#Aspen squeals

[aspenonpawzzz]

“Hunter has two eye colors !1!”

no he has more.

proof:

blue- 1

Brown- 2

This one (black?)- 3

The many shades of magenta- 8.

8 eye colors, damn.

[sundewhasaudhd]

MERRY CHRISTMAS SUNDEWWW :DD

HAVE THE BEST CHRISTMAS AND ALSO MERRY WIGGLYMAS!!!!! 💚🐙💚🐙

ANANDJSPQIUWYEHRNDLAPQUSHJDLSPSKDJDMDLFHHJFNFNCYWIOAOPQKSJDJDJDJ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA TTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAANNNNNNNKKKKKKKKK :DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

[writerspirit]

Chapter I

Pairing(s): Melissa Schemmenti x Fem!Reader

Series: Schemmenti Family Agenda

Synopsis: After a student makes a comment to Y/n, Melissa takes into consideration what the next steps in your relationship should be.

Themes/Warnings: Fluff, Angst (please let me know if there are any warnings to be aware of)

A/N: I first wrote this part in an early morning surge of energy. I've already started on part two, so be on the lookout for that. I've also started an outline for an Agatha Harkness/Agnes x Fem!Reader w/ "magic baby" trope.

WC: ~ 2.15k

Having kids wasn’t something you thought to ever be on the agenda. It never was with you and Melissa. Both you and her being elementary teachers for Abbott, the only kids you two ever talked about “having” were your students. It has been a nice flow between you professionally. You being the other first grade teacher in the school, a good amount of kids in your class progress to your wife’s classroom in their following school year. These handful of kids are called by the other teachers as the “Double Schemmenti” kids, which you and Melissa find endearing.

These little aspects of your life at Abbott make being a teacher for these kids the best job anyone could ask for. Not to mention having the role of being these kids’ mentor, even sometimes their parent, is a gift in itself. So, whenever babies were a thought, it was more of a subtle whisper, rather than a thought-provoking idea.

That is until Melissa walks into your classroom after school one day to find you with one of your students playing with the deck of cards she so graciously lent for the room. 

“Hey, honey,” she smiles, making her way inside.

“Mrs. Schemmenti!” Aspen squeals. “Mrs. Schemmenti is teaching me how to play Kings in the Corner. It helps with my counting.”

“That’s great, sweetheart.” The redhead looks over at his hand and smiles. “Maybe next year you’ll be able to get a good grasp on poker so that you can beat all the chumps at the table.”

Aspen gives her a quizzical look. You, a furrow of the eyebrows, telling her to test the waters. She mouths a ‘sorry’ along with a low smile. Bringing her attention to your cards, she chuckles. “I don’t know, Mrs. Schemmenti. I think the kid’s hand is just enough to rattle you outta luck.”

Aspen’s smile turns to a little dance in place, in anticipation for his next move. 

You bring yourself to feign a sigh. “I think you might be right. I just can’t believe Aspen is so good already, and it’s his first time playing.”

Melissa shuffles back next to Aspen, who glances at her before she nods. “Take her down, kid.”

He rushes for a card before calculating his line of moves to play. With what seems to be one swift motion, his cards disappear from his hand and onto the floor with the others. “I got ya, Mrs. Schemmenti! Victory is mine!”

You giggle along with him. “You got me!” You and Melissa dance with him, doing your own little dances in place. Once he’s seemed to settle down from his victory dance, you help him pick up the cards.

“Why don’t you practice your shuffling while I talk with Mrs. Schemmenti?”

He nods. “Okay. I’ll go sit at my desk.”

“Okay.”

“He’s a quick little guy, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, he is. Smartest kid in the class. Maybe the smartest I’ve ever taught.” You peek at him, seeing if he’s focused on the cards in his hand, which he is. “His mom is working a little late today. The divorce hasn’t been easy for either of them, so I told her that I can stay with Aspen a little later than the allotted time for pickup.”

Melissa sighs. “Don’t I know it. Divorce is tough. I can’t imagine the added stress of having a child during the process.”

You quickly take a look at your watch. “You don’t have to wait up for me. Janine and Ava have step practice today, and I’m sure I can catch a ride with one of them if you want to go home. I know you have grading to get done.”

“I can wait here with you and the little guy. Grading can wait a little longer, and besides, I don’t want you catching a ride with either of ‘em as long as I’m here. I couldn’t live with myself if I knew I’d been responsible for another Janine car ride migraine.” Her lips perk up into a smile.

"I swear if I hear another lecture on the benefits of different colored highlighters, I’ll–"

“Mom!” Aspen squeals, getting out of his seat and running to his mother’s arms. She lays a soft kiss on his head.

“Hi, Aspen. How was school?” Dina’s eyes turn from his to yours. “Was he okay?”

You nod. “The little champ beat me in Kings in the Corner.”

“And I know how to shuffle now. So now I can help you when we play Uno.”

“Great job, honey. And I’m sure now you can help me beat Grandpa when he comes to visit next week.”

Aspen seemingly lights up brighter than before. “Grandpa’s coming? Yay!” He envelops her in a hug.

“Honey, why don’t you grab your things so I can talk to your mom?” Your eyes quickly glance at his belongings that sit on and around his desk. 

“I’ll give you two a minute.” Melissa moves towards Aspen. “I’ll help him get his things.”

“Thank you for everything. Really, you’re a lifesaver.” Dina lets a sigh leave her lips. “He’s really been doing great through this whole thing.”

“No disruptions, no problems. I wish I had his positive attitude all the time. And hey, don’t worry about it. I don’t mind getting beat at cards. He’s a smart kid.”

Dina smiles.

“I’m ready,” Aspen says. He walks up to meet his mother’s side, where she places a hand on his shoulder. “Mrs. Schemmenti?”

“Yes sweetheart?”

“You’re gonna make a great mom one day,” his smile widens before he says his goodbyes to you and Melissa. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay, kid. We’ll see ya,” Melissa adds. She turns to you. “Ready to go?”

“Mhm,” you grab your bag’s handle, but it’s quickly taken away from you when the older woman grabs it. “Melissa, I can carry my stuff.”

“I never said you couldn’t.” She smiles as you grab hold of her arm.

Walking out of Abbott, you both send smiles and your own goodbyes to a few colleagues. Your hand never strays from her arm, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“So what are you feeling like for dinner?” She asks.

“Are you asking because you feel like cooking, or are you asking me because you want to just order takeout?”

She chuckles. “I was actually asking because I could go for anything you wanted to cook.”

“Enchiladas, then.”

“Well, they’re your signature.” She places a kiss on your temple.

When you reach the car, she walks with you to the passenger’s side, opening the door for you. “My lady,” she smiles watching you take your seat. She hands you your bag, and closes the door.

You reach over to the door and pull the door handle for her. “Thank you, sweetie.”

“Anything for my girl,” you say. Her hand instinctively rests on your thigh as she starts the drive to your shared home. You move a hand to graze her arm.

“So,” Melissa starts up a new conversation when you hit upon a red light. “Aspen gave you a really nice compliment there, huh?”

“What?” You take a moment to think back. “Oh… yeah, he’s a really sweet kid. I hope you get to teach him next year. I mean he already loves you.”

Melissa turns the music up a bit, as your favorite song plays. While you’re jamming, she hums along, singing the words in her head. Unbeknownst to you, Melissa is thinking harder than she’d care to admit to about Aspen’s words. Had you given any thought to having a child of your own? She hasn’t expressed any interest in having a mini Melissa since she was younger, when her sister had her first baby.

As if the memory played out word for word, she remembers how crushed she was when, while holding her then baby nephew, Joe completely shut down the idea of growing their family. 

As if you know she needs a distraction of sorts, you speak up, taking her out of her thoughts. “Oh, honey, I think we need to stop at the grocery store. Is that okay with you?”

She nods and forces a smile for you.

– – – –

Melissa’s hand never leaves the small of your back while you push the cart. Along the journey of getting the ingredients necessary for your dinner, she looks around every aisle that you walk through. Almost finished with the aisle you two are currently in, you start your way towards the registers. As you wait in one of the lines, Melissa picks up bits of the couple’s conversation happening in front of her, talking about their excitement in welcoming their own bundle of joy in seven months. 

“Melissa?”

“Hm,” she turns her attention towards you.

“Is everything okay? You’ve been almost quiet since we left school. The only times I ever experience quiet Melissa is when you’re scheming. Well, that or you’re planning someone’s meeting with justice.”

“I’m fine, hon.” She places her hands on either side of your waist, and places a few light kisses on your temple. “I’m perfect.”

– – – –

“Amore,” she starts.

“Hm,” you hum, sipping your wine.

“Nothin’.”

“Baby,” you reach your hand and place it gently on her own. “What’s up?”

She has a glint in her eyes. One you’ve only seen two other times – when she was too nervous to ask you to be her girlfriend, and then again when she asked you to be her wife. By this, you know she has got something big on her mind.

“Don’t worry about it,” she says, her voice not leaving a low tone. She focuses her attention on her plate, trying to collect her thoughts.

“Okay…” you start. “But I will. You have the look.”

“What look?” Her eyes bounce to you, now wide, awaiting your response.

“You’ve only ever looked at me twice like that before, and both times they were because you had something big to get off your chest. Now please…” You place your hand on her thigh. “What is it, Melissa?”

“You ever thought about maybe… I don’t know… it’s just us here. And sometimes I feel it. The… space.”

You stay silent, trying to piece together what she’s going on about. Was she getting sick of you? Was this marriage too much for her? She doesn’t skip a beat though. Her rambling is starting to sound like she is convincing herself of something, in hopes you’ll say what’s bothering her, so she doesn’t have to. That’s when in the midst of your spacing out, there is only one sentence that makes you freeze.

“Maybe an addition to us wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“You want to have a baby,” she can’t tell by your tone if you were stating it as if it were a fact, or rather forming it in a question. “Like… a baby.”

“No, wait, I didn’t say that,” her voice rises in pitch. “Per say.”

You wait a minute, in case she has more to say. “Okay…”

Crap! May day! May day! Retreat! Her thoughts tell her.

She downs the beer that is left in her bottle. Her hands grab for your plates and starts her way to the kitchen. “Just forget I said anything.”

“But, Melissa–”

“Please, just forget it, Y/n.”

– – – –

After dinner, you and Melissa snuggle up on the couch. Your face is nestled in her neck, giving soft kisses where you know she loves them. This would usually lead to you ravaging each other until the sunrise spills through your curtains. Tonight, however, doesn’t look like that is in the cards for you.

Your hand begins drawing patterns on her thigh, as you continue your kisses on her skin. “Your thoughts are loud tonight, my love.”

“Hon,” Melissa whispers, her voice almost impossible to hear over the television. As if on cue, the Dancing With the Stars theme sings for you. “Look, the show is starting.”

The rest of the night is much quieter than usual. Adding to your worry, Melissa doesn’t seem as enthusiastic about the episode as she usually is. There’s no yelling at the television, rarely a chuckle, and not even a snack to go with the episode.

As the episode ends, Melissa breathes a heavy sigh. “Ready for bed?”

You take a look at your phone which reads the time. “Yeah,” you say with simple directions. “Just… give me a minute and I’ll be up.”

She nods as she rises off the couch. She makes sure to place a gentle kiss on your cheek before heading upstairs.

At the sound of Melissa ascending the stairs, you quickly grab your phone. Opening your Contacts app, Barbara Howard’s phone number is already in view for you. With a second to think on a decision, a sigh leaves your lips, and the clicking of the power button shuts the device off.

Sleep on it. Whatever it is.

[stylesonfilms]

ink & innocence - 13

word count: 7.3k

hi! this was inspired by one of the comments left in my inbox so thank u for the suggestion! i've read the other ones and have noted them down as well. happy reading!

"Harryyy, come on!" Aspen's playful whine echoed through the quiet library, earning a raised brow from an older patron seated nearby. Aspen winced apologetically before turning back to Harry, who stood a few feet away, his expression as unimpressed as ever, though the slight curve at the corner of his mouth betrayed him.

"No," he puffed out a laugh, shaking his head as he bent down into the book cart. With one hand, he pulled out another hardcover while his other steadied the wobbling stack she had precariously piled earlier. He reached over, extending the book toward her without breaking stride. "Here, unless you wanna use me as a ladder again."

Aspen's cheeks flushed. The last time they'd done this, she had struggled with the top shelves and made him crouch down so she could awkwardly step onto his thigh. He hadn't let her live it down since.

It had become their little routine. Aspen was buried neck-deep in midterms and work shifts, balancing her time between lectures, the library, and stolen moments of quiet with Harry. On the nights where their schedules aligned, Harry had made it a habit of swinging by the library before closing time. At first, Aspen had protested his help, insisting she could finish on her own, but Harry, as persistent as he was, always wore her down. Now, she couldn't help but smile every time she saw him stroll through the doors with that easy confidence, ready to argue until she let him pitch in.

Today was no different. Aspen had barely clocked in after her lecture when Harry texted her: Be there at 4. A simple message, but it left her cheeks warm for the rest of her shift. By the time he arrived, they'd fallen into their usual rhythm. Aspen would work, and Harry would pretend to grumble about helping but inevitably do it anyway—though only after extracting a promise of a few kisses in his car afterward.

"Come on, if you make an Instagram account, we could all follow you, spy on your so-called private life," Aspen teased, glancing over her shoulder with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She wiggled her eyebrows dramatically, biting back a giggle when Harry rolled his eyes.

"You already do that," he shot back, sliding another book into her waiting hands. "And I only really talk to you guys anyway. What's Instagram gonna do that my contacts and iMessage can't?"

Aspen jutted out her bottom lip in an exaggerated pout, cradling the book to her chest. "But then you could post all those artsy photos you take! Come on, Harry, you're practically an undercover photographer."

That earned her a full-on laugh, low and rich, as Harry leaned his hip against the cart. She wasn't wrong. One thing Aspen had quickly learned about him was his knack for capturing beauty in the mundane. Whether it was the glow of a sunset behind the mountains, the way fog curled lazily through downtown's alleys, or the candid snaps he'd take when she wasn't looking, his camera roll was a treasure trove of little moments. She knew he had an actual camera at home, too—one he swore was on its third memory card. But the thought of him sharing even a glimpse of those moments on Instagram made her grin grow wider.

Harry sighed dramatically, rubbing the back of his neck like he was truly at a crossroads. "Alright, alright," he relented, earning an excited squeal from Aspen. "I'll make one so you can do all your little tagging stuff, but I'm not promising to post a single thing."

Aspen narrowed her eyes, as if weighing the seriousness of his promise, before finally giving in. "Deal." Her grin was infectious, and Harry couldn't help but chuckle. She'd been pestering him for days, and deep down, he didn't really mind. The idea of her tagging him in pictures, forcing him into her corner of the social media world, wasn't so bad. Maybe he'd even scroll through it occasionally when he was bored or needed a distraction between clients.

Sliding the last book onto the shelf, Aspen turned back to him, her hands on her hips. "You know," she started with a sly smile, "this means you officially owe me now."

Harry raised a brow, smirking. "Oh yeah? And what exactly do I owe you?"

"A coffee," she declared confidently. "Because I've been running on fumes all day, and if I don't get caffeine soon, you're going to have a grumpy librarian on your hands."

Harry chuckled, stepping closer and letting his hand brush lightly against hers. "Alright, love. Let's get you your coffee. But only if I get one of those kisses in return."

