#... could work with the 13th i suppose hmmm.

[nabaath-areng]

I have this one "OC" that does not yet have a name that I've drawn several times for a couple years. I was thinking that if I tried making them in FFXIV that I'd use elezen as a base... but then I remembered what other race have their near exact hairstyle... and now I'm like damn... I played myself...

[allthingskakashi]

• Birthday Boy •

[ Kakashi x Reader ]  |  3 Chapters // 17. 2k words  |

This is hella long so if you’d rather read on Ao3, here’s my Ao3 link 

A/n : slight shift from canon cause Gai is still capable of walking even after the war

CHAPTER - 1 (2 days to go!)

You let out a sigh, your eyes glancing over to the small desk calendar sitting in front of you.

September 13th.

A photograph of bright pink cherry blossom trees stands out on the glossy white page.

Just one more day. Just one more day and you still have absolutely no idea.

Your teeth grit unconsciously on the plastic cap of your pen as you look at the papers laid out on the table. You still have so much paperwork to get through. How, when or what you’ll plan for Kakashi’s birthday is beyond you.

You let out another loud sigh, the air making the papers in front of you shuffle just a little.

“Three.”

“Huh?” the voice brings you out of your stupor, and you look up at the purple haired woman sitting across from you, immersed in her own work.

“That was your third sigh.” Anko states, looking up at you with her eyebrows furrowed. “What’s going on with you?”

You lay your pen down on the desk, resting your forehead against your hands to massage your throbbing temples.

“Nothing, I’m just so overloaded with work, I barely have time to breathe.” You reply, dark bags under your eyes serving as witnesses. “And on top of that…Kakashi’s birthday is coming up and I really want to plan something special for him. But with all this work, I don’t know when I’ll get the time. And even more importantly, I haven’t the slightest idea what to do.” You say, leaning back against your chair to look up at the ceiling.

Anko stares back at you, her otherwise impassive face broken only by the slightest hint of sympathy behind her eyes.

“Really? Well, you better ask that old miser to pay up and throw us a party. He’s Hokage and what not now.”

Her words elicit an immediate eye roll from you. Protectiveness towards your boyfriend aside, that’s a completely ridiculous statement.

“Shouldn’t I be the one to throw HIM a party?” you retort as you slouch forward resting your elbows on the table, staring at your smirking friend in despair.

“What am I going to do, Anko? He’s been so busy since he became Hokage, I really want to make this one day special for him.”

The look on your face is so miserable, it makes even Anko soften up just a little.  

“I don’t know Y/n.” she shrugs, “I don’t usually stick around long enough to have to think of this kind of crap. Just hand him two beers I guess, put on a nice push-up bra and you’re golden.”

You narrow your eyes, shaking your head at her. “I have to give him a present too”

“Wear a bra with a bow on it.”                          

If you didn’t know Anko better, you’d have thought she was joking.

You sigh again. This is a lost cause, talking to Anko about this.

“UGHHHHH!! You’re completely useless!!” you cry out, bending forward and making a show of banging your head against the wooden table as she laughs, watching you with a pitiful look.

 “Hell-o Anko! Y/n! Correct me if I am wrong but I think I just overheard my dear rival’s name!”

A familiar voice fills the room and you stop to turn your head at the sudden intrusion.

It’s none other than Maito Gai, and the air surrounding you almost immediately livens up at his presence.

“I hear you are confused about what to do for Kakashi’s birthday! Fear not Y/n! I am here and I will help you make sure that my dear rival has the best birthday he has ever had in his entire life!”

You perk up at his words, looking at the man standing by your side.

Now that’s the spirit you’re looking for.

“Thank you so much Gai! You came in at the right time! What do you have in mind?”

Gai hurries to take a seat beside you as you turn around to face him, your eager eyes widened with interest.

“Hmmm, let me think…” he puts a finger on his chin before clicking his fingers. “A nice intimate evening with good food and tasteful music and lots of activities to celebrate the Power of Youth!!!” he says, before standing up again with his fist in the air.

You let out a wide grin at his words, that sounds absolutely perfect.

A nice intimate evening, just you and Kakashi. You could maybe cook up something, he’s taught you quite a lot of recipes lately. And music, yes. He has never been one to listen to much music but it’ll set the mood.

And activities to celebrate the power of youth… yeah, you can surely think of quite a few of those. A red tinge creeps onto your cheeks at the thought.

How you would manage the time is still a question but now that you at least have a fair idea, you can probably work something out.

“Thank you so much Gai!” you say, clasping the man’s large hands with your smaller ones. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. That sounds absolutely perfect!”

His eyes light up at your words. “You are very welcome Y/n! It is only my duty as Kakashi’s rival!”

You can hear him say something else in the background but your mind is already wandering, flooding your brain with all sorts of visuals. Expensive wine, the very best…a candlelight dinner…Kakashi looking so intensely into your eyes as you brush your foot up his leg under the table…bed laden with red rose petals…a night of passion…the spark in Kakashi’s eyes as he sees everything you’ve arranged so lovingly for him… a sensual melody playing in the background as he strips you of your clothes, one by one….

You shake your head. Now is not the time to be getting carried away.

You return your attention to Gai, whose last few sentences you missed as your mind became preoccupied with thoughts of everything that you’d like the Hokage to do to you.

“—And leave it all to me!”

“Sorry, what was that, Gai?” you ask as you watch Anko out of the corner of your eye, looking as if she’s choking on air for some reason.  

“You heard me, y/n! I will set everything up, you don’t have to worry about a thing!” he sings, clasping your shoulders with his hands.

“Well thank you for the offer Gai but actually—”

“No! I won’t listen to a single word!” he shakes his finger at you, “you can leave it all to me! You go get on with your work! I will get the BEST caterer-

Caterer? What do we need a caterer fo-

“and hire the best singers in the village-

Wait what is he talking about, am I missing something-

And set up some great challenges for people to enjoy! I’m thinking 6000 push ups, a cake eating competition and of course the lucky winner gets a chance to compete with my one and only rival—

Hold up-

“And I will send out invitations to all his friends! All you have to do Y/n is bring him and yourself at my house on the evening of his birthday!”

WAIT JUST A DAMN MINUTE-

“Wait, GAI, I think there’s been a—"

“Please do not thank me, y/n! As Kakashi’s eternal rival, it is only my duty to make sure he has the best time of his life! I would be very happy to set everything up!”

“Um, no actually I—" you start, but you’re cut off quickly by the zealous man.

“Don’t worry! You can still take care of his birthday cake, I will leave that to your impeccable taste!”

“Right, sure but—"

“Well, off I go then! I have a party to plan!”

“Gai—” you make one last weak attempt but you’re so baffled by the pace of events that your feet stand glued. You stare dumfounded after Gai, watching him walk out of the room, skipping with every stride.

Beside you, Anko’s cheeks glisten with tears as she clutches her stomach with both hands, chortling in such a fit that almost makes her slip off her chair.

A sudden dizziness threatens to take over your senses. You stand frozen with your arms hanging limp by your sides, resisting the urge to fling yourself face first into a wall.

You throw another menacing glare at your friend, your gaze shifting between her and the door that Gai walked out of few seconds ago, before you plop down on the floor with a thud, sitting down with your legs crossed, gaping blankly at the tiled ground with your head between your hands.

What the hell just happened.

CHAPTER - 2 (1 day to go!)

You force your eyes open at the sound of your alarm. Your skin feels damp against the heavy quilted blanket, the light from the windows is too bright and a headache clasps a tight grip on your forehead.

You shake your legs to get the duvet down your body and turn on your stomach to turn that horrible beeping off. Your hand flounders around your nightstand, knocking a few things down before you find the damn clock and pound it against the wall a few times until it shuts up.

Turning on your back again, you rub your eyes and sweep away the several strands of hair sticking to your face.

14th September, reads the calendar hung on the opposite wall.

Great. Another Monday. And a day closer to Kakashi’s birthday.

You feel an instant panic rising to your throat at the thought. Kakashi’s Birthday. Goddamn.

Gai has gone into complete party planner mode, you saw him rushing manically through the village over twenty-five times since yesterday, trying his hardest to be subtle; so you suppose you’re having a party after all.

You let out a sigh, massaging your temples. God this headache is turning out to be a real bitch.

The thoughts start swirling in your head again.

Kakashi’s not really the party kinda guy, and definitely not the kind Gai’s planning. This is so not what you had in mind, but…Gai looked so eager and excited, talking about the party with such a shine in his eyes, you just couldn’t strip him off of that. Moreover, ever since his injury in the war, Gai has been prohibited from missions outside the village. To a man of his vigour, it’s as good as being put into coma. This is the one thing that seemed to make him truly happy in ages, so to take that away from him… no, you cannot do that.

But at the same time, you really want the day to be special for Kakashi. You want to make it memorable for him and show him how much you love him.

Ugh.

Your stomach grumbles as you hang your legs down your bedside, preparing to get out of bed. You were so immersed in work last night that you forgot to eat dinner. You’d fallen asleep at the desk itself but you woke up in the morning to find yourself tucked in your bed.

You shuffle your feet around, trying to find to your slippers but they’re nowhere to be found.

“Kakashi!” you yell out, your voice still groggy from sleep. “Are you wearing my fucking slippers again?”

There’s some distant noise of things clattering in the kitchen before Kakashi’s figure comes into view at the doorway, wearing nothing but a pair of joggers, holding a mug of coffee in each hand. He stands leaning on the doorframe as he takes a sip from his mug and the sight of him is one for sore eyes, enough to crumple that temper of yours into a puddle of lovestruck mush.  

“Good morning to you too” he smirks as he comes near you, placing the other cup of coffee on the nightstand and planting a kiss on your head before bending down to pick up the things that had dropped on the ground earlier.

He reaches under the bed and pulls a pair of slippers out, placing them near your feet before keeping the other things back in their place on the stand. Your lip balm, hairclips, a few pens, his book and some loose sheets.

You slide your feet into the slippers, your face contorting into an apologetic look as you watch him.

“I’m sorry” you say in a whisper, admiring the way the muscles on his arms flex as he picks the things up. “I’ve been a little stressed lately.”

“I know” he says, his tone concerned as he comes up and sits beside you on the bed. “Why don’t you take a day off?”

“Oh no, I can’t, there’s so much to do, I have so much paperwork and I need to go through these files to check for—”

“Y/n.” Kakashi cuts you off, taking your hand in his. “It’s okay. Take a day off. Call in sick. You’re putting too much pressure on yourself. Take the day off and stay in bed, I’ll have someone pick up something for you from that restaurant down the street for lunch.” He says, stroking the back of your hand with his thumb.

“But Kakashi—”

“Nope. The Hokage orders it.” he says as you lean forward and sigh into his chest.

“I wish I could Kakashi….”

He wraps his arms around you, rubbing your back. “I knew I couldn’t convince you but it was worth a try” he says into your hair as you close your eyes, snuggling closer to him. The feel of his strong arms around you almost lulls you to sleep, enveloping you with such warmth and comfort that makes you wish you could stay this way forever.

You feel yourself almost dozing off against his chest so you pull away, planting a quick peck on his bare skin before relieving yourself of his grip. “Alright Lord Sixth, time to go to work” you say, patting him on the thigh.

He chuckles, nodding and taking the last sip of his coffee before getting up from the bed. “I left some toasts for you, eat before you go”

He turns around to walk away but you’re quick to catch his wrist before he leaves. “Hey.” You say softly as he stops, turning around to smile at you with a twinkle in his eyes.

“I love you” you say, pulling him down to you with a tug and placing a kiss on his lips.

He reciprocates, before pulling back to look into your eyes. You feel yourself melting under his gaze as you can’t help but smile like a twelve- year old girl.

“I love you too but your breath stinks worse than a dead rat” he says flatly without taking his eyes off you.

You fling his wrist out of your grip immediately, pushing him aside to get up from the bed. “Kakashi, you fucking asshole!” you scream, throwing a few punches at his arm as he chuckles and blocks them.

“I was trying to have a moment, you jerk!” you say, throwing a last jab at his stomach, before walking away past him, towards the direction of the bathroom, his laughter still ringing behind you.

Stupid asshole, you smile to yourself, shaking your head as you lock the bathroom door and turn the shower on.

…………………………………………

You watch white cotton clouds sailing across the sky overhead as you make your way down your usual work route. You might have appreciated the view a little more if your mind wasn’t entirely jammed and you weren’t surviving of off only 3 hours of sleep, walking around like you just rose back from the dead.

You already know you’re going to be late to work today, but that simply cannot he helped. You have to make this detour. You have to at least give this a shot.

You turn a street corner, a one storeyed white building with a fenced gate slowly coming into view as you walk ahead. Standing outside the gate, you open the latch, walking along the pavement which leads to the main door of the house.

You knock softly on the door, waiting for a response from the other side. There’s some shuffling behind and then the door opens, revealing Gai in a robe with the belts hanging loose. You notice him wearing a bright coloured boxer with banana prints on it, and his hair looks dishevelled, like he just woke up.

“Good morning, Gai! Um… I’m sorry to drop by so early, but there’s something I need to discuss with you.”

“Y/n! Come on in! It’s no problem, my morning is only made better by your radiating face!” he pipes, stepping aside to usher you in.

Only this man can sound so chirpy even with someone barging into their house during the early hours of the day.

“I apologise for my state, I was…. Finishing some business.” he says, taking the belts of his robe and tightening it around his waist.

You stand awkwardly as he closes the door, wondering how on earth you’ll bring this up with him. You shift on your feet, waiting for him to return his attention to you.

“Would you like something? Perhaps some coffee or tea or juice?” he asks, leading you into his living room.

“Um, no thanks Gai.” You look down to the floor, trying to form the sentences in your mind before you speak. You decide blunt and honest is the way to go.

He stands waiting patiently, looking at you with concerned eyes.

God I’m just the worst person in the world.

“Listen Gai, you start, “… Uhm… about Kakashi’s birthday—”

“Don’t you worry about that Y/n! The plans are full and well in motion! I’m sorry I could not get the singers, it seems that they are all booked for the day but everything else is right on track!” he flashes a toothy grin at you, holding his hand out in a thumbs up.

“That’s great, Gai… But um… Well, the thing is…” you try your hardest to come up with words that’ll soften the blow the most “I kind of wanted to do something special for Kakashi… by myself but now with your party, which is a great idea by the way, it’s just… I’m not sure, uh… I just want to do something for him too.” You fumble, looking up at him from under your lashes to register his reaction.

He stays quiet for a while, looking like he’s deep in thought before looking at you. “I completely understand Y/n.”

“You do!?” you ask, stepping forward towards him. “Oh, thank you so much—”

“It seems to me that you and I both want just the best for my dear rival! And you want to make sure he has the best birthday, just like I do! Which of course means that we should—”

Oh wait no. Oh no no no

“—Have a challenge!"

Just. What. I. Feared…

“Gai…” you begin, sighing.  Your voice sounds so weak and tired, as if any moment now you’ll lose your ability to speak.

You take a few deep breaths, steadying yourself.

Okay. If this is how it’s gonna be, so be it.

It doesn’t matter what you have to do. You WILL make sure Kakashi has the best birthday and no-one can take that away from you.

If this was another time, you would have gotten Gai to somehow cancel the party. But under present circumstances, you just cannot do that. That would be selfish and horrible. So right now, you simply have to play along and do your best to make the day special for Kakashi, even amidst all of this.

But you sure heck will make sure that YOU’RE the one that makes him happiest.

“Fine.” You say, meeting Gai’s gaze, your voice masking the absolute mayhem in your mind. “Challenge accepted. We’ll both try our hardest to make this the best birthday for Kakashi, and see who succeeds.”

Gai flashes a blinding grin at your words. “Grrr-reat!” he exclaims. “I would expect no less from my rival’s lover!” he says, holding another ‘thumbs-up’ out as you smile weakly, raising your hand up to do the same.

………………………………………………..

You take a large bite of your sandwich, looking out at the vast green training grounds from the window beside your desk.

A sandwich is the only moderately nutritious but not disgusting in taste food that you can manage to eat in your 20-minute lunch break, so that’s what you usually stick to. Thankfully for you, you were able to be done with most of your work in the morning, giving you some time to think clearly right now.

You already know you’re not going to get Kakashi alone at night because of the party, which leaves… the morning. But of course, you both have to go to work in the morning which means the only time you’ll see each other is directly before the party since you’re the one supposed to be bringing him. And since he is the Hokage and doesn’t get back from his office until 9 pm, the party is set to start late. By the time you get home it’ll probably be 1 and sure, you can probably have some time with him then but…you will both be exhausted and more importantly, it won’t be his birthday anymore.  

“UGHHHHH” you scream to yourself, tearing off a big chunk of your sandwich with your teeth and proceeding to chew noisily, putting all your frustration into the food churning in your mouth.

“Uhm… is this a good time?” you turn your head at the sudden voice, looking around to see Kurenai.

You hasten immediately to wipe the crumbs off your face as you gesture at her to sit and stuff the rest of the sandwich in your mouth, chugging it down quickly with some water.

“Yes, absolutely oh my god. It’s been a while since I saw you! How are you, how’s Mirai?” you ask, dabbing your mouth with your handkerchief.

“Ah you know, I mostly work from home these days. I was in the area today so I thought I’d drop by and pay everyone a visit”, the brown-haired woman replies, smiling.

“Good thinking” you say, returning her smile. “I’m glad you did, we have so much to catch up on.”

“God yes we do. Oh, and Mirai is great! They grow up so fast.” She says, her eyes filling with the kind of love you can only see reflected in a mother’s eyes. “But enough about me” she says, waving her hand. “I didn’t come down her to bore you with stories about diapers and potty training. Tell me what’s going on with you” she says, leaning forward on the table and resting her chin on her hand.

You let out a sigh, shaking your head before looking out of the window into the distance. “Ugh Kurenai, I don’t even know what to tell you.”

“I got the invite by the way! For Kakashi’s party. I was kind of surprised, didn’t take him for a party guy.” Kurenai says, her brows furrowing.

You look back at her with hollow eyes. “He isn’t. It’s a long story.”, you reply, your tone sounding just as miserable as you feel.

“Well, talk to me Y/n. Is something wrong? You look a little…bummed.”

You let out a chuckle. “Yeah, bummed is right.”

But it feels really good to talk to someone, someone sensible and actually capable of giving advice so you decide to tell her everything, narrating everything from how you’ve been up to your nose with work to how you got roped into having a challenge with Gai, to your dilemma about what to do for Kakashi. Kurenai stays quiet the entire time, listening attentively to every word, nodding and giving empathetic glances from time to time.

“So yeah…. That’s pretty much it.” you finish, sighing again.

Kurenai flashes you a kind smile before she speaks.

“Okay, so… if you aren’t getting any time with him throughout the whole day, how about you meet him for lunch during your break?” she suggests.

Lunch… yeah you hadn’t considered that. Sure, it was only around 20 minutes, but still better than nothing right?

You look at your friend, your eyes perking up as a smile spreads through your face. “Yeah, you know what…that’s a good idea!”

Kurenai returns a happy grin, glad to have been of use. “I know exactly what you should do. Pack a nice picnic basket, take a mat with you, find a good shady tree in the grounds and have a little picnic down by the lake. It’s sweet, romantic and perfect! There’s no way he wouldn’t love it. It beats a party and the weather is absolutely perfect too!”

Your eyes widen at her words. Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?

You almost jump across the table, pulling your friend into a bone crunching hug. “Oh my god Kurenai, thank you! You’re a real life saver! That sounds absolutely perfect!” you exclaim, before letting go of her.

She laughs a hearty laugh, before skidding her chair across the floor and proceeding to get up. “I’m glad to be of help Y/n, but I should get going now. Your break is almost over and I have some errands to run. It was great catching up though, I missed being around you” she says, smiling as she turns to make her way towards the door.

“Drop by more often!” you holler at her, before turning your head to look out the window at the beautiful clear sky outside.

A picnic, yep. That’s perfect. Everything is working out.

…………………………………………………

You open the drawer under your desk, shoving some loose sheets and files into it before jamming it close.

The clock reads 6 p.m. and you’re finally, finally done for the day. You worked an extra hour to make sure you have less pressure tomorrow and now with your load a little light and a tiny ray of hope about how you can make Kakashi’s birthday a good one shining through, you’re starting to feel slightly better.

Of course, there’s still loads to do. You still have to order the birthday cake, buy some things for the picnic, and pick up his gift which you’d pre ordered a month ago.

You ferret around on your desk to find the notepad you carry with you at all times. That’s where you make all your to-do lists, so that you never miss anything out.

You open the little notebook, flipping through the pages to locate the one where you’d started making a list of things to do for Kakashi’s birthday about a week ago.

You’re flipping when suddenly your eyes fall upon a different entry on the notebook, written in a handwriting that’s not yours.

You bring the notebook closer to get a better look and identify Kakashi’s handwriting at once. Written in black ink on the top of a page is

To do:

1)Kakashi

You let out a loud chuckle, your laughter ringing all the way out into the hallway.

This guy, you laugh to yourself, shaking your head. When did he even write that?

Turning a few more pages, you finally find the one you’re looking for. You glance at the sentence written in your messy handwriting.

Read Icha Icha Paradise, Page 162, para 5.

Ah yes, you’d almost forgotten about this. You’d written this down when the idea had occurred to you of re-enacting his favourite passage from that book to surprise him, one that he’d insinuated at, not so subtly, several times. You wanted to do it for a special occasion, and of course this would be just the perfect time. You make a mental note to give that paragraph a read once you return home.

So, re-enacting Icha Icha, a picnic, and his gift. That’s all you’ve got so far. Not bad but still not quite satisfactorily top notch yet. Still nothing that beats all of Gai’s efforts with a 100% guarantee. Something is still missing…

You stare out of the window, racking your brain for something, anything.

Outside, the Sun drapes the sky in its own colours. It looks so beautiful, you can barely take your eyes off for a while.

You watch the sky in awe, lost deep in thought when suddenly it occurs to you— Yes!

Yes, absolutely!

You. Are. Going. To. Write. Him. A. Poem!

What says you love him with all your heart better than a sweet, heartfelt poem written with your own very hands? It’s sweet and personal and just the kind of touch necessary to make you win. There’s no way anything can top that.

The sudden strike of inspiration sends you into a frenzy as you quickly pull a pen out from your pen stand, opening your notebook to a random page before starting to write.

Only… You have never written a poem before, don’t know how to, never tried one.

You uncap your pen, tapping on the page with the nip of your pen as you think hard, leaving blue dots all over the white sheet.

Ugh.

Kakashi your eyes, you jot down carefully, taking a minute to look out of the window before turning to your notebook again.

They’re as beautiful as the skies.

You lean back to admire the sentence you just wrote, a grin spreading across your lips. Great start.

You hunch over the notebook eagerly, scribbling the next few sentences in a haste.

Kakashi your face, it makes my heart race

Kakashi your hair, it’s so smooth it’s unfair

The grin on your face grows wider. God are you totally killing this or what? This is great, but still needs just a few more sentences.

You close your eyes, tapping the pen against your chin as you try to recall everything you love about him. The grin on your face turns to a curled smirk as you scribble the next sentences.

Kakashi your dick, it’s so big it’s sick.

Kakashi your lips, I love it when they touch my nips.

You feel a warm rush through your veins as you look at the words on the page.

Alright, now for the conclusion…

They call you copy ninja, you make my mind unhinged-ah

Baby you can bet, you make me so wet

You are my king, you make my heart sing

You lay your pen down, holding the sheet up to your eyes to read your final work.

And suddenly, the grin leaves your face. What the hell were you thinking? This is terrible.

You’re no poet, why did you ever think you could pull this off?

You tear the page off, shredding it into even smaller pieces before crumpling them together and shoving them into your pocket.

So much for poetry.

You check the time on the clock, it’s almost 7 p.m. and you have to be at the bakery by 8.

You clear your desk, moving some stuff around and throwing the rest of the junk into the trash can before gathering your things and setting off to leave. You pass by the Hokage Office on your way out and find the door closed, with two of Kakashi’s Anbu standing guard outside. They bow at you as you pass by and you understand that he must be in a meeting.

The cool evening air outside hits you like rain following a drought. After being shackled to your desk the entire day, the wind on your skin feels tranquilizing.

You walk along the street, snippets of people’s conversations flowing into your ears as you walk on, your mind boiling over with thoughts of its own.

You begin to realise how completely exhausted you are and that you can’t wait to simply go to bed. All your attempts so far have been completely useless and you most probably will be able to do nothing to make your boyfriend happy. The thought threatens to send you panicking, so you try your best to shove it away for now.

You take your last few strides towards the Bakery, which is decorated with twinkling lights on the outside. You pull on the glass door, stepping into the small store with cakes of all flavours and shapes displayed on the glass counter.

Your eyes dance across the displayed items as you reach into your pocket. You had already decided what you want and had written it down on a paper earlier today.

You scout around in your pocket, before pulling a piece of paper out and holding it out the young girl on the other side of the counter.

“Hi! I’d like to place an order for a birthday cake for tomorrow. The details are written on the paper.” You smile as she takes the paper from you.

She writes something down on a register and looks around to check both her sides before leaning closer to you, almost speaking in a whisper. “Thank you for your order ma’am, you can pick this up by 4 p.m. tomorrow. We have 3 sizes available for the cake, which one will it be?”

“The very biggest one, of course!” you sing. “The cake reflects the man, so it’s only fitting to have the largest one you have!”

She scribbles some more into the diary before looking up again. “And would you like me to add some special details?”, she asks.

“Yeah, why not? Make it your best!” you say as the girl scribbles on the notebook for a last time before handing you a receipt. You make the payment, shoving the receipt into your pocket before heading off for your next and last stop for the day, the market.

………………………………………

The Konoha Market sells everything from spices to shurikens. You stroll along the cobbled path lined with numerous small shops, each adorned with twinkling lights and a colourful assortment of all sorts of items. Your surroundings buzz with the vibrancy of people scuffling around, chattering and laughing.

You always found something so charming about the village market at night. Something about the way the little shops almost sparkle against the dark sky, or the way it always hums with such an energy, makes your heart feel happy for some reason. You take a deep breath in, various fragrances from nearby shops wafting into your nose at the same time.

You’re on your way towards one of the fruit stalls when suddenly your eye falls upon the unmistakable green figure in the distance. Gai.

He appears to be speaking very animatedly to the shop owner about something and you watch from a distance in amusement, before the man suddenly turns his head in your direction, catching sight of you.

He waves at you as you make your way towards him. You give him a nod instead of waving back, keeping up with your newly established rivalry.

Upon reaching nearer, you find yourself face to face with a variety of fluffy boa scarves of all colours, ranging from blue to red to yellow to green.

You look in confusion at Gai, who seems to have a dark green one draped around his neck.

“Um… will this have something to do with Kakashi’s birthday tomorrow…?” you ask, your glance shifting between him and the scarves, not knowing if you really want to know the answer.

“It sure does!” he replies, before turning to the shopkeeper. “I’ll take them all!” he says, as the old man proceeds to pack about 20 boa scarves into a bag.

A thousand different questions run through your mind, but if you were to put any more burden on your brain, it would iron out so you decide to simply pretend like you never saw any of this.

“Hope things are well at your end too, y/n!” he says, “I’d hate for you to lose to me, my rival’s lover!”

You take a gulp, avoiding looking at his eyes. Your head feels like it’s being crushed under a thousand heavy rocks as you feel the headache making its way back. You realise your arms can barely hold the weight of the bags you’re carrying, each filled with items necessary for tomorrow.

You look up at him, even the slightest movement of your neck suddenly so troublesome.

He looks back at you expectantly, the twinkling smile still adamant on his face. His teeth shine so bright, you can almost see your reflection in them.

You take a deep breath.

“Of course. Things are perfect, Gai.” you say, flashing him the very biggest and brightest smile that the twenty muscles in your face can possibly manage.

CHAPTER - 3 ( The Big Day)

The feel of two strong arms, one hooking under your legs and the other around your back, lifting you off the chair you’d fallen asleep on rouses you from your doze.

That must have been the fifth day that week that you fell asleep on your desk. You had been reading the para from Icha Icha which you want to re-enact for Kakashi’s birthday, and then all of a sudden you found yourself immersed in the book, devouring every single line, eager to know more about the story and what happens to the characters. So, you’d kept going but before you realised, you’d fallen asleep with your head over the book on the desk itself, with a string of white drool trickling down the corner of your mouth.

You blink in the dark as the arms carry you, melting into their familiar touch, your eyelids so heavy with sleep that you barely manage to keep them open enough to see what’s going on. The arms lay you down on the bed gently, pulling a cover over your body as you shift around in slumber, making yourself comfortable.

You watch a figure go round to the other side of the bed, before slipping in next to you slowly, careful not to wake you up by making too much noise or movement. 

“Kakashi…” you whisper, your voice hoarse and barely audible. “Happy Birthday…sorry I couldn’t…stay aw…” you trail off, falling into a deep drowse before you can finish your sentence.

Kakashi smiles to himself in the dark, his heart filling with such an ache at the sight of your sleepy, drooling face. He drapes an arm over your waist, pulling you close to his chest, his hand stroking your hair at the back of your head as he places a soft kiss on your forehead.

This, this feeling… this is all he would ever want. Just you safe against his chest, the two of you falling asleep together in each other’s arms every night.

“Thank you”, he whispers against your hair, the familiar smell of your shampoo so welcoming to him, soothing his soul after a long day, washing over his mind and carrying his worries away, even if it’s only for the night.

You snuggle closer to him in your sleep as he tightens his arms around you, the feel of your body next to his filling every cell in his body with such warmth, that he gives himself in to the pure bliss of the moment, his eyes closing as he dozes off as well.

Yes, it is indeed a ‘Happy’ Birthday.

………………………………………

 You jerk open every single cabinet in your kitchen with maniacal speed, looking for the damn frying pan.

Where the fuckity fuck did this guy keep the pan?

Between the two of you, Kakashi is the one who mostly uses the kitchen so he’s the one who has everything arranged according to his convenience.

You’re running on borrowed time, Kakashi should be up any minute now and you have to finish making breakfast before he does so you can surprise him with a nice breakfast tray in bed. You don’t usually wake up before him, he’s the early riser in your relationship but you figured you could reverse the roles for one day and kick start his day with a delicious meal, which would probably give you some winning points. And, of course… something else too. Something that will DEFINITELY give you some winning points.

You find the pan lying right in front of your eyes on one of the shelves and you turn the stove on, placing the pan over it before cracking open two eggs and sprinkling some cheese on them, berating yourself the entire time for being so blind.

On another burner of the stove, four perfect pancakes sit glistening, glazed with some maple syrup you picked up from the market yesterday. You reach for two cups on the counter and fill them with freshly brewed coffee as you hunt for a tray next.

You take a small glass vase and put two red roses in it, which you also bought yesterday, before placing it on a corner of the tray. Finding a notebook lying around, you rip a page off and scribble a note on it, a stupid grin spreading across your face as you write.

Happy Birthday, Kashi. You’ll always be the Hokage of my heart.  

Icha Icha Tactics Pg 150, line 2. <3

Icha Icha Paradise, Page 162, line 4. ; )

By the time you’re done, so are the eggs and you gather all the things on the tray, setting the note right beside the vase. You smile to yourself, looking at your creation. Not bad.

Take that, Gai.

You peek through the door of your bedroom to see Kakashi beginning to stir, and make a quick dash towards the bathroom.

You stand in front of the mirror, checking yourself out in the blue satin two-piece you changed into in the morning, just so you can wake him up with a real jolt.

You pull on the hem of your spaghetti top, revealing more of your cleavage and pull up the waist of your shorts, before turning around to admire the way it accentuates your curves. You fluff your hair up with your hands and take your favourite lipstick from the shelf, before puckering your lips up and dabbing a bit of it on.

You step back, admiring yourself in the mirror.

Forget a snack, I look like a full meal, baby. Take THIS too, Gai.

Hearing some sounds come from the direction of the bedroom, you rush back to the kitchen. You light a candle and place it on the tray before picking it up and making your way to the bedroom.

“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthdayyy- ayyyyy Kakashi-ii, Happy Birthday to you!” you sing, swaying your hips to the tune and doing a little dance as you enter through the doorway. You find him sitting upright on the bed, still under covers, his sleepy eyes widening in surprise as he catches sight of you.

He looks you up and down, taking your view in in thunderous astonishment as you place the tray on the bed and step forward to pull his face into a hug against your chest. “Happy Birthdayyyyyy baby” you mumble, smooching him all over and leaving red lipstick prints all over his face.

His hair looks dishevelled and his eyes are still sleep laden as you pull back and watch him look at the tray and then at you, and then back at the tray again.

“This… this is for me?” he asks shakily, looking up at you as you stand beside him.

“Well, duh! Who else would it be for?” you reply in a cheery tone.

He picks up the note from the tray and chuckles as he reads, his shoulders heaving with every snort of laughter.

 “Y/n, I…” he fumbles, “This is… I’m…you didn’t have to...” he trails off, looking up at you with eyes that send a pang to your heart.

“Of course I did. You deserve it.” you say, smiling as you sit on the other side of the bed, facing him.

A wide grin spreads through his face, lighting the entire room up and instantly aging him down by about eight years, not that he looks a day beyond 30 right now.

“And…“, he says with a twinkle in his eyes as he gestures towards your outfit, “Is that for me too?”

“For you to rip off, yes” you say in a husky voice, smouldering at him before breaking into a giggle immediately. “Well okay now, dig in, come on! I woke up at 4 am for this!” you say, pushing the tray towards him.

He straightens up, the grin sparkling in his face as he looks at the food in front of him. “Y/n, this looks amazing!” he says, picking up a fork and a spoon before taking a bite of the pancake.

You watch in anticipation as he chews the food and lets out a “Mmmmm. This is really good!”, before digging in for more.

You watch him happily, forgetting everything about the challenge for a while and just admiring how happy Kakashi looks, your heart filling up with such joy and gratefulness to have him, and to be able to share such moments with him.

“Where’s your food?” he asks, looking up at you between bites.

“Ah I’ll eat in a while. This is for you” you say, flashing him a smile.

He stops, holding the cutlery in his hands before fixing you with a deadpanned stare. “Absolutely not. I know what that means. Come here, have a bite, there’s enough for the both of us” he says, holding out a spoonful of cheese scrambled eggs at you.

You roll your eyes at him, but comply, leaning closer and letting him feed you.

The eggs melt in your mouth, the cheese tickling your taste buds. You allow yourself a moment to feel happy with yourself.

You did a great job, no doubt.

 The two of you eat in bed, laughing and talking until all the plates are scraped clean.

“That was the best meal I’ve ever had” Kakashi states, shaking his head as he takes his last bite, before putting the tray away to the side.

“Really?” you ask, smiling as you sit up your knees on the bed, watching him wipe his hands, before crumpling the tissue and throwing it into the bin.

You smirk as you crawl closer to him, slowly quenching the distance between you. He returns the smirk, a playful look dancing across his eyes as you put your legs astride his thighs, placing yourself on his lap.

You fix him with a stare, your eyes boring into his as you lean in closer, wrapping your arms around his neck.

“Well…you haven’t had your dessert yet” you whisper, your lips grazing his ear before you give it a light lick, one hand holding the back of his neck as the other trails slowly down his chest, drawing a straight line along his stomach till you reach the waistband of his pants and give it a small tug.

You hear a light ‘clap!’ as the elastic hits his skin and his breath hitches.

You slide down slightly on his leg, making sure to rub yourself against him as you do and pull on the waistband of his pants again, before reaching inside and stroking over his length with nimble fingers. Your mouth trails along his chest in red sloppy kisses… moving down his body…almost about to make contact with what you can feel growing harder and harder in your hand with every touch, when a sudden loud banging noise makes you and Kakashi both jerk up.

Not the kind of jerking you’d hoped to be doing.

The banging grows louder as you look at each other in confusion for a few seconds, before you get off Kakashi’s lap and he pulls his trousers back up, hurrying out of bed and rushing to the main door to see who’s banging so loudly this early in the morning.

You sit on the bed, pulling the fallen straps of your top up and wiping the smeared lipstick off the sides of your mouth as a feeling of dejection starts to grow heavy in your stomach.

The main door can be seen from where you’re sitting and you watch as Kakashi opens the door, a booming voice echoing through the house even before the door is fully ajar.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR RIVAL!”, Gai’s unmistakable voice hits your ears as you watch Kakashi being pulled into a hug before he even has time to react.

Gai shoves Kakashi away just as quickly as he had pulled him in, before thrusting a huge bouquet of flowers, ornated with daffodils, lilies, orchids and flowers of all sorts of other exotic kinds into his hand, making Kakashi stumble with the force.

Even from the distance you can make out the look of pure confusion and surprise in Kakashi’s face as he says “Gai...?”

You can hear both men’s voice as they exchange more words in your living room, but the voices start to fade and the words become incoherent to you as you feel your mind spiralling into a horrible, sinking feeling.

You look away from the door and plop onto the mattress on your back, starting up at the ceiling as you feel the load of your heart weighing you down.

A beeping sound goes off, and you turn your head to the side, catching sight of the alarm clock which indicates that it’s time to get ready for work.

 You’d set it last night so that you and Kakashi didn’t get carried away while you made him feel like the happiest man alive.

Well… so much for that.

Beside the clock, the two red roses you got Kakashi sit still in the glass vase, their wilting bodies watching you, as if in mockery. After all, what’s two measly roses in front of a massive bouquet of exotic flowers?

 ………………………………………………………..

 You look out of the window, up at the sky for the third time since morning.

The skies are still clear, thank goodness. The weather truly is absolutely perfect for a picnic.

You take the fully packed picnic basket out of the cupboard in your office, checking the items once again. Some sandwiches, fresh fruits, yogurt, a bottle of wine, two glasses and a mat.

The morning did not go exactly as you had hoped it would, true, but that’s okay. You still have the picnic and nothing will get in the way of that. You’re still hopeful and you refuse to give up. No, you absolutely will not give up. You had resolved to try your best to make this the best birthday for Kakashi, and you will do everything in your power to make that happen.

Sure, things haven’t entirely been going your way. But that’s fine, you still have the picnic.

You tell yourself this over and over again as you make your way towards the Hokage’s Office, this little internal monologue of yours standing as the only thing that keeps you from crumpling down completely.

The door to the office stands ajar and you notice Kakashi hunched over his desk, putting stamps on a bunch of papers as you enter.

He looks up at the sound of your footsteps, immediate surprising flashing across his features. “Y/n! I didn’t know you were coming” he says, his face lighting up at the sight of you. “What’s that?” he asks, glancing at the basket in your hand.

You smile and make your way towards him, sensing a warm rush flow to your cheeks.

Despite the years that you’ve been together for now, your heart still melts at the sight of him every single time. And there’s something about seeing him in the Hokage’s chair, looking so powerful and authoritative that really gets something going in you.

“What’s your schedule like right now?” you ask once you reach his table, even though you had already asked his Anbu guards to make sure he was clear during lunch time.

He looks at the papers on his desk before glancing up at you. “Pretty free, I’d say.”

“Great”, you grin, holding a hand out at him. “Come with me.”

“Come with you where?” he asks, looking cluelessly at you as he arranges some of the papers into an organised pile.

“Stop asking so many questions, Lord Sixth” you laugh, tugging his hand and pulling him up from the chair.

  Outside the Hokage Tower, you link your arm with Kakashi’s as the two of you walk along the path leading to the river. The village looks idyllic, people going about their own business, friendly chatter and chirping of birds ringing in the background. A pleasant breeze hits you and you close your eyes, inhaling the sweet fragrance of flowers it brings along with it. Kakashi smiles down at you and despite the fatigue in his eyes that’s always been a constant ever since he took up the position of Hokage, you see that he looks quite content.

