#A Very Marvel Christmas

[bucky-obsessed]

Merry slightly late Christmas! I gift you, smiling Bucky!

[canisalbus]

Machete and Vasco are so pomegranate-and-the-hand-that-slices coded. To me.

Pomegranates are seen as messy, bloody, inconvenient fruits. You slice or tear or bite and in return for your effort you come away underwhelmed, disgusted, and stained too deep to wash. The consumption of a pomegranate is a violent act of defilement, for both the fruit and the eater.

But that is because most do not understand how to open a pomegranate. They have little patience for the precise carving. They see no point in coreing the fruit gently, no reason to be reverent as they pull the quarters apart. When done correctly, opening a pomegranate leaves little mess. Your fingers will still stain, your knife will still slick, but there will be no pool of crimson drowning both you and the fruit.

The seeds are only sweet to those who understand the merit of a light hand and intricate slicing. Why put in so much effort for a food so bitter and clearly armored against consumption? Surely it must not yearn to be eaten.

(^insane about silly catholic dogs)

.

[daveyfvckingjacobs]

back at my uni flat which means. everything is finally together

[countthelions]

Ghost horses sweater knitting is complete!!!

[the-poor-miranha-quotes]

Idea fic

A 5 something after Christmas nwh (but happy) Peter thinks he's going to be alone at Christmas but the friends he made along the way won't let him

1. the old ladies from the sewing club invite them to sing in the street with them to raise money to church

2. Peter and Yelena go to the mall to buy Christmas presents for the Young Avengers

3. Peter participates in the daily blog's Secret Santa and then Betty convinces him to go to a party to meet her friends

4. Johnny calls Spider to participate in Hanukkah with him and F.F

5. Peter spends Christmas Eve with his neighbors the Morales (he gives a suit to Miles)

[spider-mandaily]

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from Spider-Mandaily! ✨🎄

Hey, Spidey fans!

As the snow falls (or maybe just a light drizzle depending on where you are), I wanted to swing by and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Thank you for being part of this amazing community – your love for all things Spider-Man makes this space so special. Whether you’ve been here since the beginning or just joined, I appreciate every like, reblog, and comment.

This time of year reminds me a lot of our favorite wall-crawler – it's not about the flashy gifts or the biggest tree, but about the little things that make the season special. Like Peter Parker, we know that being there for the people we care about is the real gift. Whether it's family, friends, or the found family we build along the way, showing up matters.

Christmas is kind of like being Spider-Man – it’s not always easy, but the smallest acts of kindness (even if it’s just holding the door open or texting an old friend) can make someone’s day a little brighter. Maybe we can’t web-sling through the city, but we can all spread a little warmth in our own neighborhoods.

I hope your holiday is filled with joy, good vibes, and maybe even a Spider-Man marathon or two! Let’s carry that Spidey spirit of hope, resilience, and kindness into the new year.

So, here’s to you – for getting through the tough days, for celebrating the small victories, and for keeping hope alive.

May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and just a little bit of Spidey’s luck. 🎁

Stay safe, stay warm, and as always – stay amazing! 🕷️

– Spider-Mandaily

[wanderingmind867]

Howard reminisces about Christmas on his world, while Carol talks about how her parents divorced on Christmas (which led her to hate Christmas, and suffer the pains of a childhood divorce). I like the direction this story is taking. And the art isn't bad. Gene Colan still does great work in Black and White, apparently. (Howard the Duck vol 2 #4):

[signmyst]

hi who wants to hear my crackship of nature girl x dryad

plz I think the way out of nature girl's emo phase is sapphics hear me out plz

[cookinguptales]

so there's this disney bejeweled knock-off that I play on my phone (what can I say, I'm a sucker for repetitive movement games that also allow me to propel gonzo or sora at the board) and they keep introducing new characters for the game but like. they have hundreds now and they are clearly starting to scrape at the bottom of the barrel.

they've been delving into properties that disney technically owns but that you would never expect to see in a disney game, like, I shit you not, the golden girls, and at this point I am just counting down the days until they finally introduce my beloved and very stupid vampires.

please, disney. it would be so funny. I know you'll never put colin robinson in a kingdom hearts game, but you can at least let me attack vampire mickey mouse (a character that currently exists within the game) with guillermo de la cruz or something. you own both properties. you have the power. let me do it. let me force donald duck and nadja of antipaxos to fight to the death. let me do it. it would be so funny.

[questionableratatouille00]

hey hey hey good morning good morning do I have your attention okay great

don’t be a fucking dick in people’s asks. Don’t send a bunch of hate to fucking fic writers because you didn’t get what you wanted. Don’t fucking do that. It’s shitty and you ruin the whole experience for both the writer and the other people reading the fics. Fanfic doesn’t really have any rules, except for one main one: don’t be an asshole.

if you do that you’re a loser and I hope that when we all inevitably go to hell you’re forced to lose at monopoly for the rest of eternity okay bye

[daydreamerdrew]

Captain Marvel Adventures (1941) #51

[cattatonically]

Brandon's Very Merry Haunted Christmas - A.J. Sherwood (Mack's Marvelous Manifestations, book 1)

Synopsis

When Brandon Havili gets recruited by the FBI, he’s immediately assigned to shadow his brother and the psychic Donovan’s anchored to. Brandon doesn’t mind this in the slightest. He loves his brother, Jon seems cool, and it’s a great way to learn how to be an anchor, which is what the FBI wants him for. It’s supposedly three weeks of just following people around and observing.

