#'your mum and my dad are siblings? you came to my wedding?'

[kcgarashi]

thinking about rera's relationships with the nara clan and how she probably spent a week looking up the family tree to figure out who she was actually related to

[going-to-ikea-for-the-fries]

Three. Four. Five. || Toxic!Husband!Price

For @glitterypirateduck's “O, Captain!” writing challenge! I used prompts:

30. "I hate you but if anything happened to you I'd burn the world" vibe.;

42. The story spans over a period of 10 or more years;

78. Give us a "That's my Wife!" moment.

Rating: E Words: 3.3K cw: toxic couple, VERY toxic, insults, death wishes, smut fade to black, pregnancy. Tags: f!reader, you/your pronouns but no Y/N, miilitary/court martial inaccuracies, very bad family dynamics?, dark humour??. Summary: John and Reader are in the worst fucking marriage ever. A collection of moments, dialogues and scenes from their terrible relationship. a/n: They are SO fucking toxic and dumb, I cannot- This is also very different from the stuff I usually write. This is ALSO not particularly angsty, more so dark humour.

There was a time when you loved John Price.

With all your heart, all your soul (and all your pussy).

That time was when you were young.

Ages 14 to 21, you loved him. He was your first kiss, your first time. High school sweethearts, you supported him through the academy, he supported you when you went to university. 

You stayed together through his first and second deployments. It was like an old-timey WW2 romance. 

So many letters exchanged back and forth. All lovey-dovey, with faint pen ink and smudged blotches on the pages as you made plans for the future.

Phone calls with spotty service and loads of static, only five minutes per soldier, 5 minutes which he’d spend only ever spend talking to you, asking you to relay any other messages to his mum, dad, siblings so he wouldn’t have to hang up with you. 

Polaroids clipped on the inside of envelopes which he would then slip into the breast pocket of his shirt, keeping you over his heart… one he’d often pull out and look at during transpo, thumbs tracing your eternal smile.

Polaroids of yours, a bit more risqué, which he would keep tucked into a journal under his pillow, for his eyes only.

John would walk around overseas with a smile on his lips after getting a letter or a call from you, brag to his teammates about his “bird back home”, never going out to bars to find one night stands like they did…

But sometime after his second deployment and joining the SAS, the puppy love that had lasted for years started to dwindle. 

Slowly but surely, you found that you were both growing distant.

You assumed you were both growing a bit ‘comfortable’, perhaps complacent… like all relationships tend to get after a while. 

By that time, John and you had already moved in together and you were no longer consistently alone for months at a time waiting for him to return from deployment. You blamed it on that. Plus, you’d been together for years by then!

But it felt different. There was distance, emotional and physical. Whenever he cuddled up to you, you felt cold and so did he. The kisses to your forehead were meaningless, the dinners at home eerily silent.

And between the distance and the inability to make proper plans, proper dates, celebrate milestones together, forgotten anniversaries, overlooked birthdays… It turned into arguments. 

And one argument turned to three, to five, to seven… hundred.

You found yourself growing bitter, angry, hateful.

It wasn’t a sudden shift or anything.

Not like you woke up one day and the one thought in your head was “I hate him”...

But you remember hating him longer than you ever loved him.

You tried breaking up. And failed. 

Some… bastardised feeling of guilt came to the forefront of both your minds at the idea of throwing away 5 6 7 8 9 10 years together, and giving up on your first love… and maybe even fear of having to start anew with someone else.

So, you simply continued going through the motions. You got engaged, big shiny rock on your finger, all big smile, but no tears came when he proposed. Your families were ecstatic, not quite able to see through the thinly veiled deceit.

For the wedding, you pulled out all the stops, stressed yourself out preparing the ceremony and reception with the women in your family (and his! His mother and sister were so happy that John was getting married!), going wedding dress shopping…

You had a beautiful ceremony, John wearing his full dress suit, army green, with the beige SAS beret. You were both 27, and together for 13 years.

Then, came the honeymoon, which was cut short. Not that it was a true honeymoon. Just three days in a coastal town in Northern France, having to be within a day's drive of Hereford lest he get called out for a sudden mission, which he was.

Not that you expected any different from him. So the distance continued growing, as did the arguments.

You hated him. He hated you.

Then came the predictable “So, when can we expect some grandkids?”. You put it off for a couple more years, blaming it on your high-priority careers, the law and the military, so similar and so different; his lack of time at home and how regrettable it’d be for you to be alone through the pregnancy; the want to be ‘more present’ for the future kids, needing to wait for things to settle down a bit more…

You’d been together for so long at that point, 15 years under your belt, starkly aware that neither of you is going anywhere. The world keeps spinning and your relationship hasn't ended. Fuck it, might as well go for it.

And now here you are.

It’s been eighteen years since you met. Aged 32, you no longer have arguments, you have throwdowns. You pull out every weapon in your arsenal. Neither of you plays nice.

Insults are traded often. Death wishes even more so. And, more often than not, they’re delivered with such a deadpan nonchalance that you’re sure people would think you both psychopaths.

“Going on a mission. ‘ll be back in a few days.”

“‘Kay, hope you die.”

“So do I.”

-

“Just had a fender bender with a stupid bloke. The car’s at the shop. Taking an uber to the base to get your car.”

“Okay. Shame you didn’t die a fiery death.”

“Don’t remind me, already cried about it.”

-

"I'm getting discharged."

"Why?"

"Shot."

"And it couldn't have killed you?"

-

“Can you get out of the damn toilet? I’m bleeding.”

“Period, accident, or just part of your satanic rituals?”

“Period.”

“Tough luck. Hope you bleed out.”

It never gets physical, never violent. John would rather die than lay a hand on you and you’d never DARE lay one on him. It’s just a lot of yelling, a lot of insulting, a lot of throwing things around, and, especially, a lot of revenge plans being executed to drive each other crazy.

Like recently. You found out John had gotten a grey-haired wig about the same length and texture as your hair, and has been snipping off a few hairs at a time, planting them around the house to blame you for leaving your hair everywhere, while simultaneously making you feel like you’re going grey. So, you put grey hair box dye in his shampoo and beard oil, to make him think he’s going grey.

Or three months ago, when you replaced all your lightbulbs with dimmer ones and lowered the brightness on all electronics, to make him think his eyesight was starting to go bad. You drove him so mad that he had voluntarily signed up for sniper assessments because he was worried he’d become a liability for the team.

Or eight months ago, when John had to return home in the middle of the day wearing a ruined uniform and just about ready to blow smoke out of his ears, having ripped holes in the uniform midway through a meeting all because 2 or so weeks prior you had painstakingly undone part of the stitching on it after an argument, and that had resulted in him baring his hairy thighs and armpits to a boardroom full of officers.

It’s bad. Very bad. You’ve had your windows and doors insulated to make sure the neighbors don’t hear your screaming matches and call the cops on the “domestic violence” happening next door. 

You probably shouldn’t have kids with this man. And yet-

He drives you insane.

And you’ve TRIED to fix it! You did. Marriage counseling, rage rooms, axe-throwing, paintball matches, yoga, meditation.… Nothing worked! In fact, it only infuriated you more because:

“You’ve got a tactical advantage, you need to play with a handicap!”

“Tough luck, sweetheart. Get good or get shot!”.

-

“You can throw harder than that.”

“Oh, I’ll show ya throwing hard, you gobshite!”

“Okay, when are you planning to start?”

-

“My back hurts-”

“Because you’re getting old.”

“Fuck you.”

“I’m just telling you the truth. Face it, John, if the downward dog hurts your back, then you’re old.”

-

“Can you breathe any louder?”

“Yes, I can. Wanna see?”

“Just shut up. I can’t hear myself think.”

“Not much to hear either way, pretty hollow in there.”

“I hate you.”

“Feeling’s mutual, sweetness.”

There are only three occasions when you’re not actively at each other’s throats. Other, then, of course, when John’s working, especially when he’s overseas. You can’t fight if he’s both a) not home and b) unreachable via calls or texts or e-mails.

When you need a favor from the other, something you can’t quite do, or that falls in the other’s ‘jurisdiction’ in house chores.

“The washing machine’s leaking.”

“Turn off the water main, I’ll go check in a sec.”

“Mkay.”

-

“Here. Popped a button.”

“I don’t have any more army green thread.”

“Then use brown or black or whatever.”

-

“Where are your car keys?”

“What for?”

“Going to get it washed and detailed.”

“My purse.”

-

“You’re not gonna wear that, are you?”

“Why?”

“Besides the fact that it’s wrinkly? That’s a ‘house’ shirt, not a ‘going out’ shirt. Wear this one instead.”

2. When you’re both complaining or dealing with an outside force, a 3rd party, together.

"Excuse me, hi, I'm sending this back it's not cooked the way I asked."

"Ma'am that's exactly what you-"

"Are you calling my wife a liar?"

-

“Oh, fuck no. Why the fuck is he winning the Great British Bake Off?"

"Hm? Oh- oh! Yeah, why the fuck is he winning?"

“Bloody hell, he rolled his pastry too thin and had watery pie filling-”

“Wankers. This is not fair.”

-

“John. John!”

“What?”

“Look-”

“Blood hell, he’s back early-”

“Yeah and her boytoy’s car still there. They’re definitely still going at it.”

“Oh, this is going to be fun.”

-

“Excuse me! Hey, excuse me! Pick up after your bloody dog! NO, don’t you start with me, you keep leaving your dog’s shite right by our garden, don’t you see the sign my husband’s posted up?! Pick it up or I’ll do it and then drop it in your garden.”

3. During sex.

Marching into the bedroom after breakfast, you find John combing through his hair in the bathroom mirror. The room is steamy from the hot shower he just took. 

“Take your trousers off. I’m ovulating.” You warn him as you wave your phone in the air, showing off the period tracking app.

“I literally just showered.” John replies as you’re already shrugging off your robe and pajamas.

“Well, believe or not, I don’t control my ovaries, John.” You reply. “Now take your trousers off.”

“Already on it.” He replies as he already starts taking off his shirt and sweatpants, leaving them on a pile on the floor, before his boxer briefs follow suit.

His hand palms his cock as you’re getting comfortable on the bed, tugging on it lightly as he watches your fingers do the same between your legs. 

“Can we try to enjoy it this time?” He asks you in earnest.

“Sure.” You reply simply. “Been a while since we’ve had proper sex and not…”

“Not a breeding session?” He quips as he kneels on the bed between your parted thighs. His hand replaces yours and he starts rubbing your clit for you.

“Shut it…” You quip, while your own hand wraps around his cock, stroking it slowly. John lowers himself onto you and his lips slowly brush against yours before he kisses you.

No, as it turns out… There are actually four occasions when you’re not actively at each other’s throats:

4. The Kid

In a day like any other, you’re lying in bed, reading a book. It’s a lazy Sunday morning, your big, round belly feeling particularly heavy. You’ve stolen every other pillow in the house to try and find some comfort, which you fail remarkably at.

“I think I’m going grey.” John states to no one in particular.

He’s in the en-suite bathroom, applying beard oil across his mutton chops like he tends to do, about three times a week.

“You are.” You remark in a bored, dismissive tone as you read a book in bed.

“That’s not funny. I’m not that old.”

“You’re getting up there.”

“Look who’s talking, we’re the same age.”

“What’s that supposed to mean, Jonathan?”

“It means you’re there yourself, darling.”

Raising your eyes from the book in your hands, the bottom of which rests atop your pregnant belly, you cock a brow at your ‘beloved’ husband.

“And this is coming from Santa Claus?” You retort swiftly.

John peeks his head out of the bathroom door to look at you. “You think you’ve got a leg to stand on, you crone?”

Grunting under your breath, you glare at him, and he glares at you, complete silence in the bedroom. 

There’s something in that face of his, the look in his eyes, those STUPID fucking mutton chops that you’ve told him to shave and he refuses…

Grabbing your book and rolling it into a cylinder, you hurl it at him, putting as much force behind your arm as you possibly can. It misses the mark, but only because he had the presence of mind to duck. 

“You’re such a fuckin’ knobhead!” You insult him, tongue dripping with bitterness.

“Wel, not like I can be anything else, really, when I’m married to such a raging cunt.” He retorts.

“OH FUCK YOU!” You retort.

“ALREADY AM MORE THAN FUCKED, SPENDING THE REST OF MY LIFE WITH YOU.”

“OH, PLEASE, YOU’RE MORE MARRIED TO YOUR BLOODY GUN THAN YOU ARE TO ME!”

“YEAH CAUSE AT LEAST MY GUN DOESN’T DRIVE ME FUCKING MENTAL!”

“OH PISS OFF!” You shout, your face twisting with a scowl.

“You know, you really shouldn’t be stressing yourself out like this. It’s not good for your blood pressure. Or for John Junior.”

“First of all, it’s not gonna be a boy. Secondly, even if it is a boy, we’re not naming him after you. And thirdly, how about you die, then I won’t get stressed.”

“And why would I do that, when I can stay right here, perfectly alive and healthy, and watch you give birth to John Junior, and have the pleasure of rubbing a ‘I told you so’ right in your face?”

“Oh fuck you. It’s not going to happen.” You sulk and cross your arms over your chest, leaning back against your mountain of pillows.

“Someone doesn’t like the idea of having a son that takes after me, hm??” John teases as he comes up to the bed, a brow cocked.

You trail him with your eyes as he sits next to you on the bed. “Absolutely not. I wanna have a child I actually am able to love, and not one that I have to lie to.”

“A mother’s love knows no bounds, huh? What a load of crap.” John quips.

“Oh, that’s 100% true. I love this baby to bits already, but if it takes after you… I’ll probably die.”

“Good.” John remarks, causing you to roll your eyss. “Much better than if our child takes after you. Spawn of Satan, he would be.” John’s hand slides up your leg and slowly cups your swollen stomach.

“I should probably address the fact you just called our child ‘Satan’s spawn’, but I’m more concerned over the fact you keep calling the baby a ‘son’.” You murmur as you uncross your arms and watch him caress your skin.

“I feel like it’s a boy, I don’t know what to tell you.” He replies as his calloused fingers drag over the stretch marks and linea nigra on your stomach.

“What if it’s a girl?”

“What about it?”

“I’ve seen enough men online getting pissy over havin’ a daughter.” You quip and cock a brow up, looking him in the eyes.

John’s eyes lock onto yours. “Not me.” Then they return to the belly as he continues rubbing you. “Would love a little girl too.”

“Hm.” You remark and slowly, your hand rubs over the belly on the opposite side, where John’s hand isn’t. “We’ve gotta promise not to yell or argue in front of the baby.”

“Kind of hard to do that when I’m married to the Devil.” John quips, causing you to look up at him, eyes narrowed.

“You’ve gotta promise. We’ve gotta promise.” You murmur as you look at him.

For a moment, his usually grumpy face softens and he nods. “I promise.”

Nodding as well, you echo the sentiment. “I promise.”

No, wait, five:

5. When you have his back.

“General, that is not what I asked you. I would ask that you stop beating around the bush, feeding me, the jury, and the people watching at home, fabricated information and embellished words in a sorry attempt to save your credibility. Stick to the questions being asked and stop wasting our times.” You warned the man as you paced the space in front of the stand.

“Me and everyone else in this room are looking for nothing but the truth, or must I remind you that you are under oath and also live on television?” You ask outloud as you turn to look at him.

“No, counselor.” The General, a heavy-set, older, mustachioed man replies, through gritted teeth, his face showing a polite expression while the man himself was seething on the inside.