Aspen's cheeks turned a deep shade of pink, her bashful smile tugging at his heart as she nodded. "Deal."

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Harry carried his jacket hooked on his finger over his shoulder, the fabric swaying slightly with each step, while his other arm rested securely around Aspen’s shoulders. The warmth of his touch seeped through her sweater, grounding her as they exited the softly lit library into the crisp evening air. The muffled hum of passing cars filled the quiet space between them as they strolled toward his car, their pace unhurried, comfortable.

"Zayn told me earlier he’d be out with Isobel," Harry began, his voice low and inviting as he reached to open the passenger door for her. He leaned casually against the door frame, his jacket still dangling from his finger, as Aspen climbed in. "So I was wonderin’," he continued, his green eyes catching hers in the dim glow of the streetlamp, "if you’d like t’stay for dinner? It’s not too late. I could whip us somethin’ up."

Aspen paused, her hands fumbling slightly with her seatbelt as she glanced up at him. The way he stood there, effortlessly charming with a soft smile playing on his lips, made her heart flutter. "Yeah! I’d like to, H. Thank you," she replied, her own smile small but genuine.

Harry’s smile widened just a fraction before he leaned down, pressing a warm kiss to her forehead. The gesture left her momentarily breathless, her eyes fluttering shut instinctively at the tenderness. He shut the door gently behind her and rounded the car, sliding into the driver’s seat with an ease that came from countless nights like this. As the engine purred to life and warm air began to flood the cabin, Aspen’s stomach let out a low growl, breaking the comfortable silence.

Harry let out a puff of air, a laugh that was both teasing and fond. "Hungry, are we?" he teased, glancing at her sideways with a smirk. Aspen’s cheeks turned pink as she ducked her head in embarrassment, but her lips curved into a sheepish grin.

"Maybe a little," she admitted, the confession barely audible over the soft hum of the heater.

By the time they arrived at his apartment, Harry had already shrugged off his jacket and was heading for the kitchen. "Make yourself comfortable," he called over his shoulder as Aspen toed off her shoes and hung her tote bag neatly on the coat rack by the door. Before disappearing into the living room, she felt the soft press of his lips on her forehead again, a fleeting touch that left her cheeks warm.

Harry rummaged through his fridge, the faint clink of jars and the rustle of packaging filling the kitchen as he searched. "Baby?" His voice broke the quiet after a couple of minutes, pulling Aspen from her thoughts as she peeked her head around the corner.

"Yeah?" she asked softly, stepping into the kitchen. The cold tile against her pink, frilly sock-covered feet made her shiver, but the sight of Harry, slightly hunched with his head in the fridge, was enough to distract her. He turned toward her with a package of chicken in hand, his smile easy and affectionate.

"Are you okay with chicken? Gonna do somethin’ easy with it—maybe some broccoli and potatoes?" he asked, holding up the ingredients as if to get her approval.

Aspen nodded quickly, forgetting for a moment that he couldn’t see her silent affirmation. Realizing her mistake, she squeaked out a soft, "Yes... yes! That sounds good, thank you."

Harry chuckled quietly to himself, charmed by her shy but earnest response. She pulled one of the chairs out from the island and perched on it, her feet resting on the footrest as she settled in to watch him. Aspen wanted to keep him company, to be near him while he worked his magic in the kitchen, but she stayed quiet, her gaze soft as she observed him move.

Harry worked with a practiced ease, his sleeves pushed up to his elbows as he began chopping broccoli and seasoning the chicken. The faint clatter of utensils and the rhythmic chop of the knife filled the air, punctuated by the occasional clink of a glass or a soft hum from Harry as he focused. Aspen found herself mesmerized by the simple yet deliberate way he moved, every gesture seeming natural and unhurried.

"You’re really good at this," she said softly, her voice barely carrying over the faint sizzle as he turned on the stovetop.

Harry glanced up, his green eyes twinkling with amusement. "At cookin’? Or at convincin’ you to stay for dinner?"

Aspen giggled, her hands fidgeting slightly in her lap. "Both, maybe," she admitted, her cheeks tinting pink.

"Well, lucky for you," he said, flashing her a grin as he set the pan on the stove, "I happen to enjoy doin’ both."

Dinner had gone by in a blur of easy conversation, soft laughter, and the comfortable rhythm that Harry and Aspen had found themselves settling into. Aspen was shy, yes, but around Harry, there was a growing ease—a sense that she could let her guard down without judgment. They spoke about their day, her recounting a particularly funny mishap during her shift at the library, and him sharing a story about a client who insisted on getting a tattoo of their cat dressed as a pirate. It left Aspen giggling behind her hand, her laughter light and airy, a sound Harry was quickly growing addicted to.

As the plates were cleared and the last bites of dinner had been taken, Harry stood and began gathering the dishes, shooting her a teasing look when she moved to help. "Sit tight, love," he said, shaking his head. "I’ll take care of this. You’ve had a long day."

Aspen hesitated, her hands half-reaching for a plate, but she relented under the warmth of his gaze. “Okay,” she murmured softly, her voice small but sweet.

Harry rinsed the plates before stacking them neatly in the sink. He turned to her, wiping his hands on a dish towel, and his expression softened. "Y’want somethin’ more comfortable to wear? Don’t have to if you’re fine as is, but if y’want, I can grab you a shirt or somethin’."

Aspen blinked at him, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face before she nodded. "That would be nice... if you don’t mind."

Harry’s grin was immediate and reassuring. "‘Course not. Be right back."

He returned moments later with a well-worn black t-shirt, the fabric soft from years of wear. He handed it to her, their fingers brushing briefly in the exchange. “Bathroom’s just down the hall on the left,” he said, jerking his chin in the direction. Aspen nodded, clutching the shirt to her chest as she padded down the hallway.

Inside the bathroom, Aspen closed the door behind her and let out a quiet breath. The room was clean, with simple touches that felt inherently like Harry—spare but thoughtful. A small plant sat in the corner near the window, and the counter was neat, save for a watch and a bottle of cologne. She couldn’t resist running her fingers lightly over the label of the bottle, smiling to herself at how even the scent of it made her think of him.

She slipped out of her sweater, folding it neatly on the counter, and pulled Harry’s shirt over her head. The fabric was oversized, hanging loosely over her frame, and the faint scent of him clung to it—something warm and comforting. She decided to keep her leggings on, smoothing them down before taking one last glance at herself in the mirror. Her cheeks warmed as she imagined Harry seeing her like this, wearing his clothes.

When she stepped out of the bathroom, the faint sound of running water guided her back to the kitchen. Harry was standing at the sink, his sleeves rolled up, the muscles in his forearms flexing as he scrubbed at a pan. The sight of him made her pause for a moment, her lips curving into a soft smile before she shuffled into the room.

Harry glanced up as she entered, and for a second, he froze. The shirt was far too big for her, the hem brushing the tops of her thighs, the neckline slightly loose on her petite frame. She looked small, cozy, and unmistakably his. The thought hit him with a surprising intensity. His shirt. On her. It felt... right. Like a quiet claim, subtle but undeniable.

"Y’look good," he said after a beat, his voice low and sincere as he dried his hands on the towel. He crossed the room toward her, his green eyes soft as they took her in.

Aspen’s cheeks flushed pink, and she toyed with the hem of the shirt, glancing down shyly. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry’s lips quirked up in a fond smile. He reached out, his fingers brushing lightly over her arm. "You make it look better than I ever did," he added, his tone playful but laced with an underlying tenderness.

Aspen peeked up at him, her lips twitching into a small, bashful smile. “You’re just saying that.”

"Not a chance," Harry replied, shaking his head as he gazed at her. In that moment, with her standing in his kitchen, wearing his shirt and looking like the very embodiment of comfort, Harry couldn’t help but think that this—her, here—was something he could get used to. Something he wanted to get used to.

With the dishes done and the clock showing just past eight, Harry leaned against the counter, drying the last plate. He looked over at Aspen, who was seated on one of the kitchen stools, idly running her fingers along the hem of his shirt. She looked completely at home, and the sight filled Harry with a quiet warmth he didn’t quite know how to put into words.

"Not too late yet," Harry said, tossing the dish towel over his shoulder. "How d’you feel about a movie? Could use a bit of a break after today, yeah?"

Aspen’s eyes lit up, and she nodded. “That sounds nice. I—I wouldn’t mind cuddling up with you again,” she admitted, her voice shy but steady enough to make Harry’s chest swell with affection.

He grinned, the dimples in his cheeks deepening. "Alright then. Y’pick somethin’, and I’ll get the living room sorted. Just gimme a sec to change out of these," he said, gesturing to his skinny jeans and button-up shirt.

Aspen’s cheeks warmed at the thought of him getting more comfortable. "Okay," she replied softly, sliding off the stool and padding into the living room. She browsed through his small stack of DVDs on the shelf, her fingers brushing over the spines as she considered what to watch.

Meanwhile, Harry disappeared into his room, tugging off his work clothes and swapping them for a pair of gray sweats and a plain white tee. He left his hair a little mussed, the loose curls falling naturally around his face, and kept only one of his rings on—a silver one he wore on his index finger. As he glanced at himself in the mirror, he wondered if Aspen would notice the change. 

When he returned to the living room, Aspen was kneeling in front of the TV, the remote in her hand and a movie paused on the screen. "This okay?" she asked, turning to him with an uncertain smile.

"Perfect," Harry replied as he crossed the room. But instead of sitting down next to her, he grinned mischievously, lunging toward her with playful energy.

Aspen let out a surprised squeak as Harry tackled her onto the couch, gently but with enough force to leave her laughing breathlessly. "Harry!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushed as he settled them both into a comfortable position after teasing her a bit. He tucked her firmly into his side, pulling a throw blanket over the both of them with one hand.

"There," he said with a satisfied grin, his arm draped around her shoulders as she snuggled into his side. Her small hand rested on his abdomen, the fabric of his shirt soft beneath her fingers.

Aspen sighed contentedly, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment. Being close to Harry like this was quickly becoming one of her favorite things, and she couldn’t help but smile at how natural it felt.

Harry, meanwhile, was busy memorizing every detail of the moment. The way Aspen fit against him like she was meant to be there. The feel of her hand resting on his stomach, moving ever so slightly in rhythm with his breathing. He started tracing light patterns along her arm with his fingers, the repetitive motion soothing for both of them.

"Y’comfy, love?" Harry asked, his voice low and warm.

Aspen nodded against his chest, her face half-hidden by the fabric of his shirt. "Mmhm. Very," she murmured, her shyness laced with contentment.

Harry glanced down at her, his green eyes softening as he watched her settle further into his side. She looked perfect—completely at ease, her cheeks still slightly pink, her fingers brushing lightly over his stomach as if she couldn’t help but touch him.

The movie started, but Harry found it hard to focus on the screen. His thoughts kept drifting back to Aspen. How cute she looked in his oversized shirt, her leggings still clinging to her legs. How much she looked like she belonged there, with him, wrapped up in their own little bubble of warmth and comfort.

"Y’know," Harry said softly after a while, his fingers pausing their movements on her arm, "I could get used to this."

Aspen peeked up at him, her shy smile returning as her heart fluttered at his words. "Me too," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Harry’s lips curved into a slow, satisfied grin. "I should have y'around more often, then, hm?" Aspen nodded, settling more into his side when he gave her arm a reassured squeeze. When Harry caught her beautiful brown eyes flicker down to his lips, he took that as his sign to tilt his head and close the space. She sighed contently, which made Harry grin into their kiss. Slowly, he was learning her little clues and asks without having to actually ask for them. Harry didn't mind. He vowed to himself to understand her always.

As Harry settled onto the couch and his eyes wandered back to the TV, Aspen couldn’t help but notice the subtle differences in him. His curls were slightly messier than usual, like he’d run his fingers through them carelessly after changing. Her eyes flicked to his hand resting on the edge of the blanket, and she noticed he was wearing only one ring, a simple silver one on his index finger. It was such a small detail, but it made her stomach flutter. Even with all the tattoos winding across his arms, his lip piercing catching the light, and the remnants of chipped black polish on his nails, he looked so much like the Harry he showed only to her—soft, unguarded, and entirely hers. It made her heart ache in the best way, knowing she got to see him like this, in these intimate, quiet moments.

The movie had long since settled into a soft lull, its dialogue blending into the warm hum of the apartment. Aspen and Harry had started the evening curled up together, but as time passed, their slow breathing matched the quiet rhythm of the soundtrack, and without realizing it, they both drifted into sleep. Harry’s arm remained wrapped around Aspen, her cheek resting on his shoulder, and the blanket had slipped slightly, pooling at their legs.

Hours passed until Harry stirred, his body instinctively turning toward his side in search of comfort. In his half-conscious state, his hand moved as if reaching for Aspen, but when his fingers met only the cool fabric of the couch, his eyes fluttered open. Disoriented at first, he blinked into the dim glow of the room. Where had she gone? The clock on the wall read just past midnight. Rubbing his eyes, he sat up, the blanket falling away as he stretched and glanced toward the hallway.

A faint light spilled from the kitchen, and Harry padded toward it, the hardwood floor cool beneath his bare feet. Leaning against the doorframe, he found her standing in front of the open freezer, her petite frame silhouetted by the soft white glow. She was peering into its depths with a furrowed brow, her hands rubbing her arms lightly as the cool air spilled out around her. She hadn’t noticed him yet, too focused on whatever she was searching for.

“Aspen?” His voice was soft, still laced with sleep, and her head whipped around so fast that a lock of hair fell into her eyes. Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she slammed the freezer door shut, stepping back awkwardly.

“Oh! I… I didn’t mean to wake you,” Aspen stammered, her voice barely audible. Her hands fidgeted in front of her, fingers twisting together nervously as she searched for the right words. “I was just, um… I got thirsty—well, no, not thirsty, but… hungry? Kind of?” She trailed off, her cheeks already flushing as she realized how jumbled her explanation sounded. Her gaze dropped to her socked feet, avoiding Harry’s eyes.

Harry leaned casually against the kitchen doorway, a soft, sleepy smile tugging at his lips. It wasn’t teasing, just patient and understanding. “You’re fine, love,” he said gently, his voice still raspy from sleep. “What were you looking for?”

“I… uh…” Aspen hesitated, her hands nervously tugging at the hem of his oversized shirt she wore, the soft fabric bunching under her fingers. Her heart thudded as she felt her cheeks burn hotter. She wanted to tell him, but the thought of admitting she was craving something so specific—so indulgent—made her stomach twist with embarrassment.

Harry noticed her hesitation, his brow furrowing slightly. Taking a step forward, he tilted his head, meeting her gaze even though she tried to avoid it. “Aspen,” he said softly, his voice coaxing. “It’s okay. Whatever you want, just tell me.”

“I—” Her voice wavered, and she swallowed nervously, still unable to meet his eyes. “It’s silly. Don’t worry about it.”

Harry smiled warmly, taking another step toward her. “Silly or not, you’re standing in the middle of my kitchen at midnight. So whatever it is, it must be worth finding, yeah?” He rubbed the back of his neck as he thought for a moment. “Let’s see… were you looking for snacks? Chips? Crackers?” He tilted his head playfully. “Maybe leftover pizza?”

Aspen shook her head, a soft laugh escaping despite her nerves. “No… none of those.”

