#(who am i kidding i never have good voice days that would require having a good voice aaaaahh)

[whathehonestfuk]

My brain has created a fun amalgamation of these two posts (link, link)

Steph deciding after Startcourt life is way too short to continue living it for anyone else and immediately starts transitioning, everyone who matters in her life is of course accepting. and the rest of Hawkins is too wrapped up in the drama of the mall to notice that Steph and Steve are the same person, its just assumed Steve got out of dodge after the mall burned down.

the party starts going to hellfire and Stephs babysitter mode activates because these people don't know what monsters and references could set her kids off so she decides to tell Eddie what he is not allowed to use in his campaign or even mention around them. She goes in boymode because no one knows Steph but Steve still has a reputation.

Eddie is very very confused when Steve Harrington approaches him and immediately gets into what he is not under any circumstances to mention in front of the newest members of hellfire and its got to be the weirdest prank or something because the kids have never mentioned knowing Steve at all and all and the only connection Eddie knows about it that Steve is Nancy's ex which would not explain this behavior at all. so of course he has to test it, to disastrous results they do a good job at putting on a brave face but its clear they're terrified and as soon as the session is called they pull out a walkie and start calling for check ins. a voice that must be the mysterious badass and beautiful babysitter Steph that they're constantly going on about tells them to stay put and that she'll come in and get them. they protest that they aren't kids anymore but she isn't hearing it.

Eddies excited to get to see her for himself to see if she really is all they've built her up to be or is this is just a childhood crush clouding their judgment. he decided they haven't been doing her enough justice as she swings the door open and is doing head counts and visual wellness checks backlit from the fluorescents in the hall way like some kind of angel. once shes assured of the partys safety she rounds on him hands on hips looking so bitchy and disappointed "you used something off the list didn't you" it isn't a question. the party catches her attention before he can untie his tongue ruffling hair and giving half hugs, he'll have to thank them latter because the wave goodbye Henderson gives him is definitely conspiratorial like he was taking her attention on purpose.

It takes a day after the weirdness that was the last hellfire meeting for curiosity to get the best of him and he goes to get answers, he has no idea where Steph lives but he's sold at enough Harrington house parties to find his way. Imagine his surprise when its Steph that opens the door and starts talking to him like they've actually conversed before. Like she was the one that gave him the list of things not to mention, while simultaneously dressing him down for not listening.

for at least a brief moment Eddie assumes Steph is dating herself, it would explain how she knows about his conversation with Steve why Steve felt it was his place to tell him about the monsters, maybe she had been busy and he'd offered to go in her stead, and why she was answering his door.

She explains that she can't actually explain all that much about why he cant use demogorgons and mindflayers in his campaigns, because NDAs are a bitch. but does give him what she can leaving him even more curious because what the hell did a bunch of 14 year olds get into in Hawkins that require NDAs

before he leaves though he has to ask how she knows steve because that shouldn't be some huge secret.

Steph looks like a deer in headlights for a moment before doubling over with laughter, snorting hard to breathe crying laughter ( it really shouldn't be as cute as it was) once shes composed herself enough she just states "I am steve"

[keytomind]

The passion in my head is too much at times. My senses become aroused as I get turned on by some of the simplest things. It can be the morning sunrise, or a happy dog walking past my front door, or the perfect dress as it falls flat and hugs the curves of the most beautiful female body. It can be a lovely couple, lost in the noise and alive in each other’s presence. It can be the smile of a harmless elderly man or woman who just wants to be seen. It can be the way a horse gallops across the farmland with the sun shining on its immaculate coat. It can be a child smiling at the color of a crayon. I swear it is too much at times.

The passion in my head would suffocate many of the people in my life. It is too much for the average person who chooses to harmlessly “go with the flow” without a fucking care in this world. Where they see nothing, I see beauty, honor, grace, humility, intelligence, confidence - I see a palate of emotions that have the ability to overwhelm me at any given moment. I cry at a meaningless scene in some Netflix-produced garbage that might make others laugh, at most. I become philosophical to meaningless questions that don’t even graze the surface of another’s ethos. I question the questions because I know that roots run deep and most are afraid to dig because they are afraid of what they might discover, and I yearn to get my hands dirty. I swear it is too much at times.

The passion in my head makes me believe that my talents are going to waste. I was meant to be a husband, a lover, a father, a good man, and I am sadly none of these things with the exception of the latter. I wish to be a protector to a beautiful woman who is as mad for me as I am for her. I wish to romance her in ways that she thought men were no longer capable of. I wish to give her the family that she never thought that she could have or that she deserves. I wish to teach her things about herself that she never knew or believed. Some women think that they need to be broken, but I only wish to set her free. There is nothing to break except for my heart. I swear it is too much at times.

The passion in my head is incredibly difficult for me to put into words. How does one explain what a simple glance from an attractive woman can do to me? A smile can inspire me to burn cities to the ground if it means to keep her safe and to call her mine. A touch… a touch can make my life flash before my eyes and leave me asking myself if this is who I have been waiting for all this time. Just her attention alone that makes me think that I am the only man in the world that she adores could inspire me to do anything required to earn her love. I want to read to her and make up voices for each character. I want to cook for her and feed her from my fork and spoon. I want to smack her and bite her ass every time she is making a cup of tea in her underwear because the sight of her flesh makes me as hungry as a starving fat kid. I want to wash, brush, and untangle her hair as I hug her waist from behind and randomly pepper her neck with soft kisses because I can’t fucking get enough of her. It is too fucking much at times.

The passion in my head might kill me some day, but is there any better way to live? It sounds like a glorious death if you ask me. It can be exhausting to go through life this way, but I am blessed to feel something rather than to feel nothing at all. I want life to matter and I want to give a damn, no matter how many times I may say otherwise. I want to give her the life that she has convinced herself that she doesn’t deserve. Passion is the fuel of life, and I wouldn’t have any it any other way. I can handle it. 🖤🖤

[melminli]

teachers pet - by melanie martinez

pairing: young coriolanus snow x fem. reader

summery - if i'm so special, why am i secret?

word count: 2k+

contains: student coryo (academy is basically a uni), teacher reader, age gap (coryo is in his early twenties while the reader is somewhere in her thirties), teacher x student relationships, dark themes, cheating (reader is married), mommy issues, manipulating, blackmailing

The life of a nerd didn't look as bad as it was portrayed in movies or books. However, it must be said that Coriolanus Snow had neither the stereotypical look nor behavior of a nerd, which may have been the reason why he was hardly treated like one. He had only the best, the good grades of a model student, the popularity of a popular student, and the good looks of a young man his age.

Cute girls queued up to get a chance with him since he seemed like a dream. In a world full of boys, he was a gentleman, a young man with a secure future. Some of his classmates would joke that he would be the future president of Panem, although they always had a slightly confident undertone while saying that. To be honest, no one would be surprised if he would be someday.

"Come on, Coriolanus! Let's go for a drink, you're never coming with us!" Complained the voice of some side character. "I'm sure you have a good chance with most of the girls in the bar - or boys. Whatever you like, I don't judge." He joked, and Clemensia hit him on the shoulder with her fist to warn him to take it down a notch.

She spoke in his place. "Leave him be. He's not into that sort of thing. I'm sure he'd rather spend his time doing more productive things." A slight grin stretched across her features. "Maybe you should try that sometime. Perhaps then you wouldn't fail half the subjects."

Festus interrupted the conversation as he walked past the group. "Come on, Clemmie. Leave the poor guy alone. We're students. It's normal to go partying every now and then." His eyes looked somewhat defiantly at Coriolanus. "You only live once. There's no need to waste it."

Alcoholics and drug addicts use the same excuse, stupid idiot. Coriolanus had enough of this whole interaction. It was time to wrap it up. "Of course, and everyone is free to live this life the way they want." He said with a falsely charming smile when he finally got a chance to speak. "I'm afraid I don't have much time either, I'm already in demand elsewhere."

Unfortunately for him, Arachne couldn't hold her tongue and had to carry on the conversation. "And so late on a Wednesday, too? Don't tell me our teacher's pet is in trouble. Has Mrs. Lola finally realized that you're just trying to get better grades with your flirting, and she doesn't actually have a chance with the pretty boy?" She joked as she mentioned the older woman who was getting closer to retirement with each passing year.

But her comment didn't make the intended person bitter, but Festus, who had to grit his teeth in annoyance. "Can't believe that shit works. I complimented her the other day, and she gave me a look like she was cursing me and the rest of my bloodline." He sighed. "I don't even want kids."

Coriolanus was getting impatient. If at least Sejanus was here, he could cover for him enough to leave, but no, they didn't share every damn course there was. He couldn't believe that this bothered him somehow. "No. Actually, I have asked to speak with Mrs. Rosey regarding her assigned homework." He announced, mentioning your name.

His pretty literature teacher. The only woman he wanted.

The eyes of the person who had started the whole thing in the first place lit up briefly. Coriolanus didn't bother to remember his name. "Oh, she's that one young teacher, isn't she?" He asked. The title wasn't really that hard to get since most of the teachers at the academy were dinosaurs. "She's pretty hot, I regret dropping literature man, but at the end of the day it's just an unnecessary course that requires extra work."

Okay, now Coriolanus was not only annoyed but also angry and had to stop himself from looking too passionate. "Right, see you tomorrow." He quickly said goodbye and paid no further attention to what the others were saying as he made his way to the teachers' lounge. He quickly fixed his tie and hair before knocking on the door. Fortunately, he didn't meet anyone else in the corridors who wasted his time unnecessarily. His patience was getting thin, and he didn't think he had enough of it to make him exchange more false smiles and words.

"Come in..." He heard your muffled voice call through the door before he slowly opened it, and his eyes immediately turned to your table. You, too, looked up from the papers in front of you and met his figure as you turned your chair to the side. "Mr. Snow, you said you had a question about the assignment I gave you."

There was a step between you two, but your voice still felt close. Maybe it was because you two were the only ones in the room since it was pretty late. Now that Coriolanus was looking down at your figure, you looked quite exhausted and seemed barely able to keep your eyes open. Judging by your desk, you were in the middle of correcting last week's quiz, but he doubted that was the only thing you were working on. Your usually well-groomed appearance was a little more disheveled. There were strands of hair peeking out from various places, and the first few buttons of your shirt were undone. "You never called me." Was all he said as he watched you avoid his gaze.

Your tongue licked over your dry lips as you searched for the right words. "I don't think that has anything to do with the assignment." You replied. Maybe my mistake was, hoping he had a question in the first place. "I'm not going to talk about other matters, I'm busy." You tried to explain to him.

Coriolanus laughed in disbelief. He placed his coat and bag on the chair next to him before leaning back against your table. "Oh, please. I can understand you wanting to keep our special time a secret, but don't try to deny it." He spat out, placing his hand on the papers to stop you from continuing to work on it. "Do you regret the things we shared, huh? Don't lie to me."

You met his gaze after you sighed. "Look, Mr. Snow. I'm sure you'll understand me when I tell you that you should rather concentrate on your studies, don't you think?"

His jaw tightened further as you continued to skillfully evade his questions. As if you didn't care at all, as if you didn't care about him. He was fully aware that what he was getting into was something short-term, but he still wouldn't allow you to throw him away as easily as trash. "Oh, so it's Mr. Snow now? What happened to Coryo."

You stood up so you could speak to him at eye level. Coriolanus has always been a bit more clingy with you. You expected no less, and yet it didn't make this whole procedure any less difficult. "Look, I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but I'm married, and you know that." You tried to work through the situation. You grabbed his arms to comfort him with your touch. "There are so many young girls out there who want you. I'm so much older than you, and I'm also your teacher. From the beginning, this was something that wouldn't last."

He shook his head. "I don't care about them. It's you I want, please. Only you." He begged, and this time, he was the one who grabbed your arms to stop you from leaving, from leaving him. Coriolanus could see in your eyes how his desperation couldn't convince you, and he wished it would. Not only because he wanted to, but also so that he wouldn't have to resort to other methods, but you left him no other choice. "It would be a scandal if the whole thing came out, don't you think?"

You just sighed tiredly when he didn't let you go. "Sweetie..."

He softened a little at the pet name, but that didn't stop him. "No, you can't just use me until you're satisfied and then dispose of me. I will tell everyone and you know that as a teacher you will be in a position where people will accuse you of taking advantage of me." He explained as he pushed you between him and the desk while he watched the look of irritation on your face. His one hand came up to gently stroke your cheek, but his true intentions were visible through the strong grip on your arm. "And of course, you can try to tell the truth or try to defend yourself, but you know who they're more likely to believe."

He hadn't only pushed your body in a corner anymore. "So what? We're going to keep doing this until you're satisfied and let me go." You asked, seeing no long-lasting result.

That was your mistake. It hadn't been long since you'd been married, so Coriolanus was aware that you hadn't changed your surname. He liked that about you. He liked the sound of Rosey, and he too wanted to hold you like a little pretty rose in his grasp. "Yes. Except I won't let you go. Ever." he said with a slightly dreamy look.

You dared to disagree. "Mr. Snow - " you began, but changed your tone when you saw him grimace angrily and tighten his grip on your arm. " - Coryo, look. You're a smart boy, and yes, I enjoyed our time together, but it's not right that - "

" - I love you, and if it's wrong, then I don't want to be right. Why can't you understand that already? I know I'm young, but I'm not naive, so don't talk to me like I am." He spat out in annoyance and finally reached the end of his patience. His eyes glanced briefly next to you at the table where the sheets of paper were now messely scattered around. It seemed you were in the process of correcting his. how convenient. his hand grabbed it and held it in front of you. "Let's play a little game. If I pass this quiz, you'll give me something I want."

Your eyes didn't move from his. You knew you had to play along whether you wanted to or not, and you didn't seem to get far with values and morals. You doubted you would do it at all with him. "And what do you want?" You asked him simply.

He leaned closer to you. "A kiss."

You met his eyes and took the paper from his hand without even glancing at it. "You passed." You confirmed and pulled him into a soft kiss.

This is how he liked you. When you touched him tenderly like now and stroked his hair lovingly. Coriolanus only felt like this with you. Do you think he wouldn't have tried to get away from you? He did, first with several girls who just wanted him to give and give and he hated that they just took from him and thought it was enough if they just stood pretty next to him or leaned back and spread their legs. Hated them, and so he tried women who were older than him and then women who had the same color eyes as you, some who smiled like you and then some whose voice was similar to yours. He liked those the most because with them, he could just close his eyes and imagine it was you.

Then he finally got tired of just imagining it, and once he had a taste of what might be, there was no going back to his old ways.

"I love you." He finally said as you ended the kiss and he leaned his forehead against yours while his hands wrapped around yours. "Don't ever think about leaving me again and don't make me out to be crazy for wanting you."

What am I supposed to do with you, little snowflake, now that you don't melt away? "All right, Coryo, I won't." You just replied and saw no point in arguing with him anymore. You knew him well enough to know how possessive and dominant he could get. However, you liked him more when he was dependent on you and sought your approval. "But be good and a little nicer to me, will you?" You said and squeezed his hands. "Because if I wanted some stupid man who was full of himself, I'd go to my husband."

He nodded quickly, giving in easily now that it was clear that he had you. "Of course, anything you want. I'll do anything you want." He spoke and took your hand in his up to place a kiss on it. "All you have to do is ask for it."

Coriolanus would take care of your useless husband. You wouldn't need him when you were going to marry him soon.

[florenceafternoon]

━。゜✿ jily fic recommendations ✿ ゜。━

You know when you read a fic and love it so much that you want to find one exactly like it but different. Anyways, more Alternate Universe fics.

For reference, anything in italics is taken from the summaries on ao3.

These first few fics are all by elanev91 on ao3 (ao3 account required).