You choose the biggest tree near the river, the one with lots of branches, casting a comfortable shade over the soft green grass. The shadows of the leaves dance across on the ground, swaying and flickering.  

You open the lid of the basket, taking the small rolled mat out and proceeding to unroll it.

Kakashi stands in the distance, gazing at the flowing river. This always was his favourite place to come to whenever he needed a break.

He turns towards you, smiling, before crouching down and helping you lay the mat. “You know you really didn’t have to go into all this trouble for me” he says, his eyes filling up with the same familiar look that he always gives you, every time you do something for him. There’s always a sadness in it that breaks your heart.

“Would you shut up already?” you say, unpacking the rest of the contents in the basket.

He laughs, raising his hands up in defence. “You’re spoiling me rotten. When did you buy all of this anyway?” he asks, watching as you take each item out and place it on the mat.

You shrug in reply, before handing him a sandwich which he takes eagerly, biting in immediately.

“Good?” you ask, “I got it from that shop you really like” you say, biting into one yourself.

“Really good”, he replies, finishing up the entire sandwich in about two bites and reaching for another. “I didn’t realise how hungry I was.”

You get the wine bottle next, taking two glasses out and pouring some into them. The liquid catches the sunlight, shimmering like jewel inside the crystal glass.

Beyond you, the river cascades gracefully down its winding path as you watch in awe, a peaceful silence enclosing its wings around you.

Kakashi smiles at you as you hand him a glass, clinking his glass against yours as his eyes linger on you and you feel your cheeks burning under his gaze.

Even after all this while, he has that effect on you. “What?” you mutter, gazing at him over the rim of your glass as you take a sip.

He shrugs, not taking his eyes off you. “Thank you” he smiles, and you know it’s not just for the wine. Or even the picnic.

You return his smile, leaning in for a kiss when suddenly a voice interrupts you.

“Kakashi Sensei!” you turn your heads around to watch two figures coming down towards you, one with bright blonde hair and the other with bubblegum pink.

The figures get closer and you wave at Naruto and Sakura, the latter holding a small bouquet in her hands.

“Happy Birthday, Kakashi sensei! I guess you really are an old man now, huh? Good thing your hair was white to begin with!” Naruto rambles with his hands behind his head as the young kunoichi  glares at him.

“It’s rude to remind a man of his age on his birthday, Naruto”, she rebukes, turning to her sensei to hand him the flowers. “Here, Happy Birthday Kakashi sensei!” she smiles, her eyes crinkling as she does.

Kakashi looks as taken aback as ever. “Thank you, Naruto, and Sakura! This is a pleasant surprise! It’s been a while since I saw you two” he says, placing the bouquet carefully beside him.

“Don’t be standing there you two, come join us!” you say, waving them over and gesturing at them to sit.

“Oh no, we don’t want to interrupt” Sakura says as Naruto crouches down with a “speak for yourself” directed at her, before reaching into the basket for a sandwich and letting out a contented moan with his eyes closed at the very first bite.

You laugh, handing him another of the two remaining sandwiches which he takes happily, putting it in his pocket. “Thank you, y/n sensei, you’re the best!”

You are about to offer Sakura the last one, when suddenly a loud, screeching noise infiltrates the grounds.

Kakashi stands up immediately, walking a few steps over to see what is causing the noise as you dust the crumbs of your dress and stand up, following after him.

You watch his eyes turn the size of saucers as you step in closer, turning your head at the direction of his gaze when you see it.

WHAT. THE. HELL.

Right there on the middle of main street stands Gai, holding a huge megaphone in his hand. Behind him stands a quartet, each holding an instrument of their own.

“Is that Gai sensei?” Naruto chimes, coming in and standing behind you with the second sandwich stuffed in his mouth.

“What…what is he doing?” Sakura says, going ahead to get a closer look.

All four of you stare frozen as another screeching noise fills the area, making you block your ears with your hands.

“HELLO, MIC CHECK— GOOD MORNING ALL MY DEAR FELLOW FRIENDS!”, you hear Gai screaming into the megaphone, the sound resonating across the next few miles.

“I AM FILLED WITH JOY TO TELL YOU ALL THAT IT IS OUR BELOVED LORD SIXTH’S BIRTHDAY TODAY AND IT IS ONLY OUR DUTY AS HIS COMRADES IN ARMS TO MAKE THIS THE ABSOLUTE BEST BIRTHDAY HE HAS EVER HAD!” He takes a few strides towards your direction, the quartet of musicians following after him.

You watch as several people in the vicinity stop to stare at this sudden spectacle.  

You look at Kakashi out of the corner of your eyes, standing with his body paralyzed as he gapes at the scene unfolding in front of him.

“GENTLEMEN, IF YOU WILL PLEASE”, Gai yells, turning around at the group of men behind him and giving them a nod.

They get their instruments in position and soon a tune breaks out so loud that it almost makes the ground vibrate.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR RIVAL, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU” Gai begins singing off key as several people, shinobi and civilians alike join him. People poke their heads out of their windows in the distance, some coming down, all eager to wish the leader of their village on this auspicious day.

“Gai, what the hell are you—” Kakashi begins, but his voice fades beneath the roaring noise.

Soon a crowd begins to gather, as Gai keeps singing in tune to the quartet, nearing closer and closer to where you’re standing, the rapidly growing crowd following after him.

“This is so cool!” Naruto says, going forward to mix in with the crowd as Sakura follows behind with a “Naruto, wait—“, leaving you to stand alone.

The ground begins to echo with cheers and claps and wishes as everyone comes around Kakashi, surrounding him and you feel yourself being shoved and pushed as group of men gather in front of you, chanting “Lord Sixth!” and singing other praises in his name.

Kakashi stands in the middle of it all, his face reddened in embarrassment as he manages his very best to maintain composure, thanking everyone again and again with the occasional protests which are quickly cut off by the overzealous crowd.

You stand in the distance, watching the crowd devour his figure as you slowly lose sight of him completely.

You take a few steps backwards to get away from the stomping, screaming and shoving and come near to where you were sitting peacefully, just a few minutes ago.

You look down at the ground, Kakashi’s untouched glass of wine and the unopened boxes of yogurt lying near your feet, a few inches away.

You look up at the crowd in the distance again, their deafening bellows hurting you ears as you plop down on the ground in defeat, unable to keep holding any longer.

You reach for your glass, chugging the entirety of its contents down in one swig before grabbing the stem of Kakashi’s glass and doing the same.

Leaving the empty glasses lying on the grass, you reach for the bottle, opening the cap and tossing it somewhere into the distance.  You feel your eyes well up, in spite of your every effort to hold the surge of waterworks back. Fat, hot tears start rolling down your cheeks as you chug the liquid down straight from its container, trickles glistening down the corners of your mouth, your throat beginning to burn with every swift successive gulp.

 ………………………………………

 The Konoha bookstore lies in a quieter part of the village, away from the usual chitter chatter.  It was made so with the idea that a bookstore should be situated in a place where there’s peace and quiet, a sanctuary for people to seek refuge in when they need to get away from all the commotion.

Unlike most of the newer and fancier shops in the village, the quaint little bookstore carries an old school charm, with its wooden floors, low ceilings and cosy reading lights. The latest spruce to the store, however was the addition of a DVD collection, making it a book and DVD store at present.

Throughout the years, this little bookstore has seen many unions between you and Kakashi, from romantic dates to squabbles over novels and authors. It has also always been very close to your heart, your safe place, the place that provides you comfort even on incurably bad days.

And right now, you’re on your way over to this very bookstore, walking as fast as your legs would carry you. Kakashi’s gift, which you’d pre ordered about a month ago should be here by now. Had you not gotten entangled in a million other things, you would have picked it up earlier.

You can read the little sign, written on a wooden board in the distance as you inch nearer, almost tripping on a rock as you push your poor legs to their very limit. Your body feels made up of nuts and screws more than flesh and blood by this point, ignoring every signal from your brain to work on its own.

Images of the afternoon threaten to break into your mind as you shut them away with all your might, not wanting to recall that horrible meltdown smack in the middle of the grounds.

Thankfully the crowds were too busy with Kakashi in the middle and Gai right by his side, leading the entire village into singing like they were all in some sort of a choir, to notice the Hokage’s girlfriend having the silliest meltdown of her life in the corner.

Moreover, you had made sure to slip away before the mob had thinned out, your last recollection being the tiniest glimpse you caught of Kakashi as you went by, looking as if he wanted the Earth to swallow him whole, as Gai beamed by his side with an arm around his shoulder.

You shake your head, trying to rid your mind of these flashes. You can’t break down again, no. You’re too far into this to give up now. No matter what happens, you have to stick to your resolve. Your hope may be dwindling, but it’s still not out yet.

You reach for the little glass door of the bookstore, pushing as you enter. The musty familiar smell of old books hits you immediately, almost making you feel as if everything is going to be okay.

You glance at the numerous books stacked in wooden shelves, categorised by genre. Some look new, and some display the ravages of time on them.

The shop owner, Mrs. Kimura catches sight of you, beaming as you draw nearer.

Because of how frequently you visit this store, you and old Mrs. Kimura have developed quite a bond. She also happens to be a war veteran, and you’ve spent many evenings listening to tales of her time from back in the days, tales that never fail to astonish you.

“Y/n! Hello! It’s been a while since I saw you!” she greets as you smile at her, even the smallest act of smiling so exhausting to you.

“Hello, Mrs. Kimura. Forgive me for not dropping by more often, I have been a bit busy lately” you say, flashing her an apologetic look.

“Ah, that’s okay dear. Well, what are you here for today?” she asks, the wrinkles by her eyes crinkling further as she smiles.

You fish around for a receipt in your pocket and take it out, handing it to her. “I had pre-ordered a special edition book containing unreleased manuscripts of the Icha Icha series about a month ago?” you say as she brings the paper closer to her eyes to get a better look. “It must be here by now, I’m here to collect it.” you say, unconsciously bouncing your legs as you wait.  

She keeps the paper away, before looking up at you with a sympathetic look in her eyes, her face looking as if she’s about to break the news of someone’s death to you.

No. Please No.

She notices the immediate flash of horror across your eyes, reaching out her wrinkled hand to touch yours over the counter before speaking softly, as if speaking to a child. “I’m so sorry dear… I know you must have wanted it for Kakashi…Unfortunately, we had some trouble with shipping and it’s still not here yet.”

Your heart pounds in your chest as you hear her words.

No.

Is this for real?

Your hands start shaking beneath hers as you look at her, the tear ducts behind your eyes threatening you once again.

God is this really happening?

You pull your hand away, turning around to face away from her and taking deep breaths to try and calm yourself down. 

This is a disaster. This is a total disaster.

This was your very last hope and now that’s gone too. If you were anywhere other than here right now, you’re sure you would’ve smashed something.

You put your face in your hands, not wanting Mrs. Kimura to see you in this state.

The old lady steps out from behind the counter, coming around to stand by your side and rubbing your back in consolation. “I’ll tell you what dear, let me give you a little something to make up for this mishap.” She says, her voice soothing.

But nothing can make this better. You had managed to maintain your cool every other time because you knew that if nothing else worked out, you at least had this. It was the one thing that kept you from crumbling and now…

You feel a horrible feeling growing into a lump in your belly as you straighten up, fighting back the dam behind your eyes with every cell in your body. You take three deep breaths, before turning to face the old lady.

“It’s fine, Mrs. Kimura. I have somewhere else to be.” you say, trying your hardest to form your face into a smile as she watches you, her white brows furrowing.

You hear her mumble something behind you but you’re already out of the door, onto the street again.

Once outside, you stand out in the lonely lane for a minute, letting out a deep sigh and looking up at the sky, the bright blue suddenly looking so grave.

You walk in the other direction from the one you’re supposed to be going in next, down the lane into an alleyway, rounding into a secluded corner where one of the village junkyards is situated.

A rotten smell of trash fills your nostrils as you see multiple trash cans littered around the area in the dingy dark corner.

You walk in amidst it all, the scattered trash resonating perfectly with how you feel inside. You let your back rest against the mouldy wall, closing your eyes to let the anger wash over you.

You feel it come surging through your veins like a charging bull as you feel your hands forming into fists and your body working against your instincts to raise your foot and hurl a kick towards one of the huge trash cans with a loud, ringing thud.

You’re taken aback by your own outburst as you watch the big metal can wobble on impact and before you realise, you find yourself coming forward, throwing kicks left and right on the can, on the walls, sometimes missing your aim but pressing on again and again and again, persevering through the shooting pain in your toes.

You are right in the middle of your maniacal fit, possibly your ninth kick, when you suddenly feel your balance stumbling, having stepped on something gross and slippery. You tumble as you feel yourself falling backwards, before crashing straight into all kinds of sticky, smelly debris and landing flat on your behind with a ‘thump!’.

You sit heaving in the middle of it all, several used wrappers of heaven knows what things sticking to you as you lift your hand off what looks like… a used condom. In addition to your toes, there’s also an ache creeping its way onto your back.

Great. Just great.

But you’re hardly surprised by this point. You almost break into a cackle at the thought of your own pathetic, pitiful state before getting back up, doing the best you can to brush your clothes off all the junk sticking to you.

Out of all the things that went wrong in the recent days, falling into a dumpster certainly hits a new low.

You dust your hands as you make your way out of the dark alleyway, a slight limp in your strides as you step into the light again.

Things are so far beyond worse by now, you feel as if nothing can possibly go downhill any further from here. You’ve hit the lowest of the low. Moreover, you are all out of ideas anyway and there’s nothing left that could go wrong.

The thought is almost strangely comforting. Because if you’ve hit rock bottom, the only way from here is up, right?

Checking the time on your watch, you make your way towards the main streets. It’s fifteen minutes to four and you have to pick up Kakashi’s cake.

 ……………………………………………………………

 The Konoha Bakery looks emptier than it usually does, from what you can see through the glass doors as you enter.

That’s good because you’re running slightly late, thanks to your second meltdown of the day, and you have a lot of cleaning up to do before the party. With every other option out of the window, you suppose the only thing left for you to do now is just simply look stunning for your man and have him feeling lucky to have you.

Anko’s suggestion doesn’t seem so bad anymore, she was probably right the entire time. Perhaps you really will just put on a bra with a bow after all.

The young girl from before is the one at the counter again, and she greets you as you walk in, while the other few customers scrunch up their noses at your entrance. You must be stinking really bad. You flash an awkward smile at them as you wait for the girl to assist you, feeling very self-conscious all of a sudden.

She disappears into the storage room at the back of the shop without a word and you feel panic rising within you as you half expect to be served another piece of bad news, instead of the cake you had ordered.

Thankfully for your nerves, and for you since the stink eyes from the customers were getting a little too uncomfortable to bear, she comes back soon enough, holding a huge white box with a big red bow on top in her hands.

“Here’s your order ma’am! Just the way you wanted!” she says with a grin, placing the box on the counter.

Without wasting further time, you flash her a quick smile and hold the box with both hands, lifting it off the counter.

It’s heavier than you’d expected and you almost stumble, catching your balance at just the last moment.

There’s no way, no way you’re letting anything go wrong with this, hell no.

You tuck your purse under your arm as you try to hold the box, making sure to balance it in your hands. The box is so big, it almost obstructs your view and you struggle to see as you proceed to walk out of the store.

You push the door open with your foot and step outside, barely managing to see anything in front of you as you peek through one side of the huge box to see where you’re going.

 Out on the street, you keep struggling your way ahead, relying majorly on your other senses to walk, tripping and stumbling a few times.

No matter what though, you are not about to let this box fall from your hands.

You’re almost near your home when suddenly a very familiar voice stops you, one that you’ve unfortunately had to hear more times than you’d have liked to in the past few days.

You peek across the stooping box to look at Gai, standing in front of you with his eyes bright as ever and the evergreen toothy grin pasted across his face.

He also seems to be carrying some bags in his hands, but you don’t bother asking what they are.

Unicorn feathers for his dear rival perhaps. Or berries of immortality handpicked by tiny fairies from the forbidden forests of the Land of Rainbows. Whatever.

“What is it, Gai?” you ask, “I am not exactly in the best state to stand and chat right now” you say, making no efforts to mask your annoyance while struggling to hold the box up as the purse almost slips from your tuck.

“I am so very sorry, Y/n! Please allow me to carry this for you—” he begins, stepping forward as you take a step back, cutting him off.

“That won’t be necessary, Gai.”

You watch a look of confusion flash across his face and then he says, “Well then, I’ll see you at my party, Y/n! Everything is almost—”

“Yes, I am sure that everything is just wonderful.”, you can’t help but snap. You know that he is only trying to make his best friend happy but with each failure, you can’t help feeling more and more bitter towards the man in front of you.

You feel your patience running out as he says “Well, the cake looks wonderful too, Y/n! I can’t wait to—”

“Yeah, yeah” you snap again, cutting him off, not able to bear it any longer. “I have to go, see you later.” You say, sidestepping past him and walking ahead, trying your best to look dignified and not trip on the way.

You hear him call after you “Y/n, Wait! You have something stuck to your—”

But you pick up your pace, ignoring his calls and walking on with your eyes ahead, hearing his voice get fainter and fainter.

Once out of his view, you stop, looking behind to check the back of your dress and sure enough, find your old friend, the used condom sticking to the thin material of your dress.

You hang your head forward, and exhale heavily into the air.

So much for dignified.

  Once at home, you place the cake on top of your kitchen counter and run immediately to the bathroom, stripping as you go. The stench emitting from you is truly unbearable and the thought of having a myriad of disgusting, unknown things sticking to your body almost makes you gag.

You turn the tap on and wait for the bathtub to fill up as you take a quick glance into the mirror. You look absolutely terrible. You have dark bags under your eyes from several sleepless nights, your hair is all out of order and you just look completely exhausted. Which, well, you are. But that’ll have to change before the party.

You get your favourite, most expensive body wash down from the shelves, the one that you only use on special occasions or when you need to take a nice long bath to unwind. You uncap the bottle and breathe into its mystic fragrance, smiling to yourself.

Perfect. Kakashi loves this smell.

Next you splash some water on your face, dabbing it dry with a towel before putting on a homemade face mask that always softens your skin and leaves a nice glow.

With the face mask on, you step into the bath, leaning your head back against the edge of the tub with your eyes closed. The warm water engulfs your body, washing away the horrible day, and the stench.

You take a deep breath, inhaling in the fragrance of one of the aromatic candles you lit, and let yourself get into the moment. This is the first time in a week that you have felt truly relaxed and you take time enjoying it. You really, really needed this.

There’s still a few hours to go before the party and you take your sweet time in the shower, washing and scrubbing every part of your body.

You wash your hair, file your nails, put on some nail polish, and lather your entire body with sweet smelling moisturiser.

By the time you get out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, however, you realise that you’re running thirty minutes behind. You got so into the moment that you completely lost track of time.

The clock reads 8:45 and the party is set to start at around 9:15.

You dash to the bedroom, going straight for your wardrobe and racking through all the hangers to find the dress you had in mind for tonight. Sure enough, you cannot find it, so you start yanking each hanger out, throwing them onto the bed one after another. After about seven minutes you find the one you’re looking for, hidden behind clumps of a few other clothes.

You really need to organise your wardrobe, but that’s a thought for later.

You pull out a set of lacy black lingerie from another shelf, a pair that you haven’t worn yet since you were saving it for a special occasion.

You untuck your towel, letting it fall to the ground before slipping into the pair of black underwear. Next you wiggle into your dress, before walking to your dresser to catch a glimpse of yourself.

You smile, looking at your reflection. You have on a red, halter neck floor length dress with a thigh high slit on one leg. It was an impulse buy that you had made on one of your vacations and you recall having worn it only once your twice before.

You turn around in front of the mirror, checking yourself from all angles.

Definitely not bad.

With the clock ticking, you don’t spend further time on admiring yourself and move on to doing your hair and make-up. You brush your hair into a loose low bun, with loose locks of hair hanging by two sides of your face.

You aren’t one for much make-up, so you go for your usual minimal look, with a bit of eyeshadow, some mascara and lip gloss. To add one last touch of dazzle, you put on a pair of silver dangling earrings and then step back, looking at the final result on the mirror.

Your reflection is better than satisfactory, and a grin breaks out on your face. 

Kakashi certainly is going to need a moment to catch his breath when he sees this.

Now that you’re ready, you make your way towards the main door, making a mental list of all the things you need to check for before leaving the house.

Keys, wallet, watch, cake.

You repeat the order in your head as you go around the house, locking every cupboard that contains anything valuable and turning the lights of each room off.

You take the keys off the keyholder from the wall before going up to the kitchen counter where the cake is. How you’ll carry this cake and walk wearing a floor length dress and heels is a good question, but you suppose after all that you’ve been through today, this will quite literally be cakewalk.

The smell of the rich chocolate flavour permeating through the box is overwhelming and you resist the urge to sneak a peek.

There’s no harm in sneaking a little peek. Or maybe even in getting a little taste of the icing?

You giggle to yourself like a child as you tug the bow off and keep it carefully to the side before peeling off the single piece of cello tape that’s closing the box shut.

You slowly begin lifting the cardboard lid up, juvenile anticipation rising in your chest as you grow eager to catch a glimpse of the magnificent cake, until the lid is all the way up and—

 Sitting there, in front of your eyes, is a humongous, chocolate covered penis cake, complete with a pair of balls and several veins and even tiny hairs drawn delicately with icing. On top of the cake written in cursive, also with icing is “Kakashi your dick”.

You stare at the sight in front of you for a few seconds, having lost the ability to function.

You keep staring, as an inaudible scream leaves your mouth and you feel your legs wobble, your head suddenly spinning as they give way and you feel yourself losing balance, unable to keep yourself standing. Your foot catches the hem of your dress and you hear a clear ‘screeeesh’ as the flimsy material comes ripping on impact, before you fall on the ground.

You sit staring blankly at the ground in shock, your head suddenly completely empty of thoughts, before you find yourself letting out a loud, long coming, screeching scream that almost tears your vocal cords, into the empty house.

Your voice echoes through the walls as you find yourself unable to keep holding the tears back anymore, letting them come as you feel them roll down your cheeks in streams of water, completely messing up your freshly put on make-up.

You sit with your back resting against the kitchen counter, slowly slipping onto the floor before you’re fully horizontal on the cold tiled ground, crumpled up in a screaming, sobbing ball.

You make no efforts to hold back any longer as you catch hold of the ripped part at the hem of your dress and tear it off with a hard yank, using it to wipe the watery snot running down your nose.

Your shoulders heave as you stay on the floor sobbing, a whimper escaping your trembling mouth from time to time.

You lie on the floor crying for you don’t know how long, the clock ticking by behind you as you make no attempts to move.

I give up.

Gai wins.

You tried, you’d gone out of your way, you’d bent over backwards to do everything you could to make Kakashi happy. But despite your best efforts, you couldn’t. You failed. You failed at making him happy. You are a horrible girlfriend and a horrible person. You snapped at Gai and were rude to Mrs. Kimura, who had been trying to help you.

The sobs come harder and you give yourself in to them, your face looking like a wet mess with make-up smeared all over. And your dress… your beautiful red dress…

But that’s not the most important thing on your mind right now.

You recall every single moment from the past two days, letting all the feelings you had pushed to the back of your mind, every single instance where you tried to be strong when you really wanted to scream, flow over and consume you.

Your mind wanders to when you’d placed the order for the cake and you realise… you have no one but yourself to blame for this particular mishap. When you’d shoved the ripped pieces of the poem into your pocket, it must have mixed up with the scrape of paper that had the details of the cake written on it. And like an utter moron, you had handed the paper to the girl without even looking at it. No wonder she had looked at you funny.

And God, Kakashi’s name was on it. He’s the Hokage for God’s sake.  

In addition to self-pity and dejection, you feel embarrassment creep in as you recall the conversation you had had with the girl.

The cake reflects the man so the largest one you have of course.

Not only did you embarrass yourself, you also, without even trying, managed to drag Kakashi’s dignity into the grounds by involuntarily disclosing details about his measurements down there to the girl in the bakery.

God what did she even think!?

Another surge of tears overwhelm you as you hide your face into your hands, realising just what you have done.

The veins, I suppose that’s what she meant by “special details”

You bury your face in the cold ground, hoping never to get up again. There’s no way you can ever show your face at the Bakery ever again. Which really sucks because they have the best blueberry muffins in all of the Land of Fire.

 You remain lying on the ground for what feels like a lifetime and the tears eventually stop but you feel like trash and your muscles feel weak from all these days of running around and biting off more than you can chew, so you remain on the floor, crumpled into a ball like a snail.

It must be somewhere around 10:30 p.m. when you feel the main door clicking, but you remain in your position, too exhausted to care about anything anymore.

“Y/n!” Kakashi’s voice rings as he enters, almost screaming. “What happened, are you okay?” you hear him as he comes running across the room as soon as he’s inside, crouching by your side to take your face in his hands.

In all the years that you’ve known him, you can count the number of times he’s sounded this alarmed on your fingers.

You study his panicked eyes as you look into them, a sloppy smile spreading through your face. “Kakashi… what’s up, man?”

His brows knit deeper as he takes your state in, your tear streaked, make-up smeared face and your ripped dress. He leans down further and sniffs. “Are you drunk?”

“No, but I should be” you reply, still in the same position as he watches you in utter confusion.

“Y/n, what’s wrong?” he asks, his tone worrisome. You realise he’s breathing fast, like he ran on his way here.

You lift your head off the ground, sitting up and facing him. “The question is, what isn’t wrong?” you say, putting a hand on his shoulder. “And the answer is, nothing. Because everything is completely and utterly wrong.”, you smile again.

You watch his eyes grazing across your face, reading you but saying nothing. He remains quiet, only looking at you, waiting for you to regain sanity.

A few minutes of silence pass before you speak. You let out a sigh before forming the words.

 “I’m sorry” you say, taking your face into your hands. “It’s just… I really wanted to make you happy on your birthday, and I failed. Miserably…” 

“What are you talking about?” he asks, moving your hands away your face, shock evident in his voice.

You avoid looking at him, shaking your head. “Nothing. I’m just stupid.”

He comes closer, pulling you into his arms as you rest your head on his chest, matching your breaths to the beat of his heart.

 Being in his arms feels like being blanketed in a cocoon and you feel a strange feeling of comfort flood over you. You stay that way in silence for a while before you conjure the ability to talk again.

“So…Did you um… go to the party?” you ask against his chest, still in his hold.

“Yes, but you weren’t there, so I came to look for you.” He replies, his chin resting on the top of your head as he speaks.

You feel a strange guilt forming as you wonder how thrown off Gai must have been when you hadn’t shown up.

“And were you surprised?” you ask, making a mental note of apologising to Gai. Temporary rivalry aside, he’s a good friend.

“Well, I knew about this” he says matter-of-factly and you pull back, looking at him. “But there definitely were surprises.”

“You knew about the party?” you ask, your brows furrowing.

“Well, yeah. Gai tried to hire singers and any gathering of such magnitude requires the Hokage’s sanction and I didn’t want him to go through so much trouble so I denied permission and asked the singers to tell him they were booked, but…  he found some way around it, I really don’t know how.”

You can’t help letting out a chuckle at this. “Sounds like Gai. He really went all out, huh?”

You watch Kakashi almost shudder. “You should’ve seen what did for the party” he says, shaking his head.

“Were there boa scarves involved….?”

“You don’t want to know.” He says chuckling, and you smile, taking his hand in yours, glad to have him alone at last, even under these circumstances.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I was the one who was supposed to go get you and I got ready” you gesture at your face and your dress,” But then this happened” you say, reaching for the open box lying on the counter with your hand. “Are you ready?”

He looks at you in confusion as you get a hold of the box, carefully bringing it over and placing it in the space between you.

You watch his eyes widen at the sight before he starts laughing and you join in, staring at the humongous edible rendition of a penis in front of you.

“Well, that is one well-endowed cake” he says, tilting his head to get a better look at it.

You sigh. “Ugh. This whole thing turned out to be such a disaster. This is not how it was supposed to be…” you say, looking down at the ground, your face forming into a frown again. ”I just wanted this day to be special and to make you happy”.

His eyes soften as he looks at you. “I AM happy”.

Inside your chest, your heart starts doing somersaults.

“You bring me a lot of hap-penis, Y/n.” he says, looking right into your eyes with a straight face.

“Kakashi, did you just—"you scoff, “This is not funny! Do you know the amount of craziness I’ve had to—” but you trail off, breaking into a fit of laughter yourself. “You’re such an idiot” you say and he smiles, coming closer to you and pulling you into a hug again.

You close your eyes as he whispers into your hair, “You smell nice”.

“Can’t say the same about you,” you reply without missing a beat but do nothing to let go of him.

He laughs into your hair and you feel the muscles of his chest move as he does. “Yeah, I should go take a shower. I ran on the way here.”

“Shouldn’t you get back to the party?” you ask.

“I’m not going back there.”

“But it is your party. As much as I’d like you to stay, you should go, Kakashi.” You say, pulling back from the hug to look at him.

“I did go.” He protests. “Believe me, they won’t miss me if I don’t go back. Gai is 3 sakes down, he can barely tell his right arm from his left, it’s havoc out there.”

You widen your eyes at his words. “3 sakes down? That’s not going to be good” you say, shuddering as you recall this particular memory from a few years ago where you had had the misfortune of witnessing Gai drunk in a bar. The place had taken 2 months to renovate and your entire group was banned from ever setting foot there again.

Kakashi laughs, recalling the same memory. “So, don’t worry. I am going to go take a quick shower and then I’m all yours for the night.” He says, with a twinkle in his eyes.

You smile at him and for the first time this evening, it doesn’t feel like a chore.

“Wait, let’s cut the cake before you go, it’s been sitting out for too long” you say, getting up with the box in your hands as Kakashi follows.

You come around to the counter, placing the box on top and looking for a knife as he comes behind you, standing with an arm around your waist as he laughs at the sight of the cake again.

“Well thanks to this, everyone in the village is probably going to know now that their Hokage is packing” you say, before proceeding to take the cake out of the box and placing it on a tray.

“Yeah, I had been thinking of ways to get out of this Hokage job for a long time and I think you gave me the perfect reason to resign.” He says as you hand him the knife, chortling.

He remains standing beside you with an arm on your back as he makes the first cut on the cake, and you watch thick white molten cream come spilling out onto the tray.

“Oh my god” you exclaim, laughing in fits as he cuts a slice and holds it out near your mouth.

You open your mouth and let him feed you and cut one of the 'balls' of the cake before holding it out to him. “Open wide” you say, before feeding him the slice as both of you try not choking on your laughter.

He looks at you with those eyes again, before dipping his index finger in a bit of the cream and smearing it on both your cheeks and your nose, before leaning forward and kissing the areas, licking them away.

“Thank you, Y/n” he says and you see the same look from earlier reflected in his eyes.

You lean forward and place a kiss on his mouth, the one you couldn’t earlier.

“Alright, I’ll go take a shower.” He says, kissing your cheek again before turning around to head towards the bathroom. Halfway through, he turns around to call out. “Oh and I found a package addressed to you at the doorstep? I kept it by the couch” he says, before turning back and disappearing down the hallway.

A package? What could that be?

Confusion looms over you as you walk up by the couch, inspecting the package in your hand. It looks big and heavy.

You crouch down, unpacking it slowly and find a note attached. You keep the note aside and open the package first and inside, you find a projector, complete with a roll up screen and a manual guide, and a DVD copy of Icha Icha Paradise.

You pick up the note, holding it in front of you.

Dear Y/N,

Please accept this small gift for me, as a token of apology and gratitude for all that you’ve done for me over the years.

But remember that the best gift a man can have is the company of the woman he loves.

My best wishes to Kakashi and my love to both you.

Akari Kimura

You hold the little note close against your chest and feel your eyes welling up, but not out of frustration or sadness this time. You smile to yourself and make a mental note to personally deliver a bouquet of flowers to Mrs. Kimura tomorrow.

But right now, something else plays in your head as you suddenly recall a line from that paragraph of Icha Icha Paradise.

His engorged fleshy sword slipped into her moist tenderness, thrumming deep and hard into her honeypot as the petals of her flower bloomed to welcome him into the humble abode between her legs. Their dewy bodies heaved, as if dancing to a melody written only for them and they became one, in a sacred union of love and lust, as they made love under the sparkling stars of the beautiful night sky.

Sparkling stars of the beautiful night sky.

Your face breaks into a massive grin and you stand swiftly up on your feet and dash towards the bedroom.

You pull out some sheets, a pair of comforters from the storage cupboard and run to your backyard, piling them all on the grass before making a quick dash back into the bedroom and coming back with some pillows and cushions.

You lay the sheets and the comforter carefully on the grass, before throwing the pillows on top.

You hurry back to the living room next, carrying the box containing all the things out into the backyard and set up everything one by one, with the help of the manual. You connect the projector to the DVD player you had in your house already and set up the screen on the two metal stands in front of the makeshift bed on the grass.

You make another quick dash inside your house, making sure Kakashi is still in the shower. You hear some movement behind the door and you yell “Don’t come out now!” before getting some twinkling string lights you have from the store room.

“What do you mean don’t come out? I’m done, I need to get dressed” you hear him yell back from the other side, followed by the sound of the bathroom lock clicking as you run to the door just in time, the string lights still in your hand, and lock the door from outside. “Don’t come out until I say so!”

You hear him utter a confused “What?” but you’re already off, out in the backyard again. You wrap the string lights around, in bushes and trees and clothing wires, before turning them on.

A dim yellow light fills your backyard, flooding the entire place with a warm cosy aura.

You look around to your creation, satisfied with the results and let out a big grin, thanking Mrs. Kimura in your heart.

She’s right. The best thing you can do for Kakashi is to simply be there for him, and spend time with him. You got so wrapped up in thinking about doing things to make him happy, that you forgot that it doesn’t matter what you do, as long as the two of you are together.

Kakashi loves you and you know you make him happy, regardless of whether or not you make any grand gesture on his birthday. 

But that being said, it certainly doesn't hurt to do a little something for him, as long as you don't get too carried away with it to the point that it almost kills you. 

The realisation soothes you and you feel a long-standing burden slowly crumble in your heart as you start to feel lighter, your spirits lifting up.

You hum to yourself as you make your last trip into the house, gathering some of the food you had picked out at the market that day but didn’t fit into the picnic basket. You pull out an old bottle of wine from the refrigerator, filling up two glasses and carrying it outside to the backyard.

Laying it all beside the sheets, you make your way back towards the bathroom and stand outside, facing the door.

“Kakashi?” you call in a soft voice.

“Yeah? Can I come out now? What are you even doing?” he calls back as you smile to yourself at the sound of his voice.

“How well do you know Icha Icha Paradise?”

“All the lines by heart, can we have this conversation when I’m not standing near a commode?” he calls out impatiently as you laugh again.

You reach behind and pull on the strings of your halter-neck tied at the back of your neck, feeling the top of the dress fall to your hips in one swift motion. You slide the rest down your hips, letting it pool near your feet as you step out of it, standing in front of the door in your lacy black lingerie.

“All the lines?” you ask again, your voice teasing.

“Yes”, he replies and you hear him about to start another sentence as you unlock the door, pushing it open. “We’ll test that.” You say, looking into his eyes as you watch him look at you like he just got an electric shock through his veins.

You gaze at him, standing there in a white towel with his hair wet, droplets of water still trickling down his torso as you feel something stir inside you and you smile, not taking your eyes off him.

He still stands there looking frozen as you step forward, and take his hand in yours, even the touch of his fingers against yours suddenly sending a shiver through you.

“I, uh… You look… I’m—” you hear him fumble nervously, visibly shocked as you cut him off.

“Just like the main heroine of Icha Icha, yes” You say in your calmest voice, tugging at his hand, a mischievous smile playing on your lips as he steps out of the bathroom, still looking at you as if he’s not sure you’re real. You pull him by his hand, slowly leading him down the hallway, all the way out into the backyard, knowing that nothing is going to come in your way this time.

You catch a glimpse of the clock as you lead him outside, and see that it’s almost midnight and soon it’s not going to be his birthday anymore but right now, you don’t care.

You don’t care if it’s not his birthday anymore, or if you don’t have rose petals, expensive champagne or a delicious meal cooked.

You don’t care that you couldn’t give him the perfect birthday gift, or that he’s already watched this movie multiple times before.

You don’t even care that all your previous attempts had failed, that even after breaking your back trying to do things for Kakashi, you couldn’t pull a single thing off.

All that you care about, is the fact that he’s here with you.  

In the end, it all worked out just fine, better than you could have ever dreamt of.

But what matters most is the fact that you’re together, and you make each other happy, and nothing else in the world could ever be more special, or a greater gift than that.  

 Just her and him in their own little world, entangled in each other’s arms, laughing the night away and making sweet love under the stars. (Last Line, Icha Icha Paradise)

Notes:- 

I tried my best to proof read but since it's really long, I may have missed some things. So if you find any spelling mistakes or any words missing or anything that seems out of place, please do not hesitate to let me know! 

Also, I’m gonna reply to the comments about the earlier chaps on here lmfao 

@ibukiirisha​ - You’re so cute what the hell, it was MY honor to tag YOU omg, I honestly was so fkn delighted when you’d even asked to be tagged in my fics,I was just ahdfdhkefhj  😩 Thank you so much ❤️

@ren-hatake​ - AHHHH i cant even tell you how happy you make me with all the love and support i mean  😩😩 it really fills my heart, you and your comments make My day 6000000x better and thank you so much for everything bb, I’m so glad you liked the earlier chaps thank you so so much ily ❤️

@issamomma​ - OH GOD THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING YOU SAID, honestly. I can’t verbalise how happy it made me 😩 Your comments always make my day, thank you so much taking the time to write them, I appreciate it a hell lot. You’re so precious, thank you, ily ❤️

@psychofishie​ - shdhdk i don’t even know what to say, you’re literally encouraging me and supporting me all the damn time and thank you so so much, it really does keep me going. Your comments mean a hell lot to me, thank you SO MUCH for all the support, i completely adore you and i really hope you like the story ahhhhh  ❤️  

@ sushi-comet - I agree lmfao Gai is pure af and i love him but yeah he sure does go over the top sometimes lmfao. Thank you so much for reading!!  😩

[snowdice]

Finding the Time to Study Fic 2 [Day 15]

Here is my starting post for today’s study break stories session. See this post for more details and feel free to send me asks to keep me going! It’s been a lot of fun so far! I will reblog this post with the story as I write them today. I’ll be constantly looking for ideas of times and places for Janus to have missions, so feel free to send in any you can think of at any point!

If you are a new follower or just don’t want all of these posts clogging your dash, please feel free to block the tag “study break stories” as all posts and voting about it will go there. You can still see the finished product of the story even if you are blocking that tag as I will not tag the edited chapters with “study break stories” but with the tag “folds in paper.” See edited chapters below. Chapters 3-7 and what I have of Chapter 8 are under the cut.

My Masterpost Part 1 Part 2

I also have a playlist on youtube (because Spotify didn’t have one of the songs I wanted). It’s short, and not really for serious listening, but I had fun with it.

This thing is going to be 1K words with the semester I’m having. :P The plan is to do a lot of work today. I even have my dinner in a crock-pot. I’m giving a presentation on October 13th and want to basically knock out the prep today so I don’t have to have it hanging over my head. Not sure if I will achieve that, but that’s the plan! I have big goals! Wish me luck! :D

Chapter 3

Janus and Remus both appeared at the same moment a couple of feet apart in what looked like the inside of a garden shed. There was already a man waiting for them a few feet away. “Sup babes,” Remy said, just like he always did. The T-Agent looked their costumes up and down and whistled. “Now that,” he said, “almost makes me want to be one of you time jockeys.”

“They wouldn’t let me have a gun or a canister of moonshine,” Remus pouted.