Harry grinned, encouraged by the sound of her laugh. “Alright, what about something sweet, then? Chocolate? Cookies?” He paused, pretending to consider. “Ice cream?”

At that, her cheeks turned a deeper shade of red, and her fingers twisted even tighter in the fabric of his shirt. She nodded shyly, glancing up at him for only a split second before looking away again. “Ice cream,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry’s heart melted at how utterly bashful she was. He stepped closer, his hand brushing gently against her arm to reassure her. “Ice cream, huh?” he repeated with a soft chuckle. “That’s not silly at all, Aspen. I’m glad you’re comfortable enough to raid my freezer.”

Her head snapped up, wide-eyed. “I wasn’t raiding!” she protested, her voice rising slightly in defense before softening again. “I mean… I was just looking.”

Harry chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright—just looking,” he teased, opening the freezer himself and glancing back at her. “So, what flavor are we after?”

Aspen hesitated, nervously toying with her hair now. “I, um… I think you had mint chocolate chip the other day?” she said hesitantly, her voice wavering.

Harry caught the way her blush deepened, and his smile softened further. “Mint chocolate chip,” he echoed thoughtfully, his tone light and reassuring. “Good choice, love. Let’s see if we’ve got any left.”

He turned back to the freezer, but his mind lingered on her. The way she looked so small and shy in his kitchen, wearing his shirt, made his chest ache in the best way. She was adorable, and he loved how vulnerable and comfortable she was around him—even when she was nervous.

Harry leaned into the freezer, moving a few frozen bags and containers around until he spotted a familiar green carton pushed to the very back. “Got it,” he announced, pulling it out with a triumphant smile.

Aspen’s face lit up, and she let out a small, delighted laugh. “You’re good at this.”

“I try,” Harry teased, grabbing two spoons from the drawer before motioning toward the floor. “C’mon. Let’s eat before it melts.”

They settled on the cool tile, their backs against the cabinets, and Harry opened the lid with a satisfying pop. He offered her the first spoonful, watching as her eyes lit up at the first taste. “Still your favorite?” he asked, taking a bite for himself.

“Mmhmm,” she hummed, nodding enthusiastically. The sweetness melted on her tongue, and she sighed contentedly. Harry still had sleep in his eyes, but being able to be awake with her was worth any amount of sleep.

The kitchen was quiet except for the soft clink of spoons against the carton. Harry glanced at Aspen between bites, his gaze lingering on how the overhead light highlighted the soft curve of her cheeks and the way her eyes crinkled slightly when she smiled. She looked completely at ease now, the embarrassment from earlier forgotten, and he felt a wave of warmth settle over him.

“You know,” he said after a while, his voice low and thoughtful, “this feels kind 'f perfect. Jus' you and me, stealing ice cream in the middle of the night.”

Aspen glanced at him, her shy smile growing. “Yeah,” she agreed softly. “It really does.”

As they continued to share the ice cream, the quiet intimacy of the moment lingered, filling the kitchen with a warmth that had nothing to do with the light overhead. Harry twirled his spoon in the carton absently, a small smile playing on his lips. “Alright,” he began, breaking the silence, “I’ve got a question for you.”

Aspen looked at him curiously, her spoon poised mid-air. “What kind of question?”

“Nothing too serious,” Harry assured her, leaning back against the cabinet. “Just… what’s something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the chance to yet?”

“Nothing too serious,” Harry assured her, leaning back against the cabinet. He stretched his legs out in front of him, his bare feet crossing lazily. Her legs were shorter than his, a small quirk that turned the corner of his lips up when he noticed it from how they sat. Despite his casual posture, his green eyes were alert, focused entirely on Aspen. “Jus… what’s something you’ve always wanted t'do but haven’t had the chance t'yet?”

Aspen froze for a moment, the question hanging in the air. Her fingers traced the edge of the ice cream lid nervously, her mind racing with possibilities. There were so many things she had dreamed of, so many ideas she’d quietly nurtured but never spoken aloud. “I don’t know,” she murmured finally, her voice soft. “There’s a lot I’d like to do someday.”

Harry tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into an encouraging smile. He knew that hesitation of hers, that instinct to downplay her desires, but he wanted to hear more. “Like what? Give me one thing,” he coaxed gently, his voice low and warm.

Aspen’s breath caught. The way Harry looked at her—calm, patient, and interested—made her feel safe, like her answer really mattered. She dropped her gaze to her lap, gathering her courage as her heart thudded in her chest. “I’ve always wanted to travel,” she said at last, her voice barely above a whisper. “Just… pack a bag and go somewhere completely new. Maybe Italy, or Japan.”

Harry noticed the shift in her tone as she continued, her shyness giving way to quiet enthusiasm. “I want to see the art, the history,” she went on, her words picking up pace. “Experience things that feel bigger than me.”

He couldn’t look away. The way her eyes lit up when she talked about her dreams, the subtle curve of her lips as her confidence grew—it was like seeing a different side of her unfold, piece by piece. His chest ached in the best way, a deep warmth blooming inside him. “That sounds amazing,” he said softly, his voice full of sincerity. “You’d love it. You’ve got tha' curiosity about you—like you’d soak it all in, every detail.”

Aspen felt her cheeks flush, her gaze dipping once more. His words struck something deep within her, something fragile and precious. She wasn’t used to being seen like this, to someone noticing and valuing the quiet parts of her that she often kept hidden. “What about you?” she asked quickly, desperate to shift the focus away from herself. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of the shirt she was wearing—Harry’s shirt—and she peeked up at him, her shyness mixing with genuine curiosity. “What’s something you’ve always wanted to do?”

Harry chuckled, a low sound that made Aspen’s heart flutter. He leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on his knees as he gave her a playful look. “You’re gonna laugh.”

“I won’t,” she promised, her eyes wide and earnest. She meant it; she couldn’t imagine laughing at him, not when he was sharing a piece of himself like this.

“Alright,” Harry said, his voice taking on a mock conspiratorial tone. “I’ve always wanted t'learn how to surf. Properly, I mean. Not just flopping 'round on a board.”

Aspen blinked in surprise before a soft laugh escaped her lips. It wasn’t mocking—it was light and delighted, filled with a warmth that spread between them. “That’s not silly at all,” she said quickly, her smile growing. “I can actually picture you on a beach.”

Harry raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Yeah? With all the tattoos n' everything?”

She nodded, her cheeks dimpling. “It suits you. The freedom of it… the connection to nature. It feels like you.”

Harry felt his breath hitch at her words, but it was subtle and went without notice. She said it so simply, like it was the most obvious thing in the world, but it hit him deeply. He wasn’t used to being seen in that way, his desires and identity so easily understood. “You’re pretty good at this, you know?” he said quietly, his voice tinged with awe. “Seeing people for who they are.”

Aspen’s cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink, and she ducked her head shyly. “I just… like paying attention.”

He smiled softly, his heart swelling at her words. He realized that was one of the things he admired most about her—how much she noticed, how much she cared, even if she didn’t always say it aloud.

The moment hung between them, tender and unspoken, as their hearts opened just a little more. And in the quiet warmth of the kitchen, with an empty carton of ice cream forgotten beside them, Harry felt something settle deep within him—a certainty that this, whatever this was, was worth every moment.

Aspen shifted slightly, tucking her legs closer to her body as she glanced at Harry. The weight of their conversation hung in the air, but it wasn’t heavy—it was comforting, like a warm blanket wrapping them in something safe and intimate. Her voice was soft when she spoke again, careful not to disrupt the gentle mood they’d settled into.

“What’s something that calms you down? Like... instantly?” she asked, her curiosity genuine. Her wide eyes studied him, searching his face for an answer.

Harry tilted his head back against the cabinet, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. His closed eyes peered open to look at her with a sheepish smirk. “You’re gonna think ’m cheesy.”

Aspen raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin slipping onto her face. “What is it?”

He finally murmured, “Talking to you.” Harry let out a small puff of air, though he wasn't lying. She was his grounding piece. She took his mess and made sense of it.

Aspen let out a playful whine, nudging his shoulder with hers as her cheeks flared pink. “Harry! Be serious!” she giggled, her laugh bubbling up and breaking the quiet.

“I am serious!” he defended, grinning now, though the teasing glint in her eyes made him laugh softly. “Alright, alright. Lemme think.”

She waited patiently, her gaze steady on him. Her heart thudded gently in her chest as she watched him search for an answer, the way his brow furrowed slightly and his lips pressed together in thought. Finally, he spoke.

“Tattooing,” he said simply at first, but there was a weight in his tone that made Aspen sit up a little straighter. His fingers absentmindedly toyed with the hem of his shirt as he continued, his voice quieter now, more reflective. “Whether it’s actually tattooing someone or just sketching a new design... it’s like everything else disappears for a while. There’s jus' me n' the lines I’m creating. It’s... grounding.”

Aspen tilted her head, her interest piqued. She could tell there was more he wasn’t saying, so she stayed quiet, giving him the space to keep going.

“It’s not jus' about the art,” Harry admitted, his green eyes flickering to hers before looking away again, as if what he was about to say felt too vulnerable to meet her gaze. “It’s... therapeutic, in a way. When I’m tattooing someone, there’s this trust, y'know? They’re letting me leave something permanent on them, something that means something to them. And when I’m sketching, i’s like... I can take whatever’s in my head—whatever’s making me feel restless or stuck—and put it on paper. Turn it into something that makes sense.”

Aspen’s heart ached at the sincerity in his words, the way he spoke with such quiet passion. She hadn’t expected such a heartfelt answer, but it made sense. Tattooing wasn’t just a job to him; it was a part of who he was.

“It’s kind of like...” Harry paused, searching for the right words. “When I’m holding the machine, or even just a pencil, it’s like I have control over something. Like no matter how messy life gets, I can create something beautiful from it. It’s calming in a way nothing else is.”

Aspen’s lips parted slightly, her breath catching at his honesty. She’d always admired Harry’s talent, but hearing him talk about it like this—so deeply, so openly—gave her a new perspective. “That’s... really beautiful,” she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. “I never thought about it like that before.”

Harry looked at her then, his gaze steady and full of something unspoken. “It’s the same feeling I get when I’m with you,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Like everything else fades, and it’s just us. Simple.”

Aspen felt her cheeks heat again, her heart thudding against her ribs. She wanted to look away, but she couldn’t—his eyes held her in place, and she didn’t want to break the moment.

“Thank you for telling me that,” she said finally, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. She reached out hesitantly, her fingers brushing against his hand before curling around it. “It means a lot.”

Harry smiled softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “Anytime, baby,” he murmured, his voice like a promise. And in the quiet stillness of the kitchen, with only the faint hum of the fridge in the background, they stayed like that—two people learning each other, piece by piece, with every shared word and touch.

Harry's thumb brushed against the back of Aspen’s hand as he held it, the simple contact sparking warmth that spread through both of them. He glanced down at their joined hands, a soft smile tugging at his lips before he looked back up at her. Her cheeks were flushed, and her wide eyes flickered nervously between their hands and his face. She was shy, as always, but there was a comfort in her expression now—a softness that told him she felt safe.

The kitchen was quiet except for the faint hum of the refrigerator, but neither of them noticed. Harry’s gaze lingered on her, taking in the delicate curve of her cheek, the way her lashes fluttered as she peeked up at him. His chest tightened with an unfamiliar ache—not of pain, but of something deeper. Something he couldn’t quite put into words. He felt it every time she looked at him like that, like he was someone who mattered, someone who could make her feel special.

Aspen’s heart raced as she felt the weight of his gaze. It was gentle, but it held an intensity that made her stomach flutter. She wasn’t used to this kind of attention—wasn’t used to someone looking at her like she was something worth cherishing. Yet, with Harry, it felt... right. Natural, even. Her fingers fidgeted slightly against his, but she didn’t pull away. She couldn’t. She didn’t want to.

Harry leaned in slowly, giving her plenty of time to pull back, to stop him if she wanted. But she didn’t move. Her breath hitched, her eyes widening slightly, but there was no fear—only a quiet, nervous anticipation. His hand gently released hers, moving to cup her cheek instead. His thumb brushed along her skin, soft and deliberate, as if he were memorizing the feel of her.

“You’re somethin’ else, Aspen,” he murmured, his voice low and warm, like a promise wrapped in affection.

Aspen’s lips parted slightly, her breath trembling as her thoughts spun. She didn’t know what to say—wasn’t sure she could form words even if she wanted to. All she could do was feel—the warmth of his hand against her cheek, the way his green eyes held hers like she was the only thing that mattered.

Harry dipped his head, closing the small distance between them. His lips brushed hers gently, barely more than a whisper of a kiss. It was soft, tentative, as though he was asking for permission rather than taking. Aspen’s heart thudded against her ribs, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause.

When he pulled back slightly, their noses still brushing, Harry searched her face, his thumb still stroking her cheek. “Okay?” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Aspen nodded, her cheeks burning as her lips curved into a shy smile. “Yeah,” she breathed, her voice almost as quiet as his.

Encouraged by her response, Harry leaned in again, pressing another kiss to her lips. This one lingered a little longer, though it was just as gentle. His heart swelled at the way she leaned into him, her fingers lightly brushing against his knee for balance. She was hesitant, but she wasn’t holding back. Not with him.

Aspen felt her nerves melting away, replaced by a warmth that seemed to start in her chest and spread to every part of her. Kissing Harry felt... safe. Like she didn’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being too much. He made her feel like she was enough—just as she was.

When they finally pulled apart, Harry rested his forehead against hers, his eyes still closed as he soaked in the moment. “You’re somethin’ else,” he repeated, his voice filled with awe.

Aspen let out a quiet laugh, her fingers curling against his knee. “You’ve said that already,” she teased softly, her shyness giving way to a growing comfort in his presence.

“Yeah,” Harry murmured, opening his eyes to look at her. “But it doesn’t make it any less true.”

She smiled, her heart fluttering at his words. And as they sat there, still tangled in the intimacy of the moment, Aspen realized that maybe, just maybe, she was starting to believe him.

"Something good, I hope.," Aspen quipped, her doe eyes looking up into his.

"Oh, you have no idea."

Aspen only felt the heat crawl up her neck and blush her face. Harry thumbed over her reddening cheek, a cute trait he learned to adore about her. After a few moments of just being in each other's silence, her lips released a tiny yawn which made Harry's lips crack a small smile. "C'mon," he tossed the spoons in the sink above him, pushing himself to stand up before he held out a hand. "Satisfied now, baby? Or is there somethin' else you would like? My kitchen is all yours."

Aspen shook her head shyly, taking his big hand to prop herself back to her two feet. "No, no. I'm all set now. Thank you so much, Harry." The mans heart softened at her words. "Alright, then le's get you back t'bed."

His voice dripped in sleep, low and hanging on to the two brain cells that were currently keeping him awake now. "I'll get you tucked into bed and I'll take the couch." Harry picked up the empty carton, tossing it onto the pile of trash in his bin. Before Aspen could say another word or even think of one to say, his arms slid around the back of her thighs and under her arms to sweep her off her feet. 

"Harry!," Aspen exlaimed in surprise, kicking her feet as she giggled. Harry kissed her shoulder and carried her bridal style down the hall to his bedroom, where he carefully set her down under the sheets. He pulled them back over Aspen, who was slightly sitting up against his headboard. "Do y'want me to stay until you fall asleep? I'll take the couch tonight so—."