“Very well, then, I’ll repeat the question. Were you or were you not aware of the aforementioned, unsactioned operations being conducted in the Al-Mazarah and Urzikstan border, involving CIA and MI6 operatives?” You asked, eyes glaring into the man’s eyes as you leaned into the stand near him.

“Well, as with most operations...”

“A yes or no is enough, General.” You told him sternly.

“Yes.” The man grits out.

“And did you, or did you not, give permission for these CIA and MI6 operatives, working under the guise of NATO, and I quote, from the transcript: “Authority to use any means necessary” on the enemy forces?” You confronted him.

“Well-”

“Yes or no?”

“Yes.”

“And did you do that while being aware that the teams involved would interpret such command as permission to execute an operation in which they’d use ‘extreme physical persuasion’ or, in other words, torture to achieve their goals?”

“I-”

“Did you or did you not, General?”

“Yes, but-”

“And did you, or did you not, not only demand the censoring of the clear and transparent reports received in the aftermath of that operation but also sign off on them yourself, to circumvent the proper channels of evaluation, which would force an internal audit to be conducted?”

“Yes-”

“So, in short, you just confirmed that you authorized your troops to, essentially, wipe their asses with the Geneva convention and comit war crimes on the POWs under their care?”

“Counselor-” One of the judges called out.

“Withdrawn. No further questions, Mr. Chairman.” You told the Chairman and the jury panel that sat above you, as you swiftly turned around and marched up to your table, high heels clacking on the polished floors of the court room.

Your eyes locked onto John’s as he sat in the back of the room, wearing his full regalia, his eyes locked onto yours with a strange shine to them… Almost like he’s proud of you.

As soon as you sit on the chair and the Chairman once again takes over, addressing the room, the General, calling other witnesses, your phone’s screen lights up on the chair next to you.

Picking it up quietly, you spot a message of John’s:

John: that’s my girl. knew you could do it. you: you owe me big time. John: i do. saved my arse there. you: of course. it’s what I’m here for.  John: almost making it sound like you love me. you: no but I wouldn’t let anything happen to you. you: no way in hell you’re leaving me alone with 3 children. John: i see. selfish woman. you: shut up.  you: and try not torturing POWs next time. John: yes, ma’am.

Five occasions seem to be enough to keep a 23-year marriage afloat.

a/n: Big thanks to my beloved @crashtestbunny for helping draft/plot all these interactiions and just the general toxicity! And also @mothymunson your beloved Toxic!Price is here!

[ O, Captain! Masterlist ] || [ My Masterlist ]

[f1daydreamers]

𝐀 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐰𝐨 [𝐋𝐒𝟏𝟖]

photo credits: Pinterest

Pairing: Lance Stroll x Fem!Reader

Summary: Asking the driver of the team you work for to attend a wedding with you as your fake date is possibly one of the dumbest ideas you’ve had ever.. but also one of the best.

Warnings: fluff, friends to lovers romance also fake dating trope so we’re going all in baby

A/N: I love this man, this man is very underrated and this is going to be a mini-series, probably 7/8 parts but we’ll see how it goes

Word Count: 1.7k (7 minutes reading time avg)

…

Lance oddly glances over your face, definitely dumbfounded by your ask.

Trying to persuade one of the two drivers for the team that you work for, that going as your pretend date to your brother’s wedding was quite possibly the weirdest favour you could ask of anyone.

You tilt your head, reasoning with him. “Whatever you need, I will do it and I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”

He hums, “I don’t need anything.”

You inhale through your nose, “I’ll wash your race suit and even bring it to the remaining.. 20 races."

With pursed lips, he appears untempted by your proposal.

“Okay, then I’ll do all your laundry, not just your race suit.” You say.

“There’re people in the team who do that anyway?” You sigh, leaning your elbows on the table.

“I’ll clean your driver’s room, after every practice session, after every qualifying, and after every race.”

He feigns offence, “my room is very neat for your information.”

You scoff, not wanting to but getting all the more closer to giving up.

“Then do this for me as a friend, you just said you had nothing to do between now and Baku anyway.” You countered, pointing an accusing finger at him.

Lance smiles slightly. “It’s a massive favour Y/N, I can’t just drop all my plans.”

You half-frowned, knowing he had a point. “Look, the moment I set my phone down, I know my mum would’ve been rounding up all the bachelors from here to Canada.”

He laughed and you smiled, though you were pretty sure your mum really was doing so.

“Have you asked anyone else?” He questioned, out of sheer curiosity on why you came to him first.

“No I haven’t, should I?”

“I don’t know.” His answer makes you groan, “one weekend Lance.”

There was a shift of emotion in his face and you jumped at the opportunity to try and make it as convincing for him as possible, “one or two photos, my dad loves racing so tell him about Bahrain. I have a nephew who’s into motorcycles so talk away about them.”

“With an 8 year old?” You blinked at him, “I admit the conversations may not be enthralling but toy motorcycles really get his gears turning.”

The F1 driver weighs out the pros and cons of your request, circling the rim of his glass with the tip of his index finger.

His eyes flicker to your pleading expression, your fingernails digging into the underside of your chin, your hands brought together in a praying gesture.

“Is a weekend with me going to be that horrible?” You inquire.

“No,” he admits, casually falling back on to his chair and crossing his arms over his chest. “I was never going to say no, I just wanted to see how far you’d go.”

He grins cockily and you reach over to slap his arm which he manages to pull away from in time.

…

The few days after the Australian race, you'd been hammered by your parents and your siblings, on who the mystery boy was. It was pretty well known that they'd meet him at some point next weekend but that obviously wasn't reason enough for them to stop asking every question under the sun about him.

When the build to that weekend officially began, you prayed that it would pass smoothly, you'd tell a few little white lies along the way and should they ever ask about him following the wedding, you and Lance would've been peacefully broken up by then.

Easy.

"Oh gosh, here we go." You lower your head to your lap while Lance takes a single sip from his champagne glass, setting it down on the coaster.

You knew bumping into a relative who asked a million and one questions during the rehearsal would be a given so you'd prepared your 'date' as best you could.

You instinctively reach for his hand, settling the palm of yours on the back of his. He's slightly disconcerted at the contact but doesn't move an inch, he glances at you sat on the seat besides him as you do the same.

You release a shaky sigh, "my sister's going to interrogate you like she's trying to put the FBI to shame. You remember what I told you right?" You ask quietly.

He nods faintly, "yeah, of course I do." He assures you.

You muster a sincere smile before retracting your hand from his and allowing it to fall on to your lap again. You then rub your palms on your thighs and stand up to embrace her.

Lance straightened on his chair, allowing your sister to approach the table before he followed your movements. You swallow when his hand rests on your lower back, but you reminded yourself it was just a part of the act.

It was amusing in hindsight how you'd pleaded, borderline begged, for him to be your pretend boyfriend for a weekend but you hadn't actually thought about what that might necessitate.

"Hi!" Your sister was ever the bubbly one who could rave about her passions for days while remaining oblivious to the other person's lack of interest.

She flung her arms around your neck and brought you in for a hug, to which you chuckled and winded your arms around her back. Lance's hand fell to his side, his gaze falling to his feet.

Once you'd pulled away, she sighed happily then glanced at him expectantly. You cleared your throat and he swiftly turned his head towards you, then at her.

"Dais, this is Lance," you realise he probably needs no further introduction. "Lance, this is my sister, Daisy."

He gives her a genuine smile, taking her hand that she holds out as a formal introduction. "Is this the boyfriend I messaged you a million times about?"

You scoff with a smile, feeling his eyes fall to your face, as if he was watching for something. "Yep, in the flesh." He swallows, nodding.

She gasps, pointing a finger towards him and you panic for a moment, if there was a single hidden talent your sister had, it was putting two and two together at record speed.

Luckily, Lance remained unphased despite the stark contrast between yours and his tension levels.

"You're the F1 driver Dad was telling us about, the one with the broken wrists." She announced loudly, though it was only a surprise to her.

"That's my reputation I guess." He comments, turning his head to your side, directing it at you. You smile, continuing to fidget with your two intertwined hands.

But he confirms it nonetheless, "that's me."

"Wow, F1. Must be cool having the girl you date at the garage for every race." He gave her a polite smile, not knowing how to continue the conversation.

“It has its perks.” You agree with him, not vocally saying what those supposed perks were.

“What kind of perks?” Your sister asked craftily and you sigh, dismissing her question.

“Behave, now go and find Kev, we want to congratulate him.” As your baby sister, with a huff, she agreed and sauntered off elsewhere.

“She’s nice.” You hummed, turning your body to Lance’s so your back was facing the crowd of people that would occasionally glance in your direction.

“She’s one of many,” He smiled, seeing the deflation on your face form when you realised this was going to be a very long weekend of lying.

“Regretting it?” You meet his eyes, he meets yours. “No. Just wondering if it was the best decision.”

“One question less, 20 more in its place.” You chuckle knowing he was referring to the inevitable question on where your date was had you not brought one, but because you had, it was flipped on its head.. then multiplied.

“Should I apologise for bringing you here now?”

“How bad are they?” He asks.

“Enough.”

…

"I haven't seen anything about you two online, considering you're famous and all." Your words remained stuck in your throat as you scrambled to try and find an answer for it in your head, Lance chuckled a little nervously.

"We keep it on the down low, trying to navigate through a relationship while being in the spotlight has its own challenges." You looked up at him and gave him a sympathetic look, a doubtful smile on your lips.

You turned back to your mum who hummed, almost with a certain distaste in her tone, a sour look on her face which you really weren't in the mood for. She was never fond of the guys you 'picked' for yourself, but instead the male specimen she spoke to once were going to be your Prince Charming, God forbid you ever went against that.

"Look, me and Lance are a little jet-lagged so can we carry this on sometime else?" You gave her a pointed look and she took the hint, though not without shooting you a knowing glance.

"Well, your room's all ready for you at home." She says.

Home. You hadn't heard that word from your mother's lips for some time, having moved away and working everywhere in the world, it was rare you found time to go and see your family.

"Thanks mum." She kissed you on the cheek before walking away, ignoring Lance's existence entirely. Your shoulders slumped once her attention had turned towards your brother and his soon-to-be wife, whom you'd already congratulated.

He exhales through his nose and you lift your eyes up to his face, "Okay, getting slightly worse." You shake your head, your fingers coming up to pinch the bridge of your nose. At this point, you were wishing for the night to be over.

By the time the night is coming to its eventual end, you and Lance had managed to convince most people with your act of being a couple. That entailed a lot of hand-holding and lovesick smiles but you'd pulled it off, a little too well.

With his hand splayed out on your thigh, your hand was wrapped around his bicep. Along with every little gesture and movement, there was a fresh wave of goosebumps forming on your skin. You didn't think Lance knew that he was stroking his thumb along the fabric of your leggings.

"We should get some sleep," You turned your head to him and he looked down at you, his attention turning away from the current conversation your sister had everyone tuned into.

"Ready when you are." He added and minutes later, you and Lance were leaving the table, a few of your folks extending their fair shares of goodbyes and nice to meet you's to him.

...

Part 2

Masterlist

Comment if you want to be tagged in the next part!

[swissboyhisch]

First Date to First Dance

Pairing: Nathan Bastian x Reader

Summary: A song followed you through your relationship with Nathan, from first date to first dance.

Word Count: 3245

Warnings: Use of Y/N once. Mentions of love, some mentions of a wedding dress and other of nudity. I didn't look up his sister's name, I couldn't find it so I just did a random name. Also swearing.

A/N: This is for the lovely @shinyfalcon4 who is my Hockey Girlies Christmas Fic exchange buddy! I really hope you love this because I loved writing this. @mp0625 for the masterlist :) also unedited so soz for any mistakes.

THE MASTERLIST JOIN THE TAGLIST HOCKEY DISCORD

Never could be sweeter than with you

Finally, winter break came around and your family was preparing for their annual Christmas Party. It was an all day long list of preparations your mother had perfected over the years. Your family’s closest friends, along with some of the Neighbours, were all invited to yours for a fun evening of food and drinking. 

Your mother called you into the kitchen where she was preparing a chicken to go into the oven. “Can you be a sweetheart and get the oven door for me?” 

“Sure Ma.” You turned to do as she asked before closing it once the food was in. “Do you need help with anything?” 

“If you could make your gingerbread fudge, that would be fantastic. Everyone always asks for the recipe.”

The apron was handed to you. A patchwork of different Christmas fabrics your grandmother had made for you when you became old enough to help with the Christmas baking. Just like it was tradition on Christmas Eve in your family. The women of your family prepare the large dinner and things for lunch the following day. 

When you finished your fudge and it was in the fridge chilling, you double-checked with your mum she didn’t need any more help before finding your father and older brother out the front. The pair were setting up the Christmas lights. Due to work, neither hadn’t gotten around to setting them up before today. 

“Hey jellybean,” Your dad grinned when he spotted you rugged up in your winter coat. 

“Need any help?”

Your brother threw a snowball at you. Right at your face. 

“You bitch! Josh, I’m going to kill you.”

“Language,” Your dad chuckled as you took off to chase your brother around. 

You were soon sent inside for being a distraction to your brother. With your mum all good in the kitchen and your dad and brother nearly finished with the Christmas lights, you decide to start getting ready. You had a couple hours but why not get ready early. It meant you'd be ready by the time the Bastian family arrived. 

A pair of new jeans and your favourite, most cozy, Christmas sweater was the outfit choice. Paired with a red clip in your hair to keep your hair out of your face. Simple but cute outfit. By the time you were ready, you heard the doorbell ring through the halls of your home. There was only one guess needed for who was here early. Your neighbours.

“I’ll get it!” You shout as you race to the door. 

The door swung open to reveal the Bastian family. Nate stood with his older siblings, Nick and Natalie, and his parents. All dressed in festive outfits. 

“Welcome, come in!”

As each member passed you, you got a hug. Leaving Nate till last. The pair of you grinned, sharing a hug before closing the door and retreating to your room. There was still another hour until the rest of the guests would most likely arrive. 

“So I was thinking that we could sneak out and go for a drive to look at Christmas lights,” Nate suggested as he took in what you were wearing. It was like you were glowing. 

“Really?”

It wasn’t a secret that you loved Christmas. Your favourite part was going for a drive around your city to look at the lights. Usually Nick, Natalie and your brother would take you two with them for their annual drive. But this year, both you and Nate had gotten your license. 

Nate blushed, “Yeah, I’ll drive. You can sit in the passenger seat with a blanket and hot chocolate. I’ll even let you choose the music.”

“That sounds amazing! Oh my, a perfect night.”

“A perfect first date?” The boy in front of you asked shyly. His voice trailing off more with every syllable. 

“A date?” You whisper. “Really?”

When Nate nodded his head in agreement – too nervous to speak – you hugged him tightly. Blushing and pulling away when you realised that you probably seemed too eager. “I’d, uh, love to go on a date with you.”

Those words washed away all the teen’s nerves. Nate laughed loudly, picking you up and spinning you around. The pair of you stared at each other with wide smiles. Both clearly happy with the moment. You found yourself leaning in, closing the distance between yourself and Nate. 

“Come on you two, come socialise,” Your mother called from the living room. “We haven’t even seen Nathan before you stole him away.”

The sound of your mother killed the moment but that didn’t stop Nate from lacing his fingers with yours and leading the way to your family. He parted for a split second to hug you mum and shake hands with your dad. Your brother gave him a knuckles before Nate returned to your side. 

“Ever the guard dog,” Josh muttered to Nick, his best friend. 

“Always,” he laughed. 

