

he sighed, and ran a hand through his messy hair. it had been a week since you two fought, and he couldn't shake the guilt or frustration. every attempt to have a talk with you seemingly failed, and now, the distance between you two felt bigger than ever.

as he approached his locker, still deep in thought, a voice called out to him.

"rooster."

he stopped in his tracks to see maverick approaching him, hands in his flight suit pockets, that familiar look of concern in his eyes.

"hey, mav," bradley said, forcing a smile. "what's up?"

mav stepped closer to him, "i've been meaning to catch up with you. figured now was as good a time as any."

rooster nodded slowly, this wasn't casual small talk - bradley figured. he leaned against his locker, crossing his arms as he waited for maverick to continue.

mav studied bradley for a second, his gaze thoughtful, "something's been weighing on you."

bradley sighed, letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "yeah. it's.. y/n," he looked away, almost embarrassed to admit to aloud to her dad. "we had a fight, and things haven't been the same ever since. and, lile, i've been tryin' to fix it, but she's been avoiding me. i don't know what to do."

mav's eyes softened with understanding. he had known brad for years, practically raised him from afar after his father's death. maverick had and will always see bradley as family, and seeing him in this state tugged at his heart.

"yeah, figured as much," maverick replied gently, leaning against the lockers beside him. "she's been staying at my place for the past couple of days. it's clear to say that whatever happened between you two is affecting her just as much."

his face fell, guilt swirling in his chest. "i didn't know she was staying with you." maverick gave him a nod, "she needed some space, to think and stuff. but, trust me, from what i've seen, this isn't just about space. it's about communication."

brad shook his head, frustrated. "i've been trying to talk to her, mav. but, every time i try, she just pushes me away. shuts me out."

"it's not about fixing it right away. you've got to give her and yourself room to feel what you're feeling. but that doesn't mean you should stop trying. she cares about you, like you care about her."

brad looked down at the locker floor, his fists clenching at his sides. "i don't know if she still does. after everything i did - said, maybe she's better off without me."

your dad frowned, shaking his head. "no, don't do that. don't start doubting yourself because of one rough patch. relationships - especially the kind that matter - they're never easy. you're gonna hit turbulence. what really matters is how you handle it."

rooster swallowed hard, the knot in his chest easing slightly. "it feels like no matter what i do, it's never enough. and i know, i messed up, and now i don't know how to make it right."

"look, kid, i know what it's like to carry the weight of your mistakes. god knows i've made my share of them. but the key is learning from them. you and y/n have something real, something worth fighting for. but you cannot expect it to be fixed overnight."

bradley met maverick's eyes. "so what do i do? just wait?"

he shook his head, "no. you don't just wait. you just be patient, but also let her know that you're still there, still fighting for her. she needs to see that you're willing to put in the work."

brad ran a hand over his face, his shoulders sagging with the weight of it all. "i don't know how to get through to her."

"you lover her, right?"

bradley didn't hesitate. "yeah. i do."

"then show her that," mav replied simply. "not with words, but with actions. be there for her, even when she's pulling away from you. let her know that you will be her person, even when things are going to be hard."

bradley nodded, his throat feeling pretty tight with emotion. he'd heard maverick's advice before, in different times. but it hit harder than before.

mav put a hand on roster's shoulder, a reassuring gesture. "she's my daughter, bradley, and you're like a son to me. i know both of you well enough to see that this relationship is something worth fighting for. don't give up on her, or yourself."

"thanks, mav," bradley blinked. he gave bradley a small smile in reply.

"anytime, kid. you've got a good heart, don't let the fear of losing her stop you from showing her how much you care."

bradley nodded and watched maverick walk away, the weight on his chest lifting a bit. he turned his head when he heard a locker close.

"wow, i think i just cried," hangman clasped his hands together, as he stepped in bradley's view. "you heard all of that?" bradley's mouth hung open.

"i think you've just ruined a nice moment," another voice cut in. bradley moved towards the sound. "bob? are you kidding me?" rooster scoffed.

"i have an idea, you could show up with flowers," bob suggested. "and her favorite snacks and movies," hangman cut in. bob and bradley gave him a weird look. "what? i have my fair share with the ladies," jake winked.

that afternoon, rooster found himself in a small flower shop, sighing. he didn't know what he was supposed to give her, he knew her favorite flower was a hibiscus syriacus, but he wasn't sure if he saw them lying anywhere.

luckily for him, the cashier decided to be nice enough and help him make a bouquet full of pink, purple and red flowers. it almost costed him fifty dollars, but he didn't care - for his girl he'd give everything he'd had, if it meant to get her back.

the knock on your door was soft almost thoughtful. it was the first night you'd slept at your own place and you hadn’t been expecting anyone, least of all this late in the evening. wrapped in a blanket, you hesitated for a moment before dragging yourself off the couch, still feeling the weight of the past few days pressing down on you.

as you opened the door, you froze.

there, standing in the dim glow of the porch light, was bradley. he looked nervous, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as he held out a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a dvd case in the other.

you blinked, not sure what to say. the bouquet was stunning—pink, purple, and red flowers carefully arranged, each petal as vibrant and fresh as it could be. you knew immediately that bradley had gone out of his way to pick these specifically, knowing exactly which colors you loved most. you blushed a bit.

"hey," he said softly. "can i come in?"

you swallowed, still processing the sight of him standing there, looking more vulnerable than you’d ever seen him. slowly, you nodded and stepped aside, letting him into the cosy beach house.

bradley walked in slowly, like he was afraid to disrupt the fragile peace of the moment. he placed the flowers gently on your kitchen counter, glancing back at you with an uncertain smile.

"i, uh…" he started, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "i wasn’t sure how to fix things between us, but i thought i’d try starting with these."

your eyes flicked between him and the flowers, the tension you’d been holding onto for days softening ever so slightly. "they’re beautiful," you said quietly, your voice betraying how much the gesture meant to you, even if you weren’t ready to fully admit it.

bradley let out a small breath of relief. "i hoped you’d like them."

you shifted your gaze to the dvd still clutched in his hand. "and what’s that?"

his face broke into a sheepish grin as he held up the case. "your favorite movie. i figured… well, maybe we could watch it together. i thought it might be a way to… i don’t know, make things feel a little more normal. or at least give us a chance to talk."

you glanced at the title—the notebook, your all-time favorite. it was the movie you turned to whenever you needed comfort or an escape from reality, and bradley knew it. the fact that he had brought it with him, even with all the awkwardness hanging between you, showed just how much he had been thinking about you.

your heart softened a little more, but you couldn’t help the guarded feeling that still lingered. "bradley, you didn’t have to do all this. i’ve been avoiding you for a reason."