Remy snorted. “Sorry, babes, but that makes my job a lot easier. If I’ve gotta fish you outta the 1920s criminal justice system, I’d rather it not be because you shot someone on accident ‘cause you don’t know how to use the safety.”

 Remus groaned dramatically. “Everyone is lame.”

Remy just shook his head. “Meet back here when you’ve got the necklace,” he said. “Don’t make a move until after 11:05pm and before 11:17. That’s your window.”

“We know,” Janus said. “See you then.”

“Have fun at the party boys,” Remy said and then lowered his shades to look at Remus, “but not too much fun.”

“Yeah, yeah,” said Remus, already towing Janus out of the garden shed. The way had been specifically cleared for them, so they met no other people before they’d rounded the house the party was taking place and had gotten onto the driveway in front of the house.

 Without missing a beat, they strolled up to the front of the house, just as a car pulled into the end of the driveway. Janus rang the doorbell, and a few moments later, a man who was clearly the butler answered the door. They handed over their invitation, and the man immediately let them in.

The party had already started when they slipped into the medium sized ballroom that had been decked out in streamers and other decorations. Janus’s nose immediately wanted to scrunch as the smell of sweat from all the dancing already going on as well as the too strong perfume meant to cover that stench wafted over him. It was by far not the worst smelling time period, but he was pretty sure some people still weren’t aware deodorant had been recently invented.

 He checked his time piece which had been disguised as a fancy wristwatch for this trip. “Okay,” he said. “We have about two hours before we need to make our move. We should…”

Remus’s attention was already being dragged away by a young man who seemed to be providing guests with food. “I’m going to go ‘mingle’,” he said, winking.

“No!” Janus hissed. “Re- Richard! No!”

Yet, he was already disappearing into the horde of stinky bodies, likely to go scandalize a bunch of rich folks, and leaving Janus alone. Janus mumbled a curse under his breath that he was sure no one around him would understand even if they could make it out.

 Unsure what to do with himself, he wandered over towards where the live musicians were playing jazz music, being sure to keep out of the way of the dancers. He was edging around the makeshift dancefloor, when one of said dancers must have misstepped and knocked into another one. The second man stumbled right towards Janus, arms pinwheeling. Janus reached out on instinct to catch the man as he fell.

There was a moment where the two of them just stared at each other, surprise evident on the other man’s face. He was wearing a mask that just covered the area around his eyes and the top of his nose, revealing a smattering of freckles across his cheeks that Janus imagined extended to his nose.

 The mask was a light blue velvet with a flower stuck on the side near his right ear, and a trail of curled golden ribbon bobbed down around his chin. The party continued on around them, a blur of movement and sound.

“Are you alright?” Janus asked.

The man blinked up at him and then tilted his head slightly to the side as though confused, before a smile slowly grew on his face. “Oh, I’m fine Dove.”

“Dove?” Janus asked.

He giggled. “You have dove feathers on your mask,” he explained, reaching up a hand to touch one. His finger brushed the tip of Janus’s ear, “and I don’t know what else I am supposed to call you.”

 “My name is Lee,” he automatically lied.

“Is it?” he asked, sounding amused. “Doesn’t seem to fit you well. I like Dove better.”

“Oh?” asked Janus. “And what’s your name so I can not call you that?”

The man chuckled. “Call me Pat.”

“Hello Pat,” Janus said.

“I thought you didn’t want to call me by my name.”

“I changed my mind.”

“Hmmm,” Pat said, finger tracing idly across Janus’s forearm which was when Janus realized with a start that he was still holding the man in his arms. He quickly went to release him, which Pat allowed with clear amusement.

 Yet, instead of completely stepping away, Pat grabbed Janus’s arm. “What are you doing all the way over here by the way?” he asked. “Don’t you want to dance.”

“Oh,” Janus hesitated. “I don’t really dance.” Or at least not in the way the people around him were. He’d had basic training for this style, but it had been a while and he was a bit rusty.

“Everyone dances Dove,” Pat claimed. “At least if they know the steps and have the right partner.”

“But I don’t know the steps,” Janus said with an eyebrow raise.

He hummed. “Well, I know the dance pretty well by this point,” Pat said. “Why don’t I teach you how it goes.”

 He was agreeing with the soft beseeching tone before he even realized it. Pat pulled him into the middle of the throng of people. He seemed to think, bopping his head to the music playing for a moment, before looking back at Janus. “Heard of James Johnson?”

Janus inclined his head.

“Well, have you heard his new song? Because there’s a dance that goes with it.”

He took a few steps away from Janus and started to dance. Despite his claim to know the steps, he wasn’t particularly good, but he made up for any loss of rhythm with pure enthusiasm.

 Janus found himself smiling at the man, and after a few moments, joined in with the dance. Despite his lack of practice, he ended up having a better natural rhythm than Pat. Pat didn’t seem to mind that he was being outperformed, however. On the contrary, he giggled at himself the couple of times he stumbled.

When he fell into Janus’s arms for the second time that night, Janus decided he’d probably had enough dancing for the moment and pulled him off to the side to get something to drink and cool down a bit.

He watched the man take a snack and some punch from one of servers and thank him happily before turning back to Janus. Pat was easily able to keep Janus’s attention as they chatted. He was bubbly and soft, and Janus found himself enchanted as they talked.

 He was explaining the steps of a different dance, a couples one. “Knowing how to perform the tango will entrance any girl you want,” Pat said, something mischievous sparkling in his eyes. “Assuming you’re that type of fella.”

“As opposed to what?” Janus asked.

Pat leaned in a bit closer. Not too much, but enough that he was definitely in Janus’s space. “A different type of fella,” he said simply, before smiling and leaning back.

Janus let out a shaky exhale and took a sip of punch. He glanced over at Pat. “Tell me about yourself, Pat,” he said.

Pat hummed in contemplation. “Well, I went to France recently.”

 “You did?”

“Oui, c'était amusant, mais j'ai eu des ennuis”

“What kind of trouble?” Janus asked curiously.

“Oh, the kind with a pretty boy and crepes that were way too sweet. Anyway,” he continued. “Other than that, I mostly help out my friend. He’s an inventor.”

“And how do you help him.”

He shrugged, “Running errands mostly, and making sure he gets enough sleep, because otherwise he gets distracted and forgets. And you?”

“I’m a banker,” he said, remembering his cover, but felt compelled to add, “but I like to travel as well.”

“You do look the type?”

“And how is that?”

   Pat shrugged. “I can always tell a wandering spirt from the masses, and you are easy to spot.” Pat looked at him then with a secret smile on his face, and Janus felt suddenly known, like the man in front of him had known him for years even though they’d only just met. Looking at him then, he wanted suddenly for that to be fact and not a flight of fancy.

He was brought firmly back to reality in the next moment. “Lee,” a pointed and familiar voice said. Janus’s head snapped up to see Remus, staring at him. He tapped his wrist. Janus glanced at his own wrist: 10:58pm. He just barely managed not to curse.

 “I,” he said looking up at Pat. “I’m sorry, but I have to go.”

“That’s okay,” Pat said easily. “It is getting rather late.”

“Yes,” Janus agreed. “Well… goodbye.”

Pat, titled his head, a half smile on his face. “I’ll be seeing you around.”

Janus nodded, and turned away from him towards Remus. He didn’t look back as they excited the ballroom. They snuck into a small side closet for coats that wasn’t being used as it was summer.

“So,” Remus said when the door closed behind them.

“Don’t,” warned Janus.

“I’m not one to judge,” Remus said.

“Shut up.” He glanced at his watch. It was 11:02. “We’ll go in 5.”

 “I have to give it to you. He was very cute.”

“We’re not talking about it.”

Remus just laughed joyfully, and Janus did his best to halt the blood rushing to his cheeks.

At 11:07, well into their window, they slipped back out of the closet, and towards the stairs as the party raged on.

Despite how Remus usually never shut up, he was able to be quiet when it counted. They snuck to the master bedroom of the home’s owners in silence. The door was already wide open by the time they got there, and Janus didn’t think anything of it. At least, he didn’t until they entered the bedroom, and there was someone already there.

 He turned from the dresser he’d been standing in front of to face them, sending Janus the same smile he had down in the ballroom. Janus and Remus both froze. “Sorry, sweetie,” Pat said. “Were you here for this too?” he held up the necklace they’d been sent for. He closed his fist around the charm made out of time travel tech.

“What?” Janus said.

Pat giggled and winked. “Unfortunately, I need it a bit more than you at the moment. So, I’m gonna have to go.” Janus stepped forward, not really sure what he was intending to do, but Pat just smiled. “See you some other time, my Turtle Dove.” With a snap of his fingers and loud crack, he disappeared. The mask he’d been wearing fluttered to the ground.

  Arc I: Finding Cinderella

Chapter 4

Janus was frozen in surprise for a few long moments after Pat disappeared. Which had been, admittedly, his mistake, because, while their window had technically been until 11:17pm and it was only 11:10, the loud crack that whatever Pat had been using for time travel made, garnered the attention of someone else.

“Uh oh,” Remus said, likely hearing footsteps. “Hide.”

That snapped Janus into action, but instead of hiding immediately like a sensible human being, he chose to go for the only link to the man who’d just stolen time travel tech and waltzed away, the mask.

Which was why he ended up getting arrested.

 Remy tsked the moment they were all alone in the police car having come to ‘transfer Lee to another facility.’ Remus was already waiting in the front seat, and flashed Janus a smug smile. If Janus wasn’t still handcuffed, he’d slap him.

“Well,” Remy said. “At least you didn’t shoot anybody like I asked. I was joking by the way. I didn’t really want to pick you up from a 1920s police station period.”

“It wasn’t my fault.”

“Mmm, nah, ‘cause Remus managed to not get arrested this time, so you defiantly screwed something up.”

“Oh, he defiantly wanted to screw something all right,” Remus said joyfully.

 “Remus,” Janus hissed.

“What?” he asked. “I’m not the horny one for once. Well, no, that’s a lie, but it didn’t affect the job this time.”

Janus groaned and leaned his head back against the seat.

Remy pulled into a seemingly random garage around 20 minutes later. “Alright,” he said. “Here we are.” He got out of the car and then helped Janus out before uncuffing him. “Here’s your ‘watch,’” Remy handed him the timepiece that had been confiscated when he’d been arrested.

Janus put it on and activated it. “Shit,” he said.

“What?” Remus asked.

“An appointment with cultural outreach has already been downloaded to my calendar for once we get out of decon.”

 “Oof. Going to baby jail,” Remy laughed. Remus was cackling.

“This,” Janus said, “was not a cultural faux pas. I did nothing that indicated that I was not from this time. I am not some rookie.”

“Don’t forget cell phones don’t exist in the 1920s,” Remus sang.

“The real question is whether or not my foot exists in your…” Remus disappeared before he could finish, a smirk on his face. Janus growled. “By Remy,” he gritted out. He selected the decontamination chamber from his queue, ignoring the appointment that came after it for now.

He knew exactly where Remus would be standing when he landed, which was why he stepped forward on reentry to ram into him.

 He yelped in surprise. “Sorry,” Janus said pleasantly. “I must have also forgotten landing procedures.

Remus laughed good naturally. “Aw, come on Jay,” he said, bumping Janus back, albeit much gentler than Janus had been. “It’s not a big deal. You just go talk with some crusty old college professor who is far too interested in spoons and then everything’s fine.”

“It’s the principle of the thing,” he growled. “They’re treating me like I’m an idiot who accidently invented disco in the 1920s when I was conned by some free agent time traveler.”

“‘Conned,’ Remus said. Is that what they’re calling it now?”

 “I know where and when you live Remus,” Janus said.

Remus gave him a dopey smile as the decontamination cycle finished and the door unlocked. Janus’s wrist buzzed telling him that the coordinates to the cultural outreach office were now unlocked. Instead of pulling them up, Janus walked to the door.

“Um,” Remus said, following him. “Aren’t you supposed to be going to your appointment?” Janus just kept walking towards their office. “Uh… Jan?”

“It’s absolutely ridiculous that I have to go to cultural outreach,” Janus said. “In fact, no one can make me. If they want me to go have a discussion about the definition of ‘bushwa,’ they’re going to have to have me dragged there.”

 “Mmm, I feel like The Boss won’t be too happy about that, and I have a feeling she’d be 100% down to dragging you there herself.”

“Well, then, let her,” Janus said, stalking through the door to his office. “I’m not going to…”

“Ah, Agent Picani,” the woman standing next to his desk, clearly waiting for him, said when he came through the door. “Dr. Picani was informed that there were complications with your last mission and wishes to have a conversation with you and asks that you meet him in his office at the AMO.”

“Oh, um,” Janus said, stumbling a bit before plastering on a regretful half smile. “Unfortunately, I actually have an appointment right now at Cultural Outreach. It’s mandatory and very important, and I have to go now. So, I’ll have to take a raincheck on that.”

 “But-” she started, frowning.

“Remus, work on the report!” Janus said quickly as he waved his hand to bring up his timepiece display and jammed his finger at the glowing appointment card in his queue. A few moments later, Janus was at Cultural Outreach.

Cultural Outreach was not part of the TPI, though it often worked very closely with them. It was a collaboration between the government and multiple universities to help government workers, politicians, and other citizens understand and bridge cultural gaps. It had existed before time travel was invented but had expanded to also teach people who needed to time travel how to behave in unfamiliar times and cultures.

 After it had to be expanded to provide for the TPI, it had been moved to Silver Mountains University. The building had once just been a museum, but it had been thoroughly renovated and there had been add-ons for office space and some classrooms. It was still a museum, however, its purpose had expanded greatly and there were many areas that were off limits to the general public.

One of these areas was the fourth floor, where Janus’s timepiece had dumped him. This was the floor that was almost exclusively for TPI agents and staff of Cultural Outreach who worked with them.

 He immediately turned away from the reception area, hoping that he could escape and go sit on the university’s quad or something of the like for the next hour or so in hopes the woman his brother sent to fetch him would give up and go back to the AMO. Yet, the receptionist apparently saw him.

“Janus Picani?” he asked.

Janus grimaced and turned back towards him. “Yes,” he said.

“Is something wrong?” he asked. “You’re 5 minutes late for your appointment and seem disoriented.

“Nothing’s wrong.”

“Is your timepiece malfunctioning?”

“No.”

“Uh… okay. Well, if you sign in here, I can take you to your appointment.”

“…Fine.”

 He begrudgingly stepped forward and touched the screen he’d gestured to sign with his fingerprint, and then let the man lead him down the hall.

The door they stopped at was propped open slightly, but he still paused and knocked. “Professor Eran? Your 2:30 is here.”

Janus had just a moment upon hearing the name to think that maybe there was actually some sort of intelligent design of the universe and whatever being of ultimate power had crafted it was a dick.

The door opened and Virgil Eran’s eyes immediately narrowed on him. “Janus.”

“Virgil.”

“I see you’re still late for everything.”

“I see you’re still a bastard.”

 Janus saw the receptionist slowly back away in the direction they’d come.

“Why don’t you come in?” Virgil said faux pleasantly.

Janus did, because he really didn’t have much of a choice at this point unless he wanted to jump out of a window… or push someone out of a window.

Virgil turned back into his office and took a seat behind his desk. Janus unhappily followed him in and sat across from him.

He took his time pulling up whatever the TPI sent him and reading it over. “So, I see you failed your recovery mission and were arrested in 1923.”

 “It wasn’t like that,” Janus said. “I shouldn’t be here.”

Virgil gave him that same suspicious look he used to give Janus whenever Janus claimed to have not eaten his hot pockets out of the freezer in the middle of the night. He’d only been lying 80% of the time. Virgil had a tendency to forget what he’d eaten in a half-conscious state at 3 o’clock in the morning.

“I shouldn’t,” Janus snapped defensively. “Nothing went wrong with anyone from the time period. An illegal time traveler screwed up the mission details.”

“Well, it is still protocol to make sure nothing slipped when agents go off script. You weren’t prepared to be in a jail cell, and it is possible that you screwed something up.”

 “I didn’t screw anything up,” Janus growled.

“Alright,” Virgil said pulling up a document on his desk. “The mission started on July 27th, 1923 at 9:58pm, correct?”

“Oh, god, we’re not really going to fill out a time sheet. I don’t have time for that today.”

“It is protocol and best that the information is documented when it is still fresh in your mind. Besides, your schedule has been cleared for the rest of the workday.” The bastard was enjoying this. He knew how much Janus hated this stuff.

“I didn’t do anything wrong,” Janus said, “it was the damned illicit time traveler.”

“And I will be the judge of that,” Virgil said. Janus should have just bit the bullet and had coffee with his brother. “If you truly did nothing wrong, your supervisor will see that when I send this to her.”

 Yet, despite the fact that Virgil clearly relished in his suffering, he was charitable enough to do most of the actual filling out of the forms. He’d read out the questions and write down what Janus said instead of making him do it himself. Janus really only had to do a quick quality check and sign it at the end.

He still was an asshole about the details, but really he’d been like that about stupid thing like the settings for the dish washer and how the pantry was organized during their college days before they’d had their falling out, so Janus wasn’t particularly surprised. When they were finally done, Virgil sent it off to get filed by the TPI.

 Then, they were left staring at each other with nothing between them but almost a decade of radio silence and a whole lot of awkwardness.

“I should go,” Janus finally said, standing up.

Virgil tilted his head slightly to the side and gave him a half smile. “Don’t lock the door behind you,” he said. “Not that I’d expect you too.”

Janus took it for the clear attempt at a joke it was intended to be and puffed out a breath of amusement with a head shake. “No risk of that,” he said. Then, he turned and walked out of the office.

 Chapter 5

Janus stepped back into the reception area and booted up his time piece. Instinct said to go back to the office despite the fact that it was late enough that most people had gone home, but he hesitated. Surely Emile had given up by now, but considering he’d sent someone to ambush him in his office, Janus wasn’t sure if he should trust that. He could just go home, but he already knew his mind was racing too much to sleep tonight so he’d probably just end up staring at the lake for the next 6 hours. So, he decided on the only other legitimate option he had. He pulled up Remus’s home coordinates and selected.

 The home that Remus had chosen (after his long line of rejected requests) managed to somehow make no and absolute sense simultaneously to anyone who knew him. It was a small farm in the United States just west of the Mississippi in 1842 in what would be ratified as the state of Iowa in a few years. When asked why he would choose that time and place, Remus always responded with “I thought it was funny,” whatever that meant.

Unlike most time agents who simply used the identities assigned to them by the AMO as a cover, Remus actually lived his part time.

 Janus was… fairly certain he was cheating a bit to get everything done, but he maintained his small farm all on his own, growing most of his own food. The neighbors he had lived very far away, but he still spoke with them far more than Janus did his own.

Janus appeared inside the small home, his eyes already shut. “Are you hear and dressed?” Janus called. Something bumped lightly into his legs.

“I’m in the kitchen!”

Janus peaked his eyes open and squatted to pet the cat at his feet. “That doesn’t answer my question!” he called back to Remus.

 “It’s a surprise!” Remus said.

“Remus.” Diesel Fuel the cat flopped to her side on the ground as Janus continued to pet her ears. He heard Remus’s footsteps, and saw cloth covering his legs, so risked looking up. He was currently not only dressed, but wearing an apron that Janus was fairly sure was not time appropriate judging by the fabric and cat pawprint design. He had a bit of flour on his hands, and it may have been a bit too white for the time and place, but Janus couldn’t be completely sure.

“What’re you doing here?” Remus asked.

 “My day has been an endless series of frustrations,” Janus said. “So, I have come to see the only tolerable being in the history of the universe.”

Remus snorted. “Since I know that isn’t me, I’ll assume you’re talking about the cat.”

“I still don’t understand why you tolerate this creature,” Janus addressed Diesel Fuel. She blinked slowly up at him. “To be fair, he was assigned as my partner. I didn’t have much of a choice in it. You could go always run away and become feral in the woods if you’d like.”

“So could you, technically,” Remus pointed out.

“I’m thinking about it after today.”

 “Would you like some bread?” Remus asked. “That’s all I’ve been making this afternoon. Some fresh should be coming out of the oven in a few minutes.”

“Do you have anything stronger made out of wheat?”

“Ew, no, but I do have vodka.”

“Vodka works.”

“Want me to mix it with something?”

“No.”

“One of those night then,” Remus said, easily. “Let me finish up the bread, so I don’t burn the kitchen down. You can go get the alcohol from the cellar while you wait if you want, or you can just flop down on the couch.”

He was going to just flop down on the couch.

 He did just that as Remus disappeared back into his kitchen. The cat hopped onto his stomach, proceeding to purr loudly and kneed at chest. Janus petted the cat and listened to the noise of Remus moving around in the other room, letting his mind drift. His mind drifted to Virgil for a bit and he steadfastly did not allow it to drift to his brother. Yet, the thing that most was on his mind was the strange man who had flirted and charmed Janus all night before mercilessly screwing him over. ‘Pat’ he’d said his name was, but surely that was not his real name.

 Janus sighed and scratched the cat’s ear. “He certainly wasn’t an amateur,” Janus mused to the cat. “With that amount of precision to get in before we did, he must have someone not on the ground feeding him information. Perhaps more than one.” He was part of a group of time traveling thieves perhaps or something worse. “I didn’t get a good look at his face since he was wearing a mask,” Janus said, “but I spent a lot of time with him, and I’m sure Remy swiped the mask from the police since it had been on me when I was arrested. It’s a good lead.”

 He continued to pet Diesel Fuel. Eventually, Remus came back in, noticed Janus hadn’t bothered to get the alcohol and went outside to the cellar. “I’m going to find him,” Janus told Diesel Fuel. “I’ll stop whatever it is he’s doing, and I’ll bring him in.” Diesel Fuel mewed her support, and Janus patted her on top of the head.

Remus came back in with the bottle of vodka and handed it to him without a word. He sat down on the couch near Janus’s feet and patted his lap so Diesel Fuel would come over to him and allow Janus to sit up.

 The bastard waited until he was approximately 3 shots in (he didn’t have a shot glass and was just taking drinks from the bottle) to ask the questions Janus really didn’t want to answer. “Are you mad at Emile?” Remus asked.

Janus groaned, trying to wash out the bitter taste of shame and grief with the sharp sting of vodka. It didn’t work. “No,” he said to Remus.

“Then why have you been avoiding him?”

“Shit, I’m here because I didn’t want to think about it. Can’t we just not.”

“Don’t want to think about what?

“It’s none of your business, Remus.”

 He could feel Remus frowning at him, but Janus stared resolutely ahead. At least, he did until a foot poked his face. He slapped it away, but it did the job of getting Janus to look at Remus.

“It is my business,” Remus said, foot still in the air. “I’m your partner and your friend.”

“If I’m your friend, you’ll drop it.”

“So, you’re not mad at Emile,” Remus continued, contemplatively. “Did you do something to him, then?” Janus bit his lip and looked away. “What?” Remus asked. Janus didn’t respond. “Look, I’m sure he’ll forgive you for whatever it is. He’s a good guy. Just talk to him about it.”

 “I can’t,” Janus said.

“Whatever it is, it’s probably been long enough that he forgives you. You literally just have to have a conversation, say you’re sorry, and everything will be A-OK.”

“I can’t,” Janus repeated.

“Why not?”

“He doesn’t know about it.”

Remus paused. “So, as far as he knows, you just cut contact with him all of a sudden for no reason and have been avoiding him ever since?”

Janus looked at his shoes. “Yeah.”

“That…” Remus said, “is not fucking fair Janus.”

“I know.”

“Then why the hell are you doing that to him? He’s like… soft and feeling-y. He’s probably really upset.”

 “I know, Remus.”

“Tell him. Whatever it is.”

“I can’t.”

“Look,” Remus said. “You tell him and he either forgives you or he doesn’t. If he does, everything’s fine. If he doesn’t… well, it’s not like it would be any different from you two never being in the same room the last few years. Either way, you can’t just do this to him. He’ll probably forgive you. He’s your brother. Brothers don’t… brothers would forgive each other.”

Janus laughed softly and met Remus’s eyes. “That’s the problem,” he said. “He’d definitely forgive me.” He turned away and opened the vodka bottle again. “Now, if you’ll shut up for a few minutes, I’m going to drink until I black out.”

 Chapter 6

“Really, Khalid,” Janus said, storming into his boss’s office. “A yellow?” It had been about a week since the 1920s incident, and his incident report had finally been cleared. Sure, it wasn’t a red or a black and he wasn’t facing any reprimand, but it should have been a green.

She looked up at him, clearly unconcerned. “There was an incident,” she said. “You handled it well, but there was one. Therefore, yellow.”

“It wasn’t a time travel incident! It was a rouge time traveler.”

“Janus, you helped me make these rules,” she said impatiently.

“Which is why I know this is bullshit,” he snapped.

 She rolled her eyes. “If it was anyone else, you would agree with me. While you didn’t go against protocol and had no time related incidents, the fact of the matter is, you were still distracted by this ‘rouge time traveler,’ didn’t complete your mission, and were arrested.”

“He was good,” Janus said. “You can’t fault me for that. He also could be dangerous and you’re busy handing out yellows instead of working to track him down.”

She raised an eyebrow. “We are working on tracking him down,” she said. “We have done an analysis on the mask and found fibers dating to the 2010s and some DNA. Though it isn’t exactly a high priority.”

 “We have no idea who he is or what he’s planning to do. Why is that not a high priority thing?”

“At the moment?” she asked. “Because we have reports of a time bomb being activated.”

“What?” Janus asked sitting up. “When?”

“New Years Eve going into the year 3,000 in Brazil,” she said. “Which you’d know about if you’d bothered to check your integration port this morning before storming into my office.”

“It’s my mission?” Janus asked.

“The incident investigation is over and your active again despite the dreaded yellow,” she said, clearly making fun of him a bit. “So, yes, and it’s a high priority mission, so I’ll be running it.”

 “Who all is going?” he asked.

“Other than the two of us, Remus, Lena, and Fred,” she told him. “We leave in three hours, so, you might want to run off to Rhi before Fred gets to her and ties her up for an hour on details.”

Janus nodded and got to his feet. He turned back at the door. “I still don’t deserve the yellow,” he hissed.

She waved him off. “I’ll see you in a few hours, Picani.”

He ground his teeth a bit about the dismissal of his worries, but his resentment was slightly soothed by the fact that she’d assigned him to go on such a high priority mission and with only senior agents.

 He took the advice and grabbed Remus from the office, noting Lena hadn’t been able to wrangle Fred yet as she was still at her desk, and they both headed off to see Rhi.

A few hours later, they were all in decontamination together, decked out in truly god-awful costumes. The turn of the third millennia had been a wild event, and the best way to fit in was to look like you’d grabbed something from every century in recorded human history, dyed it in neon paint, and rolled around in a vat of glitter.

Remus had opted to stick his head in a vat of glow in the dark green paint that costuming had offered them, and it wasn’t even going to be slightly disruptive to their covertness.

 In fact, costuming had frowned when Janus had insisted he not get his hair dyed and instead wore a bowler hat. They had required him to have flowers made out of glitter on it.

There were five people waiting for them when they landed 6 hours before the turn of the millennia. Three were touchdown agents, including Remy, and two were on location tech support. Usually it would be overkill to have that many people there just for support even with five agents in the field, but today the TPI needed to be cautious because they were planning on instituting a time lock.

Time bombs were dangerous things that would ripple through time if not contained. Even if it did end up going off (killing everyone in its reach), the time lock would serve to prevent most damage outside of the city and, more importantly, the year it was planted.

 Janus had only been in two time locks before, and he was one of the most senior agents in the TPI, outranked only by the founder: Lia Khalid. Time locks were designed to keep all time linear in a certain fixed time and geographical area as well as prevent any time travel in and out. Once it was engaged, all forms of time travel would not work for the duration, bar the pin device. Khalid was already switching out her regular timepiece with the slightly bigger one that was designed to support the time lock.

There was a failsafe back at the TPI that could be engaged in an emergency, which was why tech support was here, but other than that, the only thing that could break the time lock was that timepiece, and it would break the moment the time lock ended.

 As soon as it was on Khalid’s wrist, she looked up at them all. “Our information says the time bomb was planted in the costume of one of the ‘Millennium Birds’ who are the organizers of the different events,” she said. Janus had seen a photo of the identical costumes in the mission details. They were all robe like garments with giant fans of feathers coming from the neck that coalesced in a peak a foot above their head to hold a fake bird egg. At least they’d be easy to find. “There are 25 of them throughout the city. We need to find each of them. So, we don’t double count, you’ll need to subtly,” her eyes touched on Remus, “scan each one you find for the bomb and tag them with a tracker if it’s not on them. You can view the already tagged ones, as well as the rest of us on your timepiece even once the time lock is engaged. When you find the bomb, call it in.”

 They all nodded, and Khalid looked over at one of the techies. She nodded at her and then the techie flipped a couple of switches. “Three, two, one,” the techie said. There was a slight shift in the air that most people would disregard, but Janus as a seasoned time traveler could feel the change even before his wrist buzzed. He glanced at his timepiece to see it had a big red ‘X’ across its display. He tapped it and was still able to bring up the map of the city with 10 green dots on it all clustered together in their current location.

 After that, he tested the scanner on his timepiece that he would use to search for the bomb, just to make sure the time lock hadn’t messed anything up with his equipment. He glanced up to see everyone else was doing the same.

“Keep in contact,” Khalid said before everyone split up. Janus and Remus started by going North while Fredrick and Darlene were to go South. Khalid was a floater who would tag any Birds she saw but was mostly there for backup and orders.

Janus and Remus stepped into the chaos of New Years Eve before the turn of the third millennia. The streets were already swamped with people and it would only be getting worse the later it go.

“Where should we start?” Remus asked.

 “Let’s go all the way North to the games area,” Janus said. “We can work our way back here.”

“Okay!” Remus said. “I wonder if they have those fun little genetically modified goldfish as prizes. I’ve always wanted to eat one and see if I end up getting whatever design was on the fish on my body.”

Janus gave him a disgusted look.

“What?! People eat fish all the time!”

Janus shook his head. “We’re not playing the games anyway. We have work to do. Important work.”

“Boo,” Remus replied. Janus chose to ignore him as he spotted one of the Millenia Birds letting people into the gaming area.

 They walked over towards the entrance. Janus got in range first and moved to subtly scan the Millenia Bird, Remus doing the same the next moment. After a second, Janus’s timepiece buzzed and lit up red, meaning the bomb was within range. “Well, that was easy,” he said. “It was on the first one we found.”

“Uh…” Remus said. “Jan.” When Janus looked, he was holding up his wrist to show his green lit time piece.

“What?” Janus asked. He quickly moved to rescan the Millenia Bird, and his timepiece came up green as well. Which, meant the bomb was not in range, even though the Millenia Bird had not moved. “But…” He and Remus’s eyes met, and they quickly both started turning in a circle to look at the crowd around him. No one looked like they’d just stolen a time bomb off the Millennial Bird, but then Janus’s eyes caught on a man. He blended in perfectly to his surroundings. He was wearing the disgusting garb of the times, a large light blue piece that bubbled near his hips, and had most of his skin covered in rainbow neon paints. Yet, something about him, the curl of his hair or the way he moved, drew Janus’s eyes to him. He recognized the man immediately even in a completely different dressing style. Yet, what cinched it was the moment Janus’s eyes met his and they seemed to sparkle slightly in the afternoon sun. The next moment, the person Janus knew as Pat, turned to disappear into the crowd.

 Chapter 7

“Him,” was the only thing Janus said before taking off after the figure who had just disappeared into the game area.

“What?” Remus’s voice followed after him. “Janus! What?!”

Janus did not pause, just continuing to run after Pat, hopping over two barricades as a shortcut. Janus cursed when he lost sight of the man for just a moment near the prize table filled with colorful goldfish, but he was able to spot him once again walking into one of the tents. Janus blasted into the tent. It was a game where they raced rats, and when Janus entered, Pat was cooing at one of them.

 “Who’s a tiny little squishy precious baby?” he was asking one of them, wiggling his pointer finger at it.

“You,” Janus growled stepping up to him.

He turned and tilted his head at Janus with a frown. “Um, me?” he asked, pointing to his chest, all sorts of innocent, but Janus could see a spot of hidden amusement in his eyes.

“Where is it?”

His eyebrows drew together, but it was an act. It was clearly an act! “Where is what?”

“The…” he glanced around them at the people surrounding them. “Thing you just took.”

“I didn’t take anything,” Pat said with a frown.

 “Oh, no,” Janus said. “Fool me once, shame on you. Fooling me twice is not an option.”

“I’m sorry sir,” Pat said. “I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Bull. Shit.”

Just then, Remus jogged into the tent. “What’s going on?” he asked.

“It’s him,” Janus said pointing. “He took it. He has it.”

“I… don’t know what you’re talking about,” Patton said. He looked over to Remus with a confused frown.

Remus looked at Janus. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Janus said. “It’s him. It has to be him. He’s the mask guy.”

Remus squinted at Pat. “He is?”

“Whoever you think I am, I’m not. I haven’t worn a mask all night. I just did the face paint,” he pointed to his cheeks.

 Remus raised his wrist and his timepiece lit up green. He looked at Janus.

“I lost sight of him for five seconds. He must have stashed it somewhere,” Janus said. He turned on Pat. “Where did you put it?”

“…Are you,” Pat asked, his eyes going back and forth between Janus and Remus, “… the police?”

“We are, actually,” Khalid said as she stepped into the tent. Remus must have called her. She inserted herself between Janus and Pat. “Agent Khalid,” she said, offering a hand with a smile. Pat looked at it in surprise and then smiled back hesitantly as he took it. “Apologizes, one of the big game prizes was stolen by someone matching your description. Would you mind coming down to security for questioning? Just to clear it up.”

 “Oh,” Patton said, hesitant. Janus expected him to refuse outright, but then he said. “Uh, sure.”

“Thank you very much, Mr…”

“Jonas,” Pat told her earnestly. “Do I need to be handcuffed?”

“No,” Khalid said. Janus frowned at her, but she ignored him. “It’s just a talk for now.” She gestured to the tent entrance. “Come with us.”

He did without argument, and Remus and Janus followed behind the both of them. Khalid did not lead them back to the base, but to a little spot that said “security” near the center of the event. Remy was already there waiting for them at a desk.

 “Remy, would you please take Mr. Jonas to go sit down?” she asked.

“Sure, boss,” Remy said, standing up. He led Pat away.

Khalid turned to Janus and Remus once they were out of earshot. “What is going on?”

“It’s the mask man,” Janus said, “the one from 1923, and my scanner said the time bomb was on the Millenia Bird outside the games entrance, but then it was gone the next second, and I saw him, and then he ran away.”

“So, does he have it on him?”

“No. I lost sight of him, and he must have stored it somewhere, but I know he took it.”

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“He’s the man from 1923?” she asked.

“Yes! Remus, that’s him, right? You recognize him.”

“Well,” Remus said thoughtfully. “He was in a mask, and it was dark in the room with the necklace. Other than that, I only really saw his back, and he was wearing pants. Mr. Jonas is wearing a dress, so I can’t really tell if their asses match.”

“Okay, but I was with him for hours. I swear it’s him, and I swear he took it,” Janus just about shouted.

“We’ll question him,” Khalid placated, “and Fred and Lena will keep looking in the meantime.”

 “He knows where it is,” Janus insisted. “I swear.”

“Okay,” Khalid said, before leaving to follow where Remy and Pat had gone. She stopped Janus with a hand on his shoulder. “I think Remus and I will do the interrogation.” He opened his mouth to argue. “You know the most about him, so observe from the sidelines and see if he makes any mistakes that indicate you’re right.”

“That’s just to placate me and you know it.”

“Observation’s over there,” she said pointing.

He got a thumbs up from Remus as he walked by, and Janus glared at his back before walking off to the indicated location.

 He watched as Remus and Khalid entered the room, and Remy left it. Remy joined him in the observation room after leaving and leaned against the wall.

Pat was sitting at a table and watched Remus and Khalid with that same rubbish placid confusion that he had before. “So,” Khalid said, “Mr. Jonas.”

“You can call me Nick,” Pat interrupted.

“Lia,” Khalid replied. He smiled at her happily. “So, are you enjoying your day?” she asked.

“I am!” he replied. “It’s a big day. You only get to see the turn of a millennia once in your life.”

“Ah, yes,” Khalid said. “Doing anything special for it?”

 “Um, not really,” he said. “Other than the party. I’m going to meet up with my roommates after dinner. Kevin doesn’t like this sort of thing, and Joe couldn’t come.”

“Your roommates,” Khalid said, considering him. “Do you live around here?”

“Uh huh,” Pat replied.

“Do you have any ID?”

“I do, want me to get it?”

“If you wouldn’t mind.”

Pat unzipped one of the bubbles on his waist and handed her a chip. “Remus, would you mind going out and getting the ID scanner?” she asked, even though her timepiece would be able to read it.

“Ah, shit,” Remy said. “Props. What do those things even look like?”

 As Remy scrambled to find something that would pass for an ID reader so “Nick” didn’t get suspicious of Khalid using her timepiece, Janus watched the two alone in the room like a hawk.

“I see you’re wearing a dress inspired by the 2770s,” Khalid noted, as Remus came to stand next to him.

“Yeah!” Pat replied. “Joe made it for me. He’s really good at fashion design!”

“Can I see?” she asked.

With a happy smile, he reached over the table to let her get a look of the sleeves. Janus saw her subtly scan the fabric, probably to make sure it was from the 2990s and not actually from the 2770s. Considering she didn’t mention it, Janus assumed it checked out.

 Remy came back with some sort of device then and handed it to Remus who saluted and wandered back into the interrogation room. Khalid pretended to scan the ID in her hand. She handed it back to him without comment. “So, you said you live with your roommates: Joe and Kevin?” she asked.

“Yep!” he replied. “We’re practically like brothers.”

“Would you mind calling them?”

“Erm,” he titled his head like he was confused by the question. “Well, like I said, Joe is a bit busy, but I could definitely call Kevin.

“Here,” Khalid said, “use my phone.”

“I have my own,” he said with a frown.

“Humor me,” she requested.

“Uh, okay,” Pat agreed. He took the offered 2999 phone and dialed a number on it. Khalid reached over to put it on speaker.

“Hello?” a voice asked after a few seconds.

“Um, hey Kevin, it’s Nick.”

There was a sigh on the other end. “Hello Nick, is something wrong? Why are you calling me from someone else’s phone?”

“I’m fine, I think.” He looked up at Khalid. “Why am I calling him exactly?”

“Hello, I’m Officer Khalid,” Khalid said. “I just wanted to confirm that you are Nick Jonas’s roommate, and he does live in Manaus.”

“Yes, we live together with our other roommate,” the man replied flippantly. “Officer? Is something wrong?”

“I believe there was just a case of mistaken identity,” Khalid said.

“Bullshit there was!” Janus hissed, though she could not hear him.

“No need to worry,” Khalid continued.

“I’m good Kevin,” Pat said.

“Are you absolutely sure?” Kevin asked.

“Don’t be Paranoid, Kevin. I’ll see you Tonight for the New Years Celebration. You know I Live to Party.”

“I am hanging up now,” Kevin said.

“No! Comeback.” The line went dead. Pat handed the device back to Khalid.

She took it and smiled at him. “Give us just a couple of minutes,” she requested. He nodded easily, and she and Remus exited the interrogation room. “I… think we’re done here,” Khalid said.

“No, he’s lying,” Janus insisted, and got a dubious look in return. “I know he is! Remus!”

“The alibi is pretty solid…” Remus said, “and he doesn’t have the bomb on him.”

“Oh, come on,” Janus said. “You can’t say there is nothing fishy going on here.”

Khalid and Remus shared a look. “Janus,” Khalid said. “I respect your intuition. It is usually very good, but you have been a bit intense about the man from the 1920s, and I think that may be blinding you a bit...”

“I am not imagining this!” Janus said. “That’s him and he took it.”