But there’s a hitch in the plans. Brandon accidentally picks up a hitchhiker of the ghostly variety. Donovan is NOT pleased. Jon is amused to no end.

Dealing with the ghost means going back to the place Brandon accidentally got it from, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They expect to meet up with an FBI medium, exorcise said ghost, and go home again.

FBI Medium Mackenzie Lafayette is not at all what Brandon expects. And for once, he’s quite happy to ditch the plan. Returning to Nashville can wait. He’s got a sexy medium to figure out first.

My Thoughts

Did Brandon intend on gifting Jon a haunted snowglobe? No. Did he do it anyway? Yes. Did Donovan freak out? Also yes. And it was all extremely entertaining. But of course, this doesn’t solve the problem of getting the ghost out of the snowglobe. But what does is calling the FBI and requesting the assistance of their paranormal activity division. Which leads our ragtag team from Nashville right to Mack Lafayette, a medium in training with the FBI. Which works out well in Brandon’s favour, as he’s an anchor in training with the FBI himself.

Brandon and Mack meeting is just as explosive as when Jon met Donovan. The chemistry was instantaneous , but it was also more than that. It was Brandon being honest with himself, and coming to terms with his bisexuality. And it was Mack being honest about the struggles he’s faced not only as a medium, but as a gay man in the Louisiana bayou. They were quick to have open and honest discussions, but as Jon learned, once you have the undivided attention of a Havili, there is very little that will take that attention away.

While the ghost hunting in this particular story was rather low stakes, it was a really great introduction to this series. I’ve been emotionally invested in Jon and Donavan’s adventures from the beginning, and now I’m really looking forward to getting to know Brandon and Mack better through their adventures. I’m just as emotionally invested in them, and I’m really looking forward to this series!

[shironezuninja]

Discovered the Spidey Bells album before going to Holiday Family Dinner this Christmas Day.

[microcroft]

NEW MCU UPDATE!

It has been announced that Gonzo from The Muppets is set to join the MCU in the next Phase! Many fans are speculating he will be the next Iron Man! Wow!

Follow for more Marvel Cinematic Universe News!

[moonstruckme]

A Winter Wonderland

summary: you marvel at the beauty of your Christmas tree, and your boyfriends marvel at you

poly!marauders x whimsical!reader ♡ 911 words

You could fall asleep here, you think. It’s very lulling, the sound of the fireplace crackling a few feet away, the scent of pine needles, and the view of a forest unlike any other stretching out in front of you. Lights of blue and green and red filter through the thicket, and poking through you can see the edge of a handmade paper star, the fuzzy end of a dog’s tail. Your Christmas tree from below. 

“What are you doing?” Sirius has the half amused tone of when he feels like he’s caught you at something odd and he hasn’t decided whether to rag you or to join you yet. 

“Admiring our decorating,” you reply. “We did a good job.” 

“You’re supposed to look at it from in front of the tree, sweetness.” 

“It looks nice from there, too,” you allow, “but nobody ever appreciates it from down here.” 

There’s a new set of footsteps, a big hand on your knee. “Are the branches not scraping you?” James asks curiously. 

“Only sometimes.” 

You hear a smile in his voice. “It’s worth it, though, eh?”

You hum in affirmation. 

“Well, this I’ve gotta see.” 

James is bigger than you are. You lift the branches for him as he shoots his top half in beside you, but when you let go they come to rest on his chest. He grins at you before looking at anything else. A classic James Potter smile, heartfelt and breathtakingly handsome.

“Hi, angel.” 

“Hi.” You reach for his glasses, carefully readjusting them on his nose. 

“It smells nice in here.” 

“It does,” you agree, pleased to be sharing it. You turn your face upward again. James follows suit. “It looks like another world.” 

“It is very pretty,” he says. Multicolored lights spiraling upward, the odd ornament sticking in through the branches, the tree itself lush and fantastical in dark green. “You’re right, we did a good job decorating.” 

“Don’t you sort of want to live here?” you ask on a sigh.

“You mean here in our sitting room?”

“No, here in the forest.” 

“Ah.” James gives this some thought. “It is nice, but I quite like my life the way it is.” 

You turn to look at him, and he’s already looking at you, glasses reflecting a rainbow of lights and brown eyes warmer than warm behind them. Your insides go soupy. 

“I like it, too,” you say softly. “I wouldn’t want to go if you all couldn’t come with me. Maybe we could move our place there. Or just visit sometimes, like camping.” 

James smiles at you. A dimple appears in his left cheek. “You mean on weekends?”

“Sure.” 

“I’m sure we could make that happen, lovely.” 

“Oi.” Sirius gives your knee a little shake. By the way James looks down, you guess your boyfriend’s doing the same to him. “What are you two whispering about down there?”

“He’s jealous.” James drops his voice into a deeper whisper, louder yet somehow less intelligible, solely to provoke Sirius. “He knows this view is better than in front of the tree.” 

“I don’t know,” you say, smiling at his antics. “I think he’s just worried we’re discussing his Christmas gifts.” 

Another shake to your knee, more insistent this time. “What is going on down there?” 

“Nothing,” James sing-songs. 

“Who’s left a pot of soup on the stove?” asks Remus, voice becoming clearer as he comes into the room.

“Oh, that was me,” you say. “It’s just simmering, don’t worry.” 

“It’s…what the fuck…” 

“I know,” Sirius says emphatically. 

“Dovey, why are you and James’ legs sticking out from under the tree like the Wicked Witch of the East?”