The party was in full swing by the time that you and Nate decided to ditch it and go on your little adventure. While he made you a hot chocolate for your drive, you changed your pants into a pair of pyjama pants. The two of you snuck out and over to his place. After pulling your favourite blanket from his bed and he changed into his pyjamas, you two piled into the car. Off on an adventure. 

“You look comfy,” Nate smiled softly, glancing away from the road for a second to see you snuggled under the blanket, thermos of hot chocolate in hand. 

Under the glow of the nearby house’s Christmas lights, Nate looked so handsome. Just who you’ve come to love over the years of being best friends and neighbours. “I am so happy right now.”

“Me too.”

One of your favourite songs started to play through the radio. The whistling intro to Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros started to float through the speakers. A song you recognised immediately.

“Oh I love this song,” You smile as Nate goes to turn the song up. 

Nate knew this was a favourite song of yours. Having heard it over the years since you had first discovered it. Now as he drove up to the next house on their list, he listened closer to the lyrics. Suddenly it hit him. This was how he felt about you. He parked in front of the house lit up by thousands of little lights. You turned to him as he heard ‘never could be sweeter than with you’ and it all fell into place. You were the one. Even though you weren’t dating, he knew. 

Nate pulled you closer, caressing your face as he felt your uneven breath on his lips. “Will you be my girlfriend?”

“Of course,” You grin, closing the distance between you two. Lips moulding together as the song goes into the trumpet part. This song was how you felt about Nate.

Home is wherever I'm with you

Nathan had training today and it was tiring but he had something to look forward to tonight. Tonight was the New Jersey Devils’ Christmas Party. That meant he got to show you off to his teammates. Something he’s never shy of doing. Especially at Christmas. 

Since the two of you had been dating, your love for Christmas blossomed. Which meant it passed on to Nate. It was both of your favourite time of the year now. Every light reminded you of your first date together. Of your anniversary. Your love was at the roots of the festive season.

What was even better was that he was back in New Jersey after the frustrating stint in Seattle with the Kraken. Neither of you felt at home while he was there but as had become the motto getting you through each day was ‘home is wherever I’m with you’. A lyric from what had become their song. It was their way of reminding each other though Seattle wasn’t New Jersey, he had you. 

Nate could hear the music coming from his bathroom. Since moving back to Newark, all he wanted was to be with you 24/7. To come home after a hard training to you somewhere in the apartment. Making it come to life. But you had your own apartment you had to return to every couple of days or when Nate was on a roadie. 

Even now, he could see bits of your spread out in his apartment. A few stray pieces of clothing left on the ground from their sexcapades the other night. Pictures of the couple over the years; their first christmas as a couple, his draft, their first christmas with the team. Even the little things like your keys on the hook, your brush sitting on the couch, the smell of your cookies wafting through the apartment. It wasn’t home without you.

“Nate, is that you?”

Without waiting another second, Nate started to peel off layers of clothes until he was only in his underwear, standing outside the bathroom door. He opened the door and saw your naked form swaying to the music. Eyes closed as you watched your hair. His briefs hit the ground and he slid into the shower behind you.

The familiar whistle echoed through the bathroom. Off the tiles. Then your soft voice sang along with the music. Nate sang along as he wrapped his arms around your waist. “Hi baby.”

“Hey, welcome home,” You smiled, spinning around and resting your arms on his shoulders. “How was training?”

He grunted in response. His head tucking into your neck as you lightly ran your fingers up and down his back in a calming matter. The two of you just stood under the running water, listening to the soft music echoing off the tiles.

“That bad?”

“Yeah.”

You sigh lightly, scratching the nape of his neck with your nails. One of his favourite things. “Oh baby.”

“I wanna come home to you every day,” Nate muttered, tightening his grasp on you. 

“What was that?” 

The man took a deep breath, deciding it was finally time to ask the question that had been plaguing his mind since he had left for Seattle. One he regretted now asking earlier. “Will you move in with me? I wanna come home to you every day. Just seeing your beautiful smile makes my day a billion times better.” 

“Oh baby, of course I will,” You grin, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. The final chorus was playing as you shared a smile. “Home is wherever I’m with you.”

I never loved one like you.

Christmas was always one of your favourite times of year. Especially since you and Nate got together. This year was like every other. Well maybe expect the fact this year you two were hosting both families. Nate had a game both before and after the big day so you couldn’t travel back to good old Mississauga. But that wasn’t stopping your families. 

Christmas morning and you found yourself in the kitchen with both your mothers, Natalie, Anna (your sister-in-law) and Lila (Nick’s wife). It was a full family affair. Waffles, eggs, bacon, and more all planned for breakfast. All three of you had a mimosa close by as the men of the family hung out in the lounge room watching a random hockey game replay. 

“It’s Christmas, can you guys please put something else on for once?” Nate’s mum sighed, hearing the commentating of the game. 

Without an argument, surprisingly, the guys turn off the tv and put on spotify. Nate hooks it up to the speakers you have running through the house and plays some carols. When breakfast was ready, all of you got comfy around the dining table. 

“Kiddo, can you please pass me the bacon?” Josh asked.

“Here,” you smirk, picking up a single piece and placing it on his outstretched hand. 

“You little shit.”

Your mum sighs, “Can we please just save the fighting for a day? An hour even?”

Instead of annoying your mum even more, you did as your brother asked and grabbed the plate of bacon and passed it over. Not before grabbing your own pieces. Bacon and maple syrup would always be one of your favourite combinations. 

When breakfast was finished, the family made their way into the lounge room, finding themselves sat all around. This year it was Nate’s turn at being “Santa”. Which just meant reading the labels and passing them to who it was for. Slowly, one by one, the large pile of presents under the tree was dispersed to the correct individuals. And soon enough it looked empty under the tree. 

Everyone started opening their presents, words of gratitude shared from one person to another when their gift was revealed. Though you were happily opening your gifts, Nate hadn’t touched his. And he seemed nervous. 

“You okay?” You mumble to him, trying not to alert the families if something was wrong. 

The man just sent you a small smile, “Just want to see you open mine.”

One by one, you opened the pile of presents in front of you. Mum. Dad. Brother. Nate’s Parents. His siblings. A present from each person in the room except one from him. 

“Nate, baby, I don’t see one with your name on it.”

Nate stood up and went back to the tree and grabbed a small gift hidden in the tree, behind to tinsel to conceal it. 

“I found it,” He states handing you the present to unwrap. 

As you slowly unwrapped the small present, Nate sank to one knee. When you looked up at him, realising what’s going on, he grabbed the now unwrapped ring box and opened it. Revealing the gorgeous ring he had picked out just for you. With the help of both of your brothers. 

That’s when you heard the familiar whistle echo through the room and house. Filling it with the notes of your love song. 

“I love you,” Nate begins, his hands shaking with nerves. “The couple years have been a ride, that’s for sure. But I wouldn’t want to be on it with anyone else but you. I never loved one like you–”

“Yes,” You interrupt excitedly. You had tears running down your cheeks. Happy ones of course. “I want to marry you. Tomorrow even.”

Nate slid the ring onto the correct finger. Which was shaking with excitement. As soon as he completed the task, you flung yourself at him, tackling him to the ground in a loveful bliss. Just like the laugh he let out. 

“I’ve never loved anyone like you,” You whisper, in time with the song, before pressing your lips to his. The love pouring out as your family all celebrates around you. You were getting married.

Alabama, Arkansas. I do love my ma and pa. Not that way that I do love you.

Mrs Bastian. Who could believe it. Certainly not yourself or Nate. Both of you were still trying to wrap your heads around the fact you two were married. After so long of dating. 

The day had been perfect. From the morning spent getting ready with your loved ones to the moment Nate first saw you in your dress. Yes, he even cried at the sight. Then his speech that made you nearly ruin your make-up (thank god for water proof makeup). So far, it was perfect and you knew the rest of the night would also be perfect.

Here you were with your husband behind the barn doors, waiting on being announced by the DJ. All of the bridal party had already entered the reception tTo a couple party songs. Some of which were a little ridiculous but were a right laugh. Now it was your turn. Well you and Nate’s. Nate pulled you closer, sneaking another kiss. 

“I love you, wifey.”

“I love you too hubby,” You grin, pressing your lips to his once more. 

“Are you ready for this?”

You giggle, “I’m always ready.”

Then you heard the DJ. “Please welcome, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Bastian!”

The large doors swung open and you two walked in to clapping and cheering. When you reached the dance floor, Nate was sure to spin you around, showing off your white dress for the reception. Then he proceeded to dip you, kissing you in front of all the friends and family that were present. 

“Get some Big Nate!” A voice that sounded awfully like Jack Hughes shouted. 

The pair of you shared a laugh with many others who had heard the boy’s words. Instead of doing the first dance after the food comes out, you both had decided to do it first. It was how you wanted to start off such a great night of celebrating your love. 

“To kick off the long night, the newlyweds will be doing their first dance.”

The familiar whistle started to play and you two wrapped your arms around each other. Anyone who knew the couple knew this was their song. One that has followed them throughout the relationship. 

“Alabama, Aarkansas,” Nate starts to sing quietly as you two sway to the song. 

“I do love my ma and pa,” You continue.

You both smile as you sing the next words. “But not the way that I do love you.”

You come to rest your head on his chest, just listening to him sing to you as you dance. This, ever since you realized this song was your song, was your first dance song. And being in the moment made you know you made the right choice. With the song and Nate. Sure, you knew before this you two would get married. But it made you feel at peace knowing you and Nate were in it for the long run that is life. 

“(Y/N),” Nate spoke, going along with the song but changing the lyrics.

“Nathan.”

“Do you remember that day I took you to see Christmas Lights?”

You couldn’t help but grin at the change of lyrics, “I sure do, you drove me all around town.”

“Well, you looked out the window, admiring every light you saw and pointing out every house you loved, you remember that?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Well, there's something I never told you about that night”

“What didn't you tell me?” You knew the lyrics but every time you and Nat reenact this little part, it always made you grin that cheesy in love smile. Especially with the change he’s made. Hearing Nate speak about falling in love made those damn butterflies come back. Every. Time.

Nate came to cup your cheek, looking deeply into your eyes. “While you were sitting in the passenger seat, with your blanket and drinking your hot chocolate, I was falling deep, deeply in love with you. And I never told you 'til just now.”

“Aww.”

No matter how many times you and Nate heard this song, it will always be your favourite. As the last chorus played, both of you thought back on your relationship. How many times this song happened to be playing at important moments. From the first date to the day he proposed. This song was a way to show your love to each other. The love of your relationship. Exactly what you were doing right now. 

You two sing the last line to each other, encapsulating both of your feelings into those same 7 words. “Home is when I'm alone with you.”

TAG LIST

@findapenny @mp0625 @hischierhaze @11zegras @lvrzegras @francesfarhadi @cixrosie @dasiysthings @dancerbailey3 @puckmaidens @cole-mcward48 @sammiejane22 @kajasagmo @linneasblog

[tomtenadia]

Detours to You - 26

Hellooooo

Here we are with another chapter. Now this is tooth rotting fluffy. Maya gets to find out she is a big sis and well... her reaction is very Maya like. Also, Aelin and Rowan have to try and navigate the seas of "telling your kids about pregnancies and babies" Hope I made it fun.. And then of course we have the grandparents...

So well... enjoy

MASTERLIST

The day after the wedding Rowan opened his eyes and the first thing he felt was the familiar weight of his daughter on his belly. While still single he loved sleeping belly down and a starfish spread. Now he had he had started sleeping on his back to allow his two women to use him as a pillow. 

He looked down and saw Maya on top of him, head tucked in the crook of his neck and her arms spread as if to hug him.

Aelin was sprawled on the bed with her legs draped over his, her arm reaching to cover Maya and her hair all over the place. Yes, it was always a shock to wake up that way, but he would not trade it for anything. He was happy. He kissed both their heads and with his arm he held them both.

After the wedding they had all come back a bit later and Maya had crashed in their bed so they just changed her into her pyjama and slept all together. The bed was big enough to accommodate the mayhem of limbs that the sleeping arrangement caused.

A gentle kiss on Aelin’s head and his stomach fluttered at the memory of the previous day and the news that he was becoming a dad again. He was elated and this time he would be there for every step. It was his second chance and he was not going to miss a single moment.

When he woke up from his thoughts a pair of green eyes identical to his stared back at him “morning, my elf.”

“Morning, dad!” She shouted all excited. Maybe a bit too loud for the hour, but Maya had always a lot of energy from the moment she opened her eyes. 

“Shh, mama is still resting.”

“No I am not,” she croaked, her face smashed on Rowan’s chest. Aelin then rolled over and a moment later she was running for the bathroom.

Aelin came back five minutes later and crawled in bed nested in Rowan’s arms.

“Dad, is mum ill?”

Rowan stared at Aelin and she nodded.

“Can you keep a secret for today?”

The girl nodded and Aelin rolled on her back and Rowan exposed her still flat belly. Gently he caressed it enjoying the feeling of knowing that their child was growing inside of Aelin. 

“Would you like to have a brother or a sister?”

Maya sat up and looked at her parents in excitement.

He brushed Aelin’s belly once more “See? Your mum is carrying your little sibling.”

The girl look confused and then shocked “did she eat it?”

Aelin laughed “No, my love, your sibling is growing inside me and when they are ready they will be born.”

Maya still looked confused and Aelin thought it was far too early to have the bees and flowers conversation. Rowan had confessed her that they had to order books on how to explain such topic to a child. After the elation of the news now he was panicking at the possible question that Maya might ask. 

“They are like a little fish, swimming inside mama’s belly.” Added Rowan.

“Aren’t they scared?”

“No, Maya, your sibling is safe and they are quite cozy too.”

Maya touched her mother’s stomach right where Rowan’s hand was.

“Right now they are very small, but soon they will start to grow. Just like you did.”

She looked at both of her parents “I was inside mama too?”

Aelin nodded.

“Can they hear me?”

Rowan brushed her head “not yet, but soon they will and you will feel your sibling kick as well.”

“Did mama eat the baby?”

Aelin stared at Rowan and he nodded “I love your mum very much and she loves me and together we made the baby.”

Maya was silent for a second pondering the next question for her poor parents “Can I have one too?”

This time it was Aelin’s turn to speak up “Not yet, you need to be much older, but one day, if you want you will be able to have yours too.”

Maya fell silent and then leaned her head on Aelin’s tummy “Hi, I am your big sister.”

Aelin sobbed at the scene and Rowan pulled Maya in his arms “Now, mum will be more tired and you and I need to be super nice to her.”

“I will be nice to mama.”

Rowan rolled out of bed and lifted the girl in his arms “let’s go and make breakfast.”

“Yes! I want waffles.” She quickly got free of her father’s grip and ran out of the door.

Rowan leaned over to Aelin “do you think you can eat something?” A kiss “do you really need to go to work?”

Aelin sat up “I will be fine and I can’t leave Elide alone while Lys is away.”

“Ok, do you want me and Maya to stay with you both?”

“All day at the shop? You will be bored.”

“Think about it,” a kiss on the lips “what if I make you a milkshake?”

Aelin’s arms wrapped around his neck “I will be downstairs soon.”

Once in the kitchen Eiddwen was already there busy preparing a nice Sunday breakfast “Good morning all.”

Maya ran to her grandmother ‘Nana Wen, I am going to be a big sister.” She shouted happily.

Rowan froze. Apparently the concept of not telling anyone did not apply to her grandmother. He and Aelin had planned on having all the grandparents to dinner that night and make the announcement, but Maya had other plans. 

“Rowan?”

He looked at his mum and nodded “Aelin told me yesterday. We were planning on having Evalin and Rhoe over tonight for the big reveal.”

His mum stepped closer to him and hugged him tight “another baby?”