Aspen shaking her head cut his sentence off. He tilted his head and furrowed his brows at her shy expression and wandering eyes, taking note of her fidgeting fingers. "You...," she started, come on Aspen—she sucked in a breath— "You can stay. Only if you want, but please." The girls words were rushed by still remained shy and squeakish. His lips tugged back into a smile, which he found himself doing more lately because of her compared to the last few years of his life. 

"Are you letting me know I can stay?" Harry knew her offer was more of her asking, but he didn't want to shine that light onto her. The man gently brushed her hair behind her ear. Anything to make her feel comfortable, he would do. When she nodded again, he hummed contently. "I would love t'stay with you, Asp. Thank you f'letting me." 

Normally, Harry would be down to his briefs if he had been by himself. But to not scare Aspen off, he climbed into bed after removing just his ring on his index finger. He let it clatter into the little tray and he settled under the covers next to him. He didn't mind that she picked his side of the bed, his mind quickly allowing it to become just hers.

Aspen had always had issues falling asleep or staying asleep in a bed or a place that wasn't her own. The first and only time she had a sleepover was when she was eleven, and she had called her sister to pick her up at two in the morning because she just couldn't sleep. But it was different in Harrys bed. She molded into the divot in the bed that was previously there, which she pieced together was Harry's original side of the bed. Aspen felt safe, felt comfortable surrounded by his scent and the soft duvet. 

"Is it okay if I hold you?" Even though they cuddled here and there (every time one of them was over), he still thought it would be respectful to ask in case she needed her space. That idea quickly left his mind when she shuffled closer and curled back into his side like she had earlier in the night. His arms instinctively wrapped around her small frame and his nose buried into the top of her head, followed by a small lasting kiss.

"I've got you, baby. Get some sleep." 

And with that, Aspen found Harry in her dreams once more.

[lynzishell]

Prev // Next

Transcript below the cut:

Dawn: I don’t know why I let you talk me into watching this movie tonight. Phoenix: It’s not even that scary, just sit back and relax. Dawn: Fine, but if I scream and wake up Aspen, you’re gonna be the one to get her back to sleep. Phoenix: Deal.

Dawn: [squealing] That’s so creepy.

Phoenix: [laughing] Put your foot down. Dawn: Just tell me what happens. Phoenix: No, you have to watch.

Dawn: Then I’ll watch from here. Phoenix: You’re being ridicu—

Phoenix: [jumps] Shit!

Dawn: Ahaa!!! Phoenix: Just come back over here.

Phoenix: See, isn’t this better? Dawn: Shhh.

Phoenix: Okay but why is he wandering off alone?

Dawn: You’re cute when you’re scared. Phoenix: I’m not scared, I’m annoyed. Dawn: Mhm.

[Both scream… followed by fits of laughter and shushing]

Phoenix: I can’t believe she didn’t wake up. Dawn: [giggling] I know. Phoenix: So, I was thinking, we should get away for a little while. Dawn: I like that idea. What did you have in mind?  

Phoenix: Well, Julian is staying in Chestnut Ridge through the holidays, so that frees us up for Winterfest. I was thinking we could spend it up in Mt Komorebi, maybe rent a cabin for the week.

Dawn: If we were going to do that, we probably should’ve booked one months ago. Is anything going to be available?

Phoenix: I might have something lined up already. A guy at work rented one but he can’t go and it’s too late to cancel, so it’s ours if we want it.

Dawn: Really?

Phoenix: Mhm. It’s walking distance from the ski slopes, and it has a hot tub, and there’s three bedrooms so we can invite Atlas and Asher if you want.

Dawn: You had me at hot tub.  

[paleprincessturtle]

dad!Harvey playing in the snow with his baby girl 🥺🥺🥺🥺 Im getting so soft for dad!harvey im sorry in advance bc im gonna tell you all of my ideas😋 - @lafantasiaworld

Thank you @lafantasiaworld for the request and please do keep 'em coming! I hope you enjoy this one!

Yes yes yes, I got carried away (again) writing this. But who could resist dad!Harvey?!?!?!

GOLDEN GLOW

"Sunny, still not feeling well?" Harvey caressed the cheek of his sleeping wife. Harvey decided to bring his family over to Aspen for a vacation after the new year. His wife opened her eyes, and Harvey sat down beside her on the bed. "I don't feel too good, but I feel a little better," his wife answered, tiresome lingered in her voice. "I'm sorry, I got sick on our vacation," she continued as Harvey shook his head. "Nothing is more important than for you to get better." Harvey leaned down and kissed the tip of his wife's nose. She giggled, and relief washed over him. At least she could giggle now. A familiar pitter-patter approached the room, about to disturb the silence Harvey and his wife were enjoying. "Daddy!!!" the high-pitched voice announced her arrival before anyone could see the source of the voice. Both Harvey and his wife laughed. Guilt heaved in her heart. They were supposed to go outside and play in the snow. "Daddy, you told me not to bother mommy; why are you bothering her?" the little girl said as she approached the large bed both her parents shared. She wiggled herself around and tried to get onto the bed. The little girl stood on the bed, holding Harvey's face in her tiny arms. "Daddy, answer," she demanded, all serious. His wife laughed at the antics her firstborn always threw. "Daddy was just checking up on me, my sweet girl." The little girl looked at his mom, then looked back at his father. "Do you really?" she questioned her father still. "Yes, my little dove." Harvey grinned as he answered. His daughter was very persistent, much like her father. "Come on!" Harvey hoisted his little girl as he stood up. "Let's let mommy rest so we can go out and play in the snow." His little girl squealed and wriggled out of Harvey's arms. "We really will?" Harvey's heart warmed at the sight of his daughter's eyes, gleaming with joy. "Go on and bundle up. Do you need help?" Harvey offered, as his daughter had already taken off running from the bedroom and heard a distant no.

"Daddy! Why are you taking so long?" Harvey laughed heartily as he heard the impatience of his daughter. Clarice Sophia Specter. A daughter who looked like an exact copy of her father. She acted exactly like her father, but with the eyes of her mother. She made a spectacle even before she was born. Arrived a week early when her mother was in the courtroom, defending a falsely accused man. The moment Harvey looked into the eyes of his newborn daughter, he swore that she would be the death of him. Harvey walked over to his daughter, who was tapping her tiny boots impatiently over the hardwood floor. "You are taking like forever and more, daddy," she pouted, reaching her hand up for Harvey to hold. Harvey took her tiny hand in his. "The shoelaces on my boots were tangled up, Soph." Harvey offered her an explanation as he looked down at his daughter. Sophia then proceeded to look at her father's boots and examine the boots for any further errors regarding the shoelaces. "Be careful, daddy. Don't get hurt," her little eyes wandered over Harvey's. Harvey kneeled over her daughter. "I won't. Don't worry about me, little dove. Thank you for checking up on me." Harvey kissed her daughter on her plump cheek, and she giggled. "You're welcome, but come on, daddy! Let's go play; come on, come on!"

"Sophia! Slow down!" Harvey called as she ran off and bolted out as soon as he opened the cabin's door. Harvey tried to catch up with his daughter. Harvey finally saw his daughter in the clearing of the forest near the cabin they rented. The snowflakes gently danced from the sky, creating a magical scene. Sophia twirled around, arms outstretched, trying to catch the delicate flakes on her tongue. Harvey's heart warmed at the sight of his daughter, so young and innocent. Upon realizing that her father was watching her, she called him, "Daddy, look!" Sophia twirled again, and she ran to Harvey, tongue out. She stood in front of Harvey, pointing at her tongue. Harvey laughed. "The snowflakes have already melted, sweetheart." Sophia pouted, "But didn't you see?" She asked, all excited. "Yes, Soph. I saw all the snowflakes you caught." She giggled upon hearing her father's answer.

Sophia, adorned in her colorful snowsuit, eagerly tugged on her father's hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Daddy daddy, let's make snow angels, and we take pictures and we show mommy!" Harvey couldn't resist his daughter's infectious enthusiasm. He chuckled warmly and agreed. "There, Soph, you go first while I take a video of you to send to mommy." Harvey pointed to a rather flat layer of snow. Sophia pouted as she looked up at Harvey. "Daddy, we do it together." Harvey was touched by her daughter's answer. "Come on then, I'll race you there!" Harvey ran off, earning a protest from the little Miss Specter. Harvey ran slower, letting her daughter win. "Me win, me win!" Sophia danced as Harvey pretended to be out of breath. "Wow, I should tell mommy that Sophia is now a big girl!" Harvey exclaimed as he tackled his daughter to the snow, making sure it wasn't a hard fall. Sophia giggled joyously as Harvey joined her in a fit of laughter. The two of them laid down on the snow as their laughter died down. "Daddy, why is mommy sick?" Harvey looked at his daughter as the pair of identical eyes of his wife stared back at him. "Remember we told you that you were going to be a big sister?" Sophia nodded. "Mommy got sick because carrying a baby is a hard job, Soph." Harvey could see his daughter's eyebrows knit together. "Mommy got sick because of the baby?" Harvey shook his head. "No, mommy was just tired because she has been a superhero for us. Carrying your baby brother, taking care of me and you, and she also has to work." Sophia nodded, satisfied by her father's answer. "I love you, my little dove," Harvey said as he kissed the top of his daughter's head. "No, daddy, I love you more than you love me." Harvey was about to argue when his daughter cut him off. "Now, watch, daddy. This is how you make snow angels." Sophia moved her hands and legs, showing her father how to make snow angels, as if her father were clueless on how to do so. Harvey smiled as he watched her daughter, heart full of love. 

As they strolled through the snow-covered streets, Harvey couldn't help but marvel at his daughter's unbridled happiness. Sophia, however, had a mischievous glint in her eye. She scooped up a handful of snow and playfully tossed it at her father, who pretended to be surprised.

"Daddy, let's build a snowman!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with creativity.

The duo set to work, packing and shaping the snow into a round base. With each pat and roll, Sophia and her father bonded over shared laughter and the simple joy of creating something together. Soon, their snowman stood proudly, adorned with a carrot nose, button eyes, and a colorful scarf Harvey had prepared.

As the day unfolded, Sophia and Harvey engaged in a spirited snowball fight. Laughter echoed through the air as they dodged and giggled, leaving behind a trail of footprints in the freshly fallen snow. Harvey couldn't help but feel a deep sense of contentment, cherishing the special moments spent with his daughter.

The sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the snowy landscape. Sophia and her father, rosy-cheeked and filled with happiness, headed back to the cabin. They kicked off their snowy boots, shedding layers of winter gear.

After Harvey cooked both his wife and daughter dinner and sent his wife back to bed, he walked out of the bedroom with Sophia in tow. "Will mommy be okay?" Worry was etched in his daughter's voice. "Don't worry, mommy is getting better," Harvey reassured Sophia, and she nodded. Hand in hand, they headed back downstairs. Harvey's heart heaved. He never had this much time with his daughter, and now the day is about to end. The next time he knew, Sophia would be 17, going against every single thing Harvey said.

Wrapped in blankets, Sophia nestled against her father, their hearts warmed not only by the crackling fire but also by the precious memories created in the magical snowfluff of that winter day. "I love you so much, Soph," Harvey whispered against Sophia's soft hair. "I know, daddy. I love you much more too," Sophia replied, also whispering.

And so, in the quiet embrace of each other, the father-daughter duo drifted into a dreamland, where snowflakes continued to dance and their laughter echoed in the winter night, creating a timeless tale of love and joy.

MASTERLIST

[katewritesthings]

Love Me Like I Can // Chapter 3

Chapter // Kiss You Masterlist Summary: Diana attends the PCAs and has a guest join her afterwards.

*Warnings: Language, drug use, sexual content, mental health struggles.

February 18, 2024

Diana was over the People’s Choice Awards already and she hadn’t stepped foot on the red carpet yet. Awards shows had always given her some sort of stage fright, but the feeling was multiplied tonight. Being nominated for an award individually and as a member of the cast was an honor, but she wished she could politely attend via satellite. 

The redhead was currently doing a puzzle and getting her hair curled in the living room of her hotel suite, anxiety bubbling in her stomach. Cathy was sitting on a stool at the island sending emails and attempting to give Diana and Biz the rundown of how the evening would go.

“You’re going to do the red carpet and please for the love of God, Diana, try to appear like you’re not being held at gunpoint,” the older woman said, knowing that interviews were the last thing the singer wanted to do before the awards ceremony. “You’re only going to stop for the host and IHeartRadio to plug your new tour.”

“Okay, I can do that,” Diana sucked in a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the questions that would be asked. Her phone buzzed in her lap, indicating a text from Joe, making a joke about one of the trainers at the gym. He had taken the initiative to text Diana the night of their hangout and communication had been constant since. Picking through another handful of pieces from the pile in front of her, she picked out the two end pieces and sorted the rest by color.

“Once you’re in there, you and Biz will be seated at a table with Dove. I think Chloe and Halle are there, too. You’re not obligated to any after-parties, but please let me know if you’ll be going to one so I can have security on standby.”

Diana flushed a deep scarlet as she responded to Joe when she heard her sister snort, causing Cathy to look up from her laptop. Glancing between the sisters with an untrusting look, she waited momentarily before commanding, “Spill. Now.”

“Diana won’t be going to any after-parties because she’s getting a special delivery during the awards,” Biz teased, wrapping a section around the curling iron and spraying it with hair spray. “No, that’s not enough. I need details. Now.” Cathy was now using her stern voice, causing the sisters to stand up straight. Diana froze in place, fingers grasping at a corner piece she had been looking for. “I tried to tell him no! His flight lands at 8. No one was supposed to know!” Diana spat out frantically, trying to explain to Cathy why she had made plans without approval.

“Joe’s flying across the country to hang out with her because she’s nervous about tonight and he liiiikes her,” Biz elaborated when Cathy didn’t look satisfied with Diana’s answer. “Now, hold still before I burn you.”

“He does not! We’re just friends,” Diana squealed, not wanting her manager to get too invested in whatever was happening between her and Joe. Cathy had been her maternal figure for longer than her actual mother had, getting hired at the start of Diana’s career 14 years ago. She had picked up Diana’s broken pieces too many times to count and was extremely protective of her. Even though Cathy had been the one to put them in contact, Diana didn’t want to bring up the idea until she knew what the butterflies in her stomach meant whenever she saw his name on her phone.

“Okay. Well, you and your friend need to stay in the hotel tonight then. You don’t check out until Tuesday. Elizabeth and I leave at 11, tonight,” Cathy said with a sigh. Then softening her features, she looked at Diana directly. “Be safe and have fun, Di. Let yourself relax.” She then turned her attention back to the laptop in front of her. 

-----

February 10, 2024

Joe’s face illuminated her Macbook screen, filling Diana in on his recent trip to Aspen. He was in the middle of telling Diana the story of how Irv missed the ski lift on their first trip up the hill when a ‘ding’ rang from DIana’s phone. Comfort washed over her when she recognized the notification and not another text from Connor on a random number. In the past week, he had texted her from two different numbers saying he still had some of her belongings and that he’d like to talk to her in person. Both numbers were promptly blocked and pushed to the back of Diana’s mind.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I have to read this work email, give me a sec,” Diana said, opening the email app on her screen. Eyes scanning the itinerary that Cathy just sent her, her heart fell into her stomach.