“Why do you assume it was her idea?” asks Sirius, at the same time as James asks, “Who’s the Wicked Witch of the East?” 

“I’m admiring our tree,” you tell Remus placidly.

“It does look really cool from down here,” James advocates for you. “Gives a new perspective on the decorating.” 

Remus makes an amused humming sound. “That’s really nice, but your soup’s nearly boiling over, sweetheart.” 

“Oh, no.” You start to wiggle out from underneath the tree. Sirius’ hands wrap around your ankles, giving you a helpful tug the rest of the way. You grin up at him. “Sorry,” you say to Remus, “I must have set the stove too high.” 

He smiles, reaching for you. “That’s okay.” He takes the ends of your hair between his fingers. “How’d you manage to get your hair wet?” 

“Hm?” You look. “Oh, it must have been in the tree’s water. I didn’t notice.” 

“There’ll be pine needles in it, too, then,” Sirius laughs. 

Remus shakes his head, but he’s looking at you like you’re one of his favorite things in the world. One of his favorite three things, for sure. 

“How about,” he suggests, “I go turn down the heat on your soup, and Sirius helps you get all the tree bits out of your hair?”

“That’s nice of you.” You push up on your toes, kissing Remus’ cheek. “Thanks.” 

Remus presses one to your lips in return, and Sirius takes your hand, leading you to the bathroom. 

“Did you dunk your hair in the water, too, Prongsie?” he asks when James follows. 

“I don’t think so,” says James. “I just want to see if her hair smells like Christmas tree.” 

Sirius hums. You giggle when he makes a show of bringing your hair to his nose, sniffing curiously. “It does, actually.”

[megalony]

Are We Clear

This is a new Eddie Diaz imagine based on a lovely anon request. I hope you will all like it, please let me know what you think.

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Eddie Diaz Masterlist

Summary: When (Y/n) drops Chris off at school, she has a very bad interaction with one of the parents at school. So the next day, Eddie goes to have a 'polite chat' and sort things out.

Enjoy.

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

Lifting her head, (Y/n) glanced in the rear-view mirror to get a glimpse of the carrier behind her. It almost didn't feel real to be looking back at the carrier and seeing her baby sleeping soundly in the back seat. (Y/n) had spent the last year wondering what it would be like when her baby was here. She and Eddie had been preparing and talking and constantly thinking this over, and now, it didn't seem real.

It almost felt like a dream when (Y/n) thought back to being at the station's Christmas party when her water broke. She had been so worried that she would be in hospital on Christmas day and ruin the plans and the day for Chris. Luck had been on their side that Cindy had been born on Christmas Eve and when Chris woke up Christmas morning, he was thrilled to find (Y/n) and his new baby sister sat waiting for him in the living room.

When she looked to her right, she caught Chris grinning up at her with that cheesy smile that always made her heart melt. For almost two years since (Y/n) married Eddie, she had been a mum to Chris and felt like she had a child, she had taken him on as her own. And now she had two kids.

It felt good to be driving Chris to school again. During the summer when the weather was scorching and they had the time, (Y/n) would walk Chris all the way to school. It was a good part of physio for him and it got (Y/n) out the house for longer, although she hadn't walked him to school for a while. She didn't have the energy when she had been nine months pregnant. And when Chris went back to school after Christmas break, Eddie's shifts had lined up so he could drop him off.

Soon, when Cindy was a bit more settled and the weather was nicer, (Y/n) would walk Chris to school again with Cindy in her pram.

"You've remembered uncle Buck is picking you up today, right?" (Y/n) glanced over at Chris before she looked back to the road and turned onto the next street and veered towards the school.

Buck was taking Chris to the cinema after school which meant that since Eddie was off work too, he and (Y/n) would be spending some time alone with Cindy for the day.

"Yeah, he said it's pizza for dinner."

"Oh did he, you won't have room for popcorn then."

"Yes I will!" The grin that lit up his face made (Y/n) chuckle and she watched as he started to rock back and forth, bashing his head into the headrest from both stimming and his energy levels. All day he would be thinking about when he could leave, going to the cinema was the one thing he wanted to do today and nothing else would be important to Chris.

When she pulled up outside the school, (Y/n) rolled her eyes playfully at seeing Chris was already trying to clamber out the car before she'd even turned the engine off. At least he knew to wait for her.

He grabbed his backpack and slung it on, moving to stand on the path while he waited patiently for (Y/n) to scoop Cindy out of her carrier.

She lifted the newborn up and kissed her cheek before settling her down on her chest. (Y/n) cradled the back of her bead and began gently bouncing her up and down in her arms while the nudged the door shut with her hip and began to follow after Chris. She could feel Cindy's hands tapping and bashing against her chest as the little girl started to wake up from her power nap.

"Okay, off we go."

She smiled when she felt Chris's hand loop into the crook of her elbow and he glued himself up into her side as they walked down the path towards the school gates.

It was good to see familiar faces again and (Y/n) smiled as much as she felt able before she tilted her head down and pressed her lips to the top of her daughter's head. She hadn't been out very much since having Cindy, she had been spending time at home getting into routines and being with her boys. But it was time to start getting out a bit more, (Y/n) knew that and she felt ready to be venturing out with Cindy now.

"Alright baby, have a good day and have fun with uncle Buck later." Adjusting Cindy in her right arm, (Y/n) turned to face Chris and looped her arm around him. She leaned down to kiss the top of his head while he meshed himself into her side and cuddled into her.

