#(I appreciate that this aunt loves giving people things and doing events and I love that for her but I just don't love it

[dontmeanyoudontmissit]

@taylorswift what if you add a bonus Gillette show that's just exactly what LoverFest was meant to be?

[javierpena-inatacvest]

Chapter 18: Hole in None

Summary: During your bridal shower, Steve takes Javi golfing. When they return, the way Javi is acting has you questioning everything you knew about your relationship.

Word Count: 12.1K (getting back to my roots of a short chapter LMAO)

Warnings: SMUT(18+) unprotected p in v sex (wrap it up irl pls), oral (f receiving), creampie, praise kink, breeding kink (if you squint?), makeup sex and getting caught (The Murphy's will never catch a break) ANGST (I'm so sorry!!), Hurt/comfort, Javi being super insecure, you being confused as hell, Steve being an absolute idiot

A/N: HELLO. IT'S ME! I DO EXSIST! I am genuinely SO sorry that this chapter has taken a million years to happen. December has been so busy and I have had no time to write, so I really, really appreciate all of your patience 🥺 This is a lil different than any other chapter we've had so far in the NTL universe, it's a lil angsty-er than normal but ya girl only believes in happy endings so don't fret!!! Also poorly beta'd bc I have the stomach flu and I am 100% there are mistakes in this chapter that I'm sure I missed 🫠

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“Do I really have to do this? This thing hasn’t even started yet and I’m already exhausted.” 

“Yes, Hermosa, I do think that most people do expect the bride to be at her own bridal shower.” Javi laughed, staring into the bathroom mirror as he ran his hands through the dark curls of his hair, fixing them into place as you stood next to him, finishing the rest of your longer than usual makeup routine to prepare for being the center of attention against your will for the next several hours. 

It wasn’t that you weren’t grateful that your co-workers wanted to throw you a bridal shower before your wedding, now only a few weeks away- the sentiment of the whole thing was incredibly thoughtful. Your 3rd grade teammates had even found a way to get in touch with your family to make sure that your mom, aunts and cousins felt included in the event, too. You should have been thrilled about the fact that the people who loved you most in the world were coming together to celebrate your upcoming wedding and quite literally showering you with gifts, but if there was one thing you hated more than anything else, it was the social exhaustion that came from having a party planned for no one but you. 

You had really tried to convince Maria, Estelle, Linda, and now, your mom that you didn’t need a bridal shower- your wedding was going to be small, and since you had already been living on your own, there weren’t a lot of things you needed as you started married life together. Unfortunately, neither of those arguments were going to stop those ladies from going all out for you, leaving you feeling like your bridal shower was turning out to be even bigger than your actual wedding. 

“Don’t you think I could just get a cardboard cutout of myself and use that instead? All these ladies love to talk so much that I don’t think they would even know the difference.” You sighed, giving yourself a once over in the mirror before putting away the rest of your makeup as Javi snuck behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist, planting a soft kiss into your shoulder as he pressed his chest against your back. 

“I have a feeling that someone would notice.” Javi chuckled, a soft grin spreading across his face as your eyes met in the mirror, his smile and sweet eyes enough to calm your nerves for at least a moment. “I would definitely notice.” 

“Well that’s easy for you to say, you don’t even have to be there.” You huffed, letting a little pout fall from your lips as Javi playfully shook you in his grasp, trying your best not to smile as you tried to keep up your unenthused facade. “It’s not too late to trade. You can go to the bridal shower and I can go golfing with you and Steve.” 

Even though Javi had insisted he was more than happy to stay at the shower with you, Maria had insisted that Javi find another way to spend his time so the spotlight of the day could be on you, and not him being distractingly handsome to everyone else there. Lucky for Javi, that meant extra time to spend with Steve while Connie was at your shower- not so lucky for you that Maria had banished your future husband from attending an event for your own wedding. 

“I honestly may have to take you up on that. Steve must have needed an ego boost when I let him pick what he wanted to do while you and Connie were at the shower because he knows I can’t golf for shit.” Javi’s overdramatic sigh and roll of his eyes was enough to make you break into a little giggle, turning your head enough to press a quick kiss onto his cheek before reaching your hand under his chin, giving his jaw a little jiggle. “It’ll go by fast, Osita, I promise. And then, when we get home,” he paused, pressing another kiss into your shoulder and up towards your neck, digging his fingers a little tighter into your sides as he rasped into your ear, “I’ll take as much time as you want to destress you.” 

“As much time as I want? Bold of you to assume that the dog is gonna give us that long.” You snickered as a happy Bear trotted into your bathroom right on cue, his tail loudly thumping against the bathroom cabinets from his happy wags as he wedged himself between you and Javi. 

The newest furry member of your household had been a well loved addition, but if there was one thing Bear had no concept of, it was privacy. Your dog had become a constant shadow to you and Javi anywhere and everywhere in your house, including your in your bedroom, even when you were, well, not sleeping. It hadn’t helped that Javi had already formed such a soft spot for Bear, and had let him on your bed from the moment he stepped foot into the apartment, and now, your dog and his clingy personality had become a new obstacle to try and navigate in your sex life. 

“Someone needs to tell his dad that he’ll survive if he gets left out of the bedroom for a half hour, huh? That he’s adorable, but that he can be a little cockblock, can’t he?” Squatting down next to Bear, you wrapped your hands around his face, scratching behind his ears as you mockingly serenaded him, raising an eyebrow at Javi. 

“He just sounds so sad when he whines and he’s trapped outside the door.” Javi grumbled, kneeling down to join you, patting Bear’s stomach, now much thicker and fuller than it was a few weeks ago after you had first brought him home, skinny and neglected from his lack of care from his previous owners. 

“You say trapped like we're kicking him out to the streets when we close the door on him. He’s adorable and sweet, but he’s a dog, Jav, he’ll be okay.” You smirked, playfully scolding Javi as you peppered Bear’s head with kisses, making his tail thump even harder as it wagged back and forth. “Tell your dad you’ll be just fine, won’t you?” 

“Yeah, yeah, yeah…” Javi groaned, knowing damn well you were right, even though he couldn’t bring himself to admit he had become an absolute softie for your new dog. “Alright, Hermosa, we gotta get you to this shower before Maria yells at me for making you late.” Pushing his hands against his knees, Javi let out a little grunt as he pushed himself back up to stand, checking the time on the silver watch wrapped around his wrist. 

“Wow, so eager to get rid of me, you must really be excited to go get your ass kicked in golf.” You teased, now following suit and straightening out your dress as you stood, throwing your arms around Javi’s neck, pressing up on your tiptoes to plant a little kiss on his lips. “Sure you don’t want me to golf for you?” 

“I’m sure, you dork.” 

After Javi had insisted on giving Bear more than his fair share of treats before the two of you left for the day, you were on the road to Maria’s, Javi insisting that he drop you off, instead of letting you take the treacherous 2 minute drive by yourself. As you drove down Maria’s street, you couldn’t help but smile at the memory of walking up to her house for an end of the school year party almost exactly a year ago. A party that had ultimately turned a handsome stranger from the Laredo Sheriff's department into your future husband, now sitting in the driver’s seat on the way to your bridal shower. You couldn’t help but laugh to yourself at the irony, leaning your head over onto Javi’s broad shoulder as you pulled up to Maria’s house. 

“What’s up, Osita?” Javi asked, a twinge of confusion in his voice at the content and calm of your demeanor as the two of you arrived at the event that you had been seemingly dreading for days. 

“I just- It was probably a year ago to the day the last time that we were at Maria’s house. Crazy to think that a year later we’re getting married and here for my bridal shower. I don’t know, a year ago I never would have thought I would have met someone I love so much, let alone be getting married, building a house, owning a dog, I- I’m just really happy that the department made you come to do that stupid presentation. You’ve made this year the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I love you, Jav.” 

A tender silence hung in the air as Javi leaned over the center console, gently bringing his palm to cup the side of your face, his thumb tracing circles along your cheek, letting his sweet brown eyes lock with yours as a soft smile spread across his face. “I love you too, Osita.” His words barely left his mouth above a whisper, bringing his lips to yours. The two of you could have stayed like this forever, lost in the moment of your love for each other, but unfortunately, the world had other plans. 

“JAVIER. DIOS MIO. CAN YOU KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OF HER FOR 3 SECONDS?” Maria shouted, banging at the driver’s side window, the aggressive thumps of her hand against the glass making the two of you practically jump out of your skin. 

“Jesus Fucking Christ….” Javi whispered, clutching his hand over his chest, trying to steady his heart rate back to normal, the two of you looking at each other in pure terror. 

“If you’re going to drop her off and make a scene in my driveway, the least you can do is help an old woman out before you leave, Javier!” Maria demanded, still rapping her knuckles against the glass, the two of you trying to keep from dying of embarrassment as you exited out of the car. 

“Sorry Maria…” The two of you grimaced, still trying to avoid direct eye contact with her before she decided to scold you more. 

“Chucho is right, you two are no worse than a pair of teenagers. Come on, we only have an hour before everyone arrives and I need you and that wildly blonde haired boy to help me move chairs.” Shaking her head in disappointment, Maria was already halfway up the driveway and into the house as you and Javi trailed behind her, glancing at each other in confusion as to who she was referring to, until you noticed the Murphy’s car parked on the side of the street, realizing that Steve and Connie must have beaten you there. 

Before you even had a chance to make it a foot into the house, you were greeted by an overbearing swarm of people rushing to say hello and give you a hug, already feeling overwhelmed 30 seconds into the start of your shower, and these were all people you knew. Your mom was the first to make her way through the crowd, squeezing you in a death grip hug, even though you had just seen her last night after picking her up from the airport and dropping her off at her hotel. 

“Oh my god, I can’t believe the day is almost here! My baby girl is finally getting married! Ugh, you look beautiful sweetheart!” Your mom beamed, planting a chaste kiss on your cheek before making her way over to Javi, squeezing him just as hard. “C’mere, don’t think that you get to escape hugs from me too, Javi.” Javi looked over at you, trying his best not to laugh at everyone’s dramatics, knowing how stressed you already were, and that no one’s overly excited attitude was doing you any favors. 

“Ouch on the finally there, Mom. What do you need help with?” You asked, noticing that your mom had been holding on to Javi for a touch longer than what was probably appropriate while everyone else continued to hustle and bustle around Maria’s house. 

“Does he always smell that good? God, I wished your father smelled like that, the man smells like a sweaty sock. Javi, what kind of cologne do you-” 

“Mom! Jesus Christ.” You interjected, burying your hands in your face.

“Sorry, sorry! Honey, you don’t need to help with anything, it’s your shower!” Your mom swatted her hand at you, shaking her head in disbelief that you would ask to help, even though she knew better than anyone it was not in your nature to sit back on the sidelines and let other people do the work for you. 

“Why don’t you come help me set up decorations?” A soft voice replied behind you, making you whip your head around as their hand rested on your shoulder. 

“Connie!” You grinned, throwing her arms around her, relieved to find someone who wasn’t going to drive you absolutely crazy for the next hour of party prep. “It’s so good to see you, thank you so much for coming!” 

“Hey, Sweetheart!” a lower voice grunted from behind a stack of folding chairs making its way to the backyard. 

“Wow, Maria put you to work too, Steve? Yikes, she’s running a tight ship around here.” You and Connie snickered as Steve set down his stack of chairs, revealing his already sweaty and frustrated face, considering Maria had probably made him carry 6 trips worth of seats up and down the stairs since he and Connie had arrived. 

“You’re tellin’ me. Hey, make yourself useful and pick up some of these chairs, lazy ass. Sooner we get this set up, the sooner I kick your butt at golf.” Steve smirked, gesturing over at Javi, still standing in the doorway with his hands on his hips. 

“In that case, I’m taking one chair at a time.” Javi sighed, pressing a quick kiss to your temple in stride towards Steve, giving him a swift hug and a pat on the back before being interrupted by a shrill and demanding voice. 

“JAVIER. I HEARD THAT. IF I DON’T SEE YOU WITH A STACK OF CHAIRS IN YOUR HANDS THE NEXT TIME YOU’RE OUTSIDE, IT’D BETTER BE BECAUSE YOU ARE DEAD.” Maria shouted from across the house, making everyone’s faces freeze in fear. 

“You heard the woman. Chop, chop, Peña.” Steve chuckled to himself before passing off half of the chairs over to Javi, and walking towards the back of the house as Javi picked up his share, begrudgingly trailing behind Steve. 

“Alright, we should probably get to work on decorations before Maria finds us standing around for too long. I know you’re the bride, but I have a feeling that holds very little value to her until everything is set up.” Connie shrugged, nodding towards the backyard where the shower was being held. 

“You’re definitely right, and I would prefer to live through my bridal shower in order to make it to my actual wedding.” 

With all of the helping hands around the house, and Maria’s commanding dictatorship over shower setup, all of you had finished with time to spare, leaving your mom and co-workers to happily chat and gossip amongst themselves as you and Connie found your way to say goodbye to Steve and Javi, one of whom was looking much more excited about departing for golf than the other. 

“Have fun, ladies. Any last words for your future husband before I absolutely obliterate him on the golf course?” Steve snickered, giving Javi a soft punch on the shoulder. 

“Shut the fuck up, Murph.” Javi groaned, rolling his eyes as he braced himself for the next 3 hours of harassment from his former partner. 

“Don’t be too hard on him, okay Steve? He gets grumpy when he loses, so just a reasonable amount of ass whooping, nothing too drastic.” You teased, now playfully punching on the other side of his arm, you, Steve, and Connie laughing to yourselves at Javi’s fed up frown. 

“Says the one who literally pouted for hours after insisting we play "Sorry" and then she lost.” Javi smugly murmured, raising an eyebrow at you, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Well someone wasn’t very sorry about it, were they… You know what, Steve? I changed my mind, go ahead and kick his ass for me.” A mischievous grin grew across your face, bursting out into giggles as Javi flung his arms around you, giving you a squeeze and shaking you in his grasp. 

“Pendejo. Alright, you need anything else before I go get my ass kicked, Hermosa?” Javi asked, pressing a kiss into your hair. You were about to speak, but stopped yourself for a moment, looking Javi up and down, admiring how handsome he looked in the khakis and navy blue polo he had picked out this morning. You’d been so worried and worked up about the day that you hadn’t really had a chance to get a good look at him until now, and God, part of you wished you hadn’t taken the time to really take it all in as he stood next to you. You knew there was nothing you could really do about it now, but that wasn’t about to stop you from at least getting a little taste. 

“Uh yeah, I uh- actually um, I uh, I scraped my finger earlier on one of the banners I was setting up and I think I got a papercut. I forgot to ask Maria about it earlier, but um, can you show me where the bandaids are upstairs again?” You tried your best to sound as casual as possible, but Javi knew just as well as you that there was no way in hell that you actually needed a bandaid. His brow scrunched in a slight confusion, head cocked to the side as if to say “I think I know where this is going and I’m not really sure it’s going to work” before giving you a little shrug, gesturing up towards the bathroom at the top of the stairwell, trying to keep his smug grin hidden between his lips. 

“Yeah, I uh- here, let me show you where they are and I can get you one before we go.” Before Steve or Connie could even muster a word in protest, Javi was already dragging you halfway up the stairs, barely letting you make it to the top of the stairway before closing the bathroom door behind you. 

“Band Aid, really? That was the best you could come up with?” Javi laughed under his breath, letting his hands roam down your sides and under the hem of your dress as his fingers dug into the meat of your ass, the heat of his breath tickling your skin where his lips met your neck, gently sucking at your pulse point, making a tiny moan escape from your mouth. 

“I needed to come up with something to get you alone for long enough to give you a proper goodbye before you left.” 

“And a Band Aid was the way to do that?” 

“Oh shut up.” You giggled, draping your arms over Javi’s neck, letting your hands roam through the curls at the nape of his neck before pulling him in tighter to let his lips crash into yours with an electric intensity, his fingertips gripping deeper into your flesh. 

“I don’t think-” Javi muttered between kisses, “I don’t think a bandaid is gonna buy us enough time to do anything, Hermosa.” 

“I know. I just needed this. Just needed to kiss your stupidly handsome face. I needed something before you left me to fend for myself. Plus,” you paused, pulling back to see the lovestruck grin spread between Javi’s cheeks, “only fair that I get a chance to recreate our first kiss.” You snickered, gesturing to the interior of Maria’s bathroom, where you had found yourself with Javi almost a year ago to the day, your lips meeting for the first time as you sat on the ledge of the sink after Javi had came to your aid when a shattered beer bottle had landed in your leg. 

“Fuck, I forgot our first kiss was in Maria’s bathroom. Real fucking smooth of me, huh?” Javi grumbled, rolling his eyes at his past self for letting your first kiss be in the bathroom of his Mom’s best friend’s house. 

“Smooth enough for me to wanna marry you, so I guess it all worked out okay, didn’t it?” You teased, planting one last kiss on his lips before shooting him a wink and slipping out the bathroom, your face warm and tingly from the rush of excitement tucked away with Javi in your impromptu makeout session. Javi ran his hand over his face, taking a moment to try and compose himself, shaking his head to himself in shock and delight at how he found himself falling more and more in love with you every day. 