Force of Habit

Lily's been riding the same train back and forth to work for the last two and a half years and lowkey fancies the guy who sits one row up from her usual seat.

TW: parent death discussed

The fic that inspired the intro (I love it so much you don't understand)

Waffle Wars

There's only one waffle maker in the dining hall and it literally always breaks. So, naturally, the only reasonable course of action is to meticulously map out when it's working and, ultimately, do a heist.

every day I like you a little mower

Lily was JUST trying to be a good daughter and help her father with his yard work. Too bad the bloke next door is always outside and also the most annoyingly talkative person on the planet.

we could be gigantic series

Lily and James have been best friends since they were kids. Uni, a band, a trip abroad, a few tours and a couple of albums later, things start to change. Half an email fic, half a regular ol' narrative.

it wasn't a pity invite

Prompt: my family invites you to join our holiday meal as an obvious setup and omg i’m so sorry

The one where they’re both doctors - also Northern Irish Lily.

One Direction on the A4

James and Lily are having quite the morning. James thinks a little nonsense might fix it. Or James is a dork and Lily loves it.

Ye Olde Smut Fic

Student recruitment fairs suck, but never fear -- Professor Evans and Professor Potter have figured out how to make it a little less annoying.

Professor AU, Modern AU, Muggle AU. Smutty ridiculousness. Plot questionable.

The tragedy is that they live in America

The Yeast I Can Do

Dr Lily Evans had an absolute shit day at work. Luckily, there's a bakery nearby that offers a course that she hopes will take her mind off of things.

For my fellow jily & wolfstar enjoyers, go do yourself a favour and check out their other works on ao3.

Teenage Kicks by @arianatwycross

It all starts with Lily being hired to be the bands tour photographer, then she actually meets the band and she quickly becomes absorbed by their fast lifestyle, their pranks and the hot lead singer. But its not exactly simple to be crushing on a famous Rockstar, is it?

Foam Hearts by Sleepinghookah (on ao3)

Coffee shop AU. A story in which James and Lily are blind - both in entirely different ways.

I promise he's not a bad person. You've got to read till the end and it'll make sense

When The Skies Are Gray by @athenasparrow

“Carry me?” Lily scoffed, biting her lip so she wouldn’t laugh in his face. Because he was about to do something nice for her. “I’m not some damsel in distress who can’t walk! I just need a bit of cover to make it to the tube.”

OR: two strangers, one umbrella, and a little bit of fate.

Tranquil Solitude (Until You Came Along) by @thelighthousestale

Prompt: I thought I went skinny dipping alone but oh my god this beautiful human is also here naked and I am a fool

All Lily wanted to do was take a nice, quiet swim on a hot day. And then James Potter showed up. And Lily had already removed her clothes for the private swim.

it would have been sweet by @firefeufuego

‘Lily,’ he says in her ear, voice slurred and barely audible above the pulsing bass of the music, ‘is there a reason I shouldn’t marry her?’

She can taste the truth bittersweet on her tongue: Yes of course there is, you colossal, darling idiot, you’re meant to be mine. But there’s the ring on Charlotte’s finger and there’s the one Lily found in Eddie’s sock drawer, and how can she be this person? The one who steals someone’s fiancé on his stag night? That’s not who she is, that won’t be who she is. ‘Of course not, James. You’ll make each other so happy.’ She nearly chokes on the lie as it leaves her mouth, all the more so because most of it isn’t even a lie at all.

For my second chance romance girls

This Hope is Treacherous by @tinyluminaryzombie

Lily Evans and James Potter: Aquentiences, Academic rivals, and now, Friends.

Except "friends" doesn't exactly feel right but Lily's too scared to do anything about it. But as James and her keep acting like more-than-friends she's unraveling with the uncertainty of it all.

OR: Choosing to fall in love can be just as thrilling and terrifying as love at first sight.

The Viscount's Daughter by @ghostofbambifanfiction

The beautiful, vivacious, and decidedly redheaded daughter of the 16th Viscount of Rowena has stolen the heart of young Prince James. Trouble is, she couldn't be less interested in him.

Thought it was abandoned but the author posted a snippet recently so maybe not?

The Queen of the Quills - Jily Edition by @elliemarchetti 

Lily and Petunia read the Queen of the Quills' latest column on James Potter, while the bachelor announces to his friends that he intends to get married.

Quest for Camelot by the incredible @petalsthefish

After the legendary Excalibur sword is stolen, Lily and James embark on a quest to retrieve the lost weapon. Lily searches for the sword to prove she is capable of being a knight despite being a girl. James searches because his falcon, Marlene, is desperate to find it for her master, Merlin. Along the way, they attempt to outwit the sinister Ruber, navigate through magical obstacles, decode puzzling prophecies, and uncover surprising similarities between themselves.

As their journey progresses, they both cannot deny the feelings growing between them with each passing day. Will they make it out of the quest alive, or will one of them perish in the ever-growing darkness that threatens to swallow the entire realm if Ruber gets his hands on the sword?

Based on the 1998 movie Quest for Camelot, but with more plot and less singing

Fearlessly Red also by @ /petalsthefish

Red. It was such an interesting color to correlate with emotion because it was on both ends of the spectrum. On one end there was happiness, falling in love, passion, all that. On the other end was jealousy, fear and frustration. Maybe that's why James thought the nickname fit Lily so well.

or Bodyguard!James/Celebrity!Lily

Get A Room bt @chierafied

The long-awaited trip to London goes awry when Marlene chooses to spend time with her boyfriend - forcing Lily to share their room with none other than James Potter.

you don't know me (but I know you) by @emeralddoeadeer

Lily has a crush, she knows his face well but can only imagine his name; until they meet that is.

About Time by heartablaze (on ao3)

Before his final year started, James Potter offered to be a resident advisor for a first-year dorm. What he didn’t count on was dealing with a confusing redhead across the hall, hospital visits, hallway parties and writing his thesis the night before it was due. Blimey. (Muggle Uni AU)

Unexpectedly in Love by jamespotters_exgirlfriend (on ao3)

When Lily Evans entered her final year of uni, she certainly didn’t expect to fall in love with James Potter. And well, let’s just say love isn’t the only unexpected thing to come out of their relationship.

Far Post by @eastwindmlk

James Potter and his friends are very serious about their pub football league. So, when the new roster comes out and there is a new team on there, an all women's team, he and Sirius set out to investigate.

You Know How To Ball, I Know Aristotle by @wearingaberetinparis

Now that the global superstar, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lily Evans and professional football player James Potter are together, they have to juggle the difficulties of a relationship in the public eye. Fresh off her World Tour, Lily Evans arrives at Wembley Stadium one year after James Potter first attended her show, to perform there for one final weekend before heading to the studio to record her next album. Her boyfriend, in the meantime, is off to Germany to play at the Euros for England. How will they ever make their relationship work when Lily is - so the press loves to imply - the least supportive WAG of the tournament?

sequal to And You Heard About Me (Ooh, We’ve Got Some Big Enemies!)

It's been a long time coming and it did not disappoint

I've recommended Three Swipes, You're Out by @naireides before, but I recently came across it's sequel making spirits bright

Sports star James Potter tries to pick Lily up on tinder. Lily Evans, a dedicated not sports fan is offended by the idea that someone thinks she wouldn't recognize James Potter's face. She laughs about it with her friends at a bar, until James Potter, who also frequents that bar, comes over to clarify that nope, he's on tinder, and he's definitely hitting on her.

...

She should have expected it to be hard, dating a celebrity, but somehow she and James make it work.

[honeypiehotchner]

gold star (Hotch x Teacher!Reader) -- one shot

Been working on this one for a hot minute oops. Just wanted to say thank y’all for being patient with me always (and we literally hit 5.7k followers even while I’ve been so inactive???? what????). Here’s a longgg dose of fluffy angst <33

Edit: I’m a dumbass and queued this for the wrong day

Summary: You’re Jack’s teacher and Aaron is basically your nemesis. Until he’s not. (Kinda enemies to lovers?)

Warnings: angst! talks of parent death, therapy, bad parenting/emotional neglect, y’know the works. Lots of fluff tho to make up for it. And a happy ending!

WC: ...5.7k-ish

I love my job. I love my job. If you say it enough, you’ll believe it. I love my job. You glance at the clock and see your next parent is late. I love my job.

You do love your job, you really do. What you hate are parent-teacher conferences that you’re required to do. Especially when the parent is late. After having to reschedule at the last minute. Twice.

If you didn’t have a genuine concern to discuss with Jack’s father, then you wouldn’t be here still. But alas, you care for Jack more than your annoyance at his father.

Jack Hotchner is a sweet kid. Genuinely wonderful. After his mom’s sudden death a few years ago, everyone worried about him. You’re friends with Julia, who was his kindergarten teacher just a few months after it occurred. Despite being a teacher for almost a decade that year, Julia had never encountered this situation, so she looked to you for help. You lost your mom when you were in first grade, so you were able to give her more helpful tips that actually work.

Now, you have the pleasure of having Jack in your second grade classroom and he truly is an amazing student. You only wish you could share this information with his father who seems to be on another plane of existence every goddamn--

A knock on your classroom door frame makes you jump.

“I’m sorry,” Aaron Hotchner rushes out, quickly dropping his hand. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“It’s fine, Mr. Hotchner,” you say, standing up from your desk chair, putting on a smile. “Come on in.”

“Thanks, and please, it’s Aaron,” he smiles sheepishly, walking over. He towers over the tiny desks as he maneuvers past them to yours. He sticks out his hand for you to shake. He has a firm grip, but his hands are soft. “I’m sorry I’m so late. I got caught up at work--”

“I figured,” you reply, sitting back down. You pull up your laptop and begin typing in your password. “Unfortunately, I’ll have to make this quick. I should’ve left an hour ago.”

“Oh, sorry, am I that late?” he flicks his arm to look at his watch. He sighs. “I apologize.”

You hum. “Our conference was scheduled for 4:15.” You glance down at the clock on your screen. “It’s almost six.”

“I’m so sorry,” he says again. “Would it be better to reschedule?”

“Nope,” you shake your head. “You’re already here.” And if you reschedule, then this might happen again, so you’d rather do this now while you’ve got him here. “Fortunately, Jack is doing really well. He’s struggling a little with math, but he’s not the only one, and we’re working on it. He’s made a few friends, I know we discussed that last time. He’s breaking out of his shell, I think.”

“That’s good,” Aaron says, smiling a little. “That’s really good to hear.”

“Is he doing any extracurriculars?” you ask. Last time, when you voiced your concerns to Aaron about his son being a little too quiet and shy, you suggested asking if he’d like to do a sport, or play an instrument.

“He’s doing soccer,” Aaron says.

Your eyes widen. “Oh!”

“You look surprised,” he presses.

“I guess I didn’t expect Jack to…want to do a sport,” you shrug, checking your notes for the conference to stall.

What you really wanted to say is that you didn’t expect Aaron to listen to you. Given his track record, it seemed highly unlikely that he’d follow through and actually ask his son about trying a sport, let alone go through with signing him up for one.

“Do you have any questions for me?” you ask, closing your laptop lid. Aaron has been studying your face in this lull of silence, and it’s unnerving.

“I don’t think so,” he finally says.

“Okay,” you nod, not surprised. “I did have one more thing. I know I said Jack is breaking out of his shell, and he is, but he seems…down. Is something going on at home?”

Aaron sighs. “It’s getting closer to the anniversary of his mom’s death.”

That tugs on your heart. “Oh, I see. Alright.” You pause. “Uh-- If you don’t mind me asking, is he seeing a counselor or a therapist or anything?”

“He’s not, not currently,” Aaron says.

You blink. You shouldn’t really be surprised, but you are. “Has he at all since his mom’s death?”

“Briefly, right after she died.”

“Okay.” You clear your throat. You cannot yell at a parent. That’s unprofessional. “I know it’s not my place, but I’d highly suggest finding him someone. Especially right now as the anniversary is getting closer, and as Jack gets older. I would suggest our school counselor, but I think Jack would do better with someone better equipped for his situation.”

Aaron stares at you, nodding slowly. “Alright.”

You lean over and open a drawer, grabbing the handout specifically for times like these. Given the area the school is in, parents are typically able to pay for services like these, and are more willing. You know it’s because they don’t have the time to deal with their children’s emotions, so they pawn them off on someone else, and claim it as a good deed.

In a way, you’re grateful the children are able to receive help that you didn’t because your dad couldn’t afford it. You just wish the kids also received support from their family, not just from doctors.

“Here’s a list of great pediatric psychiatrists and therapists in the area.” You hand Aaron the packet and he takes it gently, his expression unreadable. Parents are always so weirdly defensive about this. “Many of our students see someone from that list, so I trust that one will be a good fit for Jack. If you want some help narrowing it down, I can help.”

“Thank you,” he says quietly. “I’ll look into this.”

I hope so, you want to say, but he doesn’t sound too sincere. “Okay,” you smile softly instead. “That’s all I have, unless you have any other questions?”

He shakes his head. “No, I think-- I think this is good.”

“Alright, well,” you pause, opening Jack’s folder. “I just need you to sign here, so the school knows we met.” You slide the form and a pen across the table.

Aaron signs swiftly, a signature born from frequent piles of paperwork. You know he does something in the government, you’re just not sure what. Nearly every parent here works in the government, though, so that’s not a remarkable conclusion to have made.

“Thank you,” you say, taking the signed form and sliding it back into Jack’s folder. “I hope you have a good rest of your day.”

“You too,” Aaron says, standing up to shake your hand again. He’s so formal, you almost forget. He clutches the packet in his free hand, and you wonder if it’ll end up in the recycling bin at the end of the hall.

After shaking your hand, Aaron apologizes again for his tardiness, and then leaves your classroom. The clock on the wall says it’s just past six. A record for one of the latest nights you’ve been here.

Gathering your things, you do some last minute checks around the classroom before heading out, locking the door behind you.

As you reach the exit doors at the end of the hall, you peer into the trash and recycling bins. Both are empty, no signs of your pediatric psychiatrists packet.

At least that’s a win.

+++

A month or so later, you’re waking up early to go to a soccer game. If it weren’t for your kids asking you (loudly and enthusiastically) to come to their game, then you wouldn’t be awake right now on a Saturday.

Julia, at least, is coming with you, and so is Kate, a fellow second grade teacher whose classroom is across from yours. Julia is coming to see Jack, and Kate also has a few students who asked her to come.

The three of you stop for coffee before going to the park where the soccer games are held. Walking across the field, you find an empty space on the bleachers and sit down, looking around for your kiddos.

To your complete and utter surprise, you spot Aaron Hotchner -- of all parents.

You quickly avert your eyes, looking around some more. You haven’t seen or spoken to Aaron since the parent-teacher conference as Jack is usually picked up and dropped off by his Aunt Jessica. Jack has seemed a little more present and happy, but you have no idea if that means that Aaron actually sought help for his son.

Even more embarrassing, you’ve worried about your job since that conference. It’s always a gamble, offering parents advice. You never know what will cross a line and equal an angry phone call to the principal followed by a swift withdrawal of their child from your class. Not every parent has always been so keen on your attention to your students’ emotional wellbeing.

“Don’t look, but one of the dads cannot keep his eyes off of you,” Julia whispers.

“Which one?” Kate asks, then she spots him. “Oh, him-- He’s tall. Wait, is he…?”

You glance over and sure enough, the one in question is Aaron. He can’t tell that you’ve looked at him, though, thanks to your sunglasses. “That’s Jack’s dad,” you say, looking away again.

“I knew he looked familiar,” Julia murmurs. “I’m not used to him out of the suit. His hair is longer too, isn’t it?”

“Why would I know?” you counter, taking a sip of your coffee.

“Is he the one you mouthed off to?” Kate asks, nudging your arm.