She felt Chris murmuring "Love you," into her chest and it made her heart warm and melt like butter.

"Love you too."

When Chris unravelled his arms from around (Y/n)'s waist, he tilted his head back and smiled up at his little sister who was starting to liven up. Her little eyes were turning as wide as saucers and her lips were forming into a perfect pout as she looked around her new environment with shock and wonder.

Reaching up, he gently took his sister's little hand that was clenched into a fist and started to sway their hands back and forth for a few seconds. Chris had taken to the big brother role almost immediately. He didn't like it when Cindy cried, but he loved to sit and hold her when she was settled. He was the same as Eddie in the fact that he would hold her for hours if she was content to do so.

Eddie spent most of his evenings off laid with Cindy curled up on his bare chest.

Chris whispered a soft "Bye Cindy-Lou," before he let go of her hand and pulled away from them both. It had been Chris's idea to name her Cindy because she was born right before Christmas, and he had an obsession with The Grinch.

(Y/n) stayed in the playground for a few moments until she watched Chris toddle off inside and she knew he was alright. Her thumb began to glide across the back of Cindy's head while she turned around and slowly headed back towards the gates.

She nodded and smiled at some of the parents she knew, the ones who she had met when dropping or picking Chris up from his friends houses when he went round for tea sometimes. But she didn't stop to chat to any of them, (Y/n) wasn't in the mood for talking and they were all busy dropping their kids off anyway, much to her relief.

She began to hum against the top of Cindy's head as she headed out the gates and aimed for the car. She would probably head on a drive before she went back home, it would settle the newborn and Eddie would be out on his run at the moment so there was no need to rush back.

"Shall we go for a drive?" She mumbled into Cindy's temple and gently nudged her up and down against her chest as she approached the car.

The small gurgle she got in response was good enough for (Y/n) and she smiled as she carefully opened the back door and leaned forward to ease Cindy into her carrier. It was pretty clear who had gotten the two-month-old dressed this morning, considering she was wearing a Minnie Mouse onesie and a pink bow headband.

(Y/n) was rather surprised Eddie hadn't put Cindy in the dark pink dress he usually dressed her in because it said 'daddy's princess' across the front. Or the dark blue romper which said 'daddy's little helper' which he had put her in to take her to the station for the first time last week.

She was going to be a daddy's girl and have Eddie wrapped around her little finger, (Y/n) could see it already.

"Has daddy made you look pretty today?"

It was almost as if Cindy could understand her because her small fist moved to brush against the headband she wore and (Y/n) nodded with a creased smile.

"He has, hm?" She cooed, catching Cindy's hand when her arms started to flail around in front of her. She pressed a few dozen kisses to the back of her daughter's hand, loving the little gummy smile she got in response.

Her hip slanted against the seat as she leaned forward, muttering a quiet "Come here," as she gently caught Cindy's hands and weaved her arms into the straps so she could buckle her in safely. She pressed a few kisses to her temple and cheeks to watch her baby squirm and smile in that cute way which enamoured anyone who looked at her.

But the tender look on (Y/n)'s face started to morph when she heard a new voice behind her.

"Hi."

(Y/n) turned away from Cindy and straightened up so she was no longer leaning in the car, but the smile on her face began to fade when she realised who was now stood next to her on the pavement.

Ray. He was one of the dads, his two boys were a few years older than Chris which thankfully meant that (Y/n) and Eddie didn't have to talk to him very often or deal with him.

This was the guy Eddie didn't get along with.

"Hello." (Y/n) feigned her best smile and and nodded towards him, wondering what he wanted.

It was safe to say that Eddie really, really didn't like Ray. The pair of them had come to blows more than once and a few other parents had to get involved once when Eddie almost smacked him.

Eddie had never been sure what he had done to make Ray dislike him in the first place, but whenever they saw one another, Ray always had something to say. The main thing he commented on was that he thought Eddie was older- or more to the point, too old, to be with (Y/n). There were ten years separating Eddie and (Y/n) which by normal standards, wasn't anything horrific or wrong. It was almost typical.

And their difference in age didn't mean anything, it wasn't a factor that ever got in the way or something they argued about. But Ray seemed to like to comment that Eddie was too old for (Y/n) or that he had a 'teen bride' which was the comment Eddie had tried to throw fists about.

There was always something Ray tried to comment on and it always riled Eddie up the wrong way. Whenever Eddie dropped Chris at school he treated it as a mission, get Chris in and then run back out to the car so he didn't have to interact with anyone or bump into Ray.

It wasn't often that (Y/n) talked to Ray, she barely knew him to say hello to, she only knew to avoid him because Eddie had talked about him before and pointed him out to her.

"I haven't seen you for a while, you're looking good." Ray had one hand stuffed into his trouser pocket but he reached his free hand out to rest on the roof of (Y/n)'s car which made her uncomfortable for a start.

She eyed him curiously, wondering where he was trying to go with this conversation and what his point was. There was clearly a reason he had come over here to talk to her even if (Y/n) didn't really want to interact with him, it seemed that she didn't have much of a choice.

(Y/n) nodded despite her uncomfortableness and the smile started to fade from her lips while she motioned to Cindy in the carrier. "I've been busy, with the baby."

Her defences went on guard when Ray hummed and leaned forward to get a look at Cindy. He didn't seem all that interested in her but (Y/n) didn't want him getting too close to her baby.