“You only met him once while he was wearing a mask,” Khalid pointed out with a frown, “and you didn’t see him take the bomb, did you?”

“No, but he looked at me and I knew,” Janus argued. They both gave him a skeptical look. “Oh, come on!”

“You know that’s a little weak, Jan,” Remus said.

“Let me talk to him,” Janus requested. “Just give me five minutes to talk with him.”

Khalid raised one eyebrow. “Fine,” she agreed. “You have five minutes, but after that, you have to let it go. We can’t waste any more time.”

 Chapter 8

Pat looked up as Janus stepped into the interrogation room. “Hi,” he said with an innocent smile that could cut steal.

Janus didn’t say a word as he took a seat; he just watched him intently. He leaned slightly over the table and steepled his fingers in front of his chin. “So, your name is Nick this time?” Janus asked.

“Nicholas Jonas,” he said. “Always has been.”

“Stop it,” Janus said.

“Stop what?”

“Cut the crap. I know.”

Pat leaned forward, mirroring Janus as he leaned closer, interlocking his fingers and laying his chin on top of his knuckles. “What did you say your name was again?” he asked, pleasantly.

 “Janus,” Janus replied.

“No, I’m Jonas,” he said, pointing to his chest.

“Not Jonas,” Janus spat. “Janus.”

“Um,” Pat said, eyes alight with amusement. The bastard. “Those are the same words.”

“No, they’re not. It’s Janus. J-A-N-U.-S.”

“Well, that’s confusing,” Pat said with a frown, but his nose was crinkling. “It’s close to my name. You should go by a nickname instead.”

“What?” Janus said. “No.”

Pat hummed. “How about Love Bug?”

“What! No!” Janus sputtered, almost flipping the table, as Pat winked at him.

“BB Good?”

“What does that even mean?!”

“Mandy.”

“No!”

“Okay, okay, how about Macy Misa.”

11594

Janus stared at him for a moment. “Fine. Whatever. What was I even talking about?”

“Hmm. I Believe we were talking about my name and how you think it’s not my name.”

“Right,” Janus said. “So, Nick. That was your roommate, Kevin on the phone, right? He seemed a bit unhappy with you. Any reason?”

“Nah, we’re Cool” said Pat. “That’s Just the Way We Roll.”

“Not because you’re messing up a mission right now?”

Pat’s eyes crinkled together. “A mission?” he parroted. “I’m not messing up a mission.”

“Oh, really?” Janus growled. “Because you’ve been captured by the TPI, and I know who you are and what you’ve been doing.”

“I have no idea what the TPI is,” he claimed.

“Yes, you do!” Janus said, standing up. “You obviously do! Or you wouldn’t be playing this game!”

 “Game?” Pat asked. “Macy I ask you what you’re talking about.”

“This is all just a game to you isn’t it!” Janus said, slamming his hands down on the table in front of them.

“Whoa,” Pat said, putting his hands up. “Calm down. Your face is getting all red. You must be Burnin’ Up.”

“I’m not sure what, but something about what you just said pisses me off.”

“And that is five minutes,” Khalid said, bursting into the room. He felt a tug on the back of his shirt and glared back at Remus who was putting his own body between Janus and Pat.

 “There was no way that was five minutes,” Janus growled.

“It was five minutes,” Khalid gritted out. “Remus, get him out of here.”

“Come on Jay,” Remus said, dragging him back towards the door.

“Remus, I swear to god.”

“Just chill, Janus,” Remus said, slamming the door closed behind them.

Janus shrugged him off. “You chill!” he snapped. “He’s playing you all for the fool.”

“Wow, Macy,” Remy drawled like an asshole. “I’ve never seen you so fired up.”

“Oh, my gosh. No one is going to believe me, and he’s going to get away with this.”

“You’re not really helping your case, babe,” Remy said.

 Remus grabbed him by the shoulders again. “Here, let’s go get some water.”

“I don’t want water,” he said even as he let Remus lead him to another room to get a glass of water.

“Look,” Remus said. “I know the Mask Guy thing really sucked, but you have to look at the facts.

“I am looking at the facts,” Janus insisted, “and the facts are, he’s fucking with me.”

“You don’t know what mask guy looks like,” Remus said. “You didn’t see Nick take the time bomb, he has an ID from this time period and a roommate in this time he called on the phone, and he legitimately seems to not know what any of us are talking about.”

 “Did you even listen to our conversation?” Janus asked. “He was screwing with me the entire time!”

“Janus…” Remus said.

“What?” Janus said, narrowing his eyes at Remus’s tone.

“I know you recently had a bad experience, but not everyone who flirts with you is doing it out of evil.”

Janus’s mouth hung open for a few seconds. “That’s what you got out of our conversation?”

“He called you Love Bug.”

Janus felt his face heat a bit at the reminder. “That’s not… I. I’m stealing your cat and then never speaking to you again.”

Remus laughed. “Ah,” he said. “Young lust.”

Janus elbowed him roughly in the side. “No!”

“Yes!” he crooned, pleased.

[miraculous-sunflower]

the skeld - a miraculous x among us AU

Marinette- pink, a flower circlet. A fashionista with a hamster ball because she loves hamsters and fashion…

Adrien- lime, kitty cat ears. Channeling his inner Chat Noir…

Alya- orange, dum sticker. Reporter extraordinaire! Dum sticker is courtesy of the lovely Marinette!

Nino- blue, headphones. He's just chilling...

Chloe- yellow, crown. *ahem ahem*, Queen Bee!

Sabrina- white, bunny ears. *sigh* I know that the outfit looks weird, but I tried my best! She looks pretty innocent though...

Kagami- red, sword in head. Fencing, ahaha, am I right?

Luka- cyan, mohawk. He looks awesome. Just awesome. Has some inner rockstar in him :)

Lila- brown, long weird funky hair. Hehe my friend and I couldn’t resist doing this!

Felix- black, top hat. Dark, and mysterious, perfect…

PROLOGUE

Life on The Skeld was rough. The stress of running a spaceship and doing tasks, based on a small tablet with the rules and instructions, was piling on top of the ten high school students. Some of them were friends, while others were enemies. Unfortunately, the fights couldn’t be prevented. Luka hated that Marinette chose Adrien. Alya hated that she couldn't blog what was going on. Nino hated that his headphones wouldn’t work. Chloe hated not being in the comfort of her daddy’s hotel. Kagami hated that Adrien was so caught up with Marinette, that he wouldn’t even practice fencing with her. Felix hated that his parents probably wouldn’t worry about him. Sabrina hated that she left her lucky pin - the one Chloe gave her - with her father, back in Paris. Adrien hated that Felix had to be one of the unlucky ten on the ship. Marinette hated not being in the bakery; her home. And Lila hated that she was all alone on the spaceship - even Chloe the brat had a friend! Unfortunately, as the days went on, things got worse, and worse. It was impossible to run a spaceship - where there were normally over 50 staff members! Little did Marinette know that on the 13th day, misfortune would strike once again.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Body in Storage. I repeat, body in Storage.” Felix reported. An emergency meeting was held straight away.

“Oh no! Sabrina!” Marinette gasped.

“What?!?! Someone killed my friend! This is ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!” Chloe snapped.

“Friend? I thought she was your servant, Chloe,” Alya smirked.

“Um, well, well she’s both!” Chloe’s face went red.

“Wait, a second, Sabrina’s dead?” Nino asked.

“Yes. Found her body in Storage. Didn’t see anyone.” Felix stated.

“Hold up. Our fellow crewmates are dying? Do you guys know what this means?” Alya nervously asked.

“Alya, what’s happening?” Adrien asked.

“There is someone, on this ship, who wants to take over.”

There is an impostor among us.

Marinette was the first to leave the table. She had to swipe her ID card, so she headed to Admin. Beep! Perfect. It only took one swipe. She noticed that someone else had come into Admin.

“Well hello there, Princess. Fancy seeing you here.” Adrien grinned.

Marinette tried not to crack a smile, but Adrien’s smile was adorable. She remembered Alya’s warning. There is an impostor among us. Be careful. Trust no one. She had said ‘Trust no one’, but come on! This was Adrien! Dorky, funny, and adorable Adrien! She really didn’t think he could kill someone.

Adrien carefully studied Marinette. Yes, his girlfriend had her game face on. She was probably determining the chances of him being the killer. “Marinette,” he looked into her eyes, and grabbed her hands, interlocking them with his, “I promise you, I’m not the impostor. I’d never kill anyone.”

Marinette showed a tiny smile. Adrien was telling the truth. She could see it in his eyes. “Alright, kitty. How about we stick together and protect each other?”

Her boyfriend grinned. “Yes! We could be secret agents! Hmmm, we need code names. Umm, oh, I’ll be Chat Noir. Yeah, Chat Noir. The Black Cat.”

Marinette laughed. “Well, if you're a black cat, I’ll be Ladybug. I mean, good luck is the opposite of bad luck, right?”

If it was possible, Adrien’s grin grew even more. “Woah, we’ll be two parts of a whole!” He raised his eyebrows, up and down. “And that fits us pretty well, right?”

Marinette blushed, but smiled. “Yes, Chaton. It fits us pretty well.”

Chloe thought this situation was ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous! Sabrina was dead, so she didn’t know how to do her tasks! Ugh, where were her tasks anyway? She pulled up her tablet, which contained her tasks.

“Fix wires in Electrical. Where am I supposed to find Electrical?” She blurted out furiously.

She thought about the times before Sabrina was killed.

Flashback:

”Oh, you have a task in Electrical? No worries, Chloe! I can show you how to get there!” Sabrina joyously exclaimed.

Chloe tried to bite back her smile, but couldn’t help it. She was too happy to have a real friend on the spaceship.

Sabrina led her to Electrical. “Hey, Chloe, do you need help with your task?” Chloe was furiously messing with her distributor.

“I don’t know how to do this thing!” She yelled furiously.

“Oh Chloe, it’s alright. I can show you how. So what you want to do is calibrate it. Match the pointy part to the…

Chloe blinked twice, snapping herself out of the flashback. She needed to finish her tasks. She needed to. Sure, she had no friends left, but she had to do it. For Sabrina. Filled with a new burst of determination, she pulled up the map on her tablet. She found herself, a yellow crewmate, in Cafeteria. She also located Electrical. “Okay, so if I go down into Storage, then make a right, Electrical will be on the left. Got it.” Chloe took a breath in, and started her journey.

But as soon as she arrived in Electrical, she noticed something wrong. There, standing in the doorway, was Felix, holding a bloody knife. She saw Kagami’s bloody body behind him. Felix’s eyes widened when he saw Chloe, but relaxed.

“Felix? You’re the killer?” Chloe was too surprised to move.

Felix smirked. “No, I’m not the killer. You are.” He took his megaphone from his backpack, and raised it into the air. Chloe looked at him with a murderous gaze. “You wouldn’t dare…”

“Oh, I would. Body in Electrical. I repeat, body in Electrical.” Everyone around the ship headed to Cafeteria.

“Another body. Felix, see anything?” Marinette asked.

“Oh, Felix saw something, alright! I just saw Felix coming out of Electrical, where Kagami’s body is! It’s a self report!” Chloe yelled.

“Quite the opposite, actually. Marinette, to answer your question, I did indeed see something. Chloe ran into Electrical while Kagami and I were doing tasks, and sliced Kagami. I luckily saw her run away.” Felix calmly stated.

Marinette narrowed her eyes at both of them. “Felix and Chloe, what was your reason for going to Electrical?”

“Well, I had to download some important information regarding the electrical supply. I was going to upload it to the Admin HQ after.” Felix answered.

“Well, I was there to do a task.” Chloe bluntly stated.

Marinette got a bit annoyed. “What task, Chloe?”

Chloe froze. What task, what task, what task? “Oh, um, ah, I forgot.”

Marinette looked at her suspiciously. “How do you forget which task you have?”

“Well, before, Sabrina always helped me with my tasks,” Chloe looked at her nervously.

“Well, sorry Chloe, but Sabrina’s dead.” Nino said.

“Yeah, that sounds suspicious. I’m voting Chloe.” Alya stated.

“So am I, as I saw her do it.” Felix aimed a smirk at Chloe. Chloe glared at him.

“No please, you have to believe me. Please!” She desperately looked at Marinette. “Please, Marinette. If there’s an impostor, they would’ve killed Sabrina too. You know I’d never kill Sabrina!” Now here, Marinette was confused. All of the evidence pointed to Chloe, but this confused her. She knew how much Sabrina meant to Chloe…

“Lies. I saw her do it. I caught her in the act. The impostor is indeed Chloe.” Felix stated, once again. He was sure Chloe wouldn’t be able to escape his plan.

Chloe didn’t care about what Felix said. She just focused on Marinette. “Please, Marinette. If you don’t believe me, vote Felix out first. Then vote for me. I just don’t want to let anyone else get killed.”

Marinette thought that the idea was fair. “Alright. I will be voting Felix.” She glanced at Felix, who was stunned. He was sure his plan would work!

Alya and Felix were the ones who voted for Chloe, while the others voted out Felix. Adrien and Luka grabbed Felix by the arms and led him to Marinette, who opened the airlock that led to space. The three of them launched Felix outside, and watched his body shrivel up, floating in space.

Felix was ejected.

Chloe gulped. She knew it was her turn now.

Marinette called another emergency meeting. The rest of the crewmates turned to Chloe. “I’m sorry Chloe, but this is the only way to make sure one of you was the killer.” Marinette looked at her, apologizing with her eyes.

“It’s alright. I had this idea. At least no one will be murdered anymore.” Taking a deep breath in, she waved her hand. “Bye, everyone. It was fun working with you,” She turned around, ready to be launched into space.

“Chloe, it was fun working with you too. You’re so brave. You’re sacrificing yourself in order to protect your fellow crewmates. It’s an honor to call you my friend.” Marinette smiled at her.

Chloe gasped, but a tear of joy slid down her face. “Thank you, Marinette. I’ll never forget you.”

When she was blasted into space, there was only one thought in her mind. And it was. She was a ghost now. She glided through walls, frantically looking for Sabrina. Suddenly, she saw a pale, white-colored ghost sobbing.

“Sabrina?” Chloe whispered.

The pale ghost jumped up, but then studied Chloe.

“Chloe? Is that really you?” Sabrina asked. Chloe nodded. The two ghosts, yellow and white, ran to each other, but then realised that they couldn’t give each other hugs.

“Oh Sabrina, I missed you so much!” Chloe sobbed out.

Sabrina looked at her happily. “I did too. I hated that I couldn’t talk to you. But I’ve always been there. I followed you, wherever you went.”

“You did? Oh Sabrina, I’m so happy to see you again,” A fresh new wave of tears ran down Chloe’s face.

“I am too. But don’t ever worry, Chloe. I’ll always be with you. In here.” Sabrina gestured to Chloe’s heart.

Chloe looked at her friend. Perhaps death wasn’t that bad. She was reunited with her friend. Her friend.

Marinette blinked back tears. From the moment she arrived on the spaceship, she always thought Chloe was a brat. But no. She was wrong. Chloe was kind, so brave. Marinette would always remember Chloe. She picked up the crown that Chloe always wore, and placed it in the center of the meeting table. “She died a hero. She died protecting others. For that, we should honor her spirit.” There was a moment of silence.

Alya spoke up after a minute. “Okay, so now we are sure to have the killer out. Right?”

Marinette wiped the tears coming out of her eyes. “Yes, there should be no murders. Crewmates, continue on with your tasks.” Everyone shuffled out of Cafeteria, but Adrien stayed behind.

“I’m sorry about Chloe, Princess. But we had to. To protect the others, we needed to do it.”

Marinette looked at him. “I know, kitty. But I can’t help but be mad at myself for not realizing how kind Chloe was back then.” She looked at him wearily. “I’ve known her for years, and I’ve always thought she was snobby. But her spirit lives on, in the spaceship.”

Adrien cracked a smile at her. “Well, to cheer you up, how about we go on a task date?”

Marinette laughed at him. “Sure, kitty-cat. Let’s head to Weapons. I want to make sure there aren’t any asteroids that might hit our ship.”

The couple headed to Weapons, but as soon as they arrived, the lights went out. “Hey, that’s not good. No one has access to the lights except me,” Marinette suspiciously looked around, but she couldn’t see anything. “Adrien, Adrien where are you?” She reached her hand out.

“I’m here, Marinette,” Her hand touched another hand, and she immediately clasped it.

“We have to get to Electrical to fix the lights, Adrien.” Marinetet whispered.

“Okay, let’s go,” Adrien responded. They took baby steps, making sure there wasn’t anyone else around. They reached Electrical, and Marinette stepped to the lights panel. She flicked the switches until they all were light green. The lights started to come back on, one by one.

“Okay, that problem is fixed. Any idea why it happened?” Adrien asked Marinette, clearly able to see her now. He headed to the back of Electrical.

“No, I have no idea, unless-” She was interrupted by Adrien’s gasp. She ran to the back, and saw a bloody sight.

Standing on Alya’s body was Lila, whose back was turned around. When Lila heard Adrien’s gasp, she turned around.

“Oh, hi guys! Do you want to hear about the time I helped astronauts from Polus-” but she stopped when she noticed the dead body at her feet. She looked up at Marinette and Adrien, who had wide eyes. “Oh, guys, I swear, it’s not what it looks like-”

“Body in Electrical. I repeat, “Body in Electrical.” Marinette reported, glaring at Lila. Marinette and Adrien escorted Lila to Cafeteria. Couple seconds later, Nino showed up, and then Luka did.

“What?! Alya’s dead?! Oh god whoever killed her…” Nino looked at the ground with sad eyes, trying to hold back tears.

“Oh Nino, we’ll get justice for you. Because the killer is, drumroll please,” Adrien grinned, but Marinette shot him a death glare. “Lila.”

Nino gasped when he heard that. “Lila? How?”

“She was standing on Alya’s body. I’m really sorry, Nino,” Marinette went to comfort Nino, giving him a bear hug.

“No! I didn’t kill her! I was just trying to do my wires! I swear! It wasn’t me!” But no one believed Lila. When the time came, Adrien and Luka picked her up and launched her into space. Marinette watched Lila’s body shrivel up with a grim expression. Adrien put an arm around Marinette’s shoulders.

“I can’t believe Alya’s dead. My best friend,” She was still in shock.

“Hey, Princess. We got them all justice, right? Felix and Lila were the killers, so all of them got justice.” Little did the couple know that the ghosts were actually yelling at their stupidity, but they couldn't blame them. Lila was a liar, so the real impostor framing her was a genius idea.

Suddenly, the reactor meltdown alarm went off. Marinette’s eyes widened. No, this wasn’t good, not good at all. It meant that there was still an impostor among them. But who?

Marinette and Adrien ran to Reactor, one going up, other going down, to scan their hands to stop the meltdown. Luka and Nino weren’t in sight.

“Oh god, Adrien. We need to call an emergency meeting. We have to!” Marinette raced to Cafeteria, Adrien following her in hot pursuit. Marinette slammed the red button, and the emergency meeting siren was sounded throughout the ship. In a couple seconds, Luka showed up from Admin, but Nino was not in sight. 2 minutes passed, 5 minutes passed, 7 minutes passed, 10 minutes passed. Nino never showed up.

There was a sinking feeling that occurred in Marinette’s stomach. Nino was dead. That meant… it meant that Luka was the killer. Luka was the impostor among them all.

Adrien looked at her, and she looked at him. They slowly looked at Luka, who tried to look as innocent as possible.

“Well, Adrien, you tried. But you got caught,” Luka tried to frame Adrien.

Adrien glared at Luka. “Are you sure about that?”

“Yep. Well, Marinette,” Adrien didn’t like how Luka said his girlfriend’s name, “who do you think it is?”

Marinette looked at Luka with eyes that said, ‘Do you think I’m dumb?’. “Oh! Well, me and Adrien were on a task date,” Adrien smirked at Luka, who rolled his eyes, “sooo the only person who could have killed would be, hm, oh yeah! You!”

Luka fake gasped. “What? Why are you accusing me!? You’re probably helping Adrien…”

“This is so dumb. Princess, can we just launch him out?” Adrien was getting mad at Luka.

“Yeah, okay, we can.”

Adrien and Marinette tried to escort Luka to the airway, but Luka elbowed Adrien in the chest and grabbed Marinette’s hand. Adrien slammed into the window, groaning. Marinette thought he was unconscious. “Oh no, we’re launching you, Adrien.” Luka smiled.

“Adrien! No!” Marinette yelled.

Luka looked at Marinette. “Oh, sweet melody. I’ve always loved you. And now, you shall love me!” he laughed evilly. Marinette was still shocked that Luka killed so many innocent people.

“I can’t believe that this is the real you, Luka. I never would’ve guessed. I actually thought you were kind!” Marinette felt the tears burning her eyes. If Luka managed to launch Adrien, it was over. ‘Deep breaths, Marinette. You’ve got this. Just make a plan,’ she told herself.

Luka was only grabbing her arm, so her feet were pretty movable. She calculated the distance from her foot to Luka’s chest, then calculated how far away Adrien was. She'd have to hurt Luka pretty bad if she wanted her plan to work. On the count of three, she hurled her foot and it perfectly hit Luka’s chest. Luka fell onto the floor, groaning, but he made no sign of getting up. Marinette wasted no time of sprinting to Adrien, who was finally conscious. She helped him up.

“Okay, Adrien. We need to get Luka outside. We have to! Otherwise…”

“Don’t worry, Princess. I think we can do it.” Adrien answered.

They picked him up, and dragged him to the airlock. Marinette pressed her ID to the key lock, and the airlock opened. Using the last remaining strength that either of them had, they both pushed Luka out of the airlock.

“Did it work?” Adrien asked, out of breath.

Luka was ejected.

“It did. It worked!” Marinette threw her arms around Adrien. Adrien returned the gesture. They both started crying, as the loss of their friends finally sank in.

Alya, Marinette’s first friend on the spaceship. She welcomed Marinette, showed her how to do most of her tasks. Marinette would always be thankful for Alya’s love and help.

Nino, Adrien’s first friend. Adrien had a toxic life before coming to the spaceship, but Nino made him laugh everyday, whether it was funny turtle memes, or just being himself. Adrien would always be thankful for Nino’s love and help.

Kagami. Even if Kagami had a crush on Adrien at some point in time, she was still a very good friend of Marinette and Adrien. If someone criticized Marinette’s decision, for example if she wanted to build a new reactor, Kagami would always be there to back her up. Adrien and Marinette would always be thankful for Kagami’s love and help.

Sabrina. Sabrina was their latest recruit, but she’d been so helpful, whether it be setting up the tables for dinner, or cleaning the Cafeteria. Marinette, Adrien, and the whole crew would be thankful for Sabrina’s help.

Lila. Well, Lila was a liar, but there were some noble moments. She helped explain to Adrien how the trash chute worked. She waited to watch people’s medscan. Even if she was mean sometimes, she truly was a pretty good person.

Finally, Chloe. Chloe was mean to Marinette in the beginning, but that was just out of jealousy. She was jealous of how many friends Marinette had. She was jealous of Marinette’s position. But even if she was mean, she was kind at the end. She sacrificed herself in order to protect others. She was brave, so brave, and Marinette was guilty for not seeing it until the end. But as the golden crown sits in the middle of the meeting table, all the ghosts, who used to be crewmates on the ship, remain on the ship. Their spirit lives on.

The couple sat down on the nearest sofa, exhausted from their blood filled day.

“Marinette, do you think our friends are still with us?” Adrien asked.

“Of course they are. They will always be with us, in here.” Marinette gestured to her heart.

The couple gazed out at the starry night of the galaxy, wishing for a better day of the Skeld.

[im-hqlover]

Arkham Knight - Chapter 1: Calm before the storm.

A/N - Ok, Idk if it will work, but I will try. I wanted to warn you that this story is based on the Batman Arkham Knight game, and that I will make certain changes in the universe, I hope you don't mind.  (Btw, I wanted to thank again @aliasimagines to proofread the chapter.)

Warnings: Spoilers, anxiety disorder, psychological terror? (maybe not yet in that chapter)

Pairings: Richard Grayson (Nightwing) x Reader (in that chapter / arc)

Y/n = your name (the reader is female)

d/n = dog name (the dog is male)

Words count: 1915

Next chapter: Coming soon.

Y/N's INFO:

Gender: Cis-Female

Sexuality: Straight 

Height: Short 

Weight: Not Defined 

Skin Color: Not Defined 

Hair Color: Not Defined 

Eyes Color: Not Defined

Other details? No

=-=-=-=-=

9 months. It's been 9 months since the Joker's death, and I knew something wasn't right, I felt that, since his death the crime rates have decreased, this should be a good sign, but... I feel like it was calm before the storm starts.

Today was October 30th, the day before Halloween, it was a nice day, I mean, I like to watch Halloween movies, give candy to children, see and create costumes, and maybe go to a Halloween party... pfff, obviously I don't go to parties. But other than that I think Halloween is cool, a great autumn day, cold days to stay under the blankets, watch something on tv and maybe customize some pumpkins.

My day was going as well as any other, Richard and I had agreed to spend today and tomorrow in my apartment, I was happy that he was coming to stay here with me, at least I wasn't so alone, I mean, I have (d / n), but well... he's a dog, so he doesn't answer me verbally, so it's good to talk to someone instead of just hearing my voice and the sound of barking. I was putting food for (d / n) when I heard knocking on the door and I ran to answer it, when I opened it I came across my boyfriend.

- Richard!

- Hey baby. - He smiled at me, put his arms around my waist and kissed me, I kissed him back and put my arms around his neck.

After we kiss, he walks into the apartment and places his backpack and motorcycle helmet next to the couch, I closed the door and go back to the kitchen.

- It looks like you worked hard to decorate the apartment. - He said while looking at the decorations, such as pumpkins and skeletons papers that I hung from the ceiling and also other details that referred to Halloween.

- Yes, I worked all week to do everything, but since I am not working and there were no classes this week, it was one of the only things I could do to distract myself. - I said while looking proudly at my hard work.

- It's wonderful.

- Thanks. - I say while blushing. I look at the oven and notice that the cookies were almost burning and I ran to get them out.

- The smell here is great, what are you cooking?

- Cookies. I hope it haven't missed the point. - I put the tray on the counter and Richard comes closer and look closely.

- That still needs to be painted. - I say while watching my boyfriend.

- They must be delicious, can I get one?

- Feel free, as long as you don't eat them all before painting them, I think everything is fine.

- I promise to leave at least one. - He spoke and touched my nose, he knew it irritated me. I crossed my arms and looked at him seriously. - Maybe two. - I rolled my eyes and laughed lightly. He comes over and wraps his arms around my waist. - Hey, you know I can't resist your cookies.

- You can't resist any food Richard. - I said and laughed as I put my arms around his neck.

- You know me. - He kisses me until (d / n) barks and we get scared.

- Looks like someone is jealous, isn't it (d / n)? - I say leaving Richard's arms and going towards my dog, and I pet him, after doing that I wash my hands to go back to my work in the kitchen.

- I'm just missing one thing. - He said while sitting on the couch and (d / n) lying on his feet.

- What?

- Pumpkins.

- Oh, I just didn't know where to leave them. - I get some pumpkins that were in my fridge.

- Wow, how many did you do?

- Four so far. I was planning to make two more after the cookies.

- Wow. This is incredible (y / n). He got up from the couch and looked at the pumpkins more closely. I smile shyly and continue making preparations to decorate the cookies.

While I was decorating the cookies, Richard decided to put some film on.

- Hey (y / n), what movie do you think we should watch?

- Hmmm, I don't know, how about ... The nightmare before christmas? - He smiles and nods in agreement placing the film right after.

While I was decorating the cookies, Richard stayed in the living room "watching" the movie, because he was actually writing something on his laptop. I saw it at a glance, it must have been a police case or something related to thieves.

When I finished the cookies I put them aside and went to carve another pumpkin, it didn't take long for me to hear the footsteps of a certain person coming to steal cookies.

- I loved the expressions of your pumpkins. - He said approaching slowly, like he wanted nothing with anything, but of course I knew what he wanted.

- You can get the cookies, you don't have to make a scene Richard. - He smiles and takes some cookies. - I loved this one. - He said showing a bat-shaped cookie with blue details.

- I made it especially for you.

- I am honored - He does something like a reverence and starts to eat the cookies, he supports his back on the counter and watches me make a drawing on the pumpkin.

- Oh, by the way, I have something that I think you will like. - I go to the fridge and get a pumpkin pie.

- I think I'm going to put on 10 kilos this Halloween. - We both laugh and put the pie on the counter.

- Since I had a lot of pumpkin pulp, I didn't want to waste it, so I made pies.

- Did you do more than one?

- Yes, I did if I'm not mistaken 7 pies.

- And what are you going to do with so much pie?

- I planned to maybe see with the neighbors if any of them would like it... on second thought, maybe they also already have pie... but, I think it is worth trying and see if someone would like it... - I say while I think about the possibilities of what people would like of pumpkin pie. - Maybe I'll give Alfred one, do you think he'll like it?

- I'm sure he will, you know that Alfred loves anything you give him.

- Yeah... I hope so.

- You don't have to worry about it, believe it. - I smile awkwardly and he kisses me on the cheek. - By the way, what do you think about watching Friday the 13th?

- It may be, I think I never watched the movie, so... I think it might be a good idea. - I shrugged while watching my pumpkin.

- Have you never watched Friday the 13th?

- I have almost pretty sure not.

- So it's going to be the perfect movie. - He smiles and goes back to the couch, with some cookies and a piece of pie of course.

The hours go by and it gets close to 18:00, it was getting dark outside. Richard and I were entertained watching the first Friday the 13th movie, everything was fine, just a few scares here and there and holding Richard's arm and resting my head on his shoulder, until I hear a scary voice outside. 

- Did you hear that? - I ask him and he answers positively, we got up from the couch and went to the window. My apartment had a view of some of Gotham's big screens, so it was possible that we could see Scarecrow talking. He was talking about his fear toxin, saying that tomorrow it would look like child's play, my heart started to beat faster. 

It didn't take long for the city to start being evacuated, I grabbed my backpack and put on everything I thought was most important to me, as Gotham was supposed to be dominated only by villains I couldn't leave it here to them. 

I got my laptop, pen drives, pictures of people important to me and a few other things. Richard took his backpack and helped me to take what I needed to my car, as he had come on a motorcycle, (d / n) couldn't go with us, so my car was the best choice, we put everything in and Richard went to leave his motorcycle in a safe place, or at least he thought it was safe.

- I drive the car. - He spoke while making hand gestures asking me to give the car key. - You aren't in a position to drive and you know it.

I agreed and handed over the key, I was very anxious, probably already having an internal panic attack, so letting him drive was the best option, as he was already used to dealing with this type of situation.

As there were so many cars and buses evacuating the city, it took us a long time to leave the island and head towards the wayne mansion, probably one of the safest places at this time. When we got there, we removed (d / n) and our belongings, and Alfred was already at the door ready to help us. 

- Master Dick, Miss (y / n), I'm glad you are well. 

I was still in shock with everything that was happening, so many things going on in my mind, I was freaking out, I was exploding internally, I couldn't answer anything, because I felt that if I said anything I would collapse.

- Actually (y / n) is not well, this whole situation has affected her a lot.

- I understand, come inside Miss (y / n), I know something that will help you. - I looked at Richard before entering the mansion and following Alfred into the kitchen, he started making tea and at the end put it on the counter in front of me. - I know you are not a big fan of tea, but I recommend taking this one, it will calm you down.

- Thank you Alfred. - I say with a slightly shaky voice and take the hot cup, I wait for the tea to cool down a little before taking a sip of the drink, it was not as bad as other teas I had already tried, but it wasn't something I would take all hour. Alfred leaves the kitchen and goes to another room. I spend some time alone in the kitchen, watching the cup of tea, until Richard arrives in the kitchen and approaches me.

- I know that all this is messing with your mind, but I know that soon everything will be resolved, I know that Bruce won't let anything happen to Gotham and will do his best to save everyone he can, and so will I will help in whatever I can. And I swear I won't let anything happen to you.

- Thank you Richard. - I leave the cup on the counter and hug Richard, who returns the hug. - Thank you…

We stayed like that for some time until Richard breaks the hug and says he has to see some important things, but that he would be back soon. I go back to drinking the rest of the tea and when I finish I watch my shaking hands, I hear the sound of dog steps approaching and I see that (d / n), he knew something was wrong, I approach of him and I pet him, at least that made me calm down a little. I decide to go to the living room and look out the big window and observe the dark, rainy night that was at that moment. I hope this nightmare will end soon.

=-=-=-=-=

Masterlist

[goldandbluesmiles]

When Three’s Company

Summary: Talia goes off her suppressants every six months. Her heat lasts seven days. Selina has her heat every six weeks. Her heat lasts five days. Bryce takes care of both of them.This time there heats are a little too close to each other but that's fine, Bruce can take care of that. Except Talia doesn't show up on time. 

It's not much of a problem in the end

Notes and TW: There’s like the mildest of mild sexual content, talk of being drugged and omega trafficking. 

This was supposed to be something short and sweet but it kind of got away from me and now we have...this. Hope you guys enjoye.

AO3

XXX

Talia goes off her suppressants every six months. Her heat lasts seven days. Selina has her heat every six weeks. Her heat lasts five days.

Bruce keeps a schedule and makes sure their heat never come at the same time. Selina can't control hers. Talia, on the other hand, could choose when she takes herself off her suppressants.

Bruce would prefer it if she didn't take them at all. They were only supposed to be for emergencies but he'll never fight her on it, grateful she came to him at all. Grateful that they both came to him.

They might not be his omegas but he cared for them -dare he say, loved them- and he had promised to be there for them no matter what.

So yes, he was grateful they let him help and grateful that they understood each other's place in his life.

"We are not exclusive, Beloved," Talia had said, "It would make no sense for me to ask you to stay away from others. Some might even call it cruel since I am not here a lot,"

"Do what you want, Bats," Selina had said, with a smirk, "As long as I get my share of you. Anyway, that woman sounds badass,"

So yes, Bruce was grateful

It was January and it had almost been six months since Talia had visited. He would have to tell her to go off her suppressants soon. She would probably come to him in three days after that...which would be...

He trailed his finger down the calendar.

Hmmm. January 13th. Selina's would probably start on the 23rd. She liked to spend her preheat with him too.

It was putting it a little too close for his liking but he could just ask the Cat to spend her preheat somewhere else. She wouldn't mind.

Right, it would work.

He picked up the phone and left a message for Talia and then one for Selina.

They both got back to him with a confirmation within an hour.

Now that was done, Bruce believed there were some...

Ah, yes, the budget reports.

xxx

Talia didn't show up on the 14th. Which was fine. Maybe she was cutting it close.

She wasn't there on the 15th or even the 16th. Not even a call. Usually, if she was late there was at least a call.

By the 17th, he was calling her and every other person who could give him any information about her whereabouts.

Nothing.

By the end of the week, he had given up. Talia could take care of herself and like she liked to remind him, they weren't mates or even pack. She didn't have o tall him everything.

It didn't stop the sick feeling in his stomach though.

"You okay, B?" asked Dick, sitting across from him at the dinner table.

Bruce forced a smile, "Yeah Chum. I'm good. Just something on my mind,"

The thirteen-year-old frowned, clearly to buying it but went back to his spaghetti.

Ugh. He had to pull himself together if his son was picking up on his mood too.

"Dick," he said

"Yeah,"

"I'm going to be a little unavailable for the next week or so. You can still come and get me if you need something but I probably won't be following my usual schedule,"

Dick snorted as he got up from the table, "Yeah. Yeah. I know the routine by now, B"

Bruce quirked his lips. Dick had a point. Selina had been visiting him before Dick had even come into his life. Talia had started nearly four years ago.

And with that, his mood fell again.

Where was she?

xxx

Selina showed up at her designated time. Her scent of lilacs was made stronger by the heat and she rubbed it everywhere as she made her nest in a haste. Usually, they would take a full day to make it but her heat was starting and it was prompting to be quick.

Still, to didn't stop her from being her usual flirty self. A gently kiss as she fluffed her pillows, a soft touch sh she came out of the shower, lips to his glands as she tugged him toward the nest.

"Okay, what's going on with you?" she said, as he tucked a blanket around her naked body, settling her into the nest, "Here I am, being a wonderful company and you're still brooding,"

Bruce sighed, "I'm sorry Selina. Just something on my mind,"

"Something," she said, "Or someone?"

"What?"

"Oh come on," she said, "I'm not stupid. I know her heat would have ended a few days before mine. Usually, you're all here. I guess a few days aren't enough for your mind to be off of her,"

Bruce snorted, "That's ridiculous Selina and stop sounding jealous. It's doesn't look good on you,"

"Harumph," she said, as she snuggled down

Bruce sighed and put his arm around, instantly making her melt against him, "She didn't show up at all, Sel. And she didn't call either,"

"Ah," said Selina, "You're worried,"

"Hmm,"

"Well," said Selina, "You said it yourself. She knows how to take care of herself. Maybe she just got caught up in something. I'm sure she'll call in a few days with an apology,"

Bruce sighed, "Yeah. Okay,"

"Now come here and lie down with me. I want to cuddle,"

Bruce smiled and let himself be pulled down.

xxx

In the morning Selina woke him up with a kiss and insisted he give her a bath.

He smiled and shook his head, "Let me wash up first,"

She pouted but conceded.

After quickly cleaning himself up, he ran the bath and filled it with her favourite bath bomb and bubbles. Lots of bubbles.

"Ohh," said Selina as he led her in there, "Kitty loves her bubbles,"

"I'm aware," he said with a chuckle

"Join me?"

Bruce grinned and started pulling off his clothes. Once he was done he lowered himself into the tub, he waited for Selina to make her move. The tub was big enough for them to sit without touching each other but Selina manoeuvred her self around until her back was settled against her chest.

The Alpha smiled. So it was going to be one of those.

Heats with Selina were always unpredictable. Sometimes she clung to him the whole time. Some times she barred him from the nest and hissed every time he got close. Some heats, she allowed slow closeness, teasing him. There had even been the times where she had slapped on scent blockers made for omegas who wanted to go to work during their heats, coming and going from the manor as she pleased.

Judging by this morning and the way she was letting Bruce run his hand over her sides, this was going to be one of the slow, intimate ones.

Bruce moved his hands back up to her shoulder, gently kneading them as he mouthed at her mating glands. He would never bite them, but the shudder that went through her body showed exactly how much she liked it.

"Good?" he asked, teasing her most sensitive spot with his tongue.

"Oh, shut up," she murmured but moaned as he moved his hands lower, gently running his nails over her sides.

"Lower," she sighed and then arched up as he obeyed, one hand still splayed over her stomach, lips at her temple.

She arched up again as he pressed his left hand down between her thighs.

"Baby," she sighed and he ran a soothing hand down her front.

"I got you, Love," he said gently, twisting his fingers just...

Her body jerked again and she let out a hoarse laugh.

"Having fun?" he asked, repeating the motion.

"Oh yeah," she said breathlessly, joining her right hand with his.

"Good," he said, twisting his fingers again and again until she was moving in tempo with them.

"Tell me," he said softly as her body began to shake

"I-I'm-God," she breathed, "I need- just a little-"

"Like that?" He asked, curling his fingers inwards

"Yes," she whined, "Baby-"

She cut herself off as her body gave a full shudder, her thighs clamping around his hand. He gently kissed her necks and squeezed her hand as she settled against him again.

"Have fun?" he asked

She merely hummed and curled closer, her scent smelled like contentment though, so Bruce just pulled her in.

"Feeling sleepy already?" he asked

"More like post-orgasm drowsiness," she said

Bruce laughed, "You're usually up for more before you get tired, hmm,"

She smacked his arm in response.

He laughed again and kissed her, "Do you want me to give you a proper bath this time?"