"i know," he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "i get that. and i’m sorry for everything that’s happened. but i didn’t want to keep pushing you to talk before you were ready. i just… i wanted to show you that i’m still here. that i’m not going anywhere, no matter how hard things get."

you looked away, unsure of what to say. the past week had been a whirlwind of emotions, and the fight you had with bradley still hung heavy in your mind. but here he was, standing in front of you, making an effort not just to apologize but to be there for you, in the way you needed most.

"i’ve been thinking about what went wrong between us," bradley continued, stepping a little closer, though still giving you space. "i messed up. i didn’t listen to you the way i should have, and i know that. i just… i want to make it right. i don’t expect everything to go back to normal overnight, but i want you to know i’m willing to put in the work. for us."

you felt the lump in your throat grow as his words washed over you. it wasn’t just the flowers or the movie—it was the way bradley was looking at you, so full of hope and sincerity, like he would do anything to fix what had been broken between you.

for a long moment, the two of you stood there in silence, the weight of the past week hanging between you. but then, something shifted. the warmth of the flowers, the comfort of the movie, and the vulnerability in bradley’s eyes—it all made you realize that maybe, just maybe, you were ready to take that first step forward.

"bradley," you said softly, your voice catching slightly, "i’m still hurt. i need time. but… i don’t want to keep avoiding you. i don’t want us to be like this."

he nodded, relief evident in his expression. "i understand. i’ll give you all the time you need. i’m not going anywhere."

you took a deep breath, then nodded toward the living room. "you can stay. we can watch the movie. maybe it’ll help."

bradley smiled, that familiar, gentle smile that had always made you feel safe. "i’d like that."

the two of you moved to the couch, settling in with the blanket spread across both your laps. as the princess bride began to play, bradley didn’t try to force a conversation. instead, he just sat beside you, his presence steady and comforting, offering you exactly what you needed in that moment—no pressure, no expectations. just him, showing up for you.

and as the movie rolled on, you found yourself relaxing more and more, leaning into his arms.

[live-laugh-legolas]

What are the fellowship's favorite fall activities?

The fellowship’s favorite fall activities

Aragorn:

-This man loves a good bonfire

-He’s so proud of it too

-Does that dad thing of standing back to admire it with his hands on his hips

-He doesn’t like s’mores much but he teaches everyone how to toast the perfect marshmallow

-He loves roasted pumpkin seeds

-He would love a good hayride too

-He would enjoy helping Sam in the kitchen; and by helping I mean kind of being in the way and just doing what he is told

Legolas:

-He attends every farmers market and craft fair

-Ik these pop up all year really but I always see them most in fall

-Also not really an activity but he is constantly smelling the air

-Like you know when you first walk out the door and the cool air just carries the scent of the leaves?

-*sniff sniff*

-Not a fan of scented candles though

Gimli:

-Flannels

-This isn’t really an activity but he is always pumped to go full lumberjack aesthetic

-Will chop all the wood for Aragorns bonfires

-He refuses to go apple picking; Legolas made fun of him too much for not being able to reach

-Does love going to a pumpkin patch and picking the biggest pumpkin

-*slaps pumpkins as he walks by to “test the structural integrity”*

Boromir:

-First in line to get a pumpkin spice latte

-And he gets his Uggs out

-Man loves his comfort

-I imagine he has fond memories of going on a trail ride with Faramir

-It’s the perfect weather to take the horses out and it’s a beautiful view

Frodo:

-I think he likes horror films

-Like he will watch them anytime but in the fall he can convince his friends to watch too

-He isn’t scared by them; he hopes he will be but usually it’s too predictable

-He does not watch these films for a few years after coming home from the journey

-Chugs apple cider

-He would have those sticky gel window decor things that change with every season/holiday

Sam:

-He loves to be able to bake all the autumnal dishes

-Spice cake and pumpkin pie are chefs kiss in his mind

-He doesn’t care much about Halloween; instead he spends October preparing for Thanksgiving

-He also won’t admit it but that he enjoys when his friends mess up his leaf piles

-Like he will rake it up into a huge mountain of leaves just for Pippin to jump out of the nearby tree into the pile (btw leaves do not break your fall much. You will hit the ground)

Merry:

-This boy has the Halloween decorations out the second he steps on a crunchy leaf

-Fake spiderwebs EVERYWHERE (never puts them up after the events of lotr for Sam and Frodos sake)

-He also feeds the wildlife so they will be ready for winter (You’re not supposed to do this)

-He has fed a bear and was just casually friends with it (do not do this. I repeat, do not do this)

-Spooky season is very important to him and he takes it very seriously

Pippin:

-He carves pumpkins religiously every year

-Makes the pumpkin helmet

-And gives the innards to Sam so he can bake with them

-If he didn’t munch on it all while carving

-He loves jump in and/or run through leaf piles; but he won’t rake them himself because where is the fun in that?

Gandalf:

-He maybe doesn’t particularly enjoy this but he doesn’t dislike it initially

-But he finds himself in a corner maze

-The hobbits convinced him to go with them but he lost them about 10 minutes in

-He has been in the maze for 3 hours now and is no longer having a good time

-Grumbling and swearing at every dead end

-The hobbits better hide by the time he finds his way out (there is nowhere to hide; he will find them)

[rafaelsilvasource]

Husbands (we love typing that as much as you love reading it) T.K. (Ronen Rubinstein) and Carlos (Rafael L. Silva) are coming into the fifth and final season of 9-1-1: Lone Star (premiering Monday, September 23 on Fox) already dealing with the unsolved murder of the latter’s father. But there’s more drama to come.

Carlos’ obsession with that investigation is going to put their marriage to the test. T.K.’s half-brother, Jonah, is coming to Austin (which is sure to affect Rob Lowe‘s Owen as well). Below, co-showrunner Rashad Raisani previews that and more that’s ahead for the fan-favorite couple.

Carlos is investigating his father’s death. What can you preview about that investigation? That’s also going to involve Campbell (Parker Young), right?

The way we’ve been talking about Campbell and Carlos is that they’re like two brothers, the big brother and the little brother. Carlos comes along, and in Campbell’s mind, he got kind of a free pass because of who his dad, Gabriel Reyes, was, the legend, and to go to the front of the line and become a Texas Ranger. The first episode is about these two brothers both fighting for daddy’s love and daddy being Chief Bridges, their boss. But what’s gonna happen is they learn to respect each other and they’re gonna discover that they’re so much better when they work as a team and they really complement each other brilliantly, not just as investigators, but as characters and frankly to me, as actors. I think just they have a wonderful dynamic that only gets richer as the season goes forward.

Carlos’s father’s murder is a thing that Carlos is not giving that up. It is the central driving force in Carlos’ life. And there’s no way we’re going to end the series without giving that poor guy some answers. So there will be some answers at the end of the day on that.

The season description says that T.K. and Carlos’ marriage is put to the test because Carlos becomes obsessed with solving his father’s murder. What can you tease about how we see that play out and how tough things are gonna get in the middle of that for them? I do have faith that they’re gonna be okay by the end.