Rowan nodded and Maya joined them “I will be a big sister.”

Eiddwen crouched down “yes, you will.”

In that instant Aelin entered the room and Rowan’s mum walked quickly to her crushing her in a hug “I am so happy for you both.”

“Maya blabbed,” added Rowan with a smile.

“Maya! It was a secret.”

“Not to nana!” Added the little girl while trying to climb on her chair.

Eiddwen laughed and started fussing over Aelin who rolled her eyes “You Whitethorn really do fuss a lot.”

“We wear it like a badge of honour.”

Rowan smiled while cooking the waffles “it must be genetic.”

“So what does this mean?”

“We are a family,” added Maya happily “I have a dad too!”

Aelin sat at her daughter’s side and pulled her closer. A soft kiss on her head and in silence she thought about how much different her life was. In the span of months she had gone from being a single mum, to this. To have the family she had imagined with Rowan. She was glad he had been pushy because seeing Maya that happy was worth all the heartache. 

“Waffles ready!”

Maya screamed and the chaos that was breakfast could eventually commence.

*

“Mum, I was going to cook!”

“Shush,” Eiddwen waved her wooden spoon at her son “Now, while Aelin is not here,” the woman started stirring “what are you intentions? You live together, have a daughter and there’s another child on their way. Surely you are going to marry the woman?”

Rowan hummed happily “The perfect proposal takes time.”

His mother gasped and threw her arms around him “You have the ring, just seal the deal.” Rowan hugged his mother back and silence fell “Dad should be here. He would have loved Maya.”

“I miss him too, Rowan, but I am sure he is very proud of you.”

“I hope so,” he kissed his mother’s head and pulled back.

“Evalin and I were just discussing a while ago having more grand-babies. I am glad we don’t have to beg.”

*

Evening arrived and when the doorbell went off Rowan went to welcome Aelin’s parents.

“Evalin, Rhoe, do come in” the couple entered the house and removed the shoes “Rowan, this house is stunning.”

“Did you get here okay?”

Rhoe nodded “your instructions were very clear. I agree and it’s a stunning location.”

Rowan agreed “I am barely on the city boundaries, most of the land around me is under the Forestry Services jurisdictions.”

“Mum is cooking and Aelin and Maya are upstairs having a bath.” He added.

Evalin disappeared in the kitchen and Rowan sat down with Rhoe “anything to drink? I have driver’s friendly drinks.”

Rhoe nodded and Rowan came back a moment later with a few options.

“So, is the return to work all going fine?”

Rowan grabbed his drink “Yes, the first few days were a bit chaos as I had to play catch up, but now it’s all fine. The commissioner and I are working on some community projects, he has been supporting me on some changes in safety protocols for some factories after the last big fire.” The hellish fire in which he almost died. He pushed the thought away “I had been at that factory a few times before the accident and I had ordered them to make some changes in storing all the chemicals.”

“What about the man who almost endangered my daughter and Maya?”

Rowan flinched “he is rotting in jail. With the police we discovered a lot of nasty things about him.” A pause “we also stopped another building nearby to be repurposed into offices. Forty five families almost were sent on the streets and some of the ones in Aelin’s building are still in temporary accommodation.”

“That is scandalous.” Rowan nodded and then was silent for an instant. He loved to talk to Rhoe and the man was always very interested in his job.

“One of the initiatives we have introduced is to raise awareness to the fact that the fire services can go to houses and do inspections, make suggestions and in general work on prevention.”

Rhoe stared at him interested “I never knew.”

Rowan nodded “It’s not very well publicised. The previous chief did not believe in it, but the number of house fires that could be prevented is staggering.” Rowan took a sip of his drink “The fire department in Wendlyn encourages it a lot and the Commissioner loved the idea.”

“Any chance you can come and have a look and our house?”

“Of course.”

They were talking and making arrangements when a little silver-haired tornado ran towards them “grampa!”

“Maya!” Rhoe grabbed his granddaughter pulling her on his legs “Grampa I am a big sister!!”

Rowan sighed. Apparently they were not allowed to have secrets with the grandparents.

Rhoe looked at Rowan in question and the man nodded “Evalin! Evalin!”

The woman came running in the living room alerted by her husband’s voice.

“Nana, I am a big sister!” Screamed Maya.

Evalin froze and Aelin appeared in that instant on the threshold.

“Aelin?”

“Yes?”

Evalin ran to her daughter “I am so happy for all of you.”

She looked at Rowan and he shrugged. 

“We were planning on a better reveal but Maya is so excited that apparently she needs to tell everyone.”

The woman grabbed Rowan’s hand and pulled him into the hug “Both of you, thank you. This is such a wonderful news.”

“Now all you have to do is to get married.” Added Rhoe deadpanned.

“Dad!” 

The man sighed “Aelin, it’s just the next logical step.” He grabbed Maya on his lap again “What do you think? Do we want mum and dad married?”

“Yes!” The girl squealed “and I want to have the rings again.”

Rowan and Aelin were silent.

“Don’t tell me that you two are still fighting on things. I thought all was resolved,” added Evalin who had sat down near her husband.

“We are not fighting,” she replied, looking at Rowan in support and he nodded.

“We are still settling in, in this new arrangement.”

“Aelin is pregnant. Looks to me you two are more than settled.”

Rowan sighed. Rhoe was right and he really was planning on proposing but he was still working on when and how. It had to be special. It had been long time coming and it meant everything to him.

Eiddwen called everyone to battle station when she announced that dinner was ready saving both Aelin and Rowan from further talks of marriages and proposals.

*

That night after the meal was over and Maya in bed, Rowan and Aelin were getting ready for bed. Rowan was already sitting under the covers, his back against the backboard and a book in his hands while Aelin was finishing to change in her night attire.

“I am sorry about my parents tonight,” she called from the ensuite bathroom.

Rowan chuckled “It’s fine, they are just excited.”

Aelin emerged a moment later with shorts and a baggy t-shirt and climbed at his side “I know but maybe be less nosey.”

He folded his arm around her waist and pulled her closer “They just want to see us happy. They know what we have been through,” a kiss on the side of her head “Unless you don’t want us to get married.”

Aelin stiffened “I do, but as you said, we are still getting adjusted to all the changes that happened so quickly.”

Rowan chuckled again “here I agree with your dad, I think we are more than settled.”

She melted in his embrace “I am overthinking again?”

“Ae,” Rowan turned Aelin towards him “there’s nothing wrong in being over cautious,” a kiss on her lips “but if I hadn’t left I would have asked you to marry me a long time ago. You are it for me.”

Aelin was silent and let the closeness to him push away all of her remaining doubts. Rowan was right “There’s no way without you, remember?”

Their song. “All the ways of my life, I’d rather be with you. There’s no way without you.” He sang to her.

Aelin hummed and pulled him down “but I want a fun proposal.”

He rolled over and kissed her “that can be arranged, m’lady.”

“Include Maya, it will make her feel important.”

Rowan smiled. All of a sudden he knew exactly how to propose to Aelin.

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[sapphicwriter94]

How did you & Eret meet & fall in love? 🥹💚 What has been one of your favourite moments with him so far?

Oooooh!!! We love telling this story!!!

Okay, so one of us will tell our side, then the other person will tell their side!!!

Eret will start with his side, and I'm pretty sure that's how the story of how we met starts in our wedding album!!! Eret, if you will?

Eret: Well, William is my middle name, but that's besides the point.

Anyway, hello, fictodreamer! I have heard so much about you and Bruno from my wife (Olive, if that wasn't clear), and only good things, of course!

So I guess I'm here to tell you my side of the day Olive and I met.

Picture this: it's June 13, 2014. Olive was on their way to the cinema to see How To Train Your Dragon 2 for the first time. At the time, they had been with my fellow chieftain Hiccup, and Olive didn't really expect to fall in love with me that day. Granted, I didn't really expect the same thing to happen to me with Olive.

They rode the bus to the shopping centre...or should I say 'mall'? I've been in Olive's native America for 11 years, so...

Anywho...where was I? Oh, yes. The group of friends (myself included) got to the mall and we went around to the different shops (heck, you can take me out of England, but not England out of me, if that makes any sense! Here I go rambling again...Olive has definitely rubbed off on me, but I'm not complaining). ANYWAY, the group of friends (Astrid, Hiccup, Snotlout, Olive's adoptive siblings Ruffnut and Tuffnut, Valka, Fishlegs, Gobber, Stoick, Olive, and myself) went to the shops to look around before the movie theater opened.

Once it opened, Olive bought their ticket for the movie, and we waited for the time to come for Olive to go into the theater. Soon, Olive entered the theater, eager to see the sequel to the one DreamWorks movie that they loved (besides Prince Of Egypt and Rise Of the Guardians).

I watched them pretty much the entire time they were in the theater. I'd lived that movie (literally), so I just spent the 1h45m or so watching Olive react.

Then that scene came.

Stoick's death.

Once Olive saw that Stoick the Vast was gone, they started sobbing. Olive's hands had been in Hiccup's and Ruffnut's, but during the film, Olive's hand left Hiccup's, but never left Ruffnut's.

Even as I stood up against Drago with the Berkians, Olive didn't acknowledge me in the movie. I highly doubt they acknowledged the fact that I got custody of Skullcrusher in the movie, because, even while the credits were rolling, they were still upset, and rightfully so.

As they've mentioned on as many HTTYD2-related videos on YouTube, I shot an arrow with the others, respecting a chief that was never mine.

After the movie ended, we went to a local café to get some lunch after returning the books Olive had purchased - they had to do with HTTYD2 and left out an important part - the part that made Olive extremely emotional.

Oh, and it was love at first sight for me, personally. I know it wasn't for Olive, as they barely knew me and they were still with Hiccup. They didn't want to leave Hiccup because he'd just lost his dad, and didn't want to add fuel to the...yeah, perhaps I shouldn't make that joke. I comforted Olive while the guys went to go comfort Hiccup and the girls went to go comfort Valka. I never left Olive's side, from the moment we were sitting down in the food court, to the moment their mum picked them up from the mall.

Fun fact: my family and my now-ex Jasmine had just gotten off the plane from England that morning, and what was the first thing we did? Go to the movies.

My parents (Dad Eret, Sr., Mum Ruby) and my little sister Amalie were with me the day Olive and I met. As was Jasmine, my ex.

But that part of the story is for another time. Now is the time for Olive's side of the story of how we met.

My love?

Thank you, Eret. Let me just read back what Eret said so I don't accidentally tell you what he already did!

Okay, so, like Eret said, it was June 13, 2014. That morning, I'd gotten ready in my outfit and did my hair in a side braid: a green, yellow, white and black blouse with a black skirt, leggings, and black flats. I also had a really cool belt. I walked to the mall from the bus stop, and I waited for the theater to open. Before it did, I went to Barnes & Noble to get HTTYD2-related books, which I later returned for reasons previously explained.

Anyway, as soon as the movie theater opened, I went inside, got my ticket, and waited more for the time to come to see the movie.

Once I did get into the theater, I was enveloped into a world that I'd been in for the past four years...it's hard to believe it's almost been 15 years since I was rescued in the waters of (Old) Berk by Hiccup and Toothless. I took a selfie with a cardboard cutout of Hiccup and Toothless and went into the actual theater.

The movie started, and I was pretty much enthralled by every second of the movie, not knowing how much I'd fall in love with one of the characters - even though the movie had ended.

Like Eret said, I'd been with Hiccup at the time. I'd also recently gotten an anonymous ask here on Tumblr that said "Toothless kills Stoick". I'd written it off as a rumor, not wanting to believe that that beautiful creature could hurt his best friend's dad...even though he almost did in the first movie, and Toothless wasn't even being controlled by the Bewilderbeast then!

Anyway...I saw the movie, and I sobbed the moment we (the audience) knew Stoick was gone. His funeral scene left me in tears, and Eret...he's just now telling me (as I write this) that his heart broke for me then, and that was the very first time he felt physical pain from an emotionally broken heart. He'd gotten his heart broken before, when he volunteered at 15 to work for Drago, and he took his father's place (there's more on that in another post).

After the movie, and after lunch, we headed back to the food court to wait for my mom to come pick me up, as I didn't know how to take the bus home yet.

While Hiccup and the guys went to the bathroom, and Valka and the girls (aka Ruffnut and Astrid) went to the bathroom, Eret stayed with me, his right hand never leaving my left knee. He stayed with me all the time, not leaving for any reason, or even getting up to stretch.

But I didn't fall for him then.

I couldn't leave Hiccup, who'd just lost his dad.

So, even though my heart longed to be with Eret, I stayed with Hiccup, even though Astrid pretty much resented me for it.

In August that same year, Hiccup and I unofficially broke up, and I could be with Eret. It was until December of 2014 that Hiccup and I broke up for good, and Eret and I could really be together.

It wasn't love at first sight for me, as is evident in the fanfic series I wrote starring my OC (who is based off of myself) and Eret.

It's like that one quote from The Fault In Our Stars that reminds me of Eret: "I fell in love with him the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once."

That's so true for us.

As for our favorite moments together, I think I'd have to say...one of those was the day we met, when he comforted me after HTTYD2. Another one would be the day he proposed, while we were watching Finding Nemo (he even wrote a letter asking me to marry him, since he knew/knows how much I love Finding Nemo). But my most favorite? Well, that's every day I get to spend with Eret for me, and I'm sure he'd say the same about me.

But the big one? Our wedding day, which we will talk about in a different post. As for Eret's favorite moments...

Hello, again, fictodreamer! My favourite moments I've had with Olive...that's hard, because there are so many.

Okay, this is the first one that popped into my head, and it's sad...it's the night their beloved Grandma passed.

I was there with Olive, being by their side the entire time while we waited for the inevitable news that Grandma had passed away (thankfully, with some encouragement from Olive to Olive's grandpa, Grandma got to pass away at home, instead of in a facility or hospital; I know Olive misses her deeply, but I know Olive is glad that she stood up for her Grandma one last time).

Once the news broke (we were sitting in the living room at Olive's grandparents' house, while Grandma was in the bedroom Olive had slept in while helping take care of Grandma), I could see and hear Olive's heart shatter. They'd been so close to Grandma, and, even then I wish I'd been real so I could have met her, to be there for my wife in those troubling times.

Anyway, another favourite moment of mine - one that's happier - is the day we got married, the day I saw them on Tom Hiddleston's arm (their adoptive father) walking down the aisle to meet me at the metaphorical altar.

Don't tell Olive this, but I'm planning on proposing to them again so we can renew our vows around our tenth wedding anniversary in June.

Okay...I think this post has gone on long enough. If anyone else (or even you, fictodreamer) has questions, please reblog this post or send in an ask. Thank you!

Much love from both of us,

Eret & Olive

🦉🫒

[fellshish]

Hya

you seem like you have everything well (enough) in order soooo

I just came out as trans to my parents and my mum said she'll try to use at least the shortened version of my deadname (the one that makes the most sense in my native language) but my dad is having a hard time about it

he says 'i see everything black and white' and 'biologically you're not a man so i won't address you as he/him'

i tried to explain that literally nothing would make me happier than him calling me that but i don't really think he gets it? idk

I'll try to give him time obviously but in my head I've been like this for ages (give or take 5 years) but for them it's new so idk

idk man i'm just very confused on how to handle this all

-🐦‍⬛

Hey! I don’t exactly have everything figured out but thank you for choosing to trust me with such an important topic.

