#5125

[liimonlucay]

"Niçin insan denilen mahluku anlaşılması ve hakkında hüküm verilmesi en kolay şeylerden biri zannediyoruz? Niçin ilk defa gördüğümüz bir peynirin evsafı hakkında söz söylemekten kaçındığımız halde ilk rast geldiğimiz insan hakkında son kararımızı verip gönül rahatlığıyla öteye geçiveriyoruz?"

[ecto-biologist]

There needs to be a big upd8 on May 1st next year, aka 5.1.25, because what's half of 1025? 512.5.

[kirstydreaming]

[every-tome]

[corvianbard]

#5125

Every snake is gone When the saint’s journey is done. May green clovers then grow So to have luck to flow.

[tippysattic]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: HOT WHEELS die cast toy cars NIB Cadillac Honda Ford Porsche Toyota.

[nosehair]

Day Five Thousand One hundred Twenty-Five　5125日目

Rain after sunny, 29.0 C Measured the length and poured water. Probably 1.1 cm long.

晴れのち雨　29.0℃ 長さをはかり、水をやる。おそらく全長1.1cm。

[damnfandomproblems]

Fandom Problem #5125:

As someone who is neurodivergent, I don't like when people are criticizing a character being infantilized in fandom they bring up the fact they could neurodivergent, despite the fact they canonically aren't.

I get that lot of characters that get hit with this are disabled/neurodivergent (which i agree), but a character doesn't need to be that in order to criticize how annoying the fandom infantalizes certain characters. Especially when there are ways people do that without relating to their disability.

[catsteeth]

Sugar & Violence

Podrick Payne x reader 

+:✿ Chapter 2 ✿:+ : Beautiful Girl

previous chapter | next chapter

Summary: You’re a Mormont being held hostage by House Lannister.  You are acting now as the Handmaiden for Margery Tyrell, whom you’ve grown quite close with. But it seems that a squire has caught your attention as you have caught his. 

CW: afab reader, SMUT, MDNI, Fingering, P in V sex, mention of alcohol consumption, mention of harassment, mention of NSFW themes.

Word Count: 5125 

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ・ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

As you’d just finished getting Margery ready for the day she sat you down and began to ready you as well. It wasn’t custom for a Lady to dress and pretty her Hand Maiden but Margery had taken the responsibility voluntarily and happily. 

“Podrick was seen where?” You asked wide eyes, holding in a laugh.

“Little Finger’s brothel,” Margery replied with a smirk as she brushed your hair. 

You shook your head with a smile “I will not believe such rumors.” 

“I hear the whores did not receive a payment.” Her fingers twisting the front sections of your hair and braiding them together at the back of your head.

“You’re suggesting he didn’t pay them?” You asked with disbelief. He didn’t seem like the type of man to pay for a whore, much less the type of man to steal their time and effort. 

“I am suggesting they did not want a payment. I hear that he was so skilled, they wouldn’t accept his payment.” She said as she finished your hair and she sat in front of you, beginning to do your makeup. 

“Now that I can’t believe it.” You said holding back laughter,

“You never know for sure with men like him. Quiet, and sweet, they can be sensitive to a woman's needs.” She said putting 

“I’ve been pinned against enough trees on Bear Island by enough men to know, no tongue, fingers, cock, or even nose is good enough to turn down gold.” 

“Perhaps you’re right. But perhaps you’re wrong, there is only one way to find out.” 

“Oh please, he can hardly hold his gaze to mine.”

“Some would say that means he likes you, besides the poor boy gave you a flower. One of the sweetest, and pathetic things I have ever seen.” She jested.

“He doesn’t want me, not like that.” You always found it hard to believe that any man would be interested in you beyond bedding.

she rolled her eyes as she finished applying a rouge to your lips. She fixed your hair slightly and half a small compact mirror to your face.

“if i were a man i would ravish you.” she smiled as you looked at yourself in the mirror. 

Margery had done your makeup and hair countless times. Every morning after you’d done hers, but each time always made sure to tell you how beautiful you were. even if you didn’t believe it. 

“a man would ravish a horse if desperate enough.” you pushed the compact away, you got up and began to select the gowns you’d both wear to the celebratory feast tonight.

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ・ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

That evening was a celebration of the victory of Tywin Lannister. Nothing for you to feel celebratory for, but it gave you an opportunity to dance and drink. 

Most of the night you and Margrey had danced with one another, made quite jokes about the other men there. But once the celebration began to wind down Margrey had found an excuse to speak to Joffrey, part of her plan to seduce him. So naturally you made yourself scarce. Finding a corner of the room to stand in while you drank.

It would have been perfect to end your night in peace if a tall man didn’t approach you. 

He could have been some noble man or a knight, kings guard, even city watch, you didn’t know and more importantly did not care. 

“My, who might you be, my Lady.” He asked, his voice was low and attempting to sound seductive. 

“(Y/N) Mormont.” You said as you drank from your cup, your eyes wandered the room, paying little attention to the attractive man in front of you. As your eyes searched the large room, they landed on a pair of eyes already looking at you, Podrick’s. He looked at you with the eyes of a sad dog. 

It caught you so off guard you didn’t hear whatever the man had just said, only the mumbling of words. You tore your eyes from his and looked at the man, “What?” burrowed furrowed in frustration. 

“I said, then you are not much of a Lady.” He said with a twisted grin

“Is that so?” You said emotionlessly, unwilling to show any kind of offense that might have been taken. Fearing it would give him too much power. Besides, you did not care about the opinions of southerners. 

“Hand Maidens are not Ladies of any land, are they not?” 

“Perhaps.” You said your eyes returned to scanning the room, trying to find Podrick again, but having no luck.

“I could make you feel like one for tonight.” He held out his hand to you,

You held your cup to your lips as you spoke, “I’ve no wish to dance with you, Ser”.

“I cannot dance with a handmaiden,” The man smirked, his hand snaking around your waist. “I can enjoy one though.” He whispered in your ear.

You smirked back, and then you leaned in, making him think you were about to kiss him when you kicked him in the shin. “Oh!” You fained shock as he grunted in pain “My apologies Ser, I have always been quite clumsy.” Your concerned and shock demeanor dropped as you began to walk away. He began to spit some curse your way when you stomped on his foot. “If you’ll excuse me, my Lord.” 

As you walked forward a few steps before the man grabbed ahold of your wrist.

“You northern who-” He was interrupted by Podrick’s voice. 

“My Lady, the Queen wishes to have a word with you.” He spoke louder than usual. His eyes were wide and looked almost angry. 

You ripped your hand away from the man's grasp and walked with Podrick out of the room. 

“What does she want?” You asked, rubbing your wrist. 

“Nothing, I made that up.” He said avoiding your gaze as you both walked down the hall. 

“You made that up?” You looked at him with wide eyes, he nodded still avoiding your gaze. “Well, thank you.” You said softly. 

He’d walked you all the way to your chambers with no other words were exchanged between the two of you, other than the occasional glance at one another. You had reached your chambers door, you looked over at him as you began to open the door. 

He was ready to nod and walk away when you said, “Podrick,” To which his eyes went directly to yours. You didn’t say another word, just walked into your chambers leaving the door open. 

He hesitated for a moment, but walked in after you. 

He stood there, showing just how intimidated he was. 

As you kicked your shoes off, and removed the necklace Margery allowed you to barrow for the night, you looked over your shoulder to him “Close the door.” You said softly, and so he did. 

As you turned to him and began to walk towards him, his eyes subconsciously went from your eyes to your cleavage. Now more exposed now that you’d removed your necklace. He couldn’t help it really. Your corset and gown were truly putting them on display, and the candle light from your room made your skin glow beautifully. You smirked when you noticed, making him swallow hard and return his gaze to your eyes. He was going to apologize but you reached for his hand making him choke back any words he had. 

You held his hand, looking at his now healed cut, now formed scar across the palm of his hand. 

You trailed the scar with your finger tip. 

“You’re seducing me-” He finally found some courage to spit out some words.

“You feel seduced?” You still held his hand, still admiring your work on his hand.

“Yes- I mean, it is intentional isn’t it?” He stammered, somehow a little out of breath.

“Do you want it to be?” You looked at him with a grin and mischievous grin.

“I don’t want to offend you-” He said softly, looking away.

“So you don’t?” You let go of his hand,

“No- no,” His eyes went wide as he stammered, “I want you to, want to seduce me.” He winced at his own words, not knowing how to phrase it.

“Why would that offend me?” You smiled softly, holding back a giggle.

“I am just a squire, my Lady.” He shook his head looking down

“And here in King's Landing, I am just a handmaiden they send to patch up knights and Lords.” You said softly 

“You are Lady Mormont.” He said, it made you smile. No one had given such respect to your name in so long. 

“You’re sweet.” You brushed his short hair around his ear with your fingertips “Have you ever seduced a woman?” You asked sweetly, you knew the rumors of the whore house, but didn’t know if you could believe it.

“No, no, not really.” He said like we were being honest… maybe he was.

“Show me how you would.” You said looking up at him with sleepy eyes.

“What do you mean?” 

“How do you think I was seducing you?”

“You, made me… feel-” he stammered.

“Mhmm, so try to make me feel…” 

He stepped closer to you, meekly, his head lowered. He reached out and lightly ran his hand over your hair. Taking a strand of it and looking at it, admiring the color of it, and its texture. He looked into your eyes, his head still lowered. 

“You are beautiful.” His hand then went from your hair, to trailing his hand gently down your arm and grabbing your hand softly. He played with your fingers, again, gently. 

“I believe you are the most beautiful woman I have ever known.” He didn’t stammer, his voice was earnest, and gentle.

“This is wooing, not seducing.” You smiled and corrected him as if he were acting, genuinely thinking he were making it up. 

“I’m not trying to do either, my Lady.” Your smile dropped, “I just wish to be near you.” 

“You shouldn’t.” You said pulling your hand away.  “How we first met, tell me that.” 