A big part for me about their marriage was I really wanted to treat it like a real marriage, and by that, I mean that even though these guys are so wonderful to each other and they’re so handsome, life isn’t perfect no matter who you are and everybody has real struggles that affect even great relationships. And the true strength of a relationship isn’t the absence of challenges and problems, it’s how you grapple with them and encounter them and if they make your relationship stronger or weaker.

And so for Carlos, this burden of his dad’s murder is going to sit there and take up a lot of oxygen in the room and T.K., who is an incredibly supportive husband, is gonna try and be patient and graceful and allow Carlos to have that space. But at a certain point, he’s got to advocate for them to have a future together, and that’s part of what you were talking about with Jonah. I like to think that little boy, in some ways, represents the future of their relationship and Gabriel’s murder represents the past of their relationship, and there’s gonna be a tension between those two things and that’s gonna be their central dynamic this year, is that one person is struggling to get answers in the past and the other person is struggling to move on and build a future, which I think is a very relatable human experience.

All of this makes me think about kids, and that has been a bit of an issue for them in the past. How does that come into play?

I think that’s another pressure point because Carlos was very upfront with T.K. about, “Hey, I’m not ready to have kids and I don’t know if I ever will be,” and then now that his dad’s been murdered, in his headspace, that’s the last thing that he’s got the bandwidth or the emotional energy to deal with. But like I said, T.K. is feeling like life is happening right now, like we don’t get moments back, and especially as a first responder, they see that you can’t take anything for granted. And circumstances are going to align that are going to [lead to] a situation where T.K. is like, I know that you were uncomfortable with taking this next step as a father, but I feel like it’s something powerful that I need to do, and to make that a crisis point for them as well.

I hope that the audience can see the argument from both of their points of view and just go, “S**t, I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what I would do either.” That’s what I hope because I feel like people have real problems that aren’t so simple as to say, well, he’s right, he’s wrong, whatever. We just wanted to put them through that.

[blaithnne]

GODDD the thing about Astrid is she was never meant to be a mother. She was meant to be the fun aunt who sneaks you cookies when your parents aren't looking, who spends hours teaching you how to make little charms to impress your friends at school, who takes you on adventures you're not supposed to tell mum and dad about, who makes you laugh till you cry telling stories about your parents when they were younger. She was never meant to be nurturing or parental, she was never meant to be doing this alone. And every time she does, every time she has a moment with Johanna that's at all parental in nature, all she can think about is how this wasn't supposed to happen. This wasn't meant to be her job. All she can think about is how Lydia and Phinium would've loved this, would've done so much better, how much more they deserved this than she did. Johanna deserves so much better. Astrid doesn't deserve her. She was never meant to be a mother.

[inkspiredwriting]

Playground Pandemonium

Five Hargreeves x reader

A/N: I imagine that five would be a great dad. But I also think that he is insecure and is sometimes afraid of becoming just like Reginald. What do you think?

Warnings: None

It was a rare sunny Saturday afternoon, and Five Hargreeves had finally found a day to spend entirely with his wife Y/n and their four-year-old daughter Maddie. They decided to make the most of it by visiting the local playground. Y/n, ever the planner, packed a picnic basket full of Maddie’s favorite snacks, while Five’s contribution was ensuring they arrived early enough to grab the best spot.

As they walked hand in hand through the park, Five scanned the area. “I haven’t been to a playground since, well, ever,” he admitted.

Y/n laughed, squeezing his hand. “You missed out on a quintessential part of childhood, Five. But don’t worry, Maddie will show you the ropes.”

Maddie, bouncing ahead of them with an infectious energy, turned around and called, “Come on, Daddy! You’re gonna love the swings!”

Maddie made a beeline for the swings, and Five found himself being roped into pushing her. “Higher, Daddy! Higher!” she shrieked with delight.

Five, slightly uncertain but determined not to disappoint, gave her a solid push. Maddie soared into the air, laughing gleefully.

“Careful, Five,” Y/n warned, settling on a nearby bench with a watchful eye. “We don’t want her launching into space.”

Five smirked, “I’ve seen worse launches.” He gave Maddie another push, but this time, his mind wandered to a particularly explosive time-travel incident.

Distracted, he pushed a bit too hard. Maddie shrieked—not in delight, but in mild terror—as she swung higher than intended. “Whoa! Okay, not that high!”

Y/n stifled a laugh as Five, looking mortified, rushed to catch the swing on its way back. “Sorry, kiddo,” he said, steadying her. “Daddy’s still learning the basics.”

Maddie giggled, her fear quickly forgotten. “It’s okay, Daddy. Just don’t push me into the future!”

After the swing incident, Maddie led them to the sandbox, where she promptly began constructing an elaborate sandcastle. Five and Y/n joined in, Five more reluctantly.

“Why does this remind me of building fortifications during the apocalypse?” Five muttered as he helped shape a sand wall.

Y/n chuckled. “Probably because you’re overthinking it. Just have fun!”

Maddie, her tongue poking out in concentration, sculpted a turret. “Look, Daddy! A tower!”

Five nodded, actually impressed. “Nice work, Maddie. It’s almost as secure as some of the bunkers I’ve seen.”

Y/n rolled her eyes playfully. “Maybe we can skip the part where it gets blown up by time-traveling assassins.”

As they worked, a group of kids approached, drawn by the impressive sandcastle. One boy, clearly the sandbox bully, sneered at their work. “That’s a silly castle,” he said, kicking sand at the base.

Five bristled, ready to give the kid a stern talking-to, but Y/n put a calming hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay, Five. Let Maddie handle it.”

Maddie stood up, glaring at the boy. “My Daddy can travel through time and fight bad guys. What can your daddy do?”

The boy, taken aback, mumbled something about his dad being a lawyer and scampered off. Five chuckled, giving Maddie a high five. “That’s my girl.”

Y/n called them over to the picnic blanket for snacks. As they sat down, Maddie’s excitement was palpable. “Can I have a juice box, Mommy?”

Y/n handed Maddie a juice box and gave Five a sandwich. “Try not to eat it too quickly,” she teased. “We don’t have a lot of supplies here.”

Five took a bite, nodding appreciatively. “Better than cockroaches.”

Just as they were settling in, a squirrel darted towards the picnic blanket, clearly eyeing their food. Maddie squealed, and Five immediately went into protective mode.

“Back off, rodent!” Five growled, standing up to chase the squirrel away.

The squirrel, unperturbed, grabbed a stray cookie and scampered up a tree. Five glared after it, shaking his fist. “This isn’t over!”

Y/n laughed, pulling him back down to the blanket. “I think we’ll survive without one cookie.”

Maddie, giggling, took a sip of her juice box. “Daddy, you’re so funny when you’re mad.”

Five sat down with a huff, brushing off the dirt. “I’m glad someone thinks so.”