You’re brave for having come out to your parents so first of all, congratulations on taking such a big step. Also when you write “in my head I've been like this for ages (give or take 5 years) but for them it's new” that already shows me your incredible maturity about this ❤️

I don’t know your personal situation and there are certainly elements that would influence my advice: do you still live with your parents, are you financially independent from them, what type of person is your dad, what friends / siblings can you rely on?

The most important thing is your safety. If you are still living with your parents and your dad isn’t open to calm conversation about this, i wouldn’t push it too much (for your own mental health & safety, not for his comfort, to be clear).

Also definitely time is an important factor here. Parents tend to go through their own process in these cases. Give him time.

Communication remains the key.

You have some options there. I know trans people who have written long letters to their parents just to get all their thoughts out uninterrupted; and it gives the parents something to reread. That might work. Providing them with tips on things to watch (documentary type stuff) or books to read might help. Or enlisting the help of allies (a sibling, an aunt,…) to talk some sense into your dad.

I think the key here will be him realising that if he wants to have a meaningful relationship with his child (as in: be trusted in conversation, be invited to future birthday parties or weddings) he will have to adjust his attitude.

I’ll be honest with you. Unfortunately not every parent has shown themself cut out for this. That is 100% on the parent and 0% on the trans person. I’m not saying this will happen to you — the fact that your mom is more or less making an adjustment, shows promise for the future.

Throughout all of this i think it’s important to keep yourself surrounded by (preferably lgbt) friends wherever you may get them, the internet or real life.

I hope this already helped a bit. But please, if any of my followers can offer additional advice or support, add it in a comment or reblog.

[frodo-with-glasses]

Discord Highlights: Hobbit Babies

This discussion got very chaotic very quickly lol but I've done my best to sort it all by category. Enjoy!

Topic One: Sam's Kids

InvisibleWashboard:

If I’m allowing myself the privilege of indulging in AU where Frodo doesn’t leave, I often imagine Elanor calls him [Fro]. But she is the only one who is allowed to.

meg is me:

"Fwo" Frodo, lifting a cup in his hand: "throw?" "No! Fwo!"

novelmonger:

I've been imagining Elanor calling him "Unca Fodo."

And then there's "Unca Mewwy" and "Pip-Pip." (Pippin tries to get her to call him Uncle too, but it doesn't work. He's not Unc-y enough 😂)

InvisibleWashboard:

Stop it I’m dying from cuteness.

meg is me:

Can you imagine when elanor was born and sam was like all tender and amazed and he was like "lets call him frodo" and rosie was like. She's a girl, Sam And Sam was like..... so excited to name his son frodo that he forgot it might not be a son XD

Me:

I love that he canonically didn’t even consider that she MIGHT be a girl until she came out as one 🤣🤣 “We were all set to name him Frodo! But, well, ah. He’s a she. :-C”

meg is me:

I love sam Bless sam

I desperately hope that Sam's son Bilbo was 10x worthy of the name 😂

Me:

Bilbo Gamgee was an utter gremlin

Writing Valkyrie:

He just recites poetry to get out of punishment. Sometimes it works.

meg is me:

"First he's robbing the pantry. Next he'll be robbing dragons- THAT'S MY WEDDING RING"

Me:

Bilbo Jr. tells his friends about how he, too, won his ring in a game of wits against a nasty, ugly creature while Sam is over there waiting for him to give his wedding band back like >:-C

meg is me:

Better yet His older siblings And they half believe him because quote "Daddy is rather ugly" and Elanor gets SO offended on dear old Sam's behalf

Elanor could be overheard hugging her dad and saying "don't worry you're very handsome" Sam just laughs

Me:

“Well your mother thinks I’m handsome, and that’s all that matters ;-)” Cue the chorus of “EWWW”

Windmill to the Stars:

100% something my dad would say XD

meg is me:

It's split between ewwww and awwww Bby frodo ships his dad and mom so hard and is ecstatic to learn that they have in fact gotten married to each other

Me:

“So you’ll be together?? FOREVER??” “Indeed we will, lad!” “8-D”

Frodo Jr. ships his mom and dad almost as hard as his namesake did

InvisibleWashboard:

So Frodo-lad is not the little boy who is disappointed when he learns he can’t marry Rosie when he grows up, but was baby Elanor initially devastated when Rosie had to tell her, “You can’t marry Sam-dad love, he’s already married to me.”??

Me:

Oh my word I love that ahaha Elanor is 100% a daddy's girl

Windmill to the Stars:

In the epilogue she calls him "Sam-dad"

InvisibleWashboard:

Sam-dad and Rose-mum just absolutely freaking melts my heart every time I think about it. I don’t know why.

meg is me:

He loves his family so so much

Me:

See I know it says in the epilogue that Frodo Jr. is the spitting image of Sam, but part of me can’t help imagining that he looks like Elijah Wood’s Frodo… Brown curly hair and all that

meg is me:

Speaking of facts disproved by the appendices but true in my bones Merry and Pippin Gamgee are twins

Me:

oh my word I love that

InvisibleWashboard:

I like that this is true in your bones and not in your heart. Because the heart is fickle and can be changed by things like canon. Bones are more stubborn. Sometimes not even canon can break them.

meg is me:

I adore that they aren't named Meriadoc and Peregrin but rather Merry and Pippin Sam took his dad's advice to heart- if you give them a short name you don't need to worry about nicknames Guess old Gaffer learned from needing to shorten his son's names to Ham, Sam, etc

Me:

“I’m not giving my boys those fru-fru gentlehobbit names, they’ll have short names like sensible folk”

meg is me:

Pippin casually mentions to Sam if it's a boy maybe we'll name him Aragorn Strider Elessar, Gorn for short And sam is an inch away from taking custody of Pippin's unborn child

Me:

HAHAHA PIPPIN NO

Topic Two: Merry's Kids

InvisibleWashboard:

I head canon Merry being that way with his kids only he desperately wants a girl so he can name her Eowyn.

meg is me:

Merry has Boromir, Eomer, and like 3 other sons before baby Eowyn comes into the world

Me:

Would Merry even feel worthy of naming a son Theoden?? I feel like he’d want to, but…

meg is me:

Ok but bby Theo With his little curls

InvisibleWashboard:

Theodoc.

meg is me:

Theodocuments

Me:

THEODOC I LOVE IT NO LISTEN I AM 100% ADOPTING THEODOC INTO MY BELIEF SYSTEM ‘CAUSE IT JUST F I T S

Windmill to the Stars:

Part of me wants Merry to half-jokingly ship his daughter Eowyn with Faramir Took. Partially just so he and Pip can share grandkids

Me:

There’s no canon evidence that to disprove that some OTHER pair of their children ended up getting married! X-D

Topic Three: Pippin's Kids

meg is me:

I wrote a fic where Pip had a daughter named Sable because my best friend at the time was named Sable and the only place the word sable was found in lotr was in regards to Pip's tower guard uniform

Me:

That's so sweet oh my word

meg is me:

Pippin in many ways will never mature and I love him for it I'm still stuck on him and diamond naming their kids the most obscure things after Merry stole all the Friend Names besides Faramir The tooks already sound Outlandish

Pippin and diamond would be that couple who wants to choose Unique baby names but their friends keep reining them in "Let's name him TREEBEARD" "hmm and Enta for a girl" Sam: do you HEAR YOURSELVES

Windmill to the Stars:

What nickname would Pippin give to his son Faramir?

Kasey Gondor:

Furry

Me:

Progressively shortened more and more until it’s just “Ra”

InvisibleWashboard:

Faramir refuses any and all nicknames anyone attempts to give him ever.

Windmill to the Stars:

Faramir is "Me, an Intellectual" from an early age XD

meg is me:

He started "courting" lil Goldilocks at age 7 and Sam wants to be mad but it reminds him so much of him and Rosie that he lets Faramir Took pick the flowers from his garden to give to his daughter

Goldilocks: daddy fair-meer picked MY flowers! 😄 Sam: ....we planted those together, sweetheart Sam: beyond pleased for you, lass

Me:

Sam sitting down with little Faramir Took and having a Very Serious Talk that if he intends to court sweet little Goldilocks he’ll have to be very kind and good and generous to her and always look out for her good above his own even if it’s hard and it hurts

Faramir was like 9, and all Sam was concerned about was Faramir pushing her and pulling her hair and stealing the berries out of her picnic basket, but it stuck

Years later, after the wedding, Faramir tells Sam that he’s never forgotten that talk and it absolutely changed his life and Sam is like “wot” cuz he’d forgotten all about it

InvisibleWashboard:

NO STOP IT THAT IS TOO CUTE

Windmill to the Stars (re: nicknames):

Ferry to rhyme with Merry, and lil Faramir HATES it

meg is me:

THIS IS CANON TO ME STARTING NOW

InvisibleWashboard:

That is so good I adore it!

meg is me:

Pippin: "hop in the cart fam we're going to Buckland" everyone looks at faramir Faramir: "don't" Pippin: "We're gonna go on the FERRY"

Me:

EYYYYYY

Merry, meanwhile, calls him Master Faramir, and this is why Merry is his favorite uncle

meg is me:

perfection

InvisibleWashboard is @invisiblewashboard, novelmonger is @novelmonger, Writing Valkyrie is @writingvalkyrie, Windmill to the Stars is @windmilltothestars, Kasey Gondor is @captaingondor, and meg is me does not have tumblr :-3

[vee-crytraps]

Hiii~

This feels like coming out lol, I'm 🫀 anon *jazz hands*

Anyways, I came to comment on thisagainfr marvelous rant? Cause what in Dante's seven hells? That was a whole trip and I re read it multiple times. It's scrumptious.

When they mentioned how the family was too occupied to actually spend time with her, busy with their lives and hero stuff? It kinda just made me realise, she's there. Literally just there. The chance to show her love, affection, spend quality time, to get to know her. It's on a gold platter and they just don't really make THE effort to try and get to know her through her, by her. It breaks my heart for her, bc she gets the typical "I know you, I'm your dad/older sibling" comment, but it's so... Shallow. It's not in the same way I get it, for example. It is kinda frustrating at times, specially when you're a teenager, but now I feel seen and understood (to my mum's abilities). And batsis just gets it because they just decided that instead of going to sit by her, not even doing something actually engaging, was too bothersome and so decided it was easier to spy her through cameras. Or not even that. Just simply checking some tracker and going "oh she's safe, cool". Ugh, the angst.

When they mentioned the greek tragedy it instantly made me think of Shakespeare's tragedies too.

Disclaimer, this is my own very humble analysis of his work, sorry if I didn't actually get him.

But, analysing some of his works I realised that in the dismissing of women is when the tragedies come to happen. An example is Romeo and Juliet. If Juliet's dad and Paris listened to her after she begged, cried, screamed and manipulated to please just wait a week, to stagnate her wedding, then she would have survived.

Now in the comedy "The Winter's Tale" Leontes destroys himself through his own jealousy. He becomes a tyrant because he's cruel to his own family, and this breach of faith in suspecting his wife of cheating almost brings his kingdom to ruin. Only by listening and obeying Emilla does Leontes have a chance of redemption. And it's the trust and love between Perdita and Florizel, the one that's capable of redeeming the mistakes of the past generation. And this, leads to a happy ending.

What I'm trying to say is that, pretty much like in the beginning, when Silas didn't listen to her and her boundaries for their dynamic it's when their relationship feel apart. When they don't listen to batsis, is when the conflicts come to happen.

I also can see her faults and ofc, she's not always in the right. But I do think she's the one that can actually tell them what she needs. She's doing so, not explicitly, but I think her actions do speak for themselves. And they are just simply going over it by thinking that they know better. And while in some cases that may be true, it's been abundantly clear that they're biased.

But yeah, just a thought I came to share ig.

Hope you have a wonderful day 🫂🩷

Woah! Grand reveal!

This is a totally great analysis!

In these fics I’m for sure using the version of Bruce who is pretty withdrawn from his kids as a whole and “connects” to them by means of stalking. It’s something he’s also normalized for them to start doing because the boys don’t really see it as a big deal. None of them really have actually processed how little time they spend as civilians because they’re still technically hanging out with their family while they’re at “work”.

meanwhile batsis is aware that there might be some benefit in explicitly telling them how she feels but is overwhelmed by guilt- because who is she to demand more time from people who are literally saving lives?

She is being raised in an environment where ‘safety is enough’ and is dealing with trying to break out of that mindset while also having to figure out where else she can chase the affection that she needs if she can’t get it from her family.

That anon that was in my inbox was ranting about how she should just cut everyone off and dip- but it’s not that easy. Doing that means literally having to accept and process that her family isn’t going to change and that it’s a lost cause. These relationships were really important to her when she was younger and letting them go is like a whole big thing, especially as she is literally only 18!!! And these are like the only people she’s ever hung out with!!!

when you’re that young being alone is 10 million times worse than being lonely!

[fitrahgolden]

Should You Need Me: 12 - Love me, say hell yes

Kate laid on top of Anthony on the couch in his living room. He'd picked her up from school after stopping by hers to get Newton. It was their routine now. They spent every night together, so at some point during the day, they'd decide at whose place they would be that night, and Anthony would pick Kate up from work, with Newton if they were going to his, without Newton if they were going to hers.

This evening, he cooked them dinner after they came inside from their walk with Newton. Anthony cooking was also becoming a regular part of their routine, ever since Kaveri and Mary gave him several informal cooking lessons during Kate's recovery. Sometimes, she'd cook with him. Tonight, she was happy to let Anthony take care of it. Thankfully, he didn't seem to mind.

Dinner was quiet, and Kate could tell Anthony was concerned, but he didn't say anything. She did the washing up while Anthony sketched at his desk in the corner of the living room.

By the time they were relaxing on the couch, Anthony lazily massaging Kate's back while she buried her face in his neck, Anthony's patience had apparently run out.

"Kate?"

"Hmm?"

"Is something wrong?"

Kate sighed and shifted so she could speak more clearly.

"Um… No, not wrong, exactly."

"Then what is it, exactly?"

Kate sat up, so Anthony did the same. She was looking down at her hands until Anthony cupped her cheek and made her look at him. He said nothing. He didn't need to. The expression on his face was enough to urge her to let it out. She knew he wouldn't let it go. He never let anything slide for very long. He turned his hand to rub the back of it against her cheek when Kate started to speak.

"It's getting close to the time when it would have happened."

Anthony slightly squinted his eyes at her before realisation dawned on his face. "The wedding."

"Right."

"Right," Anthony echoed softly, nodding.

"I know I shouldn't, I can't help but think… What if I'd ignored my gut? What if I had gone through with it and… and then I met you in a different way?" Saying it outloud relieved some of the weight that had been on her chest for a few days, but she found herself holding her breath as she studied Anthony's face. He was giving nothing away. 

"Well," he finally said, "I can tell you what I would have done."

Kate raised her eyebrows at him. "What would you have done?"

"Run in the other direction and never look back." His laugh was humourless. Kate furrowed her eyebrows. Anthony sighed and kissed her forehead. 

"I'm not that good of a guy, Kate. If you were married, if I'm being completely honest, it's pretty unlikely that I would have been able to leave you alone. I know I should say I'd respect your marriage, respect Tom. But I probably wouldn't have." Anthony continued while Kate tried to form a response. "It wouldn't have mattered, baby.  You're a better person than me. You wouldn't have allowed it. I wouldn't have gotten anywhere with you." He rubbed her bottom lip. 

Kate didn't know how long she stared at him before she spoke. 

"Why do you do that?"

"Why do I do what, sweetheart?"

"You're always saying you aren't a good guy or that everyone's better than you or something like that. Why?"

Anthony shrugged. "Because it's true," he answered matter-of-factly.

"Bullshit."

"You sound like me," he laughed.

"I suppose that was inevitable, wasn't it?"