You scoff defensively, “I didn’t mouth off--”

“She told him to put his son in therapy,” Julia explains with a prideful smirk. “Rightfully so, too. I would’ve done the same if I ever saw him.”

“Damn,” Kate chuckles. “Let’s hope that he took your advice.”

“And that he isn’t pissed at me for it,” you mutter. “I haven’t heard anything since.”

Kate and Julia share a look before Julia says, “He’s definitely not mad.”

Finally, you give yourself the chance to look over at him, and to let him see you looking.

You’ll admit, it is weird seeing him out of the suit, let alone in short sleeves. You’ve never seen his arms. They’re…nice. Muscular, more than you expected. Not that you’ve wondered about his arms, though. Or any part of him. Because he’s Jack’s dad, so you should not be thinking about him this way.

Still, you indulge, just for this moment. He keeps your eyes only for a minute before his attention is drawn elsewhere to the screaming kids practicing their warmups (if that’s what those can be called). He’s smiling from ear to ear, something you’ve never seen. The tiny smiles you managed out of him during conferences hardly ever looked genuine. This, though, this one is.

“You should talk to him,” Julia whispers, nearly scaring you shitless. You completely forgot where you were for a minute.

“No,” you shake your head, tearing your eyes away. “That’s practically asking for him to yell at me.”

“He won’t do that,” Julia chides.

“Well, I don’t know,” Kate grimaces. “Parents are finicky. I got yelled at last year by one who I thought was the sweetest ever. Until her kid didn’t pass a science test.”

“See?” you say, gesturing to Kate. “We have no idea what he’ll be like.”

“Besides that he’s looking at you again,” Julia says. “So he’s clearly interested in talking to you.”

“Then he can walk over here himself.”

Julia raises her eyebrows, shrugging. “Be careful what you wish for.”

You roll your eyes. Aaron is too busy with the kids and their game is about to start, so there’s no way he’ll walk over. Even if you speak after, Jack will be with him, so nothing will be said. It’s fine.

+++

Aaron’s mouth is dry. He feels like he forgot how to breathe properly.

He didn’t know you’d be here, and here you are. Beautiful. Except he shouldn’t think that, because you’re his son���s teacher. It’s inappropriate. But the way the sun hits your skin…beautiful. You’re beautiful.

He needs to focus. He’s supposed to be coaching the kids, not gawking at a teacher like some idiot.

To make matters worse, Rossi notices, and only silently raises his eyebrows.

Aaron told Rossi about your parent-teacher conference, and how he should’ve put Jack in therapy sooner -- along with himself. Rossi asked him if he thanked you for your advice, but Aaron never found the right time. He half-heartedly thanked you at the conference, but it wasn’t as genuine as it should’ve been.

He meant to call you, or send an email, but he never did. Truthfully, he’s been terrified. He feels incredibly stupid to have not gotten Jack help sooner, and even more stupid that he finds you as attractive as he does. Can he be any worse of a person, seriously?

And now, you’re here. At Jack’s soccer game. Which, he guesses he should’ve realized sooner that a lot of Jack’s classmates are on this team, too. And others from different classes, but still in his grade. It was only a matter of time before one of the kids asked a teacher to come. It would only take one, and clearly it did, and he’s unprepared.

Wildly unprepared. And wishing he put on a better shirt.

+++

The soccer game is a disaster, but a wonderful one.

The kids are too young for points to be counted, so it’s just a game of fun chaos. Teams are blurred and never really followed. But they looked like they had a blast out there, so that’s all that mattered.

You, Julia, and Kate split up to see your kids and give out as many high-fives as you possibly can. You listen to their rambles and congratulate them on playing so well. The parents stand by with smiles, occasionally one piping up to thank you for coming.

Aaron is there, too, surprisingly. He’s still smiling bigger than ever.

There’s a man with him, too, who Jack calls Uncle Dave. Jack has mentioned him in class before, and he’s actually Aaron’s coworker. He’s smiling, too, just not as wide, and he keeps glancing between you and Aaron.

Just when you think you’re in the clear, Aaron tells Jack to go with Uncle Dave because he needs to talk to you about something.

You catch Julia and Kate’s eyes when Aaron is left alone with you, and your stomach turns. He doesn’t look angry, but then again, the parents never look angry at first.

“I just wanted to thank you,” Aaron begins, turning so the sun isn’t in his eyes as much. He’s still squinting, and it’s adorable. You wonder why he didn’t wear sunglasses. “I picked a therapist from the list you gave me for Jack, and it’s really been helping him. A lot, so, I just wanted to thank you for giving that to me.”

You blink, stunned. “You’re welcome,” you say slowly before you gain your composure. “I’m very glad that it’s been helping. And to see him playing soccer,” you gesture to the field with a smile. “He seems to really enjoy it.”

“Oh, he does,” Aaron chuckles. “He can’t get enough of it. He talks about it all the time.”

All the time. So maybe he’s spending more time with Jack, then. “Good, I’m really glad to hear that.”

You pause, waiting for him to say something else. The awkward silence lingers for a little too long, and you know what’s coming next.

“I was wondering,” he starts, and lowers his voice a little. “I was wondering if you’d like to get dinner sometime.”

As much as you’d love to say yes, you can’t let yourself. “I’m sorry, Mr. Hotchner, that would just be inappropriate.”

“No, no, not as a date,” he backtracks, confusing you. “Just to thank you for-- For helping me get Jack in to see a therapist.”

You raise an eyebrow. “To thank me…for telling you what you should’ve done in the first place?”

He sputters for a moment, clearly losing his bearings. “No, I mean--”

“Listen, Mr. Hotchner,” you smile sweetly, trying to contain yourself. “What would you like? A gold star? For getting your son a therapist after he went through an incredibly traumatic event?”

He doesn’t say anything, and somehow that makes your anger and annoyance worse.

“Listen. The fact of the matter is that you should’ve kept your son in therapy since he lost his mother. And continue to keep him in therapy until he’s old enough to decide if he wants to continue seeing one or not. Because when my mom died, I didn’t get to have a therapist. We couldn’t afford it, and my dad was too out of his mind to even care. It nearly killed me, and my siblings. So don’t tell me that you want to thank me for something that I never should’ve had to do in the first place. You should’ve paid more attention to your son’s needs. Especially since you can afford services to genuinely help him.”

Your voice stayed quiet, thankfully, because you didn’t need everyone to hear you mouthing off to Aaron once again. You realize only halfway through that maybe you shouldn’t be saying these things in a setting such as this, but you’re too into it to stop.

Julia and Kate heard all of it, though. You can see their jaws open, eyes wide. Did you go too far? You don’t know and part of you doesn’t care. It’s the truth, and it hits far too close to home for you to say nothing at all.

Still, to cover your bases, you add one last thing. “I apologize if that was harsh, but it needed to be said. I want what’s best for my kids. And sometimes, that means getting their parents to see that they need to do better.”

You pause, and he nods, and says another quiet “thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” you murmur. And to keep things from stinging any more, you walk away.

Julia and Kate catch up with you on the way back to your car, both too stunned to say a word until you’re inside.

“Damn,” Julia whispers. “Damn.”

“Holy shit,” Kate says with a small laugh. “Tell ‘em.”

“Yeah,” you exhale loudly. “Let’s just hope I still have a job by Monday.”

+++

You do still have a job come Monday, with surprisingly no meeting with the principal, either. Or a phone call.

You’re suspicious, but trying not to be. Maybe it’s all fine.

You convince yourself that it’s completely fine until it really is. Until you start seeing Aaron occasionally, picking Jack up from school. You aren’t sure how often he’s been doing it, because the only reason you saw him is that you were forced into car rider duty. You’ve always been on the bus lane, but they needed another teacher out front, and that’s where you saw him first.

It caught you off guard the first time, honestly. It had been three weeks since the soccer game, since you told him off in front of everyone. And what did he do this time when he saw you?

He waved. He smiled. And then he scooped Jack up into his arms.

She won’t own up to it, but you’re positive Julia saw the interaction because you haven’t worked the bus lane since. Because Julia suddenly volunteered for it, taking your place.

Now, it’s a bit of a routine. Aaron picks Jack up almost every day, although sometimes there are a few stretches of three to four days where he isn’t present. Those days, you see Jessica, and she smiles at you as well, but it’s different. You got so used to seeing Aaron those days, that when you see Jessica, it feels strange. It begins to feel the way it used to feel when you saw Aaron picking Jack up.

It makes you smile. You’re glad to see Aaron taking the time to see Jack, to put in the time — finally — knowing he has the means to be able to do this.

+++

For the rest of the school year, this is how you see Aaron Hotchner.

Neither of you say a word to each other, except for the final parent-teacher conference — which he arrives early for. The conference is entirely professional, and he doesn’t mention the past. Neither do you.

The final week of school fast approaches, and you’re looking for decorations to put up in the classroom. You try to make the last week special because you know they’re just as ready for summer break as you are.

Part of your “decorations” consists of candy that you’ll put on their desk every morning, which means you’re in the grocery store, in desperate need of candy to entertain your kids. Five different kinds. Something extra special on the last day, though. They’ll get out two hours earlier, but they don’t know that yet (the parents do).

Right as you turn down the candy aisle, you stop dead in your tracks, your cart nearly smacking into someone else’s. When you look up, you realize who it is.

“Mr. Hotchner!” you blurt.

He smiles that soft smile. “Please, call me Aaron.”

You’re not used to calling parents by their first name. You know he’s tried to get you to call him Aaron a few times, but you can’t ever bring yourself to. Instead, you change subjects, peering into his cart.

“Grocery shopping? For…” You raise an eyebrow. “I don’t even have a good joke. Why do you have so many marshmallows?” He has like…six big bags. Of varying sizes, too.

“Long story,” he says, sheepish. “Jack wants to build something out of marshmallows.”

“Does he want to build a whole country?” you chuckle.

“Sort of, yeah,” Aaron laughs. “He said he wants to build a whole city, then eat it. His words.”

“Wonderful,” you grin. “Sounds like a blast.” And a good idea. You might steal that for next year.

“What are you here for?” Aaron asks, nodding toward your empty cart.

“Candy, for the kids,” you reply. “I want to give them a different kind every day for the last week, just to make it more fun.”

Aaron smiles wider this time. “They’ll love that.”

“Thanks,” you say, mirroring his smile.

You don’t know what’s gotten into you. Or him, quite frankly. Building marshmallow sculptures with Jack? Unheard of. But you leave it alone, just glad he’s spending more time with his son.

“Well, I’ll let you get back to shopping,” Aaron says, gesturing down the aisle. “See you on Monday.”

Baffled, you blink, then nod. “Yeah. See you Monday.”

You see Aaron every day of next week to pick Jack up, and you get to see Jack’s smile grow every day.

On Friday, you head back inside to your classroom, ready to pack things up. Thankfully, you’re returning to this room next year, so you don’t need to pack everything up.

As a tradition, you, Julia, and Kate go out to celebrate the end of the year, so you have to go home and get ready for the night ahead.

+++

Aaron doesn’t know why he let Rossi convince him to come out tonight. Jack’s at a sleepover at a friend’s house, so Aaron has nothing to do — theoretically. Until Rossi decided to drag him out.

Now, he’s sitting in a booth at a bar with a jazz band playing, and he’s wondering how many people Rossi can possibly know. Four people have already stopped to say hi, and they’ve barely been here for half an hour.

As Rossi talks with another friend, Aaron lets his eyes wander around the place, spotting the door when it opens. And you walk in.

He quickly averts his eyes, shifting in his seat. It’s enough to catch Rossi’s attention, and he gives Aaron a strange look, until he sees you at the bar with your two friends from Jack’s soccer game.

Aaron keeps his eyes trained on his whiskey, nodding absently when Rossi says he’s heading to the restroom.

What Rossi is actually doing is heading to the bar to intercept you and your friends, putting all three of your drinks on his tab.

“Thanks,” you chuckle, never one to argue with a free drink.

“You look familiar,” Julia blurts out.

“Dave,” Rossi introduces himself. “I’m a friend of Aaron Hotchner’s. I went with him to a few of Jack’s soccer games last season.”

“That’s where I’ve seen you,” you say.

Dave smiles. His back is turned to Aaron, so he can’t see Aaron glaring at him, wondering what the hell he’s doing up there talking to you.

“Aaron’s here with me, actually,” Dave says casually. “He’s at the booth just behind us if you’d like to see him.”

Kate nudges your arm harshly. “She would.”

“Actually, I don’t know if that’s—”

“Go,” Julia urges. “Why not?”

You give them both a look. “Fine,” you cave. “I’ll be right back.”

Kicking yourself for caving so easily (because you really would like to see him), you walk over to the booth where Aaron sits. Thankfully, his back is toward you, so he doesn’t see you coming.

He beams a smile when he sees you though, standing up to greet you. “Hey, what are you doing in here?”

“Kate and Julia drug me out,” you confess, idling for a moment as you both try to decide if you should shake hands, hug, or just stand here. “You?”

“Dave,” Aaron nods, chuckling. Just standing here it is. “Did he send you?”

“They all did,” you nod toward the bar, where they’re all watching like hawks, no doubt. “Mind if I sit?”

“Not at all,” he gestures to the empty space. “How are you?”

“Good, we’re out celebrating the end of the year,” you reply, walking around the table and sitting down on the plush booth cushion. This place is fancier than you would’ve chosen, but Julia heard good things about it from a friend, so you ended up here anyway. “How are you doing?”

“Good, although Dave drug me out for drinks because apparently,” he lifts his drink, “I don’t get out enough.”

“Y’know, that’s funny, my friends tell me the exact same thing,” you laugh. “Dave bought our drinks.”

“I knew he was doing something suspicious,” Aaron jokes, glancing back toward the bar. Dave and your friends have taken over three stools, clearly set on giving you and Aaron some time alone. “Sorry again if he forced you over here.”

“No, he definitely didn’t. My friends did,” you assure him, rolling your eyes. “Oh, I have to ask, how did Jack’s marshmallow city building go?”

Immediately, Aaron digs his phone out of his pocket. “I have a lot of pictures, I’ll just show you.” He unlocks his phone and goes to his camera roll, already smiling at the thought of them. “He had a blast. We went through so many toothpicks. We both had stomachaches by the end of it from eating so many marshmallows.”

He turns his phone to show you the pictures, and without thinking, you scoot closer to him. To get a better look at the pictures, you tell yourself, but you know that isn’t the full truth.

“Oh my god,” you laugh, grinning from ear to ear. “This so huge!”

“It covered our entire kitchen!” Aaron laughs with you, a sweet sound you wish you heard more often. “I didn’t tell Jessica about it, so she had a heart attack when she came over the next day.”

“I bet,” you nod seriously, swiping on his phone as he holds it toward you. “Goodness.” You look up at Aaron. “Did you guys eat all of them?”

“We’ve had a lot of hot chocolate.”

“It’s May.”

“I know,” he deadpans, feigning annoyance, but then he breaks into a smile. “I’ll admit, I’ve been snacking on them maybe a little more than I should every time I go into the kitchen.”

“I would do the same,” you chuckle. “No judgment here.”

He smiles at you and tucks his phone away back in his pocket, and neither of you move from how close you’ve gotten.

“How are you planning to spend your summer break?” he asks, taking a sip of his whiskey. You try not to stare at him too much.

“Lots of getting ready for next year,” you reply, rotating your glass in your hand, focusing on it instead. “Mostly reading for fun, I don’t get to do that a lot during the school year when I’m reading for my kids and grading and such. I plan to do a lot of nothing, basically,” you laugh. “What about you?”

“The same, hopefully,” he says, which surprises you. And he can tell, because he elaborates. “I took a lot of time off from work. I work from home now, essentially. If I absolutely need to go in, then I do, but so far, Dave’s been able to handle it.”