The playground centerpiece was a tall slide, and Maddie insisted that her parents try it with her. Five eyed the slide warily. “Are you sure about this? I mean, what if—”

“No ‘what ifs,’ Five,” Y/n interrupted, grabbing his hand. “It’ll be fun!”

They climbed the ladder, Maddie leading the way. At the top, Five hesitated. “This is higher than it looks.”

Y/n, already halfway down the slide with Maddie, called back, “Don’t chicken out now!”

With a resigned sigh, Five sat at the top of the slide. “Here goes nothing.” He pushed off, the slide’s angle steeper than expected. As he hurtled down, his typically composed expression twisted into one of surprise.

He shot off the end of the slide, landing in an undignified heap on the ground. Maddie burst into laughter, running over to help him up. “That was awesome, Daddy!”

Y/n, laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes, helped him stand. “See? Fun!”

Five dusted himself off, trying to maintain some dignity. “Maybe for you.”

As the sun began to set, the Hargreeves family packed up their picnic and headed home. Maddie, tired from her day of adventure, held each of her parents’ hands, swinging between them.

“That was the best day ever!” she declared, beaming up at them.

Five, despite his usual stoicism, smiled down at her. “I’m glad you had fun, Maddie.”

Y/n leaned her head on Five’s shoulder as they walked. “You know, for someone who’s never been to a playground, you did pretty well.”

Five chuckled. “Well, I had a good teacher.”

As they reached their car, Maddie climbed into her seat, already half-asleep. Five and Y/n shared a look, both of them tired but happy.

“Same time next week?” Five asked, a twinkle in his eye.

Y/n laughed, kissing his cheek. “Absolutely. As long as you promise not to get into a fight with any more squirrels.”

Five grinned. “No promises.”

As the Hargreeves family drove home, the playground behind them, they couldn't help but smile. It was the perfect blend of laughter, love, and just a bit of Hargreeves-style mayhem.

[thoughtfullyrainynightmare]

Can you write fuego with a pregnant wife?

Hi!

I thought that I had done quite a few of them, but... apparently not ^^' Admittedly I took some inspo from my own long fic (aka Embers -series) for this, and basically used a scene as a basis. Anyways, hopefully you like it ^^

Pairing: Fuegoleon x f!reader Genre: Romance/fluff Fanfic type: Oneshot Length: ~0.9k Contains: pregnant reader, marriage mention, Fue gets kicked by the baby in the face, a lot of fluffy feels

Fuegoleon had always deemed himself to be a family man. Granted that he has other aspirations as well, and hadn’t had a partner for such a long time, which was why such a status and aspect of his life had been placed on the backburner for the time being.

Not that it had particularly stopped thinking about the future, and the family he might like to have. A wife. Kids. Maybe a few. One was too few for his liking, but he wouldn’t push for more if his partner so wished.

It was a personal preference if nothing else.

But. It had existed in a daydream for a time longer than he could tell.

Until he had met you.

Not that the images had flashed through his mind clear as day from the very first moment he had laid his eyes upon you, but rather… it was like a gentle, comforting sensation. The knowledge that this… this would be it. With you he could go on to build something.

What he had felt, was a kind of familiarity. Like this was how it was supposed to be, and nothing less would suffice.

A part of him wanted to rush. To just move together. Get married. And have the titles of husband and wife. But another part of him held back. Because that seemed more courteous. Something that one does. Bids their time and takes slow, tentative steps to the ever after. Not marry the woman he met less than a year ago.

Though people did do that.

But people, aside of royalty, were more free to make such actions. And he didn’t wish to place such scrutiny onto the two of you. Because it would just be unwanted attention. Rumours of a bastard child possibly.

Senseless gossip.

Attempts to tarnish a reputation.

No matter how displeased even the mere idea of it made him, he chose to abide the customs. Little steps. One by one. And yet with each day he tried to show his devotion, even if with words, scattered here and there, a passing touch, lingering gaze. Some if which came without a thought, because it, too, was easy; as natural as breathing.

And now…

As you sat there, in the arm chair with rings in your ring finger, and a baby bump on your tummy, he couldn’t help but smile.

Because it was his whole world that existed in that chair. And he made a point to cherish the moments where he could know, with absolute certainty, where the two of you were; away from harm and trouble. In the sanctity of your shared living quarters.

“Come here,” you told him with a whisper while stroking your stomach.

He perked up, eyes opening just a little wider, as he made his way across the room and crouched by your chair.

“The baby is kicking,” your tone was hushed, delicate and tender, as if you were speaking out a secret that was only for the two of you to know.

His eyes shifted between your expression, gorgeous and loving like the first rays of dawn, to the little bump in which your precious child resided.

He placed his hand onto your stomach, and waited.

Waited for a moment longer, eyes attentive and curious.

“Come on,” you cooed. “No need to be shy, kick some for dad too.”

‘Dad’… he thought as the corners of his lips tugged further up.

One of the most esteemed titles he could be granted.

“Come on,” you encouraged again, as if your child could hear. But… somehow it didn’t seem to make a difference, if they could, or could not. After all, they didn’t have the language to comprehend for a good while still. So, you were speaking because… speaking to your own child was one of the most natural things to do.

Your precious miracle.

“It’s alright,” he chuckled and pressed his cheek against your tummy. “You are far better acquainted with your mother,” he mused while closing his eyes. “But I can’t wait to meet you to-“

*Bump*

A kick right to his nose.

He jolted back.

You raised your hand to cover your mouth.

“Feisty,” he said while holding onto his nose. “And packs a punch already.”

There was a laugh that flowed from your lungs; equally amused and concerned.

“Are you okay?” You asked while placing your hand onto his shoulder.

“I am,” he chuckled before placing his cheek against your stomach again. “It seems we’re having a true Vermillion here,” he mused to himself with a wide smile again. “But no kicking or punching your mother,” he told, sternly, to your bump and the child. “Understood?” He quirked an eyebrow.

And… almost as if to reply, there was another kick, but this time against his hand. A much softer one this time.

“Good,” he smiled while closing his eyes.

You placed your hand onto his head, and let your fingers stroke through his silken hair, as your eyelids closed half way at the tender sight before you.

Because this… this really was him, at his happiest. While holding you, and being held by you; when he was with his family.

[moonsapprentice]

𝔗𝔬𝔯𝔡 ℌ𝔢𝔞𝔡𝔠𝔞𝔫𝔫𝔬𝔫𝔰

𝔄𝔭𝔭𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔞𝔫𝔵𝔢

✩ like every single fanfiction author on the face of tumblr and wattpad would describe, Tord has caramel brown hair. It can really easily get staticky which is funny as fuck when he works on his robots. You’ll walk in and it’s all over the place.

✩ I see people describing his hair as ‘hair horns’ which isn’t wrong per-say, but a better word for it is cowlicks. He literally cannot control them. When he was a teenager he tried so hard to gel them back just to have them spring right back up. Despite that, his hair is actually really silky. He doesn’t like having body hair so he shaves all of it off. Sometimes he leaves a happy trail though.