“Lord Slynt ordered you to pour him wine-”

“And I spit in it.”

“He deserved it.”

“I lied to him, and your lord.” 

“Not to me.”

Your hardened gaze softened “No, no not to you” You lowered your head avoiding his eyes. afraid you’d melt in his sweetness. found yourself feeling that warm feeling in your chest again. You reached for his fingers with your own. interlocking your index finger with his. 

“You are- different.” He stammered a bit “Special.” He corrected, thinking it sounded more flattering. 

“You really are sweet. I don’t believe I've met a man so sweet as you.” He smiled, and in turn you smiled back, “You are shy, more so normally than you are now.” 

He let out a small chuckle “I still feel shy.” He said as he looked down smiling

“Are you too shy for me to kiss you?”

Instead of responding to you he cupped your face in his hands. So gently it was as if you were made of the finest porcelain in the realm. He leaned in and kissed your lips. Soft and again, gentle. but also passionate and almost lustful. You were surprised how well he kissed. No, he didn’t kiss well, his kiss was intoxicating somehow. Maybe it was the wine on his lips or just skill. you couldn’t help but let out the smallest whimper into his mouth. It made him pull away and go wide eyed. 

“You’re quite good at that.” You said wide eyes, catching your breath a bit.

“I apologize-“ He said, still holding your head in his hands.

“For what?”

“I should have asked you first,”

“Too late for that now,” you said, slinging your arms around his neck and pulling him into another kiss. Your lips fell into a perfect rhythm as his hands moved to your ribs, careful not to touch your breasts. his thumbs moved against your ribs slowly and gently. 

You’d never felt this way with a man before. Normally it was sweaty, sloppy, and you ended it burnt out and covered in spit. This was like a dance, like you and he had kissed in every life. 

You felt terrified. An emotion you rarely ever felt. 

What if he was like every other man. They whisper sweet things in your ears, promises, and compliments. Then once they lifted your skirts and humped into you a few times they’d leave. You felt hurt the first time, maybe the second time too. But after that it was expected. So you never let yourself become invested in a man again. You used them as they used you. 

But this was different, this wasn’t only lust, there was something more. But was this feeling only yours, or did you share it? You needed to test him, only you didn’t know quite how. 

“Stop” You whispered in his mouth as you kissed, it made him stop immediately, and he stepped away from you, breathless. 

“I- I’m sorry” He said about to go for the door before you stopped him grabbing his arm.

“No,” 

“But you said-” 

“I can’t bed you like this.” You said running your hands on the tight fabric of your gown.

“Bed me?” He asked as if he had choked, it made you smile.

“Will you wait here for me?” You asked, petting his cheek, and he nodded slightly confused.

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

You had gone into the bathing room that was attached between your room and Margery’s. You bathed quickly, washed your hair, washed your face of its makeup, and slipped into your night dress. The only thing you wore to cover your nakedness. 

As you opened the door you saw Podrick lighting the fireplace in your room. He stood as he heard you open the door and looked in your direction as he said, “I thought you might be cold-” He was cut off by the sight of you. His eyes were enamored by the sight of you. 

You hadn’t shown him this side of you. Totally free of glamor and shine. “Thank you,” You said as you walked towards him. 

As you stood in front of him he still couldn’t let out any words. “Do you… not like it?” 

He shook his head quickly, “This is the most I have ever seen of you.” he placed a hand on your cheek. “You are truly the most beautiful woman I have ever known.” 

You searched his eyes for a hint of deceit and found none. You took the hand he placed on your cheek and sat down on the fur carpet that laid in front of the fireplace, pulling him down with you. You looked at the scar on his hand again, this time placing a kiss on the scar. 

“Thank you for what you did tonight.” He looked slightly confused, “The lie you told.” You explained.

“I didn’t want to interrupt, but then I saw how he grabbed you.” He looked down, now beginning to simmer, “No one should grab you like that.” He said in a lower tone. “If I’d a sword, I wouldn’t have to tell a lie.” He became angered thinking of it.

You moved closer to him, beginning to undo the clasps on the front of his top. He looked intimidated again suddenly, “A sword hm?” He nodded, “What would you have told him?” 

“To unhand you, or I’d remove his hand.” He said, with a darker tone of voice, it made you smile as you pulled his red leather top off, leaving him in his tunic. 

“One day you’re going to be the only honorable knight in all of Westeros.” You saw heat rush to his cheeks when you said those words. “A big strong shining warrior.” You said crawling closer to him. 

“You’re seducing me again.” He said staring at your lips, his eyes drifted downwards again to your cleavage again now further exposed by the thin fabric and the angle you were in from crawling to him. 

“Do you want me to stop?” You asked in a whisper,

He shook his head “No,” He said, grasping your face in his hands kissing you so deeply you let out a small moan into his lips, only making him kiss you deeper. 

His hands roamed your sides, as yours gripped the back of his neck and roamed his chest down to his stomach.

When your hand reached his stomach you felt his muscles twitch and he let out a small groan. The sound of his groan made you clench your thighs together. 

Mixed with the sounds of your breathless whimpers he felt himself stiffening, “Can I touch you?” He whispered in your ear, you nodded and he whispered back “Thank you,” As his hands cupped your breasts. He let out a moan into your mouth as he groped you, feeling the plumpness of your breasts. You couldn’t take it anymore and began to lift your night dress. You stopped yourself however, not wanting to push him, 

“Is this okay?” You asked, and he nodded frantically. To which you smiled and lifted the rest of it off. His hands gripped your breasts tighter, and his mouth moved from yours to your neck and shoulder. 

“You’re beautiful.” He whispered against your hot skin, repeating it over and over again. 

One of your hands petted his hair, while the other went over his stomach to his now tenting trousers. You heard him moan into your neck and his hands gripped you tighter, making you moan in return. 

“You sound beautiful too,” He whispered 

“Take this off” You said much less elegantly as you pulled at the fabric of his shirt. As he did you laid down on the fur carpet under you. Looking up at him as he removed his tunic. You smiled up at him, “You’re quite pretty too.” 

He shook his head in awe of you, “Not like you… You could be a painting,” He said, dropping to his knees. He leaned down and kissed your lips. Both your lips at this point were slightly swollen, but that didn’t stop either of you from continuing. Kissing with a new kind of passion. 

You felt, for a moment, this might be much more. And if it was, you didn’t want to hide from him at all. You pulled away from his lips as you blurted out, 

“I’ve been with men before you.” breathlessly, “I feel I should be honest with you.” You felt even more naked revealing that, you felt heat spread across your face.

“That’s alright.” He nodded, trying to reassure you. “And I- I have- I’ve been with women before you.” 

Your eyes went wide, you thought back to the rumors you’d heard. “You have?” You shook your head to yourself trying to shake those thoughts out of your head. “That’s alright.” You said looking back at him, you smiled softly “It is, it’s alright.” You felt a hint of excitement, pulling him back into your body and to your lips. 

You two kissed for a moment until his mouth ran down to your neck, covering your body in as many kisses as he could, making you giggle. Giggle until you feel his thumb run down the slit of your folds. Which made you gasp slightly and then smile at him, and he smiled back. 

He leaned down and began to kiss and suck on your breasts. 

You felt yourself becoming a wet and sticky mess and his thumb continued to roll up and down the slit of your folds, masterfully avoiding your clit, teasing you. 

Finally his index and middle finger parted you, while his thumb gently teased your clit. 

“Mmmmmm” you let out as you closed your eyes. 

“Do you like that?” he asked softly into your breasts, all you could do was nod as he applied more pressure. 

his teeth grazed your nipple with expertise. As though he knew just the right amount to use, how much you liked. 

He continued to kiss, suck on, and sometimes lightly bite your breasts. You felt yourself clenching around nothing as he moaned soft praises into your skin. while he kept circling your clit. 

It was beginning to be too much and not enough. “More,” you whined, “Your fingers.” you said. 

He nodded, “Show me, show me what you like.” 

you reached your hand below, rubbing your clit only a little, then you pushed a finger in. He watched as your eyes closed from the pleasure

He inserted his finger alongside yours, feeling how you moved your own finger inside you. 

The extra digit in you stretched you so nicely, you let out a small sigh as you smiled at him and he smiled back at you.

You inserted a second finger, and he followed suit. The stretch burned slightly, it had been a while since you had been with a man, and now already you’d four fingers inside you. Albeit two were smaller than the other two but still. You whined a little as you winced slightly. It made him lean down and kiss your lips. 

“You’re wonderful” he said as he kissed your jaw and your neck, pumping his fingers in you with your own guiding him. You then removed your fingers, content to let him take control. 

His fingers knew when to curl and when to relax, when to push against the soft spot in you, and knew just the right speed. No man had ever known how to draw out such pleasure from simply his fingers with you. 

“Podrick-“ you gasped at certain curl of his fingers, 

“My lady?” he said into your lips, 

“Call me my name,” you said into his, 

“(Y/N)…(Y/N)..(Y/N)…(Y/N)..” he repeated softly as he kissed your cheek, then your other cheek, then your forehead, then your eyelids, nose, and finally your lips. 

You took his face into your hands, as gently as he took yours in his. You kissed him sweetly, as you pulled away you whispered “I want to make you feel good,” 

He smiled and let out a small chuckle “I feel very good,” 

You shook your head and rubbed your palm onto his tenting trousers, making him close his eyes tightly, “I want you to feel even better.” 

Your touching continued until he was grunting and bucking into your hand, “I- I have to take these off.” He said with a bit of shame as he fumbled with the strings of his trousers. You gladly helped him with a smile on your flushed face. 

As he was freed from his pants, you took him in your hand, looking at his cock. It was bigger than you had expected, and by far the prettiest one you’d seen. Most were crooked, too thin, or too wide but his was perfect. 

“Pretty thing you’ve got there,” You said with a smile as you pulled him into another kiss. 

As you did you pushed him onto his back and climbed on top of him, slinging your leg over his body. 