You knew a big change had been made, especially since he’s been picking Jack up from school everyday. But hearing the confirmation makes your heart warm. “I’m really glad to hear that.”

“Me too,” he says. “I know we’ve been over this, but I wanted to thank you for what you said, at Jack’s game—”

Mortified, you interrupt him. “Oh god, I hoped you had forgotten about that.”

“I didn’t forget—”

“I was rude.”

“What you said needed to be said and I’m glad you did,” he protests sincerely. “You shouldn’t have had to say anything, but you did, and I appreciate that.”

His sincerity stuns you. You blink, no words able to come out.

“We can move on from it now,” he says, noticing your hesitation. “I just wanted to be clear that I’m not angry with you for what you said, I’ve actually been the complete opposite.”

“Well,” you chuckle, trying to make light of this. “You didn’t call the school demanding I be suspended, so I knew you couldn’t be that upset with me.”

He stares at you, eyes widening. “Do parents do that?”

“Some, yeah,” you nod. “They don’t exactly like being told by a single teacher with no kids of her own that their parenting skills are shit.”

He laughs, taking a sip of his whiskey. You watch him raise the glass to his lips, but look away before he can catch you. You smile down at your own drink. This is embarrassing.

You thought this little crush -- or whatever it is -- had gone away since you hadn’t spoken to him since the soccer game. Sure, you started to look specifically for him in the pickup area, but that was for Jack. That wasn’t for you. Or, at least, that’s the story you spun for yourself.

“What’s on your list to read this summer?” Aaron asks, bringing your eyes back to his. He’s smiling. “I’ve been meaning to read more -- outside of the books Jack and I read.”

You remember Jack telling you about The Magic Treehouse series that Uncle Dave got him for Christmas, and how his dad was reading them with him.

“What, The Magic Treehouse isn’t enough for you?” you tease Aaron, and he laughs, that sweet sound you can’t get enough of.

You tell him about the books on your shelf at home, the ones you got years ago and have yet to read, and the others that you got this year because you couldn’t resist. He listens to each one, never once taking his eyes off of you.

“I am not going to remember all of these names,” he chuckles.

“I can text them to you,” you offer, a grin creeping up your cheeks.

He mirrors your expression. “You stole my line.”

“Oh, that was your line?” you ask, laughing as you pull out your phone. “Fine, fine, you can have it back.”

“No, you said it first,” he says, still grinning. He hands you his phone as you give him yours. “I’m bad at this anyway.”

“I don’t know,” you shrug, typing in your contact information before handing his phone back. “I’ve had a pretty good time.”

He waits a moment, just basking in your smile, the feel of your fingertips brushing against his when he returns your phone. “Me too.”

The night doesn’t end there, as the two of you continue talking. Another round of drinks is sent to your table by Dave and your friends who wave enthusiastically when you and Aaron look over at them.

“Free drinks, at least,” you shrug. “How much money does Dave have?”

“Don’t ask,” Aaron shakes his head. “He’ll never tell.”

As you both finish your first drink and head into the second, you scoot even closer. You bring your legs underneath you on the booth, getting comfortable as you and Aaron start to talk about your favorite movies. He tries to be sneaky and put his arm around you, but you notice and can’t help the giggle that escapes you.

“I told you I’m bad at this.”

“No, it’s sweet!” you protest, leaning into his chest. “It’s very nice, I don’t mind.”

He moves his arm from the back of the booth to your shoulders then, his hand resting on your arm. “This okay?”

“It’s perfect,” you smile softly, turning your head to look up at him. “What movie were we on?”

He stares so intently, searching your face. You watch as his eyes gaze over every inch, dropping to your lips, then back to your pupils. “I have no idea.”

“Me either,” you murmur, silently hoping for a kiss. Silently hoping that he’s hoping, too.

And he is. “I know our friends are watching us,” he whispers. “But can I kiss you right now?”

“Yeah,” you grin. “I was about to ask.”

“Well now we’re even,” he says, leaning closer as he smiles. You tilt your head, meeting his lips halfway, not wanting to wait any longer. You’ve quieted these feelings for far too long.

He kisses you long and sweet, his free hand coming to cup your face as yours search for stability in his shoulders. He knocks the breath out of your lungs, literally, but you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Aaron pulls back for just a moment, just far enough to say, “Was that worth a gold star?”

You laugh, playfully swatting his chest. “Yeah, Aaron,” you say, looking up at him. “It was.”

[tua-five]

Season 2 Episode 10

Today's episode starts off sad. A painful reminder that Ben is gone.

Reginald was cruel enough to blame it on the kids, but at least had the decency to let them have the day off.

I also love it shows that each and every one of them affected the timeline. Even Klaus. How he was named and knew the connection (probably through last name), I don't know. And of course, they think Five was being held hostage and then Five says he does feel like it sometimes.

Which brings another thing to attention. The news specified "hostage" not kidnapped. Kidnapped requires moving the victim, whereas hostage does not. However, that has nothing to do with my point. Hostage also requires the attention of a 3rd party. So they believed that they held Five hostage in order to do something or get something. What exactly did they think that was? I really want to know how far the conspiracy theorists went.

The siblings all had a lot of balls to tell [Viktor] that they won't help [him] and Harlan. For the first time, [he's] asking for help. Admitting that [he's] scared. And they tell [him] they have other priorities. They tell the one who literally keeps ending the world no. Good choice. Also, little do they know that it literally WILL be their priority in just a few measly hours. They make up for it by all joining in the car. That was really sweet.

And wow, I forgot that Ben told [Viktor] to tell Klaus that he was too scared to go into the light. That it wasn't his fault. I almost started crying again.

The only thing I can think of, is Diego should've shut his dang mouth. I mean, I know it would've happened anyway, but still. Diego saying there's 7 of the siblings and 2 of them. Oh yeah, you're right. See what I can do? Boom. A billion commissioners. Idiot.

I am proud of Diego, however, with the bullets. He's never done anything like that (assumably), and it's a lot at once, too. He did it to save his dumb brother that everyone believes got themselves into this mess.

There's a lot going on here, and I'm writing as I watch, so it's a little difficult to find the words to voice my thoughts on this. I'll try my best.

[Viktor] being able to calm Harlan, being able to go into the little bubble that was created, is impressive. It might not seem like it, but it actually really is. That I'd such a huge energy force. Anyone else would probably be dead.

Lila being able to mimic everyone's powers is way too overpowered. And somehow, without practice with any of the powers, she's already stronger and can master them. Despite Five being too tired to blink, Lila was still able to.

Klaus being about to hit the ground, but being caught by ghosts. Another show of his powers and how great they can be.

And of course, Five being the dumbest most idiotic person and pushing a 300-pound Luther out of the way of falling bricks. Luther literally survived a chandelier being dropped on him without a scratch. However, I do know that Five doesn't truly know that, so fine. But still. His love for his siblings makes him dumb.

Another thing about Five. He was too tired to blink with Diego, but then he goes and fights Lila, blinking around the room. There's 2 logical reasons he's able to do this. 1 being, he's had enough rest that he isn't tired anymore (though 2 minutes barely feels like enough time), or 2, he's running on adrenaline now. Out of fear. For himself and his family. He sees Allison dying, thought Luther was going to die (supposedly) by the bricks, etc. He's mad and confused, and he's afraid. He won't admit it, but he is. I'd like to believe it's the latter. That he's running on adrenaline. It just makes more sense.

Okay, hold on..

It seems I have remembered things wrong..?

The siblings are just now figuring out that Lila is "one of them". Klaus says, "Eh, but there were only 7 of us." Somenwhere somehow, my brain went to the hargreeves siblings knows that they are 7 of 43 gifted children born on the 1st of October 1989 from women who were not pregnant when the day began. I assumed that Reginald Hargreeves told them so. However, here, the siblings say that he never told the full truth. That they should consider the possibility of there being more of them out there. Meaning they didn't know about the other 36 children.

I went back to the first episode. To rewatch Sir Reginald's speech after the bank heist. And he says, "Our world is changing. Has changed. There are some among us lifted with abilities far beyond the ordinary. I have adopted six such children. I give you the inaugural class of The Umbrella Academy." So here, he hints that there are more "powered" people out there. However, the siblings now seem to not know that. So Reginald, either gaslit them, and/or they blocked that out. They're kids, so right now, all they're thinking about is the hundreds of people in front of them. The news cameras. The people they just saved and those they killed. The victory of their assumed first mission.

Can we talk about the amazing lines in just 30 seconds?

Luther saying "Love shouldn't hurt this much." Diego saying "I know what it's like to love dangerous people. Difference is... they love me back." Him saying that they can be her family if she let's them. Lila pausing to look at the others, and they all smile at her!! Like they truly will!!?

And then, dang, I did not remember The Handler just killing everyone so quick.

What's so sweet is Lila saying, "They're my real family." To the one she's called mom for so long. She's calling them family after she just tried killing all of them.

It's also sad how I'm sure Five is using his very last energy to go back in time. "Seconds. Not decades." He's dying, a gun pointed st his face, and his father's words echo in his head. And he uses that.

So much can change in a matter of seconds.

He saves his family with the last ounce of hope and will he has. Successfully.

Oh, and may I just say. With how accident prone and apocalypse prone, the siblings are, they should've known to take an extra briefcase. Just in case, ya know?

Cause yeah. "Shit" is right.

Gif collection!

[jaemmphilia]

★ 𝘪 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘣𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 ★ || b.c

★ summary: an accidental confession gone wrong, and fate forcing you to meet the one person you never wanted to see again.

★ characters: bang chan, cannon y/n (he/him pronouns and a masculine frame), holland (the sweetest gay idol in the entire world)

★ warnings: lots of hurt, the reader is an idol, and his stage name is Mars (for the sake of the story, reader also has a last name), so much heartache, grab your tissues bc channie is about to break your heart...this story doesn't follow exactly how chan became an idol, so for the sake of the story, he moves to korea after high school, internal homophobia, mentions of depression, reader has an anxiety attack :(

★ word count: 3.7K

★ requested?: yes, thank you to @cheeseflirty47

★ binnie's thoughts: ohhhh this one is a doozy, yall... i love writing angst so much, and i'm no stranger to rejection and heartbreak, so this is gonna be a little personal for me, so i hope i do it justice...I AM SO SORRY THIS IS SO LATE BUT I STRUGGLED SO BAD

★ disclaimer: this fic in absolutely NO way represents the stray kids members as people. this is just for fun, so don't take it to heart. just enjoy!

Having a dad who grew up with his best friend from diapers all the way into adulthood, meant that you were required to get along with his best friend’s son. It didn’t matter if you and Chan liked different things, you had to get along with him, according to your old man. Lucky for the both of them, you and Chan got along perfectly. You were both born in the same month, just 3 days apart, with Chan being the older one. You two did everything together growing up, mischievous little boys who rolled in dirt and played with bugs. As you got older, you both realized how much music meant to you.

Music was a staple in your home, your mother was in her school’s choir, and she was in theater. Your father was in a band that he formed with Chan’s father and two other friends, and they would perform for the neighborhood whenever there was a cookout or barbeque. So it was no surprise that you picked up on their musical talent, at such a young age on top of that. 

You and Chan were going on a fishing trip while your mom was on a three-day trip with her middle school music class. You and Chan are playing with the wrestling figures that you brought along with you in the back seat, the two of you making punching noises with your mouths as your characters duke it out. The radio plays softly in the car, your dads making conversation as the car rolls smoothly on the road. Suddenly, your favorite song in the entire world, The Girl is Mine, by Michael Jackson featuring Paul McCartney comes on the radio and you gasp, immediately kicking the back of your dad’s seat. 

“Dad, turn it up!” Your voice calls out, ignoring the super important heavyweight champion match you were previously having with Chan. Chan just pouts, he was so so close to winning. He had your character pinned in a finishing move, and was about to count to three. 

Your dad turns up the radio a little with a shake of his head. You wiggle from side to side in your seat, the music taking over you as you begin to sing the lyrics. As your little voice fills the car, Chan’s dad looks at your dad with an incredulous look. Since when did you have such a good singing voice, and why are they just now hearing it? 

“What? You didn’t know my boy had the voice of an angel? Believe me, I was surprised too.” Your dad says, a cocky tilt to his voice. Chan’s dad lets out an awed whistle. 

“He sounds real good, mate,” Chan’s dad starts, taking a sip of his soda as he looks at you belting your heart out in the back seat, “Do you think he’d be famous one day?”

Your dad has definitely thought about you growing up and becoming famous one day. He would be so proud, but he would never force you into a life of fame if it wasn’t something you wanted. “Yeah, but I feel like it’s too soon to think about that, you know? He may not even want to be a singer when he gets older.” Chan’s dad hums, and then he hears another voice joining in on your singing, although it’s much quieter. He breaks out into a smile, knowing that the voice belongs to his very own son. He knows Chan is shy about singing in front of people, so he’s glad to know that you bring out that side of him. He's really happy that you and Chan are close. 

Things remain the same as you and Chan get older. You both have ventured into high school. You still hang out with Chan every single day, you study together after school, and then you ride your bikes to the park and you play a little bit of soccer (or football, whatever you want it to be) until it’s time for you to part ways for dinner. 

Things do change when Chan gets a girlfriend. Vanessa Clovers. A pretty girl with wavy black hair that stops at her shoulder. She has tan skin, probably from playing softball for the school. She had soft blue eyes hidden behind a pair of thick glasses, her teeth covered in silver braces. She was known as one of the prettier girls in your grade, everyone wanted to get with her. Well, everyone but you.

 Chan had expressed interest in her to you before, and you felt this weird rumble in your stomach. You just dismissed it as you being hungry, and you clapped Chan on the back, encouraging him to go talk to his crush. As you watched him approach the girl, you turned back to your open locker, your eyebrows furrowed. You couldn’t understand why you were feeling so… angry. You turned your attention back to Chan, who is deep in conversation with the girl. She’s laughing at something, her arm coming up and playfully slapping Chan’s arm. You close your locker quietly and rush off to class without Chan, something you’ve never done in your life. 

You were guilty. You were guilty because you hated Vanessa. You hated her because she had something you so desperately wanted, she had Chan. She got him before you did, and she makes him happy. You want to be the one to make Chan happy in that way. You want to be the one to kiss his cheek and hold his hand. You hated her for no good reason, she never did anything wrong to you. She was actually nice to you, and oftentimes tried to have a decent conversation with you. All you could really do was muster a fake smile as the ugly green head of envy consumed your being. 

Considering that your birthdays were only three days apart, it only made sense to combine your birthdays together. This year was really no different. You shouldn’t be surprised when Vanessa shows up to the party, a black gift bag in her hand. She makes a beeline to Chan, who’s standing at the grill talking to his dad. She wraps her arms around Chan, giving him a kiss on the cheek, and you can hear a soft happy birthday, baby, fall from her glossy lips. You roll your eyes before you could stop yourself, looking down at the table you’re sitting at. You all of a sudden don’t want to be here, not when you can see Chan and Vanessa sucking faces just a few short feet away from you. Your younger sister must know that something is bothering you, because she walks over with a slice of cake. 

“Stop moping around like an idiot, it's your birthday party too, remember?” She says, plopping down in the seat next to you, setting down her own slice of cake. You’re so glad she’s here, she always knows when something is bothering you. She always gives you something you like, rolling her eyes while telling you to, “get over it, loser.” All you can do is chuckle at her bluntness, your arms tugging her close as you hug her. She may hate when you hug her or pretend to give her a kiss, but you know she’s glad to have you as her older brother. 

“I’m not moping around. I just don’t feel like celebrating, that's all.” You say, stabbing the red velvet cake with your fork, placing the small bite in your mouth as your sister lets out a scoff mixed with a laugh. You roll your eyes at her dramatics, watching as she points her plastic fork at you. 