“Okay, uh- sorry, sorry about that. Just didn’t wanna have to bother Maria for anything.” You sighed, darting your eyes away from Steve and Connie, their arms crossed against their chest with almost comically smug smirks on their faces as they watched you shuffle back down the stairs, Javi reluctantly trailing behind you. 

“Yeah? How’d that bandaid work out for ya?” Steve smiled with a shit eating grin, nodding to your hands, neither of them with a bandaid anywhere in sight. You let out a gulp, trying to quickly tuck your hands behind your back, your cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment. “Goddamn, you two gonna make it 3 hours without touching each other, or am I gonna have to bring him back here after hole 4 for a mid-round makeout?” 

“Jesus Christ, Murph, really?.” Javi grumbled, rolling his eyes. “Bye, love you. Have fun and I’ll see you soon.” Leaned over, snaking his arm around your waist to plant one last kiss in your hair. 

“Not soon enough, apparently…” 

“Murphy…” 

“Stop makin’ out and I’ll stop givin’ you shit.” 

“Touche…” You muttered under your breath, just loud enough to make the 4 of you burst into laughter, easing the uncomfortable tension that you had brought upon yourself from your antics. “Love you too, have fun getting your ass kicked.” 

“Yes, yes, out, out, out! It’s only 10 minutes until guests arrive and your truck is taking up all the room in the driveway! Out!” Stampeding into the living room, Maria waved her hands at the boys, quite literally shooing them out of the house after overhearing your goodbyes. Giving a quick wave to Javi as Maria kicked him and Steve to the curb, you caught Javi’s head whipping around for one last glance at you before you left, giving you a once over with his eyes and a soft smile on his face as the front door shut behind him. 

Truth be told, your shower ended up being way less painful than you expected it would be. In all honesty, it was actually somewhat enjoyable. The fact that your mom, co-workers, and Connie had put into helping everyone come together to celebrate you filled your heart with so much more joy than you could have predicted- your friends and family had bought you and Javi so many more gifts than you knew what to do with, had so many kind things to say about the two of you, and Connie had even gone out of her way to make sure that there were fun games planned for everyone to keep the need for constant socialization at bay. It really had ended up being a fun afternoon, even if it meant having to answer the same questions about your wedding, house and honeymoon plans more times than you could count. 

Javi, on the other hand, could not have been having a worse time on the golf course, getting his ass thoroughly handed to him by Steve hole after hole, wondering to himself how anyone could bring themself to genuinely enjoy the torture that had been the past two and a half hours of hacking his club into chunks of grass and loosing his golf balls in the brush. The only consoling factor was that Javi was grateful to spend time with Steve, even if it meant being berated by endless questions from him on top of his painful performance while he played. 

“You feelin’ ready for the big day?” Steve grunted, after smacking his driver against his ball from the tee box, Javi relieved that the pair were finally on the 9th and final hole. 

“Yeah, I mean- Oh fuck me-” Javi grumbled, hitting his club and watching his ball fly into a patch of trees, the opposite direction of where he was trying to aim for, “I still can’t believe I’m getting married.” 

“You and me both, Jav. I never thought I’d live to see the fuckin’ day, that’s for damn sure. Javier Peña, a married man.” Steve chuckled, slipping his club into his golf bag as Javi followed behind, grabbing what must have been the 57th golf ball from his bag this round. 

“Shut the fuck up, Murph.” Javi chuckled, shaking his head at his friends’ jab, the two of them hopping into the golf cart together to try and scavenge for Javi’s long lost ball. 

“I’m just given’ you shit, Jav. I’m fuckin’ happy for you man. Really happy. She’s a great girl. Best thing that’s ever happened to your sorry ass, I’ll tell you that much. Guess you don’t have to worry about really followin’ through this time?” 

“What do you mean?” 

“You’re actually gonna get married this time? You’re not leavin’ her at the altar like Lorraine, huh?” As Steve laughed to himself, Javi could practically feel his stomach drop, his heart beginning to race as a wave of terrible guilt and panic washed over him at his friend’s ironic question. 

To his own shock and surprise, Javi hadn’t thought about his last lack of a wedding once since the two of you had gotten engaged. He had been so head over heels excited to spend the rest of his life with you, that the failures of his past engagement had been tucked far away in the back of his mind. But then again, no one had been so gracious as to bring up the knife to the chest that was leaving Lorraine at the altar, and no one had been so gracious as to bring it up in classic Steve Murphy fashion. 

Javi could audibly hear himself gulp, his heartbeat pounding so loud he could hear it ringing in his ears as the terrible reality of the past he had so glady forgotten about met him in a head on collision, instantly re-opening all of the cuts and wounds he had finally managed to sew together. 

The last time he almost got married, Javier Peña had astronomically fucked up the lives of every last person who cared about him, leaving nothing but chaos and heartbreak in his wake.   

Rationally, Javi could tell himself that his upcoming wedding was the polar opposite of everything that was once planned between him and Lorraine. Javi couldn’t have cared less about Lorraine. From the moment he had wearily accepted his fate, he had dreaded every moment of his future from that point on. But you were not Lorraine. 

Javi loved you. 

Javi cared about you. 

Javi wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of his life with you and give you everything in the world you could possibly want. 

But, one mention of that 8 letter name had Javi’s brain flooding with every single doubt, regret, and painful memory of his past that he had fought so hard to forget. It had his mind reeling with every uncomfortable feeling of remembering the man he had been before you had come into his life and changed him for the better. He knew he was a better man. A stronger man. A man who was worthy of the love and compassion you had shown him from the moment you two had met. 

Or was he? 

“Earth to Javi? Hello? Anyone home?” Waving his hand in front of Javi’s face, Steve stared at Javi in confusion as to why it seemed like his friend had suddenly become lost in his own world as they pulled up to the patch of trees where his ball had most likely landed. 

“Uh yeah, uh- what, sorry, um, what did you say?” Javi asked, visibly trying to shake the thoughts from his head, painfully scrunching his face and running his hand through his hair before looking back over at Steve. 

“I asked if you were gonna go get the ball or if you just wanted to add to your +200 score and drop one here instead. Hey, you okay, man?” Steve questioned, pausing for a moment before asking the later half of his statement, seeing the color flushed from Javi’s face. 

“Uh, yeah- Yeah, sorry, I just, I’m good. I’ll um, I’ll just drop a ball.” Javi muttered half to himself as he stepped out of the cart, barely paying attention enough to even remember what in the world he was even looking for in his golf bag. 

If Javi wasn’t already thankful to be on the last hole before Steve’s comment, he sure as hell was now, mindlessly whacking his golf club with no regard as to how his ball made it to the green. Any thoughts about golf, let alone any previous attempts to even try to play well had now flown out the window, creeping thoughts of self doubt and resentment crawling through Javi’s mind. The rest of the round and the entire car ride back to Maria’s were spent in an internal battle ranging in Javi’s brain, the fight between the man he used to be and the man he’d thought he’d become rearing its ugly head with a painful intensity that absolutely felt like it was consuming him whole.  

Steve, who was just as oblivious to his friend’s distraught state as he was to the idiocracy of his sarcastic question, had chalked Javi’s quiet and somber mood up to being an overly sore loser after getting mercilessly crushed at golf. Little did he know that his one silly comment had sent Javi spiraling down a trail of crushing self-doubt. 

As the pair pulled into the driveway and made their way to the backyard where a few straggling party goers still lingered, trying to monopolize their time with you to get the details of your upcoming plans for the future. Being the attentive and patient person that you were, you were trying your hardest to seem enthused and engaged with in the conversation with who you thought was Javi’s Aunt’s Cousin (at this point, you had been introduced to so many new people, you were questioning your own name), but it wasn’t long before your future husband’s big, broad body entering the backyard had you more than distracted, your face instantly lighting up at the sight of him. Peeking over his Aunt’s cousin (or cousin’s aunt, you weren’t really sure) shoulder, you bit down on your lip to try and contain your excitement, letting a little wave shake from your hand in his direction. 

Javi wished that your sweet smile and beautiful self were enough to snap him out of his funk, to see how you beamed in excitement just at the sight of him and shot him that lovestruck look he’d never get sick of- but for some twisted reason, it only made him feel worse. 

You were everything- kind, smart, funny, the most breathtaking woman he’d ever seen. But what was he? Tired? Broken? A shitty guy who had done even shitter things, who had left nothing but destruction in his path for years and years, with no regard for who it hurt, or even worse, left for dead? How was he supposed to give you everything you deserved when he sure as fuck didn’t deserve you? 

Before you had even said a word to him, you could already sense something was off about Javi’s demeanor that was due to more than just losing to Steve in golf. Even from across the backyard, his forced smile and tired brown eyes had a worried pit swirling in the bottom of your stomach, politely excusing yourself from your conversation to make your way over to Javi. 

“Hi! You guys have fun at golf? Steve didn’t kick your ass too bad?” You grinned, wrapping your arms around Javi’s waist, pressing up on your toes to plant a kiss on his lips, his mouth barely ghosting over yours in return. 

“Yeah, it was um- yeah, it was fine.” Javi nodded, trying to make a smile appear between his pursed lips. “How was the shower? You uh, you ready for Steve and I to start putting things in the truck to bring over to the new house?” 

You immediately frowned in response, cocking your head in confusion at him. “Yeah, it was great, but hey, are- are you okay? You seem really off, like more than just Steve kicking your ass at golf off. Did something happen?” 

“No, I’m- yeah, I’m good, Hermosa.” Javi’s eyes darted towards the ground, trying his best to stifle his sigh before another fake smile spread across his face, his response making you even more concerned than you were before, seeing he was clearly lying to you. As much as you wanted to problem solve right then and there to figure out what had Javi so distressed, the calls of one of the last groups of party goers wanting to say their goodbyes rang across the backyard, you flashing them a quick smile and a wave to signal you’d be over in a second. Before you could try and get anything else out of Javi, he had already backed himself away from your hands still tangled around his waist, nodding towards the group of women who were not so patiently waiting for you. “Go say goodbye, I’ll start loading stuff up.” 

“Um, I- uh, yeah, o-okay. Thanks.” You murmured, half to yourself, as Javi had already begun to walk away to find Steve to help him start carrying things out to the car, leaving you more anxious and confused with every passing second. 

With goodbyes finished, and decor and party setup cleaned up just as fast as Maria had demanded it to be put up, you and Javi made your way to your now packed car, followed by Connie and Steve, who had asked to see the progress on your new house while they were in town. You figured you’d kill two birds with one stone, inviting them over and having them help to unload gifts in the same trip, but now, given the strangely somber mood that Javi couldn’t seem to shake, you really wished it was just the two of you so you could figure out what the hell was going on. 

You and Javi piled into his truck, Steve and Connie hopping into theirs and following you down Maria’s street towards your new house. A stark silence filled the car, praying to yourself that maybe Javi just wanted to be alone before he said anything about his current state, but 5 minutes down the road without a single word falling from his lips, you had a devastating feeling that wasn’t going to be the case. 

Your leg bounced against the seat, fingers nervously drumming in your lap, letting out a quiet sigh to yourself before looking over at Javi and mustering up the courage to try and interrogate. 

“Sooooo, golf was fun? I love ya, but I think it’s probably safe to assume Steve won?” You quietly snickered, trying your best to stay nonchalant. 

“Yeah, it was good, Steve won, but that’s no surprise because I suck at golf.” Javi mumbled to himself, barely glancing your direction from behind the yellow tinted aviators perched on the bridge of his nose. Normally, if either of you had something that self-deprecating to say, it was at least followed by some sort of a joke or laugh, but his comment ended with nothing but a stoic silence as his hands gripped tighter around the steering wheel. 

“Hey, babe, it’s okay, you don’t ever golf, so it’s hard to expect yourself to be good at something you rarely ever do.” You reached over to grab his arm to reassure him, that unsettling and anxious pit beginning to grow in your stomach again with the way Javi was acting. All he could muster was a half hearted huff in response, signaling to you that whatever was happening was much bigger than a poor game of golf. 

“Javi… Baby, what’s going on? Did something happen with Steve?” 

“It’s nothing.” 

“It’s clearly not nothing, Jav. Did I do something wrong?” 

“No, I told you, it’s fine.” 

“Javi, it obviously isn’t fine if this is the way you’re acting about it. Why won’t you talk to me about it? I just wanna-” 

“I told you, it’s fine, okay!? Jesus, I don’t need you to solve all my problems.”

Oh.  

You and Javi had been in arguments before, hell, you’d been in fights before, but never once in the time that you’d known him, had Javi snapped at you like this. You could practically feel yourself recoiling in your seat from the harsh tone of his voice, fighting back the tears that had instantly begun welling in your eyes. You could feel your heart in your throat, choking down a heavy gulp as your lip quivered to try and keep from crying. 

What had gone so wrong that Javi was acting like this? 

You wish you had it in you to dig it out of him, but as you pulled up the driveway of your new home, Steve and Connie right behind you, ready for a tour, the best you could muster was a quiet, “O-okay.” As soon as the car was in park, Javi was unbuckling his seatbelt and slamming the door behind him, leaving you behind in the car, trying everything in your power to not become a startled, sobbing mess. 

Wiping away the wetness pooling behind your eyelids, you swiped the back of your hand against your cheeks, taking a few deep breaths before following behind, mustering up as much courage as you could to keep your cool for however long Steve and Connie were planning to stick around before heading back to San Antonio. 

You had hoped that Steve and Connie hadn't picked up on the palpable tension brewing between you and Javi, trying your best to put on a brave face as you paraded the Murphy’s through your nearly completed house. To be quite honest, you couldn’t have recalled anything that had happened in the time that they were there, your mind racing in torment as you watched Javi brood around your new home, barely saying a word to you, let alone make any eye contact, or look in your general direction. 

As the four of you made your way upstairs, your attention was finally caught by the low lull of Steve’s laughter as he situated himself between you and Javi, grabbing you both by the shoulders and shaking you in his grasp. 

“Well I’ll be damned. Y’all got enough rooms up here to house half a baseball team! You want that many kids driving ya nuts, huh?” Steve chuckled, making his way down the hallway, peeking into the empty bedrooms of your 2nd story. 

“Steve!” Connie scolded, slapping the back of her hand against Steve’s stomach for his comment. 

“What?! I’m just sayin’! I thought y’all would want like, 2, but there’s enough room for way more than that. I mean, I guess you two are fuckin’ goin’ at it like rabbits all the time, so I can’t really be shocked.” 

“Steven Edward Murphy! Jesus Christ!” Connie snapped, shooting Steve a dangerous glare, aggressively raising an eyebrow at her husband as she gestured towards you and Javi. 

“No, it’s okay, we don’t know for sure how many we want, but we figured if we had the space we’d add the rooms and even if they’re not bedrooms, they’ll still get used.” You had it in you enough to force a half smile across your face, flashing it at Steve and Connie before looking over at Javi. 

While you hadn’t expected much of a response from him given the current situation, what you weren’t expecting was the panic stricken look painting Javi from head to toe. 

If you weren’t already worried out of your mind about what the fuck was going on with Javi, you sure as fuck were now.  

“Uh, I um- yeah.”

Those were the only words Javi was able to choke out through the audible thumps pounding in his chest as his face went ghost white, eyes peeled to the ground. 

“See, Steve? You’re making them uncomfortable! You have absolutely no filter, I swear! I’m so sorry, you guys!” Connie frantically apologized, giving Steve another hardy slap in the stomach, making him wince. 

“I’m just jokin’, Jesus Christ, sorry!” Steve grumbled, holding up his hands in defense from his wife’s accusation, sheepishly looking over at you and Javi with a little shrug. 

“No, it’s uh- no, it’s fine, don’t worry about it.” You had given up on trying to be convincing at this point, your voice quietly shaking as you stared at Javi, now looking like a terrified, ragged shell of himself. 

What the fuck was going on? Did Javi want to wait to have kids? Did he not want to have that many? Was he having second thoughts about kids all together? Fuck, was he having second thoughts about getting married? He’s literally never acted like this before. Fuck, fuck, fuck. 

You were sure at this point, you probably looked just as much of a mess as Javi did, letting your thoughts race wildly throughout your brain, the silence now lingering between the four of you now seemed to feel deafening, Connie beginning to pick up on the uneasiness festering between you and Javi and knowing she had enough common sense for her and Steve to pick up her cue to see herself out. 

“Well, still, I’m sorry. We should probably get going anyways, we told the sitter we’d be back around 6 so we should probably hit the road. Thank you so much for the tour! The shower was beautiful and I’m so glad I could be there for it. We’ll see you guys for the big day soon! Just let me know if you need any help with wedding stuff between now and then okay?” 

“Uh yeah, yeah of course. Thanks for all your help, Con. I’ll um- I’ll let you know if we need anything.” You stammered as Connie pulled you in for a hug goodbye, followed quickly by Steve, who planted a few pats on your back mid hug. 