"Nah, pull the plug and hand me the shower,"

"Okay," he said, "I'll set your clothes outside and go grab breakfast, okay?"

She nodded, "Okay,"

XXX

Alfred already had the breakfast tray ready for him, laden with fruits, scones, and Selina's favourite tea.

"Thank you, Alfred," He told the older man

"No problem at all, Master Bruce," he said, "Will you be making Ms. Kyle's favourite cheesecake later?"

"Yes," said Bruce, "She'll fall asleep after lunch. I'll make it then so she can have it for afternoon tea. She likes it fresh,"

"I'll set out the ingredients then,"

Bruce smiled as he picked up the tray, "Thank you, Alfred, you're the best,"

"I try, Master Bruce,"

Bruce gave him another quick grin and headed back toward his room.

He found Selina wearing one of his T-Shirts, reclining back with his hoodie stuffed behind her head as her pillow.

"Are those Alferd's scones?" she asked, as soon as she saw the tray.

"Yup," he said, settling in front of her, "Open up,"

She smiled and eagerly took the pieces of scone he fed her while making her tea. Once the tea was done, he handed it to her, he picked up the fruit an fed it to her too.

"I still can't believe you like to eat grapes and apples with tea," he said

She chuckles, "Funny thing, it's only during my heat,"

"Hmm,"

Once the breakfast finished, Bruce folded the tray and once again tucked the omega into the nest.

He was just about to go to put the tray away when something tingled his senses. He became alert and sniffed at the air.

"What is it?" asked Selina

"Just- I could swear- wait-" he said while heading into the hall.

He knew that scent, it smelled like fresh dates and left a taste of sugar water.

Except, there was something else underlining it, something-

He found Talia at the end of the hall, slumped against the wall.

"Beloved," she murmured as he came closer, looking at him through half-closed eyes.

"Talia," he said softly, "Talia what are you doing here?"

She whimpered. Whimpered. And lurched forward, making him catch her in his arms.

Once he tucked her close, he was hit with the full force of her scent and nearly gagged.

There was something chemical under her scent. Something like-

"Did someone give you heat inducers?" he asked with a growl

She nodded and he tightened his arms around her. Heat inducers were illegal outside some very high tech medical facilities where they were administered as hormone balancers and used as a last resort.

They were also used illegally in omega trafficking rings.

And someone had gotten close enough to Talia to give them to her.

That thought alone was enough to terrify him.

"Bruce?"

He looked up to find Selina standing in the hall with a blanket wrapped around her. Talia saw her too and tried to pull away.

"Talia?" he asked

"I shouldn't have- I,"

Bruce frowned again. This wasn't like her at all. The drug must really be distorting her senses.

It made him want to break something. It also made him wonder how she got here.

"Don't be ridiculous," said Selina, picking up on what Talia was trying to say, "Bring her in here Bruce. She needs help,"

They took her in and laid her down. Bruce was about to move away but she let out a desperate sound causing him to pull her close again.

"Bruce," said Selina as Talia wrapped herself around him, almost clawing at him for skin-to-skin contact, "I don't think heat-inducers are the only thing they gave her,"

"Talia? Baby?" he said

She let out a broken sob and buried her face in his neck, requiring all his self-control not to flinch away from her.

"Talia, you have to tell me,"

"There were sensitivity pills," she said, the words coming out in between short breaths.

Sensitivity pills. Used legally with small doses for older omegas with sexual problems to heighten their pleasure. Illegally it was used to the date-rape drug to make omegas almost desperate for touch and sex.

"When did they give you these things," he asked, dread growing through him.

"About- about three days before I was to head here,"

She would still have been on her suppressants at the time. Damn it. She had a cocktail of different drugs in her system. Two of which actively trying to do the opposite thing.

"You need a doctor," said Selina

"No!" said Talia, "No, I already detoxed from most of it. I just- I just- it hurts"

"The suppressants and the inducers fighting in her system probably distracted from the symptoms of the sensitivity pills," said Selina, "Now it's hitting her,"

"You mean-"

"She needs to orgasm, Bruce," said Selina, "And she needs an Alpha's scent,"

Bruce sucked in a breathe and slowly let it out.

"I can't,"

"Bruce..."

"Beloved please,"

Bruce shook his head. How was he supposed to explain this to them? Neither one of them was attracted to omegas and their scent. How could he explain the unnatural way Talis's scent was making his stomach turn. How off her scent felt. Maybe some Alpha who got off on omega in pain and hurting could-

But all Bruce could think was wrong wrong wrong.

"Beloved," said Talia, "At least just- just,"

She tugged at his clothes so Bruce did a quick job of undressing himself and her, leaving her plastered to him, feverishly shaking.

The feverish skin was another sign something was wrong. Usually, an omega's temperature got high during the climax of their heat but this was something else.

"Hand me my phone," he told Selina, "I'm going to call, Leslie,"

Leslies listened to him intently and then told him she would send a doctor she knew still did house calls. Once the call was ended, he called down to Alfred to let him know what was going on.

Waiting for the doctor, he gently stroked Talia's sides as Selina made her sip water, making sure she didn't become dehydrated from the fever.

About half-an-hour after the call was made, there was a knock at the door and an elderly omega doctor came in.

"Hello, darling," she said, "I'm Cecelia. Lie down so I can check you over,"

She took a drift-test kit and quickly got to work.

"Well, it looks like she was right about the detox. The suppressants ad inducers are mostly out of her body and no longer a danger to her. Usually, with the sensitivity pills, I would give her pain medication or just sedate her but I don't want to do that with the drugs she's already had in her system,"

"So what, are you saying?" he asked

"You can either help her or she just rides it out,"

Bruce looked down at Talia, almost shaking with want, eyes screwed shut and hands twisting in the sheets.

It made bile rise in his throat.

"It doesn't have to be you," said Cecelia kindly and then turned to Selina, "You could do it too or she could do it for herself as long as she has the Alpha's scent close to her and she knows he's there,"

Selina looked from the doctor to Bruce to Talia. Both women locked eyes for a moment and then Selina nodded.

"Okay, we'll figure this out,"

"Wonderful. I'll leave you to it then," said the doctor, "Just keep her hydrated and give her some light snacks,"

Bruce nodded and on cue Alfred opened the door and quickly let the doctor out.

xxx

Bruce ended up sitting on the floor by the bed, his hand clutching one of Talia's as Selina took care of her. The room was filling with scent Talia and sex. Curling close to him and making his nostrils flare.

Any other time it would have made heat curl low in his belly. Any other time he would have been happy to have Talia wrapped around him.

Any other time he would have been helping her

Right now, it was taking every ounce of his control not to throw up, his instincts warring between 'comfort her' and 'get away fro the obviously drugged omega'

He was just glad Selina was here.

Once Talia was asleep, Selina came down and curled close to him. She smelled like Talia, like fear and arousal, but Bruce didn't have the heart to push her away, especially with how shaken up she looked.

Alfred left them some soup and they ate quietly. Once Talia woke up from her nap, they fed her and the omegas took turns taking showers. Talia still seemed a bit dazed so they had to help her wash up.

They rested a little until the drug started acting up again.

The next two days were the same, Selina helped Talia, Bruce helped Selina, they ate, showered and repeated the cycle all over again.

On the third day, Talia woke up with clear eyes and a somewhat normal temperature.

"I think it's over," she said, "I should take my leave,"

Bruce put a hand on her arm and stopped her.

"Stay for breakfast, at least,"

She nodded and they ate poached eggs with fried mushrooms, tomatoes and cheese.

"Alfred's cooking is as great as always," said Selina

"Hmm," said Talia

"Speaking of food," said Selina, "Didn't you make gujrela?"

Bruce raised his eyebrows at her, wondering where she was going with this. Of course, he had made it, right along with rice pudding, faluda and Halva. Once he had realized Talia wasn't coming, he had frozen the desserts. They wouldn't be as good as they were when fresh but they could still be enjoyed.

"Yes," he answered

"And you're still going to make my cheesecake aren't you?"

"...Yes," he said, "I was also planning on Lemon tarts,"

"Oooh," she said, "Have you ever his lemon tarts, Talia?"

Talia flicked her eyes between them, "Can't say that I have,"

"Well, it's decided, you have to stay. Bruce's lemon tarts are the best I've ever had,"

"That's because you haven't had Alfred's," said Bruce, giving Selina a grateful smile. He had been thinking of a way to get Talia to stay without overstepping with Selina. This was much better.

If Talia agreed.

"I suppose I can stay until the natural end of my heat," said Talia, carefully. Too carefully for Bruce's liking.

"Lovely," he said, "I'll let Alfred know,"

XXX

Later when Selina and Talia fell asleep, Bruce made his way down o the kitchen and started on the cheesecake. Just as he was about to slide it into the oven, he felt a presence behind him

"Hello Talia," he said, shutting the oven door, "Shouldn't you still be sleeping?"

"You know how I am about sleep," she said

He turned and took her in. Hair pulled in a messy ponytail, eyes still a little red. She was wearing one of his longer T-shirts like a dress and a cardigan on top.

Bruce smiled inwardly. Even a mess she looked beautiful.

"Short nap?" he asked, winding an arm around her waist.

"Hmm," she said, settling her hands on his chest.

He covered her hands with his own and gave her a gentle kiss.

"Are we going to talk about what happened?"

Talia sighed and settled back against the counter.

"One of my men turned on me," she said, "I took care of them,"

"Of course,"

"I don't even know why I came here,"

"That's alright," he said, "You know you're welcome,"

"I didn't mean to interrupt you and Selina,"

"More my fault. I knew the dates were close,"

Talia just smiled and leaned into his chest.

"I've missed this," she said, "I always miss it,"

"You don't have to," he whispered to her

"I know," she said, looking at him with regret in her eyes. He gave her a smile and kissed her softly.

"If you ever change your mind..."

"I know,"

XXX

"These are good," said Talia, taking a bite of the tart

"Told you," said Selina, "Now give me some,"

To Bruce's surprise, instead of handing her a piece, Talia held it out while Selina bit into it.

"Ah," moaned Selina, "so good,"

Talia giggled. Giggled.

Well, this was unexpected.

"You two are getting along nicely," he said

"And is that a problem, Beloved?" said Talia, brow raised

"Yeah Lover," said Selina, "Problem?"

"Nope," said Bruce, "Kind of scared for my future well-being though,"

The matching grins they gave him did nothing to deter his fears.

XXX

"I was thinking I could come here every three months instead of every six," said Talia as she packed a small bag. She had some here without anything but Bruce has insisted she put together a bg from the manor.

"Okay," said Brice, wondering where this was coming from, "I'm sure I can-"

"That would fall at the same time at every other heat of mine," said Selina from where she was still wrapped up in a blanket, "I'll send you the dates,"

"Lovely," said Talia

What was happening?

"That okay with you, Lover?"

Seeing more of Talia, having both o them there at the same time so he didn't have to worry about one while taking care of the other?

Well yes.

"I'm a little worried about my future wellbeing," he said repeating himself but he was sure his smile was betraying him

Both omegas smirked.

"Perfect," said Talia

XXX

When Bruce woke and couldn't move any of his limbs, he panicked for just about a second.

Until he realized he was on his bed.

And that he knew the scents in the room.

"See this is what I meant when I said that I was afraid for my wellbeing," he said

Selina chuckled from where she was perched at the foot of his bed, only wearing her underwear. Talia was sitting on a chair with her feet propped up against Bruce's legs, a sinfully tight black dress showing off her every curve while she spun a knife in her hand.

"So, what are you doing here?" said Bruce, "And wasn't I in my study?"

"That was half an hour ago," said Talia, "We kidnapped you,"

"I'm in my room," said Bruce, "Did you drug me?"

"Nothing we haven't already agreed to," said Talia

Ah. One of his own sedatives then.

"Okay," said Bruce, "What is happening here?"

"As Talia said, we're kidnapping you," said Selina

"Why?"

"Cause we want to,"

"Good enough reason I suppose, but I have things to do,"

"Things more important than us,"

He tried to think of something, he really did but nothing was coming to mind and it was Saturday so it wasn't as if he was obligated to do WE work and Dick was at the Kent farm.

"I guess not," he said with a sigh, "I supposed I'm at your mercy then,"

"Great," said Selina, taking a leap to land beside him, trailing a hand down his cheek. Talia smiled and moved closer too, her sweet scent filling his nose and making him dizzy.

He could get used to this

[psqqa]

makeste replied to your post “i can’t say i came out of bnha with a whole lot of Shipping Thoughts,...”

I would read all of these but especially 2 and 3 and especially especially 5 omg. or a version of number 8 where Shouto interrupts their usual 30 minutes of silence and good vibes by asking Momo for advice about his love life because of number 5. and he asks her because he knows she's in a polyamorous relationship with Jirou and Kaminari, which happened due to the band AU, and something something but I'm sure there's a way to fit the rest of it in there too lol

ok omg yes we can do this. hmmm ok so it’s eri’s.........13th birthday??? i have no idea how old she’s supposed to be in canon. but let’s say that in seven years or so she’ll be turning 13. (oh okay the wiki tells me she’s 6 so bang fucking on fuck yeah!! wow that’s a first.)

anyway, it’s eri’s 13th birthday and because it’s eri’s 13th birthday it has to be The Greatest 13th Birthday Party In The World because mirio’s baby girl is a teenager now and that needs celebratin!!!!

and THAT means Getting The Band Back Together because that was an Important Moment in the development of eri’s happiness and safety and joy and she’ll need that energy going into adolescence.

it also means asking aizawa to cater because like he’s a chef or something in his spare time right? ‘you should ask literally anyone else’ says aizawa, ‘that is not the kind of cooking i do. it is in fact virtually the antithesis of the cooking i do.’ but eri gives him her Big Doe Eye Look Of Awe all ‘you can cook and you’ll make food for me???’ so now he has to do it. it’s perfectly rational ok.

(hmm ok this turned into a whole thing, so let’s throw that under a cut)

so that’s happening and casa momokamijirou is now band practice central. which means some Domestic Fucking OT3 Shenanigans. progress on this is discussed during the weekly breakfast and todoroki offers to be part of the tech crew again. he also recently worked a case with inasa. which is a thing that keeps happening every few months somehow despite being on opposite ends of the country, and he’s like ‘yo you know airbending would make for some cool effects. i’ll see if i can rope him in somehow. it shouldn’t be hard, he does like kids.’

inasa is successfully roped in. tech crew planning occurs. ‘wow inasa sure is enthusiastic about this’ todoroki thinks to himself one day while he eats cold soba in his office at 4 pm because villains have no respect for reasonable lunch hours. there is some more contemplation on inasa’s enthusiasm around children and also todoroki and then his brain makes on small step for mankind but one giant leap for todoroki and goes ‘wait.’ he spends roughly the next 20 minutes blinking rapidly at the framed silver age all might poster he’s got hanging on his office wall because he can be a bit of a petty bitch like that. there is a further amount of blinking that happens over the next 48 hours.

halfway through his next breakfast with momo he puts down his natto and says ‘kaminari is a bit of a flirt, right?’ which prompts some blinking from momo as well. she puts down her natto as well. 

‘i suppose?’ she says. ‘i would characterize it more as spirited affability, though.’ 

todoroki considers this briefly and nods. that is a fair assessment. ‘how did you know that the.....spirited affability aimed at you was different from the spirited affability aimed at the rest of the world?’ 

momo blinks at him again. ‘he told me.’ she says. ‘and kyouka.’ she smiles. ‘he knows us quite well, after all. he knew we needed the help.’

todoroki returns her smile because he is happy for her happiness but then he frowns because that doesn’t exactly help him. 

‘........has someone been aiming.......spirited affability at you as well?’ momo asks, catching on.

todoroki nods. ‘i came to the realization a few days ago that over the course of our acquaintance yoarashi inasa has been......particularly spirited in his affability towards me. i’m struggling to figure out what that means.’ 

momo smiles. ‘what would you like it to mean?’ 

todoroki frowns more deeply. ‘i’m not sure,’ he admits, ‘but i suppose the amount of thought i’ve put towards means i would like it to mean something.’ 

momo nods. ‘perhaps you should ask, then. in my experience direct communication is crucial to the success of any relationship.’ 

todoroki nods and smiles. ‘perhaps i shall.’ he says. 

‘would you like me to ask denki for his thoughts?’ momo asks. ‘he is admittedly better at this than i am.’ 

todoroki considers this. ‘i think i would prefer to ask him myself, if i decide i need the help, if that’s alright.’ 

'of course,’ momo says and they go back to their natto and their silence and their good vibes.

bakugou attends therapy. bakugou attends a yoga session. bakugou takes up jazz drumming. bakugou calls his mom. bakugou buys a birthday present for eri. each step of the way he thinks to himself ‘time to show these assholes how it’s motherfucking DONE!!’ then he thinks on the 45 minutes his therapist spent explaining the trap of external validation like he was some kind of idiot who hadn’t read up on this shit before starting therapy. he’s a model fucking therapy patient. he’s rocking this shit. he considers that again. he acknowledges briefly that she may have had some kind of point. bakugou goes to band practice and fucking obliterates each and every count in. John Bonham fucking wishes he could count off as good as bakugou does.

momo comes home for another band practice to find that kaminari, who is not my self-insert but who is in this moment embodying my spirit, has locked bakugou in the quirk-killing space momo has been experimentally building, and has been playing Learnalilgivinanlovin at him on repeat for the past few hours. ‘yeah he’s like a million times better than he was when we first met, but he was just telling me about how he’s going to win the yoga session his therapist suggested he go to, so like, i think he could do with some reinforcement of the concept.’

‘todoroki may come to you for advice at some point soon,’ momo says. ‘if he does be nice. if he doesn’t, don’t push it.’

kaminari grins that big grin of his. ‘you know me, yaomomo, i’m always nice!’

momo says nothing.

kaminari’s grin falters. ‘aren’t i? momo? momo, i’m nice person! momo!!’

momo smiles. ‘you are. that’s what i love about you.’ and leaves him blushing in her wake.

jirou, on the other hand, is holed up with tokoyami in her Music Room, introducing him to the Great Hits of early 2000s goth rock. tokoyami looks pretty rapturous as some guy dissolves into feathers on screen. he asks her for the tabs. she hands them over as if she had been expecting this. momo’s sure she had. it’s what she loves about her. she leaves them to it.

the birthday party happens. aizawa looks like he’s aged about 15 years but the food is delivered and it is delicious. eri shyly asks him if he’ll do her hair once more ‘for old time’s sake’. he smiles and those 15 years return to him. eri’s hair looks great. 

the band comes out. eri is surprised and thrilled. she asks if she can sit on mirio’s shoulders again like she did the first time. mirio looks like he’s about to vibrate into the sun with joy and says yes, of course.

the band is a hit. everyone dances, including toshinori, who is dragged into some kind of jive by ashido and he rocks it. and then has to immediately sit down for 20 minutes. but it’s good, it’s fine, he’s happy. eri’s happy. mirio’s happy. midoriya fucking cries into his plate of birthday cake he’s so happy. 

todoroki drags inasa off to the side at some point to ask him about the thing. momo was correct, of course, and he resolves to tell her this at their next breakfast he thinks as he too smiles happily and dances (awkwardly. with inasa. it’s great.)

it’s a friday night, but crime never sleeps, so a number of them have to get home to sleep so they can work in the morning. the rest remain to help clean up because ‘that’s what heroes do!!’ and as mirio picks up garbage, he looks over to where eri and kirishima are sorting things into recyclable and non-recyclable trash, laughing together at whatever story kirishima is telling, and mirio’s done it, he’s a professional hero, he saves people every day, but this right here is the most heroic he’s ever felt.

[empresstress13]

11 Questions!

I was tagged by the wonderful @wardsarefunctioning!

Rules: Answer 11 questions, write 11 of your own, tag 11 people

1. What is your current favorite piece of clothing or accessory?

Probably. . . . hmm. Actually, based off of what I wear the most - it would be my rings! I have 5 rings I wear everyday - one that I’ve was given for my 13th birthday, two more that use to be my mom’s, a ring given to me by @thema-sal-shiral , and one that. . . . I have no idea where it came from? I wear it though. 

2. Are you a candle person? If so, what’s your favorite kind? 

Yes! I don’t really have a favorite though. . . . spicy or forest-y maybe? 

3. Best book you had to read for school.

Ok. Wards. “Best” is even worse than “favorite”, you know that right? I think perhaps the ones I enjoyed the most. . . . either Their Eyes Were Watching God or any Shakespeare? I did also really love Les Miserables and The Mist of Avalon.

4. First video game you played (stealing this one :) )

I think it was either Diablo 2, Neverwinter Nights. .  .or possibly Civilization? I think it was one of the first two though.

5. You have to make dinner for six people. Time and money are not an object. What do you make?

Oh gosh, My first thought was chili? I really like chili, but some people don’t... But it’s good for communal eating I think. . . . I suppose it depends on who the six people are and what sort of food they like? I’ll make blondies for dessert probably. 

6. What is one question you would ask future you if you got the chance?

Should I be moving? 

7. What’s the first meme you remember liking?

. . . . I’m not sure. It was too long ago. 

8. Is there a song you will always feel the urge to sing along with, if you hear it playing on the radio?

There are many. If I’m comfortable in the car, it’s likely that I have the urge to sing along with everything. . .  .(but yes, showtunes are even more likely to start this). 

9. Controversial fandom opinion. 

hmmm. . . . Could you define controversial for me? It’s a bit hard for me to tell because I don’t find my opinions particularly controversial but other’s might. . . . I think that “in-character” is a sliding scale? Like unless we have a lot of first person from that character’s point of view it’s easy to have slightly different (or even very different) takes on a character that could be explained within canon? Also: multi-shipping is fun. :D  

10. Do you know your Myers–Briggs Type? If so, what is it?

INFJ last time I took the test?

11. Tell me a joke!

.........Oh god. 

What do you call an all rogue group? 

A surprise party. 

My 11 questions:

1. What is your earliest memory (that you’d like to share)? 

2. What’s your go to comfort food? 

3. I know that lots of people have “dinosaur” or “ancient Egypt” interests as a child; what was something that you were super interested in as a child? I’d love to learn a new fact about that subject if you’re willing! 

4. What’s your favorite why to create (draw/ write/ bake/ sculpt/ sew/ etc) and/OR what is your favorite creation to consume (art/ stories/ food/ clothes/ etc)? 

5. What are your top 5 books? (or if you’re not into reading, top 5 games?) 

6. What’s your favorite color? Do you enjoy wearing that color? 

7. If you could have any form of transportation (real or fictional), what would you want?

8. Do you prefer sweet or savory? What’s your favorite type of each? 

9. If you could take a class on anything at all, what would you want to take a class on? Why?

10. Do you have a favorite flower or other plant? What is it? 

11. Also stealing this one: Tell me a joke! Or a funny fact! Either works. :) 

tagging: @roguelioness , @ellstersmash , @eveninglottie , @solverne-02 , @thevikingwoman , @buttsonthebeach , @zanidragon , @shiftyarchfey , @justanartsysideblog, @littleblue-eyedbird , @theladypirate , @baezia

As always:  Feel free to ignore! Only do this if you have the time and/or inclination.♥ Love y’all!

[lunar-lattice]

Solaris Caelum (9)

It’s time for a party the recipient didn’t ask for...but isn’t that all surprise parties?

Mirrors in reblogs.

< Previous x Next >

9. A Major Party

15 years ago, on September 13th 2000...

Just like that, the world had exploded into an orange cacophony of harsh light and sound. The wind and world and something else screamed. Across the destroyed Antarctic base, a man carried his daughter, weathering his own wounds and the collapsing world for her. There, he saw it; the last and only remaining emergency capsule. He propped his daughter against his shoulder and reached out, ignoring the pain that jolted through his nearly flayed arm to open it.

Behind him, the monster they awoke still wailed, its brilliant form illuminating the world through the gloom. Not much time left. He set his daughter into the capsule as gently as he could. Blood from his head wound dropped onto her cheek and she shuddered. She looked up at him, confusion on her face. "Father..." she whispered.

The shutting of the capsule prevented any more conversation. His mission done, the man collapsed onto the capsule and awaited the end.

Inside the capsule, his daughter didn't dare make a sound. The capsule rumbled then flipped over and over. She cried in surprise, "Father!"

The capsule eventually came to a stop, slowly bobbing. She sat up as much as she could, pressing the button to open the capsule. She flinched and held her side as she sat up.

The world was much darker than it had been but an orange gloom still settled over it. Before her, where the facility had been, twin pillars of light extended from the ocean and into the atmosphere. Whatever they belonged to still wailed. She clenched her side.

Now, Misato was getting dressed, the memories of that day swirling in her mind. Her fingers ghosted over her scar. It was best to move on...but difficult with the lasting reminder across her chest.

Outside, Tokyo-3 was in the midst of a thunderstorm. Inside Misato's apartment however, it was warm. Shinji rushed out of the hallway, passing a pair of towels to his friends, Toji and Kensuke. Toji took his, "Man, thanks Shinji! You really saved us from the rain!"

Shinji laughed nervously, "It's really nothing."

Kensuke looked around, "Where's Miss Misato?"

"Probably sleeping still. She's been working all night recently."

"Oh, right," Toji sat down, toweling his hair dry, "She has a really tough job."

"So let's keep it quiet so we won't wake her up," Kensuke put his finger in front of his mouth in a 'shh' gesture.

"What are you guys doing here?" Asuka poked her head into the kitchen.

"Shh!" Toji and Kensuke gestured to keep her quiet.

Shinji explained, ignoring them, "Taking shelter from the rain."

"Hmmm," she narrowed her eyes, "Alright" and disappeared back into the hallway.

"Hope Miss Misato didn't wake up," Toji said.

The door to Misato's room opened and she stepped out. "You're real good at jinxing us," Kensuke said.

He looked at Misato, "Sorry for disturbing you!"

She waved him off, "I was up already so it's alright. Welcome!"

She nodded to Shinji, "Remember, harmonics test tonight."

"Right."

"Asuka?"

"Got it!" she called from her room.

Misato looked back at them, "Rei and Kaworu probably know already but if you guys can pick them up before you leave if they're still home, that would be great."

Shinji nodded, "We can do that."

Misato smiled, "Thank you, you're such a dependable boy."

Shinji returned the smile. Beside him, Kensuke leaned forward, squinted and adjusted his glasses. He gasped and went straight, "Congratulations on your promotion!"

Toji looked confused but went straight too, "Yeah, congratulations!"

Shinji blinked, "What are you two talking about?"

Kensuke sighed, "On her jacket! Her pin is different! Misato's a major now!"

Misato chuckled, blushing slightly, "That's right. Thank you."

Kensuke beamed and bowed, "You're most welcome!" Toji followed suit, much deeper with his face fixed into a stoic respectful expression.

Misato laughed softly and nervously, "Well, see you guys later," and she beat a hasty retreat out the door.

"See you!" Toji and Kensuke called after her.

Shinji sighed, "I think she was a little embarrassed..."

"I don't see why!" Kensuke grinned, "It's quite the honor!"

"What going on out here?" Asuka asked, dressed in a large t-shirt and shorts, toweling off her hair.

"Misato's collar tab has two lines now instead of one. So she's been promoted from a captain to a major!" Kensuke said, gesturing to his own collar.

"Really? I wouldn't have noticed that,"

"Huh...I wonder when she was promoted," Shinji said.

"Must have been recently," Asuka said thoughtfully as she stopped beside him.

"Are you serious! You guys are pathetic!" Toji cried.

"You wouldn't have noticed either if not for Kensuke!" Asuka shot back.

Toji opened his mouth to refute her then closed it. "You may be right," he conceded.

"She's right," Kensuke said.

"Awww, shut it!" Toji punched him in the arm.

Kensuke winced and rubbed his arm. He turned back to the pilots and asked, "But you know what this means?"

"What?" they asked.

He grinned, "A party is in order!"

"You think Misato will like that?" Shinji asked.

"Oooh, can I invite Hikari?" Asuka asked, showing no attention to Shinji.

"Sure! We'll invite everyone! Us, Rei, Kaworu..."

"We could see if Ritsuko could come," Asuka paused, "Maybe even Kaji!"

The three continued to plan and Shinji sighed, his question forgotten by the trio. He hoped a party wouldn't be any issue. He didn't exactly want one himself...but he supposed spending time with his friends was never a bad thing. He'd deal with it.

As they left the apartment to gather the other two pilots, Kensuke asked, "Say, is Misato coming with you home?"

Shinji raised an eyebrow but answered anyways, "Probably not tonight. She finally got all the paperwork done from the last Angel. She's gonna drive us home though."

Kensuke sighed, "Alright...party tomorrow!" he cheered, his demeanor changing on a dime.

"Tomorrow!" Shinji cried, "That's a little early, huh?"

"And there's no chance of anyone spilling the secret!"

Shinji frowned. Toji sighed, "You can't get him off a subject once he's on it so don't even try," he turned to Kensuke, "And I suppose you will want me to help?"

"Of course!"

A little over an hour later, the group was in the middle of their sync test. Asuka sighed softly, fidgeting slightly in the plug. Her sync ratio was just above where it was last time, for good reason. Any sudden change in her ratio would set off suspicion. At first, she had done it deliberately but now it came easier than she expected. Perhaps her mother was in cahoots with her. She smiled at the thought.

"Asuka's ratio just shot up another two points," Ritsuko observed.

"But her and Rei are at the edge of the contamination zone. They might have reached their limit," Maya said.

Ritsuko looked over her shoulder, "Shinji can, however. Lower the graph depth another 0.3."

"Alright. What about Kaworu?"

Ritsuko looked over his graph. Their current setup with him was little more than shadow of what it would be when they had his Eva. It was a test plug loaded with the current data from his Unit. It did the job well enough but no doubt his score would change drastically when he got the real deal. "Keep him as he is," she said.

Kaworu felt weird inside the test plug. It was quiet and empty in a way Unit Two wasn't. Data was no substitute for a true Eva. As such, his general scores were low. What purpose it served to test him in his own plug anyways was unknown to him. Perhaps as a baseline? They usually followed up these tests with putting him in Unit Two and letting the others go home but not tonight. He didn't mind that too much.

Shinji felt conflicting feelings toward the entry plug. It was a place of pain and comfort. Pain such as white hot tentacles through his torso or the agonizing pain of a beam to his whole front. But comfort such as the quiet warm environment of the plug itself. The feeling was familiar in a way he couldn't pinpoint, like a memory from a time he couldn't consciously remember.

"He's almost nearly reached the contamination zone," Maya reported.

"And he's still getting these readings? Incredible," Ritsuko whistled softly at it, "Truly incredible."

Maya glanced up at her, "And his harmonics and sync rate are also catching up with Asuka's."

"It's almost as if he has a gift for piloting Eva," Ritsuko said, "And I'm not usually one to believe in that sort of thing."

"I doubt he'd be happy to hear that, since he doesn't like to do it…," Misato murmured.

She said it so no one would hear her but Ritsuko did, a frown flickering across her expression. She turned to the screen and pressed the comm button, "Good work you three. Shinji, you did well."

It didn't take long to unload the pilots. They each had a quick rinse from the adjoining room to where they exited then were lead back up to the monitoring room to see their results.

"All of you are always improving. Shinji here though, has gone up eight points since last test," Ritsuko explained.

"Really?"

Ritsuko nodded, "Data doesn't lie. You're improving the quickest behind Asuka who had a four point increase this time."

"Nice!" Asuka pumped her arm in the air, "I'm still in the lead though?"

"For the time being."

Asuka muffled the last dying cries of her past life that insisted that even this was a failure. "Good job," she patted Shinji's shoulder. The cries died in her mind.

"As for you two," Ritsuko turned to Rei and Kaworu, "Both of you are steadily improving and that is good as well. I'm hoping we see a nice increase when you have a chance in your actual Eva, Kaworu."

He nodded, "Am I to stay behind to test in Unit Two too?"

"Not tonight. I have a lot of data to get through."

Asuka tilted her head slightly, "You sound really busy, Doctor Akagi. Maybe you could take a break sometime?"

"That's very sweet of you to suggest but I always have so much work..." Ritsuko trailed off.

"She's right," Misato pointed out.

Ritsuko shrugged, "We'll have to see."

The pilots went to the locker room, the girls in theirs and the boys in theirs. Asuka dressed quickly and walked to Rei, who was just trying the knot on her dress. "Rei, we're having a party of Misato tomorrow. Wanna come? You've gotta keep it a secret thought!"

"A party?" she echoed.

"Mhm! Misato's promoted so we're having a surprise party tomorrow for her!"

Rei was quiet then nodded, "I'd like that and I am not busy. So I shall come."

"Sweet!" Asuka cheered, "Get there by eight since Misato should be home thirty minutes after."

"Now," she looked into the hallway, "We just gotta get Ritsuko and Kaji."

"I can inform Dr. Akagi as I have to go see her before I leave."

Asuka smiled, "Alright! See you then!" she left with a wave.

Rei slowly waved back and watched her leave. She was glad her upload was tonight rather than the next day. She could go to the Major's party as well as Dr. Akagi. The Doctor should be happy when Rei came to deliver the invitation. A small smile flickered upon her lips as she left the locker room. She felt...excited at the prospect of the doctor's reaction.

The trip to Terminal Dogma was ingrained in Rei's bones by now. She believed she could even do it in her sleep. She watched the elevator tick down as she rode it, nothing but the quiet hum of the machinery as her company. Down here, it was colder. Whether it was because the depth or the contents of it, she didn't know. Nor did she ask. All she was needed for down here was to perform her role.

She exited the elevator, following the dim hallway into a side room where she shed her clothes. Dr. Akagi appeared in the doorway, "Good, Rei. You're here on time."

Rei nodded and walked up to her, following her through the hallway until they reached a large circular room. Twisted machinery made up the ceiling and in the center was a tube. Off to the side was an archaic computer terminal. "Wait a moment," Dr. Akagi instructed her as she went over to it. She tapped a few keys, humming to herself.

"Dr Akagi," Rei said quietly.

"What is it, Rei?" she asked, not looking up.

"Asuka wanted me to inform you you've been invited to a party for Major Katsuragi's promotion."

Ritsuko looked at her, a perplexed expression on her face, "She wanted you to invite me?"

"She told me you and Mr. Kaji should come. I said I'd pass the message to you."

"Huh," her expression softened, "That's…kind of you."

She went back to her terminal, "Tell her I'll see if I can make it. No promises."

"I see."

"Anyway, I'm ready for you," she gestured to the tube.

Rei had been acting different, Ritsuko noted as Rei walked into the tube. The tube sealed itself and LCL flooded it, causing Rei to float off the floor. She inhaled and closed her eyes, letting herself float.

Ritsuko smiled softly. It wasn't a bad different. Perhaps Commander Ikari would find it a bad different but Rei still acted the part. Still, her behavior warmed the doctor to her.

"Thank you, Misato," Kaworu said from the back seat of Misato's car.

"It's no problem, Kaworu! I would have took Rei home too if she didn't have to stay behind," Misato replied as they drove home.

"I also heard you were promoted so congratulations!"

"I bet Shinji told you, huh?"

Shinji and Kaworu exchanged glances. "Yes," Shinji admitted.

Misato chuckled, "You guys are more excited about my promotion than I am…"

"Why aren't you?" Asuka asked.

Misato shrugged, "I mean, not much changes. I guess I do get paid more but that's about it. I still rank as one of the highest in NERV. So it doesn't seem as big a deal to me."

"It's a big honor though," Asuka said.

Misato sighed, "I don't know really how to explain it. Maybe it's different because I'm an adult."

Asuka shot a worried glance at the two in the back. Shinji piped up, "I think I understand. Being praised is nice but there's a lot of pressure."

Asuka shook her head, "You should just take the praise and be happy! They say, don't look a gift horse in the mouth."

Shinji frowned but said nothing. Kaworu cut in, "I suppose there's a healthy balance. Be happy for it but don't let it get to your head. But also don't let people's criticisms go to your head. Just do what makes you happy!"

"Sounds right. Try to not put too much stock in what people think of you," Misato finished.

The three went silent, mulling this over. Misato smiled, "You kids are more thoughtful than when I was your age...granted, this time when I was your age, I wasn't doing a lot of talking at all."

"Are you really sure Misato'll be happy?" Shinji asked the next day, in the afternoon as he watched her flit around, setting up her game console in the living room.

Asuka had roused him from bed and told him Toji and Kensuke were coming by early so they can set things up. And of course, Shinji was on cooking duty. He didn't mind that part, he minded the fact he was put on it without being asked. It seemed everyone was more excited for it than him, but he supposed at this point it was more an excuse to throw a party. He smiled softly. And for Misato, an excuse to drink.

Asuka shrugged, "Whatever her weird stance on being congratulated, everyone likes a party!"

"I guess you're right. Though, she'll probably take it as an excuse to drink," he said.

"There you go!" she beamed.

The door bell rang, "Oh that'll be them!" she said, going to the door.

She opened the door to reveal Kensuke and Toji accompanied by a man with glasses. She blinked, "Hello guys and...?"

Shinji appeared behind her, "Oh that's Goichi, Kensuke's brother!"

Goichi chuckled, "I had the day off and Kensuke insisted I must meet the Major...you must be Asuka."

Asuka gasped and put a hand to her chest, "Not another nerd!"

Goichi blinked and deadpanned, "I've heard things about you too but it wouldn't be polite for me to repeat them."

The two stared at each other, neither willing to give the other an inch. Kensuke broke the silence, "We haven't said anything bad about you. Goichi is just messing with you."

Goichi laughed, "Actually, all I've heard is pretty favorable. Might have seen you in action," he winked and gestured to Kensuke's camera, "Or maybe not. After all, having such footage would not be allowed."

Asuka grinned back, "You are right but it would be rather cool if you did see it."

She led the trio inside, gesturing for them to set their cargo on the table. "Isn't Misato not home for some time?" Shinji asked.

"Obviously! We want to be utterly prepared!" she said as she rooted through the bags, setting the groceries on the table.

"This didn't cost too much, did it?" Shinji asked Kensuke.

"Nah," he waved Shinji off, "I can already see you pulling out your NERV card to reimburse us so don't bother."

"Just leave some for me to take to Sakura," Toji commented, sitting at the table and cracking a can of soda, "She wanted to come but she still can't leave the hospital."

Shinji sat beside him, "Is she getting better though?"

Toji nodded, "They actually started her on physical therapy last week. Progress is slow but it's better than nothing," he smiled softly.

Shinji nodded, "I'll have to visit her again sometime with you…"

"I'd say bring everyone else but I wouldn't want her getting hurt with how excited she'd be," Toji joked.

"Shinji!" came Asuka's call from the kitchen.

He sighed and sat up, "Guess that's my cue."

The next person to arrive was Kaworu, a cake in hand. "A cake is customary for celebrations, is it not?" he asked sheepishly as Asuka ushered him in.

"I think it's more of a western thing but hey! You won't find me complaining!" Asuka eyed the cake. It was a simple white cake with 'Congratulations on your promotion!' written in purple icing.

"Did you make it yourself?" she asked.

Kaworu shook his head, "I wanted to try...but last time I tried to bake, I burnt it," he laughed softly.

A grin stole onto Asuka's face, "Hey, I bet Shinji knows how! He can teach you!"

He shot her an exasperated glance and went into the kitchen to set the cake down. Shinji was tending to a pan of pork. Kaworu set the cake on the table and walked over, "What are you making?"

Shinji jumped, "Oh! Kaworu! I'm making ramen er, actual ramen. Not the instant stuff."

Kaworu chuckled, "You think Misato will appreciate it?"

"Well," he trailed off, "I hope she finds it funny. And if she doesn't, I'll say it was Asuka's plan."

"Bold of you," he smiled, "How can I help?"

"Oh, you wanna help?" Shinji seemed surprised.