The way he tapped his hand against the roof of the car made (Y/n) want to frown, it almost felt like she had called him over here and he thought she was wasting his time. But when he looked back at her, (Y/n) couldn't help but step back until she was leaning into the car door and shivers coursed up and down her spine.

His smile was unsettling and the way Ray shifted his hand from his pocket to drag his fingers across his salt and pepper stubble made (Y/n) hold her breath and turn her head away.

"She's cute. So, where are you headed now? If you're not busy you could always come for a drink with me."

Oh. So that was why he had come over here.

He thought he could try and ask her out for a drink. That notion caused (Y/n) to frown and she glanced him up and down with confusion clearly written across her face.

Was he trying to trick her? Was this some kind of game or a joke that he and some of the other parents had come up with? If (Y/n) said yes were they going to laugh and say they were just winding her up to see if she would take the bait?

Ray had argued with Eddie on almost every occasion that they bumped into each other when dropping the kids off. He knew she was Eddie's wife, he had to. That was one of the things he used to rile Eddie up. So why ask (Y/n) out?

It seemed pretty clear to (Y/n) that if she had just had a baby, then she wouldn't want to go out with someone for a drink. She was married to Eddie and their relationship was clearly on solid ground, considering that they had just welcomed a daughter together. She wasn't about to go off for a drink or a date with another man. Eddie was all she'd ever want and need.

"Oh, I don't know what my husband would have to say about that." She did her best to smile and huff as if this was a mere joke between friends.

And when she turned a little, she raised her left hand and flashed the engagement ring and wedding band on her fourth finger. She was married and she certainly wasn't the type to go around dating other men behind her husband's back.

Besides, Ray was older; a lot older than (Y/n). She was sure she heard him talking to some of the other parents, he was nearing fifty. (Y/n) didn't want to be dating a divorced older man who seemed more of a creep than a gentleman.

At least with Eddie he was only ten years older than her, there were much bigger age gaps out there and Eddie wasn't old, nor was (Y/n) too young. She was the happiest she had ever been with Eddie and Chris in her life and now Cindy. This was her family and she didn't want or need Ray coming along trying to tease or get in the way.

"Well I don't see him around, do you?" Ray scratched his hand along the back of his neck while he leaned in close to (Y/n) and motioned his hand around to imply that Eddie wasn't here.

And in his opinion, none of the other parents were going to care if the pair of them left together. It seemed perfectly fine and agreeable in Ray's mind for (Y/n) to come out with him for a drink. Although (Y/n) did wonder what he thought she was going to do with Cindy. Whether he thought it was okay to bring her along or he expected her to drop her daughter with someone and then go out with him. His mind clearly worked in a strange way.

"That's because he's at home… where I'm now taking our daughter." (Y/n) feebly pointed towards Cindy again before she turned her back on Ray, hoping he would take the hint.

Eddie was going to be home from his morning run soon and (Y/n) wanted to get as far away from this situation as possible. She wanted to take Cindy back home, she didn't care about taking her on a longer drive anymore, she just wanted to get back to Eddie. Where she felt safe.

She leaned forward and strapped the seatbelt around the carrier to clip it back in place properly but she almost groaned when she heard Ray. He was still beside her. It felt like he had moved even closer. Just great.

"Motherhood's done you some good."

It seemed best to ignore that comment and tell Ray to make himself scarce, but (Y/n) didn't get the chance.

Her body froze and her heart lurched up into her throat when she felt a hand suddenly grab her bum.

When Ray muttered "A much better shape," and leaned over her, (Y/n) frantically rammed her elbow behind her until she winded him in the abdomen and he stumbled back. She spun around and stumbled against the car door which she used to steady herself as her wide eyes brimmed with panic and focused on watching the older man with a growing sense of fear.

What the Hell did he think he was doing? (Y/n) hadn't done anything to give him the impression she wanted him to touch her in any kind of way, especially not like that. She didn't want to be grabbed or touched by anyone who wasn't her husband. She thought she had made that crystal clear.

She saw his hand moving and she dreaded the thought of what he was going to do or exactly where he was going to try and touch her this time. So she didn't give him the chance. (Y/n) slammed her palm into his chest and shoved him back until he was tripping over his feet on the pavement.

"Do that again and you'll lose that hand. Leave me alone." She tried her best not to let any fear mingle in with her voice but her tone wavered and her eyes were already glossing over with tears.

Her shaking hands slammed the door shut and she wasted no more time, scrambling into the drivers seat where she could click the door lock button. Just in case Ray thought he could try and open the door and do something to change her mind or intimidate her.

She wanted to go home. She needed Eddie.

(Y/n) couldn't stop the way her fingers frantically began to tap against the steering wheel as she drove home. She was practically vibrating and shaking in her seat to the point driving was becoming a hard task rather than something she did on autopilot.

Her eyes kept scanning the rear view mirror to check on Cindy, making sure the newborn was settled and on her way off to sleep again. She was none the wiser to what had happened and thankfully not unsettled in the slightest, which was more than could be said for (Y/n).

The shaking seemed to subside by the time (Y/n) pulled up in the drive, but she could still feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins like fire in her blood, and it was unsettling. Her stomach was churning, her heart was pounding and her fingers were twitching at her sides.

She should have done something more than simply elbowing Ray. She should have turned around and made a scene. Rammed her fist into his nose. Shouted at him in front of the other parents. Looked to see if anyone noticed. She should have done something more.