“Bye sweetheart, thanks for letting me steal this asshole for golf today. See y’all when you’re gettin’ ready to get hitched! Adios, loser.” Steve chuckled as he pulled away from your hug to tug Javi into another, giving him an even harder pat on the back before letting Connie say her goodbyes as well. 

“Do you want me to walk you guys down to your-” 

“Nah, we’ll find our way out, no worries. Bye lovebirds, see ya soon.” Steve grinned, giving the both of you one last wave farewell before disappearing down the stairs, their hushed bickers about Steve’s unnecessary comments quietly trailing behind them. Before you could even get a word out to Javi now that the two of you were alone, he was already halfway down the stairs behind the Murphy’s, not even bothering to look back at you as he mumbled under his breath. 

“I’m gonna get the gifts out of the car and go sit outside.” 

“Jav, wait, I-” 

You could feel the lump beginning to swell in your throat, your bottom lip trembling with tears welling in your eyes as you watched Javi storm down the stairs without even so much as an attempt to care about what you had to say, leaving you with nothing but yourself and 5 empty bedrooms that now had you questioning everything you thought you knew about your future with Javi. You felt your body begin to collapse like a sad pile of jello as you melted into a sobbing puddle on the floor, bringing your knees to your chest as you cried into the flowy fabric of your dress, leaving wet stains behind from your tears. Your breaths were rapid and shaky with each muffled sob, trying to rationally grasp on to something, anything, as to why Javi was acting this way. But the more the gears frantically turned in your brain, the more irrational and terrifying your thoughts became. 

This all happened so fucking fast. It’s only been a year since I’ve known him. Is he realizing it’s too much? Am I too much? This was all too fucking good to be true, wasn’t it, you fucking idiot. 

Taking a few more minutes to collect yourself enough to at least stop full on sobbing, you wiped your wet cheeks with the back of your palm, inhaling a trembling deep breath as you mustered up every ounce of courage you could find to face whatever fate was waiting for you downstairs with Javi. 

Each step down the stairs felt heavier than the last, leaving your fingers anxiously drumming against your legs as you saw Javi’s broad body hunched over the side of the unfinished back patio, staring out to the tall grass of your backyard swaying in the warm summer breeze. If it were any other time, you would have rushed up behind him, wrapping your body around his back and attacking him with kisses until the two of you were wound up in a fit of laughter and giggles, happily tangled in each other's bodies. 

Right now, you were terrified to even step too close to him. 

Carefully and quietly sliding open the glass door to the porch, you prayed with every bone in your body you weren’t going to do anything that set Javi off enough to even let you attempt to have a conversation with him about what was going on. The new wood softly creaked under your shoes, making Javi turn his head just enough to acknowledge your presence as you wearily approached him. Taking one more deep breath, you opened your mouth to speak, but with your jaw hanging open, Javi’s words filled the stark silence before yours could. 

“I don’t know if we should get married.” 

Fuck. 

You could practically feel your heart sink to the bottom of your stomach, like the weight of 1,000 bricks had been dropped on your body all at once, hearing that come out of his mouth. You could have mentally tried to brace yourself for a lot of things, but hearing Javi tell you he didn't want to get married anymore sure as hell wasn't one of them.

“Javi, I- baby, what- I don’t- I don’t-” 

“Why the fuck do you even wanna marry me?” 

Your brows scrunched in pain and confusion at the sharp tone of his words, desperate to try and understand what point he was trying to prove in this gut wrenching game he seemed to be playing. 

“Because I- Javi, I- Javi I love you, that’s why.” you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper as you sat down next to him on the edge of the porch, leaning over enough to see the tears glistening down his cheeks, his eyes red and puffy as he tried to stifle the sobs rumbling in his chest. He shook his head back and forth before his gaze fell into his lap. 

“You shouldn’t love me.” 

“Javi… what the fuck are you talking about?” you plead, feeling the pain and hurt creeping through your body as you watched the tears he was so desperately trying to fight. With a scornful scoff, Javi shook his head, pressing against his knees to stand, taking a few paces around the porch, burying his hands in his face, his words muffled and muted by his palms covering his mouth. 

“What the fuck am I- I’m not- I’m not what you deserve. I don’t understand how you don’t fucking see that.” 

You followed suit, bringing yourself to stand with your arms crossed tightly across your chest, staring at Javi in bewilderment, biting down on your tongue so hard to keep from bursting into tears you thought you were going to make it bleed. You could feel the storm of pain, anger and confusion brewing deep in the pit of your stomach, your body numb and mind blank. 

“Javier. What the fuck is going on? I don’t understand why-” 

“Because last time I was gonna get married I fucked up everything. For everyone. I hurt everyone I cared about. I went half way around the world and I spent a decade fucking things up even more. How do you know I’m not gonna fuck everything up again? I love you too much to let it happen to you. The thought of ever hurting you even half as I much as I’ve hurt anyone else because of my choices fucking kills me. I can’t do it. I can’t hurt you like I’ve hurt everyone else. I’d never fucking forgive myself. I love you more than anything, Osita. I love you more than anything in the world. You deserve someone who isn’t going to hurt you. Someone who will do right by you, by your family, your future children, I just- fuck- I don’t think that person can be me.” 

A deafening silence hung in the air as you stared blankly at Javi, tears streaming from his tormented brown eyes, his body trembling with devastation and regret. You had no doubt your body mirrored his as the guilt and heartbreak flooded you from head to toe, wondering how in the world you had ever let the man you loved and cared about more than anything feel like he wasn’t enough for you. 

You wished you could speak- to find the words to tell him that he was your everything, the glue that had put you back together when you were convinced there was nothing else that could mend the broken mess that you had become. You wished you could express to him that there was no one on the face of this earth that you would rather spend the rest of your life with than him- that there was no one else you wanted by your side through every moment of your life, the good, the bad and the ugly, more than him. You wished there was a way to tell him that you loved him more than anything, but in that moment, all you could do was grab him and wrap your arms around his waist, squeezing him as tightly as your body would let you, letting your wet face rest against the familiar warmth of his chest as you whispered into the soft fabric of his shirt. 

“Javier Peña, you’re the only person it could be.” 

You could feel his chest begin to rumble with heavy sobs as his arms draped around you, pulling you against his body so closely, it was like his life depended on it, like he couldn’t bear the thought of ever letting you go again. One arm stayed wrapped around your back as the other slid up the back of your neck, his broad palm cradling your head in his grasp, his fingers practically digging into your skin to keep you close as the two of you let yourselves do nothing but hold each other in your teary silence. 

You let one of your hands reach up towards Javi’s face, cupping his jaw and forcing his gaze back on to you, as your thumb traced back and forth along his cheek, wiping away the wetness that had been welling in his eyes. 

“I need you to listen to me, okay?” You asked, waiting until you felt Javi’s head gently nod up and down in understanding in your palm before you continued, “The man you were before doesn’t scare me. If it did, I would have been gone a long time ago. The man you were before has turned you into the man that you’ve become. The man that I want to spend everyday with for the rest of my life. Every good day, every bad day, every painful, hard and shitty day, and every day in between. And I promise that I will spend every last one of those days until the day I die trying my best to convince you that you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And if I die trying, then so be it. I love you, Javi. Don’t you ever think for a second that there is anyone out there that I want to spend the rest of my life with more than you, and I won’t ever let you forget it.” 

It was only moments before both of Javi’s hands were cradling your face, gently trembling as they cupped your soft, wet skin as you locked eyes with his, watching his face shift from terrified to bewildered, thinking he must have misheard what you had just said to him. 

“Osita, I-” 

“Promise me.” 

“Promise you what?” 

“Promise me that you believe me. Promise me that you know I love you more than anything.”

There was a part of Javi’s brain that wished he could find something to prove that he couldn’t. To prove he wasn’t worthy of keeping the promise you had made to him. To convince himself that he had no reason to believe he was worthy of the love you had given him.

But the truth was, for the first time that he could remember, as he looked down at you, the woman who had taken his life and forever changed it for the better, who had helped to heal him in ways he didn’t know he needed, who had cared for him in ways he never thought he deserved, and who had stood by him even as you learned about the ugliest parts of him he never thought he’d forgive himself for, Javier Peña finally realized he had learned what it was like to be worthy of love. 

You had made him realize he was worthy of being loved. 

A small gulp slid down his throat between his shaky breaths, taking a moment to soak in everything about you, before letting his lips ghost across yours as a quiet whisper left his mouth. 

“I promise.” 

And just like that, his lips crashed into yours with a ferocious and tender passion, soaking in every ounce of the sweet flavor of you, a taste he knew he would never tire of, one that he craved like nothing else. 

“I love you, Osita. Fuck, I love you so much.” Javi moaned between your kisses, praying with every bone in his body you knew how much he meant it. 

“I love you too, Javi.” The hot breath of your words danced across his lips before they were crashing together once again, his tongue swiping between your parted mouths as he ran his hand down your back and around your waist, pulling you so close you were convinced your bodies were going to melt into one as you pressed against his broad chest, now needily grasping at fist fulls of his shirt. 

In that moment, it was like the two of you could feel something in the air change. The tension lifting, the frustrated fog fading, the both of you desperately needing the other to know how much you loved them. The Javi you knew and loved had come back, returning home to you. All of the fear and sadness was replaced by a rampant desperation to know how much you needed him, almost as much as he needed to show you how hopelessly he craved you, too. 

With your bodies still tangled together, your kisses became messier and sloppier as you backed your way towards the door that lead inside, stumbling and trampling over each other’s feet without any regard for where you were headed until you felt your back bump against the kitchen island, the rounded edges of the countertop stopping you in your tracks as Javi caged you between his broad figure and the island. 

Both of your hands were now feverishly roaming across each other’s bodies before Javi had run his hands down your thighs, hoisting you up to sit on the countertop, planting hot, wet kisses across your neck and collarbone while his fingers crept under the hem of your dress, his palms sliding up and down your legs, digging his fingers into your flesh. 

“Javi…” You whimpered, letting your eyes close and head fall back as he sucked at your pulse point, leaving you with one hand bracing yourself against the edge of the counter and the other with your fingers wrapped around the navy fabric of Javi’s shirt, clinging on for dear life. 

You eyes opened, and gaze shifted downwards as you felt Javi pull away from your grasp, watching him drop to his knees, slotting himself between your parted legs and kissing the inside of your thighs while his hands tugged at the waistband of your already soaked underwear, hastily shuffling them to fall down your legs and pool at your ankles. His needy kisses up your thighs crept closer and closer to your core as your legs draped over his shoulders, kneeling before you like you were the altar of everything he worshiped as his deep brown eyes looked up at yours, like he was begging for forgiveness for his sins. 

“I’m so sorry, Osita. I’m so sorry for what I said. I didn’t mean it. Fuck, I love you so much. Let me show me how much I love you. Please, baby. Please let me show you how much I need to be yours.” 

Your response was nothing but a ragged moan as you felt his hot breath hovering over your cunt before letting long, flat licks of his tongue drag through your folds, each swipe pressing firmer than the last, lapping up the arousal dripping from your entrance like a sweet nectar. With one hand still white knuckling the edge of the countertop, the other shot down to bury itself in the dark curls of Javi’s thick locks, tugging at ends to find some place to ease your tension as he began to flick and swirl his tongue relentlessly against your clit, lapping you up like a man starved. 

“Oh fuck Javi- fuck- you feel so good, baby.” You moaned, raking your fingers along Javi’s scalp as you watched his head bob nestled between your legs, feeling the low hum of satisfaction thrumming in his throat as he began to suck your sensitive bundle of nerves, latching his lips around your clit as his mouth worked feverishly against your cunt. You could already feel the tingle beginning to grow at the base of your spine and spread to your legs as Javi found every sweet spot that he knew made you lose all control, desperate to make you feel how much he needed your love and forgiveness. 

“That’s it, sweet girl. Let go for me baby, I’ve got you.” Javi hummed before diving back between your legs, tightening his grip around your thighs as his tongue danced around your clit relentlessly. It wasn’t long before you could feel your orgasm begin to flood your body, pleasure crashing through you as you cried out his name, a death grip clutching around the counter and Javi’s dark locks. Javi worked you through your high, drinking up the juices of your slick as you came, feeling your legs tremble as they stayed slung over his broad shoulders, not stopping until your body was shaking and your whimpers and moans had become so wrecked, he had no choice but to stop to relish in the blissed out, dripping mess he had made you. He would have loved to stay like this forever, watching you become more and more wrecked beneath his tongue, the want, no, need, to be buried inside your heat, getting lost in your wetness and warmth, savoring in the way no one else would ever be able to have you like he did, to know that you were his. 

Javi worked in a determined silence, rusting with his belt buckle until the metal clangs of it opening had his pants and boxers in a puddle around his ankles, splaying kisses across your neck as he slid you towards the edge of the counter, his fingers digging into your hips with a bruising intensity. He stroked himself a few times as he lined his cock up with your entrance, guiding his tip through the glistening arousal covering your folds, leaving his dick shiny with your slick as you whimpered into his skin. 

“Javi… Please, baby. I need you.” You whimpered, instinctively bucking your hips towards him, desperately craving him to ease the achy emptiness between your legs. 

Resting his forehead against yours, the dark, damp curls of his hair brushed your skin, the hot and heavy heat of each of your shaky breaths melting into one another’s as your lips ghosted his, only fully meeting yours to catch the moan that had escaped your mouth as he pushed himself into your heat, letting himself bottom out, his tip brushing against your cervix. You couldn’t help but wrap your legs around the small of his back and drape your arms over his shoulders, desperate to have your bodies needily tangled and intertwined together as you savored in the sweet sting and stretch of his fullness. 

He began to rock his hips, letting his cock drag in and out of your cunt, taking his time with each stroke, the movement making you dig your fingernails into the fabric of his shirt stretched over his muscular back, in turn, making the grip he had around your waist even tighter, his fingers buried in the soft flesh of your stomach where his hands had crept under your dress. 

The way he punched up into you, perfectly pounding against your g-spot with each thrust, combined with the way the hairs at his base rubbed along your clit, already had the inevitable coil beginning to tighten in your belly. You dug your nails deeper into Javi’s skin, grasping for the damp curls at the nape of his neck, your whimpers growing louder and more desperate with each stroke as you could feel yourself beginning to crumble beneath him. 

Each stroke seemed to become deeper and fuller than the last, Javi’s pace now climbing in speed and intensity as he felt your cunt clench tighter and tighter around his cock, knowing that familiar feeling meant you were coming closer to your end. You could barely muster anything but a whimper, your soft pleads and begs going straight to his dick as he slid and out of your wet heat. 

“Fuck baby, don’t stop- ahhhh- please don’t stop, I’m so close.” 

The lewd sounds of skin hitting skin and low, ragged moans echoed against the bare walls of your unfinished kitchen as Javi fucked deeper and deeper into you, singing sweet, soft praises against your skin between locking your lips with yours. 

“Fuck- Dámelo, Hermosa (Give it to me, beautiful). Need to feel you soak my cock before I fuck you full of me. It’s okay mi amor- mierda- té tengo. (my love- shit- I’ve got you.) I’ve always got you. Forever.” 

You could feel your legs lock even tighter around Javi’s waist as heat began to bloom in your belly, only needing a few more thrusts as you rolled your hips against his before your mind went blank and vision went white, your orgasm crashing through your body and flooding every inch of you with pleasure so intense, you could feel yourself going limp in his grasp. 

“Fuck, Javi, fuck, fuck, fuck, oh my god-ahhhhhhhh-” You whimpered as Javi fucked you through your high, now desperate to chase his own as his thrusts became rushed and sloppy, pounding into you as your walls gripped around his cock like a vice. Your warmth and wetness consumed him, only needing a few more pumps before he could feel himself following suit, hissing through gritted teeth as incoherent babbles spilled from his lips. 

“There it is, baby. Fuck- fuck, you’re so fucking perfect. I love you so much, Osita. Con todo mi corazón. (With my whole heart). Oh fuck- I’m yours forever. Oh shit, I’m gonna cum to, oh fuckkkkkk.” 

With one last thrust, Javi finished buried deep inside you, hot ropes of his cum coating your walls as a slick mixture of spend leaked down your thighs, leaving him panting while he slumped into your shoulder, his chest heaving with labored breaths, trying to compose himself. Bracing himself with one palm flat against the counter next to your hip, his other hand reached up to your face, brushing away a piece of stray hair back into place before gently cupping your cheek as he spoke. 

“Osita, baby, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. I love you so much. I didn’t mean what I said earlier, I just- fuck- I’ve never been so sure of anything, but when we were at golf today, Steve brought up Lorraine, and I- I just was so scared I was gonna fuck everything up again, and I-” 

“Oh God, he brought up Lorraine?! Jesus. I knew it. I knew this was Steve’s fucking fault.” You sighed, quietly laughing to yourself as you shook your head. 

“Wait, how did you-” 

“Because it just seemed so strange that you were acting like this all of a sudden. You got back from golfing with him and it was like you were a different person. I mean, I’m not gonna lie, I was freaked out and panicking wondering what happened because you’ve never acted like that before. That, and because I love Steve, but he’s an idiot.” The two of you were both now laughing, Javi rubbing his hand over his face before rolling his eyes, wondering to himself how he had really let his friend’s stupid comment get the best of him. 