He nodded. "Oh, well you can cut the scallions," he gestured to the cutting board where a knife and a scallion, along with a bulb of garlic and a ginger root.

He began to cut it into small diagonal slices and asked, "Want me to cut these too?"

"I'd like that! But just crush the garlic."

Kaworu hummed as he worked. Shinji turned down the heat for the pork and set a lid onto it. Before he knew it, he was humming too. He asked, "What is that you're humming?"

Kaworu smiled at him, "Beethoven's 9th, Ode to Joy. Do you like it?"

"Oh! Yeah, I do like classical!" Shinji returned the smile.

"It's actually my favorite piece of music. Do you have a favorite?"

Shinji shook his head, "Not really, I've never thought about it. But I like a lot."

Kaworu nodded in agreement, "Good. Music is good. I'd say it's the pinnacle of your culture."

Shinji raised an eyebrow, "Japanese…?"

Kaworu chuckled, "Of all culture."

"I think you're right," he smiled before turning and beginning to make the sauce for the ramen.

Back in the living room, Asuka was ushering Rei and Hikari inside. She smiled, "Glad you two could come!"

Rei nodded, "I am glad. I also told Dr. Akagi."

Hikari smiled, "Of course, I'd come."

"Sweet, I told Kaji on my way out of NERV!"

Rei raised an eyebrow, "I thought Misato disliked Mr. Kaji?"

"Oh, Rei. Misato is just saying that. I think she still likes him!"

"What if you're wrong?"

Asuka winked, "I'm not wrong."

Hikari laughed softly, "I'd dare say you're turning into a right matchmaker, Asuka."

Asuka simply smiled and hushed her.

Time passed quickly and before anyone knew, it was nearly time for Misato to get home. Asuka had ushered everyone to be on alert. Shinji himself was jittery with nervous energy. The door opened and everyone tensed. Misato entered, yawning and taking off her hat. She didn't notice anything was wrong.

Kensuke lead the cry of, "Congratulations, Misato!"

Misato jumped, her hand flying for her gun. Then she froze and blinked. Then she blushed bright, "What are you—"

"It's a party! For you!" Asuka cried.

Misato blinked then fled for her room. Silence dominated the room. Goichi asked, "Did that go well?"

"Er," Kensuke mumbled.

Misato exited shortly after, having shed her work clothes for her casual clothes. "You guys...you did this?" she asked, stopping before the group.

Asuka pointed to Toji and Kensuke, "It was their idea!"

"Actually, it was mainly Kensuke's," Toji cut in.

Misato looked over them then stopped on Goichi, "You are?"

He bolted up, sticking his hand out, "Goichi Aida! Kensuke's brother! Er, Major!"

Misato took his hand, gingerly shaking it, "Nice to meet you…just call me Misato…"

He saluted her and sat back down. Shinji stood, "I'll go get the food put together."

"I'll come with," Misato followed him and groaned, "I need a drink..."

She took a beer out of the fridge, cracked it and drained half of it in one swallow. She glanced over at Shinji who was dutifully starting the noodles. "Do you need help?" she asked.

"Oh no!" he shook his head.

He paused, "Well, I do but I don't want to ask you. It is your party."

A mischievous look crossed Misato's face, "I'll go gather Kaworu. He's a reliable boy."

She stayed just long enough to savor the blush on Shinji's cheeks before she left for the living room. "Kaworu!" she cried, "I think Shinji needs some help so would you help him!"

She chuckled internally seeing Kaworu jump to attention, "Sure thing!" and walked past her into the kitchen.

She did, however, smile smugly as she sat at the table and sipped at her beer. She said, "Thank you all...this is really nice, if a surprise."

"I mean, it is supposed to be a surprise," Asuka pointed out.

Misato rolled her eyes, "You know what I mean."

"Anyway," Toji pointed to Kensuke, "Ken planned it all. We just helped."

"Exactly!" Kensuke bolted to his feet, "It was I! Kensuke Aida, the mastermind!"

Goichi chuckled softly at his antics. Misato dipped her head at Kensuke, "Then thank you, Aida."

"Awww, nah," Kensuke waved her off, "I was doing what anyone would have done!"

Misato nearly rolled her eyes again but let the boy have his fun. Kaworu came in, two bowls in hand and set one in front of Misato and the other to her right, where Shinji was sitting. "Ramen?" Misato asked.

"Homemade," Shinji commented, bringing more bowls and dishing them out, "I thought you'd like it better this way."

"When did our Shinji get so cheeky?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Shinji used the excuse to get the rest of the bowls to retreat. Misato chuckled and pulled a bundle of noodles and pork from the bowl, bringing it to her mouth. It tasted...just as good as from a ramen stand. No...even better! Kaworu, having returned to give Kensuke and Toji a bowl grinned, "I think Misato likes it, Shinji."

"Judging by how she'd putting it away, I think that's an understatement," Asuka chuckled, digging into her own bowl which Shinji had just brought her.

"It's so good, Shinji!" Misato grinned between bites, "You've got an eye for this sort of thing!"

"You think?" he asked while he sat beside her.

Misato shook her head, "No. I know you do."

Shinji blushed furiously and instead found more of an interest in eating than continuing the conversation. Goichi chuckled, "She's right. Might have to have Kensuke invite you for dinner sometime so we can have this again."

"Don't do that," Kensuke warned, "He won't say no."

"Oh, Toji," Shinji looked up, "I made a container for Sakura too...if she can have it."

"Wow, man!" Toji grinned, "That's awfully kind of you! You should come visit her with me so you can give it to her yourself!"

"Uh...if you want..." Shinji trailed off.

They continued eating, everyone making conversation between themselves...that is, except for Shinji. Misato glanced over at him and said softly, "How are you doing?"

Shinji looked up at her, surprise in his face, "Oh..I'm alright. I guess. It's just a lot of people."

Asuka had just launched into an argument over how Toji and Kensuke should take Kaji's example and how they should be more like gentleman. Toji pointed out Kaji wasn't even there yet so what kind of gentleman was that? Asuka didn't seem to want to argue that. Hikari seemed exasperated, Goichi was watching it with a hint of bemusement and Kaworu was protesting that they shouldn't argue at Misato's party. Rei was quietly eating but keeping an eye on it. Shinji murmured to Misato, "Why must they be so noisy?"

"The noise is bothering you?" Misato asked softly.

Shinji nodded. Misato stood, "Here, let's take the bowls back and cut into that cake."

In the kitchen, Shinji asked her as he rinsed the bowls, "A promotion. So, that means that people have acknowledged your work?"

Misato nodded, busy opening the cake container and cutting it into equal slices, "Yeah, I suppose."

"That's why they're happy," he jerked his head in the direction of the living room, "But it doesn't make you happy."

"I mean, I am a little happy. And the celebration is nice...but that's not why I work at NERV."

Shinji tilted his head, "Then why do you work there?"

Misato glanced at him, seeing him regard her with genuine curiosity. The instinct to tell him a lie died on her tongue. She looked away, "It's long and complicated. I'll tell you someday."

Shinji frowned but nodded, "I think I understand. I think I'm ready to go back."

He sat back down by Kaworu when he returned, Asuka and the boys having migrated to the TV to play a fighting game. Asuka was trying to coax Rei into playing with them, "C'mon! It's more fun with more players! And Hikari won't play!"

Rei said softly, "I don't know anything of it though."

"We can teach you," Asuka said, offering her a controller.

Rei regarded it then took it with a cheer from Toji and Kensuke. "Why don't you want to play?" Shinji asked, "You had fun that one time."

Kaworu smiled, "I was waiting for you to return."

Shinji returned the smile with a faint blush on his cheeks. "What were you and Misato talking about, if I may ask?" Kaworu asked.

"Oh, just Misato didn't seem too happy with this. But she must be happy enough to let us have fun," he glanced at Misato sitting on the couch, watching the truly great task of the boys and Asuka teaching Rei the art of video games. Goichi seemed fidgety, with the Operations Director of NERV so close.

Kaworu chuckled, "I will admit this seems more like Kensuke just wanted an excuse for a party..." he paused and said thoughtfully, "But I suppose fun is important for us."

"Important?" Shinji raised an eyebrow.

"In a way, we're almost in a war," Kaworu explained, "Constant fighting and no fun would run us down."

Shinji nodded, "I see. That's why Misato sends us to school."

Kaworu smiled, "Same principle though I'd argue school isn't fun."

They sat back and watched as it seemed Rei was getting a hang of it, applying the same attitude towards real battle to play battle. Kensuke cried, "I can't believe it!" as Rei knocked him out.

"Say Kaworu," Shinji said, "You have an admirer at school, right?"

Kaworu raised an eyebrow but internally he tensed, "Mhm. I'm about due to respond back. The last letter was him telling me about himself. Not much."

"Do you know who it is?"

Kaworu tilted his head, considering Shinji's motivations for asking that. Did he want him to know or did he fear he already knew? Shinji was tense too and wouldn't meet his eye. "I suppose you're curious too?" he asked carefully.

Shinji jumped up, "Wh-who isn't?!"

Kaworu nodded, "I suppose you're right. And no. If I did, I'd like to think I'd go ask them myself."

Shinji relaxed, "Maybe they just need time before they do."

"That's what I think is the case."

The doorbell rang and Asuka jumped up, "That must be Kaji and Ritsuko!"

She went to the door and Rei mercilessly knocked her player character out. "Harsh," Kensuke commented.

Rei blinked at him, "She didn't pause."

Asuka opened the door to reveal Kaji and Ritsuko in casual wear. Kaji waved, "I came directly from HQ and me and Ritsuko just met on the way."

Misato eyed them with suspicion, "A likely story."

Ritsuko sighed, "You act like you're jealous."

"I am not!"

"Anyway!" Kaji stood up straight, "I'd like to offer my congratulations, Major Katsuragi. I guess I cant gripe at you anymore."

A faint blush spread across her face and behind her, the kids exchanged glances. Misato snapped, "And just what are you trying to say, you jerk?!"

Kaji grinned, hands on his hips, "You know how unprecedented it is for both the Commander and Vice Commander to be out of Japan together. That just shows how much trust they hold in you to hold down the fort while they're gone."

Shinji piped up, "Wait...my father's not here?"

Ritsuko shook her head, "Commander Ikari is at the South Pole right now."

If one saw the South Pole as it was right now, one might argue it wasn't even of this world anymore. The seas were a purple-red, the color of a bruise. Pillars of salt dotted the landscape where glaciers once were. Above, auroras danced, beautifully eerie. A fleet of ships cut through it, the largest having a long object tarped over and tied to it. From the deck, Commander Ikari and Fuyutski surveyed the land. It was silent, not even the wind existed here it seemed. It wasn't even as cold as it had once been, just the tiniest chill in the air. Fuyutski said, "The South Pole...a world of death where no life is permitted to exist. One may say it's no longer of this world. So should I simply call it Hell?"

"Nevertheless, we, mankind are here. We're living things and we're alive," Gendo replied.

The words were so familiar but if Fuyutski thought of who they reminded him of, his heart would hurt. "It's because we're under the protection of science," he pointed out.

"Science is the power of man."

Fuyutski gave the alien landscape another long glance, "That arrogance is what caused the tragedy of fifteen years ago, Second Impact. And this is the end result. This is a greater punishment than we deserved. It is truly the Dead Sea."

"Yet this is a world that has been purified, purged of its original sin," Gendo kept his flat facade but Fuyutski could hear the smile behind his words. The uncomfortable idea of Second Impact being merely a test trial lodged itself in his brain.

"I'd prefer a world where people live, no matter how stained with sin," he murmured.

Gendo did not respond so Fuyutski didn't even know if he had heard or not. Not that it would matter if he did.

Author's Note:

Here's another chapter that got cut in half because length, because together it was nearing ten thousand words! The first bit here with the party took up a lot of work so it gets its own chapter, a choice I'm happy with. Breaks up the action a bit. Also its fun sometimes to put a lot of characters in a room and play with 'em.

[edmundsomerset]

Electricity in the Air [Laertes & Edmund]

Who: Edmund Somerset and Laertes Capulet

What: Meet up at a local karaoke bar and then head on back to the Somerset estate after for a nightcap.

Where: Downtown, Somerset Estate

When: Thursday, December 13th

Edmund held the door and gestured for Laertes to go on in ahead of him, smiling as the sounds of someone covering an 80s hit slightly off key flowed through the air. "After you," he replied with a smooth ease.

Laertes hadn't been on a date in ages. He was a little rusty. "Thank you, Sir." He smiled as he went inside. There were lots of people and an awesome 80s song flowing through the air. Unfortunately the person singing wasn't the best, but that was the lore of karaoke.

Edmund ushered Laertes over to an open table, commenting, "Be right back," as he disappeared off to the bar. He came back after a few minutes, one drink in each hand as he slid into the seat across from the submissive confidently. "Alright. One whiskey ginger, one Moscow mule. Take your pick," he offered, determined to see the submissive loosen up a bit and enjoy the evening together.

Laertes sat down at the open table and gave Edmund a nod as he said he'd be back. When he came back with drinks, he grinned. "Hmmm...I'll take the mule, please." He said with a grin, taking the offered drink. He took a sip and then licked the liquid that clung to his top lip. "Mmm...love ginger flavor so much." He commented. "Thank you."

Edmund nodded. "You're quite welcome, Laertes," he responded, picking up the dismissed drink and taking a sip. "I'm glad you took me up on the offer to come out tonight. As much as I enjoyed seeing you all dolled up last week, this is pretty nice too," he complimented, eyeing Laertes before gesturing with a nod of his head to the atmosphere around them. "So Laertes Capulet. You know, I feel like I grew up alongside a lot of your family, yet my memories of you are foggy at best of you as a small little kid who I'd occasionally catch site of while running off with Tybalt. I.. don't know you." He shrugged, smirking. "I'd like to though. So who did I miss out on getting to know over the last six years?"

Laertes smiled. "It was easy to say yes to you, Sir." He knew that Edmund was already aware of his attraction to him, so he decided to not try and hide it so much. He shrugged, not sure what to say. "I was a shy kid. I was always trying to follow Tybalt around, but I couldn't hang that well. So, I'd retreat to what I knew as safe...music and playing make believe." He told Edmund. "I was always shy and didn't talk much until I was a teenager. I like to paint a little bit. I used to do it more, but then my schedule was so busy when I was living in LA that I stopped." He didn't know what else Edmund wanted to know, but he knew that he'd ask. "I don't think you missed much, Sir. I'm just an ordinary submissive." He told him.

Edmund raised an eyebrow, repeating back, "An ordinary submissive huh?" He leaned back in the seat, fingers lifting the glass ever so slightly as he swirled the contents. "I don't buy it. Someone who spends the better part of a decade on a hit television show alone wouldn't be considered ordinary, but I've also yet to meet someone in your family who fit that bill regardless." He sighed, taking another sip of the whiskey. "I'll be honest with you, Lae... I don't typically do this. I haven't invited someone out in... some time, I guess. But you're attractive. And interesting-- and I guess I want to see if you're interesting enough to keep my attention for more than a quick drink or two." He shrugged, voice playfully adding, "I'm hopefully."

Laertes couldn’t help but let out a laugh at Edmund’s words. “I don’t do this either.” He admitted and shrugged. “I was running away to be honest. I was discovered, I guess, and went there. Stayed acting in the show, was in a terrible relationship for most of it. I came home after both the show and relationship fizzled.” He thought more on it before adding more. “I’m interesting in my own right. I like to sing and act and dance. I like ginger ale and I like corny 80s music. I also like to stay home most nights and watch musicals. When I do go outside, I’m usually walking until I can’t anymore. I like it.” He wondered what else he could tell Edmund that wasn’t too personal for a first date. “Is that enough for now for a second drink, Sir?” He asked before raising a brow.

Edmund listened, sipping at his drink. "A second drink? If you'd like, sure," he offered, surprised by the request so quickly. He chuckled and flagged down a waiter walking around he recognized from numerous prior visits. He relayed their orders again, changing his own to just a beer before turning back to Laertes. "When you walk do you have a destination in mind? Is there a reason you walk so far?"

Laertes shook his head. “No, Sir. I meant a second drink with me...if I seemed at all interesting to warrant more time together.” He smiled brightly, but accepted the next drink. He was still drinking his first, but he knew he’d want a second. He thought about it. “No, not really. I just need to meditate in a way. Wherever I end up, I just walk back or if it’s too far, I call an Uber or something. I feel like I’m in control of my steps, so it helps me at times when I can’t help myself.” He admitted to Edmund.

Edmund grinned, shrugging innocently. "Oh- That second drink?" He'd understood what Laertes had meant the first time, but had played it off initially, wanting the submissive to state it more directly. "I think it's a bit too early to really say just yet, don't you? Though I'm flattered you're already considering the opportunity," he joked, winking. "So meditation, hm? I suppose I can relate, though I take to horseback for it," he continued, vocalizing his thoughts aloud. "You like to be in control then? How often do you find yourself going for these walks?"

Laertes blushed. “I just didn’t want you to think I had a drinking problem...” He told Edmund and then chuckled. The Dom loves to razz him and if he was being honest? He liked it. “Oh, I love riding. I used to do that a lot growing up, but I don’t have as much time now or a horse to ride.” He shrugged it off. “Just in that way. I like to give it up more than have it. I do these walks a couple times a week.”

Edmund hadn't intended to presume he'd see Laertes again despite the other's enthusiasm. He himself was still anxious at the idea of getting close to anyone. Still, the words rattled off his tongue before he could overthink it. "It's a good thing I have several then, isn't it?" Several was probably an understatement. Between Henri and him they had well over a dozen. They loved horses. "Perhaps I can show you the grounds of the estate sometime?"

Laertes looked at Edmund, wondering if the man was again joking with him. He didn’t know if he wanted to commit to the feelings he was having. “Perhaps.” He replied simply. He hadn’t meant to tease, but that’s how it probably came across. “Can you tell me more about yourself? I feel like you know too much about me for how little I know about you, Sir. Please.”

Edmund laughed, grinning at having his own teasing flipped on him. "Fair enough," he agreed in amusement, taking another sip of his drink. "What would you like to know?"

Laertes sat on his thoughts for a minute. “What you like to do when you have free time? Your likes and dislikes? Whatever you’d like to share with me, Sir.” This was the first time in a while he’d really gotten to know someone

Edmund it his lip, silent a moment despite his enjoyment of the conversation. "Horseback. Swimming... Animals in general, though I guess that's more of a work time thing versus free... Reading journals though of veterinary medicine I suppose. Other than that... cooking, on the chef's day off I suppose, presuming I'm not busy." He paused a moment before wryly explaining, "I'm shoo'd from the kitchen if he's working."

Laertes made notes of everything Edmund said. He liked learning these things about a potential new...friend? Yes. "Well, I'm sorry to say that I can't cook." He chuckled. "But, I'd love to try something sometime if you'd be willing to let me." He gave Edmund a warm smile. "Picturing you being shooed from the kitchen is an amusing site." He chuckled.

Edmund chuckled, finishing off what remained of his initial drink. "Is it now? I'll have you know, I'm a decent chef thank you very much. Not someone who could ever make a careerof it, but enough to make a pretty decent meal. It's relaxing too, and gets my mind off things. Something I can control," he retorted, winking as he mimicked back Laertes' earlier comment with walking. "There's nothing wrong with lacking skills in the kitchen though-- so long as you don't starve or borderline poison people like Henri," he added jokingly. "In that case you hire a chef like ours."

Laertes sighed with a shake of his head as Edmund used his words back at him, holding back a smile. He then let out a laugh at his other words and shook his head again. "No, Sir. I have a meal service. It brings me meals and then I purchase things like snacks and drinks. I'm not going hungry, I promise." He finished his first drink and then started on his second. His comfort level with Edmund was getting better. He was feeling at ease in his presence. "Hmm...what should I sing?" He thought aloud.

Edmund glanced towards the stage and the small queue for singing, occasionally filled with small snippets of radio when nobody stepped up immediately. "What do you feel like singing?" He threw back at the submissive. Edmund wasn't actually one for karaoke, as often as he visited the establishment. His reasons were visiting were a bit more selfish-- enjoying taking home a vocal submissive for the night. While he didn't necessarily see himself doing that with Laertes that evening, he had a feeling Laertes might enjoy the bar and opportunity for an audience. He also couldn't help but be curious about the other's voice. "A ballad, perhaps?"

Laertes thought about it. "Yes, a ballad. I'll be right back, Sir." He went up and wrote down the song he wanted to sing. He was a huge Adele fan and knew what song he wanted to sing. The line was short, so he waited, looking back at Edmund with flirty smiles every now and again. Finally it was his turn and he made his way to the stage and grabbed the microphone. He felt at home in front of a crowd like this. He waited for the intro and then began to sing.

Laertes

Aaron Tveit - All I Ask - Bethel Woods 8.28.16YouTube · 4:21 · 2K · 100%The "All I Ask" portion of the "I Can't Make You Love Me"' and "All I Ask" mashup

Edmund relaxed back in his hair and observed Laertes from afar, curious as to ho the submissive conducted himself around others and even more on stage. It wasn't lost on him how he remained a focus of the other's even from afar, enjoying the glances sent his way, as if Laertes was unable to let his attention stray for too long from him. He winked when he saw the submissive was about to go on stage and took a sip of the beer he'd ordered. Laertes' voice surprised him. Sure, he figured the other could sing, but the submissive's comment about songs sung by women made more sense when he heard how smoothly the submissive traveled into higher octaves. He had talent and wasn't all talk, and Edmund found himself enjoying the performance-- and how alive Laertes became on the stage-- immensely.

Laertes lost himself in the music and the words and just let himself feel while he performed. Yes, it was karaoke, but he couldn't help but treat it as if he were preforming at the The Globe or someplace similar. Once the song was done, he ignored all other faces except for Edmund's. He wanted to see the praise from the man, hoping he had it. He made his way back to his set, giving small waves to those who complimented his performance as he went. He sat down and bit his lip, waiting for the Dominant to say something.

Edmund clapped in applause until the last of the appreciation died down amongst the rest of the crowd, although his actions were neither aggressive nor showy. When Laertes returned to the table he raised his glass in toast, complimenting, "Easily the best performance of the night." Now obviously they had not shown up when everything had started, but the compliment was not meant to be taken that literally. He winked, adding, "Now I'm curious to see how you fair on a dance floor. I regret not taking more advantage of the opportunity last week."

Laertes gave Edmund a small nod. "Thank you, Sir." He grinned as he picked up his drink and took a sip. "Well, I think what we did was better than dancing. Thank you for helping me when you did. I'm feeling so much better than I was." He said, turning his tone a little more serious. He wanted Edmund to know the sincerity of his gratitude.

Edmund chuckled, thinking back on the brief yet intimate encounter at the gala, and how much he'd enjoyed having the other submissive submit to him in such a space. It had certainly helped the time pass easier. "You're very welcome for that, though no need to act as if it was one sided favor, Laertes. You were... stunning to have at my feet like that," he complimented, leaning forward over the table and resting his weight on his elbows. A rather confident grin graced his lips as he continued, "I'd have you kneel for me right now if it weren't for our location."

Laertes took in a deep breath as Edmund spoke. He let it our shakily, but managed to smile once again. He was finding himself doing that a lot around the Dominant. He couldn't think of when he was last called stunning or if ever. He blushed, knowing that if Edmund asked him to, location be damned, he'd kneel for him. "Yes, of course, Sir. Maybe I can kneel for you later..." He lightly suggested to the other.

Edmund raised an eyebrow, surprised by the offer. He was determined to not rush into anything with any of the submissives he'd been inclined to learn more about as of late-- trying to not fall into old habits and upset Henri further. Kneeling was certainly innocent enough though... "Perhaps," he replied after a beat, smiling softly as he thought it over some more. "Is this you asking to extend this evening past the bar?"

Laertes didn’t know why he was being so brazen. He blamed it on the gin. He nodded before adding, “Yes, Sir. It is. If you’ll have me...” He finished before looking away nervously. He’d reached his bravery quota it seemed.

Edmund was surprised, smiling at the submissive's forwardness. "So much for being a shy submissive, hm?" He smirked, nodding. "I think that will be fine if you come back for a nightcap and getting to know each other sans the loud music and sticky floor." He lifted his pint of beer to his lips, taking another long drink. "So. How are you enjoying the holidays? Anything fun planned?"

Laertes blushed. Edmund knew just how to ruffle his feathers. "I'm getting used to you, so I'm not as shy." He told the Dominant and then shrugged. "Just as well as anyone, I assume. I have nothing planned. My parents have long retired to New Zealand and so I hardly ever see them, which is fine with me." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "How about you, Sir?"

Edmund gave the other a subtle look of mock horror, inquiring, "Getting use to me? I'm not sure if I should be insulted or flattered you adjusted so quickly," rather playfully. The note in regards to the submissive's parents was not lost on him though, surprised. Edmund would have done just about anything for another Christmas with his parents. As much as he wanted to ask about it though, he refrained. "Christmas is a relatively quiet affair at the Somerset estate. We give the staff Christmas eve and day off, and usually order take out on Christmas eve. I cook on Christmas then, and we spend the day drinking and reminiscing," he answered, taking a sip of his beer again. "At least, that's how it's been till now. Now that Henri's seeing someone again, I'm not sure if that will change at all... Guess we'll see, you know?"

Laertes listened to Edmund talk about the holidays and it sounded so nice. He wished he had a sibling to spend it with...or a claim. He couldn't think about it too much, though. He didn't need to get into his thoughts while on a date. "Bette, right? She's gorgeous. Your sister seems happy...from what I saw at the gala. I'm sure she'll still spend time with you. It may just be shared time." Laertes tried to help Edmund think through the process of the holidays. "Is Christmas one of those days where you're not shooed from the kitchen?" He teased.

Edmund chuckled and shook his head. "There's nobody to shoo me since the staff's off-- if anything, I get shoo'd into it, since Henri is a horrible cook. She'd be eating cereal or toast probably if she was left to her own devices. Or just a lot of wine," he joked. "But yes-- Bette's her name, pretty young bird. Henri's a bit.. concerned in regards to gossip regarding Bette though, so if you hear any, I would appreciate if you tried to shut it down or at least ignore it," he added with a wink. "We like to keep our private lives fairly private, and I'm just happy she's found someone that makes her smile again."

Laertes nodded, knowing he would do as Edmund said. He wasn't much for a gossip anyway. "Of course, Sir." He smiled, thinking about Lady Henri being happy. Everyone deserved happiness. He was turning into a sap and he needed to shake himself of it. "Want to duet?" Laertes asked, noticing how it sounded after the fact. "I mean, sing a song together. A duet. Not do-it..." His face reddened.

Edmund grimaced and apologetically raised a hand gesturing no thank you. "I don't think that's a good idea, Laertes. I'm flattered you want to sing together, but I'm not one for performance and trust me when I say nobody here wants to hear me sing," he responded rather dryly with a grin. "I've never once set foot on that stage, and I don't intend to start."

Laertes couldn't help the chuckled the bubbled up out of his chest. "Okay, Sir. Of course. I trust you to know your own talents. At least you don't think you can sing like some of those people on those singing shows who audition? I feel so bad when the judges tear them down. I mean, they have such confidence, but that's about where it ends." He shrugged. "But yes, I won't ask again." He chuckled again.

Edmund smiled, amused by Laertes' comment. "I can't say I've watched any of those shows, but I think I still know what you're referring to... So. Would you like to head out now?" He replied, throwing back the rest of his drink.

Laertes nodded before drinking the rest of his drink as well. He had a nice warmth running through him from the liquor. He waited for Edmund to lead the way out of the bar, excited for the next part of their date.

Edmund moved to stand after watching Laertes finish off his drink, gaze softening as he watched the other's throat for a moment in doing so. Laertes was tempting when he failed to notice, and adorable with his eagerness, but Edmund had ever intention of at least somewhat behaving for the night, knowing if he slept with the submissive he'd be less inclined to see him again, and equally as guilty about his promise to Henri. Both finished, he led Laertes out to where he'd parked his car and held the door open for him, motioning for him to get in. "It's not too far from here-- fifteen minutes, tops."

Laertes got inside the car easily. He’d felt a buzz continue to run through him. He was excited for what the night was going to unfold. He didn’t know if he wanted to sleep with Edmund yet, but he’d be open to discussing his and the Dominant’s wants. “Okay, Sir.” He said, looking out the window as they drove. He was a bit intimidated to see where Edmund lived as well.

Edmund was comfortable to let the silence take them as he focused on the road and steered them towards the direction of the estate. He occasionally glanced over at Laertes and smiled softly before his gaze returned to the road, mulling over what to do when they reached. As always, Henri's words seemed to echo in his ear, and as independent as he was, he hated to disappoint family. Henri, if nothing else, would have a great mom simply because of her ability to guilt one into listening, he mused to himself. 

Once they arrived Edmund pulled the car up as close as he could to the main entrance, knowing a member of the staff would drive it and park it in the garage first thing in the morning if he didn't. Not sure if Laertes would be spending the night though, it would be easier to leave close for the time being. "Henri's no doubt in bed, so I'm afraid you won't be getting a full tour-- but I think we'll have a good time none the less," he commented as he got out of the car and circled around it to make sure Laertes exited as well with no issues before heading for the door.

Laertes nodded. He didn’t want to disrupt Henri at all especially with not having met her yet. “Of course, Sir.” He said as his eyes roamed around the large estate as they walked to the door. He was semi used to the Capulet estate, but it was not lost on him that this was a life he’d never lived. He couldn’t imagine living in such a huge place.

Edmund waited for Laertes to step in, palm immediately finding the submissive’s lower back and guiding him down a hall. “Thirsty? The kitchen’s right by here, but if not we can just head on up to my wing.”

Laertes felt at ease as soon as Edmund’s hand was on his back. He shook his head. “No, Sir. I’m alright.” He told him. He was anxious to see his wing of the house.

Edmund nodded, smiling. "'Course you are," he commented with a nod as he navigated them then towards a large set of stairs. "My sister lives in the other wing of the estate... Since it's just the two of us now, it's more space than we honestly need. It's mostly guest rooms at this point, though I have one set aside as office and another that connects to my room that's a nice area for just relaxing. I don't want to wake Henri by chatting downstairs, so I was thinking we'd head there instead."

Laertes nodded as he followed Edmund to his relaxing area. "Well, I have no doubt you'll be able to fill it again someday soon." Lae was sure that Edmund would find a worthy submissive soon and be able to fill the rooms with his children. As would Lady Henri. "It's so beautiful. You're home, I mean." He smiled

Edmund chuckled, smiling and leading Laertes towards the room. He opened the door and stepped inside, holding it open to the young man. "Just take a seat-- I'm going to start the fire place," he instructed, making his way over to the electrical one and flipping it on with ease. He flipped on just a few lights as he moved about the room, creating a cozy, comforting atmosphere.

Laertes was growing fond of Edmund’s smile. “Yes, Sir.” He smiled back and went and sat down as instructed. He liked the simple command. He continued to look around the room, liking the aesthetic.

Edmund joined Laertes a moment later, angled to face him slightly as he cranes a finger, gesturing for him to come closer. “You have no idea how tempting you looked up on that stage,” he murmured softly. “I definitely made a mistake taking you there,” he continued jokingly. “I’m sure if you go back alone, you’ll walk away with numbers of half the Dominants there.“

Laertes blushed at Edmund’s words. He didn’t know the Dominant had thought him to be that attractive. However at his next words, his smile faltered and he looked away, nodding. “Of course, Sir. I’m sure.” Didn’t Edmund want him? Why would he need to go out for other numbers?

Edmund clicked his tongue, frowning slightly. “Hey now, that was meant as a compliment,” he affirmed, s finger reaching out to gently nudge the submissive’s chin to focus his gaze in his direction again. “Quite a handful had their eyes on you even as you returned to me. I might have found if flattering if it hadn’t also been a bit off putting. It honestly just made me more eager to leave,” he explained with a wink.

Laertes swallowed hard as his eyes met with Edmund’s. His cheeks were still a rosy hue as he took in his words. “I don’t care if all their eyes were on me. I only had my eyes on one person. One Dominant.” Laertes countered.

Edmund admired the soft glow of the candles against Laertes' rosy complexion, pulling his hand back. "He must be one lucky guy then," he responded playfully, relieved by the affirmation and that the submissive didn't sound as bothered anymore. "Now I seem to recall something about you wanting to kneel for me, sweetheart? Is that something that still interests you? A repeat of the gala, in a way?"

Laertes bit his lip around a small smile. He was enjoying his time with the man and hoped it would continue. He nodded. “Yes, Sir. It does. It really does.” His body was already thrumming with the anticipation of it.

Edmund couldn't help his knowing grin, focused on the other's shift in expression. "There's a few things we should discuss then," he commented, pulling a pillow from behind him and placing it on the floor in front of him. "Such as your safe word once again, and intentions for the night," he explained. "I'd like you to kneel for me for now though, and we can discuss all of this as wel go."

Laertes listened intently to what Edmund was saying. “Yes, Sir.” He nodded, moving off the couch and onto his knees gracefully. He looked up at the Dominant. “Curtain is my safeword.” They’d used traffic light colors previously, but Laertes felt more comfortable with sharing this with the other. “Intentions? To feel. I don’t expect anything more than me kneeling for you. If you want more, I’d be open to discussing it, but I don’t want to assume anything, Sir.”

Edmund nodded, silently relieved Laertes had relatively easy desires for what was to happen. It made his own temptation easier to ignore, although he wasn't about to voice it. "No, no. That honestly sounds perfect, Laertes," he answered, enjoying the view of the submissive now at his feet. His hand reached out like their previous experience together, carding freely through the other's hair. He sighed as he did so, enjoying the feeling of the submissive's hair through his fingers as he slowly repeated the action while drinking in the sight before him.

Laertes whimpered as Edmund’s hand went in his hair. He was starting to get used to it and he needed to stop. But, not right now. He felt so good. “Thank you, Sir.” He murmured as he kept his eyes on the Dominant.

Edmund chuckled, tugging gently on on the other's hair for a moment. "You're very welcome, sweetheart," he responded, the pet name rolling off his tongue with ease. "I am eager to hear this discussion though, even if this is all I have planned. What other kinds of things would you have enjoyed tonight, Laertes? What other forms of submission do you enjoy aside from this?"

Laertes liked the term of endearment. He wasn't used to it, but he enjoyed it all the same. He blushed at Edmund's question, but felt himself wanting to be completely honest with him. "I like light bondage. Being restrained helps me sometimes with my thoughts. Um..." He thought some more. "I like to be used sometimes. Let my partners take whatever they can get from me. It hasn't happened much, but when it has, it was freeing in a way."

Edmund raised an eyebrow, feeling himself get slightly hard at the idea of using the submissive before him rather suddenly and selfishly. He could already see himself taking the actions in his mind, though he refrained as the constant mantra of his sister's request reared its head once again to combat the urge. How slow did he use to take relationships again? Had he always waited till being exclusive prior? He smirked, shaking his head. "I shouldn't have asked, should I? Now I can't seem to get certain images out of my head... Perhaps another time though, yes? At very least the bondage.. If I'm lucky, perhaps more," he continued, continuing to be a bit more rough off and on with the submissive's hair.

Laertes was hard. Talking about what he liked and what he ultimately would want Edmund to do to him was making him want. The way that the Dominant was pulling at his hair wasn’t helping matters, but he was able to control the moans that wanted to escape his lips. “Perhaps, Sir.” He replied, a small smile tracing his features. He leaned his head into the touch, liking it so much. “I’d like that. I think I’d be the lucky one.”

Edmund tugged again one final time before he eased back into gently running his fingers through Laertes' hair. "You, hm? Why's that? Do you... like the idea of giving yourself over to me like that? Would you like me to use you, sweetheart?" He suggested, voice velvety soft as he leaned down towards Laertes. "When you've been used before... was anything in particular off limits? Did you have a preference for use... or was anything fair game?"

Laertes was going to come in his pants if Edmund continued to talk to him like this. Which would be embarrassing. He nodded. “Yes, Sir. Me. Because you’re so handsome and kind and- I don’t always feel like I deserve those things.” He started, making sure to explain himself. “And yes, I’d love it. I- no. Nothing was off limits as long as everything was explained to me as it was happening.” He told the Dominant.

Edmund drank in Laertes' sight again, unable to help a few more fantasies pop into his head at the other's willingness. "You should be careful about what you offer, sweetheart," he chided with a dark chuckle. "Whether you deserve it is up to your Dominant... And I can think of more than a few ways I'd love to make use of you in the future. Not tonight.. but eventually."

Laertes nodded. "Yes, of course, Sir." He told him. He wasn't sure why not tonight after all this talk, but he trusted Edmund to make the right choice for the both of them. He focused on calming himself internally as he continued to kneel for the other.

Edmund let them sit in silence for a bit, hand gently running through the submissive's hair for a bit longer before he finally said, "Okay.. I think that's long enough, don't you?" His hand moved to Laertes' side incase it was needed, commenting, "I can have our driver give you a ride home, or alternatively you're welcome to spend the night since it's late and he can take you home in the morning." He waited till he had the submissive's gaze again, playfully adding, "Normally I would offer myself... but I'm afraid I don't trust myself alone with you like that."

Laertes smiled softly. He felt so content. His need for submission being filled. “Yes, Sir. Thank you. I think I’ll take the offer to go home tonight.” He knew that he’d likely not sleep if he were here, wondering how close Edmund was. “I’m ready to go whenever is possible. It’s getting late, Sir.”

Edmund nodded. "I'll call for the car then," he replied as he slid his phone from his pocket and sent the estate's driver a quick text. He reached for Laertes's hand then and brought it to his lips, kissing the back of his palm. "Perhaps we can do this again some time. I'll see you out."