“You’re just upset that your only friend is busy with his girlfriend. You feel like this birthday isn’t for the both of you, you feel like it’s only for him.” She says, hitting the nail on the head. It makes you cringe internally. 

You’ve never been good with change, whether it be drastic change or something as small as dinner plans being switched to something else. It always throws you off, making you groan dramatically (dramatics run in your family unfortunately) and complain about the sudden changes. 

“I hate how well you know me, Liz.” You mutter, tugging at your hair as you indulge in the delicious cake in front of you.

“I would consider it a blessing, big bro.”

You should consider today to be a good one. Vanessa is out of town for some family trip, meaning you have Chan all to yourself. Which is why you should be happy, but you aren’t. You and Chan are chilling out in his room, the only sound in the room being Chan strumming on his guitar. You can faintly hear the hums coming from his mouth, his body swaying side to side as he plays. The two of you haven’t said much to each other, just a short greeting and a side hug. You can’t help but feel like a stranger in the room you’ve been in dozens of times growing up. 

You look around the room, noticing the changes Chan has made to his space. Something pink catches the corner of your eye and you turn your head to look at it. A shirt, a tank top to be more specific. You already know whose it is, and it makes your stomach turn knowing that she’s been here. 

Did she sleep in your spot on the bed? 

You shake your head to get rid of the idea of her sleeping in your spot on Chan’s bed, the churning feeling becoming stronger, making you want to spill your lunch. You decide to just focus on your phone, scrolling through social media. This goes on for hours, until Chan’s phone rings loudly in the once quiet room, scaring the both of you. 

“Fucking hell,” Chan mutters, grabbing his phone. He lights up when he sees who's calling, his cute dimple appearing on his face. You watch him with a soft smile, wishing that it were you making him smile like that. 

“Hey, gorgeous! How’s your trip?” Chan says, holding his phone up to his ear. You try not to listen to their conversation, knowing it isn’t your place to be nosy. But, you are your mother’s son, you can’t help it. You listen as they talk, your heart breaking as Chan talks to Vanessa with such intimacy. 

As their conversation comes to an end, you’re stuck with your thoughts. Thoughts of wanting someone so desperately that you would do anything to be with them. You would change every single thing about yourself if it meant Chan loved you the same way you love him. You don’t stand a chance against someone like Vanessa. She’s everything you aren’t. Maybe things would be different if you had been born a girl. If only you weren’t attracted to the same gender, maybe you wouldn’t be in this predicament. You wouldn’t be hanging on to something that will never be, a small fire of hope so close to being blown out by the harsh wind of reality. 

“Man, I miss her so much.” Chan says, placing his phone down as he looks at you with this lovesick puppy look on his face. It makes your head hurt knowing it’s not directed at you. 

The words spill from your lips before your brain has time to stop it. 

“I love you, Chan.” 

No. This isn’t supposed to happen. Not like this. Your body burns with anxiety, your eyes feeling wet as tears gather. Your mouth is dry, your jaw slack. You start to sweat as you look at Chan’s face. 

You can’t deny the look in his eyes. Humiliation, disgust. Oh, no. You start to sweat, your hands shaking slightly. You can’t seem to bring yourself to do anything.You’re frozen, eyes locked on Chan as his own eyes dart around the room. 

“You know I’m in a relationship, and I’m not into guys.” He says, not looking at you. What he says next makes you want to crawl into yourself and rot away into nothing. His voice is harsh, his tone like a rock. He’s never spoken to anyone like that, much less you. 

“Even if I were into guys, I wouldn’t date you. You’re my best friend and you’re like a brother to me, that’s just weird.” 

You can literally taste the disgust in his voice. So potent and loud, it makes you dizzy. You bite back a sob, tucking your bottom lip in between your teeth. You feel like if you attempt to even say anything, you will throw up. 

“Besides, Vanessa was telling me about how you don’t like her. She said she heard you talking bad about her to your sister at our party. What the hell, Y/N?” Chan says, his expression quickly switching to angry. 

You can’t believe what you’re hearing. You know she’s lying, you have never said anything bad about her. Well, not out loud. You want to defend yourself, but your mouth won’t move. Your brain is screaming at you to say something, anything. All you can do is look down at your shaking hands as Chan scoffs at you.

“You aren’t even going to deny it? So what she said must be true. I can’t believe you, Y/N! She’s never done anything wrong to you!” 

You can’t even defend yourself. You sit there as Chan expresses his frustrations to you, his words hitting you hard. He hates you now. All because of some girl that entered his life two years ago, when you’ve been there the whole time. 

“Get out, Y/N. I can’t even look at you right now.” Chan says, opening his door and motioning for you to get out. You hesitate, your legs feeling like the stiffest bowl of jello as you stand. 

The tears don’t stop as you make your way out of the Bahng household, ignoring Chan’s mom as she greets you from the living room. She hears Chan’s door slam and she frowns. Something must have happened, the two of you have never argued. Of course the two of you had little disagreements as kids, but it was easily solved with talking and hugging. She knows this is not a talking and hugging situation. 

You rush home, your vision blurry with salty tears that sting. You enter your home, making a beeline to your room. You close the door softly, not wanting to alert anyone of your arrival. You don’t want to see or speak to anyone. You try to catch your breath, choking on the sobs that come out of your mouth. You grip your chest, feeling your heart racing under your hand. Your heartbeat reverberates in your ears, your body shaking as you drop to your knees. You hear voices in your head, berating you for confessing to Chan. They call you names, they point out your flaws, your weaknesses. 

You wish it would stop.

You honestly didn’t expect to meet Chan again. Especially not after your debut as a solo artist in South Korea. You recently made your debut and everyone loves you. You go by Mars, one of your nicknames growing up. You’re known for singing soft songs, the words relatable and full of emotion. Your debut album was a hit, causing you to gain fame fairly fast. Your fans liked that you were authentic, not some tasteless blob molded by an entertainment company for money. You were also one of the first openly-gay idols. 

That day you left Chan’s house was the last time you ever saw him and his family. Just a few short months later, they packed up and moved to South Korea. When you found out, it broke your heart, knowing that the last interaction you had with your best friend was a negative one. 

Your sister had found you in your room, you were struggling to breathe as your entire body shook. She immediately called for your mom frantically, not used to seeing you in such a panicked state. Your mother managed to get you to calm down, helping you breathe properly before you passed out. After that, she took you to see a doctor, and you were diagnosed with anxiety disorder and a mild case of depression. Your mother was supportive, she got you into therapy and you slowly got better, but there’s still times where you don’t feel 100%. 

Which brings us to now. An award show. Everyone is there, all of the people you idolized were right in front of you, and a few of them actually expressed excitement about your debut album. You thanked them, telling them that their music inspired you to start making music yourself. 

As you’re sitting in your seat talking to Holland, another idol under your label, and a fellow openly-gay idol, you hear some commotion coming from behind you. You turn your head and see a group approaching you. Normally, that wouldn’t bother you, but when your ex-best friend and previous (he still is) crush is in the front, you tend to freak out a bit. Your eyes go wide and you whip your head to face forward, causing a laugh from Holland. 

“What’s got you so freaked out? You didn’t see a ghost, did you?” He asks, turning back to see what you were freaking out about. All he sees is the group Stray Kids, taking their seats behind you. He turns back around to you, taking in your wide eyes and the way you bite your bottom lip. The pieces start to come together.

“Oh,” he starts, “You are totally crushing on one of them.”

“What, no way! That’s ridiculous!” You sputter, your face heating up. 

Holland just laughs, his hand clapping you on the shoulder. 

You sit on a stool in the middle of the stage, a large piano in front of you. You are belting the words so passionately, the lights shining down on you, heating your body up, making you sweat a little. Everyone in the crowd is moved by your performance, but every time you open your eyes, you keep looking at Chan. 

His face is unreadable, almost as if he knows the song is about him and not some old flame like you claimed in every interview. The lyrics just feel too familiar to him, his mind going back to his teenage years with you. He misses those times with you, laughing and messing with your little sisters. He feels bad for how things ended between you, and he wishes he could apologize. He’s heard your entire album, he’s had it on repeat for weeks. He’s not an idiot, your debut album is about him. He has to find a way to talk to you and apologize. 

Finding you was easy. He catches you backstage after your performance, watching as you talk to a pretty blonde guy. You’re smiling, toothy and bright, and he feels his heart skip in his chest. Where did that come from? He walks towards you, catching your attention. 

He watches your eyes go wide, your entire body freezing as you stare at him as if he grew two heads. He thinks you look silly like that, and he can’t fight the smile on his face. 

“Y/N, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?” He says, mentally kicking himself for being so damn awkward. 

You hesitate, your eyes looking everywhere but at him. You noticed that Holland isn’t at your side, and you remind yourself to flick his forehead when you see him. “It has.”

“Do you have a moment to talk? Maybe we can get some dinner and catch up?” He asks, his voice hopeful as he tilts his head at you. Your heart flips at the way he looks, his brown hair flopping to the side. 

You wonder if this is a good idea. You could easily get hurt again, but you would also like some closure. There’s so many questions running through your head, it makes you dizzy.

“Uh, yeah, sure. Dinner sounds nice.” 

You and Chan leave after the awards show, and you go to a secluded sushi restaurant. The air is awkward, but it passes quickly when Chan brings up the time you both filled his parents bathtub with frogs you captured in the mud. You can’t help but laugh, reminiscing about your wild child days. 

“Y/N, I missed you. So much.” Chan says, his eyes on you, not once looking away. You feel your face get warm, and you try to fight the smile creeping onto your face. 

“Chan, I missed you too. But I can’t forget how you spoke to me that day. It really hurt that you believed Vanessa over me.” You say, ignoring the aggressive bounce of your leg as you tell him how you felt that day. 

Chan cringes when he hears that name. “Right, Vanessa. We actually broke up not long after I…kicked you out.” Chan says, and you gape at him. 

“If you don’t mind, why did you break up?” You ask, picking at the loose strings of your sweater; a nervous habit you picked up from your anxiety. 

“It turns out she lied about you being rude to her because she was jealous of how close we…were.” Chan sighs, taking a sip of his drink as he rolls his eyes. You were right all along. She wasn’t to be trusted. 

“I always knew she was the jealous type. She thought I couldn’t see when she would glare at me whenever you and I would talk,” You say, pointing your chopsticks at him. “I never said anything bad about her, that was Liz.” 

Chan laughs at that, knowing that your little sister had quite the attitude. It makes him miss Hannah and the rest of his family. 

“You aren’t still mad at me, are you? Because according to your album, you sound like you hate me.” Chan asks. “If you aren’t mad, then I’d like us to pick up where we left off as friends.”

You thought about it for a second. You would finally have your best friend back in your life, but not in the way you truly desired. Could you live with that? Sure, it can’t be too hard. You’ll always have other people in your life. 

“Yeah, we can go back to where we left off. We’re brothers for life, right?” You ask, a gentle smile on your face as you look at Chan. He smiles back and you both make a toast to rekindling a once broken friendship between brothers.

[polycrowtruther]

“Jesper inherited his dimples from his father,” Kaz said softly, “Did you know that? The Fahey dimple has been running for five generations now. A-And Inej, she’s got this bow in her step. Her mother steps the same way. And Wylan, fuck, his freckles are everywhere. Just like his mom, she’s got the stars on her skin just like he does. And I think about this all, and I just wonder… What would their kids look like? What would they get? Would my pup have the Fahey dimple? Would my pup learn Suli, or Fjerdan, or maybe both? What would my pup like best, maths or science? Would… would my pup have a bow in their lips just like my dad did? I think about all of this and it guts me every time.”

Alina stirred her hot chocolate, feeling her friend's grief so deeply in her bones. She has had the same dreams, and she knows what comes next too. Kaz still forced himself to say it, anyway, because he wasn’t the kind of person to leave a story half-finished. 

“I can’t bring a child into this world. I just - I - I can’t. Not with how it is now. You, well you have to, for the sake of Nikolai’s future. For all your futures, and I know that, and it’s a whole different brand of fucked up, but still. Inej was fourteen when she was sold off. Fourteen, Alina. I was nine when my life was destroyed. Matthias learned how to shoot straight before he even had his first kiss. Before he hit puberty. This world is not a kind one, not to us and certainly not to children, and I am not a kind person because of it. How could I ever bring something I love into it, into this?”

“I know, sweetheart,” Alina murmured, feeling tears bead against her lashes. 

“But in the same way, how can I deny my pack that?” Kaz moaned, his head flopping down to rest against his arms with a loud thunk, “They all would be such good parents, show so much love to that child, and I do not deserve the right to deprive them of that chance just because I’m scared. This may be my only chance to carry a pup, but if a life is spared in a warzone is it really spared at all?” 

Alina shook her head, unable to speak. Because every word Kaz had said was true. Already each fear he had voiced aloud had resonated within her long before she had discovered her own pregnancy. Every omega who grew old enough to understand what birth required lamented on these very ideas. What did it mean to be a mother? What did it mean to carry a child? She didn’t know, and she didn’t know how to ease her friend's pain either. She’d try her best though. 

She cleared her throat, and spoke only what she believed, “I know, and it sucks. It really fucking sucks. The state of the world right now is nothing but ashes, and that flame was sparked because of every single person who has hurt us. Aleksander, Pekka, every faceless man who walks us by? Each one of them has the chance to ruin us.

"But after a forest fire, things heal. They always do. Nature is the first mother, and she shows us time and time again that her children are resilient. We are resilient. And when we become mothers we have to learn that all over again when our children go on to fight their own fight. But, although it’s all we have, we do have the power now to work towards what we feel is right, and one day we will make it so no one else has to ask these questions again. We have each other, Kaz, and we have our friends. If we stick together, life won’t always be a warzone. So if you are pregnant, then we will simply have to fight even louder to make this world a suitable place for our child to call home. And if you aren’t pregnant now, it doesn’t mean you’ll never have the chance to have a kid someday. You’ve got time, Kaz, and a lot of it. We all do. That’s what fighting so hard up till now has given us. The chance to keep fighting, and give what comes next their own running start.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

tldr that moment when you're writing Grishaverse ABO mpreg fic and it becomes such an allegory for the current soceopolitical state of the world that you get possessed by Mpreg Castiel to write poetry in said fic.

anyway Kaz may or may not be pregnant yall

[monsterswithimagines]

Undisclosed Desires - Part 32

Joe Goldberg x female!Reader

Masterlist

How will we ever get back to normal, (Y/n)?

You are terrified of me. You won't say as much and you try hard to hide it, but you sleep on the very edge of the bed and jolt when I touch you unexpectedly.

You don't hide from me. You don't avoid me. You don't pull away when I kiss you, and you even kiss me first.

But you drink far more than usual. You can't get through the day without several glasses of wine or beer. You can't abide my touch with something to dull your senses.

And you smoke. I've never seen you with even a single cigarette but suddenly you're going outside every half hour to light up. You don't read and you can't focus on any movie and you zone out during conversations.

It's all my fault.

I did this to you. I wasn't careful enough. You should've never had to know about any of this.

You're not the one who's supposed to carry this weight.

Your mother's funeral is on the second of January, which is the day I'm supposed to fly back to New York. Obviously, I delay my flight. I can't let you go alone. It would look incredibly weird for your boyfriend not to show up with you, for one. But more importantly, I'm afraid that if I leave the country before you, you're either going to say something to someone, or decide not to follow me back.

I can't trust you.

And you don't trust me.

It's December 31st and tonight, your aunt and uncle as well as Nadia are coming to the AirBnB to celebrate New Year’s. You are cleaning up and cooking at the same time. Me? I'm reading. I did try to help you, but you told me the same thing you tell me every time you do anything requiring organisational skills: that you'll just get annoyed with me for doing it wrong.