“I’m so sorry, Osita. I should have just ignored it, I just hadn’t thought about it in so long and I was so terrified to mess everything up again. It would kill me to hurt you like that.” His thumb circled around your cheek as he tilted your gaze to meet his, sincerity and remorse swirling in the dark pools of his chocolate brown eyes. 

“Javi, listen, if this is moving too fast, or it’s too much for you, I want you to be able to tell me, I understand if-” Before you could finish your sentence, Javi’s lips were planted tenderly against yours, pulling away from your mouth with a goofy grin and satisfied sigh. 

“I promise you, I’ve never wanted anything more. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I can’t wait to marry you,” he leaned in, pressing a quick kiss on your cheek, “I can’t wait to live in our new house with you,” he grinned, planting another ticklish kiss on your neck, “I can’t wait until we can finally start filling up these empty rooms with little baby Peñas” Javi chuckled, now peppering kisses all over your body, making you erupt in a fit of laughter and giggles, squirming and flailing in his grasp, playfully swatting at him. “I can’t wait to spend every day for the rest of my life with the most beautiful, amazing woman I’ve ever met.” He smirked, tilting his head to let your mouths meet again, this kiss filled with a tender passion and intensity unmatched by his previous playful ones. 

It was the kind of kiss that said all of the things that words couldn’t. The kind of kiss that had butterflies fluttering in your stomach like the first kiss you had shared in Maria’s bathroom almost a year ago. The kind of kiss that made you fall even deeper in love with him, even when you thought you couldn’t. 

It was also the kind of kiss  where everything else in the world seemed to melt away and make time stand still, a kiss that you could have stayed lost in forever… unless a certain someone hadn’t forgotten his wallet at your house and needed to come back and get it. 

You were so oblivious to anything else happening around you, that neither you or Javi had heard your front door open, followed by the rushed, impatient footsteps of Steve and Connie, arguing about where Steve could have left his wallet, and how on earth he could have left without realizing it was missing from its usual home in his back pocket. 

“Seriously, Steve, I can’t believe we’re gonna waste a whole hour having to turn around and come back here because you couldn’t remember your wallet!” 

“Con, I told you, it’s right on the counter, I know where it is, lemme just go grab it really quick and then we ca- Oh Jesus fucking Christ!” Steve shouted, walking into the kitchen to see you and Javi making out on your island, your dress pushed up well past your legs, and Javi’s bare ass on display from his pants still pooling around his ankles. 

“Ahhhhh!” You and Javi shrieked, practically jumping out of your skin to see Steve’s tall and lanky frame frozen in your kitchen, now scrambling to try and fix your clothes and hair to try and save yourselves at least some dignity. 

“What the hell are you two doin’?!” Steve grimaced, trying not to cackle to himself as Connie rushed up behind him to see what was happening, only to very quickly cover her eyes and turn away from you and Javi. 

“Us?! What the hell are you doing here? Jesus, you ever heard of fucking knocking, Murph?!” Javi groaned, shuffling his pants back up and fixing his hair before helping you off the counter, trying your best to hide your beet red, embarrassed face. 

“I forgot my wallet! Forgive me for thinkin’ you two would keep your hands off each other for long enough to let me come pick it up in peace.” Steve frowned, raising up his hands in defense. 

“I’m sorry! I told him to call you to let you know he was coming to pick it up, but he seemed to think it wasn’t a big deal.” Connie scolded, giving Steve a forceful nudge of her elbow before finally turning back around to face you and Javi, knowing you were at least halfway decent. “God, I love you, but you are an idiot.” 

“You can say that again…” You snickered under your breath, just loud enough to make Javi and Connie join in your laughter, leaving Steve with his arms crossed over his chest, rolling his eyes in annoyance. 

“Hey, listen. Call me what you want, but I don’t think you’ll be callin’ me an idiot when you need me to come babysit your 47 kids so the two of you can get some…” He paused gesturing to you and Javi’s disheveled state, “... time to yourselves. Like I said earlier, y’all gotta lot of rooms to fill, and I don’t think you’re gonna have any problem doin’ it.” 

And for as much as you wanted to give Steve the ten pounds of shit he deserved, as you looked up at Javi standing next to you, you couldn’t really even bring yourself to be mad. Because in the end, the only thing that mattered was him- the man you were going to spend the rest of your life with. The one who was your future, the one who stood with you through every twist and turn, the one who was your home. What started as a day that had you questioning everything had turned into one that had never made you feel more assured. You knew that Javier Peña loved you more than life itself, and you knew that you were so lucky to spend the rest of your life getting to prove to him over and over that you loved him just as much. 

Taglist:

@cool-iguana @rhoorl @whyjuliaaa @bbiophiliaa @pertinentpostmortem @angelofsmalldeath-codeine @pedrobaby @fatima-marisa @beboldbebravethings @poodlebae @kittenlittle24 @3sriracha @jungchloee @perennialdoll247 @prettyinpunk85 @partyofone3413 @harriedandharassed @pedrohoe04 @theorganasolo @endlessthxxghts @beware-my-thorns @missladym1981 @messinadress @milly-louise @jay-zzle @the-one-with-the-grey-color @persephone-girl @bitchesuntitled @pedropascallvr @millennial-teenybopper @nastiasnow @vee-bees-blog @hopplessilse @mxtokko @its-nebuleuse @mandoisapunk @msmorningstaarr

[thatscarletflycatcher]

Okay you got me. Tell me about PP 1980

Okay, so XD

Imagine you had a BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice that was 5 hours long, faithful to the book, and yet having a different perspective/understanding/interpretation of the characters and the story? That's P&P 1980 in a nutshell, and I think it is worth watching just for that. But here are some other concrete things it has going for it, specially in relation to other adaptations:

The casting is closer in age than 95, and on one specific important case, closer than 05 too: Lady Catherine de Bourgh is played by an actress in her mid 40s, and she nails the absolute Opinionated Facebook AuntTM thing that the character has going in the novel.

It's not the only case of closer accuracy to the book in characters: Mr Collins is a young, tall, big guy, whose main issue is being very small minded, petty, and obsequent, instead of recurring to "he's greasy or slimy" as other adaptations do.

If you agree/like the "Darcy has autism" headcanon, this is the adaptation that leans the most heavily into it (it does overdo it, in my opinion, but there's a very interesting contrast between the flat affect of his facial expression, and the richness of inflexion in his voice)

Elizabeth Garvie's Lizzy is just... extraordinary. This adaptation circumvents the Jane-as-prettier-than-Lizzy issue by casting as Lizzy an actress with big, dark, very expressive eyes, small features and a very lively, sharp countenance and manners, whereas Jane's actress is tall and graceful and has a general air of kindness and sweetness, but in a very youthful way.

Speaking of Jane, this adaptation focuses much more on the sisters as sisters, and gives special emphasis to Lizzy's love for Jane, which I appreciate a lot.

Also speaking of Jane, Jane and Bingley are the cutest in this. They are given time, and he's kind and sociable and sweet without being an idiot. This adaptation includes that great line of his about how he wouldn't mind Darcy so much if he wasn't so tall, and the following comment about how Darcy can be fastidious of a Sunday evening.

That way, this adaptation includes several fan favorite scenes/lines that don't usually make it to adaptation, such as Darcy asking Lizzy to dance a reel, Lizzy playing and singing at a party in Meryton, Caroline teasing Darcy about putting uncle and aunt Phillips on the Pemberley portrait gallery, and the "I cannot fix the hour or the spot..." line. EDIT: also, the coffee pot scene!! and the rivalry between Mrs Bennet and Lady Lucas!

I also think it balances well how awful, in different ways, both Mr and Mrs Bennet (EDIT: and she's not insufferably shrill!!!!) are as parents (unlike how 95 and 05 "pick sides"); it emphasizes how self centered her efforts are, and how lazy and callous he can be in his mockery and indolence.

The opening sequence of each episode is a roll of a hand-drawn summary of the events of the episode and that's such a lovely detail.

Mind you, the adaptation is not without its faults. The production values are not what we are accustomed to nowadays. Some acting and lines are stilted and/or awkward. It has the odd choice here and there that is involuntarily funny. But I don't think people need discouragement from seeing it. I don't even think most of the general Austen fandom is aware of its existence. For my part, it has become my favorite adaptation of P&P (that I have watched so far; I haven't gotten yet to either 1967 or the Italian one).

[crusty-chronicles]

I Saw Mommy/Daddy Kissing Santa Clause 🫣

Moon and Sun Christmas Special

Synopsis: Christmas Special with ✨ special surprise guests✨ crossover episode????? Just like last time, takes place after the events of our story, so minor spoilers.

An:  A lot of Kite loving because of what I have to write in our next chapter. LET ME HAVE THIS BEFORE I TRAUMATIZE ALL THE CHARACTERS AGAIN 😭😭😭😭. I'm begging!

It was surprising to say the least, that you'd ever find yourself surrounded by so many people. You were used to flying solo. To shivering in the cold this time of year. You never thought you'd get this far in life. Being able to experience so much love and warmth at once.

Yet here you are with three kids who you cherished as your own, and a partner who supported you through all your endeavors with unwavering patience.

And friends.

You'd actually managed to make friends along the way. Though some of them weren't exactly human, and one of them was a huge ass. But friends nonetheless.

You'd gained so much this past year. And now you'd get to enjoy them in full with an upcoming Christmas party. Though a part of you was still uneasy at the prospect.

And why is that you may ask?

Well, like with most holidays and events, you'd never been given the chance to celebrate before. The lights, the gift giving, the little traditions each family had was all very new to you. You were familiar with a few carols, but that was about it. You knew something like this took a lot of planning, so the last thing you wanted to do was mess it up for everyone.

Then there was the fact that the party was back at Gon’s home on Whale Island. (Who'd been more than enthusiastic to celebrate with all his new friends.) Where you'd meet his aunt Mito for the first time. Considering how terribly things went when you and Kurapika were introduced to each other, you were a little worried. You wanted nothing more than to get along well with her. She was arguably one of the most important people in Gon's life.

So after making sure your own affairs were in order, you and Kite hopped on the earliest airship for Whale Island. Or rather, the closest you could get to it before boarding a small boat that would take you the rest of the way there.

So much effort to reunite your makeshift family. But it would be worth it in the end. Seeing ‘your kids’ smile would be more than worth it.

“You nervous?” Kite asked from besides you.

“A little. I mean, I'm basically meeting his mom. If she doesn't like me I'm pretty much screwed.” You admitted.

He placed a hand on yours and gave a reassuring squeeze. Your nerves lessening at the contact.

“She will. You've got a knack for growing on people when you try. And I'm sure she appreciates you looking after Gon for as long as you did.”

You allowed yourself to relax at his words. Leaning your head on his shoulder and clutching his hand a little tighter.

“I hope you're right.”

“Have I ever been wrong before?”

You could hear the smile in his voice. And while you knew he'd never once steered you wrong, you wanted to pull his leg a bit. A part of you that just couldn't help but tease your partner.

“Not recently, no.”

He gave a light flick to your forehead before trying to untangle his hand from yours.

“Wait, wait, wait! Baby I was teasing, don't be so mean,” you pleaded. Locking him in a death grip.

“Yeah? We'll see how far teasing gets you with Mito.” He bit back, something you always liked about Kite.

He relented and let you cuddle back close after a few more minutes. Almost laughing at how quickly you melted against him. Though he couldn't really blame you. You weren't exactly a fan of the cold. And now that it was snowing, you were clingier than usual. As if trying to steal his warmth.

You were content to bask in the comfortable silence until you reached your destination, but something caught your eye. Something you didn't have a chance to bring up before you left. The rush to get here in time stopping you.

“You know it's nice to see some color on you. I don't think I've ever seen you wear red.” You addressed, referring to the new hat on his head. One that resembled the former blue. Except for the fuzzy pom on the back that gave it a festive appearance.

“Well ever since you stole my favorite hat, I've had to change up my usual look.” Kite responded playfully.

“If I recall correctly, you gave it to me after pissing me off.” You returned it with your own voice full of mirth.

“Yeah, I was scared you'd bite.”

“If you miss it so much, why don't I give it back?”

You looked up only to see his expression soften. A fond look that had your heart beating a little faster in your chest.

“Because it suits you better.” And then he turned away from you. A telltale sign he was embarrassed. His voice coming out almost shy when he spoke next.

“I like when you wear my clothes.”

A small smile made its way to your face. Remembering when he'd told you he liked your scent, and connecting that to why he didn't mind when you borrowed his stuff. Similar to the reason you stole them in the first place.

“I know.” You leaned up to place a kiss on his cheek. Watching as his face reddened.

“Now Boarding: Whale Island!” A gruff voice announced.

“That's our cue lover boy.”

—-----------------------

Your mood immediately soured when you stepped out into the cold. A singular snowflake landing on the tip of your nose as if to mock you. It was no secret you despised rain with every fiber in your being. Snow was a close second. It was just frozen rain that left you twice as cold.

You didn't exactly have fond memories of winter either, and Kite could relate to your sentiment. He used to dread the colder seasons, but that was before he met Ging. Before he had his team.

You were a slightly different case, having been out on the streets a little longer than him. But you weren't alone anymore. You didn't have to worry about freezing or scrounging around for food. About trying to find some cover from the cold.

You'd always have a home as long as you were with him.

A reason to start enjoying the little things in life you've held a grudge against since childhood.

So when he felt you start to lag behind, he turned around and waited. Watching you hide your hands in your jacket to try and save them from the cold. A displeased frown on your face as you tried not to slip on the frozen grass. An expression he'd call comically grumpy.

You never did like the outdoors. But maybe he could help change that. At least this factor of being out. When you finally caught up, he coaxed your hands out of your pockets. Pulling them up and engulfing them with his. Blowing lightly to help warm them.

A gesture he noticed had your face heating up.

“I know you hate the snow, but maybe I can give you a reason to enjoy it again?” His voice was soft as he continued to hold your hands.

The warmth returning to your fingertips had you giving him a grateful look. It was surprising how you managed to fall deeper in love with the man before you. Then again, it was small things like this that had you falling in the first place. Giving patience and understanding.

You realized that standing here with him, being the object of such a loving gaze…It was more than enough for you to despise the cold a little less.

“I'd like that.”

Another flurry landed on your nose, but you didn't pay it any mind this time. Subconsciously leaning closer to your partner. The same time he shifted his face a little closer to yours. And right before you could meet him halfway-

“Y/N!” A familiar voice shouted before you were tackled down to the side.

An ‘oof!’ escaping you from the force. Arms quickly wrapped themselves around you in a hug that took the air straight from your lungs. You could make out a flash of green in your discombobulated state, already knowing who the culprit was.

“Hey, munchkin,” you wheezed out. You might or might not have been slightly disappointed to have your moment ruined. But the eyes beaming back at you with so much affection made up for it.

“I'm so happy the two of you could make it! We've been waiting for you all morning.” Gon released you and immediately enveloped Kite in another bone crushing hug. To which he responded by giving a pat on the head.

“We? Where are the other two demons?” You asked as you stumbled your way back up.

“I wanted to be the one to come get you, so Killua and Alluka stayed back to help my Aunt get everything ready.” He answered.

The three of you starting your trek to his home. Making small talk of what you've been up to these past two months. And while the answer for you and Kite was obvious, you were a little surprised to learn Gon had been spending time here with Mito.

Good. He deserved some time to relax after everything.

“Just so I'm not caught off guard again, who else did you invite this time?” You wanted to know if you should mentally prepare to see Kurapika there.

You two weren't on the worst of terms anymore, but it was still too tense for you to be comfortable.

“Mostly everyone from the extermination team. Bisky and Master Wing, too. Which reminds me…” Gon looked back at you with a thoughtful expression.

“You haven't met Zushi yet. I think you'll really like him.”

You briefly remembered him and Killua telling you about the boy they met at Heaven's Arena. The one who although wasn't as strong, had just as much ambition and heart to make up for it.

“I'm sure I will if he's a friend of yours. Is that everyone?

“Hmmm, oh! My dad's coming.”

You and Kite looked at each other in surprise. Shocked that Ging would actually put in the effort to come. Maybe he'd gone a little soft traveling around with his kid?

“Really? How'd you get him to commit?” Kite questioned.

He knew Ging had a habit of making himself scarce last minute. And of saying things he really didn't mean…And not really liking being surrounded by so many people. Maybe that was why you two got along decently well.

“I didn't. I think it was something Y/n told him. You know they can be really scary when they're mad.”

You decided to ignore that one. Instead taking a second to remember if you'd threatened the former zodiac.

“Oh. I got after him for missing Halloween and told him I'd shave his head if he missed Christmas, too.”

“Yeah that checks out.” Kite confirmed, which earned him a playful bump to his shoulder.

It wasn't long after that the three of you finally reached Gon's home. It was a rustic looking building with a chimney on top. Smoke actively coming through it. It definitely felt like the type of place he would grow up in.

Cozy with a hospital feel to it.

He unlocked the door and ushered the two of you in.