[emosnakeboy]

Do all the ice cream questions!

oh sweet jesus ok yeah i suppose thats one way to cute boredom thanks 

chocolate: when was your first kiss? June 13th of 2016, huge ass regrets

french vanilla: how old are you? not old enough to make a difference, in the eyes of the government (but that’s just what i let them think)

cotton candy: three places you want to travel to? hmmm Cairo, Egypt; London, England; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

strawberry: a language you wish you could speak? probably german or finnish so i can go to college in one of those countries for free, either that or french or latin so i can pass my classes

coffee: favorite cosmetics brands? i dont use makeup

mint chocolate chip: indoors or outdoors? probably indoors, less sunburn more AC and wifi

cookie dough: do you play any instruments? yes several, i play baritone, clarinet, ukulele (badly), and probably some others that i should be working on. lately i’ve been inspired to learn how to play the trombone.

rocky road: favorite songs at the moment? ohhh boy... Nicotine by Panic! At The Disco, The Sharpest Lives by My Chemical Romance, The Last of The Real Ones by Fall Out Boy, If These Sheets Were The States by All Time Low, and Ground Control by All Time Low (i hecking love atl fight me) (there are so many more songs i could say)

butter pecan: favorite songs for life? oh shit those above, plus both Boy Division and The Light Behind Your Eyes by My Chemical Romance

cheesecake: what’s your zodiac sign? capricorn

toasted coconut: the beach or the pool? pool, sorry, i don’t really like sand. i like being able to sit underwater and see through my goggles and i just cant do that at the beach

chocolate chip: what’s your most popular post? lemme check... the one that wasn’t even mine it’s about how the sanders sides reacted in virgil’s room portraying their fears and shit, my friend sent it via a group chat and i loved it so i posted it and now everyone else loves it

bubblegum: books or movies? can’t pick i love both reading and watching movies for different reasons

pistachio: manga or anime? anime, easier to focus on and takes less time to get through

salted caramel: favorite movies? Love, Simon; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, i can’t remember any others atm

birthday cake: favorite books? The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Claire, The Maze Runner series by James Dashner, The Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling (particularly the Prisoner of Azkaban), Secrets For The Mad by Dodie Clark

moose tracks: favorites for manga? Fairy Tail Zero and Death Note

orange sherbet: favorites for anime? Yuuri! On Ice and Death Note, but Hetalia is fuckin funny and Fairy Tail is amazing

peanut butter: favorite acedemic subject? honestly i really don’t have a favorite not because i hate them all but because i love them all. my last history and english teachers made the classes fun so i’ve really been loving those two, and science and math are just practical and fascinating and i can’t not love them. i’m a nerd, what else do you want from me?

black raspberry: do you have any pets? 4 cats 3 dogs and a shitload of guppy fish, not to mention my plants

mango: when and why did you start your blog? i think in like March or April of 2018 because it was about time, i wanted to follow fandom shit but then i realized people like my art and moodboards so that’s kinda become what i do now (requests still open btw)

mocha: ideal weather conditions? London weather. Not too hot, not too cold, not too sunny. i don’t like sunburn. plus the rain is relaxing, and thunderstorms are awesome.

black cherry: four words that describe you? what the fuck evenjk i know people want positive.. respectable, intelligent, talented, pretty

NOTE: it’s not being vain to say that ^^ i don’t dwell on them more than i have to, and honestly since i usually feel like a piece of rat shit it’s very good that im able to describe myself as anything other than that. 

neapolitan: things that stress you out? too much clutter when i’m working, assholes interrupting class, my friends hiding things from me, my anxiety and depression constantly telling me to yeet myself off the nearest cliff

raspberry truffle: favorite kind of music? pop-rock, pop-punk, rock, sometimes indie shit.. mostly alternative/pop

chocolate marshmellow: favorite brands of candy? TWIZZLERS and i particuarly love hershey stuff, and starburst but i forget who starburst is by

toffee: a card game that you’re good at? solitaire... but i do like Texas Hold ‘Em

lemon custard: do you eat breakfast? most days yeah

peach: how do you relax? drawing, writing, reading, listen to music, sometimes just lie down and do nothing, hug my friends if i can

praline: a popular book you haven’t read yet? oh god i read a lot.. Wings of Fire series, i’ve heard a lot about it and i really wanna read it

superman: do you like sweaters? absolutely i do, however not during the summer when it’s this hot

cherry: do you drink tea or coffee? both but not very frequently

dulce de leche: an instrument you wish you could play? ukulele, baritone, guitar, trombone

blackberry: have you ever laughed so hard you cried? yes several times at stuff that’s ridiculously stupid

ginger: a new feature you wish tumblr would have? do they let me block certain tags and i just haven’t figured out how yet? idk im still pretty new to this site

blueberry lemon: favorite blogs? oh god there’s a lot... im gonna leave it at three for now, and those would be mostly my art idols @elentori-art @the-pastel-peach and @voidsides but there are so many more i wish i could put aiehgsbngu

almond: favorite mean girls quote? i’ve never seen mean girls idk if any of the possible quotes im thinking of are even from mean girls and im not gonna embarrass myself by saying them

butterscotch: what color are your nails right now? unpainted, but last they were black with glitter over the top

cinnamon: have you ever been confessed to? yes a few times

blue moon: have you ever had a crush on someone? yeap and 9/10 times it sucks but then there’s the 1 time where everything goes right and it makes every point in your life up until then worth it

cappuccino crunch: do you ever take naps? not really

mint: the most embarrassing thing you’ve done? think i was straight until 2016 and humiliate myself by chasing these guys but never truly feeling like i liked them

brownie batter: do you like sushi? never had it but i don’t think so, im not a big fish person

key lime: where do you want to be right now? probably about 30 minutes away from where i am in my s.o.’s arms on their couch watching soul eater or avatar: the last airbender with them

red velvet: do you wear prescription glasses? yep im blind as fuck

green tea: favorite flavors of ice cream? sea salt caramel, banana peanut butter, pistachio almond, white house/cherry vanilla

ok wow that took a while.. thank u though that cured my boredom and now i have to do stuff so sbfguisng adios y gracias 

[bereft-of-frogs]

A Theology of the MCU: Myth, Marvel, and Mímir’s Well

(I love coming up with pretentious essay titles ya’ll this is one of my true academia skills)

aka, solving the in-universe discrepancies between the Marvel Asgard and Myth Asgard that no one asked for but I’m going to do anyways

So I was finally inspired to work out what I thought about the in-universe Norse Mythology and how it related to the actual Asgardian characters we know and love by this post. I’ll get to what I agreed with and what I didn’t a little later, but this kind of meta has been long coming because I def use and abuse mythology and should figure out what I think about how mythology and the relations between myth Thor & Loki and ‘real’ Thor & Loki before I screw anything up too badly.

The easy explanation is that the contents of the mythology in the alternative universe depicted in the MCU is just different. Our only real engagement with the myth in the movies is when Selvig pulls out the children’s book at the library and the images clearly look like Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston, rather than other depictions of the mythological Thor and Loki.

[Sidenote: eddas for dummies ’s illustrations of the Norse gods are great: https://edda-for-dummies.tumblr.com/]

So we could just say that things are different, they match onto ‘reality’ a little better than the Norse mythology we’re familiar with in our version of the universe, and done.

Or we could make things more complicated.

Which, in my opinion, is infinitely more fun. And I apparently have a lot of time on my hands (lol I don’t, I’m just procrastinating), so I’m writing up my explanation of how the ‘real Asgard’ and ‘myth Asgard’ were connected in the Viking Age and how the real Asgardians could have inspired their mythological counterparts.

And the answer is syncretism!

One of the main problems the original post points out is that the dates don’t line up. Loki is commonly accepted to be born in 965 CE, as stated in Thor. So he was born after the myth development and worship, and at the start of the Christianization of Scandinavia. Thor is accepted to not be that much older, given their similar appearance as children and other general character/relationship traits. How is this possible?

My headcanon explanation is: the Thor and Loki of the myths are actually amalgamations of several different Asgardian heroes, or even other deities from the proto-Indo-European mythology, that are eventually condensed into the figures of Thor and Loki (and Frigga and Heimdall, etc etc). (Very common in real world mythological and religious development.)

But since it turned out that these figures were real in the MCU and there was indeed a physical place called Asgard where Odin reigned, with Valkyries and gods, a Valhalla, etc…So that’s where I got the ‘amalgamation of several Asgardian heroes’ thing. Perhaps two thousand years ago the barrier between Asgard/Midgard was thinner, or it was more acceptable to travel on Midgard. Asgardian heroes, infinitely stronger and magical and seemingly immortal, travel on Midgard and have adventures and are seen as gods. The stories told, the sagas, poems, etc are all depicting something much more concrete, and material, than distant deities. Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology has its flaws, but the introduction does contain one of my favorite quotes: “…myths of a people who did not entirely trust or even like their gods, although they respected and feared them.” which I feel like would be a good description of this relationship. They write down stories of stuff they did with their wandering friends, and over time they take on spiritual significance.

“But,” you say, “that doesn’t 100% make sense either. There are references to Thor and Loki earlier than 965CE, and there are some stories that you pick out and attribute to the ‘real’ Thor and Loki when you’re using and abusing mythology for fanfiction inspiration. How do you explain that, hmmm?”

This is where the original post was like a lightbulb going off. Mímir’s Well could give a humans a glimpse of the wider Realms and/or future. (Or at least I think it was supposed to be Mímir’s Well…I think the movie may have said something about the Norns, but I also have Thoughts about the Norns,* so I’d prefer to have it just be Mímir’s Well.) But I thought the ‘drunk Viking fell in a well’ was a little reductionist.

Absolutely no disrespect to OP intended! I love that post. It’s brilliant and the meta on the ages are so well thought out I have officially adopted that explanation for the age discrepancies. I just have a lot of Feelings about the development of religious systems and tend to be sensitive about attributing religious development to things like ‘drunk people making up stories’ because I think spirituality/religion of any kind is a profound reflection of man’s attempt to make sense of the universe, and so complex and varied and beautiful and I’ve struggled a lot against people who don’t understand, or purposely misrepresent, the fundamental societal purpose of religion and the quest for meaning…but anyways…

So yeah, due to my weird neuroses about religion and myth, I want to give the early poets more credit than ‘drunk Viking that fell in a well.’ Instead of accident or foolish ignorance, there could have been a mortal, or several mortals, who gained particular favor among visiting Asgardians and were gifted with knowledge of the future and of Asgard and built their myth upon that. Because of increased traffic between Asgard/Midgard, early Scandinavian societies were interacting more with Asgard than modern humans. So they were getting stories of Asgardian heroes, interacting with travelers, etc. They prove themselves to Asgardian travelers in various ways, then the Asgardians show them the wells. Perhaps mortal sorcerers were held in higher regard as well. Anyways, they also enter Mímir’s well at the invitation of whatever Odinic wanderer that may or may not be Actual Odin, and see the future, but distorted by their own limited perception and experience.

You have to keep in mind that linear time is essentially a social construct. (I’m only half joking with that.) Especially in Norse mythology, where time is simultaneously linear and cyclical. So, at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter that the timeline doesn’t add up. When the mortals enter the well they see things that happen no matter where they happen in the timeline. So they see Ragnarök, which has both not yet happened and already happened. For another example, they could see the essence of Loki’s betrayal/fall from grace, and it gets combined with another figure, who, let’s say, went to a feast and insulted all those assembled.

This makes it super easy to steal from the myths at will, and kind of sort myths into ‘yes this story involved the ‘real’ Thor & Loki’ and ‘nope this involved someone else and was later attributed to Thor and/or Loki.’ So I sit there and say like “Ah, I like this one, someone saw this in the well” and “nope, I don’t see this one as fitting their characters, that one was from another Asgardian hero.”

Examples of the divide:

People seem to generally like ‘lips sewn shut’ storyline (‘The Treasures of the Gods’ in Crossley-Holland), the birth of Sleipnir (‘The Building of Asgard’s Wall’), and I’ve seen the Lay of Geirrod (‘Thor and Geirrod’) done fantastically well. I tend to lift themes/motifs pretty frequently (and that’s how I stole the essence of Helreith Brynnhildr, which was written down in the 13th century, but actually happened to the Valkyrie in the 21st) and there are other stories I’ve seen less frequently adapted, like ‘Thor’s Journey to Utgard’ that I think make sense, but I don’t really see either Thor or Loki as having wives or children, so I can file that as someone else.

[Two more headcanon-y headcanons: there was another figure that was more like the myth-Loki - blood brother of Odin who at some point betrayed them, and was the more malevolent figure, that was syncretized with Loki at some point. And Hela got so much more distorted because of whatever Odin did to erase her from memory. He was successful on Asgard, where he had more control/power, but he couldn’t catch everything on Midgard, which was already starting to grow more distant from Asgard, if the Hela thing occurred between Thor and Loki’s births like the timeline seems to imply.]

So yeah. This is a thing I did. I did a lot of thinking about this while washing dishes the last couple of days. I just really like exploring the relationship between mortals and the gods, which would also be important if Asgard was going to sail their way to Earth and rebuild in Norway, like Odin wanted them to in Thor: Ragnarok. (That was a great line too: “Remember this place. Home.” Ahhhhhh, we can have such interesting interactions between modern Scandinavians and Asgardians and it would have been great. Thanos ruins everything. But also, we probably never would have because I don’t anyone working at Marvel cares to think this much about myth…)

*My Thoughts about the Norns: I weirdly like the idea that the Norns are essentially the True Deity. Mostly because I’m super, super into triple goddesses. And the way (though I’m pretty sure I picked this up from other fanfiction), the characters invoke the Norns like ‘God’. (tbh it’s also a good cheat for fixing dialogue where I’ve snuck in a ‘oh my god’ or ‘godforsaken’ etc.) You’ll also notice though, that I only ever have the like ‘highborn’ Asgardian characters invoking the Norns. The ones who have their names directly taken from mythology (Thor, Loki, Heimdall, Frigga, Odin, etc, plus I think people who were actually living in Asgard, so most of the survivors on the Ark), invoke the Norns, but other ‘lowborn’ characters from the Nine Realms will say ‘gods’ instead. That worked itself into the second chapter of ‘Misuse of Magic’.

God, I’m such a nerd. I’m going to go put myself in nerd timeout. Bye…

[PS - I used the Kevin Crossley-Holland anthology, The Penguin Book of Norse Myths, above because well…I own it. And it’s in my apartment and not my parents’ basement. But I do recommend, accessible but with an extensive notes section.]

Did I do it right? This is the first time I’ve ever posted this sort of thing hope it’s okay ahhhh

back to timeout

[melindamoriartylestrade]

Consulting Detective, DI, Soldier, Spy

Chapter 4

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Wedding Planner

Sherlock stood over the dead body studying the water around it. They were in the middle of a bank vault in the middle of London, there were no leaks in the building, it hadn’t rained for days and the body was discovered in the LOCKED vault. The vault itself was on a timer to open at 7am every morning and close and lock it’s self at 6pm every night. If it was opened between 6pm and 7am an alarm would trigger that would have to be deactivated, then even if it was deactivated it would still record in the log that it had been opened.

 The log had no records of an opening but the system was being analyzed by the crime lab just to make sure it was not tampered with. But still. The body, there were no marks on it, it was just water logged, when John and Sherlock had arrived John confirmed Greg’s suspicions, the man had drowned, and there was still a good gallon of water spread around him on the ground. It barely reached the lips of the prone corpse. How did he drown, sure all it took was a few inches but there was barely enough to reach the gaped open mouth?

 “They could have pumped water in here looking to use it to cushion the blast to try and open the door.” Greg said “Saw it in a film once and criminals aren’t known for being overly original” 

 “Hmmm yes, perhaps but still doesn’t explain the body” Sherlock said circling the body for the third time.

 “They’re working on the opening logs, we’re getting security footage too, they had some problems with the system we have to go to the backup server to get the files” Greg said watching Sherlock

 “HMMM. I will give this my utmost attention. This needs to be wrapped up in two days, you can’t miss your cake tasting again” Sherlock said studying the walls of the vault. 

 “Cake tasting” Anderson said looking up from the body.

 “Yeah, now that we’ve got into a routine with Bowie, Willa and I picked a date for the Wedding. Your invitation should have arrived by now?” Greg said with slight worry, they’d started getting back RSVPs and wanted to make sure none got lost in the post.

 “Might be what came yesterday hadn’t had a chance to check, Sorry” Anderson said returning to evidence collection.

 “Nah it’s ok just wanted to make sure it made it there, I mean it’s August and we chose October 13th” Greg smiled “Kind of a rush, but we think we’ve put it off long enough”

 “I will be there” Anderson smiled “Where did you get for a venue?”

 “Westminster Abbey” Greg smiled

 “Very nice” Anderson said

 “John I need a prybar” Sherlock said looking intently at a bank of safety deposit boxes on the wall to the left of the vault door.

 “What?” John said furrowing his eyebrows.

 “I need a prybar” Sherlock said “I want to see what this false wall is covering”

 “False wall?” Greg and John asked together

 “Yes the boxes on this side are just a façade” Sherlock said 

 “Sherlock those boxes are over a hundred years old that’s why they look different” John said as Greg went and found a prybar.

 “No they’re fake” Sherlock said placing the prybar behind the door of one of the boxes. “They are from estates, probably could have went for years without being discovered if it want for the murder.”

 Sherlock pulled and there was a small pop like noise before the whole wall slowly opened towards them.

 “Well I’ll be” Greg said as Sherlock pulled the wall door open more to reveal a dark tunnel.

 “This was a well-planned operation” John said as Sherlock shone a light from his mobile down the tunnel.

 “Not too well planned they did leave a body” Sherlock said as he stepped into the tunnel, it was quite large but Sherlock had to bend a little to see in

 “Sherlock wait you can’t just go traipsing down a dark tunnel” Greg said 

 Sherlock didn’t respond so John and Greg followed flash lights in hand, The tunnel was damp and a bit humid, there were heating conduits on either side along with other pipes and conduits that looked like they held electrical wires.

 They walked for a few minutes before encountered a wall. Sherlock gave a push and the wall gave way and the three men stepped into the back room of the lingerie store that shared the building with the bank.

 Greg scanned the room as the stockroom employee just stared.

 “Ah Agent Provocateur” Sherlock mused “I’ve seen a lot of bags from here in the rubbish bin at home. Willa likes to shop here” He smiled. Greg’s ears turned pink with embarrassment. “Between here What Katy Did, and Sh!, she spends a small fortune on stuff only you get to see Gavin.”  

 Greg just walked away in a huff

 “Does Mary spend so much on stuff for you to see” Sherlock asked as he turned to face John

 “I’m not going to answer that.” John said as the store Manager entered the stock room and started talking with Greg.

A few hours later Sherlock was sitting in his chair mulling over all they had learned from the two ends on the tunnel.

 They had identified the victim as Victor Barkus, an investment banker with the banks Camden High Street branch what was he doing Great Portland Street two miles away in the New Bond Street branches vault?

​He was a mortgage specialist and had been with the company for five years and had an exemplary service record. He was not an overachiever but had a decent client base and had a great ability for helping people with their mortgages.

 He was single but with a steady non-live-in girlfriend, he played football with a team in Watford and was in a pub quiz league. He lived in Watford and commuted for work, he didn’t hold a drivers license and would take the London Midland and the Northern line to get to work and home every day. Greg had went to inform the family.

 John was making coffee, Willa had gone to visit some friends and introduce them to Bowie. Sherlock was in his mind palace, trying to make the connections.

 Greg entered with a file. Looked at Sherlock set down the file in front of him then went to join John in the kitchen.

 “Lab Reports?” John asked taking out another coffee mug

​“Yeah, Our Mr. Barkus did drown, and the water in his lungs and stomach were tinged with explosive residue.” Greg said taking the cup of coffee from John “Thanks.”

 “Welcome” John said as he placed a cup in front of Sherlock who opened one eye and eyed the folder, he opened the other eye and took the folder and the coffee in hand.

 “The residue is from the small amounts of explosives they used to create the tunnel. The girlfriend worked at the lingerie shop, they broke into Vault from the tunnel, and cleared out the funds they had in there along with some of the safety deposit boxed, the old ones that could easily be pried open. They then flooded the vault to in their minds wash away any trace, but Mr. Barkus was left behind. Find the girlfriend find the rest of the ones who helped” Sherlock smiled “Perhaps Agent Provocateur will be grateful and give you a discount you can take John to pick up something frilly for Mary as an apology for being away from her and Alice a lot lately.”

John just glared at Sherlock. Greg leaned on the kitchen table drinking his coffee.

 “We’re on the lookout for the girlfriend, Seems she was supposed to work this morning but didn’t show up. Manager said it was very unlike her.” Greg said eyeing the muffins Willa had made, he picked one up as Sherlock spoke

 “She started five years ago. She was signed on as a key holder no doubt. Used it to access late at night they could dig unnoticed, and on Sundays either before or after store hours, be easer as store hours are shorter. No one would notice the sound of the small blasts.”

 Sherlock ate a muffin John had set in front of him.

​“How many you think there were working together?” Greg asked

 “Six” Sherlock replied. “A look out, three workers and two cleaners to keep everything neat a tidy, someone has to have a background in building to get those walls to move”

 “And you are sure if we find the girl she’ll open up?” Greg asked as they hear the door below open.

 “Yes, she was involved but not one of the masterminds or planners, probably was the lookout for the times they work.” Sherlock said as Willa entered

 “Hi Greg, Oh you’re working, Sorry take Bowie I need to use the Loo” Willa said handing Bowie to John who was closest and heading down the hall.

​“Hello Bowie” John said taking him out of the baby carrier, Bowie cooed “You are growing, up so fast, three months already, and Alice is five months, you’ll both be crawling soon.”

 “We can race them, place bets” Sherlock smiled as Greg finished his coffee and muffin

 “We are not racing the children” John scolded

 “Why not sounds fun” Greg smiled as Willa returned he kissed her “Sorry have to run get all this info back to the yard.”

 “It’s ok. I’ll see you tonight” Willa said kissing him back before he left.

 “Willa what are your thoughts on baby racing?” Sherlock asked

 “Can we place bets?” Willa smiled

 John just smiled and shook his head

 =-=-=-=-=

 John and Sherlock sat in their chairs as Greg leaned on the fireplace.

 “I have a huge question to ask both of you” Greg said “I need a best man and as both of you are my best mates, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind splitting the best man duties?”

 “We could do that.” John smiled “split the duties, plan the stag night”

 “No getting arrested!” Willa called from the kitchen where she was making dinner

 “Of course that’s why I’ll plan it not Sherlock” John laughed

 “You were the one who deviated from the plan in the first place” Sherlock said looking a little hurt.

 “I didn’t even know what the plan was.” John said “At least I didn’t throw up in someone’s house”

 “I was cluing for looks” Sherlock smiled. “I can start writing my speech. I’m really good at best man speeches”

 “You have to make sure you get the grooms name right” John giggled

 “I assure you I will say Gerald at the ceremony” Sherlock said with a small but wicked grin.

 “Is it too late to take the offer back?” Greg smiled

 “Nope verbal commitment, what’s done is done” John smiled “Sherlock and I would be honoured to be your best men.”

 “Yes, Gordie, It would be my honour” Sherlock smiled

 In the kitchen Willa just giggled as she stirred the Alfredo sauce.

 =-=-=-=-=

 Sherlock sat in his chair laptop beside him, a notepad beside it, and a small cork board on his lap. Willa was in front of him feeding Bowie. They were going over wedding details.

 “So for the napkin, an aubergine to go with the purple in the tartan, you want to go for the vertical pocket with the menu card in it.” Have you and Graham finalized a menu?” Sherlock asked looking up from the corkboard. “And the venue is Simon Drake’s House of Magic Right? It can hold all the guests and have dancing?”

 “Yes Simon is an old friend and he gave us use of the venue as a gift, and Yes can hold up to 150 guests with a dance floor and Robbie will be the MC ” Willa smiled

 “I just hate having to arrive blindfolded I know the others will have a blast, John’s already giddy said he’s never been. Now the menu”

 “The cocktail hours will have shrimp puffs, Assorted Quiche, Potato Pancakes with Sour Cream and Apple Sauce, Cucumber Wheels Stuffed with Hummus and topped with Sun Dried Tomatoes and mini cranberry brie pies, For the dinner The chef is making a vegetarian amuse bouche, then there will be a fresh spinach salad, then the entrée a choice of Pan-Roasted Duck Breast, Veal Scaloppini or Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Stack and chicken fingers or macaroni and cheese for the kids. Desert is wedding cake obviously and the desert bar with Crème Brule, tiramisu, and soufflé. We also have the ice cream bar with the sundae station and the candy bar.” Willa smiled as she moved Bowie to her shoulder to burp him

​“So we got rid of the cotton candy machine?” Sherlock asked looking at his notes.

 “There’s no room for it” Willa said “But we are going to offer the cotton candy martini to go along with the cocktail they created for Greg and I”

 “I do like that” Sherlock smiled as he made changes to his notes “it’s strong and sweet just like both of you.”

 Willa smiled; Bowie burped “Good one sweetie”

 “And your music, we have the Westminster Choir and organist for the wedding, have you settled on songs?”

 “Yes, Greg, and all of you will enter to Kissing you by Des'ree, the choir will sing it, the order will be Julie and Robbie, Angie and Greg’s cousin Allen, Marge and Duke, Molly and Benson, Mycroft with Lilly,  John and Mary with Alice, You and Marisol, Mummy and Bowie. When Daddy Walks me down the aisle it will be to Jesu Joy of Man’s desire” Willa smiled

 “I love that melody” Sherlock smiled “Recessional?”

 “Wedding March, by Mendelssohn so traditional but we love it” Willa smiled

 “First dance is taken care of” Sherlock smiled

 “Really” Willa smiled

 “Of course”

 “Thank you”

 Sherlock smiled.

 “For daddy and I dancing while Mummy dances with Greg we were thinking, Over the Rainbow, the Israel Kamakawiwoʻole version” Willa smiled

 “Mummy will love it she love that song and that version. What about with John while I dance with Marisol, There is supposed to be a dance like that at one point I think, plus Marisol says I owe her a dance. At that point George can dance with Mary and the others with each other from the wedding party”

 “I had the time of my life from Dirty Dancing” Willa smiled

 “Oh yes a nice up tempo one right before the dancefloor is opened up, oh and before that Mycroft has requested a dance with you as have I, we decided to share and I have chosen a song Mary showed me, it’s a country ballad called My Wish, by a group called Rascal Flats” Sherlock smiled

 “I love it!” Willa said as the door opened and Mycroft entered

 “Ah hello, now Willa, before he comes in let me say, he is alright, and all will be healed before the wedding” Mycroft started

 “What’s wrong? What happened” Willa said standing.

 “I’m afraid Gregory was shot” Mycroft said “in his upper body that’s all I could get, I intercepted the call and said I would get you, He’s in theatre now, and was awake and taking before he went in, he was mostly upset that his jacket was damaged.” Mycroft said as Willa gave him Bowie and went to get her shoes.

 “Was it a case?” Willa asked as Sherlock got their coats.

 “Yes they were heading to arrest the last of the bank vault robbers and He was not going quietly” Mycroft said as Willa got Bowie bundled and followed Mycroft down to his waiting car.

 Willa was quiet the entire way to the hospital just staring at Bowie sleeping in his car seat.

 Mycroft took Bowie as they entered the Hospital; Willa clung to Sherlock’s arm. Donovan was waiting and came over to Willa.

 “He’s going to be ok Willa, he was hit here.” Donovan said pointing to her collar bone. “And here” she said as she pointed to her shoulder by her armpit. “He was conscious the entire time and was trying to crack jokes.”

 “Alleviate the bad with humor” Willa gave a small smile

 “He was more worried about upsetting you and the damage to that damn coat of his” Donovan said as she led them to the waiting room. Anderson was sitting there as well

 “Was anyone else hurt?” Willa asked sitting

 “Dimmock was winged on the forearm doesn’t even need stitches, Greg was first in protecting us.” Donovan said sitting by Willa as Sherlock and Mycroft went to the nurses’ station.

 “He’s a protector” Willa gave another small smiled.

 Sherlock came and sat on the other side of Willa

 “And What about the Perp?” Willa asked

 “Well he had a little accident getting in the car, kind got his hand caught in the door” Donovan smiled.

 “Greg won’t like that, Sally” Willa scolded

 “Oh no, no, we didn’t do it on purpose we know Greg would never approve of that, he literally put him hand in the door to escape as The Constable was shutting the door” Donovan said as Bowie woke. “May I hold him?”

 “Of course” Willa said lifting Bowie out and handing him to Donovan

 “Hello Handsome” Donovan said Bowie cooed and giggled and reached for her curls

 “Be careful he’s a hair puller” Sherlock said. As Donovan put Bowie on her lap.

 “Thanks” She said pushing back her hair as Bowie grabbed her jacket lapel.

 Anderson came over to sit with them, As he sat by Donovan, Bowie looked over and started crying leaning more to Donovan and Willa.

Sherlock gave a small smile.

 “Oh sorry Anderson, He’s been making strange with men with facial hair lately” Willa said taking Bowie to calm him “He was this way around Harry the other day at the charity brunch we went to.”

 “I saw the pictures from that, Prince Harry’s still looking fit” Donovan smiled “Think you can put in a good word for me with him”

Sherlock just scoffed as a doctor came out.

 “Willa Holmes?”

 “Here” Willa said standing and giving Bowie to Sherlock

 “Hello, Mr. Lestrade is done in theatre and we are just moving him to the recovery room; We removed two bullets one lodged in his collar bone the other was lodged in the second rib. Both bones were splintered so they now have a plate on them. We repaired the soft tissue and the surrounding muscles. He will be in a shoulder immobilizer for a while but I have already assured him, he will be good to go for your wedding in October” The doctor smiled

 “Thank you” Willa said breathing a sigh of relief. “May I see him?”

 “Yes, he should be waking soon and be able to go to his own room, until then he’ll be in recovery, unfortunately your son will not be able to go in there.”

 “Mycroft can you look after Bowie while Sherlock and I go in?” Willa asked

 “Of course my dear” Mycroft said taking Bowie from Sherlock who stood and followed Willa and the Doctor into the recovery room. Greg was near the middle, His arm was wrapped from elbow up and his chest was bandaged too, they didn’t have the immobilizer on him yet just a soft sling holding his arm tight against him.

 Willa sat on his good side and took his hand in hers being careful not to disturb the IVs. She leaned in and kissed him.

He gave a small smile in his sleep, then settled.

 After a half hour he wrinkled his nose, winced and opened his eyes.

 “Aw, Bloody Hell” he said as he carefully looked and surveyed himself.

 “It’s ok babe” Willa said leaning in. “the bullet removal went well.” She kissed him and explained everything as the nurse came over to check on him.

 “I’m sorry honey” Greg said

 “Nothing to be sorry about” Willa said kissing him.

 The doctor came and assessed him before he was moved to a posh private room, Mycroft’s doing no doubt. Mycroft entered with Bowie who cooed and reached for Greg.

 “Hi buddy,” Greg said as Mycroft laid Bowie on the bed on Greg’s uninjured side, Greg wrapped his arm around him “Sorry daddy went and got hurt,”

 Bowie just cooed and cuddled in and slept. Willa smiled. Donovan, Anderson and Dimmock entered.

 “Hello sir” Donovan said as they stood at the foot of the bed.

 “Hi. Dimmock, you alright saw you bleeding.” Greg said studying the man

“Just a scratch sir” the man smiled

 “We just came by to check on you before heading back to wrap up the paperwork” Donovan smiled

 “Thanks” Greg smiled “just put mine on my desk I’ll deal with it when I’m back”

 “Which will be a while” Willa said “Doctor said at least a week in here. Then I’m keeping you at home till you’re healed” she kissed him again

 “Well we know you’re well taken care of” Donovan smiled “We’ll come by and see you later”

 “Bye”

 The three turned and left. Greg yawned

 “Sleep” Willa said brushing his hair off his forehead.

 He nodded and dozed.  

 =-=-=-=-=

 John stepped out of the dressing room, he was a little shy, not about the fit of the waistcoat or jacket, in fact he rather liked the cut and fit of it, no he was shy about his knees peeking out between the top of his socks and the bottom of his kilt.

 All male members of the wedding party were in kilts, a mix of forest green and a purple.

 Mycroft and Sherlock along with their Dad, Greg’s cousin and the other members of Willa’s band were standing in the main area of the tailors changing salon. Mycroft has sourer then normal look on his face

 “Look, I just don’t see the point in having kilts and tartan, we’re not Scottish so we don’t fall under the Holmes-Kennedy tartan, which is certainly not purple, and Lestrade is of a French origin and he is not himself Scottish.” Mycroft moaned

 “My mother’s maiden name is McRae” Greg said exiting the changing room, His arm was still in need of being in the immobilizer but they had to make the fitting appointment. The tailor’s assistants had been kind enough to help Greg into everything but his jacket. “This is in memory of her. It was Willa’s idea.”

 “I’m sorry Gregory I didn’t mean” Mycroft started

 “It’s ok Myc” Greg smiled “I was a little hesitant as well not often I show off my legs”

 It was then Mycroft saw the surgical scar on Greg’s knee, Mycroft knew Greg had played football near professionally but never really delved into why he didn’t take it further. An injury made perfect sense.

 “I find it rather freeing” Sherlock smiled wiggling his hips.

 “And I mean we are going to wear them traditionally right” Robbie smiled

 “I ah never thought of that?” Greg said as the tailor brought over his jacket for him to see even though it was too hard to get over his arm right now.

 “Of course we will” Sherlock mused shaking the kilt again.

 “Alright Sherlock” Benson (Willa’s bassist) smiled.

 “I will most certainly not be going bare arsed” Mycroft said turning up his nose

 “Why wouldn’t be much to see if you happened to catch a breeze” Sherlock smiled

 “So you’re not worried then either brother” Mycroft retorted

 “Oh slightly worried, would not want any woman to faint with the sight of something so magnificent” Sherlock smiled before glancing over at John who blushed.

 “I’m going with boxers” Allen said “think I’d get to cold traditionally” others nodded.

Greg just smiled.

 =-=-=-=

 Molly, Angie, Julie, and Marge stood in front of the giant mirrors in the bridal boutique. Alice and Bowie were cooing away in their car seats. 

 The ladies were wearing matching dress cuts. Strapless fishtail/trumpet skirt, the waist was tied with a sash in matching made out of the same tartan of the men’s kilts. The sash went and trailed behind them down the length of the skirt. The base colours of the dress alternated with Molly and Marge in the same purple of the tartan and Angie and Julie in the green

 Mary and Marisol exited their dressing rooms. Their dresses were near similar to the other bridesmaids (Mary in the green, Marisol in the Purple) but instead of the sash being tied on it was part of the dress and the tail was a built in panel and the tartan was also on the top on the bodice about a half and inch wide.

 Mummy Holmes exited her room in a dress much like Bridesmaids except hers was an A-line skirt with a quarter length sleeve with a scoop neckline.

 “She’s almost ready” Mummy Holmes smiled as she checked out her reflection in the large bank of mirrors.

 “You look amazing Mrs. Holmes” Molly said

​“Thank you molly. And I have told you. You may call me Mum everyone does” She smiled

 “Ok Mum” Molly smiled

 “You’re part of the family now” Marge said with a smile. Molly smiled as Willa’s dressing room door opened.

 They all turned to see her shuffle out in her strapless empire waist cream coloured gown, she also had a sash in tartan and a large panel that started at a few inches wide at the waist band and west for a few feet wide by the end of her five-foot train.

 “Willa” Mummy Holes said noticing the shuffle “Why do you only have one shoe on?”

 “Tradition Mummy, a Bride can’t be seen in her full outfit or put on her entire outfit till wedding day, since I needed to try on everything else today, I left off a shoe” Willa smiled

 Mummy Holmes smiled and laughed as the others laughed.

 “For my something old I have grandma’s bracelet and necklace, for something new I have the dress and the shoes, for something borrowed, Mary gave me the hair comb, and for something blue, well my corset and knickers” Willa proudly smiled

 “Are you doing a veil?” Angie asked

 “OH that’s taken care of” the seamstress said motioning for her assistant to enter, he was carrying a rather large veil, beautiful delicate lace with a thin tartan trim. “A minster M Holmes came in a picked it out for you.”

 The seamstress said as she and the attendant laid it on her head and pinned it.

 “It’s Spanish style it just lays on the head and is held with pin and combs. You said your hair will be down and curly so it’s the perfect fit.” The seamstress smiled as the women just starred at the large bulk of lace in the other attendants hand.

 “UH how long is this veil” Willa asked

 “4.8 meters” The seamstress smiled Willa’s eyes went wide

 “That’s double Cathedral length!!!” Marisol exclaimed

 “Well a royal cathedral is 3meters and your brother said you deserved better” The Seamstress smiled. “Oh also a Mr. S Holmes stopped by yesterday and paid for all the dresses including yours sweetie”

 Willa teared up; her brothers spoiled her rotten especially when trying to one up each other.

 “I’m going to squish them with hugs when I see them” Willa smiled.

 “I wish I had brothers like that” Molly smiled

 “I can share them with you.” Willa smiled “I share them with Marisol; Mycroft is the one who got permission for Marisol and Robbie to get married right next to Stonehenge. Like leaning on a rock close” Willa smiled

 The others smiled and snapped pictures on their mobiles as the seamstress came out with a small garment bag.

 “Mr. S Holmes also didn’t like the plain off the rack purple dress you chose for Miss. Alice Watson so he paid for another” The seamstress said opening the garment back to reveal a dress that was a perfect miniature of Mary’s maid of honour dress (this one with small straps not strapless).

 “Aww it’s adorable, Mary we have to try it on her and get a picture.” Willa said holding the dress in her hands

 “Oh ok” Mary said trying to hide her annoyance; Sherlock liked meddling, even if the dress was adorable.

 The put a bib on her then put the dress on.

 “Oh we made the children something special for the day of too” the seamstress said producing two tartan bibs “They’ll need them so they might as well match, they are nice and long so they will cover the outfits completely during feeding. Our gift”

 “Thank you Ester” Willa said hugging the seamstress 

 “You are very welcome Willa. You and your band have always been kind to me, and my creations will be in magazines” Ester smiled “It’s the least I could do for one of my favorite customer”

Willa smiled

 =--=-=

 Greg Willa and Sherlock sat in the sitting room of 221B, Bowie was on Willa’s lap and they were trying on his outfit for the wedding, a baby sized kilt with a tartan diaper cover under it and a little shirt that had the waistcoat and jacket as part of it.

“Giuseppe said it was his first bespoke nappy cover” Sherlock smiled as Willa snapped a picture before they changed Bowie back into a onesie and set him on the floor to play.

 “So have you and the ladies decided on a hen night?” Sherlock said as he eased himself onto the floor to play with Bowie.

 “They’re surprising me” Willa smiled as she moved to sit behind Greg who was also sitting on the floor, she carefully started to massage his shoulder, he’s only been out of the immobilizer for a few days and it kept stiffening up on him.

 Sherlock had already teased him about needing a cane. That elicited a smack on the arm from both Greg and John.

 “We’re surprising Garrett as well” Sherlock said as he held onto a toy dangling it above bowie tempting the little one to reach it.

 “Like I said though please no winding up in jail.” Willa smiled

 “Well I should give Mary and Marisol that same warning” Greg smiled “You know ladies when they get together. Girls gone wild and all that”

​Willa laughed and finished massaging his shoulder, she stood and went to get him a heating pad, Sherlock returned and laid it over his shoulder, He leaned back against her legs and she started to massage his head

​Sherlock smiled

 “Have you thought of a sex holiday yet?” Sherlock asked.

 Greg snorted and Willa laughed.

 “We’re taking a family vacation” Greg said “Willa Bowie and I are going up to Scotland to trace my Mum’s roots. Something she always wanted to do but never had the funds or the chance to.”

 “Ahh Scotland” Sherlock smiled “Haven’t been there in years.”

 “Willa even found my mom’s favorite aunt, we never saw her much after the divorce she could never travel and we never had the money so it will be nice to see her” Greg smiled

 “I’m looking forward to the farm stay at Bellevue Farm Cottage” Willa smiled “Haven’t been on a farm in so long”

 “That’s not a proper honeymoon” Sherlock said “you supposed to leave the kids and go of alone”

 “We want to do this Holliday and if we are going to see Aunt Moireach Bowie needs to come. “ Greg smiled

 “Pity I hear Maldives is nice this time of year.” Sherlock smiled.

 Greg and Willa smiled and wondered what the middle Holmes was up to.

 “So tomorrow Greg’s at work, light duties I’ll be having Sally monitor you, and I’m at the Museum with Bowie for the gallery opening, John still coming over the help prepare the speech?” Willa asked

 “Yes he’s got a day off so we are going to coordinate what we wrote” Sherlock said as he lay down on the ground next to Bowie who was now having tummy time.

 Bowie was holding his top half up propped up on his elbows, Sherlock was mimicking him and trying to show him how to wiggle crawl, which resulted in fits of giggles from Bowie who then pushed himself over on to his back. Sherlock did the same.

 Willa just smiled  and recorded it all on her mobile.

 Sherlock copied Bowie as he reached his arms up to try and grab the lights on the ceiling, then putting his hand in his mouth. Bowie then pulled his legs up and started chewing his foot.

 Sherlock sighed and rolled onto his side facing Bowie.

 “Well you have bested me at the flexibility Master Bowie.” He said Bowie giggled and Sherlock began tickling Bowie and the little one just giggled away.

 Willa smiled and filmed it all before sending the video to Mummy and John. They would get a kick out of it. She also sent it to her cloud drive so she’d always have it.

Sherlock, Benson, Robbie, Duke, and John carefully peeked around the corner of the Abbey.

 John could not believe that he had been talked into this stupid tradition, Benson MacDonald had added to the list of Scottish traditions that they were doing for the wedding, with the burring of the bourbon, they were to bury a bottle of bourbon at the ceremony site for good luck.