Insulting words, ideas of what she could have done, visions of Ray skulking off humiliated, everything rolled around in (Y/n)'s head like a video tape while she climbed out the car and scooped Cindy up from her carrier.

Another round of tears were building up in (Y/n)'s eyes and she didn't even know why.

Her lips attached to Cindy's temple as she headed inside and wandered down the hall towards the bedroom. She rocked and bounced her daughter in her arms for a few moments, making sure she was truly settled and on her way to sleep before she dared to lay Cindy down in the crib attached to the side of the bed. She could use a nap before she would be ready for her next bottle.

(Y/n) barely finished settling her down in the crib she was leant over before a pair of arms took her by surprise and made her shudder.

She stayed put stood at the side of the bed, hands on the edge of the crib and her head angled to the left when Eddie glued himself up behind her. (Y/n) wondered for a moment or two if Eddie had been home when she got in and she simply hadn't noticed. But when she felt the harsh rise and fall of his chest pressing against her back and the deep, laboured breaths he was taking against her neck, she guessed he had just come back from his run seconds after she got in.

Added with his damp hair tickling her cheek and the sweat glistening and sticking on his skin, (Y/n) knew for sure that Eddie had just gotten back.

"Hola hermosa," His words tickled against her neck and the feeling of his teeth grazing against her skin made (Y/n) shiver.

Eddie tightened his arms around her waist and tilted his head so he could kiss her cheek, but his eyes narrowed slightly when (Y/n) didn't say or react to him. He felt her hands move from the crib to hold onto his wrists rather ferociously like she wanted to ensure that he wasn't going to get he go all of a sudden, but that was the only reaction he got.

He didn't earn a smile or her head properly turning in his direction, she didn't hum or speak or even turn around to face him.

His nose nudged her cheek and his thumb began to glide up and down her waist but he could feel his internal panic multiplying when (Y/n) continued to stay silent. And he could feel just how tense she was, like she thought relaxing even a fraction of her body would cause her to break into a million pieces.

"Something wrong?"

Again, he waited for (Y/n) to say something and clue him in to what might be happening or wrong here. He tried to look over her shoulder just to triple check on Cindy, but like he suspected, their girl was sound asleep and settled in front of them in the cot.

He waited patiently when (Y/n) finally began to move in front of him and he loosened his arms around her middle, but (Y/n) didn't move very far. She barely turned around in his arms before she looped her arms around the back of Eddie's neck and leaned into him. He felt the way she sighed as she burrowed her face into the crook of his neck and leaned against his chest to the point Eddie had to tilt back and stop (Y/n) from toppling them both to the ground.

"Baby what's wrong?" He was starting to get worried now. Eddie didn't usually get this kind of response from (Y/n) and he knew her like the back of his hand. He could tell something wasn't right but he had no idea what it was. She had seemed fine this morning before he went out on his run.

With a deep breath, Eddie pressed a kiss to the side of her temple before he moved one hand up to cup the side of her face. His thumb brushed across her cheek and he gently tilted (Y/n)'s head back so she was no longer tucked away against his neck. Allowing him to look down at her properly, he needed to see her to talk to her properly and find out what was wrong.

His thumb continued to glide across her cheek while (Y/n) leaned into his touch and locked her eyes on his parted red lips that had taken up her attention.

"I bumped into one of the dads at school today, Ray." (Y/n) found her eyes zooming in on Eddie's lips while she spoke and she watched them part so he could groan.

His eyes rolled and a grimace crossed his face at the mention of that particular person.

She watched the way his breathing finally seemed to mellow out now that he was no longer running loops around the block. And (Y/n) took in the way Eddie's black vest was sticking to his chest like a second layer of skin, despite the droplets of sweat glistening in the morning sunlight.

She could feel his hand flexing and twitching against her lower back like he was doing his best not to scrunch up her shirt or start fiddling out of anxious habit.

"He's a prick, that's the one who started asking how old I was compared to how 'young my wife is' but he's bloody older than me. He went to say something about Chris last time until I mentioned I was in the army, that shut him up. What'd he want this time?"

Eddie moved both hands back down to (Y/n)'s waist, settling them on her hips as he angled his head to one side to look down at her. He didn't want to imagine what Ray had tried to talk to her about today. Probably something insulting, knowing him.

Eddie wasn't sure what exactly started it, but Ray seemed to have a vendetta against him. He was always making jibes and going out of his way to irritate Eddie whenever they bumped into each other on the school run.

He had a thing for commenting on the fact that (Y/n) was and clearly looked a lot younger than Eddie. He'd go around asking Eddie how he managed to 'pull a girl like that' and comment that she was too young to step into the role of being Chris's mum.

Many times Eddie had come close to lashing out at him there in the school yard and he'd had more than a few choice words with him dozens of times. But he hadn't known Ray to approach (Y/n) very often and talk or argue with her. He dreaded to think what Ray might have tried to argue or lecture (Y/n) about.

"He asked me out for a drink, and said motherhood looked good on me… then he- he grabbed my bum."

It seemed to take Eddie a moment or two to take in what (Y/n) said and she felt him tense when he finally seemed to realise what she'd implied. She felt his hands tighten on her hips and she lifted her head just in time to see Eddie's eyes narrow and his lips part in shock.

"What?" The gritty tone in Eddie's voice made (Y/n)'s stomach clench and she saw the fury bubbling over in his eyes.

when he stepped back, (Y/n) feared for a second that he was going to walk away from her or even walk out the door in this angered state. But he seemed to have stepped back so he could look down at her better which gave (Y/n) a good view of the fury taking hold over Eddie. And she felt like melting on the spot when Eddie's hand held her chin and kept their gazes interlocked when he could sense that (Y/n) was about to look away.