“I'm home! And I brought guests!” Gon called out.

“We're in the kitchen!” A voice sounded off. Mito’s, you assumed. Followed by the clanking of pots.

“You can set your stuff down over there,” Gon offered. Pointing towards an unoccupied corner where there were already several bags placed down.

Weird. You shrugged the thought off and left your backpack with Kite following suit. The former silver haired hunter taking your hand and giving a reassuring squeeze as you approached the kitchen.

‘Well, here goes nothing.’

You walked in to see Alluka vigorously stirring a bowl with Killua cutting up some vegetables besides her. Your eyes drifting past them and towards the two women fussing over the stove. One who looked to be in her late twenties/early thirties and another who was far older.

This kid had a grandma and didn't even tell you!?! If you'd known, you would have brought her something too.

But there was still one more person in the room you hadn't identified yet, and it was…Ikalgo? The octopus ant busied himself with cleaning up any spills the kids made.

Gon really wasn't kidding when he said he invited the extermination team. Ants included. Though you really didn't mind, not anymore. They deserved to have a normal life like everyone else. To enjoy a normal life.

“You better not cut yourself with that knife, gremlin.”

The sound of your voice catching everyone's attention. A beat of silence before Alluka jumped off her chair and ran over.

“Momma/Pappa! Daddy!” She did her best to wrap her arms around you both. Rambling happily about how she'd been tasked with baking the cookies. Looking up at the two of you before pointing towards Kite's hat.

“Ooh! You're wearing a hat like Santa's! Don't let momma/Pappa take it from you. You look nice with it.”

Her words instantly instantly melting both of your hearts. With Kite leaning down slightly to address her.

“I won't, so don't you worry.”

She beamed before making space for Killua, who looked like he was going in for a hug at first. Only to grab at you and Kite's intertwined hands, hastily pulling them apart with a glare.

“Didn't I already lay out the ground rules? No hand holding! No hugging! No kissing!”

“Killua!” You scolded. You would have found the situation funny had it not been happening to you. Thirteen and he still had a problem with you dating.

“I said no! And if I catch you doing any of those, I'll zap you.” He threatened. Summing a bolt of electricity to prove his point.

At his mini fit, the other two women laughed. With who you guessed was Mito trying to hide hers by covering her mouth.

“I take it your Y/n?” She asked before her gaze shifted towards Kite.

“And you're Kite?”

The two of you nodded with your partner extending his hand forward.

“It's nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. I'm glad I finally got to meet the people who Gon just won't stop talking about.”

“Moooom!” Gon complained. Not wanting Mito to start spilling all his secrets.

“What? It's true. What was it you said? That it was like having a second home?” She teased.

The boy in green his his face in embarrassment while Killua snickered besides him.

“That’s news to me. When he's with us it's always ‘my Aunt Mito used to do this’ and ‘my Aunt Mito taught me how to do that.' You added on. An ‘oh no they're conspiring’ coming from Gon.

“Oh does he?”

You knew then and there that you'd get along with her just fine.

“Let's continue this conversation later. We can trade stories without being interrupted,” she suggested.

“Noooo! That's not fair.”

“Anyways, make yourselves at home. The others went to go get some more ‘supplies’ for us adults.”

“Others?” Kite questioned.

“Yeah. Morel, Knuckle, and Shoot got here before you guys,” Killua answered.

“They also brought Meleleron, so that's about half of us.”

At least you two hadn't gotten here last. You'd arrived just in time to help by the looks of it. You looked to Kite for confirmation before offering.

“Is there anything you need us to do?”

“Well-” before she could finish, the three kids rushed your partner.

“Tree! Tree! Tree!” They chanted before pulling him into the living room. A very confused expression on his face as he was hauled away.

“We kinda waited for Kite to decorate the tree. He's the tallest and Alluka wanted to be picked up to put the star,” Ikalgo explained before bustling after them.

“Hey! Make sure they don't work him too hard! And keep them out of trouble!” you instructed.

“You got it!” Followed by the sound of a box falling.

You cringed at the sound before facing Mito again.

“I'm sorry about that.”

“Don't be. Kids are a handful at this age. I'm surprised they didn't break anything sooner,” she assured.

“You're telling me. They go through phones like water. I wished they'd be a little more careful but-”

“Boys will be boys.” You said in synch.

You gave a small laugh.

“You too huh? I can't even begin to count all the times they've gotten into trouble. You know when I first met them, they were being tracked down by some psycho. Then forced to play killer dodgeball.”

“That sounds like Gon. Adventurous as he is, he just can't avoid getting scuffed up in the process. I let him explore the woods once when he was smaller. Turns out he wondered into a fox bear’s territory. He came back covered in scrapes. He's lucky he didn't get eaten.”

It was a story you'd heard before from the young boy himself. But a different perspective didn't make it any less interesting. You were grateful to have another person to relate to. You were also relieved she didn't seem to hate you for having an important place in Gon's life like Killua's mother.

Then again, his whole family was crazy.

“Well he is Ging's son. I wouldn't expect any less of him. Getting into trouble seems to run in the family,” the older woman spoke at last.

“Explain the other kid then. The two of them together summon pennywise the clown. Our poor Halloween was ruined. I'd place my money on them being cursed.” you joked.

“Maybe it's just a boy thing?” She suggested.

You felt like you were a kid again. Gossiping and chatting with the adults while your peers played out in the snow. It was nice.

“Speaking of Ging, did you know he's coming over?” You asked.

“I did.” Mito confirmed.

“And how do you feel about that?”

You knew the two of them hadn't left things off on good terms. With Mito suing him over custody over Gon. But despite that, Ging hadn't really held a grudge over it. That didn't mean Mito didn't.

“I'm not exactly happy to be seeing him again. He was a prick for most of his life,” Venom in her tone. But it was quickly replaced by something more somber.

“...but Gon's been wanting to spend more time with him. He's actually looking forward to it. And if seeing my cousin's stupid face is enough to make him happy, then I'm okay with it.”

You gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

“I’m sure he appreciates you making the effort. And hey, I've got some dirt on Ging if he gets on your nerves.”

You eyed each other with evil grins.

“Do tell.”

“You ever heard of a pregnancy stone?”

���-------------------

A few hours had passed, and by now the rest of the guests had arrived. Knov and Plam were first. Followed by Wing and Zushi. The latter having run off exploring with the other three kids. Then Bisky, who'd gasped when she saw you.

‘Look at you! I see the bags under your eyes finally left! You seem happier.’

And then she proceeded to hound you for details regarding your relationship. You had a feeling she was already tipsy before she arrived. Your suspicions being confirmed when she loudly announced-

“It's no fair. First you managed to pull a beautiful lady like Palm, and now you have that hunk keeping you warm! Tell me your secrets!”

You wasted no time slapping a hand over her mouth. Feeling eyes on you as you walked Bisky to the couch.

“Haha, that's enough alcohol for the day.” Your voice coming out awkward. Not noticing the way Kite's head had ducked down in embarrassment during his conversation with Knuckle. Not really wanting to discuss your relationship either. He'd prefer that to stay private.

And judging by the way you were handling the situation, so did you.

“And that kids, is why we don't drink.” You said before turning around.

Your usual group of three was now four. With Killua scowling at Bisky for her comment. His expression softening at a tug to his sleeve from Nanika.

“Can we make cookies big brother?”

“Yeah, but we have to ask Gon’s aunt first. Remember her house, her rules.” He explained.

Nanika's empty eyes then looked up to Gon. Giving a pleading expression.

“I'm sure she wouldn't mind. As long as we're supervised.” He assured.

With that, the five of you were making your way to the kitchen. The previous batter chilling in the fridge. What would end up becoming your back up cookies because the kiddos wanted to make a new batch together.

“Okay, let's see if we can't make something edible. Have any of you baked before?” You asked.

All four of them shook their heads no. You should have taken that as a sign to ask Mito for help.

“I'm pretty sure we need flour,” Zushi suggested.

“Flour, got it. Any idea how many cups?” You reached for a measuring cup.

“If we're gonna make a lot of cookies, then we should use a lot of flour. Try four cups.” Gon instructed. And because he actually had some decent cooking experience, you believed in him.

Oh how wrong you were. The process was akin to the blind leading the blind. The five of you none the wiser to anybody's mistakes. Sugar? Five cups duh. Cookies had to be sweet, as per Killua's thought process. Baking powder or baking soda? Throw a tablespoon of both in there was Nanika's suggestion.

Butter? Let's toss two sticks in for texture. Liquid! We can't forget liquid, you'd reminded. Resulting in you eyeballing the amount of milk. An egg? Yeah, let's crack one of those babies open. By the time you were finished, the mixture was solid enough to put in some Christmas molds and into the oven.

“Cookies take about 15 minutes, right?” You questioned.

“Sounds about right,” Gon confirmed.

The five of you waited for them to come out. A surprisingly pleasant smell wafting through the air. And when you'd pulled them out, they looked like regular sugar cookies. But you should've known better. You couldn't cook for the life of you, yet somehow you managed to make something edible.

It was fishy.

You didn't have time to worry about it though. A knock on the door catching your attention. You offered to get it, telling the kids to let the cookies cool before answering it. On the other side stood a very familiar ruins hunter who'd made it after all.

“You!” You pointed at him. And before he could get so much as a word out, you dragged him inside and sat him down next to Kite. He flashed him a ‘what the hell is going on’ look to which the other just shrugged.

“Sit. Wait right here.” you ordered.

“Why?”

“Me and the kids made cookies. As a father, you've gotta try them. And no matter how bad you think they are, you say you love them.” At least you figured that was how it worked.

“So I have to lie if they taste like shit?” His bluntness making you glare.

“Yup, because your boy took the effort to help make them. And if Kite has to try them, so do you.”

Ging glanced over at him, trying to find an out and regretting his decision to come.

“Don't look at me. Have you seen what I'm up against?” Kite gestured towards the three kids looking hopefully up at him. With Zushi doing the same to poor Wing.

“If I get food poisoning, does that mean I get to go home early.”

You pinched harshly at Ging's cheek before grabbing a small serving tray. Placing several of the festive cookies on top before making your way back to the living room. The four kids eagerly eyeing the adults for their reactions.

“At the same time?” Wing asked. The other two men begrudgingly nodded. One of them knowing damn well if you were in the kitchen, it'd end badly.

With a count of three, they each took a small bite. Immediately Wing started coughing. Covering his mouth as he sputtered for a proper response. How was it dry and soggy at the same time????

Zushi looked up at him worried.

“Is that a good reaction???? Don't tell me…” Eyes widening at the thought he'd poisoned his teacher.

Wing stopped him from walking over. Trying to give a nonchalant wave of his hand while he continued to cough.

“These are-these are really good.” His voice coming out in a higher pitch.

“Have you considered becoming a chef?”

Zushi beamed up proudly at him. Hugging his arm with a ‘I knew you'd like them.’ Your other three monsters still waiting for feedback.

Kite tried his best not to look affected. Key word: tried. But the fact that the taste was both burnt and sickeningly sweet wasn't making it easy on him. It was an internal battle to swallow without gagging.

“Mhm. It's got an interesting flavor.” His own voice coming out strained.

Nanika and Killua high-fiving at the ‘success.’ But you knew. You could tell just by looking at the discomfort on their faces. Buuuut, there was a reason you weren't the one eating. And you were not going to be the one to crush the kids’ dreams.

A game of sorts, to see who would crack first. Surprisingly, it wouldn't be Ging. Who'd made the mistake of popping the whole thing in his mouth. Sitting deathly still with wide eyes.

“It's uh, certainly an experience. Wow.”

And it was enough for all four kids to celebrate. Cheering before making their way to the kitchen to clean up. But not before Knuckle decided to try his luck. Walking over to the serving tray with a ‘You're overreacting. They can't be that bad.’

Only to take a bite and instantly regret it. His face scrunching into itself as if tasting something sour. Going to spit it out before the sound of Morel's voice filled the air.

“What's wrong? Go on swallow. Or are you not man enough?”

He gave a glare at his master's taunt. Taking a few seconds before attempting to get it down. Only for his stomach to heave it back up. Making a dash for the restroom while the others have a laugh at his reaction.

So maybe you couldn't bake either. Lesson learned.

—-------------------------

It'd been a little chaotic after that with the kids competing against each other. Gingerbread houses that were more frosting than gingerbread being judged. Only for Gon and Killua to sabotage each other by tipping their houses over. Paper snowflakes that ended in minor cuts. With all three of the boys giving up in favor of playing swords with the scissors. Alluka being the only one to complete hers. And of course, who could forget building snowmen. All four of them kicking down each other's before it inevitably ended in a snow fight. At which point they decided to team up against you.

To which you responded by asking for back up. Using the many arms of Ikalgo to throw more snow at them, along with the invisibility of Meleleron to launch surprise attacks.

You came back in cold and sniffling for a small break. Stumbling upon most of the adults with drinks in their hands. You supposed someone had to watch the kids while the adults had fun. But to be fair, you weren't really a drinker, so you couldn't complain.

You made your way to the kitchen in the hopes of finding some hot chocolate. Only to look down at the sink and see the leftover dishes from the kids. You let out a small sigh before starting to clean up. You were a guest after all. It'd be rude to leave Mito with all the work while you were out having fun. Your thoughts stopping as you heard footsteps approach.

You turned around to see Kite. A small smile making it's way to your face as he helped you finish up. Leaning forward and resting his weight against your back.

“Call me selfish, but I'm glad you managed to get away from the kids for a bit. I get to keep you to myself for a moment.” He admitted.

“And why's that? We practically spend every waking moment together. Don't tell me you're jealous?” You teased, grateful to have his warmth again.

“...No. But we're at a party and I've hardly talked to my own partner. I'd like to borrow you back please.” He lightly nuzzled his face in the crook of your neck. The ticklish sensation making you laugh.

“You have me. I guess I'm a little excited to be celebrating. Can't help but get caught up in their excitement too.”

“Well, there's one tradition we haven't done yet.”

“And what's that?”

Kite angled your head up.

“We're under a mistletoe.”

At that, your face went hot. Your teasing expression turning shy. You were briefed in on some of the common traditions. Mistletoe being one of them just in case. And even though you thought it was strange, you couldn't help but find it endearing. Especially when the requests was coming from Kite.

“You wanna kiss me?” You asked.

“Do you want to?” It was shy. Coming from a place of not wanting to make you uncomfortable. Your heart melting at the fact.

“Yes.”

You leaned closer to each other. Warmth radiating off and mingling with the others. And just when your lips were about to touch, a loud zapping sound startled you both. Stumbling over each other before looking up to see the mistletoe charred.

“Hey! What did I say about kissing!?!?” Killua scolded, hiding Alluka's eyes with his hand. Gon and Zushi behind him giggling.

“And anyways, there's not a mistletoe anymore, so I better not catch you again!” Then he ran up to you and started dragging you away.

“Y/n!!! Let's go make snow angels!”

You gave an apologetic look towards Kite before once again getting dragged away. The taller male shaking his head with a small smile. It was always a handful taking care of the trio. But they made his life more lively, filled with smiles and laughs. So he couldn't say he minded having them around.

—-----------------------------

A few more hours of playing in the snow until the kids retired to Gon's room for the day. Opting to finish the day playing video games. Which meant, it was finally time for you to unwind.

You'd let yourself get tipsy with the rest of the adults. Belting out ‘Santa Baby' along with Gon's Aunt.

“Ms. Mito! I had no idea you had such a lovely voice!”

The two of you cackling and holding each other up with you telling her she should let herself have fun more often. An ‘I know! It's been a while since we had friends over!’ escaping her.

It eventually turned into you and Morel placing bets on who'd be the most blackout drunk once the night was over.

Unaware of your partner watching fondly as you exaggerated your speech with your hands. A carefree grin on your face while you talked. It was rare to see you so at ease. In your complete element around so many people.

“You're whipped.” Ging's voice snapping him from his thoughts.

A bright red consuming his face at being caught.

“Shut up. I am not.” Kite denied.

“Then how come you keep staring over there? You've got little hearts in your eyes.”

The red on his face grew darker. Was he really being that obvious? Or was Ging just really observant? Whatever the reason, he didn't want to be teased for it.

“I'm allowed to admire my partner when they're having fun.”

“Whipped. Your aura doesn't lie~” A cheeky smirk on the ruins hunter's face.

“Yeah?” Because there was something Kite knew would embarrass Ging right back.

“Yours doesn't lie either. You've got a soft spot for them and Gon. I don't remember you offering to be my teacher so easily. As a matter of fact, I don't remember you staying in one place this long.”

The way Ging had crossed his arms and this head let him know he got him.

“I helped Y/n out, big deal. That doesn't mean I'm soft. And so what if I'm not currently traveling? That doesn't prove a damn thing.” He denied.

“It's okay to admit you like someone's company,” Kite started.

“You've never really had someone who could keep up with your smart ass remarks and give them right back.”

A ‘humph’ sounding from the ruins hunter.

“It's also okay to admit you want to spend time with your son. He's a good kid. Exactly like you…Except he has manners.”

“Is that so, father of three?” Ging taunted back.