He looked flustered with your boldness but pleased. “Thank you,” he responded. 

“You’re welcome,” You said as you lined his cock, slick with precum against your entrance. His hands gripped your hips as you lowered yourself, pushing him inside of you. 

You let out the prettiest of moans from your lips as did he. 

His eyes rolled to the back of his head as you grinded him into you, in and out. The way his cock twitched inside of you hit the soft spot in you so deliciously each time, making you moan even louder. 

You looked down at him, you ran your hand against his cheek as he looked back at you with a soft smile while moans left his lips.

The look in his eyes as he watched you squirm and whimper was a look you were not accustomed to.

All of the sudden, he pulled you down and rolled you onto your back. You were face to face, his arms wrapped around your body and yours around his. Your legs around his waist as he bucked into you, again and again. The way he did it, was as if he had done it a thousand times before. 

He moved his hands to hold your face, and his other to hold your hand. 

His thumb rubbed against your cheek, sweetly. Just before it left your cheek and trailed down your body to your cunt. Rubbing your clit in circles. 

He could feel you clenching around him, his speed picked up and his mouth returned to your nipples. But his hand never left yours. 

“I’m cuming, Podrick, I- mmhmm” You whined, only making him speed up even more. 

You felt your legs shake, your toes curl, and the pressure in your stomach snap and the warmth in your core spread around his cock. You let out the prettiest of moans as you came. You gripped his hand tightly. And he peppered your chest and your neck in kisses. “I want you to cum,” You whispered as he continued to fuck into you.

“So warm… so wet.” He whimpered against your neck, “Gods, I need you.” 

His thrusts in you became more and more erratic, you anticipated his cum filling you, you anticipated the heat that would fill you. You wanted it, badly. You smiled as you saw his face contort knowing it was coming, but he pulled out and came on the ground next to you. 

You whined a little, “I wanted it,” You said in a whisper. 

“You?-” He looked confused “You wanted it?” 

You nodded, pouting a little. 

“Why?” He asked, not being able to understand it, “I’m sorry, I didn’t want to- to sully your body.” He said, sweet sentiment. 

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈꒱꒱

After he cleaned it up, you had gotten in bed. 

He dressed himself back in his tunic and walked over to you where you pulled him into your bed. 

He held you against his body, and you held him back. He just stared into your eyes, as he pet your cheek. He admired the way you looked against the light of the fire. His eyes trailed down your body and he saw the bruises he left from his kisses on your breasts. His thumb grazed over them as he said “I’m sorry, I-’ 

“You did nothing wrong,” You said as you gripped his face and pulled him down to kiss his lips. “Do you think your Lord misses you?” You asked jokingly. 

“I think he is too drunk to notice.” He said smiling at you, “What about your Lady?” 

“I think she was too involved in Joffrey to notice.” You said with a giggle. 

“Sleep with me tonight?” You asked softly, 

He nodded and he wrapped his arms around you and nuzzled his face into your neck.

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ・ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

When you woke up, you were alone. 

You felt a little betrayed but you knew he had duties. 

Later that day you were ordered to check on Lord Tyrion’s injuries as the Maester was too busy to see to it himself. 

When you knocked on the door to Tyrion's chambers Bronn answered the door, he eyed you up and down, making you roll your eyes. 

“My Lord,” You said walking into Tyrion’s chambers, brushing past Bronn and avoiding his gaze. 

“Ah, the bear girl.” Tyrion said,

“(Y/N) Mormont, my Lord.” Podrick attempted to correct him, which made Bronn huff and roll his eyes. But you smiled at him, and he smiled back. 

“Yes, Podrick, I know her name. My family is holding her captive after all.” 

You smirked at his admission, ‘How’re you feeling?” You asked as you sat a leather bag of medicines and supplies on a table. 

“Oh quite pleasurable.” Tyrion said sarcastically,

You turned towards him, dropping your concerned demeanor “I need to know if it stings or itches, if it’s infected, it could spread to your eyes, you’ll go blind, it could spread to your sinuses which could make you go deaf, and if it spreads to your brain you’ll die."

“You’re a gentle flower aren’t you?” 

“Always have been. The Flower of Bear Island they called me.” You said sarcastically with crossed arms, making Tyrion huff a chuckle, “Yes and now they call me bear girl and whore, so if you could be so kind and cooperate I can see to it that you don’t die.” 

Podrick held back a smile at your strength.

“Alright, no burning, itching, or stinging. Satisfied?” Tyrion said as you sat beside him.

“Somewhat…” You said while examining the cut. 

Podricks eyes were entranced by the way your eyes darted around the Lord's scar, how you examined it with such expertise. How your eyebrows narrowed and your lips pouted slightly when you focused intensely on something. How when you wrapped a new bandage around the Lord's face you bit on your bottom lip. As he stared at your lips he thought of your first kiss, how warm and soft your lips were, he thought of your sweet taste. He wanted to grab your face and do it all over again. He was so deep into his fantasy he hadn’t even noticed Tyrion had called his name twice.  

Bronn smacked Podricks head, making him snap out of it as Tyrion repeated himself again. 

“Pod, see Lady Mormont to her chambers.” 

“Yes, my Lord.” Podrick nodded

“Oh I'm sure the lad would love that.” Bronn said as you and Podrick left the room.

Once the door to Tyrion's chamber was closed you turned to Podrick with narrowed eyes. 

“You told them?” You asked with venom.

“No, no, no I wouldn’t.” He stammered, not wanting you to believe he would do such a thing to you, “I wouldn’t. I believe I am just not very good at concealing my… interest in you.” He said softly so no one would hear. 

It made you smile. 

“I am sorry I couldn’t stay, My Lady. This morning, I couldn’t stay, Lord Tyrion would have sent someone for me.” He said softly again.

“I told you, you can call me by my name.” You said not willing to say it was alright but not willing to say it wasn’t. “Did you forget it, Podrick?” You teased him

“No, no (Y/N)” He said your name with a smile.

“Good, I thought your interest in me had finally subsided.” 

“I don’t think it could.” 

It made you smile again, 'seven hells' you thought, falling for such things.

You looked around and saw no one in the hall, you pulled him into another kiss.

NOTE:sowwy this took so long, i wuv you!

TAG LIST: @ryn-away @boojaynaqueen @holierthancunt @symonedoesart

[deutschland-im-krieg]

22 victory ace and Pour le Mérite (Blue Max) holder, Hauptmann Hermann Göring, Geschwaderkommandeur of JG I, next to his all-white Fokker D.VII (5125/18), 1918. For more, see my Facebook group - Eagles Of The Reich

[castrian-amore]

Just want you to feel something

Ch 2/? | Word Count: 5125

Trigger Warnings Implied trauma, implied depersonalization

Chapter 2: Savor every moment, even hungover

The phone was ringing and his head was pounding and he felt like at any moment in time his head could just split open. He groaned, reaching to answer his phone. He had already notified the office he wouldn’t be in today. He was the one in charge and never took off days normally anyways, he deserved this. A drunken haze last night and barely any memory of what had transpired filling his brain. Nope. Nothing. 

He puts the phone to his ear after he swipes. 

“Tim Drake speaking,”he answers flawlessly. 

“Oh my god you’re so fucked!”Stephanie’s voice rang over the phone. 

“What are you talking about Steph, and speak quieter please,”He covers his eyes as he turns down the volume on his phone. 

“Ohhohoho you were shitfaced last night weren’t you?” She was giddy. Tim didn’t know what for. 

“Maybe…” 

“Be over in 15 minutes, do not leave your apartment bitch boy,”She threatens cackling on the other end of the phone. 

“Okay sure. Don’t care. Bring me coffee and we’ll call it even.” 

“You paying?”She mused. 

“Yeah sure, I don’t care.” He groans. “Just come in. I do not want to fuck with the doormen right now.” 

“Ha! Yeah, I sure can guess you don’t you Hungover baby.” She is laughing before hanging up the phone. Tim Drake had a lot on his shoulders so what if he got drunk one night? Stephanie was a good friend. Her father wasn’t the best to her and during his younger days of sneaking out to take photos around Gotham they’d become really good friends, even dating for a little while. The dating was a short lived thing realizing that while they both found they were bisexual… they also both had a tendency to leave towards their own genders. It was a fun experience and he was very glad they could remain extremely good friends after it. He still loved her just in a very platonic sense, but even with the mutual past breakup it didn’t stop the occasional tabloid trying to talk up some stupid story about their relationship. 

Especially when Steph joined a dance team and they got really good. Booking gigs with famous artists and producing their own shows and things. Tim was glad she was getting the recognition for her work but it was still concerning nonetheless. Mostly in how the media saw them. The media weren’t exactly the most kind people especially to those in the limelight. Unfortunately for him because he was CEO and a nepo baby of a company most people assumed he was a pompous asshole. He was an asshole but a pompous one? He only was like that to blend into the crowds at the fancy stupid galas and things.

He peeled himself out of bed feeling the upright motions destroy his stomach as he bolts to the bathroom retching over the toilet with a groan. Fuck the cold felt so good. Maybe he had been a little more fucked up than he thought last night. He laid there on the floor for a little bit. Oh there was still definitely alcohol in his system, oh yeah this was gonna suck. He doesn’t know how long he lays there in his boxers on the bathroom floor. He does remember Stephanie is coming over and gets himself off the floor slowly to get himself at least semi-dressed. Wearing a long sleeve cozy sweater with pajama pants and some slippers in the shapes of ducks. He forces himself to take some ibuprofen and tylenol for his killer headache debating on something stronger. He takes his usual medicine he needs for the day and grabs some water figuring he wasn’t that stupid. 

He knew he needed to get something to eat too. He was already opening the app for doordash and figuring he could order steph and him some greasy ass food. She needed the calories for dancing, that was how that worked right? He ordered the food and took a few steps before his body revolted against him and he bolted towards the bathroom retching up again. Fuck man. He sat there for another moment closing the lid as he lay his head on it. He hears the front door open and he really can’t bother himself to get up. 