"He touched you?!"

(Y/n) could see his chest rising and falling harshly again like he had been on another two mile run when she meekly nodded to his outburst. "Right in front of everyone. I told him to back off but- I don't know, he frightened me."

Her hands slid up Eddie's arms until she was holding onto his shoulders and she gently nudged him back until he took the hint and started walking backwards towards the door. Listening when she muttered "Don't wake the baby."

The last thing they needed was to wake up Cindy and have to re-settle her again before they could continue this conversation.

Eddie let her walk him towards the door, still keeping one hand deadlocked around her hip as if to make sure that she was following along with him. But once they were out in the hallway, Eddie was holding her chin again and lifting her head so they were looking at one another.

"He didn't do anything else?" There was a wary look in Eddie's eyes, like he wasn't sure he actually wanted to ask or to know the answer. He wouldn't be able to control his anger if (Y/n) told him that Ray had tried any other stunts or had gone as far as to hurt her in trying to make advances and passes at her.

"He didn't get chance, I drove off."

"Well he's not getting another fucking chance to go near you again."

(Y/n) wasn't sure what to make of that statement because she could see the violent look swirling around in Eddie's eyes and the way his lips formed into a tight grimace and how tense he was holding himself told her he was close to exploding.

She gingerly looped her arms around his neck and pushed away from the wall so she was leaning into Eddie's chest. She didn't want another instance like today happening again, she didn't want to get out the car when she went to pick Chris up from school later. Maybe walking to get him might be easier so she could make a quick escape once Chris came out the gates.

She didn't want the risk of bumping into Ray or catching sight of him after how he had acted. She had no idea what he would be like now she had upset and embarrassed him. He might be angry. He might try and get back at her or try harder to flirt or upset her. (Y/n) had no idea what Ray might do and she didn't want to find out either.

It was as if Eddie could read her thoughts because his arms looped tightly around her waist and his lips pressed against her temple, smothering a sigh as he started to sway them from left to right.

"No one's ever done that before." (Y/n) muttered the words quietly into Eddie's neck as she closed her eyes and moved to lay her cheek on his shoulder.

Sure, a few guys had whistled or cat called her once or twice, but no one had been so rude and demeaning as to reach out and touch (Y/n) inappropriately like that before. Especially not somewhere like a school where her kids were there. She was just relieved that Chris hadn't seen.

"Hey, no one's gonna do that again, especially not him. I promise." There was a certain meaning behind those words that made (Y/n) cling to Eddie tighter.

She wasn't quite sure she wanted to ask him what he meant by that and she felt his lips pressing against her temple once again like he was trying to banish all the bad thoughts from her mind.

"I'm taking Chris to school tomorrow." There was no debating Eddie's statement.

He would take Chris to school in the morning on his way to work. And he hoped Ray would be there. Eddie would go and have words with him.

***

"What you looking for?" A perplexed look flooded Chris's face when he tilted his head back to look up at his dad.

Eddie wasn't usually this slow when walking Chris through the gates, but Chris kept on finding himself speeding ahead with Eddie two paces behind him. And his dad was constantly looking around like he was an owl, tilting his head from left to right.

Those words snapped Eddie out of his thoughts and he looked down at Chris and tried his best to smile reassuringly. He kept his left hand locked around the handle on Chris's backpack like he usually did so Chris wouldn't drift too far off and he picked up the pace to keep up with him.

"Sorry bud, just looking around."

Chris hummed and once they reached their usual spot in the playground, he spun round and wrapped his arms around Eddie's waist.

"Alright, have a good day and your mum will pick you up later, okay?" Eddie kissed the top of his head and ruffled his hair just to see Chris squirm and groan.

He watched Chris head off towards the doors, shouting "Bye dad!" over his shoulder before he was out of sight and as happy as ever.

Once Chris was safely inside, Eddie stuffed his hands into his pockets and turned around. His shoulders rose high and his eyes scanned the playground as he wandered back towards the gates. There was one person in particular he was looking for and if he didn't find him, the rest of the day was going to be spent with Eddie in a foul mood.

He slowed down his walk once he was out the gates and looking around the street. He weaved between the kids just arriving and the parents waving them off. Out of all the times Eddie had dropped Chris off and tried to rush back to the car in a hurry and avoid one specific person, this was the first time that Eddie had ever wanted to bump into him.

And there he was.

Ray. Stood with his phone in hand, both his kids already forgotten before they were even through the school gates. How typical.

Eddie's day was going to go much better now he had spotted him. He wouldn't have to go to work thinking about what he wanted to do and what he should say once he found Ray. He wouldn't spend the day in a sour mood feeling annoyed that he hadn't sorted this situation out once and for all.

Now Eddie could rectify the situation.

He was weaving through the parents and aiming for Ray before the older man had even bothered to lift his head from staring at his phone.

"Hey, remember me?"

Eddie didn't give Ray chance to respond. As soon as he was within reach, Eddie curled his hand around Ray's upper arm and continued in his stride.

He began dragging Ray alongside him until the older man had no choice but to stumble and turn around to follow alongside Eddie. He knew they must have looked a bit odd and a few looks were gained in their direction, but no one commented or approached or got in the way.