✩ his eyes are a very striking grey. Depending on lighting they look wildly different. They can look almost white and icy in the light But in the dark they can look menacing and deep.

✩ Tords skin is pretty pale. His skin has warm-neutral undertones. He mostly prefers to be indoors, especially when he’s deep into a project. However when it isn’t above 70 degrees he loves to go out into the woods.

✩ He’s around 6’3 and lean. He’s not very visibly muscular but you can tell he works out. when he’s just out in a t shirt you might catch a glimpse of bicep.

✩ very warm body temperature. Norway is cold, so his body probably just got used to producing heat.

✩ I don’t mean this in a weird way, but he has a pretty face. Just generally nice to look at.

✩ he wears a lot of comfy, casual things. I imagine him as a bit of a gym guy, so sweatpants and T shirts are his go to. And obviously, hoodies.

✩ Tord has scars all over his body.

ℜ𝔬𝔪𝔞𝔫𝔱𝔦𝔠

✩ very romantic

✩ his love languages are physical touch and words of affirmation, with acts of service sprinkled in

✩ Tord never does it infront of people but spews the sweetest most poetic shit you’ve ever heard. Literally pure honey straight out of his mouth. It’s mostly things about your appearance. He has trouble defining his emotions, so instead of opening up and trying to deal with it he says ‘I love you’ a million times a day. It’s the only emotion he truely can explain. He just loves you.

✩ even if he can’t say his emotions, he can sure as hell show them with touch. He can’t say ‘I’m feeling down today’ but he can wrap his arms around your waist from behind and look at you with droopy eyes. He can’t say ‘I feel happy’ so he hugs you tightly and peppers kisses all over your face.

✩ big big big snuggler. Happy to be small or big spoon, whatever it takes to have you close by

✩ a bit random but if you’re into skincare he’d really want you to put a face mask on him. Girl dad style.

✩ loves to kiss on your neck, especially your pulse point. He likes to be reminded you’re alive and always around.

✩ Tord loves receiving kisses on the corner of his mouth and on his neck.

✩ likes a healthy amount of pda. Hugging, kissing, and hand holding are all on the table. As long as the kisses are under five seconds.

✩ gets jealous easily. He trusts you to not do anything but he doesn’t trust other people.

✩ it’s corny, but gun range dates. I CAN’T DENY IT. HE WOULD.

✩ rough and long kisses are his shit. He likes feeling connected to you

✩ 90% of the time has his arm around your waist.

✩ love love loves touching your hair. he’ll touch it at any given chance.

✩ I feel like he’d have a strong sense of smell, so he recognizes your perfume, shampoo, body wash. Everything.

✩ He dates you with the intent of staying together for a long time. He sees you as a spouse rather than just a partner.

✩ loves going to theme parks with you

✩ gives AMAZING massages

✩ would be very happy at the thought of marriage. He doesn’t need a big wedding if you don’t want one, you could even elope. He just wants to feel connected to you.

✩ very tight hugs. Like he’s scared you’ll float away

✩ might want kids to continue his legacy, but a bit iffy on it due to his ‘secret occupation’.

✩ HE WILL GIVE YOU FLOWERS EVERY WEEK NO MATTER WHATT ‼️‼️ NO MATTER IF YOU’RE FIGHTING, HES BUSY, WHATEVER. NOTHING WILL STOP HIM

✩ terrified of losing you

ℜ𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔬𝔪

✩ light sleeper, if he gets any sleep

✩ stays up until 2 - 3am on most nights

✩ despite this, also likes the morning? Both a morning and a night person. Probably gets up around 8 or 9am. Late at night and early in the morning are his most productive hours. During the day he mostly lounges.

✩ smells like smoke, wood, and cologne.

✩ smokes weed very often

✩ loves energy drinks, SEPCIFICALLY white monster.

✩ sweet tooth

✩ but can’t bake for shit.

✩ bites his nails very badly

✩ furrows his brows when he’s focused

✩ crack his back please he needs it.

✩ likes bbq sauce

✩ salmon enjoyer. Specifically smoked

✩ used to dye his hair that dark brown color because he thought it made him look cooler.

✩ mostly listens to metal music and punk rock, but secretly has a vocaloid obsession

✩ his favorite anime is sailor moon because I said so.

✩ would I be wrong if I say he probably has a hatsune miku body pillow

✩ I don’t really think he has a canon family but in my mind I have a whole life story for him. I think that his dad is the OG red army leader, and the main base is in Norway. I don’t think they have a good relationship. His dad often went way to far in teaching him lessons in combat, survival, strategy, etc but they both kind of bonded over engineering. Bonding maybe isn’t the right word because tord definitely does not love his dad, but his father saw that Tord had strengths in robotics and let him persue that. Then bla bla bla Tords the red leader now. If you want you can just ignore this Hc ^^ it just helps me see him as more of a person than a 2D character. I have mini life stories in my head for all the EW characters but Tords is the one I can see the most clearly.

✩ Pau and pat are like brothers to him

𝔑𝔰𝔣𝔴

✩ Any sex position with you in his lap is his favorite. He puts his head in your boobs and holds you still, thrusting up into you. Sometimes he likes to do mating press though.

✩ Tord gets so focused on your pleasure that sometimes he forgets about his own. He’ll go round after round with his head between your thighs.

✩ 100% a switch. He could be on top of you with your legs over his shoulders, or sinking back into the mattress with his eyes rolling back into his head.

✩ lowk a brat

✩ 7 inches when hard. Bends upwards. Shaved

✩ A big kink for dry humping. If you’re in his lap he’ll start grinding on you. He’ll press little kisses on your neck too

✩ goes crazy for some titties

✩ has a lot of crazy ideas, and would love to try them on you if you consent

✩ pretty much has no turn offs. He’s open to try anything you want as long as you’re happy. The only thing he’d never do is hurt you. The other aspects of his life are so violent he doesn’t want to take it to the bedroom

✩ massive oral fixation. He likes having your thumb in his mouth or vice versa depending who’s the top.

✩ he’s very very perverted and very very horny, but he also loves the connection that sex provides. Like yes, he likes boobies at face value. But when he gets into it he really gets into it. Sex is when most of his emotions come out. If he’s had a hard week he may be a bit rougher (obviously with consent). I could also see him as the type to cry a little when he finishes. It’s very rare though.

✩ a high libido. If you’re down he’s down.

✩ if no one else is home he will do it ANYWHERE with you.

✩ will give hickies anywhere. And if you give him one he will show it off proudly

✩ can go about 3-4 rounds average

✩ Lowkey has a breeding kink I can’t lie.