“Timbers!”Steph’s voice calls out as the smell of coffee drifts from the living room. 

“In here.”He calls out trying to pick himself off the floor, nope, a bad idea. When he finishes emptying the contents of his stomach a third time he gets up giving a small wave to her laughing in the doorway. 

“What the fuck Tim, if you’re gunna go drinking like that, bring someone with you!” She laughs but there was the undertones of her being more serious about what she’s talking about. Tim ignores them. Her hands are empty which means she probably just ditched the coffee in the room over. 

“I’m fine,"he mumbles, going to rinse his mouth out and brush his teeth. 

“Yeah sure you are,”she laughs and pulls out her phone. “Have you been on your phone yet?” 

“Huh? No, why?” She hands over her own phone and Tim takes it. He pauses. Feeling his face pale. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.

Plastered on the page was a photo of a very heated kiss between him and another man. That in of itself isn’t the concerning part. Right? Maybe scandalous he was seen with a man but the title? 

“CEO of Drake Enterprises Timothy Drake dating lead singer of YJ?!?” 

Tim wants to cry reading it. The leader of YJ, Young Justice? THE Young Justice. Number one band in the charts for 5 weeks straight for their hit single “You Were a dream?”. Tim admittedly did not recognize the man from the photo but maybe it was the angle or the fact they were both so intimately kissing. Tim had a grip on his shirt and the others hands were resting around his waist pulling them way too close together. 

“This is wrong. They can’t--” 

“They did,”Steph confirms.

“Fuck me,”Tim groans. Well that sobered him up quick as he sat on the toilet seat. Steph rubbing his back a little bit. 

“I know this is awful but also… this is so fucking funny,”Steph can’t help but laugh. “Tim Drake dating a rockstar?!? Gasp! What a crime!” He laughs after her. It was a little funny. 

“Steph, this is serious.”He tries to gain his composure. 

“What did he even do to seduce you like that? You were so obviously shit faced,”she’s laughing again. “Did he-- did he do the whole..” She pauses to dramatically and sensually run a hand through her long blonde hair and bite her lip ‘seductively’. “Did he do that?” She grins.

“Fuck I don’t know Steph. I don’t even remember this happening!”Tim’s face in his hands holding back laughter. 

“Oh so then all he had to do was the whole,”She leans against the wall and she does the douche-iest pose. One hand on the wall the other on her hip. “Sup baby?’ Tim laughs again. 

“Steph, this is serious!”He tries again. 

“And it happened!”She retaliates. “You were drunk! Drunk people do stupid shit all the time!” 

“Drunk people who are not in charge of whole corporations whose sales could collapse under the weight of a bad reputation!” He counters. She kneels in front of him, peeling his hands from his face. 

“Come on. We’re grabbing the coffee and water and getting blankets.We’re gonna have a movie day,”She smirks.”And talk about the problem but like movie day first and foremost.” 

“You wanna mooch off my fancy popcorn,”he retaliates. She mimics a gasp. 

“What? Moi? Never!” She dramatically flips her hair and stalks out the room dragging Tim with her. Tim’s mind is already reeling about what to do. There were so many options. Too many options, none of them good.

“I already ordered us doordash.”He admits as they sit down and Steph moves to drape a blanket sitting on the couch over him grabbing him a glass of water and the coffee. 

“Oh how I wish I could marry you for your money,”She sighs wistfully and Tim snorts. 

“If only. You act like you’re not a famous dancer?” She does a fake gasp. 

“Are you saying I’m rich Mr. Drake?” 

“I’m saying you’re pretty well off as far as careers go.”Tim replies never have been happier to have sipped his coffee borderline moaning at the taste. 

“Yeah well at least I spent my money on fun stuff. You don’t! Your apartment barely looks lived in Tim. It’s white and grey and so fucking boring,”she dramatically drapes herself over him. He barely had time to move his coffee so she didn’t knock it out of his hand. 

Tim wished he could say his place was incredibly personalized but the fact of the matter was that Steph complained about how impersonal it was constantly. She wasn’t wrong? He had some photos of when he was younger blown up and put in frames on the walls but in terms of personality of the house most of it was a sleek modern look with minimal decorations. He did have some color. His bed sheets and accent pieces were a beautiful crimson red and sometimes golden designed pieces. 

“Send me that article,”Tim says, changing the pace again. 

“It’s some desperate new years bullshit Tim, you know that!” 

“But the people don’t Steph! I need to do damage control before—“he cuts himself off panic already threatening at the edge of his voice and she goes quiet. Lips pursed quietly. 

“Yeah I guess you’re right.” She crosses her arms almost pouting. Not exactly pouting. Tim knew that look. He knew she was hiding a simmering anger underneath her cross expression. If it wasn’t her mutual respect for Tim then she would have long ago betrayed his trust and done something about it. They were two peas in a pod. Tim had to make his parents proud after all and a scandal would do him no good when his parents returned for a late holiday with him at their manor. He went out of the city quite frequently to see them. Tim lived in New York and they lived in Gotham. It wasn’t a great drive but since he didn’t have to make the drive himself it made things a little easier. 

“CEO of Drake Enterprises Timothy Drake dating lead singer of YJ?!?”  By Vicki Vale “Last night as the New Year’s parties raged it seems other things were happening as well. The current co-head of Drake Enterprises was seen in his current resident city of New York attending a party hosted by the infamous Lex Luthor. Our own Gotham born Timothy Jackson Drake has been the most eligible bachelor for quite some time now only rivaled by Bruce Wayne’s son Richard Greyson, and Bruce himself,  is it time for Timothy to finally be entering the dating pool yet again?  The photo shows Kon, head of the band Young Justice(also known more commonly as YJ), engaging Tim in a fiery kiss on the balcony of the establishment just as the ball dropped. So are the two of them in an established relationship? Or are the two simply reaching for the nearest scandal to push their mutual careers into further spotlight?  Neither have come out with a comment yet, but we expect a statement soon. So how do you feel Gothamites? Are you here for Tim getting into a relationship with the lead singer of a rock band? Or do you think this is a scandal waiting to happen?”

The photo is painfully good quality. He hates it. They look good, but he hates it. He also knows it’s likely not the only one. The only reason he was at that party was because of Lex Luthor and his stupid insistence on getting Tim to work for him. Hence the invitation to one of the most exclusive high society events. An event filled with too many drugs, too much alcohol and lots of sex and rock n roll. There were other bands there too, Tim was just one to prefer rock over any other genre of music. He occasionally went to shows but mostly not. Too many chances for things to go awry. Tim admittedly did not like to get drunk that often, mostly because he refuses to become as bad as his father. Not to say his family was bad at all but their relationship was a rather formal one. He didn’t mind that much, rather focusing on work anyways. They always were understanding of his love of his work. 

Either way, he needed to get a hold of this scandal before things got too out of hand. He looks at his phone seeing a text from the head of his PR team. Normally Tim did all his PR but he did pay one of the girls in HR who also had a degree in it to double check his methods and help make sure he was on top of staying relevant for the company, magazines, interviews, etc. Madi was a sweet girl and he was glad he could give her extra cash for it. It was an official part of her duties. She was considered part time HR and part time PR. His parents paid for a whole PR team for the company as a whole but as he was the head and wanted their influence on his image to be a bit more limited he paid her out of his own pocket rather than the companies. He felt bad trying to use money that could be given back to the employees just to make himself look good. 

Madi 

You realize how bad this is going to look right?

Tim

I know please do not remind me. I’ve seen it. 

… 

Any ideas?

Madi

Damage control and reaching out to his PR person. See if they’ve reached out to you, but I’ll do the same on my end. We gotta get a wrap on this quick Mr. Drake.

Tim

For the millionth time please call me Tim, I swear Madi. 

Madi

You still hungover?

Tim

The news helped sober me up but Stephanie is over here helping me out

Madi

Good, don’t go outside. Most of the paparazzi are pricks and while they might not have a true interest in you as a CEO they do have an interest in you giving them a story on you and Kon.

Tim

Yeah Steph mentioned me staying inside. I ordered doordash so neither of us have to go out. Maybe I should just go and work from home for a few days.

Madi

Not a bad idea. I would stay relatively close though, Kon likely will be in town for a bit longer especially if he’s also interested in fixing this PR disaster.

Tim

I was about to say it’s not that bad… but yes it is

Madi

Honestly, it’s less bad for him than it is for you. You’re young but you’re highly respected. I don’t want you losing the bare respect you forced out the other higher ups. Just because the younger ones like you, we both know those board members are vying to get you out and get you father back.

Tim

Tell me about it. The shit I get from the board and the shareholders is insane. 

Madi

Anyways, keep an eye on your email. I’ll get a plan together and send it to you

Tim

You’re the best Mads

Madi

I know

“Madi have any idea yet?”Steph is peaking over his shoulder. 

“She just says to keep an eye on my email because since she’s not incredibly publicly my PR person they’re more likely to reach out to me directly,”He groans as he turns and flops his head on her lap. 

“Steph I have never been more thankful to have planned to be at that Pride event a while ago,”He mumbles. “Or else this would be so much worse.” She snorts, running her hands through his hair. 

“Oh yeah it would be so so much worse if you weren’t already toeing that fine line of being gay but also not!” She teased with a little malice in her voice, but the malice was obviously not directed at him. More than likely aimed at the other board members who would not-so-discreetly sling slurs and other words in his direction under their breath. Tim was smart though, he liked to think at the very least he was. He tried his best to make everyone happy and the board members could hardly be upset with him over the last few years TIm had been in charge. He was sure they were upset because of how young Tim was and he knew that. They had spent their whole lives getting to this point and Tim had finished his college degree by the time he was out of high school and got put into the position after he outsmarted some people and manipulated his way to the top. Tim was aware though, for a nepo baby. 