"Yeah," Anthony muttered weakly as he looked away from Kate, down at the floor. "I'm a bad influence."

"See? You can't help yourself. You do it all the time. Why?"

Anthony ran a hand over his face. "It's easy, I guess. After my dad died, my life sort of fractured in two. On the one hand, I had to take care of two babies, my mum, to whom I think I was just a reminder of what she had lost, and my other siblings, who were grieving and had no interest in their older brother suddenly being in charge of them. It was fucking impossible to navigate. So, I tried my best, which was never enough–"

"Anthony…"

"It wasn't, Kate. There was no way it could have been. Anyway, on the other hand, whenever I had time to myself, once Hy was sleeping through the night and I finally trusted Ben with her and Greg, I spent that time…not being very good to myself. I drank too much. I was always going out, getting no sleep. Going home with any woman who would have me. All the while, during the day, I would be back to taking care of my family, most of whom didn't want me taking care of them. I guess not taking care of myself stopped being a problem when I decided I wasn't worth being taken care of. It made everything easier."

Kate took both Anthony's hands in hers.

"Things got better, obviously. Mum came back to us, the older kids didn't need me anymore. I had somehow managed everything dad left us well enough that Mum could easily take over. And I found a career that had nothing to do with my father's legacy, which felt really good. But I suppose I never got around to reevaluating my self image. I haven't thought about it. Until just now."

Kate leaned forward and kissed Anthony sweetly, taking his face in her hands. She pulled back, but kept their faces close. "Well… It's time you reevaluated. Because, frankly, I hate the way you talk about yourself. You've got it all wrong."

"Is that so?" Anthony's eyes were glassy. 

"It is. You're a good person, Anthony Bridgerton."

He said nothing, just cleared his throat.

"Do you believe me?" Kate implored.

"I want to."

Kate kissed him again, harder, with more meaning behind it. "Don't I take care of you?" she whispered.

"Yeah." His voice was rough. "You take really good care of me, Kate." A tear rolled down his face. Kate kissed it away.

"Do you think I would do that if you weren't worth it?"

When Anthony didn't answer, she put their foreheads together. "Do you?"

He shook his head.

"So, you need to take care of yourself, too. So you can see yourself the way I see you. The way you really are. OK?"

"OK."

"Good. I love you, Anthony."

"Fuck, I love you, too. So much it hurts sometimes."

Kate kissed Anthony a fourth time. This time, Anthony took over, seemingly pouring all the feelings she'd brought to the surface back into her. He leaned forward and pressed her into the couch cushions. When they broke apart to breathe, Anthony nuzzled her nose. 

"I don't deserve you."

Kate playfully smacked his back. "That's the kind of shit that needs to stop," she giggled.

"Got it. I have something I’ve been wanting to say, too."

“Oh?”

“This going back and forth between yours and mine every night is exhausting, isn’t it? Move in with me already.”

“...Yeah, OK.”

[natteryaktoad]

Griffin, Day 84, Part 1

Scarlett took a phone call from Robbie, and ended up talking about... Aden, presumably?

Osprey: Scarlett! Phone for you - it’s Ida.

Scarlett: Hey, babe... are you happy?

Osprey: Of course - I’m marrying you in the morning!

Scarlett: Yeah, but... the wedding... I feel like we’re both wanting different things from it.

Osprey: Yeah, we are, but I think we’re both getting what we want, right? My first wedding was massive - Kate’s parents paid for the whole thing, and about a hundred of the guests were their friends that I’d never met - even Kate hadn’t met most of them! It was so big, a spectacle, a performance. I felt like I didn’t even get to spend any time with the friends and family who were important to me. Whereas your first wedding...

Scarlett: My first wedding, there was only Aunt Wendy and Trip there, beside me and Aden. It was all very rushed and spur-of-the-moment, and Aden convinced me that I just wanted a small wedding, there and then. I didn’t get to have the rest of my family or any friends there. Aden said we could have a big party as a wedding reception when we got home, but then when we did, he had work stuff going on, and I found out I was pregnant with the twins, and it never happened.

Osprey: And so this time, on my side, I just want the people most important to me there - my kids. I want to be able to enjoy the day and actually spend time with people, rather than it being a perfomance. And you-

Scarlett: And I want all my friends and family there, a big celebration with everyone who’s important to me.

Osprey: And I feel like we’ve got all that, right? Our wedding’s here, so it’s low key, but not too low key, and we’ve both invited all the people we want there.

Scarlett: And it’s not too big for you?

Osprey: Nope. Everyone who’s coming is important to us - the numbers don’t matter as much as who the people are. I’m happy if you’re happy.

Scarlett: I’m very happy.

Osprey: Then I am too. And we’re getting married in the morning!!

Osprey: Morning, gorgeous... it’s The Day!

Ah, I’d forgotten about this...

Scarlett and Osprey’s wedding day dawned rainy, so we dragged out the weather manipulator thingy and ordered up some clear skies. The guests were all duly invited, and gussied up into appropriate formalwear (you wouldn’t believe the amount of women who came in their own wedding dresses!).

Osprey’s only invites were to his four children and their plus ones (Perri didn’t bring anyone, since Trip was there), but Scarlett invited her whole family (or almost everyone): her dad, mum and step-dad; eight of her ten siblings (I didn’t invited Skye and Roman, as she’s never been that close to them and this thing was already getting BIG!); her three children with plus ones (but not for Trip, since Perri was there); her Uncle Brian and Aunt Wendy (without their spouses, to prevent crashes); and her BFF Ida Juana. Oh, and Helen and Gerry decided any invite of Ida Juana’s was an invite of theirs, and both crashed at different points.

Osprey’s oldest daughter, Cara, almost didn’t make it to the ceremony - I’d forgotten she was pregnant. I think she’ll be happy about the prospect of a baby. With her boyfriend, Robbie, I could see it going one of two ways - either he’ll be horrified at the idea of being a father, or overjoyed at the chance to have a stable family of his own. It’s possible the idea of Cara being easier to control if she’s tied to the house with a baby might appeal to him, too...

[survey--s]

595.

Do you know anyone who always makes themselves out to be the victim? Ohh god yes. I went to university with a girl like that - she never took ownership of her mistakes and she lost a LOT of friends because she wasn't ever willing to admit to doing anything wrong.

Have you ever wished you had been born the opposite sex? Nope, I don't think so.

What were some of your favorite books your parents read to you as a child? The Tiger Who Came to Tea, the Magic Faraway tree series and Bollygum.

Have you ever been insulted or called names by a significant other? Sure, but jokingly and seriously.

What’s your favorite movie battle scene? The ones in Lord of the Rings are all pretty good, especially the ones in the Two Towers.

Do you drink more frequently than once a week? No, I don't remember the last time I had alcohol actually - it was probably on New Years Eve.

Do you have any step-grandparents? I do - both my dads' parents re-married and my mum was informally adopted by her aunt and uncle so I actually have eight grandparents lol.

What is something popular that you refuse to participate in? The hype around Taylor Swift. <--- sure, let's go with that.

Do you oftentimes find it difficult to relate to other peoples’ feelings? Yeah, most definitely. That's an autistic thing though.

What’s a common misconception about your country? That we all have bad teeth. I actually read an article that said we have some of the best teeth in the world.

How far away do you live from the house you grew up in? It's probably a seven hour drive from here, give or take.

Have you ever been to a same-sex wedding? I've never attended any wedding apart from my own.

Who takes care of your pet(s) when you’re out of town? My sister-in-law looks after our cats normally, but I think going forward I'll be paying Sophie (another pet-sitter) because we now have Toby who needs tablets so I don't want to put that on family really. We take Archie with us but if we were going abroad I'd put him in kennels.

Do you practice meditation? No. I've tried it but it did nothing for me.

What’s your favorite Marvel movie? The only one I remember seeing is Dr Strange. I'm not really into that kind of thing, to be honest.

What was the last thing you wrote down on paper? A note for Mark last week about the dogs.

What’s the population of your hometown? Where I live now, around 7k. Where I grew up, around 16k.

Have you ever eaten Cajun food? What about Creole food? No and yes.

If you’ve had both, which cuisine do you prefer? .

Did you have a Walkman when you were a kid? I did! I thought I was SO cool lol.

What’s the most difficult experience you and a significant other have gone through together? I honestly don't know - looking back, nothing was actually that awful, but it certainly felt that way at the time.

What are your siblings’ names and ages? I don't have any siblings.

What’s your favorite recipe you’ve come up with? Uh, I'm really not that creative or inventive lol.

Have you ever worn false eyelashes? Nope.

Do you pay much attention to local news? Hmm, not really. I see stuff on social media but that's about it.

Have you ever attempted to pick a lock? Did you succeed? Yes and yes.

When did you last dust the baseboards in your home? I actually vacuumed them this morning lol.

Do you prefer Japanese or Korean cuisine? I've never had Korean food I don't think, so I'll go with Japanese which I really like.

What’s something you have zero tolerance for? Abuse of any kind, especially if it's towards animals and children.

Do you know anyone who could be described as a religious fundamentalist? I don't, but I find the whole fundamentalism thing weirdly fascinating. I love watching shows about it.

What was the last act of self-care you did for yourself? Uh, I don't know, arranged to see my mum this weekend?

What grammar mistake do you find the most irritating? I don't really care about other people's grammar, to be honest.

What will you be buying the next time you go grocery shopping? I just did an online order, actually. I'm just getting normal stuff.

Do you drink soda often? Yeah, everyday.

[theodorecanaryhood]

Sudden urge to play date

Jason Todd x female reader

Jason is a single Dad to a little boy and reader is a single Mum to a little boy too, the boys are best friends and go to the same school, Gotham Junior’s.

Jason and reader meet on parent teacher night, the boys try to play matchmaker.

Jason’s story:

He met Louise about 6 years ago, the two began dating and quickly moved in together as e year passed.

Within another few months Louise told Jason she was pregnant. Jason was thrilled, being a Father wasn’t something he always thought would happen for him, but here he was.

Jason proposed to Louise after the first scan, and the two began planning for the new addition to the family, and the wedding that would follow.

However, after Jackson, or as he is more lovingly known, Jack was born there was a few issues with Louise.

She was found to have a Blood clot, which was treated but not all of it. A complicated birth and a complicated health issue after, unfortunately Louise haemorrhaged and didn’t make it.

Jason was heartbroken and lost for words, as he held his few weeks old son. Jack became Jason’s everything and one and only in a matter or minutes.

Jason never got to marry his forever girl, but he got the most precious thing out of it. He got parenthood.

Y/n’s story:

6 years was all it took for your life to change dramatically, all it took was poor decision.

You met Steven 7 years ago but you were both friends first. Becoming closer and closer, you eventually became a couple.

A year into the relationship you discovered you were pregnant, that’s when the relationship became stale for you and Steve.

Steve lost his job not long after your son, Theo, was born. It became difficult to pay bills so you started working two jobs.

Two jobs, full time parenting, a couch potato boyfriend and a sick mother who eventually needed help.

You were stressed and couldn’t sleep, you started to get snappy and a little mean. When you started getting snappy with your toddler that’s when you realised you needed help.

Steve was sitting around all day everyday and wouldn’t help with your sick Mother, you had to leave your jobs and take care of her and eventually your son was being neglected by Steve too.

You lost it and packed his stuff and kicked him out of your house. Your siblings helped look after your Son and Mum while you went back to work.

You’d made quite a good name for yourself, working hard and getting a raise. Even getting holiday pay so you could take Theo on trips.

Now:

Jason sat in the living room watching some cartoon while Jack played with his toy cars. The 5 year old was a little terror now but Jason knew parenting was a challenge itself.

He was patient with him but firm and never let him get his own way within reason, but sometimes he was guilty of not being able to resist his little boy.

‘Daddy, can my friend come over?’ Jack asked his Dad, Jason smiled softly at his mini copy and nodded.

‘Of course, what’s his name?’ Jason asked as Jack sat on the couch next to him. The little boys face lighting up.

‘Theo, he’s my best friend’ Jason laughed softly as he scooped Jack into a hug.

‘Really? Well I would love to meet him’ Jason smiled more as he held his son in his arms. Sitting in the couch watching the cartoon that was on.

‘Daddy he’s here’ Jack practically screamed as he ran to the door of the apartment. Jason trailed behind him.

‘Ok open the door little man’ he called as he came up behind Jack. Jack stood on his tiptoe to open the door as he squealed to see Theo.

‘Theo’ he smiled as Theo rushed over and hugged his friend, the little boys really were trying their hardest to stay on the feet but both boys got excited and fell onto their butts as Theo Mother walked in.

‘Theo what have I said about walking in?’ You laughed, noticing Jason.

‘Hi’ he smiled as he held his hand out to you, ‘I’m Jason Todd, Jack’s Father’ he beamed, you shook his hand.

‘Y/n y/l/n, Theo’s Mum’ you smiled in return, ‘sorry he usually has more manners’ Jason just shrugged.

‘He’s cool, a sweet little boy’ Jason smiled as he pat Theo on the head.

‘Thanks, he takes after me’ you joked making Jason laugh.

‘I bet, we’ll can I get you a drink?’ Jason asked you politely as you smiled, shaking your head.

‘Thank you, but I have to go take my Mother to a Hospital appointment. I’ll be back around 3, I can come and get Theo then’ you said as you got on your knees and hugged Theo, kissing him in the head.

‘I love you’ you whispered to your Son, he whispered it back, ‘be good for Mr Jason ok?’ You said as you walked over to the door.

The whole week Jack would not stop talking about his friend coming over, and now the two were running riot in the apartment.

Jason was laughing as the boys kept playing and making silly faces at Jason, Jason forgot the last time he smiled and laughed this much.

‘Where’s your Mommy?’ Theo asked Jack, Jack pointed to upwards as Jason felt a lump in his throat at the question.

‘Where’s your Daddy?’ Jack asked Theo, Theo shrugged. Jason noticed the little boys response and felt bad.

‘Is it just you and Mommy?’ Jason asked Theo, Theo nodded in response. Jason was curious as to where his Dad was, but didn’t badger the kid for a response.

…

‘Daddy, my Teacher wants to speak to you’ Jack held his Father’s hand as he pulled him toward the classroom door.

‘Ok, we have to wait till we’re called in’ Jason replied, he didn’t want to admit that the boys pull was strong. Considering he is a big guy.

‘Mr Todd, please have a seat’ the Teacher smiled as she pointed to the opposite side of the desk.

‘Mrs Green, lovely to see you again’ Jason flashed a charming smile at her. Mrs Green just sat down as she went a little red.

‘Jack is a lovely little guy, one of my favourite students. He has a good attitude and always ready to learn’ the teacher began. Jason sat with his arm around his Son, smiling as he took on the Teachers words.

Losing track of time the Teacher rise to her feet, telling Jason about all the stories of what Jack gets upto in class.

‘Well until next time Mr Todd’ she smiled as she shook his hand.

‘Till then Mrs Green, what do you say Jack?’ Jason beamed at his little boy.

‘See you Monday Mrs Green’ he smiled, Mrs Green pinched Jack’s cheek as she walked to the door with the man and little boy.

‘Oh Miss y/l/n and Theo, my second favourite’ Mrs Green said as she opened the classroom door.

‘Hi, hope I’m not interrupting’ you said as Jack and Theo instantly began playing.

‘Not at all’ the teacher replied, Jason smiled shyly at you as he took his Son’s hand.

‘Jack come on Buddy’ Jason said softly, you looked at the boys who were already trying to run off together.