This has been in my drafts for like 3 months so sorry if some parts are a bit ass 🫶 xoxo

[jacarandaaaas]

I notice how (most of) the fandom likes to pin Mirabel as motherly but...Camilo's right there. I can see him getting strict when he needs to be or blurts out the right advice at the right time...which literally shocks everyone when he does but still. In other words, he's the "mom/dad" friend that everybody needs at the right time.

He takes care of kids all day + Is a natural caretaker like Julieta is. We don't know much of his personality other than "mischievous" but taking care of kids from an early age can surely make someone responsible and mature overtime.

Mirabel isn't the town babysitter; she has her own things going on. And I know she loves kids and all, but she strikes more as an older sister/ "aunt who gives you the candy you aren't supposed to have" kind of gal than a motherly type. Don't get me wrong, I honestly think she's good with advice too, but Camilo comes in a close second.

Yet, there's literally a tag on ao3 that's "Mirabel Madrigal acting as Antonio Madrigal's parental figure" that belongs to 94 fics. It's not a lot but still.

I'm okay with it being an au and all, have your fun, but Camilo takes care of kids on a regular basis. Shouldn't he be the one that's seen as parental?

It would be funny to see the slacker get fed up with someone's antics and start scolding like a parent would. I'm sure when it happens it makes the person do a double take because it's not something he does often. Rarely even.

So, when it does happen, it's shocking.

It would be nice to have Camilo be painted as someone who is emotionally mature. Maybe not to the extent of Mirabel, but like I said, he takes care of children. That has to make someone emotionally mature to some extent.

It would be nice to see Camilo not painted as a jerk for once. Sure, he's incredibly blunt but not a jerk! And yes, he's a teen boy, he's going to feel emotions like one, but we SAW him giving tea to his mom when she was freaking out.

Not jerk teenager would do that unless they were forced too. Camilo isn't forced, he wants his mama to be calm so SHE can feel a little better. We can see that by the way he's talking to her.

It would be hilarious to see Camilo using a chancla on someone (maybe a bully who's harassing Mirabel) and ending it with-

"AND DON'T THINK YOUR PARENTS WON'T HEAR ABOUT THIS!"

Sorry for the rant, I didn't intend for it to get that long.

anon you are speaking my language!! I’ve talked about my dislike for parentified mirabel before so it’s nice to see I’m not alone on that!

camilo definitely has a more nurturing side and we see it as early as the opening song! Whilst I wouldn’t go as far to say he acts like a parent he definitely knows how to discipline children and is just naturally good at dealing with them! I would love to see more content that talks about how caring camilo is (I am sick of the jerk camilo thing he’s not heartless guys!) I can definitely see him as more experienced with kids than mirabel as he’s the babysitter she’s more just the fun one who hangs around with them! it’s a very different dynamic as we don’t really see mirabel necessarily looking after kids only entertaining them! As for your point on camilo being emotionally mature I would have to agree! the mothers wouldn’t trust him with their kids if they thought he would be irresponsible! he definitely knows how to scold them even if it’s surprising when it happens! I’m glad you mentioned the tea scene, as I think it shows a different side to camilo! he is caring and he’s good at comforting people! he isn’t gonna try make a situation worse he cares about his mother and wants to assure her! and I hate when people use that scene against pepa too! it is normal to make your mother tea weirdos!!! I love that scene despite how brief it is and we see glimpses of that side of camilo in the comics too!

As for mirabel 100% agree! she definitely strikes me as someone the kids would view as the cool older best friend much more than a parental figure. They don’t want to make her mad because in their eyes she’s cool! she’s fun and entertaining and they don’t want to make her mad! it’s not the case of a parent where it’s they know they’ll get in trouble for it! that’s partly what inspired my camp counselor au lmao! the fact mirabel is so good with kids in a way she makes them feel validated she doesn’t reprimand them she is someone they view as a friend! The mirabel is antonios mother fic genre is one I completely avoid i love their relationship because she is so much more of an older sister figure to him! I’ve said before I don’t like these fics so I tend to avoid them even if I don’t really read fics anymore lmao!

but I agree with most of your points! camilo is always seen as the fun one whilst mirabel is the parental one when in canon it’s the other way around! that’s not to say camilo isn’t fun because he absolutely is but we see him actually babysitting we see mirabel just hanging out with kids for fun! what I really need to see is mirabel and camilo as a babysitting duo that would be so fun!! both of them are 15 and deserve to have fun!! let mirabel have fun!! I would love to see more stuff involving camilos nurturing side for sure though!

[serenelystrange]

Summary:

“I think maybe I am actually allergic to bee stings,” Eddie says, before collapsing into a heap. In which they've survived the bee-nado, only to feel the sting of the aftermath. Or, how Eddie almost dying (again) dominoes into them finally getting out of their own way, and into happiness!

Rating: G / PG

Post-Season/Series 07, Post-Canon, Near Death Experiences, Fluff, Feelings Realization, Getting Together, First Kiss, Love is stored in the kitchen, Humor

At AO3, or below the cut.

Feedback is love and always appreciated! <3

Notes:

Screw that one NPR dude, bee-nado is freaking delightful.

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

“Hey, guys?”

The team turns at the sound of Eddie’s strangled voice, simultaneous expressions of horror dawning as they take in the red welts springing up all over his face.

“I think maybe I am actually allergic to bee stings,” Eddie says, before collapsing into a heap.

“Eddie!” Buck says, darting forward and just barely managing to keep his head from slamming into the concrete. He lowers Eddie down gently and leans in, hearing the raspy wheezing coming from his rapidly closing throat.

“Shit, he can’t breathe. Do we have any Epipens left?”

“On it,” Hen says, crouching down with Buck and pulling the pen from her medic bag.

“Good thing he already lost the turnouts,” Chim says, eyeing Eddie with concern. “I’ll get the stretcher. Come help me, Buck?”

“No,” Buck says quietly but with no room for argument, attention completely focused on Eddie.

“I’ll help,” Bobby says, hurrying off with Chim to get the prepped for the hospital.

“Sorry, bud,” Hen says to Eddie as she slams the pen down into his thigh, holding her breath the whole time she’s holding the plunger down.

“Come on,” Buck whispers urgently, meeting Eddie’s panicked eyes with a matching gaze. “You’re not letting bees take you out after everything you’ve been through.”

Eddie gasps for air as the medicine kicks in, twitching up with the adrenaline roughly.

“Easy,” Buck soothes, cradling the back of Eddie’s head and helping him up into a sitting position slowly. “Just breathe, you’re ok.”

Hen doesn’t even bother trying to get Buck to move, she just works around him, feeling Eddie’s throat and making sure he isn’t going to die en-route to the hospital.

“I’m ok,” Eddie rasps, closing his eyes and leaning back into the hand now cupping his neck for just a moment. “Thanks,” he says to Hen, gratefully. “That would have been such a shitty eulogy.”

“Nobody wants to see Buck cry through a whole speech,” Hen agrees, lightly. “Now up and at ‘em, let’s get you to the hospital.”