As someone born and raised in Gotham and all too painfully aware of the messed up systems of that place he was aware of how broken the world was. He knew about the rampant police corruption and the concerns over the safety and wellbeing of the city with one of the highest crime rates in the United States. He had seen what had happened to those in the system and went out of his way to help and volunteer. His parents praised him for the good PR he was giving them but all he could think about was that he could do something to help people with the money he was given. 

His parents weren’t exactly around enough to enforce what he did with his own money. He teamed up with the Wayne foundation to host charity events, fundraisers, galas, etc to give back to the community. 

Reminded him of his connections. Maybe he should meet with Bruce for lunch or his next free day… see just how the other could help him. Bruce had immense experience with bad press. He was notoriously good at splitting the story and diffusing the situations. He closed his eyes so thankful he had Steph with him right now. 

“Thanks Steph.”He said a bit more genuinely. 

“Don’t thank me yet hoe,”she retaliated. 

“You literally came over to check on me,”He retaliated, opening his eyes to look up at her. 

“Me? Never. How could I not save your bitch ass,”She had a grin across her face. “Plus you always buy me food, it's a win-win situation.”

“Aww Steph you care that much about me,”He began to tease.

“You are in a  perfect smothering position--”

“Are you going to admit that you love me next?”He continued. “Because I love you too and--” She jokingly shoved a pillow over his face and the two began to get into a fight as he rolled off her lap and she practically pounced on top of him hitting him with the pillow. 

“Stop being cheesy!”She yelled as he was laughing incredibly hard. 

“But you wove me! And Care about me! And you’re my best fwiend!” He has his arms up trying to stop her from hitting him. She is snickering and grabs his arm moving to pin it behind his back. 

“Ah fuck--”he hisses out as she smirks. 

“Say uncle and I’ll let go!”She exclaims wearing a shit eating grin. 

“Gah!- Fucking hell Steph.” She pulls back on his arm, applying more force. “Shit-uncle!” She lays down next to him on the floor as he rolls onto his back. The two of them were breathing heavily for a moment before looking at each other and laughing brightly. They stay like that for a moment after Stephanie's hand finds his. She was the shit head type, not one for sentimentality which is part of why Tim enjoys her company so much.  She can make light of any situation and can and will call him out on his bullshit as long as she is under the impression she’ll do the same for her. 

“You should come with me to rehearsal one day. Or like just to the studio. Get you back to working out more.”She comments. 

‘I work out just fine!” 

“Yeah but what about your dreams? You can take some pictures of me and then join me for a little bit!”She beams, sitting up a little bit to look down at him. “We both know you have a killer camera and some wild skills. Use them. You always talk about wanting more photos of me dancing.” 

“Yeah but--” 

“Nah nope you don’t get to give some sort of bullshit excuse,”she shakes her head. 

“Steph, I haven't stepped foot in a dance studio since I was 16, and that was just a way for me to get exercise. My parents thought they were formal ballroom classes.” He comments. Tim only ever danced casually. Even then he had never been as good as Steph but there was a freeingness to it. It was fun! He could never do it publicly. The corporate scene would absolutely obliterate him if they ever found out he used to dance hop hop. Formal ballroom dancing was something he also had training in and also was looked highly upon. 

“If you pick up dancing it will help you get back on a board~”She teased. 

“How!”

“Hand and Eye coordination,”she teased, standing up and offering him her hand. He took it standing up. It was still almost too much and he holds out his hand thinking he’s gonna throw up. He stops and waves that he’s good. 

“You just want to watch me fail horribly,”He rolls his eyes. 

“Just dress cool, wear a hat and mask and you’re good no one will know!”Steph insists. “Like what you do when you go skateboarding.” 

“I don’t skateboard anymore Steph.” 

“Just like you don’t dance anymore!!! Look you--”she stops as there was a knock at his door and grumbles something under her breath before going to answer. She comes back in with the food as Tim joins her at the breakfast bar and sits down next to her as they pull out the food separating it between them. She’s already shoving her face as she continues. 

“As I was saying--”She begins shoving lo mein into her mouth. He nods, raising an eyebrow as she speaks with her mouth full.” You don’t do anything you like anymore. It’s just all work!” 

“Because work is important!”

“You’re twenty-fucking-two Tim! Live a little for the love of god! You’re young and yet you so rarely go to parties! You can do both. You don’t even have the problems most corporate people have. Most of them have drug or alcohol addictions or go skiing and have lavish vacations. YOU DON’T DO THAT TIM!”She exclaims the second her mouth is no longer full. He groans. 

“I just think you need some dick honestly,”he almost chokes on his food as she says that. 

“What????”He looks at her wide eyed. She smirks looking at him leaning in real close. 

“I said I think you need some dick. Timothy, you’re still a fucking virgin aren’t you?” 

“I-I no what- why would you think that?!”His face is a bright red immediately showing more interest in his food than her. 

“HAH I WAS RIGHT!” 

“Can you please not yell,”he begs. 

“Sorry,”She still is wearing that familiar grin. 

“So what if you’re right! I can’t just go out and like, sleep with people and shit! Yeah brb let me go and print out an NDA for you to sign so we can sleep together real quick,”he rolls his eyes looking at her. “Besides… I want it to be something special. Love? I don’t know. I just--” 

“Okay I’ve made a decision. You’re not getting a choice now. We’re finding you a hobby. An actual hobby. You’re coming to the studio with me and I’ll reteach you some stuff. See how much you remember. Get you out of this stuffy apartment and your stuffy office.” 

“I’m really good at Golf?”he offers. 

“No, you just pretend like you are so you can go golfing with your coworkers. We both know you hate that sport…” 

“It’s so boring steph,”he finally caves. “I don’t even think I have any dance clothes anymore Steph!” 

“I’ll lend you some of mine. You never did grow,”she smirks. 

“Oh shut the fuck up,”he groans going for his phone and opening it up absentmindedly going to sort his emails.  He swipes to delete a bunch going in and flagging the ones related to work things so he could go back in and check them. 

He pauses. 

“Oh fuck--” 

“What?” Steph leans over on her stool before laughing. “Well that was fast.” 

“Such is the problem of social media,”he groans out opening the email as he shoves more of his own lo mein into his mouth. He quiets as he reads through it. 

“Dear Mr. Timothy Drake, 

My name is Cissie King-Jones, I am the head of PR for the band YJ(Young Justice), and as I am sure you are aware, you and my client, Kon, shared a kiss on New Years Eve last night. We could not locate a particular PR team to reach out to, to discuss his issue. We will be in town for another two weeks due to Kon visiting his father and the rest of the band wishing for a small break. Is there a potential time outside of your work hours that we could meet to discuss the events of the past and how to potentially move forwards without damaging either of your careers? Looking forward to a response.  

Best Regards, 

Cissie King-Jones

Head of PR”

He groans and Steph is laughing so hard and Tim, without looking, pushes her off the stool. She yelps but continues to laugh long after she’s fallen off the stool. 

“Are you enjoying my misery?” 

“Yes,”she gasps out. He flips her off. 

“Fuck I should respond to this.” 

“Yeah you should,”she wiggles her eyebrows, finally getting up from the floor and dusting herself off. 

Tim

Got the email, are you free tomorrow for an extended lunch?

Madi

Well technically I’m busy but if you CEO requests my presence then no one can say anything

Tim

Emailing your supervisor right now, we’re going to go to have a meeting with Kon and their PR head Cissie King.

Madi

Where are we going to have it? Your work seems too blatant. 

Tim

I don’t know yet but how about I forward you her email so you can reach out. I have a few ideas myself but I hate the ideas….

Madi

Well spill then

“Yeah spill Tim..”Steph smirks, reading over his shoulder, again. He pushes her away playfully. 

Tim

No thanks, I’m sure you’ve already thought of it anyways and I’d really rather keep it as a last resort.

Madi

Send me that email Tim ;P

Tim

On it

Tim did as he was told as he forwards her the email. 

“Where do u want to meet?”Steph instead asks. “It needs to be a neutral location somewhere the paparazzi won’t freak out about you going.”  He groans thinking. 

“I have a few ideas,”he admits. 

“Oh?”She leans her arm on the other’s shoulder. “Do tell.” 

“Lex is Kon’s biological dad…” 

“Oh dammit,”She groans. “But he’s so unsettling.” 

“You’re not even going to be there!” Tim exclaims. 

“Yeah but I am going to be there in spirit once you meet me at the studio after the meeting,”She flicks his cheeks and he gives an exasperated sigh. 

“Look, it won’t look weird for me to go there and it’s Kon’s dad's work so like it won’t be awful. I’m there for a meeting, nothing else! Plus Luthor values his security of his building over anything else. He would riot if someone else could get into his systems.” 

“Someone else?”Steph raises her eyebrow at him. 

“He said something stupid…”Tim begins.

“DID YOU--”She remembered his headache. “Did you hack Lex corp?!?!?!”

“When I was 18 yeah, why do you think he’s been trying to get me to ditch my parents,”he snorts. “Him and the Al Ghul's.” 

“And the Waynes,”Steph reminds but Tim could only roll his eyes at that one. 

“Yeah, as if. Bruce sees me as a friend. He’s my mentor, nothing else.” 

“Just saying… if the Drake’s need to go there are several companies you can sell it off too.” 

“Yeah let me just sell the Drake family name underneath my parents name,”sarcasm is dripping from his voice as he finishes his food. He texts Madi the idea and she agrees it’s probably for the best. 

“You could,”Steph reminds.

“But I won’t~”He purrs out. “If I agree to go to the studio with you after will you leave me alone about it?” 

“Yes!” 

“Then fine just bring some clothes by the office and I’ll change before we leave.”he nods. 

“Fuck yeah!”She exclaims. “None of the windows lead to the street level too!”

“Wonderful.” 

“So when will the meeting be? I need to text to see when the next free space is?” Tim shrugs. 

“I left it up to Madi.” 