‘They can play, can you watch Theo while I talk to Mrs Green please Jason?’ You asked politely with a slight smile. Jason had never heard his name sound like that before, you said his name almost like a love song.

‘Of course, we’ll give you two some privacy’ Jason said as he took the boys into the corridor.

After about 30 minutes or so you returned outside the classroom with a smile, winking at Jason.

‘Thanks for watching him, I owe you’ you said as you kissed your little boy’s head.

‘No problem, he’s golden, good news I hope’ Jason rose to his feet as Jack walked over to him to be picked up.

‘Yeah, Theo just needs a little help with his numbers’ You chuckled as Theo rushed to you. Standing by your side.

‘Well Jack is good with numbers, I’m sure they can help each other’ Jason politely suggested, truth be told he liked Theo for Jack. They were both well behaved and got in really well. Almost like brothers.

‘Mommy can we go to Mr Jason’s for dinner?’ Theo asked you, you looked at your little boy.

‘Not me you should ask Theo, have you asked Mr Jason?’ You asked him softly. Jack shot his head to his Dad.

‘Daddy can they? Please’ Jason looked at you and Theo then his Son’s big eyes, the eyes he used to get his own way.

‘If Theo’s Mommy is ok with it’ you just shrugged with a smile.

‘Don’t see why not, they get on’ you laughed as Jack and Theo cheered. Jack wanting to get back on the floor as he ran off with Theo.

…

Dinner at Jason’s house was a different experience as you saw how well behaved the boys were. Theo even helped Jason clean up in the kitchen.

‘You sure you don’t want me to do anything?’ You asked as Jason shook his head.

‘No of course not, you guys are guests’ You smiled, Theo sitting in the floor with his best friend.

You stood up as you looked around at all the photos on the wall, noticing a couple of Jason and a woman, then Jack as he went from new born to now.

‘Jason who is she?’ You asked politely as you pointed to a young woman in a framed photo, Jason looked over your shoulder.

‘Jack’s Mother, Louise’ Jason replied, you took a mental note of his face and the pain in his voice when he answered the question.

‘What happened to her?’ You asked, Jason looked at the ground then back to you.

‘She died shortly after Jack was born’ you have a look of shock as Jason side smiled. Avoiding crying in front of you.

‘I’m sorry’ you replied, Jason took your hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

‘That’s ok, was a long time ago’

Theo and Jack looked at the two of you together and smiled at each other, Jack whispering something in Theo’s ear as the two boys stood up and snuck out of the room.

‘What happened to Theo’s Dad?’ Jason asked you, you walked over to the table and sat down on the chair. Jason sitting opposite you.

‘We’ll, he was cruel and neglectful so I told him to leave, I never stopped him from being Theo’s Dad but he took the initiative to cut ties’ you answered, as simple as you could, Jason just rested his head in his hand as he looked deep in your eyes.

‘My Mother got sick shortly after Theo was born, Steve lost his job and I couldn’t work on top of caring for my Mom and being a parent. My brother and sister helped me in the end as I couldn’t pay rent. Steve just left and disappeared when I told him to leave’ you continued, Jason had a look on his face.

Sympathy, he always had sympathy for single parents as being one himself. Jack’s birth made him appreciate Bruce a lot more and even made the two closer.

He also had a look of anger, anger towards Steve for just abandoning his child. You can’t bring a life into the world and not bother to help take care of it.

Jason’s free hand found it’s way holding yours from across the table. You clocked in and returned the gesture by gripping his hand slightly, using your thumb to rub his knuckle gently.

‘Boo’ Jack and Theo screeched as they both jumped up between the two of you, making you both jump as the two boys squealed with laughter.

‘Nice one boys’ you laughed as you tickled Jack’s face and gave a kiss to your Son Theo.

‘Daddy, are you gonna ask y/n on a date?’ Jack asked as Jason choked on his drink, you blushed a little.

‘What?’ Jason asked his 5 year old, who just beamed brightly as Theo wrapped his arms around your neck.

‘Are gonna date y/n?’ Jack asked, Jason was a little surprised by the question, but not offended by it.

Jason had been on a few dates here and there over the past couple of years, but the women either made an exit when he mentioned he had a kid or would not get on with Jack if they ever met him. Honestly, Jack never liked any of the women his Dad brought home either.

‘If y/n would like to go out?’ Jason answered almost as a question as he looked at you, you just smiled a little red in the face as you nodded.

‘Theo, would you like me to go out with Mr Jason?’ You asked your son, Theo nodding his head violently.

‘Ok, y/n would you like to go out?’ Jason asked you, you smiled.

‘Yes’

‘Told you it would work’ Jack smiled at Theo as the two boys walked into another room.

‘Did they just play matchmaker?’ You chuckled as Jason stood up.

‘Yup, kid’s have game’ he laughed, you stood up too as you grabbed your shoes.

‘Theo, we have to leave soon’ you called out, Jason handed you his number as you took it a little sheepish.

‘I’ll text you when I get in, I’m free this weekend if you are’ you beamed, you hadn’t dated in so long you forgot the etiquette of what to say to a man.

‘That’s fine with me’ he smiled at you as Theo hugged his friend goodbye, then rushing over to hug Jason good bye.

‘Goodbye Mr Jason’ Theo smiled up a the man cutely, as he hugged him Jason knelt down and hugged him back.

‘Goodbye my little man’ Jason whispered as he kissed his head, you gushed at the sight of Jason hugging your son. Jack came over to you, studying your face.

‘Can I give you a hug?’ Jack asked you, you smiled and knelt down.

‘You don’t to ask me’ you replied as you hugged him, smiling as the little boy held onto you.

The beginning of a beautiful relationship that could potentially grow to more, started with the two little boys showing love and affection to both of you equally.

[enbysiriusblack]

part 1 of this

part 2 at the request of @queerdeadwizards

They spent the rest of Christmas in the hospital, Fleamont confined to bedrest. They were in the middle of doing tests to find out what was wrong.

James sat in waiting room, eyes closed and ignoring the whirl around him.

And then the healer came out and walked over to James.

"He has dragon pox, it's in it's early stages so there's still hope of recovery. But we're going to need to test everyone he's recently been in contact with."

They all went one by one to be tested, and a few hours later, deep into the night, the results came back. And only Euphemia had tested positive.

Euphemia was sent to the same room as Fleamont, both isolated from anyone that hadn't caught the pox before. Including James Potter.

"I need to see them! They're my parents!"

The healer stood in front of the doorway with a soft glare, "You've never had dragon pox before, if you go in you may catch it."

"I don't care! I need to-"

Sirius wrapped their arms around James, pulling him back from the healer. They both dropped to the floor and James hugged Sirius back.

"They'll get better, he said it's in the early stages", Sirius whispered.

James sobbed, "What if they don't?"

"Then we've got each other. Until the end. You're my brother, Prongs."

Marlene took James' hand, "Hey. They're both fighters, right? I mean they're both in their 60's and still play quidditch and beat both of us in arm wrestles. They can beat this, alright? I know they can."

The other five crouched down, joining the three potter adjacent siblings on the hospital floor.

A week later, all of them but Mary were practically living at St. Mungos. And on the new year, Euphemia and Fleamont got much much worse.

James was glued to the glass that he could see and talk to his parents through. He, Sirius, and Marlene hurried to the room when Euphemia and Fleamont had called for them in states of panic.

"Mom? Dad?"

Euphemia slowly got up to come over, ignoring the protest of the healer in the room.

"My children. I love you so much. Listen, We won't be there for your weddings, or to see your grandchildren-"

"Mum-" James protested.

"No, James, listen. My ring", she took it off her finger and gave it to the healer, "Give it to Lily would you? She's such a lovely girl."

"You were meant to be there for the wedding."

Fleamont smiled faintly from where he sat, "We'll be there in spirit."

Euphemia faltered and the healer caught her, leading her back to the bed.

"Wait", she put her hand against the glass and James mirrored her with his own.

Fleamont closed his eyes before muttering, "Live."

Euphemia closed her own a few minutes later, her breathing becoming more rapid and the healer sent her back to the bed.

"I love you so much."

She reached her hand to Fleamont's own, and grasped onto it just as the breathing stopped.

James' head flopped against the glass, his hand still against it. Sirius linked their finger against James' and pressed their own to the glass, Marlene followed the movement with her own.

They stood in silence for more than an hour, until the room opposite was empty.

"The other's are waiting at the manor, are you ready?" Marlene asked.

James nodded, "Yeah. Let's go."

Sirius went in the room to collect the Potter's things, their hand grasping Fleamont's old, worn jacket.

"You should have it", James said from the doorway.

Sirius looked to him, "They were your parents."

He shook his head, "Yours too. Dad would want you to have it."

They looked back to the jacket, "They were the best people I know, other than you."

James almost laughed, "They made me as great as I am."

"Oh please", Marlene chimed, "Both of them were so much cooler than you."

He laughed at that, "Yeah. Yeah they were."

[helloalycia]

The Wrong Lifetime — Fourteen // Wanda Maximoff

chapter thirteen | story masterlist | main masterlist | wattpad | epilogue

author’s note: the last chapter is finally here! i hope you like it 😊

There were many times when I'd get distracted by thoughts of Wanda.

I could be going for a walk and remember that time she tripped over the flat pavement, almost bringing me down with her. I could be shopping for stationary and remember that time she almost bought the whole shop in one visit. I could be sitting by the water fountain and remember that time she tried to make a wish, only to drop her whole purse in it.

This time, I'd just woken up to the sun streaming through my curtains. I rolled over to an empty bed, hand brushing against the cold sheets as they expected more. For some reason, my subconscious decided to taunt me with a memory taking place just after we'd first made love in her room...

"I love you so much," Wanda told me with an enchanting smile.

I turned to face her, one arm comfortable under the pillow as the other rested outside the duvet, covering my bare chest. She raised her hand, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear before resting her hand there. I smiled at the contact and felt a warmth spreading all over me at the affectionate gaze she sent my way.

"I know, love, you only said it several times," I teased lightly, making her chuckle. "I love you, too, though, in case you didn't know."

She sighed contently, eyes closing. I admired how beautiful she looked with her hair sprawled over her bare shoulders, smile on her lips and freckles dusting her skin. Her touch still ghosted my body, taste still embedded between my lips, scent still wavering in my nose. She was permanent and I was certain she'd never leave.

"We should probably get up in case somebody comes to check on us," she said, interrupting my moment of admiration.

Her eyes flickered open slowly, blue with golden flecks glistening right back at me. Suddenly, anything that happened after this didn't matter to me. For once, I appreciated where we were, what we had and nothing more or less. No wedding, no future... just now.

"We should," I agreed regretfully, though her leg moved closer to mine and made me wish we could stay here longer. "I wish we didn't have to."

She smiled halfheartedly, hand moving down my cheek, caressing the skin, before they rested at my chin. She outlined my lips with her thumb before leaning forward and stealing a kiss.

"Can't we have a few more minutes?" she asked, lips brushing mine as she spoke.

She was making it very hard to deny her and judging from the playful smirk on her lips, she knew that.

"I guess we can," I agreed quietly, making her smile with satisfaction.

She rolled on top of me, capturing my lips in a kiss as her bare chest pressed to mine and my hand found her waist for support. As usual, the effect she had on me was indescribable and I couldn't imagine us ever leaving the bed. I knew for sure that I'd never been happier than I was in that moment.

It was such a perfect moment, but it haunted me. Nothing felt right without her. She'd overwhelmed all of my senses and remained, even when I didn't have her by me in person. The wedding was literally in a few weeks, but I hadn't managed to get over her.

How could I be her maid of honour when I could barely speak to her? Not without wanting to curl in a ball and cry afterwards. Every thing I did seemed to be filled with memories of her. She was inescapable.

A groan left my lips as I dragged my hand down my face with frustration. I couldn't let her get to me yet again. I had an interview with the local paper today. The last thing I needed was Wanda as a distraction.

So, with that lovely thought lingering in my mind, I dragged myself out of bed to get ready for the day ahead.

—

Press interviews weren't something I was used to.

Whenever Y/B/N had them with journalists for his books, I wasn't present. The only thing I heard was when he came back and told me how it went, then I proceeded to read about it in the paper the next day.

I was sat in Steve's office at Maximoff Publishing with Steve sat by my side, sending me a supportive smile. A journalist from the local paper sat before us, notebook and pen in hand as he watched on with curious eyes.

"So, Y/N," he began. "I'll start with the obvious, if you don't mind."

I glanced at Steve who nodded encouragingly. Clearing my throat, I looked to the journalist. "Sure thing."

He smiled and glanced at his notebook before asking, "How does it feel to be published? You're Pietro Maximoff's first female author."

"An author who happens to be female," I corrected, hoping I didn't come off as rude. "And that isn't something that should be new, in my opinion. It should be normalised."

He nodded, noting it down in his notebook. "Controversy... I like it."

Swallowing hard, I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

"I think the readers would like to know how you managed to score a publisher," he began his next question. "How exactly did you get noticed amongst the many authors that look to be published?"

Okay, not so difficult, I could answer that.

"Well, it was actually my–" I paused, Wanda's face flashing to mind. Okay, maybe a little difficult.

"Your...?" the journalist prompted.

I blinked, attempting to find my words.

"Wanda," Steve answered, starting me off.

I looked to him with grateful eyes before looking back to the journalist. "Right. Yes. Wanda."

"Your brother's fiancé, right?" the journalist asked for clarification.

"Yes," I answered, with an accidental clipped tone. "She... she was the one who gave my work to her brother. Asked him to look at it. And the rest is history."

The journalist was making notes as I spoke, nodding and humming in response, before looking to me with raised brows.

"So, the wedding," he said, making me wince subtly. "Are you excited?"

Forcing a smile, I said, "Ecstatic."

"How does it feel to have your two families uniting?" he asked, and I chewed on my lips, unsure how to respond.

"I– er–"

"Are you afraid that Y/B/N marrying Wanda may put him in Pietro's good graces?" he interrupted eagerly, leaning forward in his seat.

I opened my mouth to answer, but I didn't know what to say that wouldn't land me in hot water or make me look like a jealous sibling. Glancing to Steve questioningly, he thankfully noticed my speechlessness and gave the journalist a warning stare.

"Can you stay on topic, please?" he asked the keen journalist. "Y/N is here to talk about her book and nothing more."

"Okay, okay," the journalist gave in, making me exhale slowly. "What's next in store for your readers, Y/N? A sequel, perhaps?"

"I'm not sure," I answered truthfully. "I'm still in awe at the reception from the first one."

He nodded, note taking as he listened. "How many books do you think you'll get out of your career before getting married like your brother?"

I raised my eyebrows with disbelief. But I didn't get to answer as he was already moving onto his next question.

"Are you not worried about getting married? You know, men don't like smart women."

Narrowing my eyes at him, I clenched my fists by my side and was very close to strangling him before we were interrupted. A servant whom I recognised from home knocked on the door and earned everyone's attention.

"Oh, tell him to go away," the journalist said dismissively, waving his hand.

Steve looked to me and I plastered a bitter smile on my lips as I glanced at the journalist.

"I'd let him in if I were you," I told Steve, and he seemed to understand that I was about to pummel the journalist if I wasn't distracted, because he nodded and motioned for the servant to enter.

The journalist sighed rudely and I clenched my jaw before looking to the servant with a quirked brow. He looked out of breath, panting for air and face flushed red.

"Did you run here?" I realised, cocking my head to the side with confusion.

He nodded, straightening up and attempting to catch his breath. "Yes, Miss Y/L/N. Very sorry to interrupt, but your mother insisted I hurry."

My eyes widened. "Oh, God, what happened? Is she okay?"