Eddie stands shakily as Chim and Bobby wheel up the stretcher, and groans.

“I can walk and sit in the bus,” he protests.

“I will carry you,” Buck warns.

“I’m a dad, too,” Chim adds, “don’t make me pull the dad voice on you.”

“Fine,” Eddie huffs. “But I want it noted that I’m operating under duress.”

“Duly noted,” Bobby says dryly. “Now can we please go to the hospital?”

Eddie rolls his eyes but finally does as he’s told.

“Finally,” Eddie says hours later, when they’ve finally released him to his ride home.

From the driver’s seat of the Jeep, Buck frowns over at him.

“You almost died,” he says. “Again. I’d be upset if they didn’t want to observe you for a while.”

“Sorry,” Eddie says. “I didn’t mean to freak you out.”

“Not your fault,” Buck says, shrugging. “But you couldn’t see your face swelling up, Eds. It was scary as hell.”

“Thanks for stopping me from cracking my head open, by the way,” Eddie says. “I didn’t remember until everything wore off, but I definitely should have hit the ground harder than I did.”

“Just glad I was fast enough,” Buck says, grinning. “Score one for lighting-quick reflexes.”

Eddie just groans.

“See what I did there?” Buck asks, in a much better mood now that Eddie isn’t in anaphylaxis.

Eddie sighs. “Can we please just go home? I need a hot shower and a drink.”

“Can’t get warm?” Buck guesses, already pulling off his soft hoodie before Eddie finishes nodding.

“It’s probably not the freshest,” Buck admits as he hands it over, “but it’s warmer than your t-shirt anyway.”

“You can just put the heat up,” Eddie laughs, “you don’t have to literally give me the clothes off your back for a thirty minute drive.”

“Shut up,” Buck huffs. “I’ll do both. Just wear the hoodie so I’m not worried about you freezing the whole way home.”

“Fine, fine,” Eddie says, pulling it on and snuggling into the cozy material happily before buckling his seatbelt.

“Still warm,” he says, giving Buck a quick thankful look and shoving his hands into the front pocket of the hoodie.

“Good,” Buck says, before finally turning the car on and heading home.

“We didn’t have time to get a whole cake,” Hen says on their next shift. “But that new bakery down the block did have these…”

Eddie groans as she opens the box to reveal a few dozen bee-shaped cake pops.

“No bad puns?” he laughs. “I’m sure there’s a death-by-bee related joke in there somewhere.”

“Buck vetoed it,” Chim says. “Apparently ‘near-death experiences aren’t something to joke about, Howard.’”

“Since when?” Hen says, amused. “That’s kind of our whole thing after these ridiculous situations.”

“You’d be upset if someone joked about Karen almost dying,” Ravi says, joining the conversation and grabbing a cake pop with a happy hum.

“You weren’t even there!” Chim says, rolling his eyes good-naturedly.

“And Karen is my wife,” Hen says. “That’s different.”

“Is it though?” Ravi asks.

His sharp brown eyes look directly into Eddie’s soul for just a moment before he grabs another cake pop and scampers off.

“What the hell,” Eddie says, looking at Hen and Chim’s amused faces with wide eyes.

“Go find Buck before he gets emo,” Chim says, handing him two cake pops. “He probably needs some sugar anyway.”

“And the cake pops,” Hen adds, mildly.

They leave before Eddie can even argue.

“Bzzz, bzzz,” Eddie says in greeting, finding Buck on the little couch they usually play video games on, staring off into space.

“Hilarious,” Buck says, dryly.

“We gotta laugh,” Eddie says, handing Buck one of the cheery yellow cake pops. “Or we’d probably never stop crying.”

“I know,” Buck says, sighing and moving over so that Eddie has room to sit beside him. “I’m just in a mood I guess.”

“It happens,” Eddie says, easily, polishing off the treat in a few bites and putting the stick on the coffee table to deal with later. “That’s actually really good.”

“I’m not hungry,” Buck sighs, offering Eddie the cake pop back.

Eddie takes it and puts it on the table before looking at Buck with concern.

“Not hungry?” he asks, reaching out to touch Buck’s forehead with the back of his hand. “You burn like a million calories a day, you should be starving.”

“I’m not sick,” Buck says, frowning at Eddie’s hand as he pulls it away.

“Then what’s up?” Eddie asks.

“It’s dumb,” Buck says, quietly, looking at the floor in front of them.

Eddie shrugs. “Maybe,” he says. “But you should still tell me.”

“Tommy broke up with me,” Buck says after a long moment of consideration.

Eddie hums in sympathy and gives him an encouraging nod.

“Through text,” Buck adds, and Eddie hisses out a breath.

“Ouch,” he says, “that’s rough.”

“It’s whatever,” Buck says, finally looking up from the floor and over at Eddie. “I mean, we weren’t that serious yet or anything. But it was nice. And turns out, getting dumped by a guy sucks just as much as getting dumped by a girl.”

“Yeah, well,” Eddie says, “he’s an idiot for breaking up with you. It’s his loss.”

“Maybe,” Buck allows, giving Eddie a wry grin. “He probably won’t want to fly you out to super violent half-naked sports now, though. So like, sorry about that.”

“You know,” Eddie muses with an amused grin. “Somehow, I think I’ll survive. As long as I don’t run into another 100 bees.”

“I hate you so much,” Buck says, torn between laughing and groaning.

“Nah,” Eddie says, leaning in until their shoulders are pressed together. “I’m your favorite. At least until Chris comes back. If he comes back.”

“He will,” Buck says, firmly. “If he doesn’t give in by the end of August I’m going to drive out there myself and get him.”

“Please don’t kidnap my son, Buck,” Eddie laughs. “The Texas cops won’t give you as much leeway as Athena.”

“It’s not kidnapping if I’m bringing him back to his father,” Buck huffs. “It’s a rescue mission.”

“He just needs some time,” Eddie says. “Hopefully. I’m trying not to catastrophize here, you’re gonna have to meet me halfway.”

“What’s halfway to El Paso?” Buck asks.

“Somewhere in Arizona, probably,” Eddie says, thoughtfully. “But I meant more emotionally.”

“I can multi-task,” Buck says, before closing his eyes and resting his head on the back out the couch, reaching out and wrapping his hand around Eddie’s wrist.

“I’m really glad you’re ok,” he says, swallowing around the wobble in his voice.

“Me, too,” Eddie says.

He’s surprised to find that he actually means it.

Chris comes home the second week of August, and graciously allows Eddie to hug him for almost an entire minute before squirming away and asking what they’re having for dinner.

“I haven’t gotten groceries this week yet,” Eddie admits, looking around at a whole lot of random ingredients that require too much effort for his currently mental capacity.

“Is Buck ok?” Chris asks, worriedly. “Is that why he’s not here?”