“What’s wrong?” Joe asked, sensing the shift of emotions through the screen.

“I just got my itinerary for my LA trip next week. I forgot Biz had class the day after, so she’s leaving before I am,” Diana breathed, pulling at her lip. Diana had scheduled a last-minute writing session the day after the awards and just had assumed Biz would extend her stay as well. She was even planning on squeezing in a late Galentine’s Day lunch with Dove. 

Joe’s eyes observed her for a moment, still learning how to read her emotions. Though their video calls weren’t a rare thing over the past two weeks, he had yet to encounter this emotion in them. 

“Talk to me, Di. How are you feeling?” Joe’s voice cut through the voice of anxiety that was hounding her, coming up with increasingly more ridiculous scenarios. Trying to rid the idea that the entire ceremony was a set-up to show her how alone she was, she tried to explain “I guess I’m just anxious. I never really wanted to be on reality TV and my EP came out after the deadline, so I feel like I shouldn’t be invited. On top of being under a microscope because of everyone else going to be there. Just afraid I’m going to be in my head. It just seems like a lot to process alone, y’know?”

“Do you want someone to come stay with you?” Joe didn’t hesitate with his response, concern dripping from his voice. Diana felt her face heat up, unsure whether she was presumptuous in taking that as an offer to be the one to stay with her.

“I couldn’t ask anyone to do that. I only have like 12 free hours” Diana busied herself by locating her grinder and wraps and beginning the rolling process. Attempting to hide her embarrassment that she had no one, Diana made a joke at her own expense, “Plus, my Game of Thrones marathon probably is a lot less appealing to anyone than the afterparties that are going to be happening.”

“That’s not what I asked. I asked if you want someone to come stay with you.” Joe’s voice was now more serious, but the concerned look hadn’t left his face when Diana looked up. When their eyes met, Diana opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by Joe. He was scrolling on his iPad, eyebrows furrowed.

“The only flight I could get in on Sunday was right before the show,” Joe said, looking up from his iPad. “I booked it, we’ll figure out the rest later.”

Diana was genuinely surprised at the initiative. While the two had been texting every day and they had found time to FaceTime a handful of times after Diana got out of her writing sessions the past week, the topic of seeing each other again hadn’t come up. Something Diana was fine with, as she was having a hard enough time fully understanding what she was feeling for Joe. She found it easier to keep telling herself that she wasn’t developing a crush on Joe when their conversations focused on their daily activities, Game of Thrones, and the fun facts Joe had been sending her every day.

Fortunately for Diana’s nature, the writing sessions she had been in the past week had been focused on four songs she had brought to the group, all starting at different points in her healing journey. The three other writers she was working with helped her take the bare bones of songs she had presented and helped her work them into something that she couldn’t wait to record next month. The process allowed her mind to focus on the emotions she was working through when she first began the song. Unfortunately, this process uncovered trauma that she hadn’t expected, making a new relationship seem even scarier. While she knew that she had no feelings left for her ex, the betrayal he left had opened old wounds. The voices of inadequacy and abandonment she had felt since her mother had left were the loudest they had been in almost fifteen years. For all of these reasons, Diana knew she should refuse Joe’s offer to come stay, again. And yet, she didn’t.

“Thank you, you really didn’t need to do that,” Diana heard her voice before she realized she was talking. 

“I know I didn’t need to. I help my friends out. Plus, I wanted to see you, consider this an excuse.”

And with that, the singer decided she was going to avoid the fondness she was growing towards the athlete on her screen, and just enjoy his friendship. 

-----

February 18, 2024

“Diana! Over here! Look over here!” 

“Pose for us Red!”

“Can you give us a wave, Di!”

Flashes blinded  Diana as she made her way off the red carpet and into the venue where the People’s Choice Awards was being held. Honestly, this red carpet was better than she had expected this morning. The promise that she would only stop for two interviews had brightened her mood exponentially. The iHeartRadio interviewer looked like he was itching to ask her about The Cheating Incident,  but thankfully followed Cathy’s instructions to keep the topics limited. 

Making a beeline for the bar and immediately downing her first flute of champagne, Diana immediately grabbed two more and mentally prepared herself for the rest of the night as she attempted to spot her sister in the sea of people.. Double-fisting her way through the crowd, she thought about how she was always envious that Biz got to skip the pictures and could just walk in the back. Biz always responded that she was jealous that Diana got the vocal range and insisted it was a fair trade. 

Spotting her sister’s face across the room, Diana began weaving through the crowd of impossibly beautiful people. Mindful of the fact that the room was being live-streamed to hundreds of thousands of people, Diana made sure to keep her expression neutral while on her journey. This was the first time she was going to be in the same room as Bedford Scrolls since October and both Diana and the pop-culture-loving world were hyperaware.  She hadn’t seen them yet, but it was better to be one step ahead than be caught with a meme-able reaction on Live TV.

A little over halfway across the room, Diana’s vigilance proved to not be enough when she felt a hand on her right arm.  Diana was so caught off guard by the unexpected touch and focusing on not spilling her champagne that it took hearing the person’s voice to recognize the person. 

“Don’t worry, babe. I got ya,” the familiar voice of Kyle, the drummer of Bedford Scrolls, filled Diana’s ears. “He just left to go to the bathroom and bar before the show starts.” Relief fled through Diana’s body as she processed his words and finally opened her arms for a hug. She may have been angry with Connor, but the band was just as clueless about the affair as Diana was. Their support over the last few months had been constant and loud, always being the first to let Connor know that what he did was wrong. “I just wanted to say hi before he came back,”  Kyle wrapped Diana’s smaller frame in a hug before pulling away. “We tried to get him to stay home, but he insisted that he’s why we’re nominated.” Diana gave Kyle a knowing look, eyebrows raised. Connor had always had somewhat of an ego, but with rose-colored glasses of love, Diana had always just taken it as confidence. “He seriously needs to get over himself,” she scoffed in response.

“I should warn you, he’s on one tonight. Hannah entered a mental health center Friday and he hasn’t stopped talking about seeing you since.” “Fuck,” Diana muttered, a fake smile plastered on her face as she spotted the camera behind Kyle’s shoulder panning in her direction. “He’s not planning on talking to me here, is he?”

“No, no. Gavin’s got him on tight orders to not communicate with anyone besides us tonight. Even followed him to the bathroom,” Kyle smiled, referring to the security guard who had been with the band for years. The idea that the man in his 50s was following her shithead ex around for the night turned her smile real.

“Good. How is April?” she asked, changing the subject to Kyle’s family. The two caught up for a moment, exchanging stories about Kyle’s wife and Diana’s writing. It wasn’t long, though, before Kyle looked over Diana’s shoulder and his eyes faltered. “He’s coming back over, you should go. You look lovely, good luck.” Kyle said before enveloping Diana in another tight hug. It was weird, she thought to herself as she returned to her original mission, she missed the band that she lost more than she missed the man. 

Making it to her assigned table without any more interruptions, Diana slid into the chair between her sister and Dove. They were seated at a table with cast members from another reality show that Diana felt guilty to admit she didn’t recognize. Luckily, they were engulfed in their own world and paying no attention to the addition to the table.

“Hello, beautiful,” Dove greeted, resting her head on Diana’s shoulder with a smile. The two had been introduced at some industry Christmas event and had quickly fallen into an innocent flirtatious friendship whenever in the same room. The conversation between the two quickly drifted towards the upcoming tour that both of them would be on.

“I cannot wait to perform in front of a crowd, again. It’s been so long,” Diana said excitedly to the dark-haired Disney darling.

“You’re going to do amazing. I can’t wait to watch you perform,” Dove said, winking at the red-headed singer. Diana felt her cheeks fill with heat, as she shook her head.

“Don’t shake your head, your songs are sexy. I can’t wait to hear you sing them,” Dove let out a giggle, but it sounded genuine, not condescending. “Plus, a tour with all girls is amazing! It’s like a girl’s night every night!”

Before long, the ceremony began and Diana tried her best to look equally excited for each nominee. Diana wasn’t sure if it was the fourth glass of champagne she was working on or her nerves, but the night was passing quicker than she had imagined. Her phone buzzed from her lap, pulling her attention away from the stage where Dua Lipa was performing.

Joe 

Watching what I can. That dress is incredible on you Good luck!

Instinctively a smile spread across Diana’s lips as the end of Dua’s song faded out. The presenters for the next award came on stage and Biz nudged her sister’s side to catch her attention. “This is your category.”

Sarah Hyland and Renee Rapp were at the microphone, introducing the Favorite Reality TV Star of the Year nominees. Diana looked up just as her face appeared on the screens on stage along with the other nominees. Renee said her name and a clip from Band Together’s last episode began playing on the dozens of monitors filling the room. Diana heard her heartbroken voice fill the auditorium and prepared herself for the scene that began to roll.

“I was ride or fucking die for you. And I was her hype-man, too. The fact that she continued to smile in my face while smiling on FaceTime with you is one of the most god-awful, disgusting things I have ever heard.” Diana was curled up in a blanket, Connor pacing around the living room they shared at the time. 

“I’m sorry you had to see that,” the bassist said, emotionless, taking a seat on the armchair across the room from Di.

“Why don’t you be sorry you ever fucking did it?!”

“Look, I was wrong, I get it. But I didn’t mean for it to happen that way. I don’t know what you want from me!” Connor was looking at Diana like he was the heartbroken one.

“For you to die.”

The screens cut back to the crowd reactions of the nominees as Renee and Tina continued to read off the next nominees’ names as their scenes played. Diana took a deep breath and reminded herself that she was the one nominated, not Connor. Even if she lost, she couldn’t be painted as the bad guy he attempted to set up on the show this past season.

Diana must have zoned out for the rest of the nominees, because before she knew it Tina opened her mouth to say, “And the winner for Favorite Reality TV  Star goes to…” before opening the envelope and announcing the winner in sync with Renee.

“Diana Hayes for Band Together!”

Biz shrieked next to the singer and the rest of the table stood up to shower her in praise and congratulations before she made her way to the stage. In utter shock, Diana began the journey to the stairs in shock that the public had chosen her as their favorite Reality TV star because of the way she stood up for herself. The proof was playing in the background behind her as she took to the stage.

Connor was still sitting on the armchair across from Diana, head in his hands, fake crying. Taking place moments after the last scene that played, Diana was still stone-faced, but heartbroken on the couch.

“I regret ever standing up for you, defending you. I regret supporting you and putting my career on hold for you. You’re worth nothing. And I want you to hear my words, the woman who stood by you and loved you, the woman who would have built my whole life around you, and know that’s how I feel about you. I regret ever loving you.”

Diana’s last words to Connor played over the speakers while the room applauded. The surreal feeling of people cheering after one of the rawest, most painful moments of her life played on a giant screen for everyone to watch.. At least she wasn’t Connor right now.

“Wow, really. I didn’t expect this at all, really. I didn’t even think of writing a speech because I thought this was impossible. Reality TV was never something I considered my thing. In fact, I quit before I even got nominated for this.” Diana joked and the audience gave a soft laugh, relieving some of the tension in the star’s shoulders. “Thank you to anyone who voted for me, watched the show, and streamed my new EP. Thank you for telling me that I still have a spot in this industry if I want it. Thank you to all my new friends who have shown me that my world didn’t crumble, it just got a cruel upgrade. I can’t wait to see you on tour!”

The crowd applauded and Diana heard wolf whistles coming from somewhere she couldn’t distinguish through the tears. She was in complete shock still, blown away by the fact that she had won a fan-voted award against the likes of a Kardashian. Walking off stage and to the press room, she heard the presenters for Favorite Reality TV Show come on stage. After the reading of the nominees, she heard the voice announce Band Together as the winner and watched the backstage monitor as the band ascended the stage.

Miles, the frontman of the group, approached the microphone first. “First of all, we’d like to thank the fans of our band and the show for voting for us, you all are amazing.” Kyle walked up next, “And next we’d like to thank the crew who works tirelessly on this show. The amount of hours you all put into us and the finished product is greatly appreciated.” Connor attempted to make his way to the mic, but Kyle and Miles stepped in front of him as Isla leaned into the microphone. “And finally, we’d like to thank the real reason this show even got recognized. We can’t say names, but you know who you are and your fanbase knows who you are. Thank you for being such a force and finding strength when it seemed impossible.” Music started playing the band off stage as Connor struggled against his bandmates. What they don’t tell you about some charismatic men is that other emotions besides happiness tend to be expressed just as big as their infatuation and happiness. The anger just tends to come at a time after you’ve fallen for the charm and flattery. Diana thanked God that she no longer had to deal with the outburst that came with his anger. 

Still buzzing from being on stage, Diana returned to her seat and checked her phone to mentally prepare herself for the next stressor of the evening: seeing Joe. Sometime while she was away from her purse, Joe had texted and said he’d landed and was on his way to the hotel with a bottle of champagne. Excitement mingled with the adrenaline from winning, easing her nerves about the fact that Joe was staying in her suite. Realistically, it made the most sense as most hotels were booked out all week for the PCAs and Diana would have a two-bedroom suite to herself when Biz left in about an hour and a half.

The rest of the show went on without anything unusual and before long the closing credits began to roll. Standing up with the rest of the group, the Hayes sisters began to say their farewells to the various entertainers who were now mingling amongst themselves. Normally, they would stay and socialize for a moment, but they were on a tight schedule.

“Excuse us, but we’ve got to leave ASAP!” Biz urged while Diana was still chatting with Dove and the Bailey sisters, Chloe and Halle.. Diana made eye contact with her sister just as the younger’s face twisted into a mischievous smirk covering her tipsy face. She opened her mouth again.

“I’ve got a plane and Di’s got a dick to catch, so we’re in a hurry,” the brunette said, her sister’s elbow making contact with her ribs halfway through the sentence. Chloe’s head was thrown back in a full belly laugh and Halle hid her blush behind her hands; the intensity of which only deepened with Dove’s quick response..

“Well, if it’s unsatisfactory and you need someone who knows their way around a lady, I’m always a phone call away,” Dove’s musical voice directed itself to Diana as she pulled her in for a kiss on the cheek. Diana was attempting to formulate a response, but Dove was pulled away by some other former Disney actor. Diana always froze up when pretty girls flirted with her, even if she knew those pretty girls were only joking.

“Damn, she’s got game,” Chloe wheezed between laughs, hugging Diana and Biz goodbye.

Diana spent the ride to her hotel trying to calm her remaining nerves. She and Biz parted ways when they exited the ceremony. Diana left in a blacked-out SUV with Tommy, one of her security guards, while Biz was accompanied by everyone else on Diana’s team.

Just as she was beginning to convince herself that Joe had flown here as an elaborate prank, her phone buzzed with a series of texts. Some of her anxiety faded when she read them.

Joe 

Going to try to do some of this puzzleWhat the hell.You’ve got to be missing pieces…

Diana couldn’t help but smile. At their last hangout, she had joked she was going to make him do a puzzle with her, but they found themselves otherwise indisposed. But the idea of ending such a mentally exhausting night doing her comfort activity with someone who was becoming increasingly more of a comfort for her sounded wonderful.

Sending a text when she got to the hotel to warn Joe of her imminent arrival, Diana took a deep breath and she opened the hotel suite door to face the rest of her night. 