“You giving that girl so much of your public image power is terrifying for a control freak like you,”She scoffs, going to toss her trash and fishing a soda from his fridge. The particular kind only being in there because of her penchant to just stop by when he’s out of town and what not.  

“Let’s just put on a movie please,”Tim begs quietly and she leaves him alone for a little while as they crowd on the couch cuddled close to each other. “I’m grateful you’re my friend steph.” 

His head is on her shoulder tucked under the covers and she playfully lays her head on his a little aggressively. 

“Right back at you Timbo,’she smiles. It’s as they get halfway into the second movie when he gets a text from Madi. 

Madi

Tomorrow at 1pm Lex Corp headquarters

Tim

Gotcha

He shows Steph the phone and she nods. 

God he can’t wait to have this meeting and let the scandal be over with. 

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

[dc-marvel-crossovers]

Aliens, Archers, and (Tech) Wizards wrap-up…

New fics and art! Please go leave some comments and spread the love!

Does this look like a tracksuit to you? by @somesortofitalianroast - Clint Barton & Bruce Wayne, 1198 words, general

put some goddamn moves on you by @bittercape - Clint Barton/Roy Harper/Tony Stark, 2428 words, mature

It Takes One to Know One by @teeelsie-posts - Clint Barton/Dick Grayson, 4000 words (WIP), mature

In circles by @bill-longbow - Clint Barton/Roy Harper, 4735 words (WIP), general

To Making It Right by @there-must-be-a-lock - Tony Stark/Roy Harper, 5125 words, explicit

Child’s Play by @amaraangelicus - Clint Barton/Jason Todd, 1122 words, teen

Art for Winter Quarters by @kingcrow01

Also!

As part of “feedback week” for this event, we’d also like to invite everybody to share fic recs within the theme — regardless of whether they were created for this event or not. Please share your favorites! You can submit rec posts to the blog or just tag us.

[oneterabyteofkilobyteage]

original url http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/Vineyard/5125/ last modified 2008-03-01 04:02:08

[fluffy-appa]

The Prophet said: None of you should ever die except while assuming the best about Allaah.

Source: Saheeh Muslim (no. 5125)

This means: You should think that He’ll have mercy on you and forgive you.

Source: Tafsir al-Qurtubi (p. 21) and Sharh Saheeh Muslim of Imam Nawawi (v. 17, p. 210)

[nu-so]

Do you like a feral, apeshit Tim with no morals?

One who enacts revenge on Red Hood, not for himself, but for his brother?

THEN LOOK NO FURTHER BECAUSE

Vendetta (5125 words) by Huntressundone Chapters: 3/3 Fandom: Red Robin (Comics), Batman and Robin (Comics), Nightwing (Comics), Batman - All Media Types Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Tim Drake & Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake & Dick Grayson & Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake & Jason Todd, Tim Drake & Dick Grayson Characters: Tim Drake, Robin (DCU), Nightwing, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Batman, Red Hood, Jason Todd Additional Tags: Tim Drake is Robin, Tim Drake-centric, Tim Drake Needs a Hug, Tim Drake Has Issues, Tim Drake is Not Okay, Dark Tim Drake, BAMF Tim Drake, Tim Drake Has PTSD, Protective Tim Drake, Bruce Wayne is a Good Parent, Hurt Dick Grayson, Jason Todd is Red Hood, Tim Drake Gets a Hug, Bruce Wayne is Batman, Protective Bruce Wayne, Jason Todd Has Issues, Jason Todd Has Feelings, murderous feelings, Lazarus Pit Mad Jason Todd, Dick Grayson is a Ray of Sunshine, but he is mostly unconscious in this so…, I just want it known, Bruce Wayne Has a Heart, Feral Tim Drake, Tim Drake Has Self-Worth Issues, Tim Drake Needs Therapy, Violence, Hurt Tim Drake, Hurt Jason Todd, Revenge Summary: He hadn’t been prepared to take on Red Hood in Titans’ Tower. No, Tim had fought cleanly. Fair. But he wasn’t in the business of making the same mistakes twice. And the Red Hood? Well…   Jason Todd should have stayed dead.   TW: Lazarus Pit Rage, violence

IS FUCKING PERFECT :D

@huntressundone

[the-pink-thumb]

Of nuggets, thoug cookies and cherry cobblers

Read in AO3

For @apomaro-mellow , hope you enjoy :)

@steddieholidayexchange

Rating: Teens and Up

No archive warnings apply

Relationships: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson,

Characters: Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington's Parents, Wayne Munson

Additional tags: Established Relationship, Family Dynamics, Meet the Family, Parent Steve Harrington, Parent Eddie Munson, Foster Parents, Cooking, cooking together

Words: 5125

Summary: Eddie Munson is quite happy with his own family, with Steve Harrington at his side. But when the Harrington family makes a call, he has to choose between run away or face them!

Fic under the cut!

Six nuggets, a motorhome to cross the country and learn to surf near the ocean.

Steve Harrington raised his eyes to the sea, where the sun was slowly going down, and then checked the barbecue he was cooking near the porch. 

Well, the motorhome was there, parked near that Californian paradise. The nuggets were only two, at the moment, and Eddie was soaking them with the waves in the shallow water. The twins were crying for pleasure every time the foam caught them, and Eddie was laughing from the top of his lungs. Then he raised his sight to Steve, who waved at him, and rapidly he collected the kids, ignoring their protest, and then took them one under each arm like potato sacks, made them giggling and squawking under the clean water shower. 

Eddie took the towels and dried the kids. He ruffled their golden hair and then applied them some aftersun and dressed them.

Steve set the camping table and turned the ribs on the barbecue one last time. 

“Ehi, pretty boy” said Eddie, finally drying himself too, with the towel on his head to make everybody laugh. He leaned for a kiss and hugged Steve’s waist. “How’s the cook?”

“Pretty ready,” smiled Steve, enjoying the salty warmness of his boyfriend. “Could you kindly prepare the salad?”

Eddie nodded and called the kids. They entered the motorhome and he heard the noises of three little kids preparing the vegetables, giggling and singing silliness.

Only two nuggets, and not even his’. The agency said that, for the moment, they weren’t eligible for adoption, but they’re good for fostering. Kids with problematic parents, disrupted families, dysfunctional homes that would enter the system otherwise. They gave the kids an opportunity of a normal life with foster families and their parents the opportunity to clean up and regain their children’s custody eventually. 

For Steve, it was the same as raising a “real” child. They already fostered a six year old girl for eight months, until her father could complete the program and claimed custody again. Now they were raising those four year old twins, Bobby and Becky, whose former addicted mother was trying to rehabilitate, stay clean and provide a stable home for them. They were together for almost a year already, Steve knew, and hoped, that they could return with their mommy but this didn’t prevent him from loving them dearly as they were his. And for Eddie it was the same. They finally had good financial stability, a house and a lot of love to give away, and they gladly tried to help kids in need. 

“Good, wash your hands, little worms!” Ordered Eddie, putting the salad on the table. Steve was collecting the ribs on a plate and put them too on the table. 

The kids washed their hands obediently and sat at the table. Eddie served the food to them and they start eating, trying to talk at the same time and tell Steve their afternoon at the beach. Steve barely understood a word, but he was happy at the moment. Eddie put his hand on his’, smiling tenderly to him, and they looked together at the sunset on the vast ocean.

Eddie showered the kids and put them in the bed. He read them a story and Steve went to kiss them goodnight after cleaning the dinner. 

It was really odd and curious that Eddie, who had the greatest difficulty following any sleep routine as a teen, was the most responsible of the parents. He was strict with the kids; he knew how to make them obey, he made them respect their routine and stop every fuss; he wasn’t inflexible, he could always follow the rules without being the bad cop, Steve really couldn’t say how he did it. The kids, especially the twins, had respected his so-called authority from the beginning, and Eddie was able to absolutely spoil and discipline them at the same time. 

Every time Steve thought about it, he fell in love even more. 

Eddie reached him in their chair under the moonlight, lighting a cig. 

“So, you’re still convinced of it?” He said to Steve, after a good drag and a big breath.

Steve tossed the ash of his own cig and nodded. 

“Why not, Eds?”

“You want to discuss it again?”

Steve sighed and took a drag, sipping his beer then. “Nope. You’re right. Yes, I want to go to the party, as I kept saying for days and days, so, yes, I’m still convinced”.

Eddie turned his head and grumbled. “I hate when you do so”.

“Then don’t make me”

Eddie grumbled again, put his cig off and went inside the caravan. Steve heard him changing, then the noise of the camping bed under his weight, and the pages of his journal angrily opened. He sighed one last time, finished the beer and went to bed too. 

“How are you doing?” He asked in a peace offering.

“I’m writing a song, I titled it “I don’t want to go to your ridiculous family gathering, thanks”. It’s almost finished” answered Eddie without raising his head. Steve smiled. He adored the irony Eddie was always able to use even when he was upset.

“Come on, babe…” Eddie looked at him angrily. “Come on, Eddie.  We never met my family and I never insisted, but…”

Eddie muttered and moved a hand to make him shut up. “I know. I already listened to that. Tomorrow it’s our last day of vacation and I don’t want to ruin it”.

Eddie put down the notebook and got under the sheets, turning his back to Steve.

“Oh, come on!” Protested Steve, going near him. He lended a hand on his waist.

Eddie moved a little on the other side. “I don’t want to ruin it either” said Steve, harshly. “Is it better if I sleep on the sofa?”

“Don’t be silly”

“But you don’t want to talk to me or touch me”

Eddie sighed.

“Ok talk” he said dryly. 

“I don’t know what to say, I just want to go visit my family and this time, with you”

Eddie turned towards him, looking at him with a hard look. 

“They never accepted me, and you know. They never accepted the kids, and I don’t want to force them to this”

“And I already said that they changed their mind this time. My father…”

“Yes, we all know that your father is a survivor and now he sees life differently”.

“Can’t you give them a last possibility? Just for me? They really want to make amends, he asked me to apologize. They want you to go to the anniversary and talk to you personally”.