“What?” Eddie asks, before reassuring him. “No, Buck’s fine. He’s just working, he was gonna come by tomorrow after his shift to see you.”

“Oh,” Chris says, sighing in relief. “Good. I thought he stopped getting our groceries cuz he got hurt or something.”

“I buy our groceries, Mijo,” Eddie laughs. “We just shop together sometimes. Buck needs food at his house too, you know.”

“Dad,” Chris says, looking at him with one impressively raised eyebrow. “Do you even know where the waffle mix is?”

“Uhh,” Eddie hedges, eyes landing on the pantry doors. “In the pantry, obviously.”

Chris rolls his eyes.

“We don’t have waffle mix,” he says. “Buck makes the batter with actual ingredients.”

“Waffle mix is ingredients,” Eddie argues lightly, “just all mixed up already.”

“I’m going back to Texas,” Chris drawls, before giving Eddie a sheepish look. “Too soon?”

“You’re a brat,” Eddie says, ruffling his hair. “And I love you more than anything in the world. But yeah, maybe we don’t joke about you running away again for at least a year, ok?”

“Fiiine,” Chris says. “Now about dinner…”

Eddie laughs and pulls up his phone, handing it over to Chris to choose somewhere to order from.

His baby is back, they deserve the treat.

“Chris!” Buck shouts the next evening, letting himself into Eddie’s house and heading straight for the boy, scooping him right off the couch and into a gently bone crushing embrace.

“Buuuuck,” Chris whines as he laughs. “I’m too big to pick up!”

“Never,” Buck says, grinning. “If you ever get as big as me, I’m just gonna have to get stronger so I can keep carrying you.”

“You already bust out of all your sleeves,” Eddie says, watching the scene with soft eyes. “You better just let him love you, Chris. For the sake of t-shirts everywhere.”

“He can love me and put me down,” Chris says.

“If you insist,” Buck says, making a show of dramatically placing him back on the couch. “I just missed you, kid.”

“Missed you, too,” Chris says. “Can I watch TV now?”

“I see how it is,” Buck laughs, shaking his head and following Eddie into the kitchen, leaving Chris to his own devices.

“Teenagers, man. Ouch.”

“Brutal,” Eddie agrees, grinning.

“And yet you look happy as a clam,” Buck laughs.

“Yeah, well,” Eddie says, shrugging minutely.  “My kid is back where he should be. That’s enough happy to last a few weeks at least.”

“Yeah, it is,” Buck says, clinking the beer bottle Eddie had handed him against the one in Eddie’s hand.

They sip their drinks in comfortable silence, and Buck can’t help but think back to that night in his kitchen years ago. It was different then, more frustration than relief, but a thrill all the same. He’d been so sure Eddie was going to hit him, he’d practically begged for it, really.

“I, uh,” Buck says, keeping his voice low so Chris doesn’t eavesdrop. “Remember when you were Mr. super secret fight club, and we were still pissed at each other?”

“In your kitchen?” Eddie asks, already knowing the answer. “I remember, yeah. Why?”

He takes another long sip of his beer, watching with interest as Buck’s eyes follow the movement of his throat as he swallows.

“I think I was flirting with you,” Buck says in a rush. “I just didn’t realize it.”

“Hmm,” Eddie says, nodding and taking one last swallow of his drink before putting it on the counter. “Yeah, that makes sense. You were pretty, uh,” he makes a vague hand gesture, “crotch-forward with the swaggering.”

“Not on purpose,” Buck says, blushing pink. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Eddie says. “Pretty sure I was flirting back.”

Buck freezes, giving Eddie an incredulous look.

“And you didn’t say anything?” he asks. “For five years??”

“Yeah, well,” Eddie says, “it’s been a crazy few years. I couldn’t handle a sexuality crisis on top of it.”

“Oh,” Buck says, before his eyes widen in realization. “But you can now?”

“I think so,” Eddie says, turning to face Buck fully. “The single women of Los Angeles will be relieved.”

“What about the men?” Buck asks, laughing softly at Eddie and his terrible dating history.

“I only care about one of them,” Eddie says. “And he’s standing a foot away from me at the moment, so I guess I should ask him that question.”

“Oh,” Buck says again, before smiling sappily. “I’m also really relieved you’ll no longer be terrorizing the hearts of L.A. women.”

“Just yours?” Eddie asks, dropping his gaze to Buck’s lips. “Do you think it’s worth the risk?”

Buck kisses him instead of answering, pressing him gently against the counter and cages him in with his arms, catching his startled gasp against his lips.

Eddie murmurs something that Buck can’t make out, but it’s not stop, so he doesn’t. Eddie grabs his waist and pulls him closer as he returns the kiss, fingers hooking into the belt loops of Buck’s worn jeans to hold him in place.

“I’ll take that as a yes,” Eddie says when they pull apart, staring at one another and catching their breath.

“You’re always worth the risk,” Buck says, stealing another quick kiss. “Every time.”

Eddie grins bright and joyful, and Buck feels his breath catching at the sight.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he says with awe. “But I’m so glad you don’t have that awful mustache anymore.”

“Rude,” Eddie laughs, punching Buck’s shoulder playfully before tugging him into another kiss.

They can argue about facial hair another day.

By the time they make it back to the living room, Chris is scrolling tik-tok, a 70’s show dubbed in Spanish playing on the TV in the background.

“The Incredible Hulk?” Eddie asks, watching the green-painted man with bad hair and cringing. “This does not hold up, yikes.”

“Mark Ruffalo is way better,” Chris agrees. “I thought this one would be fun in Spanish, though.”

“Well,” Buck says, giving the screen a dubious look. “Some things are bad in any language.”

Chris dissolves into giggles at his solemn tone, and that sets Eddie off into laughter, until Buck is left staring between them both and their matching squinty faces, shaking his head with amusement.

He’s never been happier.

The End

Notes:

Hope you like!

[quadrantadvisor]

Sometimes I still think about The Owl House Gang all trying to watch ATLA together but then Zuko's backstory in The Storm retraumatizes Hunter so bad they have to stop

[manygreetingsfriend]

i’m sooooooo normal about the god of war series. so incredibly normal i liked it a normal amount and would be so chill talking about it. don’t worry about the sign

[delicatetaysversion]

spending my whole life trying and trying and trying and trying to be good enough for people who don't give a fuck about me

[unma]

Saw the Epilogue for Liar Satsuki just now and yeah no, I was coping when I thought it'd make things better. I still can't believe Akira and Satsuki didn't end up together. After EVERYTHING these two have been through together. Komachi is not even slightly as relevant for most of the manga, and you can say what you want about both their abilities tying them together thematically and what not, but frankly the entire manga set it up such that Akira x Satsuki was the obvious choice.

[pleasedontcareaboutme]

I don't care when people don't include me in stuff, I'm used to it but-----

my own family going on a trip w/o even asking me kinda felt

shit 🫠