“Yeah, father of One. Single mom.”

“We don't talk about that…Fine I wanted to spend Christmas with my kid, sue me.” He admitted at last.

“Was that so hard?”

“I would rather eat those cookies again.”

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

It was dark out before long. Most of the party goers either checked into a hotel for the night or were still drinking out on the porch. All that was left to do was put the presents under the tree. Of which had been hidden while the kids were out playing.

Originally, everyone was gonna place their gifts a little after midnight. But considering most couldn't see straight right now, you volunteered. It was no surprise Kite would follow you.

What was a surprise however, was how you managed to snag the Santa coat from Knov and convince your partner to wear it. Saying ‘We gotta have a backup if the kids wake up.’ Along with him picking up his hair to avoid it getting in the way.

Once again the blind leading the blind with you two stumbling over each other. Trying your damn best not to laugh.

“Shhh! Shhh! We have to be quiet!” You whisper shouted.

“I'm trying! You keep tripping over Christmas lights, hun.”

You were lucky to sober up enough halfway through. Plugging in the Christmas tree while you were at it. To be honest, you weren't sure the kids still believed in Santa. Well more like Killua and Alluka. It was no secret their parents were terrible. Not letting their kids have a proper childhood.

But nevertheless they hadn't taken this small thing from them. Both justifying their lack of presents had been because they used to be assassins. Whatever worked, you guessed. As long as they were happy.

“Love?” Kite spoke up.

“Yuh.” You straightened yourself out after placing the last gift.

“We're underneath the mistletoe again.”

“Oh?” And even in the dark he could make out your cheeky smirk.

“The kids are asleep and everyone else is still outside drinking. There wouldn't be any interruptions this time. If you wanted to…” Becoming too embarrassed to finish his sentence.

“So I get to have one of my presents early?”

He stammered for a response before you pulled him closer by the tacky red suit. Lips finally meeting in a kiss that was more than a little uncoordinated. But as he wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you even closer, the both of you couldn't care less.

Unawares to everything else around you but each other. Especially to the four kids that had tiptoed their way around the corner and gawked at the scene in front of them.

In the middle of the living room stood their big sibling. Smooching Santa Claus. And passionately if they may add.

Killua instinctively covering Alluka's eyes. Giving Gon a horrified look that he returned. Zushi about to say something before they slapped a hand over his mouth.

And then they heard a hushed whisper that made the four of them rush towards their room.

“I love you, Y/n.”

“I love you too. More than anything.”

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

You woke up in the morning with what had to be the worst headache of your life. Surprisingly, the kids hadn't rushed your room to open presents. It was odd, but you figured they didn't wanna bother you.

Everyone had gathered in the living room to exchange gifts. Groggy, hungover, but content. You knew something was off when the kids hesitated to open what they got. Eyeing the ‘From Santa’ with hostility.

“What's the matter? You're always so excited to open your gifts.” Mito questioned the boy in green.

He eyed the other kids from his peripheral before answering.

“No reason. Maybe I've matured this year.”

“Yeah. We don't have to open gifts. It's not like we're materialistic,” Killua backed up.

Almost every adult stared at them in shock. These kids didn't to open presents??? Had they been swapped out and replaced by imposters.

“Are you two being serious right now? You're acting like the gifts are boobie-trapped.” You scolded.

“Maybe they are!” Alluka argued.

“Alluka Zoldyck!”

She huffed before crossing her arms. All four kids in solidarity with not touching their gifts. Wing trying with Zushi, only for the small boy to shake his head and turn away. The sight was baffling.

“C'mon bud. You don't want to see what you got?” Kite asked Gon.

And that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Unable to keep the secret of what they saw last night. Kite deserved to know didn't he?

“Y/N’S CHEATING ON YOU WITH SANTA!!!”

The room going silent at the accusation. Eyes shifting around before everyone tried to stifle their laughter. Ging doubling over with tears in his eyes as Kite's face went a bright red.

“What????”

“Y/n was kissing Santa by the tree! We saw them! But he probably blackmailed them with our gifts!” Killua speculated.

Your own face heating up. What the kids saw was you and Kite. They probably didn't recognize him well in the dark with his back facing them. But they had enough imagination to fill in the gaps, unfortunately.

It was going to be a long morning. And judging by how rest of the adults laughed knowingly at what really happened, you wouldn't be getting any help.

At least you'd had enough hindsight in your drunken state to think the kids might've walked in on you placing presents. It'd be a memorable first Christmas for you.

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

MASTERLIST

Tags: @fandomhoe101 @justxiao @bekataylorgriggs @zellwa

An: A little rushed because I simply did not have enough time. I wrote the first half of this with love, and the second half cracked out on NyQuil because I got sick. Which is why this is coming so late. Anyways- HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!! TO WHATEVER YOU CELEBRATE AND PRACTICE !!!!

[bicayaya]

how do bea and Yves's kids feel about their uncles?

hii, anon! i hope you’re doing well 💗 thanks for the ask!

jin - he’s not as close to the kids as leon and licht, but he’s one of the cool uncles. he plays with them and probably gives them candy anytime they want, hahah. beatrice and yves try to avoid it, but they’re always unsuccessful.

chev - the kids don’t have many chances to interact with him, normally only seeing and talking to him in official events, and basically only to exchange formalities. he’s the “scary uncle” for niko.

clavis - he's one of the cool uncles for lianna. she enjoys following him around the castle, watching what he's doing and asking him a thousand questions, haha. niko, on the other hand, is more quiet, so being around uncle clavis can be overwhelming for him. he also dislikes clavis’ pranks, but is too shy to complain about it.

leon - the kids love uncle leon! they're super excited every time they're visiting him in the castle and even with the busy schedule as king, he always makes sure to have time for his nephews. he’s protective and treats them as his own children. any time bea and yves need to leave the kids to the care of someone else, leon’s the first option. but he can also be a bad influence, teaching the kids how to escape the castle. it’s their little secret, so don’t tell their parents about it (and, to be fair, the kids don’t really feel the need to use his “techniques”, so we’re good, hahah).

licht - like leon, the kids love him dearly. even though he's not talkative most of the time, he really cares about them and makes sure to play when they want to. he gets along specially well with niko. since they're both quieter people, they enjoy each others company. like their father, the kids are very protective of uncle licht, always ready to defend him or cheer him up.

nokto - for some reason, lianna is very attached to uncle nokto! I think he would be a little confused about it in the beginning, but soon would start appreciating the conversations with his little nephew. she always argue with him when he teases yves, but nokto finds it funny. he's not as close with niko, but they get along well enough.

luke - uncle luke is not as present in their lives, but every time they meet, he's caring and they have a fun time together.

bonus:

“uncle” keith - keith is niko's godfather, but he's basically an uncle to both kids. they love uncle keith and aunt maeve, and ask to write to them frequently. i'm not sure if they would know about alter (@keithsandwich did we ever talk about it?), but i feel like lianna would get along well with him. niko and nice! keith are much alike, so he's someone the little boy looks up to and he loves spending time and learning new things with his godfather.

[minsarasarahair]

Suzume no Tojimari movie by Makoto Shinkai appreciation

I feel like this movie and Kotonoha no Niwa (The Garden of words) are my favorite Makoto Shinkai movie. Not because I like ships with big age gap, okay!? No! Its because of the movie’s message. Either I’m the target audience of the story or the story resonate with me strongly? Maybe that’s why!? I’m not a big fan of Your Name and Weathering With You so I’m surprised I actually like this one LOL

Suzume is not really a romance movie. The romance is just the side dish. Yes, Souta is hot I admit but the story is all about Suzume. She’s the main plot. She help the guy not only because she like him but because “Natural Disaster” mean a lot to her as a character. 

Unlike Your Name and Weathering With You, the movie don’t revolve around in a certain event. It focus in natural disaster in general. That its a scary thing! Its hard to fight against it and its really terrifying that it can take the one you love in an instant!  The movie ask you question “If you have the power to stop disaster, will you do something about? Do you have the courage to save people again and again?” I really love Suzume’s expression whenever she receive the Earthquake alert in her phone. You can see her fear and she obviously has clear trauma about it. 

Suzume is a great heroine! She don’t just watch the guy to do the work. She continue to help him and can stand on her own! She’s very emotional and you’ll see the worse side of herself in the movie. She’s very human in that aspect. I can’t help but cheer for her! I’m very proud of her that she always try to save others even if she’s hurt in the process. I find her very brave. 

The movie encourages Community Unity. She meet several strangers that help her in the story. Without their help, I’m sure she will never reach her destination. Most of these strangers don’t even know what’s up with her but they still tried to help her in simple means. We also see the growth with Souta’s character that he refuse others to help him at first but later he don’t mind Suzume helping him. 

The supporting characters are likable and the story give highlight to platonic relationships. The sad thing about Makoto Shinkai’s movie is I barely remember supporting characters other than the main couple lol. I actually like the supporting characters here in this movie. Suzume’s aunt and Souta’s friend. They don’t just stand there and support the main characters happily. They questioned things but they also have deep moments with the main character. No matter how the mc push them away, they refuse to leave. I really like it. They have growth in the story too I think? Like at first, Souta’s friend is like “tell him I hate him” but later he’s like ”I’m actually worried”. 

The movie actually did justice to Suzume and Souta’s love story. People think its rushed but every Makoto Shinkai romance is like that to me anyway. I like the implication of it or “potential” and I believe their romance can be or will continue developing after the story ended. I’m seeing it in a perspective of a fan thinking shipping them in cute way is a good fan content. I did see some shipping fan art of them before I saw the movie so maybe that’s why I don’t mind the pair. I like pairing that can work as platonic and romantic. In the beginning, I’m like “Why they have to turn the ikemen into a stupid chair!???” but now I get it. Its kinda weird to see an adult man hang out with a girl and yeah, they are strangers. Also, Souta becoming a chair has a purpose. Not just because so he can hang out with a girl, but because that chair means a lot to Suzume. Its a gift from her important person and she forgot how important it is to her. Its about seeing the worth of thing left by your deceased loved ones. Souta becoming a chair helps Suzume remember her memories and overcome her loss. In return, Souta realizes that its okay to ask someone for help after Suzume’s stubbornness to help him. One of the best scene with them together are probably the hug scene, working together to save others aka power couple moment and reunited after Souta said he’ll come back. I don’t know about you. I take the hug scene than any kissing scene! Souta’s hug is not just about I like you. Its also about how thankful he is to Suzume because she help him realize that he want to live. Its on par to Kotonoha no Niwa’s hugging scene in the staircase. Oh and! Suzume shouting she can’t imagine a world without Souta is more like she’s shouting “I can’t take it if I lose another person I treasure without me doing anything!” Because this time she actually has power to help him compare when she was still a child. I really like that. Basically what I’m saying is her drive is not because she love Souta but because of her trauma but their pairing works because it has potential. Their relationship has depth because its about struggling to live, or facing calamities together. 

Another thing is I like that the characters are really humans. Even the handsome Souta is afraid of being the disappointment and somehow I feel like he don’t want to live too before Suzume. I like that they only have magical tools and can see weird things but they are not technically powerful. They always had a hard time to close and seal the door. I don’t really see Souta as Suzume’s prince charming. Yes, he’s handsome and Suzume is entranced by his beauty but its not like she like him because he’s a prince charming. They literally spend time together and become close. Of course, she will care about him. As a character, he looks like an ordinary guy to me who also ditch class lol Making him a trophy husband or prince charming is like erasing his humanity. 

The story is also about overcoming loss. A closure and acceptance when your loved ones died. In that aspect, its like Belle ~Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime~.

Suzume movie is not only a love letter to victim’s of natural disaster but also a love letter to the world, to the land and abandoned places. It gives respect to places long forgotten. Best way to describe is its like TsukiPro’s GROWTH songs. Listen to their songs because its hard to explain it lol Basically it relive your painful wounds but at the same time it gives you beautiful memories you need to treasure like Historical places??? It hurts but its also beautiful?? 

I want to add more but I’m afraid I’m not good enough to explain why its really good so I will link great posts highlighting stuff why its good. (1, 2) 

I will not mentioned the animation and visual aspect because we all know its Makoto Shinkai film so expect the good visual quality! To end this post, I highly recommend to watch the film!

[bonefall]

bonefall it's 2am but I'm having Thoughts about your shadowsight post.

"fully thunderclan-blooded since his father is bumblestripe . . . raised in shadowclan with his moms after dove realized bumble wouldn't leave her alone"

i don't know if you've mentioned this in a post already and i'm too new but i'm begging you to spill the Relationship Drama (tm) and the Trauma (tm)

I welcome all newbies, I am always willing to Spill the Dramatic Beans

So this time around, Dovewing is legitimately caught between these two options. Bumblestripe isn't obviously awful from the beginning-- for a while, she does very much love and appreciate him.

Bumblestripe has an emotional complex; he's always felt like he isn't very important to his family, so he tries to fill that emptiness with Dovewing. He wants to be attached to her hip, is always thinking of her, goes out of his way to give her attention...

But the problem with Bumblestripe is that if he doesn't feel like you're reciprocating, GOD he is miserable. He wants her to give more than she can possibly give and his plays for attention can get exhausting; it's a massive contrast to how self-assured and independent Tigerheart is.

So let's cut to the time just after the Great Battle.

Dovewing is losing her powers, and with it... goes her hearing. Suddenly she has the whole Clan's pity. The same people who shoved her at every problem, even though she cried and tried to tell them she had limits, are now the same people trying to tell her what her NEW limits are.

Yeah so what, she's hard-of-hearing now-- it's not like ANYONE ELSE listens in this goddamn Clan what's the big fucking deal

(maybe that's not fair to cats like Cinderheart, Briarlight, and Poppyfrost... but when you're mad that gets lost really easily.)

She's a-little-more-than-friends with Bumblestripe, but not officially dating. He makes her feel valuable and important, but at the same time, he's often just as suffocating as everyone else in ThunderClan. He's there for her to help her lipread, happily throws himself into learning Clan Glyphs, and uses battle-tail signs in regular conversation... but god forbid she just wants to go for a walk. Or go help Aunt Poppyfrost in the garden. Or start moving on with her life!

No one ever seems to ask Dovewing what SHE wants. What SHE feels comfortable doing. And it doesn't help that Bumblestripe is not patient when she goes against something he's planned, or she just wants alone time.

And meanwhile she is, of course, still seeing Tigerheart frequently. She is refreshingly uninterested in what Dovewing can't do. With the limited time they have together, it's all about what they DO have. The sights, the smells, their old inside jokes (Dovewing is ranting one day and Tigerheart puts her paw on her mouth, steps back, and does a backflip. Dovewing makes a joke about how she can't just backflip every time she wants to say 'don't worry'. Tigerheart grins and backflips again.)

It feels good. It feels right. Dovewing wants a fresh start to her life, and she wants to stop being ThunderClan's 'pity project'. She's getting a reputation in ThunderClan of being snappy and sensitive, making people trust her even less to do her own thing, she can barely look at her dad and uncle without being reminded of the Dark Forest Battle and the Prophecy...

The events of AVoS are no help to her feelings of discontent. ShadowClan falls apart as the Kin swallows it whole, Tigerheart needs her more than ever, she's caught between her family and clanmates or leaping headlong into a new life. But what of the danger? Does she know Tigerheart well enough to make that leap? What if her new life is the same as this one, but without anyone she knows and loves?

Meanwhile, Bumblestripe was there with her in this emotional time.

Aaaaand she ended up pregnant, and somehow, THAT was what made her snap. Bumblestripe would NEVER just let her raise her kits alone in ThunderClan, he would demand to be their father, she had no idea how her Clanmates would react, if they would try to infringe on her parenting the way they do with everything else, and at the same time, they weren't Tigerheart's! How could she know if she would take her in, especially into SkyClan, a Clan she's ALSO an outsider in???

So she SKEDADDLED. Got OUT of there. Packed her little kitty bags and beat it. If it sucks hit da bricks. Tigerheart followed... and the rest is history. The two moms came home with new friends, ready to hit the reset button on ShadowClan.

Minor setback where Tigerheart died and her dad plunged into the sacred Moonpool and drowned himself several times so his daughter could resurrect as Heartstar, of course. Small bump in the road. It's fine. She's ok now

[saladruiner]

Whenever you go through a major health event, there are things that happen for which I was not prepared

People treat you differently. Even if you look and act the same, the way people talk to you is different, and I personally can't tell if it's patronizing most of the time.

You're always double checking with yourself whenever you feel a symptom mildly related to what happened

Most times, the people in your life have no idea what you're going through and will not fully understand your pain or limitations that you did not previously have

Some people will make your struggles about themselves, e.g. "I'm so worried about you that I can't sleep".

Others will try to relate to you in a way that ends up doing the previous point

People love telling you about people they know who have also been through your health thing, especially if those other people have died

If you can't fully take care of yourself, you will feel extremely guilty for needing to rely on your loved ones more.

I understand it can be hard to relate to someone going through a major health event, but maybe don't say things like "my aunt died from that". As someone recovering from an aneurysm, I understand how lucky I am and don't need reminding of how differently things could have gone.