“And the kids?”

“They… want to meet them…”

Eddie grumbled another time, rolling his eyes. 

“I don’t want to remember what they said about adopted children”

“And they regret itI now. They want to tell you directly. Please, Eddie. I am…. I was really worried for my father”.

Eddie shook his head one last time. “But just for you, not for them” he pouted, and Steve smiled sweetly. “Of course. Thanks”

They heard Bobby call with a panicked voice. Becky was pretty good about their mother, but Bobby lately started to have nightmares, especially when they met or had a call with her. Eddie sighed and came out of the bed, glad to have an excuse to go away to Steve.

Steve turned the light on and sat up on the bed, he wanted to wait Eddie after falling asleep to be sure they ended the argument well.

“His family” had always been a taboo between them.

He was madly in love with the man, he fell in love with him in Eddie’s senior year but he accepted it a year or so later, when Eddie himself confessed to him he had a big crush on him when he was the keg king.

The only big fight they had was about Steve’s family. He eventually came out with his parents, but they didn’t accept it at first and not even after some time. They accused Eddie of ruining Steve, to change him into someone he wasn’t and they tried to make them break out. And they succeeded. 

After a year and a half, they planned to move together, but Steve’s parents stopped him, and he wasn’t able to ignore them. They tried to convince him that he needed to find a good girl to start a family, that probably he ended up with Eddie because he was disappointed in the girls in Hawkins. They offered to pay him a trip abroad or an apartment away to try to find someone more suitable. Steve regretted he wasn’t strong enough to run away with Eddie, but he didn’t want to cut off his family entirely. So he and Eddie had that big, giant fight and broke up. Eddie moved away alone and Steve remained in Hawkins, heart broken and feeling really, really stupid.

But he kept thinking about Eddie, despite his parent’s attempts to marry him off with some girls, and another year and a half later, during Thanksgiving holidays, he met Eddie again and knew that his feelings had never changed, and, luckily for him, nor Eddie’s. This time he was firm with his family, he protected his relationship with Eddie and when the time came, he moved in with him in Portland. His parents never accepted Eddie, although they stopped trying to separate them. Eddie tried to visit once, but they were really cold and rude so he didn't try again. 

Then Steve’s father got cancer and Steve was really worried for him. Eddie, really proud, refused to go to visit him, and Steve didn’t insist. He visits every now and then alone, but now, after the recovery, they wanted to throw a big party for their 35th wedding anniversary, and for the first time they insisted on having Eddie too, and even the kids. Clearly Eddie was cautious and they had to argue a lot of times. 

Yes, they only fighted about Steve’s family, and he didn’t like it.

Eddie returned with a little smile on his face. “I hope he can sleep the rest of the night, we have to sing the spider some more time than I like”.

Steve smiled too. He looked Eddie in the eyes, waiting for him to resume the discussion. Eddie sighed, returning under the sheets.

“You want me to apologize?” Eddie asked, in a plain tone.

“Of course not! But… I want us to go to sleep in peace”.

“I already said that I will go, for you. I am just worried for the kids. Are you sure? We can manage otherwise if…”

“No,” said Steve firmly. “They have to accept my family as a whole, or nothing. The kids and you are my family over my parents. It’s the last occasion, ok?”

“Ok… but at the first bad signal we will go away without looking back”.

Steve sighed and nodded. He remembered how he cried for anger and frustration when he announced to his parents that they wanted to start the adoption process: that they wouldn’t accept some abandoned, rejected kid as their grandchild. That blood was thicker than water and their lineage dated back to the pilgrims and so on. Steve left thinking it was the last time, but then his father fell sick. Eddie was still offended by their prejudices about fostering and adopting kids, he maybe could negotiate their opinion about him but surely wouldn’t expose innocent kids to two old racist white dumbs.

“Deal. I will support you no matter what, I promise”.

Eddie nodded. “So enjoy our last holiday night” he smiled, and opened his arms to accommodate Steve on his chest. 

“I love you,” Steve said.

“I know”.

They barely talked about the family gathering on the trip to Hawkins. The kids really loved the landscape of the highway and sleeping in campings along the way with every kind of different person. Eddie liked it too, he was good at knowing strangers and they had a good time singing in the caravan and talking with interesting people. 

They decided to stop previously at Wayne's to spend a couple of days with him and meet Steve’s parents alone before the anniversary. 

Wayne already met the kids at Christmas in Portland, and he just loved them with his simple, no-frills way. They liked him in return and were absolutely delighted to play in his garden.

That day, Eddie put the kids on a nap and went to the garage to check a little noise that only he heard in the caravan. 

“It will take a little,’” smiled Wayne when he left. He fished from the pantry some cans of cherry. “And now you will have the time to say what is eating you away.”

Steve blushed and raised an eyebrow. Differently from his parents, Wayne never had problems accepting them as a couple since the first time. He didn't say a word about their break up and their return, and simply loved Steve because Eddie loved him. He was more than happy about fostering and in future adopting kids, he himself had been a foster parent and was really, really proud of Eddie wanting to share his luck with some unfortunate kid. 

Steve wasn’t sure that rant about the situation was a good idea. He kept washing the dishes in silence for a while.

Waye waited politely, opening and drying the cherries.

“It’s… Eddie and I had a sort of… argument… about my family. A few arguments, in fact,” he looked Wayne in the eyes. “Oh, but… but obviously we won’t split up again…” Wayne giggled a little. “My family… well maybe I’m reconsidering meeting them with Eddie… and the kids”.

Wayne nodded, silent again.

“It’s the last possibility, I swear… but my father had… had that thing, and I… I really wish I wouldn’t have to choose, really”.

“And Eddie is not ok with it?”

“He was since the beginning, and now I’m not sure I did right dragging them here”

“And he is upset about it, right?”

“You noticed?”

Wayne giggled again. He could read his kid with a glance, despite the fact that he was now a grown up man and he lived far away. 

“And there is the kids thing…” started Steve, uncertain if to tell him that too. He, despite everything, didn't want him to judge his family too hard.

“Let me guess, they don't agree with you adopting children… they want grandchildren of their blood, don't they?”

Steve washed the last dish and nodded, grabbing the counter with white knuckles.

“Don’t judge them, they don’t…”

“Oh I don't judge. You know perfectly what I think about fostering and adopting kids. But I want you to know a thing, and it will be the one and last time I say this: I have to protect Eddie and his family, of blood or adoption, and I will if needed”.

Steve nodded. 

“But you know, otherwise I will always try to make you all happy, and if you want, I will share with you a little trick to make Eddie smile”.

Wayne blinked to Steve, and he looked curiously at the man. He grabbed a cherry can.

“Cherry cobbler”. 

Eddie entered the door of Wayne’s home and stopped suddenly, sniffing deeply.

“Cherry cobbler…” he whispered entering the kitchen, and looking straight to Wayne. He understood what his uncle was trying to do, and thanked him silently. 

“I need a smoke” said the man, grabbing his cigarettes and going out of the room. Steve was whisking the batter and stopped, looking at Eddie too.

“Wayne and I always did it when I was angry and upset,” smiled Eddie, eating a cherry. “He always could calm me and make me talk while preparing this”.

“And it will help now?”

Eddie smiled. “Let’s try”.

He took control of the batter and Steve cutted the cherries. They intertwined hands when they poured the mix in the mold, and they talked, and smiled. Eddie felt really relieved at the end, just as Wayne knew. Wayne came in again with the kids who just finished their nap. 

Eddie and Steve took them in their arms. 

“It smells good, Steve,” said Becky, grabbing his head with a kiss.

“Smells really good,” nodded Wayne, looking at Eddie and smiling. 

Eddie looked at Steve, thinking, and biting his lip a little. 

“What if… what do you think if we do one more… for tomorrow?”

“Do you mean…”

“As an offer. As a sign of good will?”

Steve nodded and hugged him. “Thank you” he whispered and kissed him.

“They kisses…” giggled Becky and covered her face with her hands.

Eddie had Bobby in one hand and the cobbler in the other. He had a belligerent expression on his face, and he grabbed the kid’s hand like he wanted to use him as a shield. Steve had Becky in his arms when he rang the bell of Harrington’s mansion.

The maid opened and let them enter the living room. Harrigton Senior was sitting in his armchair and his wife on the sofa. She got up, he remained seated.

“Hello, Steve,” said his mother. “Eddie, dear, welcome” continued with a certain insecurity.

“Hi, Monica”, said Eddie, aloof, holding the cobbler proudly.

“And you are…” said the woman to the kids.

“Come on, wormies, this is Steve’s mother. Let's be polite and shake her hand,” said Eddie to the kids, who were a little scared. He could be angry with them, but he wanted to try not to influence the kids. 

“Hi,” said the kids, serious, but friendly.

“And he is my dad,” smiled Steve, pointing to his dad. “Hi, dad”.

“Hi son” he finally stood up. He smiled at the kids, a little worried too, but with a promising expression. “Hi kids. I’m your… Can I…?”

Steve shook his head. “No,” he mimicked.

“I’m Steven '' concluded Steve Senior, shaking the hands of the kids. Maybe it could be better a kiss, like the several they gave to Wayne, but Eddie and Steve wanted to be a little cautious, just in case things came out bad.

The conversation was a little weak at first. Eddie and Steve sat on the sofa in front of the parents, like in a trial, with the worried and silent kids on their laps. They just shared some useless chat about their recent trip in California and Steve’s mother just asked some polite questions.

“Can we offer something to you?” Finally said the woman, desperate to find a topic.

“We did a cherry cobbler together,” answered Eddie.

“Oh, great! I will check if we had some ice cream for that. "The woman took the cake and went to the kitchen, returning a little later with two large bags in hands.

“The maid will take care of the treat,” she said to the expectant kids. “We… we bought some presents for you,” she lent the bags to the kids. They find some illustrated books in the first, and they politely thanked and asked Eddie what the books were about. Eddie thanked the Harringtons too with a composed smile, then they grabbed the other bag. 