“I feel completely out of place,” Diana laughed out loud at her state of overdress when she finally caught sight of Joe. He was sitting on the living area sofa in front of the puzzle, some History Channel documentary on in the background. He was dressed in a pair of comfortable sweatpants and a Bengals t-shirt that was much more appropriate for the comfort of the hotel room than Diana’s bedazzled dress and heels. 

Joe rose from the couch when he heard her voice, greeting her with a hug that wasn’t as awkward as Diana had expected it to be.

“Congratulations on your win!” Diana could hear the smile in his voice as he pulled away. “You look amazing.” 

“Thank you. Honestly, I was so nervous,” Diana responded meekly, stepping back and setting down her belongings. “You did great,” Joe said walking back to the couch and sitting down in front of the table.”I, on the other hand, cannot figure out this fucking puzzle.” A laugh escaped Diana’s lips as she peaked over the back of the couch. There was not much progress made on the 500-piece puzzle on the mat, but Joe had made diligent work of sorting the pieces by color. 

“You almost finished sorting, though! That’s the worst part.”

Joe turned his head to shoot her a confused look, causing another laugh to fill the room.

“Let me go de-glam and I’ll come help.” With that Diana excused herself to her bedroom. 

-

Diana felt much more comfortable after a quick shower and a change of clothes. Matching Joe’s vibe, Diana sat next to him in a pair of joggers and a tank top staring at the puzzle in front of them. Joe finished sorting the pieces from the box,  while Diana worked on the frame, both drinking champagne from coffee cups that Joe had found. 

“I swear, I tried to find all the end pieces, but there are so many pieces here,” Joe joked, finishing up with the last handful of pieces. 

“This is only 500 pieces you should see some of the 2000-piece ones I have at home,” Diana said proudly, finishing the frame.

“I knew you said you were into puzzles, but I didn’t think it was that serious,” Joe looked at her smiling. 

“They just help me relax, I don’t know. With my ADHD and anxiety, if I don’t keep my mind occupied I spiral.” It was something that Cathy had suggested while watching Diana struggle to manage her mental state during her last tour. Hoping she hadn’t brought down the mood, she glanced over at Joe, whose face still held a faint smile paired with his previous focused look.

“I’m going to be real with you, Di. I do not understand how this could be relaxing, but I totally understand the need to keep busy. I just usually just go to the gym or play video games, though.” 

“The gym is my literal worst nightmare,” Diana said, nose scrunched up. “It’s been mandatory to get ready for tour and it is so exhausting.”

“You just have to find the routine that fits you. If I had to do cardio all day, I’d hate it,” Joe reassured her.

Diana was pleasantly surprised at how easily she found herself relaxing after such an anxiety-inducing night as she and Joe worked on assembling the pieces into an image that resembled the melted crayons on the box.

“So, I saw your updated tour schedule,” Joe spoke, the casual tone in his voice sounding a little off. Diana knew he was referring to the fact that a handful of shows had been added throughout, including one in Cincinnati. 

“Yeah, we had to wait on approval from some venues before we could announce all the dates,” Diana said, placing another piece of the puzzle. She was trying her best to sound nonchalant. “I was going to ask if you wanted to come to a show, but I wanted to wait until I was allowed to mention there was one in Cincinnati.”

“I wouldn’t miss you performing in my city,” Joe looked over, smile shining bright. “I saw you were on a break after that one, I can show you around if you want.” “That sounds good,” Diana said, hiding her matching grin with her cup of champagne.. “I’ve actually never been there more than 12 hours.”

“We’ll have to give you the hometown treatment, then.”

Diana knew she couldn’t blame the fact that she was staring at Joe on the slight buzz she had when she realized Joe had stopped talking. She wasn’t even sure what he had said last before she zoned out looking at the creases by his eyes and the color of his lips.

A sense of guilt overtook Diana when she realized her mind had drifted to memories of their last hangout. She had spent all day trying to convince everyone, herself included, that she and Joe were just friends. Diana drained her cup trying to push all PG-13 and up thoughts out of her head.  Have fun, be safe. love you, Cathy.

Even her manager was plotting against her. With a deep breath, Diana refocused and left the room with a preroll, lighter, and fake composure. When she got to the living area of the suite, she saw Joe still working on the puzzle.

“I’m just going to step out on the balcony. Do you want to come?,” Diana’s voice must have startled Joe because he gave a small jump. Without a response, he stood up and followed her to the sliding glass doors. Once out on the balcony, Diana made sure the door was shut tight before sitting down beside Joe. He had made himself comfortable, sitting sideways on the lounge chair so it was more like a couch. Diana lit the preroll and inhaled the smoke. 

“I don’t know if you partake but you’re more than welcome to hit this,” her voice cut through the silence. The high clouding her thoughts, it was easy to forget how nervous she had been mere seconds ago. 

“I don’t get tested till June, fuck it,” Joe said, reaching out to grab the joint she was holding towards him. 

The two sat in silence for a moment, enjoying the commotion of the city and inhaling the medicinal herb. It only took a few passes before Joe started coughing, which turned into fits of laughter. 

“I figured you’d be a lightweight, but damn,” Diana giggled as she stubbed out the butt of the joint. After she was sure it was safely put out, she turned her attention towards Joe again.

“Hey, just because you’re fucking Snoop Jr doesn’t mean you can make fun of me,” Joe said with a smile plastered on his face.

“Snoop Dogg?!” It was hard to make out her words through her giggles. “I mean, I don’t know. I couldn’t think of anyone else! I don’t do this often.”

The two sat in their fit of laughter for a few more moments before silence fell over them. The worry that had filled Diana’s brain earlier returned to full force. It felt so natural to be with Joe, but the unrelenting feeling that she couldn't commit was weighing heavy on her at the moment. Joe turned his head to look at her, goofy smile still plastered in place, and asked her, “What are you thinking about?”

“You don’t want to know.,” replied Diana, voice barely above a whisper. 

“I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to know.”

“I’m thinking that I don’t know if I’m ready to be more than friends, but I really just wanna kiss you.” “What if both of those things were okay with me?” Joe countered.

That’s all it took for Diana to launch herself at Joe, pushing his back against the the backrest of the lounge chair. Climbing up his body to straddle him, Diana made quick work of placing her lips against Joe’s jawbone. Trailing her way to his neck with sloppy kisses and biting lightly, Diana ground her hips into the growing erection beneath her pelvis. 

Joe released a groan into Diana’s mouth as her hands traced his biceps and chest over the cotton of his t-shirt. Grabbing a fistful of the material, Diana quickened the pace of her hips as her tongue licked against Joe’s. Diana felt the athlete’s strong arms move to wrap themselves around her smaller frame. Pulling back and taking a breath, Diana allowed Joe to say, “Let’s take this to the bedroom.”

Tightening his grip around Diana’s body, Joe stood up and carried her towards the room she had claimed as her own. Joe opened the door with ease and made his way to the bed in a few quick strides. Standing at the edge of the bed, he laid Diana down and took off his shirt. Diana found it difficult to take her eyes off of his broad shoulders and well-cut torso.

“Like what you see?” Diana could almost hear the smirk in his voice before she raised her gaze to his face. “Something like that,” her voice was so heavy with lust that she barely recognized it. Hooking her fingers in the waistband of Joe’s sweatpants she pulled him closer, causing him to kneel on the bed. Leaning down so that his larger frame was hovering over her, he connected their mouths again.

Diana felt a slight tug at the hem of her tank top as she heard Joe’s gruff voice ask, “Can I take this off?” Waiting for a nod of agreement, Joe pulled away and helped Diana strip herself of the flimsy material.  The hunger in Joe’s blue eyes deepened as his eyes raked over her chest before bringing his hand to massage her breast with his calloused hands.

The moan that Diana let out caused Joe to groan and buck his hips, finding his way back to the lips in front of him. Their hands roamed each other’s bodies for a brief moment before Diana’s hands slinked their way down the front of Joe’s waistband once more, pausing briefly before receiving the okay from Joe.

Diana’s delicate fingers reached down and wrapped around the warmth of Joe’s cock. It took everything in her to not react at the size of him. She had some idea that he was well-endowed based on their close proximity the last two times they’d hung out, but having him in her hand had shocked her. Not only was the length impressive, but Diana was unable to wrap her hand around his shaft fully. To say Joe was blessed was an understatement.

Shaking the surprise from her head, Diana began to stroke her hand slowly as her lips still moved against Joe’s. A groan of pleasure fell from Joe’s lips into Diana’s as one hand continued to massage Joe’s dick while the other began to push his pants and boxers down his legs. Kicking out of his clothing, Joe’s hands busied themselves, ridding Diana of her shorts and finding the sensitive nub between her legs. 

When his hands met the apex of her thighs, he was pleasantly surprised at how wet she already was for him. He spent a moment rubbing circles on her clit before inserting a finger inside of her. Diana gasped in pleasure as she felt herself stretch around the single digit before he added another one, preparing her for himself. 

Diana arched into his touch and let out a soft moan when Joe curled his fingers inside of her. The worries about what their relationship held fell from her mind as she gave into the pleasure she was feeling. The look on Joe’s face went from that of concentration to hungry satisfaction when he felt Diana’s walls clench around his fingers and the moan fall from her lips, a clear indication that she was eager for more.  With a grunt of approval, Joe used his thumb to tease her clit while she continued to massage his dick. 

Their blue eyes met as they continued to pleasure each other before Joe pulled away. Diana shot him a confused look as he began to fumble through the discarded clothes pile on the floor. A moment later, he looked up, a triumphant expression on his flushed face holding a gold foil packet. Diana’s confusion faded away when she realized what he was doing.

“Oh? Someone was expecting this,” she teased, mind flashing to the brand-new box that Cathy had left for the two of them earlier. 

Joe shook his head and replied, “Someone was hoping for this, there’s a difference. I just thought I should be prepared.” He tore open the foil packet and began rolling the condom over his erection. Diana was sure that she had never wanted anyone more as she watched him crawl onto the bed and position himself over her. With one hand he lifted Diana’s leg and with the other, he gave his dick two long strokes before he lined his head up with her slick entrance. 

Diana’s mind went blank with pleasure when Joe finally sank into her. Giving Diana a moment to adjust to his size, Joe caught her lips in a sloppy kiss until she bucked her hips into his needily. He matched her pace and broke the kiss. 

“Fuck, you feel so good,” his voice came out breathy and low, scratching a part of Diana’s brain that she didn’t know existed. This man was driving her absolutely feral she thought as she hooked her legs around his back.

Diana’s eyes fluttered shut as she lost herself in the pleasure building up in her core. When she opened them again, she locked eyes with a smiling Joe. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

Before Diana could pull away in embarrassment, Joe caught her lips in another kiss and increased the speed of his thrusts. Any insecurity was pushed out of her mind with the rush of ecstasy that filled her mind. Diana’s body moved instinctually against Joe’s, falling into a needy rhythm. Head tilting backward, breaking the kiss, she released a breathy moan causing Joe to close his eyes, and stifle a groan. Joe’s rhythm stayed steady as Diana forced herself to focus on the the sensations happening within her body

“That’s right, babe. Good girl.” Joe said, smiling as wide as he had been on the balcony

Ecstasy mixed with the weed and champagne in Diana’s system as she was pushed over the edge into an orgasm. Chills ran down her spine as the pleasure caused her to arch her back and moan loudly. 

“You like that?” Joe questioned, smile turning slightly cocky. Diana nodded, still lost in the afterglow of her orgasm when she felt Joe pull out and tap her hips.

“Flip over,” he instructed, moving Diana’s body before she had the chance. Once positioned on her hands and knees, Joe made quick work in moving behind Diana and reentering her. 

Face pressed against the sheets, she felt Joe’s fingers tangle through her long hair and pull slightly. Carefully, she snaked her hand down between her legs and started rubbing quick circles on her sensitive clit. 

“Yes, Yes,” she chanted, sure her brain was going to turn to mush. Joe was moving quickly and sharply, hitting a spot that caused Diana’s vision to start blurring with each thrust. 

“That’s right baby, cum on my cock. Let me make you feel good,” the grunts came out breathy and in between thrust. That didn’t matter to Diana because the huskiness of his voice sent Diana over the edge again. 

The sensation of Diana’s pussy clenching must have sent Joe over the edge because without any indication his thrusts began to slow down and came to a stop. Before he pulled out, he leaned over and placed small kisses on Diana’s spine. 

“Thank you, that was incredible,” Joe responded, voice still gravely from their encounter. He pulled out and began cleaning up. 

“Oh, trust me. It was my pleasure,” Diana giggled. “I’ll be right back. Need to get cleaned up.” She grabbed the robe off of the hook on the door and slipped into the en-suite to freshen up. She was washing her hands after peeing when her post-nut clarity hit her. She had just fucked Joe. And loved it. But also, he seemed to understand that she wasn’t ready for a relationship so that was good. Unfortunately the “drunk on the toilet” intoxication also hit her, meaning that she was now panicking on how the rest of her night was going to unfold. 

“He said it was fine. You’re fine,” Diana said to herself as she paced the bathroom. Brushing her teeth to buy herself two more minutes, she finally calmed herself down enough to walk back into the bedroom. 

“So, do you want to finish the puzz-“ Diana’s question was cut off when she realized that Joe had fallen asleep, covered only in the bed’s top sheet. The drawer next to the bed was open, the box of condoms in his hand. 

Diana let out a small chuckle before removing the box from his hand and turning off the lights. She wasn’t so intoxicated that she couldn’t hear the little nagging feeling that said sleeping next to Joe tonight would not help her keep her feelings platonic after he blew her back out. However, the feeling of Joe’s arm pulling her into a cuddle when she crawled into bed told her she could deal with that come morning. 

-------------- I'm sorry if this sucks and that it took so long. Next chapter won't be so late. Love you taglist lovelies: @therapycat21 @rd14 @wickedfun9 @toterry @spookystitchery

[stuckysbike]

All Or Nothing

A/n: All mistakes are my own. Written on my phone.

Pre-Stucky x Reader, pre-Bucky x reader, Stucky, Steve x reader

AU: Bucky wants his boyfriend back, but his boyfriend is your husband now. And the father of your child.

Warnings: angst, eventual smut, 18 plus only please, fluff, implied cheating (but not really) mob!Bucky, mob!Steve, presumed unrequited love, polyamory, MMF, bisexual Stucky.

I hope that’s everything!

Part One

You wanted for nothing.

There was a tall Brooklyn Brownstone, a Manhattan Penthouse, a sprawling Hampton Mansion. Further afield was the Aspen Ski Lodge, the Montana Ranch. Overseas was the Mediterranean Villa, the Irish Cottage and the Romanian Castle.

Yes, he owned a castle.

James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes was the only male heir to three very successful brothers who built themselves an empire. He and his three sisters had been given the keys to the kingdom when his father, the youngest of the three and the last surviving brother, died.

The first thing Bucky did after securing his position was to track down the only person he wanted to share his life with. Trouble was, that man Bucky was in love with was your husband.

You met Steve Rogers five years ago. He ended up in a bar fight defending a woman getting unwanted attention from a group of guys. Feeling lucky you joined in, cracking a bottle over the head of one of the pricks. You had been together ever since.

Steve talked about Bucky to you, he kept no secrets and you knew he had ran to save his life. When you discovered you were pregnant Steve proposed.

“I love you so much honey,” Steve had promised as you hesitated. “You’re mine. And I’m yours.”

Three days later, you were wed.