Instead, appreciate the extreme amount of stress that person must be under, offer an ear to just listen, and if you absolutely must help them in some tangible way, give them gift cards. Speaking from experience, getting a text every week that says "do you need anything?" is stressful because then I have to make the decision. A refillable gift card for food, gas, or groceries can make all the difference.

I felt compelled to make this post because I am learning how to live my life post-aneurysm and struggling with the people in my life not understanding how to interact with me. I hope this post finds and helps just one person make someone's life just a little better.

[adrianasunderworld]

With Valentine's day, i want to make an event for the twisted princess for you. Since we already got a ball thing, i like to think that Crowley announce that they will be selling chocolate for donations.

Meg: Are you sure the donations isnt yourself?

Crowley: Quiet you.

Crowley wanted everyone to make chocolate and sell them inorder for donations as valentine's day is near. He also announce who will lead the chocolate in which is by getting longest stick (again)

Meg: Wow, be originally for once.

It will be funny that out of everyone, the one who doesnt care about love is Merida which it made her upset as having to deal with this holiday. Rook is happy and decided to help her out.

While Merida have to forcefully manage sell, the girls decided to make chocolate not just for the sells but for the guys too...in which floyd overheard it and spread it to the rumors that lead to craze antics. In the end of the event, Merida is happy that Rook help that she gave him chocolate. This made him feel happy. The reason i think Merida being the lead princess is ironic way for the princess who isn't into romance to have this not to mentioned her dressing up like cupid.

Merida Is pissed she has to do this. She tries to get someone else to do it, but Tiana is like "No you made a commitment, you have to see it through."

It doesn't help that her "Uniform" for this event is some frilly pink apron outfit for selling chocolates. She hates everything about it, Merida is miserable. Rook takes it upon himself to help her with the organization and selling of chocolates and it's Meridas main solace since it means she doesn't have to do everything herself. Maybe our sweet, secret romantic boy Jack also gets roped into candy selling and for another girl, maybe one of the classic princesses is also in it. Lets go with Aroura, we haven't used her much in this au. Now they all are organizing the fundraiser, prepping candy and place to sell it.

Merida is not a fan of all the mushy stuff, it's not her thing, but she doesn't want to rain on any of her friends parade. Meanwhile Aroura is making chocolates for not just Malleus, but for everyone. When Merida ask why, Aroura explains that love takes different forms. Her aunts used to give her chocolate for valentines and she would give them something in return. It's all about showing the love and appreciation for the people that love you in return.

Merida takes this to heart and after seeing Aroura and Jack work hard to help her with the fundraiser she gives them chocolates as a thank you and gives one to Rook too because he always goes above and beyond to help her, and even though Merida isn't super sentimental, she's not above showing she cares. Rook is over the moon about it and the fundraiser was a success.

[vivacissimx]

Hey hope your well.

I have some really stupid questions (absolutely understandable if you don't want to answer)

What would be some presents Baelon would gift Viserra? And vice versa, what would be some presents Viserra would gift Baelon?

What would other members of the family (Viserys, Aemma, Daemon, Alysanne, Jaehaerys) gift Viserra? And again vice versa, what would Viserra gift them? (Not like they need for much, they're king and queen and all)

Anyways thank you, stay safe, take care. Stay Hydrated.😘🫂

No such thing as stupid questions 🤺💢 huh okay let me think. I did kinda make Baelon the kind of person who enjoys giving physical gifts as a love language, which I don't believe isn't canon given that Daemon is bestowed dark sister while Baelon is alive—so presumably he gave up the sword such that his son could have it, perhaps even on the condition that Jaehaerys gift it to Daemon following his knighting. And i think this follows Baelon's consistent honoring of Alyssa as warrior by playing a part in such a public gesture towards their son Daemon (who HOTD was briefly correct about, Alyssa WOULD love Daemon best lol).

So in Love Doesn't Live Here he does give Viserra various things, first of all the theme of him always cutting her fruit, and then also he gives her various dragon-related accessories (arranges her saddle, whip, teaches her about riding). Then he also gives her jewelry, which is something Viserra likes, so he wants her to like his gifts & is trying to show her that he notices her preferences. Thoughtfulness yknow it's drawn from how he tells Alyssa she's braver than him, he's not shy to involve himself in "women's business" when said woman is one he loves. Long-winded but anyway that's to say: I think Baelon would give Viserra gifts according to her interests. Jewels, arranging entertainment shows of dancing & music, when they have a daughter he'd spoil her too & this would be a method of loving/honoring Viserra as the child's mother.

For Viserra gifting Baelon... I do think she is like a "vain" person but also a "I take care of my people" person. So Baelon would be one of those husbands who has not chosen a single shirt for himself in years LOL just my wife dresses me and he looks good, you know? Various sporty objects like jeweled daggers and the biggest sexiest horse. This is not technically a gift but I also feel like she'd be one of those people who is all over their partner in public like LOOK HOW HOT AND DESIRABLE MY MAN IS!!! it's so cringe but she's a show-off and Baelon is obviously not a guy who minds. He's secure so he's fine with playing these kinds of love games in public.

Viserys is a dumbass, he's canonically a gift giver but for Viserra he'd just co-sign whatever Aemma gives Viserra & Aemma I think would value gifting her aunt things that she finds interesting but are not appreciated by the general court. So maybe textiles and what not out of the Vale, as LDLH!Aemma is very proud of her heritage. I also think the greatest gift Viserys could give Viserra would be heeding her counsel when he's King, along with funding her ventures. Alysanne & Jaehaerys I believe would gift her things like interesting tomes or gifts from foreign ambassadors because Viserra appreciates rare interesting items. Daemon does not give gifts lol. His measure of care is involving himself in Viserra & Baelon's ventures in King's Landing to be "helpful" and also possibly killing people who are unforgivably rude or offensive to Viserra.

In return... well again I find Viserra to be a person who takes care of things ahead of time, who likes to make things smooth via manipulating situations. I think she'd be the type to organize events on behalf of her family (nameday feasts or tourneys or more private events) despite not necessarily enjoying these herself. Ficwise Viserra is a Quality Time enjoyer so anything that allows her to spend time with said loved ones would be a gift she's eager to give. Aemma specifically, I feel like she'd dress her and what not because her niece HASSS to be the baddest bitch in the 16-25 noble ladies cohort at ALLL times. Anything less would be embarrassing. Daemon, she lets Baelon take care of, the most valuable thing she can offer him is a sympathetic ear.

Hope that answers your question!

[pbandjesse]

Today was a really good day. I am absolutely exhausted. And also very cold! I am excited to go to sleep.

I slept okay last night. I was still in a weird mood and I think if effected my dreams. I slept in and I think that helped a lot. But I still probably could have slept more.

I don't remember James leaving. But I would be okay when I got up. I got dressed and felt really pretty today. My lip hurts but is healing. My hair and makeup were great. I was in a good mood.

I had a snack for breakfast while I waited to hear from my mom. She had picked up Aunt Nadine around 9 and should be to me around 1030. So I had a little time to kill. I picked up a few things. Hung out with sweetp. And watched tiktoks on the couch. And very soon mom called me that they were downstairs.

When I got down there I laughed at them because they had parked out front and the sidewalk was so high next to Mom's car that she couldn't open the door. It got stuck on the sidewalk. Which is something that used to happen when we had the Toyota so it was very funny. I directed her to move the car to the side street and it would be easier.

She brought boxes for me for packing which was very appreciated. Hugs all around and then I took them inside. There were many complaints about the steps but we made it upstairs and I gave a mini tour and sweetp was so chatty at them which I thought was funny. He's such a baby.

We wouldn't stay at the apartment for long. We all piled into my car (after Nadine got stuck in the door and I had to feed her. We were really off to a great start) and I drove us to lunch at the Southside diner.

I have never had to wait before but it's a Saturday and we went st s normal meal time so it wasn't shocking. Just not much space to wait.

It was funny seeing Nadine make friends with other people, complimenting necklaces and stuff. And I was just enjoying being with my mom. I was feeling really happy having her here.

We did eventually get a table and the food would come quick. I loved talked to them both though. About Disney and moving and the house and the feelings I've had and I was just enjoying having them be there. I hope this isn't a one time thing.

After we finished eating and paid, I drove us over to the museum to say hi to James. Seeing my mom give them a big hug was so cute. I went to use the bathroom and had a brand new experience!

There was a huge event at the museum today for school kids doing a city building challenge so there were a bunch of kids. And right outside the bathroom was a group of preteen girls in hijabs. They came in the bathroom after me and almost all immediately took the hijabs off! I was slightly shocked but also. It's an all women's space. So it makes sense. But it was like when someone takes off their bra at the end of the day and go. Whew! They all made that face! They fixed their hair and put some water behind their ears and readjusted. It was just so sweet. We smiled at each other when we were washing out hands.

I went to give James a hug to. Mom was looking at the gift shop. Stanley came through and I introduced him to mom. And he made a fuss about me being great. I told him we would be back at BMI tomorrow but it was just to busy today. He said he knew that was right. We headed out soon after that as more people were coming in.

We drove around the block twice because I was struggling to figure out how to park at AVAM. Which was making me very stressed out but Mom told me I was okay and I ended up finding a spot across the street. I didn't know how long we would be there so I absolutely overpaid the parking but it was $3 so whatever.

I brought my staff id card that I was given when I did the contract work with them last year and I asked if I could get a discount. Mom and Nadine were like we can pay we can pay and I'm like shhh I'm haggling. And I got us all in for free I'm the best.

And I had a really good time. The one exhibit was dozens of large scale quilted embroidery pieces that told all the memories of a Holocaust survivor. Just a wild feat. There was also a really interesting exhibit from a woman with down syndrome that made these wrapped pieces and they x-rayed one to show what was inside and that was really fascinating. I really enjoyed talking about the pieces with mom and Nadine. The interesting thing about the visionary museum is that it's all self taught outside artists and there are some really funky pieces and it's just really cool to see how silly or serious or political different things can be. To see the different influences. I really enjoyed seeing the pieces. I love seeing art and it always leaves me feeling so inspired.

Before we went to the second building we stopped in the gift shop. Where Nadine lost us and thought we left her. But we were just looking at the books. I got one about turquoise jewelry of the southwest and they had a basket of Disney pins so I got a few of those to share with Jess. And after mom talked to the cashier and one of the workers for a while we went to get Nadine and walked to the other building. I climbed up in the one structure and we had some nice conversations about art and the other building is fun because it's the painted screens and the whirligigs and Fifi the giant poodle is there. It was fun.

Mom and Nadine were sitting on a bench while I was turning all the cranks and pushing all the buttons for the whirligigs. Nadine was struggling to get their reservation to confirm for the hotel but got them on the phone and became best friends with the customer service person. I was glad they have a nice room to stay in.

I wanted to show them where the house is. So I drove us all to Patterson Park and parked outside of our new place. Mom was surprised how narrow it is. It's 15 feet across inside. It's a little place for sure but they both grew up in a row house so I don't think they should be very surprised. They both seemed to like the block and the neighborhood. And after I drove us around to the alley which was the first time I've done that and it was neat to see how it was laid out from that side. I am curious if we can park there. We will have to see. It might be helpful for moving. But also it's angle parking instead of parallel so that also might be nice.

Mom had to get out of the car to move a trash can. And then I drove us around the entirety of the park so they could see how nice the park and neighborhood was. I also showed them where it gets slightly rougher but even then neither of them seemed concerned. I felt very supported and was just having fun pointing stuff out and being a tour guide.

After driving around the whole park I pointed out again where the house was. And showed how close things were to what, I took us back to the apartment. We decided we would take a break and they would go lay down and we would meet back up for dinner. This seemed like the best plan. And it worked out beautifully.

Once I parked we had big hugs and they left to go to the hotel. And I went upstairs. I was chilly. But I wanted to get at least something done even if it was small. I pulled out my suitcase and got that a little more ready. With my new little bag that I made sure fits my water bottle and umbrella. And affixed my new pins. Packed the ones for Jess. I spent a few minutes trying to find my clean toiletry airport bag. Which I did finally find in my other suitcase. So I sorted my nonliquids and my liquids and was glad to at least get a little bit accomplished.

I laid in bed with sweetp for the next hour and a half. Until James came home. I was just really cold and it was cozy in bed so why would I leave. I was happy to see James. They had a very long day. And we're pretty tired. But they were ready to leave for dinner whenever we needed to.

Mom called me as James was telling me a story about their day and thought she heard yelling. No my husband just speaks in shouts when they are excited. We decided to meet at their hotel at 6. So me and James would leave the house at 545.

And when we got there we pulled into the valet and told them we were there to get my mom and my aunt and the valet man was very nice. Opening doors for them and such. And then we were off.

Matthews would be very busy. I am not used to going to meals at normal times. But it wasn't a terrible wait. I had brought out wedding book to show Nadine so we had something to pass the time. I talked to the people waiting next to us and recommended the Thai pie to them and after they are they thanked me for the excellent recommendation. Which made me feel really good.

Nadine got tired of standing to wait and went and store a seat and I was very worried the waitress would be mad at us but it would be fine. And that's the table we ended up sat at anyway. And it took a while because they had just had a three table family party that obviously overloaded them a little but I was having fun talking and telling stories about hello kitty and giving a presentation on my wishlist for the year and explaining how the CIA selling weapons to Osama lead to Ellen losing her talk show and it was all very silly and fun.

And the food was great. I love Mathews and I'm really glad it worked out even if it was a little wait. I was happy with my family.

After we finished and paid I had James take out picture outside. And I just felt so much love.

We took them back to the hotel. I got out of the car to give hugs. And confirmed our plan for the morning. And then me and James headed home.

We got back here in one piece. James had music going and was singing and dancing at me. Being a goof. Love my silly husband.

I would take a shower. And got in my jammies and now we are in bed and I am really ready to sleep. I hope my mom and my aunt are resting and having fun being girls together in a hotel. I hope they have a nice view from their room. And I really hope we have fun tomorrow.

I hope you all sleep well tonight. Kiss your cats for me. Love you guys. Goodnight!

[the-official-account]

♦️Episode 23 ♦️

Gonna skip mseto's clovenheart and come back around in my pass for the extras

[Felix is spar's ran, androgynous, willowy, Luna sibling &therefore elven light-medium brown skin VERY curly hair, which Spar also has when not slicked back, but brown eyes, sweet smile "between them and tars, they are obviously the more delicate one"]

[Josepha has green skin]

[Merim² is Felix's sibling, spar's Om (om is an ungendered word for aunt of uncle that has become my default for that usage but which I have seen used by other peope exactly once. But I like it. So.)]

The dreams sequence was uhhhh fucked up, methinks!

[Spar's restless & withdrawn when he's angry] hough....HOUGH.

Vellum making sure Spar's all healed up...ugh. ugh. Knife through my heart.

Yk how like there's that circle of distance animals tend to keep from sitting humans and how like dogs will come up really close to like any person but cats tend to stay further away?

Sometimes I think about that in situations like this, and what vellum's doing. Being visible, being available, helping keep watch but...letting someone take their time. Giving space at the same time.

I love that Vellum and Anya get along the are SO ♥️♥️♥️

Omg 🥰carnation🥰

Ah, I'm really glad they went to get her if they were gonna give up Anya........ [Vellum expresses that while he prefers to trust people it's often best to err on the side of assuming dishonesty—mostly at work]

OOOOHHHHHHHH ANYA'S DAD BEING IN CRYSTALLIS MAKES SO MUCH SENSE

Oh my god Anya is so sweet I love her!!!!

Spar if you don't fucking open up your goddamn heart and stop shielding and self isolating every time something sucks I will kick your ass!!!! I KNOW. it's hard, but fuck!

ANYA CALLS HIM KAOLIN VELLUM THEY HAD THE NAME MOMENT RHEY HAD!!!!!! THE NAME MOMENT IM SCREAMING. YAYYYYYY OH MY GOD!!!!!!!! >:DDDDD

They have such sibling-in-law energy. They have such "gossip over tea as the run rises before making sure everyone's up and ready for the family event" energy. Your honor I love them.

OPE spars up.

The hurt/comfort ideas this episode is implanting into my brain.

JACKS LETTER. HOLY SHIT

SEVENTEY TWO HOURS WAS......TOO LONG AGO, HUH? FUCKING HELL

"it's on the list" I'm gonna strangle spar.

Narratively? I love this. Narratively, spars doing so good. Narratively, gimme gimme gimme those good good flaws

Personally? Spar what the FUCK. Spar FUCK OFF. BITCH.

IPSWITCH'S "AHEM" UFKSGSKAGSKDG

"who should even be in charge of this?" technically Vellum, right? He's the one that gives final approval on use of force?

OH SPAR FEELS HELPLESS, THAT'S WHAT'S HAPPENING. Makes sense, checks out, mhm

"QCS LIKE WHY WOULD YOU KILL A POPSTAR" FOSVSOSGSKS FUCK LMAO

Vellum trying to pull Spar's bear hug move.

Oh, goddamn, this scene is....hooooo.

"greggins is gaining a new appreciation for spar's style of communication" spar communicates???