There were clothes. Some packets of silly socks, a little suit for the boy and an elegant dress for the girl. Eddie looked at the clothes and then to the kids, who at that moment were wearing matching Iron Maiden little t-shirts. 

Harrington senior then lent him a long box. He saw a decorated tie, with little sort of stars and dots, and looked to them interrogatively, then looked to Steve, who apparently were aware at least of that last present.

“If you think I will wear something like this at your gathering, you’re really wrong. And I won’t dress up my kids like dolls just to please some stranger,” he said harshly.

The Harringtons widened their eyes and mouths, but in that moment the maid served the cobbler. The kids forgot the present and attacked their plates, kneeling near the coffee table.

“We… we didn’t intend to force any of you to dress anything,” said Steve’s mother. “They’re just… presents,” she searched Steve’s eyes for help.

“Thanks mom, we appreciate them. It’s true, Eddie?”

“Of course,” muttered him while sipping his coffee.

“You can wear anything you want to the party tomorrow,” insisted Monica, trying to fix things.

Eddie nodded, unimpressed. The kid finished eating and he cleaned their hands and faces with a napkin.

“Kids, do you want to see the pool?” Asking Eddie standing up. He looked at Steve and he nodded. It was evident that Eddie needed a break already.

He took the kids' hands and they went out to the garden.

“He’s a tough cookie,” grumbled Steve’s dad. Steve puffed.

“You didn’t make things easy for him,” he answered dryly. “He is hurted and protective of the kids”.

“We just want to fix things,” said Monica, looking to his husband, nodding. “We want him to know we are sorry, and want his forgiveness, and make him… them… part of the family”.

“I appreciate it, mum, but he needs to hear it from you directly. And I can’t guarantee it would be easy, he knows what you think about adopting kids”.

Harrington senior blushed a little. He opposed fiercely to adopting, for blood reasons, but the cancer and the life danger made him rethink about a lot of things.

“We changed our mind,” he said. “I changed my mind. Of course, I still want a grandchild…”

“Dad,” interrupted Steve. Steven sr nodded. 

“Ok, you’re right. I changed my mind, that’s all. I will… I will accept your family”.

“The kids are adorable,” said Monica, willing to please Steve.

“Eddie is adorable with them,” Steve answered. “He is a wonderful father”.

Monica and Steven nodded.

“Eddie, would you like to come inside again?”

Steve went to collect his family around the pool. The kids were delighted, but Eddie was sitting there with a serious expression, and Steve didn't read it as a good sign.

“You always have a secret purpose when you talk so politely,” he said without smiling.

“I know. My parents want you to come back with the kids”.

“If they think to butter me up with some clown clothes and a hideous tie, they’re really wrong,” he answered, without any sign to move.

“It wasn’t their idea. That tie is the one my father wore when he met my mom’s parents for the first time. It’s… precious for him”.

Eddies scoffed.

“They’re trying to say you’re welcome in our family”.

“If only they told me it in the face…”

“They want to do it. They want to apologize in front of you. Please, come back to talk with them”.

Eddie pursed his lips.

“Look, I know it’s difficult and it won’t be immediate, but just give them a chance”.

“I don’t want to wear that thing tomorrow, nor to dress my kids up like a preppy clown,” he continued harshly.

“They didn’t mean it. They’re just presents, to show good will. So come now?” Steve smiled and lent a hand to him. Eventually Eddie shrugged his shoulders and grabbed it.

“Thanks,” said Steve, smiling. Eddie called the kids and they came inside together.

“Did you enjoy the pool, kids?” Answered Monica. “If you stay a few days more, we can prepare it to swim a little. It’s heated”.

Eddie licked nervously his lips, standing in the middle of the living room. He had the face of someone who didn’t want to bear more bullshit.

“Eddie, sit down, please,” said Steve,nervous himself.The kids sat in a corner looking at their new books. Eddie sat.

“Eddie, we… we want to apologize for… for our behavior in the last… years,” Monica cleared her throat. 

“We want to welcome you into the family, if you want to forgive us. We want you and the kids to meet all the family tomorrow, and of course… feel free to wear whatever you want,” continued Steven.

Eddie was surprised, he frankly didn’t expect Harringtons to be sincere, but he couldn’t say anything against them at the moment.

He nodded, and let go of an accent of a smile that warmed Steve's heart a lot. 

“We’ll see tomorrow then,” he said at the end of the afternoon, when they went away to return to Wayne’s house.

Eddie had a lot to think about that night. He put the kids to sleep while Steve was helping Wayne to clean the dishes. Then he enjoyed some homemade liquor on the patio with his uncle while Steve had a shower before bed. 

“A penny for your thoughts, kid”. 

Eddie sipped a little from his glass, then told almost everything to Wayne. He didn’t particularly appreciate the Harringtons, and he politely expressed his surprise about their change of mind.

“I always thought Steve came in a package with his family, whether you like it or not. Whether he liked it or not,” he added, and Eddie nodded. Steve had grown apart of his family for him, but he always suffered from it. “He did a lot for you regarding them, and I think you have to make steps for him too”.

Eddie snorted a little. Wayne always said so many things with so few words. He understood everything, and he nodded.

 

The twins were sitting on the sofa in their new clothes, looking like little preppy dolls, and Steve was trying to put their shoes on. He was happy that Eddie didn’t fuss about the clothes, on the contrary, he decided spontaneously to dress the kids in that way. The dresses didn’t really suit their kids, but it was just a signal from Eddie.

“Stevie? Honey? Could you come and help me?” Eddie called from the bedroom.

Steve went there, and he melted, blushing with his heart running very quickly. 

Eddie was wearing a light gray suit that seemed just a little small for him, and tried to work his Harrington tie, shaking his head. “I need help, I can’t do it”.

“Oh Eddie,” Steve smiled looking at him, grabbing his hand. “Thanks,” he whispered, kissing him lightly. 

“Nonsense,” smiled Eddie, blushing in return.

Steve fixed the tie, and hugged him.

Steve’s parents welcomed them really warmly when they came to the party. Steve’s father looked at Eddie’s tie and firmly grabbed his hand, smiling warmly at him. They let the kids play with the other family’s kids and they grab a glass of champagne. Eddie felt a little overwhelmed by Steve’s extended family, and intimidated for all the introductions, but they introduced him as Steve’s partner without euphemisms ,and Steve didn’t leave his side. His presence didn’t seem as a big deal as he thought so he could enjoy the buffet and the drinks.

“Steve, please, come there, Auntie Bertha wants to greet you”.

Steve snorted a little. Aunt Bertha was the matriarch of the family since her sister’s, Steve’s senior mother, death. He was nearly 80, in a wheelchair, and she had obviously old opinions about modern things. They didn’t tell her exactly Steve’s way of life, but they met once one of her daughters and he suspected that she knew. He really didn’t want to hear a lecture about homosexuality and corruption of morality, but he at least needed to pay his respects.

Steve sat at her side, with his parents near.

“Those kids are yours?”

Steve scoffed a little. “They’re foster kids, Auntie”

“Oh, so that tall woman isn’t their mother? Is she your wife?”

“No, Auntie, he’s not their mother, he’s a man and he is my partner”.

“And you don’t have kids of your own?”

Steve scoffed again, trying to remain calm.

“No, Auntie, we can’t adopt kids at the moment, we are not married”

Bertha nodded thoughtfully.

“So she’s not your wife?”

Steve tried not to get madI, she was old and probably didn’t understand everything. But he decided not to hide anything, and his parents were there just listening, he was surprised they didn’t try to stop him.

“He is a man, Auntie. He’ my partner, we live together, but we’re not married”

“Oh, yes, I think you told me something like this…” Bertha looked at Steven senior. He nodded. “And you live with a man? That…”

“Eddie, Auntie. Well, I think I have to go, now…” said Steve, starting to feel a little nervous.

“Your Grandma Mary always hoped you would marry sooner or later… why aren't you married?”

Steve stood, moving a step to the door. “At the moment we…”

“And don’t you want your own kids?”

“Auntie, I’m sorry, I have to go…”

“Steve and Eddie can’t adopt kids if they’re not married, Auntie,” explained Steven senior, sweetly.

“Oh, right,” nodded the old woman. “So you'd better not wait, right?”

Steve looked at his parent’s faces. He felt strange and he felt like he didn't understand.

“Marry him,” added the old woman. She took something from her pocket. Steve’s mother took it from her hands and gave it to Steve. 

Steve opened the little box. 

He found his Grandma's ring. He looked at his parents, puzzled and holding his breath.

“Granny wanted it for your fiance,” said his mother. Steven senior went to arrange again Auntie Bertha’s dress, and his mother walked Steve away. 

“We explained things to Auntie before, but I think she didn’t get it all… You ok?”

“It’s your idea? Dad’s too?”

She nodded. “You know, he still wants grandchildren,” she smiled. 

Steve put the box in the pocket and smiled.

 

The kids fell asleep on one of the big sofas, so they put them sleeping in the car. Steve drove slowly down the town, and at a certain point he took a different way. 

He stopped near the houseboats on the lake, and Eddie looked at him, confused. 

“Do you remember where we had our first kiss?” Eddie nodded. “Let’s have a look, come on”, he added, getting out of the car.

He took Eddie’s hand in the dark, only the moon was lighting the place.

“What’s happening, Steve?” 

Steve kissed Eddie, sweetly, as they kissed there for the first time, so shy and worried and shivering. He took the box from his pocket, and knelt.

 

“Eddie?” Whispered Bobby, waking up in the backseat. Steve was driving with a big smile on his face.

“We’re almost at home, honey, keep sleeping” Eddie reached him caressing his cheek; an engagement ring, maybe too girlish between all his skulls and crosses, shined on the road lights. 

Bobby closed his eyes again, and Eddie looked again at his ring, kissed it, and then grabbed Steve’s hand on the gear.  They blushed together.