 Easier said than done at the very public tourist attraction, so there they were at midnight September 19th exactly one month before the ceremony, in the rain, in the in the north side near St. Margaret’s Church, with a bottle of bourbon and shovel.

 “I don’t think we should be doing this!” John said as the men huddled close to the Abbey wall. “What if we are caught?”

 “They Mycroft will get us off” Robbie smiled. “Pity he couldn’t come would have made this easier, Should have brought Greg but he had to get called into work..”

 “He knows how daft this idea is” John retorted.

 “Oh go keep an eye out for the Dean” Sherlock said and John sighed and went to be a look out.

John just smiled and watched as the men completed their task. They finished and started heading back to take the tube back to 221B.

John just smiled Sherlock was so almost giddy with the other groomsmen and seemed at ease. Sherlock had many sides and while John did like the gruff no nonsense crime solving consulting detective side, he also liked this friendly more open side.

​=-=-=-=-=

 Sherlock had everything laid out. Notepads pens, he’s put the coffee on. Willa had made muffins so he put a few of those on small table by their chairs.

 John came at around noonish, he couldn’t get a child minder until then, normally Mrs. Hudson would have stepped in but she had decided to go to the museum with Willa and Bowie to see the new art installation.

 Sherlock was sitting in his chair seemingly in his mind palace so John went and helped himself to coffee and a muffin.

 “She made double chocolate raspberry chip this time” Sherlock said without opening his eyes.

 “Is she trying to not make us fit in our kilts” John laughed as he sat in his chair

 “She said there’s fiber in them so they are healthy and as Greg turned 54 this year he needs more fiber” Sherlock said opening his eyes and smiling at John. John smiled

 “You called him Greg”

 “Slip of the tongue I assure you” Sherlock said with a laugh.

 “Started my parts of the speech have you?” John asked

 “I have most of it is up here” Sherlock said pointing to his head “I can jot it on note cards. I gave Willa my word I would not discuss any cases, There’s people there who don’t need to hear that stuff”

 “Yes so what are you going to talk about?” John said coming to sit on the edge of Sherlock’s chair and looking at some of the note scribbled on the pad on the detective’s lap.

 Sherlock glanced at his notes then looked at John.

 “I have called him Gavin, Geoff, Graham, Giles, Gustave and Garrett, at first it was because I couldn’t be bothered to learn the name of the a man I felt was beneath me. Not as clever, or observant or smart. But then he proved me wrong. When I first met Greg I was a mess, I was an addict who couldn’t keep out of trouble. Greg saw beyond my exterior and saw my potential, he gave me a place to sleep so I wouldn’t have to sleep on the streets. Most nights I could be found on his couch, but on the bad night, when I was coming down or had been cut off by a dealer I pissed off he would give me his bed, and take the floor next to me to keep watch should I be in need of anything. Greg was the one who called my brother after my overdose. It was Greg who convinced me I need the help that was offered. He gave me a goal. Get clean and I could have access to any crime scene I desired. Use my powers for good as he put it, something about with Great Power comes great responsibility. I learned his name was Greg, but then the name calling became a joke, yes it would irritate him to no end but half the time I would see the laugh and the smile. Greg was a hardworking man with an amazing large heart and an unsurpassable amount of compassion and caring, for everyone, and he deserved a better life than the one he had. I will admit that when I saw Willa and Greg falling in love I was cautious; I was not only protecting my baby sister from a suitor, after all that’s what big brothers do, I also felt like I was protecting Greg if things didn’t work out between them I didn’t want it to ruin either the relationship I had with my sister or the friendship I built with Gavin… er Greg.” Sherlock smiled “But he was there for her when I could not be, he’s watched over her, protected her, and loved her with every fiber of his being. He’s made her smile more brightly then I have ever seen her smile, and he has proven that he is also an amazing father.” Sherlock paused “that’s all I have”

 “Sherlock that’s amazing” John said “You’re going to make them cry”

 “I was truthful and that’s what you’re supposed to do and since I can’t talk about cases I can’t talk about Any of Greg’s heroics”

Sherlock was cut off by John leaning in and kissing him. Startled Sherlock pulled back and stared at John.

 “I am sorry I am so sorry” John said standing.

 “No I should apologize my reaction was rather rude” Sherlock said gripping Johns arm at the wrist. “Are you sorry because it happened suddenly or because you didn’t really want to do it in the first place?”

 “I’m sorry because I should have done it years ago. I should have done it when I first met you, that first night, I should have done it at the pool after Moriarty left, I should have done it before you jumped, I should have done, it before I married Mary, and I should have told her to get lost after she shot you but there was our child, there was Alice to consider” John said sitting again, this time on Sherlock’s lap, Sherlock let go of his wrist and held John around the waist and using his other hand to run it though John’s hair “I..I love Mary, I do, she’s the mother of my child” John stammered “But it’s just that, I only love her now because of Alice, I can’t leave her because of Alice.” John said getting a little choked. “But the way I love you, the way I loved you since that first case, it’s stronger it’s deeper than any love I have ever felt”

 Sherlock smiled and guided John’s face towards him.

​Mycroft opened the door with a mind to tell Sherlock about safety and security. He saw them on the chair. John straddling Sherlock, shirt off, John’s hand was in Sherlock’s trousers and he was biting Sherlock’s shoulder, Sherlock’s head was obscured by John’s body, but By where Mycroft could see Sherlock’s’ hair he knew his brother was kissing John’s chest.

 Mycroft shut the door and headed back to his waiting car

 “That was fast” Anthea remarked without looking up from her phone.

 “My brother and the good doctor are ah indisposed at the moment” Mycroft said as the two got in the car. Anthea raised an eyebrow but Mycroft did not elaborate.

 =-=-=-=-=

​Willa finished packing her overnight bag.

 “SO they finally told you where you’re going” Greg smiled.

 “Yes a lovely full day treatment at the Spa a Coworth Park, we’ve got car service there, then an all-day at the spa, then overnight in the Mansion House. then car service back here late afternoon.” Willa smiled kissing his cheek “Still no clue what Sherlock and John planned for you?”

 “Nah but I mean really, I don’t care, nice night out at the pub with some footy would be fine” Greg smiled.

 “Well, have fun and behave” Willa said smiling as they headed downstairs. Sherlock was on the sofa with Bowie. Sherlock was lying on his back Bowie on his chest. They were making faces at each other. Willa smiled “You behave as well”

 “Yes Mummy” Sherlock said waving Bowie’s hand at her

 “I think Bowie will be the best behaved of all of you. Pity Mrs. Hudson didn’t want to come but lovely of her to offer to look after Alice and Bowie for the night” Willa smiled as she looked out the window to see the car pull up “I’m off” Sher said kissing Greg, then kissing the top of Bowies head then Sherlock’s forehead then heading out.

 “So any clue to tonight’s festivities?” Greg asked once she was gone.

 “Hmmmm… Nope” Sherlock smiled and returned to making faces at Bowie.

​=-=-=-=

 Greg would be very open to admitting that he was nervous sitting blindfolded in the back of a limousine with, Sherlock, John, Mycroft, His cousin Allen, and Willa’s band mates Robbie, Benson and Duke, and Daddy Holmes of course. They had blindfolded him the minute he exited his room. It had been shaky Sherlock and John leading him down the stairs. Then they at least told them they were getting in a limo. Greg had kind of dressed midrange casual he hopped it wasn’t too casual for where they were going.

 He tried to follow directions the car was going but he was sure the driver was making some false turns to throw him off.

 After a few minutes they put noise canceling headphones playing some string quartet on him and started leading him up a ramp then some stairs. Then he was seated at a table.  The distractions removed, Greg just stared around.

 He was in a Club level VIP suite at Emirates Stadium. The Pre Game for Arsenal versus Swansea City match that he was taping at home as he didn’t know what was in store for the night.

 Greg was speechless he just kept smiling. That smile nearly cracked his face when Robert Pires entered.

Mycroft gave a small smile.

 “Ah, Hello, Sir it’s an honour to meet you” Greg said standing the two shook hands.

 “It is nice to meet you, I hear you are getting married, congratulations you have some amazing groomsmen to organize this for you” Robert Pires replied.

 Robert hung around for a bit and a picture was taken with the group and he signed poster for Greg before leaving and the men started their pregame meal.

 Greg never stopped smiling the entire night, not even with Arsenal’s loss, He just couldn’t believe that they had done this for him.

Sherlock smiled as Greg just marveled at the framed jersey with all the autographs that Mycroft had managed to snag for him on top of the signed game used ball that came with the package. Sherlock had really pulled some strings and favors to get Robert Pires as well; he was one of Greg’s favorites.

 =-=-=-=-=

 Willa lounged by the pool sipping her champagne, she was so relaxed from being papered for over 5 hours in the spa. Marisol was on her right, then Molly, Mummy, Marge, Angie and Julie, Mary was on her left against the wall.

 They had the pool to themselves, not that the hotel was empty but Mummy had pulled some strings, they had free run of the spa and the pool all to themselves until morning. It was just getting on 11pm and none of them were tired.

 “This is lovely thank you all” Willa smiled as they got dressed and headed to their rooms.

 “You are very welcome my dear” Mummy said hugging her. “You’ll have to check your mobile when you get back o your room, see if they sent any pictures of Greg at the match”

 “You know I almost blew the surprise the other day when he was talking about how her never get to see any live matches anymore” Willa laughed “I almost said just wait till the 8th”

 The women laughed.

 They all hugged then went to their rooms. Willa snuggled into her bed, Mummy was in the other.

 “It’s going to be so odd, not hearing Bowie cry all night” Willa sighed

 “It’s hard being away I know, but you’ll see him tomorrow” Mummy smiled “And he’ll be so happy to see you.

 =-=-=-=-=

 Greg stood in front of the mirror. This was it, this was his wedding day. The guys were all in various states of dress, mostly missing waistcoats and jackets. John and Sherlock were looking in their sporrans making sure they had all the supplies for the babies, Greg and Willa were told not to worry about Bowie, between Sherlock and Mummy he would be taken care of.

 Bowie was with all the groomsmen in the Hotel room. He was fully dressed but covered in his bib. He was happily watching everyone else getting ready.

 Benson was fixing his hair.

 “Maybe you should have gone up to the bridal suite to get your hair in an updo, or have Greg braid it for you” Robbie smiled

 “Nah, give me five minutes with a pair of scissors” Alex laughed.

 “You’re all just jealous of my long flowing hair” Benson, smiled “Besides Molly likes it.”

 That made all the men smile. Benson and Molly had started to become quite close during all the pre-wedding festivities.

 The photographer’s assistant went around the room snapping off photos of the activities. He caught a gorgeous picture of Sherlock, Mycroft and Greg all laughing as they talked by the window.

 Greg went to get his jacket and Sherlock started fumbling with his tie. No matter what he did to the silly bowtie it would not sit straight.  John just smiled and reached up to fix it. The photographer snapped off a picture of the two men. In the corner, Mycroft frown. What were these two playing at? Sherlock was still treading on a dangerous ground of emotional stability and Mycroft did not need John messing that up by playing with Sherlock’s emotions.

​“Alright everyone is dressed lets gather you all together for a photo before you head off to the venue.” The photographer said. All the men gathered, Greg held Bowie so he was facing the camera. The photographer took some pictures then some of Bowie chewing on his bib.

​As they headed to the Double Decker bus that would take them to the Abbey Greg approached Sherlock, he had an envelope.

​“When you take Bowie to your Mum please give this to Willa” Greg smiled

​“I will” Sherlock smiled in return

​-=

 Upstairs in another suite Willa was posing with Mary and Marisol and Alice who was chewing and drooling all over her bib.

 “Leave it to Alice to start teething on your wedding day” Mary smiled as she tempted Alice with a teething ring. “Look at those red cheeks”

 “It’s ok” Willa smiled “And she at least seems content, just drooly”

 “But the bib is in all the pictures”

 “It’s fine” Willa smiled as the photographer snapped a picture of Alice offering him her teething ring.

 Molly peeked out the window “Oh looks like the boys are on their way to the venue”

 All the Women crowded around the window and smiled

 “Don’t they look the handsome lot” Marge said

 Willa just smiled as she saw Greg bouncing Bowie in his hands as they waited to board the bus.

 “She never wanted to give him kids” Willa said aloud

 “Pardon?” Julie asked

 “Greg’s first wife, she never wanted kids, and Greg always wanted to be a father, I am so happy I could fulfil that dream for him. and I hope we can grow our family” Willa smiled

 “What about your career” Angie asked

 “What about it?” Willa asked “I still love writing and recording music; I can do that and have a family. And when they are older I can tour again. I know Marisol and Robbie are happy to now be home and just not have to worry about being on and in public at all times. “ Willa smiled “I like my life now, it’s had some rough patches but I’ve never been happier. Greg’s lease will be up on the flat soon and we’re looking at getting a place for ourselves and I want to start my music school still and recording studio”

 The ladies smiled

 “And we’re never seen you so happy” Angie smiled

 “OK ladies lets gather for one more group shot before we head to the Abbey” The photographer said.

 As they headed to the limos Willa handed an envelope to Molly

 “Please take this to Greg once we get there”

 “Of course” Molly smiled

 The ladies went and got in the waiting limos waving to some paparazzi that were watching as they went.

 =-=-=-=

 Sherlock knocked on the door of the chamber where the ladies were waiting

 “Master Bowie to see Grand-mummy Holmes” He said.

 Mummy answered and Bowie smiled and babbled.

 “Hello my love don’t you look handsome” Mummy Holmes said taking Bowie.

 “I also have a delivery for Willa” Sherlock said. Mummy nodded and went then Willa came to the door. “For you” Sherlock said handing her the envelope and going.

 Across the Abbey Molly stood at the door of the men’s chamber with Mary and Alice, they knocked and John came to take the fussing Alice, he took the teething cream out of his sporran and began to rub it on the little ones gums as Mary Just headed back to the other chamber.

 “I need to see Greg” molly said

 John nodded and left Greg appeared

 “For you” Molly said handing him the envelope and leaving.

 Molly passed Sherlock in the hall.

 “Molly you look absolutely beautiful today” Sherlock smiled

 “Thank you, you look rather dashing as well” She replied

 Sherlock smiled “Benson is a very lucky man.”

 With that Sherlock walked away. Molly both blushed and smiled.

 =-=-=-

 Willa sat and looked at the letter in her hands, handwritten by Greg, a love letter before the ceremony much like she had written him.

           Willa, from the moment I saw you in your flat I was in love. But I was shy and I was scared. Shy that someone I loved for so long as a fan would never truly love me as anything more that exactly that, a fan. But the more I talked to you the more I fell in love. You are everything to me. Without you I’d be lost. Ah gee I don’t want to make you cry but you have been open and honest with me so I need to be the same with you. Before I met you I was not in a very good place. I had lost a woman I thought I had loved but now know that it was not real love. I had lost a great friend (you daft and annoying but loveable brother) and I was not in a good place in my job. That night when I stopped by it was to check on Mrs. Hudson. I was stopping in to say goodbye. I was contemplating leaving, not ending my life, but leaving England, I didn’t know where I would go, but it was too hard to stay. Then you and your low light yoga, and your shadow on the wall. You grabbed me by the hand said Allons-y and whisked me into this wonderful world of yours. Not just the bright lights, photo shoots and charity events but in the quiet nights at home. Playing our guitars and not saying a word. You gave me they greatest gift of your love and you only added to it with giving me our son. I’m am where I should be and that is with you. You loved me this gruff old silver haired man 20 years your senior and you have never treated me with anything but love. As we start a new leg of this adventure called life there are no words for how grateful I am to be on this road with you.

          Your very soon to be loving husband Greg.

​Willa carefully dabbed at her eyes, mindful of her makeup even though it was all completely waterproof, folded the letter and tucked it into the top of her dress.

 =-=

​Greg sat in the window alcove of the men’s chamber, the note in his hand, Willa had written it in the beautiful hand writing of hers in an age where cursive was disappearing her perfect letters were magnificent to look at.

           Greg, my love, my silver fox, my soul mate. I have traveled the world over a million times and never had I ever felt so in love then the moment you literally knocked me off my feet. Before me was a man that my brother had always spoken so highly of (even if he didn’t want you to know that). Your face so dead set on protecting not only my brothers flat by Mrs. Hudson as well, and how it faded in a concerned look, to that lost little school boy look when getting reprimanded for breaking the door. I enjoyed your company. I was comfortable around you, With I know this is going to sound cheesy but with you I felt complete. I felt like I was home. I was scared at first that you would leave me, but after everything that happened you stood by me and never faltered. I fall more in love with you every day and when I see you with our son I can’t stop smiling. I love you Greg so much. You mean the world to me as you are my world.

          Willa.

 Greg smiled and folded the letter again and put it in the breast pocket of his jacket.

 “Greg” Sherlock called “time to line up”

 Greg nodded and went out to the back of the church.

“Who are all the guards for? Mycroft?” Greg asked with a smile as he looked around at all the guards.

 “No, Harry, William and Kate decided they should come, you should see Charlottes dress it’s adorable” Sherlock smiled

 “They showed, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, their children and Prince Harry are at the wedding” Greg smiled “Willa will be thrilled she just thought it would be Harry, oh she hasn’t seen William in ages”

 “Yes apparently they all stopped by to see her on the way in Harry was going to visit us before the wedding but was asked to be seated” Sherlock smiled as he fixed Greg’s jacket, the bridesmaids came out and joined with their escorts.

 “Oh Molly you’re taking my breath away” Benson said kissing her cheek, Molly blushed and giggled a thank you & you look handsome.

“Marisol, you clean up well” Sherlock smiled.

 “Thank you, and don’t worry I’m not going to leave lipstick on that forehead until the reception” She smiled.

 The music started and they all headed down the aisle they had ordered flowers to leave on the Tomb of the unknown warrior Greg smiled as he walked passed, Willa always so thoughtful. Walking though the choir was amazing the voices were perfect. Once they reached the front, Alice fussed and wouldn’t leave John so he took her on his hip as he stood next to Sherlock, Greg stood at the Alter facing forwards back to the back of the church where Willa would be coming from.

 He was not to turn around till she was at the front The abbey was filled. Invited guests were in the main sanctuary, press was in the wings. Children from some of Willa’s charities were on either side the choir each with a screen, and the public was welcome to attend in the back, Mycroft made sure there was lots of security.

 The first notes of Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring played then the choir sang, in the original German as they wanted. Greg tensed and kept starring straight ahead even though every ounce of him wanted to turn around a see his soon to be wife.

 Sherlock leaned over “She’s stunning” he smiled”

 Greg smiled and Sherlock nodded “You may turn”

 Greg turned and just stood awestruck at his beautiful bride. Her dad lifted the veil and put Willa’s hands in Greg’s.

 “Hi” Willa said tears forming in her eyes

 “Hi” Greg replied tearing up as her led her to face the Priest

 The Priest smiled and spoke

 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,  and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you

 The crowd answered

 “And also with you.” 

 While it was true Willa and Greg rarely went to church, but both had been christened in the Church of England and had Bowie christened as well so they felt it was only right to follow tradition in the church with marriage.

 “God is love, and those who live in love live in God and God lives in them.” The Priest continued

 “God of wonder and of joy: grace comes from you, and you alone are the source of life and love. Without you, we cannot please you; without your love, our deeds are worth nothing. Send your Holy Spirit, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, that we may worship you now with thankful hearts and serve you always with willing minds; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.” The crowd said together reading from their programs

 The Choir sang a short Hymn then the Priest turned to face Greg and Willa again.

 “Who presents this woman to be married to this man?” He asked

 “Her, Mother, her brothers and I” Daddy Holmes answered

 “In the presence of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we have come together, to witness the marriage of Gregory Alexander Lestrade and Dora Wilhelmina Anna Holmes, to pray for God's blessing on them, to share their joy and to celebrate their love. Marriage is a gift of God in creation through which husband and wife may know the grace of God. It is given that as man and woman grow together in love and trust, they shall be united with one another in heart, body and mind, as Christ is united with his bride, the Church.” The priest said Willa smiled and gave Greg’s hand a squeeze he smiled

 “The gift of marriage brings husband and wife together  in the delight and tenderness of union and joyful commitment to the end of their lives. And in which each member of the family, in good times and in bad, may find strength, companionship and comfort, and grow to maturity in love.. Marriage is a sign of unity and loyalty which all should uphold and honour. It enriches society and strengthens community. No one should enter into it lightly or selfishly but reverently and responsibly in the sight of almighty God.”

Willa could hear her mom already tearing up at her baby girl getting married.

“Gregory and Wilhelmina are now to enter this way of life. They will each give their consent to the other and make solemn vows, and in token of this they will give and receive a ring. We pray with them that the Holy Spirit will guide and strengthen them,  that they may fulfil God's purposes for the whole of their earthly life together. First, I am required to ask anyone present who knows a reason why these persons may not lawfully marry, to declare it now.” The Priest said looking out into the congregation. Willa tried not to noticeably stiffen she half expected Moriarty and Moran to come popping out of the wood work. No one said anything

The priest continued

 “The vows you are about to take are to be made in the presence of God, who is judge of all and knows all the secrets of our hearts; therefore if either of you knows a reason why you may not lawfully marry, you must declare it now.”

 Mycroft carefully shifted his gaze on Mary who watched the happy couple unnoticing of Mycroft stare he knew that Mary had even lied her way through a religious ceremony

 The Priest got The two to face each other. Willa and Greg decided to stick to traditional vows and promises and not write anything as if they wrote their own they didn’t know if they’d make it through them without becoming crying messes

 “Now Gregory, will you take Wilhelmina to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and protect her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?” The priest asked

 “I will” Greg answered with a huge smile

 “Wilhelmina, will you take Gregory to be your husband?  Will you love him, comfort him, honour and protect him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?” He asked Willa

 “I will” Willa answered as loud as she could without setting off the tears of happiness that were building. The priest turned to the congregation

 “Will you, the families and friends of Gregory and Wilhelmina, support and uphold them in their marriage now and in the years to come?” He asked

 “We will” the congregation answered

 “You may all be seated for the readings”

 They all sat, Sherlock did the first Reading, the Choir sang the Responsorial and Allen did the second reading. After the sermon another Hymn was sung then Greg and Willa were back in front of the priest.

 “Gregory and Wilhelmina, I now invite you to join hands and make your vows, in the presence of God and his people.” The Priest said holding a card for Greg to read

 “I, Gregory, take you, Wilhelmina,  to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part; according to God's holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow.” Greg said tears starting to choke him

  “I, Wilhelmina , take you, Gregory , to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part; according to God's holy law. In the presence of God I make this vow” Willa said through tears of joy

 Sherlock and Marisol gave the rings to the Priest who prayed over them

 “Heavenly Father, by your blessing let these rings be to Gregory and Wilhelmina a symbol of unending love and faithfulness, to remind them of the vow and covenant which they have made this day through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

 “Amen” the congregation answered

 The Priest held up the ring for Greg to take once it was in Greg’s hands the priest held up another card

 “Wilhelmina, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit” Greg said

 The priest did the same with Willa

 “Gregory, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

 The priest looked over them to the crowd

 “In the presence of God, and before this congregation, Gregory and Wilhelmina have given their consent and made their marriage vows to each other. They have declared their marriage by the joining of hands and by the giving and receiving of rings. I therefore proclaim that they are husband and wife”

 The priest put their hands together

 “Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.” The priest declared then invited the couple to kneel. “Blessed are you, O Lord our God, for you have created joy and gladness, pleasure and delight, love, peace and fellowship. Pour out the abundance of your blessing upon Gregory and Wilhelmina in their new life together. Let their love for each other be a seal upon their hearts and a crown upon their heads.  Bless them in their work and in their companionship;  awake and asleep, in joy and in sorrow, in life and in death. Finally, in your mercy, bring them to that banquet where your saints feast for ever in your heavenly home. We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.”

 “Amen” the crowed answered the Priest continued

 “God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve and keep you; the Lord mercifully grant you the riches of his grace, that you may please him both in body and soul, and, living together in faith and love, may receive the blessings of eternal life.”

 “Amen”

 The choir started to play a hymn and Greg, Willa, John, Sherlock, Mary and Marisol all went to sign the registrar.

After the registrar was signed they said a prayer by a candle they had lit in honor of Greg’s mother. They then returned to the alter

 “May they nurture their family with devotion, see their children grow in body, mind and spirit and come at last to the end of their lives with hearts content and in joyful anticipation of heaven. Lord of life and love”

 “A God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love,  defend you on every side, and guide you in truth and peace; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always men”

 “Amen”

 “I now present to you, Mister and Missus Gregory and Wilhelmina Lestrade”

 The congregation cheered and the music started and Greg and Willa walked down the aisle.

 Once at the back they waited as the Duke, Duchess and Princes and Princess were led to the back. William hugged Willa tight

 “You finally found your knight in shining armor” He smiled

 “Hello Gregory I’m William” The Prince said shaking hands with Greg.

 “It’s lovely to meet you your highness” Greg smiled “We missed you at the luncheon”

 “Yes I will have to make up for it next year” William smiled as Kate handed Charlotte to Willa.

 “Look how she’s grown and look at you George” Willa smiled “Kate I love your dress”

 “Thank you.” Kate said

 The group spoke for a bit longer Harry asking Greg about his Stag night which made Greg smile even bigger.

 The royal family was led out after some hugs to Mycroft and the family, Molly near fainted from getting a hug from Harry. Benson just stood taller and made sure to give him a very firm hand shake.

 “So what did you do with my ashtray” William smiled as he leaned into hug Sherlock

 Sherlock smiled and raised an eyebrow “It’s on the mantel”

 With that the Royal Family left and the bridal party was led outside to some waiting carriages

 “Mycroft are those the royal carriages?” Willa asked as they pulled up asked

 “Yes, I knew how to ask” Mycroft smiled as Will and Greg were helped into one, Daddy Holmes climbed up with the Driver,

Mummy, Sherlock, Bowie, Mary John and Alice were in the next followed by Benson, Marisol Molly and Robbie, then Allen Julie and Marge, then Angie and Duke. The other invited guests for the reception were led to a separate door to get in their limos for the blindfolded ride to the House of Magic, and all other guests were led another way to just leave the venue, lots of paparazzi swarmed.

 The first stop was Paddington Station where there couple and Bandmates took pictures with the Paddington bear statue, Then off to the Natural History museum for some photos before finally getting some outside Buckingham Palace.

 Then it was in the limos with the completely blacked out windows, a concession that was made as Sherlock didn’t like blindfolds and they were off to the House of Magic.

 =-=-=-=

 “Let me please introduce to you. Our new happy couple Greg and Willa Lestrade” Robbie announced as Willa and Greg came through the door into the reception area in a puff of smoke just like a magician’s reveal. They walked thought the crowd to the head table. Guests clinked their cutlery on the glasses prompting Greg and Willa to kiss.

 Once everyone was seated the meal was served. Everyone ate as the string quartet Sherlock had hired played instrumental versions of various love songs.

 After dinner while everyone was served some coffee and tea the waiters came around with champagne, Robbie stood with the microphone.

 “Alright everyone it’s time for speeches. Now theirs tradition and then there is the way we’re doing it. First off I need to introduce the bridal party for those who may not know every one up here. Bridal party please briefly stand when you are introduced.” Robbie smiled and continued. ““Ladies first, on my far right We have Julie Smith, Paddington Stations Keyboardist and background vocals, Next to her is Marge Lawson wife of Duke Lawson and she’s a wonderful author and mother, We have Angie Smith Wife of Julie and Angie is an amazing cook and will soon have her own restaurant,  Molly Hooper Medical Examiner and Coroner extraordinaire, and one of the sweetest people I have ever met, Lilly Wright my beautiful teenage daughter who is growing up so fast and will be off to study with the ballet next year ,Mary Watson nurse and mother of a sweet little girl, Next to her…. What’s your name again oh yes Marisol Wright my lovely wife and accountant extraordinaire, you all hopefully know the bride and the groom. Then we have Sherlock Holmes, brother of Willa and the world’s only Consulting Detective,  next to him John Watson husband of Mary Watson, doctor and assistant to the world’s only consulting detective and also a proud veteran formally of the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers, Mycroft Holmes eldest brother to Willa and as my notes say, pencil pusher for the government, next to him is Allen Cutter cousin of Greg and a teacher in Nottingham,  Then We have Benson McDonald Bassist for Paddington Station, Duke Lawson Drummer for Paddington Station, and I am Robbie Wright longtime friend of Willa and Lead Guitar for Paddington station”

 There was some applause

 “And now we have the father of the bride Mr. Holmes to toast the couple” Robbie sat as Daddy Holmes took the microphone.

 After Daddy Holmes, Marisol and Mary did their speech which had Willa tearing up and hugging them.  Sherlock and John did their toast to Greg which had him up standing and hugging them. Sherlock just smiled.

 Willa stood and toasted her bridesmaids, and then Greg toasted the groomsmen. Robbie took the microphone again as Benson went and got a stool and a guitar.

 “Now Willa is the rock star, but Greg wanted to do something special for his bride, and don’t worry this guy can sing.”

 Greg blushed and sat on the stool with the guitar. He began to play. Then he sang. A song Willa had never heard before, she smiled and knew that Greg had written it. She teared up. When he was done she moved over and gave him a giant kiss as the crowd cheered.

 “Wow Willa we may have to take him on the road with us next tour” Robbie laughed as Greg and Willa stood and made their way to the dance floor. Sherlock also stood. “WE have a very talented family in our midst. For the first dance the couple will be dancing to an original waltz written and performed by Willa’s brother Sherlock.”

 Everyone gathered around the dance floor, Sherlock played and Willa danced.

 As the last notes played Mycroft leaned over to John.

 “Sherlock wrote a song, Greg wrote a song, it’s so nice when people write a song for the ones they love” Mycroft gave a peevish smile and turned back for the father daughter dance.

 John just looked over at Mary who was staring at John. They hadn’t really talked much today. Separated for getting ready, Marisol did most of the talking in the carriage. John and Alice had wound up in the first limo with Willa, Greg, Mum, Dad, Bowie, Mycroft, Sherlock, and Allen. Mary had to ride in the other. At dinner they were separated by Sherlock, Willa, Greg and Mary. He and Sherlock did talk a lot though. Mostly about a case coming up, then Sherlock had watched as Willa and Greg each took a mouthful of their food then clinked his knife on the wine glass to which others joined in and the two had to swallow and kiss.  Mycroft had made a few remarks during dinner too…. did he know… about the sex it had started the day they worked on the speech but there had been some other nights too when Willa was at Greg’s and Mary was out doing more training in the county… Mycroft couldn’t know, but what if he did?

 It was time for their dance. John took Mary in his arms and made sure he kept Mary pulled close, he whispered naughty things in her ear and made her giggle and blush during their dance. While Mycroft and Sherlock had their dance with Willa John made sure he kept Mary close by, stealing kisses and being overly affectionate.

 Mycroft saw and just had the normal sour look on his face, but John was not going to have him think anything more than that he loved his wife. He didn’t need Mycroft making trouble. Not when he risked losing his daughter.

 They were all back on the dance floor for the last big Bridal party dance. Sherlock came and took Mary’s hand and lead her to dance to the dirty dancing song. Marisol was with Robbie so John picked up Alice from Mummy Holmes’s lap and took her to the dance floor. She giggled and cooed as he bounced and spun her around.

 After some guest dancing and Willa pulling John onto the dance floor for the funky chicken, they had the cutting of the cake. Willa and Greg never liked the newer tradition of smashing the cake into the others faces. Greg’s first wife had done it and then got mad when he retaliated, L-Train had done it to Willa and almost broke her nose, so instead they nicely fed each other some cake, then Greg put icing on Willa’s nose and kissed it off causing the crowd to Aww, Willa put some on his cheek and licked it off eliciting some giggles.

There was more dancing and Willa and Greg leading everyone in the Time Warp. The Robbie took the microphone to announce the Bouquet toss.

 Marge, Angie and Julie practically pushed Molly onto the dance floor and near the front. Willa checked her aim then gave the bouquet a toss where it landed squarely in Molly’s hands. Willa couldn’t help it and she cheered. Greg then removed her garter, not with his teeth though even after John suggested it to mirror putting it on with his teeth at their wedding. Greg said he couldn’t do that with mummy and Daddy present.

Greg’s aim was true and it hit Benson in the forehead and landed in his hands.

 Benson was ever the gentleman as he put the garter on Molly’s leg then danced with her close.

 Willa smiled. That first day Benson met Molly, Molly was a little flustered and made one of her remarks that sometimes caused people to stare or be weirded out. Benson however was fascinated. He had wanted to be a doctor while growing up and was in med school but didn’t have the funds to continue, so he turned to music, joined Paddington station and never looked back. Though Willa had heard him telling Molly that he was looking going back, if that actor Peter Wingfield could do it why couldn’t he. In fact Willa made it a point to introduce Benson to Peter earlier in the evening.

 Willa leaned on Greg, She had Bowie in her arms and he was starting to doze.  Greg kissed her.

 “So was it magical?” he asked with a smile

​“It’s perfect” Willa said kissing back.

 Marisol came over

 “OK, hand him over you two have to go change for your exit. And we all need to change too” She said taking Bowie

 “It’s midnight already??” Willa said looking for her mobile in her dress pockets.

 “Yeah” Marisol smiled “Time flies when you’re have fun. Let’s go get you too changed Duke already has everything for Greg and Robbie has your final dance music to the DJ.”

 Willa smiled and she and Greg headed to the green room.

 The guests were just finishing dancing to the YMCA when Robbie took the microphone again as the song ended.

 “Alright everyone if you could clear the floor, the couple who made a grand entrance now needs to make a grander exit before going to the special treat their bother booked for them.”

 The crowd cleared the floor and Greg walked onto it, he was dressed like a 50’s greaser, now one who may look quickly would think he was Danny Zuko, but Willa’s favorite characters were Kenickie and Rizzo from Grease, and Soon Willa was there and Dressed as Rizzo. The two danced to you’re the one that I want and then were joined by the bridal party also dressed in greaser attire for we go together before heading out the door in a wagon the bridal party had decorated to look like Kenuckie’s car.

 Sherlock looked around as the guests dispersed. He smiled as he saw John in the corner Feet up on a chair Alice sleeping on his chest. He smiled.

 “Aren’t they adorable?” Mycroft said approaching Sherlock, He was still in his kilt having chosen not to participate in the big dance.

 “John is a wonderful father” Sherlock remarked as he ran is hands though his hair to loosen the greaser hairstyle Marisol had given him.

 “Yes pity the same can’t be said about Mary’s parenting skills” Mycroft said as he walked away.

 Sherlock frowned as Marisol walked over she was freshly applying some bright red lipstick.

 “Did you think I forgot?” She smiled as she kissed his forehead

 He smiled “I was hoping you hadn’t. So what’s next for you Robbie and the kids?”

 “We’re off to Italy to visit his parents” Marisol smiled “You should come visit, I’m sure they’re love to meet you.”

 “Haven’t been to Italy in years” Sherlock smiled “I’ll think about it”

 Marisol smiled and headed over to where her two youngest kids were curled up on chairs sleeping while Lily watched.

Sherlock was the last to leave. He rode in home in the limo alone. Mummy and Daddy Holmes were already there when he arrived.

 “Sherlock we wondered where you got off to.” Mummy Holmes said bringing him over a cup of tea

 “I was the last one out, was talking to Mr. Smith about the house and some artifacts.” Sherlock smiled sipping the tea.

 “Well Bowie is in bed, you father and I are heading up to bed as well, don’t stay up all night, we want you to come to the park tomorrow with us and Bowie.” Mummy Holmes said kissing his forehead

 “Yes Mummy” Sherlock smiled as he set down his tea and picked up a file to read over.

 After a few hours Sherlock headed to bed. Smiling knowing that Greg and Willa were probably enjoying themselves immensely in the penthouse suite they booked for them for the weekend.

 In the morning Sherlock wasn’t entirely away but he did drink his coffee then spend a very long morning with his parents and Bowie in the Park, he would have much preferred if it was Bowie, and himself with john and Alice for company.

[blackpoliticsms-blog]

Obama's farewell address Takeaways - By Leslie McLemore

- As treasury of the "Riding Obama's Nutz like a rodeo" Fan Club, I would just like to personally say, on behalf of the club, you will be greatly missed, Mr. President. - This is suppose to be a message about unity, huh? Ain't that a job for our incoming Dark Lord Cheeto? - Bruh, Obama black ass done brought out flags, stages and singers? Is this an inauguration for his third term but ain't told nobody? - I don't remember George W. Bush's farewell address to be this elaborate. Maybe cause that 25% approval rating wouldn't let him be great. #SipsOnHighPremiumGreenTeaWithPinkyFingerPointedToTheSkyLikeAplaya - This is just a poll riding ceremony. Somebody just tell Barack to stand there and let them chants ascend him to liberal heaven. - I bet when republicans start hearing facts from Obama, they scream bullshit from the comfort of their home without fear of terrorism, with a great job and great healthcare from that socialist disaster of a healthcare program. - When historians look back at this time period, they'll be confused. Not confused by why we elected fire breathing idiots like Trump and Bush II, but that we managed to put our lack of intelligence aside and elect Obama. - I wonder when Obama starts talking about uninsured rates, unemployment rates, gas rates, stock market numbers, I wonder if Fox News starts whistling Dixie as loud as they can. - Obama admits his setbacks and he is better than me cause if I were as successful as him, I wouldn't admit to SHIT. Either Barack did all he could loudly or silently. - Obama starts sweating a lil bit whenever he brings up race. - When race comes up, Barack be like: "Hmmm, I gotta tell some truths but not TOO much truth.🤔🤔" - Gawd dammit! I always start cutting these onions when Obama start getting to the emotional parts. I gotta think about getting another second job. This prep cook gig of me cutting onions whenever Michelle or Barack speak ain't working. - Obama laying out a convincing Three Point Plan for a healthy democracy. It's almost like he's talking to folks who disagree but the folks who disagree don't wanna hear shit he has to say. - I kind of wished we lived in a communist country whenever Obama makes a national address so folks wouldn't have NO other choice but to listen to his beautiful words and look at this awesomely amazing American black excellence. - Every national speech, Obama gone find a way, rain sleet or snow, to throw Bin Laden name in that bih. - Obama is very consistent with this whole "equality" for everyone thing. That's why he will ALWAYS be my hero. - Final point?!? Ninja please. You ain't going no where. You ain't leaving us! - Out loud: Obama tell em! You ain't God! We gotta put in work to get what we want! In my head: He ain't God but you can make the argument for Jesus. - "If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try talking to one in real life." - Obama - But Barack, what what about my comfort zone? Ok, damn. *Goes up to old white man who looks like he voted Trump* - Michelle Lavaughn Robinson! Barack knew he got him a strong sista who needed a flat iron based on the name, alone. - Barack over here crying just by looking at Michelle, making my job harder and shit. I'm over here cutting onions, my babymomma talking about she want me to cry like that when I see her. I got a lot going on, right now.. #ThanksObama - The Biden/Obama bromance is stronger than the Rick James/Cocaine bromance. - I kind of wish Barack would've played some "We gone be alright!" by Kendrick when he was leaving the stage but hey, I'm not complaining. - If Barack would've pulled some Leonardo DiCaprio shit from Wolf of Wall Street and screamed, "I'm not fucking leaving!!" I'm going to kiss my babymomma and daughter on the forehead and do a cannon ball off my 13th floor balcony. - Summarization of Obama's farewell address: Farewell??? Ninja please. If you don't sit yo ass down somewhere. You ain't going no where. You think this a game?? What two term limit? (In my Deebo voice) #YesWeCanLockYouInTheWhiteHouseForFourMoreYears #FarewellObama Follow Leslie on Facebook by clicking here: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10100219003792458&id=101700276