VELLUM PULLED NO FUCKING PUNCHES ON THAT PHONE CALL LMAO

"I need to hyperventilate for a minute and then I'll get back to you" first of all, mood—

"spar has never willingly taken a vacation...usually his loved ones trick him into it" spar is SUCH a hot mess, and I love Tatiana but girl....

VELLUMS BEING A LITTLE ARCHEOLOGIST IS SOOOO CUTE

LUNAVELLA AND BRUNHILDE HI!!!!!! I hope they kick his ass (not literally just give him a good talking to because spar what the fuck)

Spar...Spar speaking to them like that is WILD to me...

"he pats her as if he's comforting her" I am going to run spar a nice hot bath with lavender Epsom salt and fucking bolt him down into it will this man let himself be comforted ONCE?

"the more important thing is that they're here now and I can't keep everyone safe." D:

Spar? Asking for help? Of course not, unheard of.

Bestie those are elven war vets who killed a puppet-master-(functionally)demigod PLEASE let someone help you.

Musician...musicia—DIAMOND. FUCK.

Also NOBODY made diamond a scapegoat in ANYTHING I love them (sincerely) but they are so annoying (derogatory)

RESIST DIAMONDS MIND CONTROL?

YEAH!!! YEAH I WOULD NOT LIKE THAT JOKER FLY CAUSE FUCK.

So diamond had contact with Grey....and wait grey was coming to sindershore? I'm wondering if diamond can mind control on the phone

HEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHE vellum said fuck

(not that he hasn't before? I havemt kaot track. But that was a DAMN well delivered line)

"OHHH! YOUR SPARKLINESS" FUEKGSKDGD

"looks like you've collected more of them!"

"which means over been watching them EXTREMELY carefully!"

Ipswitch is annoying in the best way. Ipswitch is annoying like I hope they never stop talking I have my chin in my hands, tell me all about how deductibles are a metaphor for justice.

Diamond is annoying like when I even hear the name I'm like "oh this bitch again"

WHY DID THEY CALL QC A MINION? MOTHERFUCKER—

""""""""the other one""""""""

"JEALOUS"

"it's seems that you (pointing at vellum) have joined the list of my suitors" hhhh diamond is sooooo lucky to not be real because if we existed on the same physical plane I would be stepping on the back of their heels when they walk at every opportunity. I would mix toner into their hair mousse. I would straighten the backs of all their hanging earrings and bend the backs of all their studs. I would put olive oil in a spray bottle and go ham on their closet.

"I'm being cute" that's a word for it.

BITCH "WHY?" AFTER YOU WERE FOUND WITH THE FUCK WERELION DRUGS THE PERSON YOU INVITES WENT ALL WERELION AND THEN YOU JIST FUCKING LEFT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING AND DIDNT UPDATE THE PROGRAMME ABOUT YOUR ABSENCE YOU HAVE GOOOOOT FO SEE HOW THAT IS SUSPICIOUS "WHY" MY ASS. """""WHY""""".

bitchass motherfucker. God.

AND OH YEAH YOUR PROBABLY MIND CONTROLLED KURT

"how is sekitan? :)" I don't trust that question at all.

"I didn't want them to be a fatality in all this" HHHHHHHHHRRNGHHH (wrathful)

[Kurt? May be green-skinned]

I loved this episode so much there are so many feelings in my heart. I was affectionately exasperated with spar, and then diamond came in and I was just exasperated. But ipswitch, Anya and Vellum are balancing it out for me. And also the scene between Spar and auntsssss that. That was so. SO. WAH. —AND END NOTES LUNA AND HILDE WERE GOING TO THE COUPLES DANCE THAT'S SOOO CUUUUTE!!!!

And ohhhhh diamond from from the plot card!! Huh!! They wove into the story so well I assumed they were, like, in the premise of the show!

But anyways I'm still bonking spar over the head with a wrapping paper roll and yelling "YOU. MUST. TRUST. YOUR. PEERS. TO-BE-STRONG-ENOUGH. TO CARRY. THE BURDEN. THAT IS. YOUR HEART. BECAUSE-THEY-CANT. KNOW YOU. WITHOUT. THAT. TRUST. SO. HELP. ME. GOD!!!!!!!!"

@threeheartscast

[percival-templeton]

♛ → THE VALE presents PERCIVAL TEMPLETON, the KNIGHT OF NINESTARS, COMMANDER OF THE QUEENSGUARD. when the dragons danced in the sky they thought the BLACKS would still fly, but, in the blink of an eye, they would all die. the THIRTY-TWO year old MALE who was DETERMINED & PERCEPTIVE before they saw the first of the flames, is now OPPORTUNIST & CONTEMPTUOUS. he’s often associated with being the proud vanguard before his cavalry, sky-blue eyes that convey only what he means to, and a lasting legacy he’s bound to continue. ( Joe Alwyn )

History

Percival was born on November 23rd, 110 AC. He's the second son of the late Arthur Templeton, who perished during the Dance of the Dragon, and the Lady Enide Elesham (died in 137 AC).

There is a well-honored history of knighthood in House Templeton. Rather than being known as a ruling lord, the head of the family is given the title of "Knight of Ninestars", a title which isn't passed down to the first male heir, it's instead a title that must be earned. Just like his predecessors took great pride in it, Percival (who now has that title), does as well.

Percival is the second son. Since his infancy, he trained hard to become a knight and to earn the revered title of his family over his older brother. Harlan, the first-born Templeton son, was always more of a bookish type and went on to become a maester. There is a rumor that Harlan was forced to do so when it became clear his little brother would gain the family title over him. Some whisper he was set on the maester path to prevent notions of shame or weakness to circle the family, to make it seem it had always been Harlan's vocation to gain knowledge and serve his family in this way).

His aunt (Axell’s mother) was murdered by mountain men, and for a time Percival also believed his cousin had been killed. For someone who never had an appreciation for those people, this event steadily set him on a path to hate them. He sees them as vermin and wild people that should be eradicated from the Vale.

He was a witness to Graham Royce's murder of the late King Rowan Arryn. He understood Graham did it in order to save Rhys' life, and in some ways, Percival perceived the king's demise as a blessing in disguise. An opportunity to begin steering the Vale in a better direction. He was ready to cover up for Graham and stage what was needed to be staged, but the Royce lord instead called the guards himself.

In recent events, Percival was the knight who survived the dragon while the others were turned to a crisp. Such a shame people died (sorrows, prayers), be he’s lowkey proud of the fact that he was the one to survive, sort of like another addition to his great knight resume.

With his cousin Axell becoming the High Commander of the Vale, Percival has been granted the title of Commander of the Queensguard, serving even more closely to Queen Ravella.

Personality:

There is a saying that a Templeton knight can easily raise a thousand men, something that Percival takes to heart. He fashions himself as the sort of man who could lead his brothers on notions of honor, nobility, and unity alone. In truth, he plays more on offering opportunities to people, finding the win-win scenarios. In general, he has a way of finding ways to be an enabler for others, so he is made to be truly indispensable.

Lowkey a jealous man. He sees other people having great things and he’s like “I want that”, and tries to work towards it.

Percival is a man of fine taste and enjoys the good things in life (he only indulges in private, not wanting to appear crass or hedonistic in public). He enjoys being perceived as someone who is elegant, someone who is gallant, and knightly.

If you’re a friend, he has your back and can be very ride or die, he’s a reliable person when he wants to be and he’s really there for his loved ones. If you’re an acquaintance, he frankly doesn’t give a shit about you. If you’re an enemy, he’ll be petty forever and might be looking into ways to bury you. He’s a resentful dude.

People he likes/respects:

Queen Ravella Arryn: She gives him weird sociopath vibes, but she commands respect and gets shit done.

King Graham Royce: Solid dude, more honorable than him (he wouldn't admit this out loud).

Axell Royce: These two were closer in their youthful years. Percival was recently appointed second-in-command to Axell, and he appreciates the status that brings as well as the opportunity to reconnect more with his cousin. He chooses to ignore the fact that Axell may have fucked a woman of the mountain clans (nausea noises).

Queen Rosalyn Arryn: Most beautiful woman alive (no romantic feelings). He always liked her and thought it was a shame she was shipped off North.

People he dislikes:

Lord Domeric Stone: Who let this weird bastard join the Vale court? Why is he gaining power here?

Princess Guinevere Lannister: He thinks Rowan did dumb things because of her.

King Rowan Arryn (RIP): He thinks he did a lot of dumb things, and having Gwen around didn’t help.

Targaryens (Greens): He dislikes them a lot. Remember when I said Percival was resentful? Also, thinks they're all a little mad. Loose cannon mad like Jae, or spacey/foolish mad like Haera.

Dornish folk: Doesn’t really dislike them, just doesn’t give a shit about them? It’s a nuisance they are Westerosi but also not, don’t mingle much with the rest.

Don't hesitate to reach out for connections/headcanons with this snobby knight!

[thecallahanlegacy]

"Look at you, standing tall!

Nora: "Mama's so proud of you, little guy!"

Frederick: "Is he standing again?"

N: "He sure is!"

F: "He'll hold onto stuff and walk all the time, soon he'll be on the move!" *laughs*

N: "Has he been doing it that often?"

F: "Yeah, while you were recovering. So I'm glad you're feeling better and can be here to see it. Are you able to hold him?"

N: "Yes, but I'll give him to you for now; I think my mother is calling." *hands Alexander over*

F: "Probably about the banquet, huh?"

N: "I asked her to look for an event space. I hope she found something."

F: "Who did so good walking again!" *kisses*

N: "Hi mom!"

Elizabeth: "Nora, sweetie, how is everything? Are you well?"

N: "I was able to come downstairs and spend time with Alex. I held him just before you called."

E: "Oh that's wonderful, dear! I know how much you missed holding him."

N: "Yes, that must have been the hardest part!"

E: "Did you have help for him?"

N: "Our nanny is wonderful, and I think Gloria and Alexander offered to help out. I know George is coming down to see them."

E: "Oh, that should be lovely! I heard your sister won't be traveling with your brother, though, and I wonder why that is."

N: "I'm excited, it's been a while since I've seen them. But Amalia said she is going with the chauffeurs to pick him up to see the babies. She wants to take me out somewhere nice, but she won't tell me what it is!"

E: "Well, when your father and I aren't busy, we'll bring your grandmother, maybe your aunt and uncles. But before I forget, honey, I wanted to tell you that I found a place for the banquet!"

N: "You did? Great! Where is it?"

E: "It's the same place as the first one, remember?"

N: "I don't think so; that was eight years ago I believe- oh, for Better Shelters?"

E: "That's the one! We can make the place up with new furniture if we need."

N: "That sounds great, mom! Thank you so much!"

E: "You're welcome, honey. I've sent out mail to you, some charities have requested sponsorship, so you can take a look at them. I had people review their histories and write summaries so that you can make your most informed choice without doing too much too soon."

N: "That's definitely such a great help, thank you. It's been hard to get back to work after everything, so I really appreciate the effort."

E: "You deserve an easy transition. I know you have some exciting engagements and trips lined up for you, but your first few days back at it should be made easy."

N: "Definitely. Well, I think I have to feed the babies, so I'll have to go now. I love you mom, tell everyone I said the same!"

E: "We love you too, honey. I'll be in touch with you about some other things soon."

[exploring8709]

Dinner, lunch, dinner . . .

Saw Father, Mother and Rob for dinner.

The pent up baggage carrying and emotion avoidance was almost too much for me. How does Kathryn get out of these things? I'll have to ask her. Dinners like this bring me back, unpleasantly to high school. Dinners filled with judgement, criticism, lament under the guise of parenting were the norm. At least for me. We celebrated Rob and Kathryn's new promotions. Of course I'm proud of Rob. I look up to him and the life he's made for himself, despite our parents. His life with Kathryn is so normal and sane and has yet to be infected by them. But the fawning from my mother and tacit acknowledgement from father was just too much. They don't even have anything in common. They travel in totally different circles. *I* have more things in common with my father now than he does. We can at least talk about work. But it's all "banking bonuses are down", or "you keep terrible hours" or my favourite "do you even CREATE anything?". We basically DO THE SAME THING!!!

I took an Uber home with Rob and he shared with me that him and Kathryn were trying! I'm going to be an Aunt! I couldn't stop crying after he told me. I was filled with such joy for him, but everything was weighing me down. Maybe it was relief? Just the fact that Rob and Kathryn are going to be such great parents and when contrasted with what Rob and I had to grow up with . . . that baby is going to be LOVED. I'm tearing up now just thinking about it.

Anna was in the city so we grabbed lunch. I miss seeing Anna. She reminds me of a less complicate me. From a time before The Ex. Before even Josh. She looked tired. Her and John are fighting again. She said it so matter of factly. Like it was to be expected. She laughed it off and immediately changed the subject. I can tell she's hurting, but I don't even know what to say. I have no one to fight with.

Capped the weekend off with dinner with Sadie. We talked and we talked and we talked. The look of merriment in her eyes when I told her about Irish Lad . . . why do I share so much with my friends? Her unconditional support, regardless of how blunt she is, was so appreciated. Her desire for me "to get fucked more often" though I don't think was super helpful. I just don't think I have it in me to play the hook up game. The fact that I'm even thinking about it this much, precludes me from those games. Even after the hoopla over getting Tinder and plenty of right swipes, I've got nothing to show for it. I just don't think I have the demeanor for casual sex. Even though I want to. That was an admission that took some time under the bright lights of a regular Sadie interrogation. I asked her about MM and his shenanigans and she just brushed it all off. They're just FWBs. They both hooked up separately at Jac's wedding, making my little tryst with Irish Lad sound like a game of Seven Minutes in Heaven. Exploring dating feels fine on paper. I'm honestly curious about the experience and where it might go. I'm curious about testing my boundaries. But, I just don't think I can be that open. Be that cavalier with my own emotions. In a way Irish Lad was the perfect moment as he was here and then he wasn't. I don't need to deal with any emotional baggage from that hook up as I honestly don't think I'll ever see him again. It was very convenient. No awkward run-ins at a restaurant or in the PATH. Sadie just doesn't care enough to be that awkward. I, on the other hand, am awkward personified. I just can't give pieces of myself to that many people and not care.

So this has ended up with me going to a Feeld event with Sadie. So that's a thing.

[lifewiththelulus]

All her friend throw there wallets at him and run XD

Lily: It was a total accident! But whatever. Put it on Daddy's card.

Dwayne: Does your father know you've been using his money for this kind of stuff, I don't think he would appreciate it. Make sure nothing like this happens again and we won't have any problems.

Maggie from behind her dads leg: >:P

Lily is definitely the type to give anyone that isn't her father an attitude lol

She's all sunshine and rainbows until her parents leave the room So her Dad would definitely be like "she would never! Lily is a pure angel."

Yes… but would baked woods have security camera footage they could bribe her with?

Unfortunately Birch is not a tech person XD She never had one installed But it's possible someone sitting in and eating might have gotten in on their phone in the background of their own video👀

"I saw you! You pushed it! Look I even got it on my phone!" Clearly shows Lily wait for Kindlin to turn around then pushing the display over

Lily crying: "oh my God why is everyone ATTACKING meee!?"

I know it probably wasn't her, but imagining Sprot videoing her just seems funny to me. XD

Sprout: "I got you in 4k on my DS!" She was probably recording a little kid video and pointed it to say something about her aunt kindlin when she caught lily

and obviously, Dwayne, Sprot, and Maggie all help Kindlin clean up. When Kindlin tries to tell everyone she's fine, Maggie gives her arm a hug and nuzzles her. (Her nuzzling is her way of saying she loves you)

Kindlin feels so guilty about bringing the drama in there, but feels a lot better after they help her

Kindlin has a real soft spot for kids, and Maggie absolutely melts her heart when she does that 😭

Maggie doesn't like to touch people outside her mom and dad, so her doing so is a big sign of trust.

The family Kindlin needs/deserves. What if Kindlin walks into the bakery all disheveled and bruised And when they obviously ask her what happened she's like "Oh I'm great actually, you should see how Lily looks."

Dwayne grabs her shoulders looks her straight in the eyes and asks: "Did you at least use a good one-liner?"Dwayne grabs her shoulders looks her straight in the eyes and asks: "Did you at least use a good one-liner?"

"Of course! I told them to call an ambulance. But not for me >:3"

Dwayne: sheds a tear of pride

Birch walks into the bakery and nearly fainted at the sight of kindlin XD

Grabs pan "What happened!? Are you ok? Who needs to perish!?"

Dwayne: Deep chuckles Apparently you should see the other girl.

Birch just bandages her up and lightly scolds her about words not fists lol

Ohhhhh man Lily's Dad coming in for a snack and he LOVES the salt water taffy pops So he asks them to cater an event Meaning Lily is forced to be nice and on her best behavior

She probably pissed herself when she realized her Dad went to the bakery and that he spoke with Dwayne in person XD

Dwayne and Lily's dad becoming friends XD

Just the thing she needs to back off of kindlin XD

"Lily! Come meet Dwayne, he's helping with the event today."

Sweating bullets "N-nice to meet you 0-0" 'Im screwed'