You wanted for nothing.

There were private planes, helicopters, luxury SUV’s, sports cars, motorcycles, a yacht and other various pleasure boats.

Steve loved anything with an engine that gathered speed, and Bucky was happy to indulge Steve’s whims. Money was no object, and you soon found that Bucky had been loyally taking care of Steve’s ill mother whilst he was on the run, getting her the best healthcare.

Bucky adored your precious Belle, the apple of Steve’s eye. She looked just like her father and had that stubborn streak of bravery just like he had too. You had never seen love at first sight until you saw Bucky meet Belle. Her face lit up and his eyes gentled and an instant bond was formed that terrified you.

Your wedding band meant nothing. Bucky belonged to this family, slotted in perfectly by charming your husband and delighting your daughter.

You had hung back, nodding in greeting and watching your family slip away.

So here you stood, in a designer dress and heels wearing jewellery worth more than you had ever earned watching Steve and Bucky waltz around the vast ballroom with Belle between them, her squealing with delight.

You wanted for nothing except the days before Bucky Barnes turned your life on its head.

Part 2

[oldwritingm]

hi :) so i saw u were doing the match up request things and wanted to try one! could it be for ninjago, i like men (unfortunately). lets see, soo..i’m a girl, half porto rican-half white (i was raised bilingual i know Spanish and english) have a little bit more curvy pear shaped figure, a few freckles on my cheeks, bigger lips/smaller nose, i have brown curly hair, my smile is squinty, and i have central heterochromia (the much more common, kinda lame version of having two different color eyes) where the outside of my eye is green and a sharp ring around my iris is yellow (my mom calls them my stars<3) and, yeah for appearance ig thats it. as far as personality, i’m really just like if loralai Gilmore from Gilmore girls didn’t like coffee. i love photography, art, nature, cats, i collect old post cards/old photographs, i have an old 2003 digital camera i thrifted that i bring everywhere, my favorite colors are green/pink, i love taylor swift and mitski and alex g, i read comics, i take pictures of every tree andddd… lots of other stuff but i ramble haha anyways have a wonderful day<3<3 to infinity and beyond, mars ⭐️

From one central heterochromia haver to another (yours sound so pretty tho,,)… I match you with:

Lloyd Garmadon!!

A few headcanons:

He thinks it’s so cool that you know English and Spanish

He’ll ask you how to say something in Spanish, then proceed to repeat it in the most American accent you’ve ever heard

He’s trying tho :(

You guys bond over your love of nature and comics

Lloyd loves to go on hikes/nature walks with you, and he’ll help you find neat things to take pictures of

On that note, he 100% supports your photography hobby

His room is gradually overtaken by photos you’ve given him

He’s not complaining though; he adores each and every one

As for your love of comics, you guys give each other recommendations and swap issues

You love to gush about your favorites and predict what will happen future issues

You absolutely lose your minds when you end up being right

If/when you move in together, you adopt a cat

You’re both huge cat people, so that little fuzzball gets treated like your biological child

You always speak super affectionately about it when in public, so people actually assume that it is a human baby

They’re so confused when they find out it’s a cat

This becomes a bit of an inside joke between you two

Lloyd likes to call you “dear,” “love,” and “bright eyes”

(He loves your eyes so much)

He likes to be called “baby,” “honey,” and “sweetie”

A drabble!

You smiled to yourself as you snapped a picture of a grove of aspens, their leaves tainted a sophisticated gold that was complimented excellently by the afternoon sunshine.

“Over here!” You heard Lloyd beckon, making your head snap over in his direction.

Moving away from the aspens, you came to a gnarled old tree. Lloyd was standing proudly in front of it, pointing to it with a huge grin. “Isn’t it cool?”

You nodded eagerly, readying your camera already. A few seconds passed, and the little click never came. You pursed your lips, disgruntled. “I can’t get a good angle.”

Lloyd frowned, his brow furrowing in contemplation as he stared at the tree. Then, with a sudden light in his eyes, he stepped closer to you and dropped to his knees.

“Get on my shoulders.”

You hesitated, but decided that the picture would be worth the effort. You squealed as he practically jumped to his feet, jostling you perilously.

You finally snapped the perfect picture. Grinning at your camera, you rubbed Lloyd’s head affectionately.

“Thanks, sweetie. You can put me down now.”

Lloyd hummed in thought, drumming his hands on your knees for a moment before continuing down the trail with you still on his shoulders.

“Lloyd! Put me down!” You laughed, playfully smacking his head.

“No.” You could hear the smile in his voice.

It wasn’t until you completed your walk that Lloyd finally relented and put you down.

“Finally! You rascal,” you giggled, shoving him lightly.

“Hey, you got some good pictures, didn’t you?”

You huffed. “Okay, I will admit that.”

Lloyd winked with a good-natured grin. “Glad I could help.” He kissed your cheek, grasping your hand before continuing on your path home.

And a song!

My Love Mine All Mine (Mitski)

'Cause my love is mine, all mine

I love, my, my, mine

Nothing in the world belongs to me

But my love, mine, all mine, all mine

…

My baby here on earth

Showed me what my heart was worth

So, when it comes to be my turn

Could you shine it down here for her?

Thank you for your support! You truly do mean so so much to me <33 I hope this was okay!

(divider by saradika)

[rotworld]

2: Warped Reflection

(previous)

on your way to prismville, you find an empty town.

->contains mild gore, dubiously consensual touching

.

.

.

One of the trees isn’t a tree. You’ve been keeping an eye on it since you pulled over. 

Lunch is your leftovers from Henley Creek. You reach into the box you keep strapped into the passenger seat, half a dozen eggs cushioned by checkered cloth, and watch the thing creep closer. It’s the only cottonwood in a line of aspens. Spindly, bare branches swivel and twitch without wind to move them, bending at joints they shouldn’t have like radio antennae. Even when you’re looking directly at it, watching its gnarled bark shift ever so slightly ahead of its neighbors in the smallest, slowest inchworm increments, your brain struggles to recognize this as movement. It leaves no tracks, no trailing roots or dragging mud in the earth behind it. It seems like it’s always been where it is now. 

The eggs are ripe, the shells crunchier. The jam-colored insides form clots of salty pearls that split on your teeth like roe. You lick a cloudy dribble of yolk from the corner of your lips and use your last napkin. It doesn’t look all that different from the other crumpled balls of bloodied tissue stuffed into a trash bag in your backseat. You lean over and pull your hand-drawn map out of the glove compartment, adding a tree with wiggling, finger-like branches to the blank space between Henley Creek and Prismville. You don’t plan on backtracking, but someone else coming south might need to know. While your right hand sketches, your left hand rests in your lap, wrapped in bandages. The pain comes and goes. You feel dead-end sinew twitching, trying to move something you no longer have. 

Home is northeast, your heart says. You start the car and pull back onto the road. In the rearview mirror, you see the tree’s trunk twisted and bent. Every limb, every twig, every prickly little branch has curved downward, grasping like aerial roots for the empty space where you were just parked.

[NOW PLAYING ON THE RADIO: NEVERLAND BY LA SCALTRA]

There’s rain just briefly. Water sprinkles the windshield and glistens on the road. There’s a peculiar odor you can’t identify. It smells the way ice tastes or wind feels, whispers and almost somethings. You see shapes in the road and have just enough time to stop, tires squealing, the eggs in the box knocking against each other. It’s a woman in a brown shawl and two young children clinging to her skirts. They walk slowly. She tilts her head, staring directly into your headlights. The wicker basket on her arm is full of thorny weeds, wildflowers and budding, sepal-wrapped eggs. You hold your breath and don’t move a muscle until she and the children cross the road and vanish into the underbrush. 

The highway narrows, three lanes merging gradually into a single rough, uneven road. There’s a river ahead and a covered bridge across. Ancient wooden planks groan and rattle beneath your tires. It’s colder on the other side. You see a rust-eaten sign wobbling on metal stilts, jutting out of an overgrown flowerbed. Something corrosive has taken a chunk out of the corner and bit through the gold lettering, leaving only “LCOME TO NEW RIDGEWAY.” A mirror is propped up against one of the signposts.

The fog thins but only a little. You drive slowly between brick apartment blocks and gently lit storefronts. For a while, you don’t see anyone. Not on the road. Not dining under the striped cafe awning on the corner or in line at the burger drive-thru. Not along the riverwalk, or at the post office, or at the crosswalk. There are a handful of cars parked on the street but no one inside. But there are mirrors—thousands of them. Full-length rectangles lean against utility poles and sidewalk trees. A row of small circles in brass frames line an alley, echoing infinite reflections at one another. Hand mirrors dangle from a fire escape, ribbons tied around the handles and looped through the metal walkway. 

The abandonment seems recent. Lights are still on. The grass is neatly manicured. “Free Bagels!” proclaims the local bakery’s chalk sign on the sidewalk, the door propped open. You poke your head inside and think you spot movement behind the counter, but it’s just a mirror.

Your bewildered reflection stares back at you. It cocks its head sharply like a curious bird. Then it smiles.

You’ve got one foot in your car and the keys in the ignition when something stirs the fog. A person, the first you’ve seen here, slips out of an alley. Glancing back and forth and ahead and behind him, he walks casually but quickly like someone afraid to draw a predator’s eye. He’s thin and delicate-looking, tugging nervously at the long sleeves of a black turtleneck sweater, long blond hair feathering across his shoulders.

He’s at your window in just a few long strides, knocking softly but frantically. His voice is muffled and he’s nearly whispering but you catch what’s probably “please,” “help” and “be here soon.” You’ve neither rolled down your window nor unlocked your car but he’s presumptuous or maybe desperate, crossing quickly to the passenger side. He tugs uselessly at the door handle and peers at you with wide, teary eyes.

Your fingers perch on the button to unlock the door, indecisive. Then you hear the dragging; stone grinding against stone. A woman lurches through the fog, her suit jacket hanging open and her tie loosened. There’s blood on her shirt but something else, too, watery and dark like motor oil or ink. She moves with a lopsided, lumbering gait because of the sledgehammer she’s dragging behind her. 

“Please,” the man says, louder this time. “Please, please, please don’t leave me out here, please!” The woman moves faster. She wraps both hands around the sledgehammer’s long wooden handle and you make your choice. 

The doors unlock and the man flings himself into your passenger seat. He’s startled by the box of eggs but quick enough to catch himself against the dash when you slam your foot on the gas. The woman doesn’t give chase but you don’t slow down, watching for anything else moving in the fog. 

“Thank you,” the man says. He’s crammed himself into the space in front of the passenger seat, folding his arms over the egg box and peering up at you. “Thank you so much. Can you just—I don’t live far from here. Take a left at the light there.”

“Is it safe?” you ask him. 

“Yes. Everything’s just fine as long as you stay inside. Follow this road a while. I’ll tell you when to turn.” His jeans are fraying at the knees and he picks at them occasionally, his nails unusually sharp. He lifts himself just high enough to peer out the window occasionally but mostly he looks at you. His eyes are vivid green. “Why did you help me?” he asks. 

“Why?” you repeat, not expecting the question. “You thought I’d just leave you there?” 

“You thought about it. I wouldn’t have blamed you.” He plucks at his sleeves again, tugging at them until they cover all but his fingertips. “The Drift is dangerous. So many things pretending to be people. I could’ve been one, but you let me in anyway. Ah, it’s this turn coming up. Go right.”

“I like to see if I can help,” you say. The suburbs are just as dead as downtown. The bins are out for trash collection. A garage door is wide open, an unwound gardening hose snaking around the back of the house. You think you see curtains move in an upstairs window, but you aren’t sure. “If I have to fight, I’ll fight. But I try to help first.” 

“It’s that one. The house with a birdbath on the lawn. I’m Elisile, by the way,” he says, managing a small smile. Then he frowns. “You look…disappointed.” 

“Oh, no, sorry,” you say quickly. “Just lost in thought. This one, you said?” 

“Yes, this one.” He’s watching you while you pull into his driveway. “You’re…one of those, aren’t you? Not just a courier, but…you look so normal…” You put the car in park and unlock the door, not looking at him. “No, I’m—I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean…I used to have a friend in the Stillwoods. She was one, too.” He winces as he squeezes himself out of the small space and gets out of your car, rolling his shoulders and stretching his legs. “Sorry. And thank you again,” he says, offering a soft smile. His eyes are an earthy brown. You blink, startled. Was that the color they were earlier? “I’d ask you to come in but I don’t have much to offer,” he says. His soft laughter dies in his throat as his gaze shifts down the street. You see a car in the rearview mirror, screeching erratically down the street. 

“I should probably go, huh?” 

“No. She’ll run you off the road,” he says quickly. “Come on. We’ll wait her out.” 

You don’t like the idea of leaving your deliveries unattended but the car swerves onto the curb and into the grass, smashing the birdbath. Elisile practically drags you with him up the steps. He doesn’t stop to fumble with his keys. It’s unlocked. He doesn’t think to lock it behind him as you stagger into the entryway so you do it for him, slipping the deadbolt into place just as something hard and heavy slams into the front door. 

“We should be alright now.” The house is silent. Dust dances in a beam of strangled sunlight. The hallway is furnished with soft carpet, potted plants and a decorative glass dish sitting on a narrow table off to one side. Elisile watches you take in your surroundings. He’s smiling. Not in a cruel, menacing way but warm and comforting. He looks delighted when you notice the mirrors lining the hall. “I never did explain what happened here, did I?” he muses. “You never asked. That’s so…unusual.” 

Elisile takes a step forward and you lurch back, stumbling. There’s a pile of shoes beside the door. Adult’s and children’s. The welcome mat has little paw prints running across it. 

“You have to be careful with mirrors in the Drift,” he says. “You know all about that. Special glass, special chemicals. Your car’s all up to code, but in New Ridgeway? These are the old style. Thinner. Easier to move through.”

“Why?” you ask, feeling blindly behind yourself for the doorknob. You’re not careful and slam your wounded hand against it, pain radiating all the way up to your shoulder. He’s coming closer but he’s not stopping you. His eyes flick down to your bandages with interest. “Why would you—why fill a town with them?” 

“Why do you help people you shouldn’t, child of the road?” 

Your fingers fumble with the deadlock and that’s when he lunges. He goes for your hand, squeezing the tender, throbbing spot where your little finger used to be and slamming you up against the door. He’s cold against you. His breath is frigid and his skin leeches your body heat. 

“I’ll tell you why,” he whispers, brushing his knuckles against your cheek. “Because you’re trying to go home but you can’t, so you take what you can get. And they’re close enough, aren’t they? When you’re lost together, you almost feel safe.” You twist out of his grip, fumbling with the lock just long enough to feel his cold fingers ghost across your shoulder. Two stumbling steps out the door, you freeze.

The woman you saw before is right there, clawing to the door on her hands and knees. She’s bruised and bloody, her sledgehammer lying in the grass by her feet. There’s something on top of her. It’s a person, you think. It is, for just a second. Then it shifts and shimmers, fractaling into other shapes. Human, animal, celestial bodies, unnatural angles, it wraps a hand—a claw? A tendril, silver and reflective—around her throat and pulls until she arches uncomfortably, tilting her head up at the thing with a scream caught in her chest. 

Elisile’s fingers curl beneath your chin and he guides your gaze back to him, standing beside you in the grass. “You’re more like us than you are them,” he says. “There’s no home for you here. There never will be, no matter how useful you are.” 