Without breaking his stride, Eddie guided Ray around the corner to the left so they were away from the school and most on-lookers. A secluded corner right near an alley, the perfect atmosphere and seclusion Eddie needed to have a little 'friendly word' with Ray.

"Jesus Diaz, what's that about?" Ray shook his arm as if Eddie's grip had almost broken it, something Eddie wasn't opposed to doing after what Ray had done yesterday. And he stuffed his phone in his pocket, clearly wanting to give his full attention to Eddie and find out what he wanted and what he thought he was doing.

Both Eddie's hands fell to his hips and his head angled to one side as he stared, unamused, at the older man stood slightly slouched in front of him.

"I think you had an altercation with my wife yesterday."

The smile on Eddie's face was unnerving and Ray's demanour changed within an instant. He straightened up but seemed to shrink in on himself at the same time. His brows furrowed and he took a deep breath while he held his chin high, but it didn't do much to intimidate Eddie or make him seem like the bigger person, in any respect.

Did he really think that (Y/n) would go home and not tell Eddie what he had done? Did he think Eddie wouldn't care or that he wouldn't bother to come over and confront him about it? If that's what Ray thought then he was more idiotic than Eddie first took him for.

Ray rolled his shoulders and tensed his jaw as he glared across at Eddie. "I- I talked to her, yeah."

"Hm. And you really think it's appropriate to go around and grope a married woman when she turns you down?" Eddie folded his arms over his chest and took a step closer until there was barely one foot of space between them and he was leering over the older man.

All Eddie could think about yesterday was the fact that Ray thought he had the right to go and touch (Y/n) and make her feel intimidated and he hadn't been there to do anything. No one had stepped in or asked what was going on. He had upset (Y/n) and made her uncomfortable and panicked and he had no right to go and do something like that.

He had no right to touch her in any way and yet he had and he seemed to think there was nothing wrong with that and no consequences. Well, Eddie would show him that actions had consequences. He would make sure Ray didn't go around doing this to anyone else. Especially not to Eddie's wife again.

As if it wasn't enough of a sign that (Y/n) was married and had just had a baby which would indicate she wasn't looking for flirtations. Ray still went ahead and did something he shouldn't without being led on in the slightest.

"She was asking for it."

Stars and spots twinkled in front of Eddie's eyes when those words hit his ears and before he knew what he was doing, he was lunging forward. His hand clenched around Ray's shoulder which he used to push him forward and he grabbed Ray's wrist with his other hand. In less than a second, he had Ray's hand twisted at a ninety-degree angle until it was locked in place and any other rotation would snap the joint completely.

The yelp of surprise and pain that Ray let out was almost music to Eddie's ears and he manoeuvred his hand until his palm was pressing down on Ray's fingers, bending them to the point of agony.

"Talk about her like that again, and I'll start breaking bones one at a time." Eddie wasn't opposed to bending fingers until they snapped and it would be incredibly easy to twist Ray's wrist until the joint snapped and the tendons and ligaments started to stretch and tear.

He didn't want to hear lies like that and he especially didn't want Ray talking about (Y/n) in that manner. She hadn't done anything to lead him on and they both knew it and Eddie wasn't just going to stand and listen to him talking about her like that. It was insulting.

When Ray nodded his head, Eddie loosened his grip just a little so that Ray could straighten up somewhat and he could flex his fingers without the risk of breaking them. But he didn't let go of him just yet. They weren't finished.

"You're an old guy, Ray, you should understand respect." He was older than Eddie, and Eddie had been brought up on manners and respect to everyone, especially women and his elders.

He would have thought that Ray had those same ideals enforced upon him when he was growing up. But clearly he didn't or he had forgone without them.

With a deep breath, Eddie let go of Ray's shoulder in favour of scrunching his hand in the back of Ray's hair instead. He yanked his head back so they were almost level and he could talk without having to raise his voice and risk others listening in. If anyone caught them they would surely call the police or tell the school that Eddie had been instigating arguments with other parents.

He didn't need that to happen right now. This was just an informal chat in Eddie's opinion. He could do a lot worse if he wanted to, and he really, really wanted to. He was restraining himself and showing some mercy to Ray who didn't exactly deserve it right now.

Ray had to understand, and Eddie had to make things perfectly clear for him so there wouldn't be any more incidents like this happening again.

"Alright Ray, now if you go near my wife again, you won't be able to use those hands anymore. And if you dare try and touch her like that again, I'll bury you myself. Are we clear?"

He wasn't sure he was going to get an answer until he tightened his hand in Ray's hair and gave his head a little shake. That was enough to have him yelping and hissing.

"Yeah! Yeah, w-whatever Diaz… just get off." The strain was clear in his voice and once Eddie let go of him and released his wrist, Ray stumbled forward. He tripped over his feet, coiling his now bruised and tender arm to his chest and shaking his head where his salt and pepper hair was ruffled and skewed at the back of his head.

He didn't look back towards Eddie as he stumbled from the secluded corner. He coughed, grumbled and spat as he turned and trudged down the path, going as fast as he dared without breaking into a run and arousing suspicion from any other parents that might still be hanging around nearby.

A relieved look took over Eddie's face as he ran a hand through his hair and clicked his neck into place. It felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders and he headed out onto the path, setting his sights on his car.

He could go to work now, satisfied that Ray wasn't about to try any of those tricks whenever he bumped into (Y/n) at school. (Y/n) could pick Chris up this afternoon and any other day from now and she wouldn't have to worry. Ray had been warned to stay away.

And if he didn't, Eddie would follow through on his promise.