"Kind of," he answered, before clarifying, "The wedding between your brother and Miss Maximoff has been cancelled."

"What?!" everyone in the room asked at the same time.

What did he mean the wedding had been cancelled?! Wanda and Y/B/N weren't going to get married?

"I don't know the details," the servant got out quickly. "I just know that your mother sent me to fetch you as soon as possible. She's distraught and requires you home immediately."

I nodded instantly, already making a move to stand up, then I remembered where I was.

"You mustn't publish anything you just heard," I told the journalist with a stern finger, but he seemed over the moon at the news.

"Go, Y/N, your mother needs you," Steve said, resting a hand on my shoulder as he, too, stood up. He side-eyed the journalist as he added, "I'll take care of this tool."

At that, the journalist's eyes widened with fear and judging from the smirk on Steve's lips, I knew things would be okay.

"Thank you," I told him, hugging him quickly, before looking to the servant. "I'll go now. Thank you."

After giving the servant some money to grab a treat and calm him from his breathless state, I got a carriage home with my mind racing a million thoughts a minute.

Why was the wedding off? My mum was distraught, according to the servant, so that could only mean it hadn't been her choice. Was it Y/B/N? Had he broken it off? Or maybe it was Wanda? But no. She'd never do that. She wouldn't hurt her family like that.

I wasn't sure what it was, but I definitely didn't know how to feel. This could either be heavily in my favour or go against me in the worst way possible...

When I arrived home, I found my family in the dining room. My mum was sat down, upset and shaking her head in her hands, tear marks on her face. My dad was sat beside her, rubbing her back soothingly and whispering calming things to her as my brother stood to the side, looking apologetic and uncomfortable.

"It's okay, mum, it'll be okay," he was saying to her from across the table. "It's not a big deal. I can find somebody–"

"Hello...," I began awkwardly, standing in the doorway and hesitant to move forward. "I just got the news from our servant. What happened?"

"Oh, Y/N, you shouldn't have–" my father began regretfully, before my mum slammed her hand on the table and glared at my brother.

"Y/B/N broke off the engagement!" she shouted with frustration.

"There you go...," my dad mumbled before returning his attention to his wife.

"Mum, I–"

"You did what?!" I cut Y/B/N off with raised brows. "You broke off the engagement? You dumped Wanda?"

He looked to me with sad eyes. "Y/N–"

"You idiot!" I shouted, feeling angry as I imagined the effect this must have had on the Maximoff family. "What the hell is wrong with you?! Why would you–?!"

He grabbed my waving arm and dragged me out of the dining room, making me shove him off when we reached the hall.

"Why the hell did you break it off?!" I yelled at him with a glare. "Why would you–"

"I didn't!" he whisper-shouted back, looking down at me with a downcast expression. "She did!"

My anger faded as I realised he was telling the truth. He looked genuinely hurt, eyes glassy and a frown on his lips. Wanda was the one to break it off? What?

"She broke it off with me," he elaborated quietly, so our parents couldn't hear. "She told me this morning. She said she didn't love me and that she couldn't marry me."

I swallowed hard, looking away from him momentarily. "Why did you tell mum and dad that it was you who broke up with her?"

He pinched his forehead with agitation. "Because it looks a lot less foolish if I say it was me rather than her. She doesn't love me, Y/N. She never did."

I risked looking at him, seeing his disheartened expression. Part of me felt guilty because I knew it was my fault this had happened, but I couldn't exactly say that to him, so I stayed quiet. He shook his head once more before walking away, leaving me standing there with shock.

"Er, Miss Y/L/N?"

I spun around when one of our servants approached me.

"I know now isn't the best time," she began, "but a letter came for you earlier. I left it on your desk as you were at work."

Nodding, I offered the servant a halfhearted smile before watching her leave. There was so much to unpack right now...

I headed upstairs and to my room to see what letter was here for me. But I was finding it hard to focus since all that was on my mind was the broken engagement and Y/B/N and Wanda... I needed to see her. What the hell was I doing here?

Planning on going to see Wanda as soon as possible, I grabbed the letter from my desk with the intention of reading it on the way out, but then I recognised the handwriting on the front and paused at my desk.

It was Wanda's handwriting.

I hurried to tear open the envelope, wondering what she had to say. It was no doubt related to the broken engagement.

Dearest Y/N,

I hope that you manage to read this letter before you hear the news, but knowing our families, you'll read it afterwards. In which case, you will know that I have broken off the engagement with Y/B/N.

It was the right thing to do. I chose to do it and I'm sorry if it's caused tension between your brother and your family, but I knew that I couldn't go forward with it when I'm in love with you. I'm not expecting you to come back to me and run away together all dramatically – this isn't about that.

I did this for myself. I'm not in love with your brother and I never was. He should have known that. He had to. Because if not, I'm afraid I broke his heart. And that's the last thing I wanted.

I also did this for you. I need you to know that I'm not heartless or horrible and I didn't expect you to sacrifice anything for me. Cheating on your brother with you... I never meant for this to happen, nor did I mean to get in the way of you both. Falling in love with you was completely accidental, but I don't regret it.

I don't want to go on too much, but I just needed you to know the truth, from me, that I am truly sorry for causing you such pain. I'm still in love with you and I'll never forget what we had. In another lifetime, maybe we could have worked. I'm certain that you were always perfect for me, as was what we had. You are magic, Y/N. I just wasn't powerful enough to keep you.

When I finished reading, I flipped the page over, expecting to find more, but it was blank. She'd ended it there and I didn't know what to think. My heart was racing, mind adjusting too slowly for my liking. She'd broke it off with him for me. I knew she loved me, but I guess I'd never realised just how much.

After recovering from my shock, I put the letter away and left for Wanda's, not bothering to tell my family where I was going. My dad was attempting to console my disappointed mother as Y/B/N moped around somewhere else, so I took that as my chance to nip out without them noticing.

I was trying to plan what to say to her – I didn't even know what I wanted to say to her. She said she didn't expect me to get back with her, and even without Y/B/N and their engagement in the way, we still couldn't be together. Not like how we wanted to be. But I wanted to. I wanted her. All this time without her had been heartbreaking – I didn't want to leave her again. I didn't know the specifics of how we would work, but we could work. We had to.

When I reached her house, it was her mother who opened the door. And that's when I realised that I wasn't sure if she blamed Y/B/N or her daughter for the engagement breaking apart.

"Iryna, hi," I greeted with a nervous smile. "I'm sorry if this is a bad time–"

"Y/N, I'm glad you're here," she cut me off, immediately pulling me in for a hug. "Thank you for coming."

I nodded with mild confusion, returning the hug, before pulling away.

"I'm so sorry for the pain Wanda has caused to your family," she said regretfully. "I hope that your parents aren't as distraught as we are."

I eyed her strangely, still not sure what Wanda had told her. Either way, I didn't bother questioning it as my urgency to see Wanda was overpowering my curiosity.

"It's okay, Iryna, there's no need to apologise," I reassured her. "My family will be okay... I just thought I'd come and check in on Wanda. It's a lot, what happened."

She nodded sympathetically. "Thank you, sweetheart. You're such a good friend to her." She stood to the side to let me in. "Go on up. She's in her room. Hasn't come out since this morning."

I offered a small, awkward smile Iryna's way before letting myself in and going upstairs to Wanda's room. My palms were sweaty and my mouth was dry – stupidly juxtaposed – when I stopped before Wanda's door. On the way over here, I still hadn't decided what to say. I figured it would just come to me when I saw her. One could hope.

Knocking on the door, I heard her sweet, accented voice give me permission to enter. My stomach flipped at the sound and I did as she said. Closing the door behind me, I turned and saw Wanda sat at a stool before a canvas.

Noticing I didn't say anything, she glanced over her shoulder casually, probably expecting a family member. She widened her eyes when she realised it was me and immediately stood up, smoothing out her paint-covered smock in an attempt to look neater. The simple action warmed my heart – she was adorable and I couldn't help but smile.

"Hi," I said quietly.

She cleared her throat, eyes darting around nervously. "Hey. I didn't– what are– hi."

I let my eyes wander, admiring her messy ponytail and the strokes of paint on her face that she definitely wasn't aware of. She was stunning, even with her confused eyes and pursed lips. Better yet, her hand was ring-free and I was reminded of the fact that she wasn't engaged anymore.

"I assume you're here because you read the letter," she began apologetically, but I didn't let her finish because the longer I was in her presence, the more I realised I wanted to kiss her.

Approaching her, I found her eyes before pressing my lips to hers. My hands cupped her cheeks as I held her close, revelling in her taste and scent and touch. She was quick to react, her fingers curling around my waist and tugging me towards her, squeezing our bodies together. Breathing became a problem and we regretfully had to pull away, but remained close enough to exchange breaths and swim in each other's eyes. I'd never been more relieved to see the colour green.

"You're not mad," she realised, looking between my eyes as if trying to search for some anger.

"How can I be mad that you broke off your engagement for me, knowing we can never be together in the way that you deserve?" I asked with disbelief.

She smiled beautifully, making my heart flutter in my chest. "You still love me."

I stole another kiss from her lips. "I never stopped, Wanda. Of course I still love you."

She rested her forehead to mine and closed her eyes peacefully. "Thank you for coming back."

I laughed, feeling tears brim my eyes. "I'm not leaving again, love. We'll find a way to make this work. I promise you that."

Wanda Maximoff deserved the world. And I was going to give it to her in this lifetime and beyond.

[im-in-love-with-pizza-bites]

Feeling faint

Tom Holland x Sister!Reader, Holland Family X Sister!Reader, Harrison Osterfeild X Platonic!reader

Summary: Your brothers comfort you after you faint at Tom's wedding.

Warnings: mentions blood, a concussion, fainting, fluff.

Reader's age: 15

Request: Anon

A/n: Thank you for the request! Also so sorry bought the name though 🤣 also like I just made the bride an OC so ya.

It was all going good, you were stood behind your brothers in a row, Harrison was the best man, your brothers were groomsmen and you had the honor of being a grooms woman. You were just behind Paddy, as you watched your soon-to-be sister-in-law come down the aisle. Once her dad was by his seat the officiant started.

"Thank you, please be seated. Today we gather to lift Tom Holland and Amelia Williams up in celebration of ever-lasting love. In the presence of their beloved family and friends, Tom Holland and Amelia Williams will pronounce their love through this ceremony and begin a lifelong journey together."

"On this day, we offer gratitude for the blessings that have been bestowed upon Amelia and Tom. In this fast-spinning, always-changing world they have at last found peace and comfort in one another." He continued, you started swaying slightly feeling faint. You subtly leaned forward putting a hand on Paddy's shoulder in an attempt to hold yourself up as you watched the ceremony.

The ceremony was just about over and you were still feeling faint, you were still leaning on your older brother as the officiant finished: "By the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church Ministries, before your families and your friends, I now pronounce you lawfully and spiritually united Please seal your marriage with your first wedded kiss." Once they pulled away from the kiss and were about to walk down the aisle a loud thud was heard along with Paddy exclaiming help. Everyone turn to looked seeing you laying there unconscious, Paddy was already down by your side. Harry and Sam moved quickly to come to your sides followed by Harrison, Tom, Amelia and your parents. Most of the crowd was standing but no one came much closer.

"She's breathing." Sam announced. After a few seconds, you were opening your eyes.

"W-what happened? Why does my head hurt so much?" You asked your family.

"You fainted your okay." Dom said. "Give her a bit of space.

"Oh... Sorry." You mumbled putting your hand up to your head where it hurt.

"It's okay." Your sister in law said softly. You moved you hand back to looked at it wide eyed.

"I don't think that's good." You said out of it.

"Yeah, that isn't." Your mom gently moved your hair out of the way to look at what happened. "We need towels over here." She said to which Harry hurried off to grab some.

"I don't feel so good." You mumbled eyes closing.

"Woah no Tom don't let her close her eyes." Dom said.

"Hey look at me." Tom said, your eyes opened slightly seeing Tom and Haz standing there.

"Oh hi. Did I ruin the wedding?" You said your words slurred a bit.

"Paddy go get her water please." Harrison asked.

"No you didn't ruin the wedding bun." Tom assured. "Just keep your eyes on us."

"Okay." You smiled, "did I ruin my dress? I wiked it." You slurred. Sam chuckled from behind you where he was standing with your mom and dad, while they looked at your head. "It wasn't a joke!"

"Your dress is fine. Sam don't be such div." Harry said handing your mom the cloth.

"Yeah don't be such div." You looked at your brother and stuck your tongue out. Paddy finally came back with the water bottle and passed it to Tom.

"Y/n drink this. Mum is she okay?"

"I'm gonna take her to the hospital I'll keep you posted don't worry." Nikki said. "Dom help me get her up."

You took a sip from your water and looked at your sister-in-law. "I'm sorry." You said once again.

"It's okay." Tom and Amelia answered.

"If you say so I guess." You mumbled eyes closing.

"Y/n look at me." Harrison said catching it immediately.

"What I'm tired." You said glaring at the man.

"You got to stay awake." Sam said as he and Harry got you to your feet, Nikki still holding the cloth to your head.

———

You were back from the hospital just into time for the reception. Tom was the first to greet you of course as he was quite worried, Sam and Paddy were close behind along with Harrison. Harry and Dom went along with you and Nikki. Harry was there to hold the towel and make sure you stayed awake. You were stitched up and had a bandage on your head but otherwise, you were fine. The doctors chalked your faint up to you not eating or drink enough that day. Once you got liquids and a snack you started to get back to yourself but you were feeling super embarrassed and bad about fainting and taking the attention off of the newly weds.

"How are you feeling?" Amelia asked when you came into the venue the reception was being held in.

"I'm fine, I'm sorry about early." You said giving an apologetic smile.

"It's fine stop apologizing." Tom interjected. "You couldn't avoid it."

"Yeah, I guess." You mumbled though you were still embarrassed.

"It really wasn't that big of a deal. Your fine." Amelia assured you once again. You shrugged, before turning around noticing your other two brothers and Harrison standing there.

"Are you okay?" Paddy asked.

"I'm fine.." You mumbled. You didn't like the attention, now normally you'd love it since you are usually over shadowed by your brothers but today was supposed to be about Tom and his wife then you faint. It was the one day that you didn't want any attention on you.

"That's good." Sam smiled. You shrugged rolling your eyes.

"She's fine look still as sassy as usual." Harrison teased. He was like a fifth brother to you so you two acted like siblings.

"Shudup." You grumbled.

"Okay what's wrong?" Tom asked you as his wife walked off to do something.

"Nothing... Just fainting in public is embarrassing.. And fainting at a wedding more so." You mumbled. "And I still feel bad about taking the attention off of you and Amelia." You added.

"Oh y/n. No one's mad at you for fainting at our wedding." Tom assured you once again.

"Everyone is just glad your okay." Sam added on smiling at you.

"I guess..."

"Are we not going to talk about the fact she was talking like she's fainted in public before?" Harry inquired.

"No we are not." You said simply.

"Okay. But really it was funny." Paddy said, "and explained why you were leaning on me the whole ceremony."

"It was kinda funny." Harrison said chuckling.

"Oh woah you found my pain funny." You said jokingly.

"There your back to yourself! Yes now we have a reception to get to come on." Tom said giving you a quick hug before leaving to find his wife.

"So when have you fainted before?"

A/n: How was it? I'm not good at comforting people so writing it is semi-hard for me. Also, I think I wrote the wedding well... Idk I haven't been to one since I was 3. And I don't remember anything about that except walking up to a guy who I honestly know if he was the groom or the groom's brother. (The groom is an identical twin)