There is a silence between us that demands to be filled. But how?

You must be thinking the same thing.

“Good book?”

“I don't know yet.”

“What's it about?”

I glance at you. Your tone is so casual, you'd almost think you don't know who you're talking to.

“It's about a ten-year-old girl who's suspected of a crime.”

“What did she do?”

“Everyone thinks she killed another kid.”

“Sounds interesting.”

“Sure.”

This may be the most sexless conversation we've ever had. We are like an old married couple who have long since fallen out of love.

I close the book - Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan - and set it on the coffee table, then stand and approach you. You are at the stove, stirring soup. You hear me come, and don't startle when I put my chin on your shoulder.

“Hi,” I say.

“Not now, Joe. I'm busy.”

“I know,” I say. “But it's two pm. Nobody's getting here for hours. Take a break.”

“I don't want to take a break.”

Your voice is clipped and you hate me. You must hate me.

But then, when I'm already stepping away from you, you turn the flame on the stove lower and turn to me. You step back into my space, tilting your head to look up at me, and place your hands on my sides.

My hands come up automatically to cover yours.

“I'm sorry,” you say. “That was mean.”

“It wasn't that mean.”

“It was mean,” you insist, resting your chin against my chest. “How can I make it up to you?”

Your tone is suggestive and you are lowering yourself to the floor, getting on your knees. Suddenly, we are not in a sexless marriage at all and you have never sucked my dick before, and I am tempted to let you. I want to let you.

But I can't.

“Stop,” I say, pulling you back to your feet. “Don't do that.”

“Why not?” you ask, blinking innocently at me.

“Because you don't want to.”

You snort.

“I think I'm giving you pretty clear signals that I want to.”

“But you don't.”

You huff and step away from me, crossing your arms. Your elbow almost knocks the pan off the stove, and I react. I pull you toward me, away from the danger. Except that danger doesn't exist, because you never touch the pan.

You slam into me and I stumble back against the breakfast table and your lips are on mine, pressing hard, demanding to be kissed.

What can I do but comply?

You taste like wine - you started drinking at twelve - and tobacco. Your body feels tinier against mine then it's meant to. At least that last part isn't my fault.

“Don't tell me what I want,” you insist against my lips, and press your palm against my clothed cock. “And don't pretend not to want it, too.”

I can't help it, (Y/n). Of course I want to. Of course my dick is rock hard the second you touch me. But I want to do the right thing here.

“This is a bad idea.”

You humm in answer, pulling your shirt - which is my shirt - over your head and throwing it to the side. You are not wearing a bra and your nipples are hard, begging me to touch them, but I won't.

“We shouldn't,” I insist.

“We should, though.”

“(Y/n).”

But you kiss me again, and your lips are like an aphrodisiac. My hands cup your cheeks and I kiss you back and then I'm lifting you with my hands underneath your thighs, whirling around to sit you down on the table and crowding between your legs.

You are not wearing pants and it would be so easy to pull your panties to the side, tug myself out of my sweats and fuck you just like this. Right here. But if I do, what kind of person am I?

What kind of person am I to be touching you with these hands that pushed you against the wall and bruised you? What kind of person am I to take advantage of you when you are afraid of me? When you are tipsy? When you may or may not hate me?

I should be taking myself far away from you.

I pull backwards, out of your orbit, but your hands on my arms reel me back in. If you are a planet, I am your moon. No, if you are a planet, I am the asteroid on my way to destroy you.

“What is it, Joe?” you ask, rubbing your hand along my cheek. “You're a million miles away.”

“I can't do this,” I say. “Okay? I can't.”

“Why not?”

“Because,” I say, and pause. You should know the answer but you don't. You stare at me like I’m an idiot. “Because.” I repeat.

“Okay.”

You push me away and you stand and you bend and pick up your shirt. There is a chasm between us, and it is widening. It widens more when you cover up your skin.

“You know, Joe,” you say. “I'm trying. I am. Because I want this to work. Because I love you.”

You love me.

If that's the truth, I have broken you after all.

[iamjustalittle]

ABO, Mpreg, Alpha Max / Omega Daniel, ~800 Words.

This was the first fic that I wrote about Maxiel when my friend asked me to take a look at this madness of a couple. And I did and went insane. So the dynamic is not very exactly what I think they will share if I write it again but I think it is kinda funny nevertheless.

Family Day was usually Daniel's responsibility. Daniel was super popular among kids, parents, and teachers – at this point, it was no surprise. Every time he went to pick up Jasper, their little boy, he brought some snacks and bribed many of the kids' classmates, which went a very long way.

Although Daniel loved Family Day very much and even wanted to take the opportunity from Max again, the healthy development of a child required both fathers to do their jobs. It was really weird how he got to this point if you thought about seven years ago. Daniel had been (literally) screaming like a pile of chicken in front of the mirror when he took a look at the pregnancy test and woke up Max, who went straight into full panic mode. He had only had some dumbass experiences with kids, them flopping to the ground and crying, and he had been dying, laughing his brain out by their side.

How he had made it this far, he had no clue, but for one, Daniel was very proud of himself.

He had to comfort himself with something good because Max going to Family Day alone was stressing him out. Max was a very good dad, don't get him wrong, but sometimes they, both of them, pulled some ridiculous dad shit that a dad would do.

The theme of Family Day was to build electric toy cars. Parents and kids worked together, and based on the results of a series of small games, they could choose different parts to assemble the final car. Finally, the cars raced on a 100-meter track on the playground.

Both Verstappens were very serious. Between the two, one was much more serious than the other—one of them went to the teachers almost at every step to discuss the reasonableness of the race design. Well, this indeed put the teachers and the principal in an awkward position. This seriousness could be understood because Family Day was planned based on the parents' different professions, and the WDC was probably not included in the teachers' prepared plans originally. Max thought they should. This was Monaco, at the end of the day.

Things finally got out of control when they were ready to bring the race cars on the scene. Little Verstappen had probably never been treated this way by his dad, as Max just snatched away the better toy tire that they won from the previous game. He faced his deflated tire on his toy car and watched his dad write on his own car: "No.1 Verstappen."

"Daddy," he poked Max's waist. "I am No.1 Verstappen."

"Who said that?" Max raised the toy car in his hand and examined it from the back (rear wing), actually not even giving his son a glance.

"Papa. Papa said I am the best Verstappen!" the son said proudly, patting his chest.

"Papa's number is 3. How does he know who No.1 is?" Max said sincerely. "Papa is lying to you. I think I am No.1, and everyone can see that. I mean you also have Ricciardo in your name!”

Jasper just could not understand what he was talking about. He’s six. But Max just kept going.

“And you know, daddy’s name is Max. Do you know what Max means? Max means the greatest in English. Which means No.1.”

“And also the first No.1 to your papa. Most importantly.” He added. Sebastian’s face showed up in his mind for a moment, which made his voice even louder and clearer.

At least this time his son got the memo.

When Daniel arrived at the scene, his son was still sobbing in the teacher's arms and didn't want to come out. Max stood beside the teacher, looking helpless, with messy hair and shirt. He tried to coo and had no luck whatsoever. He scratched his head, also on the edge of freaking out as he glanced at Daniel, with a scent full of chaos. "We haven't even competed... He has been crying! Why is he crying?"

Daniel's veins were about to pop from his head. He apologized to the teacher, half-knelt in front of little Ricciardo-Verstappen, wiped his tears, hurriedly offered him a strawberry lollipop, and then hugged him, patting Jasper’s back, while giving Max a stern look. "What did you say?"

"I didn't say anything, I mean, my car is just a little better than his, that's the truth..."

An Alpha being stared at by an Omega and retreating, how strange. Max began to pull his hair again, and he started to explain with his hands everywhere. "I said I am the number one Verstappen... You shouldn't lie to him because I mean you love…"

"Max Verstappen," Daniel interrupted. "Shut your mouth."

[highlordofkrypton]

the lighthouse // an aquafam au - chapter 9 update

Read on AO3.

Summary: Atlanna runs away from Atlantis with baby Orm and raises him on the surface with Tom Curry and Arthur.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: BABY ORM!!! BABY ORM!!! 😭 Please also check the end notes on AO3!

Chapter 9 - baby steps

“The Waynes are good people.”

Atlanna runs her hands beneath the water. Her husband’s voice is faint in the background of the rushing tap. The cool liquid soothes her thoughts and eases her mind—it helps that the strangers are gone and they are alone again. She cups the water, staring at it and pouring it across her forearms, as if trying to bathe in it rather than do the dishes. She coats her skin in hopes of protecting herself from the sting of soap—of the chemicals she is inevitably putting back into the system which will probably end up in her seas. The surface is brutal; it forces her to make painful choices. The water feels too nice to use gloves.

“You did not tell me you were familiar with them, nor did you inform me that they were visiting,” she says mechanically, picking up the first dish.

“I don’t know them personally, but they’re an influential family in America. They use their power for good. That kind of thing.” Tom leans against the counter, towel tossed lazily over a shoulder as he waits for dishes to dry. 

“There is no such thing as powerful people who are good,” Atlanna points out without missing a beat.

“Says the Queen of Atlantis.” Tom scooches closer, bumping his hip against hers. “You have power and you’re good.”

“That is a common misconception. My father had power and now, my husband has power. I am simply,” she pauses, trying to find the right word. “Incidental.” 

She is too smart to pretend otherwise. Kings prefer sons—it means that the throne will remain within the lineage. Through Orm, the House of Atlan has transferred its power to the House of Marius. Arthur could return her House to its former glory, despite bearing the name of Curry, but she would never ask it of her son. ‘Atlantis would sooner crumble than kneel to a surface king’ is what Orm had told her.

She does accept Tom’s peck on her cheek, his attempt to comfort her. Just because she is aware of what she is does not mean that she is particularly sad about it. Atlanna has made her choices and she is happy with them.

“The Waynes are exceptional people, then. Arthur will be going to school soon. Why not send him where he won’t be so different, after all? It might be better. He might even have access to resources he wouldn’t normally have because the Waynes know that he’s not entirely human.”

“I don’t see what they can provide that I cannot for my own children. If they require something, I will procure it.” It is as simple as that. She does not need Atlantis’ resources or her family’s influence to be a good mother. 

“That’s not what I meant. I’m saying we don’t have to do this alone and the kids will have to leave home one day. We can’t keep them hidden forever.” Yes, they’ve succeeded in keeping the world out for now, but that won’t last. It shouldn’t last, is Tom's opinion. He’s never hidden Arthur, and he’s only started keeping him at the lighthouse when Atlanna returned, but there’s a whole community that cares for them. Grandmothers, first, second and third cousins who miss their company dearly. Tom has done his best to ease Atlanna into it, but their safe haven is opening up faster than he can manage.

The truth is, he doesn’t know how to help her through her trauma, but he knows good people who can.

“We must. If we do not, then my husband will find them. He will take Orm and I cannot account for what he will do to Arthur. He will most definitely kill us.” She hands him a plate with the same ease as if she was talking about the weather. 

“We have to let them live, Lana. We can’t keep them captive here. They’ll be curious about the world, too. We have to find ways to make it work.” Tom frowns, speaking to her softly. He remembers an Atlanna that was brave, daring and flirtatious. He remembers every dream she had for Arthur—the ones she asked Tom to help achieve. He doesn’t expect her to be the same woman, but he has never known her to be so… afraid. His heart aches on her behalf. “Just think about it.”

Atlanna says nothing, rooted in her thoughts.

“Dad!” Arthur shouts from the other room.

“Yeah?”

“Come quickly!”

“In a second.”

Tom just wants to finish his conversation with Atlanna. More often than not, when Arthur needs immediate attention, it’s for the randomest reasons. When Arthur actually does need help, the boy magically becomes self-sufficient, like the one time he fell off a monkey bar in the park, scraped his knee and just rubbed grass in the wound. 

***

What do I do?

Arthur blinks at his brother.

Orm holds onto the cushion of the couch, pulling himself to his feet and standing on wobbly legs. He’s an expert at getting up, but he rarely does more than bounce excitedly to the sound of Arthur’s voice. Today feels different. He gets a little determined furrow in his brow as he stares at his big brother.

He’s going to walk. Arthur is sure of it.

He’s also very sure that his parents would want to be here for this. They’ve always shared Orm’s firsts between themselves, a precious gift in their family. He watches as Orm looks at the space between them, then at Arthur’s face.

“Dad!” He yells, urgently.

“Yeah?”

“Come quickly!” 

“In a second.”

Which means that his dad isn’t going to be here fast enough. 

“Don’t do it,” he says to Orm frantically, but Orm only understands half the thing he says. Either the little fry is too stubborn to listen to Arthur, or it's a language barrier because Orm speaks bubbles. “Wait until mom and dad get here please.”

But that little foot is lifting and—and Arthur doesn’t know what to do . He acts without thinking and reaches out to gently shove Orm. The baby bounces on his diapered bum, eyes wide with shock. Orm blinks once, twice, and wails. He wasn’t hurt, but the surprise overwhelms him. His crying is so loud, it makes Arthur feel so guilty.

Their parents are in the room within a second. Atlanna wields her sword, looking for the enemy. Instead, all she finds is a blubbering Arthur who offers a very long explanation in a single breath: “I told you to come but neither of you were coming and dad is so slow, I thought you’d want to be here for this and I asked Ormie not to do it but he didn’t want to listen to me so I panicked and I pushed him, but it was suuuuuuper gentle. He fell on his bum but his bum is cushioned and I didn’t mean to make him cry but it was really important that he waits because I don’t want you to be sad that you missed it.”

Arthur inhales, catching up on the breath he forgot to take.

“Miss what?” Tom asks, a little too used to Arthur’s antics.

“Um, you might want to get the camera.”

He won’t let Atlanna comfort Orm because he totally has this under control. Arthur shuffles closer, hugging his little brother. “I’m sorry, Ormie. I didn’t mean to push you.”

He makes sure to let Orm press his head against his chest so he can better listen to the vibrations of his voice; it always comforts Orm to hear Arthur this way. He holds him until he calms down, which isn’t long at all because Ormie is a fierce Atlantean. Arthur can already tell.

“I’ve got the camera,” Tom announces and Arthur nods.

“Okay, you can do it now,” Arthur tells his brother and scoots back on his bum to where he was sitting before.

There’s a moment where Orm sits there in his purple octopus onesie, looking at everyone. They’re all staring at him, so he stares back, blinking his deep blue eyes at them. Then, he uses the couch to get on his feet. Tom coos encouragement, proud of his son. Orm looks back at him, and Tom quiets so as not to distract him.

Arthur holds his arms out to his brother. “Wanna huggie?”

Orm gives a happy bounce, his way of saying ‘yes’. There is no universe in which he rejects a huggie from his big brother. He extends an arm, making grabby hands, expecting Arthur to come to him again.

“No, you come.”

With one hand on the couch to stabilize himself, Orm hobbles on one leg and takes his very first step . (Atlanna has to cover her mouth, stifling her gasp of excitement.) Orm takes another step towards Arthur. (Tom most definitely has his camera trained on his youngest, capturing every moment.) Closer and closer, he stomps his way over to his brother, stopping briefly to bounce and wiggle his bum in happiness because Arthur is singing the clappy song. It tells him all he needs to know: he’s doing great, so he should continue .

Right before he makes it to Arthur, Orm squats as low as possible, but he doesn’t sit. He wiggles his diapered butt again before jumping into Arthur’s arms with a little screech of excitement. 

Arthur catches him—he always will. 

The two of them burst into laughter, and Tom cheers Orm on with gusto. He gets more invested in Orm’s victory than his favourite rugby game. He joins the kiddos on the rug, tumbling with them as if he’s helping Arthur catch Orm. He helps Arthur toss Orm into the air who bursts into bubbly giggles. 

Tom looks at Atlanna, who still has her mouth covered. Tears glisten on the height of her cheeks. She joins them.

“Oh, my little fry, I am so proud of you.”

“But mama, why are you crying?” Arthur asks.

“I am just so relieved.”

For as long as she can remember, Atlanna thought she had harmed Orm—

Harmed him by staying in Atlantis.

Harmed him by running away from Atlantis.

Her boys are doing just fine, doing things that children are supposed to do. They are laughing and growing together, and perhaps Tom is right about allowing them to live freely.

“You may call the Waynes,” she tells the father of her children, and the love of her life. “We send the boys to their school when they come of age, but if anything happens to my sons, I will hunt them down to the ends of the earth and I will make them regret ever meeting us.”

[terminalmistake]

Ok, so I'm gonna get brave because I have no one to talk to and I wanna yell about my Newsies OC. (Please be kind to me-)

If anyone feels so inclined you can ask questions about him, but no one is required to do so.

Tw: description of Transphobia/transphobic parent. (nothing in graphic detail, but just in case. If you feel something else should be tagged please send me a message and I will warn accordingly!)

Luke with long hair, and Luke after he gets his hair cut, images from Picrew, linked at the bottom of the page!

Luke Dawson

Age: 18

Gender: Trans Male

Sexuality: Gay (absolutely has a crush on Jack but that's cause I'm cringe.)

Backstory: Born Dorothy "Dottie" Lorens, Dottie was raised as any girl would be. Her father was well off, oil money, and has a snobbish attitude. Dottie never subscribed to what he wanted. She failed out of her etiquette classes for being "Boyish, bratty and crass", much to her father's dismay.

At age 15, Dottie told her father that she felt "More like a boy, than a girl." To which he reacted very negatively, threatening to send her to an institution, or even the refuge, just to keep her in control. It worked, though, not for long.

One day she just couldn't take it anymore.

Just before her 18th birthday, Dottie Lorens stole clothes from her brother's closet, money from her father's safe (around $50), and left.

While she had the stolen money, she was smart enough to know it wouldn't last forever, and now, being on her own she could be whoever she wanted to be. Didn't matter that she was sleeping in an alleyway, at least she could buy food.

She could also tuck her hair in her hat, and bind her chest with bandages, that combined with clothes that were a bit too big on her, made her look...like she wanted. Like a boy.

He is a boy.

And that was all he really cares about. He didn't really make waves, he didn't hang around other newsies, and no one even really seemed to know his name. He just got his papers and did his job.

He was on the streets for a little over a month and a half before having the fortune to meet one Jack Kelly on a rainy evening. When asked his name, he stammered, he didn't even come up with a new name? How stupid.

He glanced at a sign, and remembered his old dog. He'd gotten good at lowering his voice.

"Luke Dawson."

With a smaller frame and a babyface, Jack just assumed the hesitance was him intimidating a younger kid.

"I'm 18."

Not to the people on these streets he wasnt. 18, but could pass for 15, especially if he was pouty.

So Luke and Jack found an agreement, Jack would teach Luke everything he knew about sellin papes, and Luke would split the profits 60/40.

"I'm not stupid. 50/50 or no deal." Took some butting heads, but the agreement was made. 60/40, and Luke could come to the Lodge House.

Jack doesn't find out that Luke wasn't born a boy for a while, and when he does it's on accident, though it was well intentioned.

Sleeping in a lodge house with 10+ other boys, Luke doesn't take his binding off anymore. He doesn't want them to know.

Before he could tuck away in an abandoned building or some other shelter and at least breathe soundly at night, but with constant and dangerous binding, it was barely a month before Jack saw the boy pass out, and after waking up with an argument, and Luke passing out again, Jack dragged him back to the lodge house and wanted to check the boy.

He wanted to make sure he wasn't mugged, that he wasn't hurt badly.

What he thought was dressings for broken ribs turned out to be...not that.

"I thought you were a guy!" "I am!!" Luke hadn't cried in a while, but he was damn close then.

In the end, while he took a minute to understand, Jack ultimately decided that if Luke was a boy then...fine. Who was he to say otherwise? It's not his life. But he does haphazardly help Luke cut his hair, though when the scissors broke halfway through, he had to take him to Miss Medda to get it fixed and cut properly.

And he brings him up to the rooftop with him and Crutchie so he can unbind. Luke told Crutchie when he asked why he was staying with them. He trusts Crutchie.

They're the only two that know, and only because Luke trusts them. Otherwise he would've been gone the second Jack found out.

This is all I have for now! But I hope you all like him...I've been working really hard on him.

[set-wingedwarrior]

Today I saw my therapist for the first time since before the Christmas holidays, needing to talk about my situation at home with my roomate and stuff.

She was already aware of course, she just needed the most recent updates. And, well.

I screamed. After some time talking it out, all my frustration and her pettyness and stuff, I told her about how often I pictured myself finally losing control and screaming at my roomate everything I think of her, which is actually not insults and swearing, but a whole ass speech about how her miserable life is her own fault because she's the one refusing to look for the good things in it.

So, I was telling my therapist how much deep down I wanted to tell her those things, cut deep where it hurts, and I started my speech. About how it's my roomate that is only looking for the darkness of humanity.

How she's the one that only cares about the awful things of the world, and so of course she's miserable!

How can you live a decent peaceful life if all you see is injustice death and destruction?

How I am not stupid, I know the world is filled with those, but that this is why we must be good, and kind, and look for goodness and kindness in others!

How every morning I wake up and choose to look and find joy in the little things, in my hobbies, the love that I get from and I feel for my friends, and in the little gstures of kindness we can see in strangers, like someone seeing you coming and holding the door for you, or a old lady asking me to reach for something at the supermarket because I'm taller and how she gratefully smiles at your help.

How it's not always easy, and that's why it's a conscious choice with effort.

But also, since she's a fucking extrovert, how easy it is to build relationship like that, with people you see in your neighborhood once a month. How much harder it is to deal with people you sare your living space and interact with every day, how harder it is to show empathy and understanding over our own frustration in such instances. How that, also, requires effort.

How not everything has to be a war on society, and sometimes one small act of kindness and understanding can make the difference. How you can't create a kinder world throgh violence, you must be kind to those around you.

And, gradually, my voice rose. Higher and higher, from frustrated esclamations, to yelling, to full screaming.

And it was so freeing!

I never scream. I can yell, and my voice can have a loud tone, but hearing me screaming is so rare that you can't even recognize my voice. I can tell you two separete times in my life when this happened, one being in high school and none of my classmates understood at first who screamed at them to shut up one day, and the other being when I was much younger, still a kid, I got hurt in a stupid way but it hurt so bad that my own mother didn't recognize it at first when I was calling for her.

I screamed months and months of anger and frustration and bottled feelings outside right at my therapist's face (I mean, it wasn't aimed at her, you know what i mean), and she was in awe.

She immediately told me she felt how long I kept all of that inside, how I was right, and she had actual chills listening and witnessing to me letting out all of that at full force.

I don't even remember everything I said, but it was all on the note of what I wrote before. The only time I actually went swearing and insuting and I remember is the end, where I called my roomate out for something in a final manner and concluded with the biggest "PORCO DIO!" you'll ever hear from me (I never use that kind of swearing unless I am REALLY mad. We could say I keep it for special occasioins lol).

Screaming feels so good. There's still a part of me who wants to do all of that at the face of my roomate. I doubt I could win a screaming match against her tbh (she has much more experience considering how much she does that on dayly basis), but there's still that part of me that hopes that it would take her aback to hear that new voice from me, and that that would be enough to make her back off and understand just how much she pushed me over the edge.

Either way, screaming is amazing, and I feel so much better.

I feel lighter.

[moonluringfrost]

15 Tags 15 Mutuals

I was tagged by @bloodlessheirbyjacques! Thank you! I’ll be answering these questions as Geige, as an exercise to try to get a better grasp on his voice. That said this is probably him in the Second Arc of TSGQ where he’s a bit older

1. Are you named after anyone?

That’s a good question. Knowing my father, I’m probably named after some pre-radiance figure or another. But I don’t know enough about history to be sure. My full name is a bit of a mouthful, in any case. My brother is the one that gave me the name I use day-to-day. I never got a chance to ask him why he picked it, either.

2. When was the last time you cried?

There are tears in my eyes right now as we speak. It’s okay. I just always get a little teary when I think about my brother. They say grief fades with time, but...

3. Do you have kids?

I think I’m a bit too young for that. I haven’t even found a suitable match, let alone children. I will have them someday, though. It’s sort of a requirement, when you’re heir to the throne.

4. Do you use sarcasm?

I’ve not had much practice with it. Such behavior is unbecoming of a prince, from what I hear. Though I’m sure I can pick it up from Healer Scheele if I try hard enough. I’d like to try.

5. What's the first thing you notice about people?

I tend to notice people’s clothing first. You can tell a lot about a person based on what they choose to wear and how they wear it.

6. What's your eye colour?

They’re brown. Rather a common color, but I like them.

7. Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy endings. I have quite enough fear in my day-to-day life, thank you very much. If I’m going to hear a story I want it to be something I couldn’t live myself.

8. Any special interests?

It would have to be music, of course. There are few things I love more. Listening, playing, composing... I love it all. The way that music can influence mood and spark the imagination is just fascinating to me.

9. Where were you born?

I was born in Dawncrest Castle, as any prince of Lethia must.

10. What are your hobbies?

I occupy most of my free time with the piano, when my health allows it. I’ve also been learning to play cards from Healer Scheele. It may be an unprincely pass time, but I think it’s rather fun.

11. Do you have any pets?

Do plants count? I have a few of those. Otherwise I’m afraid not. I’ve always wanted one though. Perhaps a bird some some sort.

12. What sports do you play / have played?

I’m afraid I’ve never been quite well enough for sports. I’ve always wanted to try fencing, though. My brother was quite good at it, and he made it look like such fun.

13. How tall are you?

I am five feet tall.

14. Favourite subject in school?

Well, I had tutors rather than school, but let me think. Probably mathematics. Numbers make sense to me in a way I find most other things do not.

15. Dream Job

[Laughs] If I weren’t a prince, you mean? Hm... I’m under no illusion that I would be able to make it as a musician... A healer perhaps? It would be nice to help others the way I’ve been helped.

.

I’m tagging: @imbrisvastatio, @sweetorangepeel, @wild-daffodils, @kaiusvnoir, @akiwitch, @klywrites, @calicojackofficial, @indecentpause, @muddshadow, @blind-the-winds, @flowerprose, @jezifster, @moonypleasewrite and anyone else who sees this and thinks “oh that looks like fun”

[bendingthelaws]

7

Colin's brother Colt Masterson has heard from him, now it's time to talk to the other two in his office...and it doesn't start well...

A headache was starting right behind his eyes as Colton Masterson looked out of his office window to the street below.  Maybe it was a tumor and would take him out quickly.  The coffee in his mug wasn’t going to help much to alleviate it, nor were the ibuprofen he’d almost chewed a few seconds earlier.  This day was going to be pure shit, there was no way around it.  All he could do now was pray that someone assassinated his client for one of the many sins he was guilty of, no matter whether he could be proven that way in court or not  As he waited for his partner and their paralegal to make it into the office, he considered hiring the assassin himself.  Fuck, who was he kidding?  He was considering doing it himself.

Colt had sent text messages to Dimitri Andromedev  and Abbigail Cresthaven an hour ago, as soon as he’d reached the office and gotten his temper under control, a small feat in intself.  He’d been on the phone with his brother, Colin, the entire way from his penthouse to the office; getting screamed at for ever having Constantin Rakeovich as a client and somehow blamed for the current situation that was transpiring with Colin’s intern.  Colt had never been one to back down from Colin, he actually enjoyed pissing his brother off and did it very effectively, but this wasn’t a situation where he wanted to further antagonize the other man.  There wasn’t much he could argue with what his brother was saying, and he hated that.  While they were not close, hell they barely could tolerate one another, they were still the only blood that either of them had left on the planet and there was something to that.  Not liking Colin was a whole lot different than tolerating someone threatening someone close to him or even his brother, himself.

As much as the Masterson brothers were vastly different, they were also very much alike.  The longer the time stretched on, the more anxious Colt became and he began to pace from one side of his office to another.  One hand ran over the stubble on his jaw, his elbow perched on his other forearm that was across his chest.  Anyone that knew him knew this was his pensive stance, and approaching him required announcing yourself first so he didn’t take your head off for breathing.  When deep in thought or ruminating on a point of a case, it was how you’d find him.  What was rolling through his head now was what the fuck his brother had done to have one of his interns being tortured, most likely to death?  And what was going to happen to Colin when they ran out of parts of the young woman?

This was the condition that Colt was found in when Dimitri made it into the office. Not one to be summoned, Dimitri wasn’t happy about it happening now.  What had crawled up Colt’s ass to have him demanding his presence as the ass crack of dawn at the office?  He had been doing surveillance work to dismantle a case against one of their clients for the entire night.  It had been after 2 AM when he’d gotten home so being up and at the office less than six hours later was not making him happy.  Not that the Russian was ever truly in a good mood, but this morning was especially foul.

“Trying to wear the carpet out so we have to replace it?” Dimitri stopped at the door watching Colt pace.  There was something wrong, the man in front of him’s whole demeanor just screamed it.  Arms crossed over his chest, until Colt shared what the fuck was going on, he was going no further.  As stubborn as the Masterson brothers could be, they paled in comparison to Dimitri.

“Yeah, because that is what I wanted you here for.” The sarcastic bite in Colt’s voice had Dimitri’s brows raising, but he said nothing.  “Sit down.  We need to wait for Abby.”  Colt’s demeanor was brusk.  He wasn’t in the mood for Dimitri’s sarcasm or bitter wit this morning.  Normally they had a rapport that flowed easily, but after the call from Colin, his mood and entire day, week, month, life was spiraling.  He might hate his brother, but he wouldn’t wish what Colin was going through on anyone.

“I’ll stand.  You pace.  Get whatever is up your ass out of it before she gets here.” It was not a request, it was a command, and one that now held the heavy Russian accent that he normally hid perfectly.  Dimitri’s jaw also had tensed.  Many would miss it, and that would be a mistake.  “Last thing she needs is your moody ass ruining her day any more than your demanding text first thing in the morning did.  I still don’t know why she puts up with you.”  Dimitri leaned up against the door frame with his arms crossed over his chest.  Colt was as tight as a bow string and if he snapped, he’d prefer there be a buffer between him and the only sane one in the office.  He hadn’t been lying when he said he didn’t know why Abby put up with Colt, fuck why did she put up with him either?

Running late, Abby was the last one to the office.  She’d been half way there when she’d gotten Colt’s text and she knew she would be.  Normally punctual, it seemed like everything conspired against her and there seemed to be far more police on the streets than usual.  Not that it mattered too much, but it meant that traffic was more snarled than usual.  Add it to why she hated her commute, but loved where she lived and where she worked.

Rushing into the office, she was greeted by the sight of Dimitri’s back in Colton’s doorway.  She’d worked with them for five years, and in that time she’d learned to read both of their body language.  While to some Dimitri might have looked relaxed against the door frame, to her he looked like a predator who was calculating the best way to strike.  That was never a good situation. The last time she’d seen him like that, they’d had to have a bookshelf in Colt’s office replaced from a client’s ex-husband being put into it. “Oh geez!  I’m the last one here. Sorry guys, I can’t seem to be anywhere on time today.”  Abby hustled into her office and dropped her coat and purse in her chair before scurrying back towards where Dimitri was standing.  “You can dock my pay again if this is considered late.  I’m so sorry!”  She hurried over, this wasn’t how she wanted the day to start.

A droll stare was cast over at Colt who had finally stopped the fucking pacing.  “You dock her pay?  EVER?” There was a growl to his voice, Dimitri was NOT amused by that bit of information.  Good god, was the man daft?  “I hope you’re paying her a ton of overtime as well then.” The woman worked long hours and while Colt was the one responsible for her pay, Dimitri figured it was far less than what she was worth.  He had never considered the fact that Colt would actually dock her pay for anything, not after all this time and it just being the three of them.

A hand ran down his face as Colt looked at his partner. Great, now there would be a fight over what he paid their assistant.  “No, I don’t dock her pay.”  He’d told her he would, yes.  He never had.  He wasn’t stupid.  If she left, they’d be lucky to find anyone who would last a day with their combined temperaments anymore.  He knew they were damn lucky she’d stayed for the five years she had.  Once she passed the bar, he had a feeling they would have to make her a partner as well, or they’d lose her.  Not something he wanted to think about at the moment.  

“Yes, I pay her overtime.  I’m not looking to have to hire another one.”  Colt swore he could hear Dimitri’s teeth grind.  For someone who stood up before a judge or jury and made legal arguments for a living, that was probably the worst phrased way he could have put that.  He just sighed, the hits were not going to stop coming today.  He held up a hand. “Before you say a god damned word, asshole, it has NOT been a good morning, and you KNOW what I meant.”  Maybe instead of someone assassinating Constantin, he could have them take him out instead.

[foreversecrets]

Uncompromising

Chapter 3 Determination

Steve Rogers x OC (Emma Dotson)

Summary: His brother's had lost everything in his life he ever cared about, so Steve being the kind soul he is decides to take an extended vacation from the Avengers to help Andy get back on his feet. He didn't intend on finding his true mate in the process.

"Babydoll, there is no reason to be nervous,” Steve pulls Emma’s apart from where she’d been twisting and pulling at them in her lap. Bruce and Helen had taken samples early this morning from both of them and been running tests all day to give their thoughts on the possibility of them conceiving. 

She hadn’t been able to sit still since Bruce called and asked them both to return. Doesn’t help that she’s been nervous about meeting the rest of his brothers tomorrow night for dinner. The pressure is on not only for the future of potential offspring but the future of themselves. When Steve explained why the rule was put in place requiring the brothers approval before he could give her his mating mark she was understanding but now she was beyond nervous. If he’s being honest, he is nervous too. The idea that his brothers could refuse him the opportunity to claim his mate nearly sends him into a fury but he keeps calm knowing he needs to focus on Emma right now. It's her emotions that are barely under control at the moment. 

“Bruce said he’d met us here, what if-”

“Don’t do that,” he kisses her to silence her. In the past six months they have been dating he has learned the greatest enemy to their relationship is her getting in her own head and overthinking things. “Everything is going to be alright.”

“I just,” Emma sighs heavily before meeting his eyes. “I have wanted kids all my life and finding out how dangerous it would be, its something I never fully accepted and then you came along and-”

“Nothing is going to change between us, there are other ways we can have kids. But regardless you aren’t alone this time and you never will be again.”

“What if you brothers refused our bonding?”

“It won’t end our relationship, if anything I will go out of my way to advertise it until I whittle them down into giving their blessing.”

“You plan on annoying them into conceding?” she laughed. The sound was a nice balm for the anxiety he too was feeling. Both of them had the same dream but Steve couldn’t let his emotions dictate their day, it didn't matter if they received good or bad news he was going to make today one to be remembered for the happiness of it. Whether it be in celebration or as a distraction.

The door to Bruce’s office swung open and both him and Helen exited with fully masked emotions on their faces. Emma expected herself to be the impatient one jumping the doctors for an answer but her super soldier boyfriend was faster than herself. He stood approaching them quickly leaving Emma to trail a few steps behind. 

“So?” Steve urged. 

“We are 97% certain the DNA passed on from Steve will pass to the fetus.” Bruce started.

“And the other 3%?” Emma’s voice had been so quiet, almost fearful. 

“The 3% chance his enhanced abilities are not passed on, you can still carry to term.” Helen gave her a comforting smile. 

“But my OB said I couldn’t.” Emma remarked.

“Your OB doesn’t have state of the art technology to assist you during pregnancy. Now I’m not saying it would be easy, you would spend the entirety of the pregnancy under observation with strict restrictions to your diet and activity but I am equipped to help you bring a child into this world.”

Emma launched herself at the doctor hugging her tightly but Steve wasn’t convinced just yet. He looked to Bruce who tried to provide reassurance.

“Some things aren’t easy but that just makes them all the more precious when we obtain them.”

“Nothing is worth the life of my mate,” Steve growled, not meaning to be threatening but the idea of losing Emma was unbearable. 

“We found no danger to Emma for either process and were able to calculate the best time to conceive would be in two weeks during your next heat.” Helen explained to Emma, completely ignoring Steve as if his opinion in this matter was irrelevant.

“Oh um,” Emma rubbed the back of her neck looking at Steve.

“We were going to use that time to exchange bond marks.” Steve’s checks flush pink as he explains. 

“Two birds one stone,” Bruce tried to joke but when no one laughed he cleared his throat. “We can run more tests when you're ready to determine when it would be best.”

“Thank you for all your help, you have no idea what this means to me,” Emma sighed, moving over to Steve to take his hand. “what this means to us.”

The wide smile Steve gave Emma as they met each other's gaze left no doubt in Bruce or Helen’s mind that these two were true mates. Bruce as a Beta had never grasped the concept but now seeing it, he could only hope all his friends could find theirs. Helen looked on, hoping she’d find her Alpha one day and that he was at least half the man of the moral man before. 

“We are extremely grateful and will be in touch as things develop.” Steve promised before the two were on their way. 

🩹🩹🩹

Steve did not want to host dinner, he knew Emma’s nerves were going to be haywire all day but cooking seemed to ease the tension in her shoulders. Even more so when Steve put on some music and joined her in preparing the meal. They worked well together, maneuvering throughout his kitchen as if they’d been cooking together their whole lives. Though she kept pausing in her task to ask about dietary needs and allergies of his brothers; even though it was far too late to worry about that. He’d distract her by wrapping his arms around her waist, dragging her back to his chest and nuzzling on her gland in a playful way he knew tickled her. Not stopping until she was pleading nearly out of breath for him to stop. The doorbell rang just as she was pulling the pasta out of the oven, she almost dropped it as the noise and anxiety reminded her how important tonight was to their future. 

“I’ll get it,” he placed a kiss to the top of her head and disappeared into the other room.

Emma placed the pasta on the dining room table in the open place setting and took a deep breath, gripping one of the chairs. “Everything is going to be alright,” she told herself. “Bucky adores you and Andy was the one who really pressed the relationship in the first place.” But Bucky wasn’t going to be here tonight, as close as him and Steve were, Bucky wasn’t part of the brothers therefore his blessing only mattered emotionally for her and Steve. “It's going to be okay.” 

“It really will be, promise.” Andy surprised her, entering to give her a gentle hug. It only distracted her from the voices in the living room for a moment. “Everyone can already see the change in Steve. I gave the two of you my approval before this was even official, Ari will adore you as well. Ransom couldn’t care less, he’ll agree just to get us off his back. It's Lloyd you’ll have to worry about but I’ve had your cooking before and Lloyd’s a big foodie. The moment he takes a bite of dinner he’ll be asking you to go home with him instead.” 

“Doubtful,” a man similar looking to the rest of the brothers but with an amusing mustache entered the room. “So you’re the sugar plum that’s got Stevie Boy so tame?” Lloyd reached over and grabbed a greenbean from the table, taking a bite as he studied her, taking in her scent and appearance before looking over to Andy. “Alright you might be onto something.”

Emma let out an exhausted but amused sigh, shaking her head playfully as Lloyd sat to the left of the head chair. Normally when it was just her and Steve that would be her chair but proper edidcate dedicated she would be across the table from him instead. Andy moved to the right of the head chair smiling widely at her before shoting Lloyd an amused glance. Emma watched as Lloyd reached for a breadroll but she reacted before thinking, slapping his hand gently to stop him. 

“Wait for everyone else,” she scolded. The approval on Andy’s face and the amusement on Lloyd’s reassured her she hadn’t overstepped. Steve had told her this was her home as well, that it was important she acted like the women of the house especially in front of his pack. It would ease them into accepting her easier but part of her still felt guilty for having slapped Lloyd instead of using her voice.

“I see Lloyd’s already gotten in trouble.” another of the brothers entered, this one with shoulder length soft looking hair. Emma was entranced by a strong desire to run her fingers through it emerging. He moved to her and wrapped her in a hug before taking a step back and introducing himself. “I’m Ari.”

“Nice to meet you Ari.” she smiled, blushing a little and the attention. 

“Don’t,” a growl from Steve at the doorway with the last brother she assumed to be Ransom. The scowl on his face was unlike any she’d previously seen. “She is mine , Ari.”

“Steven,” she snapped, all eyes turning to her. “I am not an object and I will not let you start a pissing contest during what you promised me would be a nice evening.”

“Well she’s got my approval,” Ransom smirked, entering to take a seat beside Lloyd at the table. Both men nodded, their amusement rising when Steve approached her like a kicked puppy and looked at her with sad eyes.

“Babydoll-”

“Don’t Steve.”

His pout deepened until she placed a quick kiss to his chin. His arms moved as if he was going to pull her in for more but she was quicker and sat in her seat without his assistance, further dropping his pout. She gave him a reassuring smile as he rounded the table to sit in his seat, Ari sitting besides Andy on Emma’s right. Emma looked over to Ransom with a nervous smile, Andy had told her she should be worried about Lloyd but all the stories Steve had told her, had her  more worried about Ransom. It had been Ransom who had protested Andy and Laurie’s mating the most, though Steve confided that it was done in private between the two of them. The others didn’t know because Steve kept it a secret, worried that Ransom’s pride would be hurt if such care was revealed. Apparently Ransom was still learning to genuinely care about other people after the shit show that was his true biological family. With that care came distrust towards strangers and a bar too high for Emma to reach; at least that’s how she felt. 

“I’m Emma,” she held her hand out to Ransom, the table falling silent as all eyes fell on Ransom who only stared at her hand.

“I already gave me a blessing princess, you don’t have to try so hard,” Ransom growled, reaching for the wine to fill his glass. 

“Ransom!” Steve snapped.

“No Steve, it's alright. I can be a little much and I’ll be honest, I’ve been more bubbly and overbearing lately. I apologize for Ransom.”

Ransom only rolled his eyes but the table began loading up their plates.

“Steve’s been the same way lately.” Ari noted.

“We received some good news recently and it had a giddy effect on us,” Steve smiled like a little kid having just been giving everything he’d ever asked for. His brothers simply stared him down waiting for him to elaborate. 

“Honey, don’t leave them hanging,” Emma laughed as she began digging into her plate. 

“Emma and I are compatible for conceiving pups.”

Smiles and cheers erupted from the brothers, Emma knew they were aware of her failures and had worries that would be a source of contention for them. So learning that Steve and her could, she felt a little relieved that their problems wouldn’t be with her brokenness, which meant most any reason for them to reject her was something she would most likely work on to improve herself. 

“Then you have my blessing as well.” Ari spoke up, the finally brother to give his blessing. While Emma’s worries and fears all melted away at that news, Steve’s temper flared.

“Were you really going to deny me my true mate if we couldn’t have a kid?” Steve growled, he shot Emma a look when he sensed her about to protest. She bowed her head in submission, her sadness seeping into her scent, he’d make it up to her later, for now he had to deal with Ari.

“Yes.”

“Seriously Ari?” Andy looked at his brother in bewilderment. 

“All Steve has ever wanted was kids of his own, it's the one thing he wants most in this world. If she is unable to give that to him, I couldn’t participate in denying him his desires.” Ari explained as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“Please don’t be upset with Ari,” the sad omega voice had all the alphas in the room turning to look at her, their base instincts telling them to comfort her. “His reasons are the same reason why I tried to reject our connection in the first place, Steve. I would never want to be the reason you couldn’t achieve the things you wanted.”

“Alright, we get it, you're perfect for each other! Can we please eat now?” Lloyd shouted, making Emma laugh, her amusement inflating his head slightly as the other alphas relaxed to resume their meals.

The rest of the evening passed ‘normally’ as Steve put it. Ari and Ransom get in a drinking competition spurred on by Lloyd’s pestering of both men, while Steve and Andy try to cut them off. But Emma was having a great time seeing the drunk versions of both men, Ransom was a cuddler who wouldn’t stop touching her much to Steve’s annoyance, while Ari was a cocky drunk coming up with dangerous tasks for himself to achieve that the sober men refused to let him accomplish. By the time everyone was ready to turn in for the night, Ransom was passed out in Emma’s lap and Ari was practically beind carried out to Andy’s car by Andy and Lloyd. 

“Alright, get the hell out of my house Ransom,” Steve ordered, kicking Ransom gently. 

“Why don’t you carry him up to the guest room?” Emma suggested.

“No, he is going to be an asshole in the morning,” Steve picked Ransom up off of her and passed him to Andy and Lloyd who’d reentered the house. “Besides, we have their blessings now, I plan on claiming you tonight that way,” he bent and began pressing kisses to her lips between words. “We. can. Use. you’re. Heat. to. Conceive.” 

“Steven,” she giggled, wiggling out from under him and heading to the stairs. “Tell you what, you catch me before I get to our bathroom you can do that but if I get to the bathroom, no sex until my heat.” she laughed running up the stairs before he could protest. 

She made the deal knowing he’d catch her, he was literally enhanced to be faster than her but she knew he loved the playful game of chase they played. He caught her just as she reached the top step, wrapped his arms under her legs and carried her the rest of the way to their bedroom bridal style. Not letting her get too far away when he plopped her down on their bed.

“You’re getting cocky omega, ordering me around, denying me my spoils.” his voice had dropped in a low seductive tone. 

“I have to keep my alpha in line,” she giggled when her words earned her smack to her rear. Both their faces turned serious and she knew what he was going to ask even before he opened his mouth. “Yes Steve, I want you too.”

“Lay back omega, let me get you ready.” he smirked as his head moved lower. “I promise you the rest of my life.”

🩹🩹🩹

“Well the two of you wasted no time, huh?” Tony Stark smirked seeing the married Rogers pair back in Bruce’s lab. “Only been married a week or so and already back from your honeymoon with a bun in the oven.”

Steve ignored Tony as he focused on Helen and Bruce, “She wasn’t feeling well, took a test and it came back positive. We were worried about being so far away so we came back as quickly as we could.”

“You said if the baby didn’t inherit the serum abilities from Steve I would need to be monitored closely throughout the pregnancy.” Emma rubbed her unchanged stomach as she spoke.

“I’m glad you heeded my warning,” Helen smiled but her gaze was focused on the test result in front of her. “You're about a month along.”

“And I just got the results back on the bloodwork, it looks like the baby takes after dad.” Bruce sighed relieved as the parents felt. 

Steve turned and picked his new wife up, spinning her around in his excitement. “We are going to have a healthy pup!”

“You did this for us Steve,” she whispered on his lips before kissing him deeply, not caring in the slightest about their audience. 

“I wouldn’t celebrate just yet, doesn’t this mean she’s going to be miserable for the next nine months?” Tony asked.

“Given the properties of the serum, there is some concern the pup could do internal damage which is why we want to monitor the development.” Bruce explained.

“We also believe your symptoms are going to be more intense than typical pregnancies, but I suspect Steve is going to be an overprotective alpha. So I don’t imagine you’ll be suffering alone.” Helen joked but Mr and Mrs. Rogers found themseleves too overjoyed to care. They were going to have a pup. Bonded for six months, married for only a week and now they were expecting their first kid. All of their dreams are coming true in less than a year despite a stubborn, broken omega.