“Home is northeast,” you tell him. Your voice quivers. His gaze softens with pity. The woman in the grass reaches out with one trembling hand, the other clawing and pulling at the thing around her throat. It squeezes tighter. Its changing fingers and feathers and insectoid limbs hold her head still. Something sharp pricks the corner of her eye. A gushing wound spreads across her forehead. The thing starts to settle, shapes smoothing, colors flattening. It has her eyes.

“I can be your home,” he offers. “I can give you everything they can’t.” His eyes are deep blue, and probably not his. He leans in, pressing his lips to your cheek. It’s cold and sharp. You feel a bead of blood slide down your chin. When he cups the back of your neck, you push him away. You hear him sigh as you rush to the woman, past her and the thing and the toppled birdbath, grasping clumsily for the sledgehammer. It’s heavy and the space of your missing finger still stings. The metal wedge drags through the dirt as you struggle to lift it with your fumbling grip.

“You’ll never find it,” Elisile says, the kindness gone from his voice. His words are flat and emotionless but that welcoming smile and those warm, changing eyes remain. “You’ll search forever. You’ll wander until you die. You’ll do everything they say but you will never be welcome. Do you understand? No matter where you go, child of the road, it. Won’t. Be. There.” 

You swing the sledgehammer and the thing shatters. Shards of light and cold and wriggling shape burst apart with a shrieking hiss, black blood spattering your face. It’s cold and stinging. Trying to wipe it off your chin cuts up your fingers. The woman heaves and sputters, clutching her bruised throat. Blood trickles from a gash across her forehead and drips into her eyes. 

Elisile is gone. The door to the house is wide open. The sledgehammer slips from your trembling hands. 

“Hey, are—are you still there?” the woman says hoarsely. “I saw you earlier, right? In town? I need help getting to my car. Like, now. Before it comes back.” She tries to stand and winces, catching herself with her hands. She’s keeping her weight off of her right leg. “God, I must look insane. Listen, I’m not one of those things. I'm cleanup crew. Check me! Glass mimics are cold to the touch and they don’t sweat. I’m bleeding red, right?”

She’s warm when you sling her arm over your shoulder and help her to her feet. She makes a pained sound and leans more of her weight against you. There’s a leather messenger bag in the passenger seat of her car and papers scattered around the back. Her medical supplies are in the trunk.

“Hey. Whatever it told you, don’t sweat it,” she says. “They like to fuck with people. It’s all mimicry, just copying stuff they’ve overheard. They don’t really get humans, you know? They don’t know what we feel, why we do things.” 

“Right,” you say weakly. 

“Ugh, I need a shower. You know what the closest town is? There’s fucking nothing out west.” 

“Prismville’s somewhere north, but—” 

“Civilization! Thank god.” She slaps a few bandaids on her forehead and wipes the rest of the blood on the sleeve of her suit jacket, tossing it haphazardly into the backseat. “Talk later, alright? You lead, I’ll follow. Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

You nod, dazed. You don’t have it in you to argue. You hear the woman’s car stutter before it starts. She gives you a thumbs-up in the rearview mirror. You hesitate before pulling out of the driveway, glancing up at the house. There’s no one there. The mimic has retreated for now, moved on to easier prey.

You rub the cut on your cheek where he kissed you. If no one else had been in danger, if you’d been all alone, would you have let him hold you? Would you have let him sink his teeth into your lips? Your neck? Somewhere even more tender? Would you have given him your eyes if he promised you somewhere you could always come back to, knowing it must be a lie? 

Home is northeast, says the heart. Your throat constricts and it’s hard to breathe as you ignore the pull and drive due north instead.

(next)

[arcielee]

𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖 ℍ𝕠𝕥𝔻 𝔸𝕌

Here is a collection of some of my favorite HotD AU that I just fucking adore. Some are modern, some are alternate universes, all of them, as you can imagine, are 18+, NSFW, so MINORS DNI

Otherwise, enjoy. ♥

Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner by @targaryenbrainrot​​​

modern priest!Aemond Targaryen x female reader

♥ This is a smutty delight that involves tormenting a man of God and I fucking love the depravity of it all. 

The Intern [series] by @f4ll-for-you​

modern Aegon x female reader

♥ This series helped me understand the potential of Aegon, especially modern Aegon and I am a brand new woman as a result. 

Down in Flames by @sapphire-writes​ 

modern Aegon x Reader & Aemond x Reader

♥ This, for me, is the modern Aemond bar set. This story is just fucking wonderful, literally pulling at your heart strings with the back-and-forth between Aemond and reader. I just love it. 

Dark Night of the Soul by @aspen-carter​ 

modern Aegon x Aemond

♥ This is a story that is dark and beautiful and twisted. It sets a bar all its own. Just a masterpiece, truly. 

North to the Future by @inthedayswhenlandswerefew​

modern Aegon x female reader 

♥ This was such an emotional rollercoaster with 90s nostalgia and I fucking adore the thought put into it. 

Red Moon by @hamatoanne​

vampire Aemond x female reader

♥ Thank you. I didn’t know I wanted a Vampire Aemond and it’s fucking brilliant, it’s fucking gothic, it’s so fucking good.

Phantom of the Red Keep by @1800-fight-me​​

Phantom of the fucking Opera AU with Aemond x female reader 

♥ I squealed with the utmost joy when this was posted. This was amazing and the Aemond portrayal was just....ugh. 

[aspenonpawzzz]

Assigning theriotypes to toh characters 

-hunter: I think wolf (obviously) but he gives coyote, mako shark, deer, and snow leopard vibes as well!

-willow: bear. She’s a bear. Just trust me.

-Gus: ummm… giving dragon kin, maybe raccoon vibes!

-Luz: ok. Otter, but also she’s dogkin! She just gives dogkin vibes

-Amity: domestic cat. But she also gives sirenkin vibes!! 

-eda: o w l. O W L. 

-king: batkin or vampirekin!! 

-raine: their a fox cladotherian, and bathearted!! Also they’re a manta ray!

-Lilith: stray domestic cat, and raven kin.

-belos: I’d say he’d be deer kin, maybe cryptid kin? But he also seems like a hyena to me!

-Darius: octopus. He’s an octopus! Also gives black panther energy!!

-eberwolf: he’s a canine cladotherian, and tiger kin!!

-collector: my baby is space kin, and fennec fox kin!! 

-boscha: that bitch is a fucking crab. Sorry crab kin’s but it’s just THERE.

-vee: snakekin, poly kin, and axloltol kin!

-Caleb: he’s wolf kin, specifically Great Plains wolf. Maybe also star-kin!!

-Evelyn: she is a sparrow and a red fox!! She’s also fire concept kin!

-papa titan:  I give him…. T-Rex paleotherian!!

-Camila: I thought about this, and she’s a mouse!!

-odaila: she is a raccoon. I will not elaborate.

-ed and em:  emira is a horse, and Edric is a farm dog!!

-bump: demon kin. The biblical demons.

-mattholoume: ok.. he’s.. a snake. M-Kay?

-alador: R A T. HES A R A T.

[jerzwriter]

A Tall Order

✨ Ho-Ho-Ho! This year, I'm Secret Santa to the lovely @zealouscanonindeer! You were such an important part of the Choices Open Heart fandom this year, and I know I speak for many when I say that we're so grateful you're here! ✨

❄️I also want to thank @choicesfandomappreciation for hosting this and so many wonderful events throughout the year! You're one of the big reasons our little fandom continues to go strong! ❄️

✨I hope you enjoy this commission of Aspen, Ethan, and their new snow friend created by @weetlebeetle. Here's a little drabble to accompany it! ✨

❄️ Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!❄️

Book: Open Heart Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC Characters: Aurora Emery, Jackie Varma, Sienna Trinh, Tobias Carrick Rating: Teen Words: 867 Summary: It's a snowy lunch break at Edenbrook.

The temperature may have been hovering just above freezing, but that wasn't enough to keep Aspen indoors this lunch break. Not the grounds surrounding Edenbrook were blanketed in beautiful, freshly fallen snow, just waiting to be enjoyed. If that didn't make her happy enough, she managed to wrangle a few friends and co-workers to join her, multiplying her joy.

As the group exited Edenbrook, they were astounded to see just how quiet the streets of Boston could be during a snowstorm, but the silence wouldn't last much longer... not with this crew entering the scene.

Sienna was the first to return to the days of childhood glory, tossing herself on the ground and flailing her arms and legs about.

"Ah! This is so cool!" she squealed as the others looked on.

"It looks downright cold to me," Aurora rebuffed.

"Hey, Trihn," Tobias jumped in. "Just makin' sure you're enjoying yourself, and this isn't some sort of a medical emergency."

Sienna jumped from the spot where she had been lying and gestured widely at her creation.

"It's a snow angel," she proclaimed. "Didn't you ever make a snow angel as a child?"

"Nope," he replied. "Never did. I guess what wasn't my thing."

"That may not have been, but I know what was!" Jackie yelled as a large snowball smacked Dr. Carrick on the side of the face.

"SNOWBALL FIGHT!" Aspen yelled, and it was every person for themselves as total chaos ensued.

Several minutes later, the cold and breathless crew was laughing like schoolchildren.

"I have to admit, this was fun!" Aurora announced. "But maybe we should start heading back in. There is a large mug of hot chocolate with my name on it."

"No!" Aspen hollered, turning all heads her way. "Not... not yet."

Tobias took a look around and noticed there was one doctor that Aspen hadn't been able to convince. Snow crunching under his feet, he walked over with a look of sympathy.

"Look, I know you love the guy... but even you can't make that curmudgeonly old man come out to play in the snow."

A look of determination crossed her face, and she smiled. "Lunch break isn't over... and besides, there is one more thing I want to do before we go inside... Ethan, or no Ethan."

Leaning over, she began rolling snow to form the base of what would become a very impressive snowman. Sienna, Jackie, and Aurora eagerly joined in to help when Tobias announced he'd go fetch warm beverages for all.

They were excited when they heard footsteps headed their way, but they were surprised to see another doctor headed their way. With a North Face jacket tossed over his scrubs, they couldn't tell if Ethan was amused or annoyed as he approached.

"You look cold," he deadpanned.

"What an observation!" Jackie mocked. "Now it's crystal clear how you graduated top of your class at Hopkins."

But, captivated by the way Aspen's eyes lit up when she saw him coming near, Ethan paid her no mind.

"Just in the nick of time!" She announced.

"For what?" He asked. "To drag you inside and stave off frostbite?"

"Probably that, too," she laughed, placing a large snowman's head in his hands with a thud.

"What's this?" he asked, leading Jackie to sigh with frustration.

"It's the head of a snowman! Jeez... Hopkins standards have really been going down, haven't they?"

"I know it's the head of a snowman," he defended. "I'm asking why Aspen gave it to me."

"Because you're tall enough to place it on his neck. I've sort of been struggling with that."

"Uhh, Aspen, aren't you supposed to put the head on and then decorate it."

"Sure, if you want to take the standard approach, but I'm anything but standard."

With a snort and a tender half-smile on his lips, Ethan was about to carry out the task, but not before being subjected to one more round of teasing.

"Well, look who made it outside," Tobias sneered, giving Aspen a wink. "That's some fairy dust you've got there, kid!"

Aspen gave a little bow behind Ethan. But Tobias wasn't done.

"What have you done to the snowman?" He continued. "Leave it to you to decapitate him."

"Decap.. decap... I'm not decapitating him. I'm putting the head on top."

Handing the paper coffee cups to the others, Tobias smirked wickedly. "As a testament to my personal growth, I will refrain from turning that statement into an inappropriate comment."

"OK, boys! Can we wrap this up and get back inside?" Jackie protested. "I can no longer feel my toes."

"Fine," Ethan said as he secured the snowman's head on top, to Aspen's delight.

Clapping her mittened hands together, she slipped under Ethan's arm and declared. "You're my hero!"

"Oh, I think I'm going to be sick," Jackie mumbled as Tobias clinked his cup against hers.

"I'll drink to that," he agreed.

"Hey! Did you get me one of those," Ethan asked, gesturing to the beverages.

"Nope. Thought you were still inside."

Beginning to shiver, Aspen decided inside was where they all should be, and in the same way, she got everyone outside, she began to shepherd them back to warmth.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[sc0tters]

What are Luca and Aspens first I love you?

This acc makes my heart melt. Aspen said it first and I’ll start with that one!

Aspen:

It was cold as Aspen snuggled up to Luca on the couch of her parents home as they had gone to New Jersey for the weekend “what are you thinking about pretty girl?” Luca smiled at her Christmas socks and how she had stolen his shirt after they were done in her bedroom.

She just grinned as she looked up at him as he wrapped his hands around her waist “just thinking about you.” Aspen blurted out as she rubbed her leg over his. As she rested her head down on his chest allowing the movie to start Aspen felt herself feel at ease hearing the found of his heartbeat “I love you.” Her voice was soft so she thought Luca wouldn’t have heard her but he did and a smile spread across his face as he ran his fingers through her hair mindlessly braiding it.

Luca:

After a game Luca had scored a goal and as she were sick Luca pointed to the camera to dedicate his goal to her . Even after getting a hattrick he didn’t celebrate with the team as he went straight to Aspens dorm to see her “baby I said no coming.” She didn’t want to get him sick so she told him not to see her “Pen let me in.” Luca begged with a pout hoping that it would work.

Of course it did as she opened her door wider, Luca melted at the sight of her in her Fantilli jersey that barely looked like a shirt and more like a dress “C’mere baby.” He cooed pulling you into a hug as he felt your warm forehead.

Luca frowned feeling that you were running a temperature “lets go get some ice cream for you.” Luca hated seeing you sick “but it’s January.” Aspen pointed out making him laugh “yeah but I know it’ll make you feel better and I gotta see you smile again.” As Apsen grinned quickly moving to grab some sweats it made him cross his arms as he watched her “god I love you.”

It made her grin “I love you too.” A squeal left her lips as he picked her up and pressed her against her bed.

[stylesonfilms]

ink & innocence - 19 *

word count: 10.6k

woooah! here's a long one. excuse me for any grammar/plot inconsistencies.... i don't ever check because i like pumpin these parts out asap!! enjoy though! thanks for all the patience and all the kind words in my inbox <33

Aspen's eyes fluttered open, the faint scent of Harry lingering in the air around her, warm and comforting. A small yawn escaped her lips as she stretched, her arms reaching above her head before curling back into herself beneath the covers. Her gaze lazily swept the room, only then noticing Harry wasn't beside her.

The faint hum of the shower reached her ears, accompanied by the occasional clink of water droplets hitting the tiles. It was soothing, a reminder of the intimacy they'd shared the night before. Aspen's cheeks heated as fragmented memories flashed in her mind—Harry's lips on her skin, his whispered praises, the way he'd cared for her so gently afterward. She pulled the blanket higher over her face, trying to smother the bashful grin that refused to leave her lips.

Shifting slightly, she became aware of the soft fabric against her skin. Glancing down, Aspen realized she was dressed in nothing but her panties and one of Harry's shirts, the hem of which rested just below her hips. Her heart gave a little flutter at the sight, the scent of him clinging faintly to the material. Her dress and cardigan were neatly folded on Harry's dresser, a sweet gesture that didn't surprise her but warmed her heart nonetheless.

She sighed contentedly and nestled back into the pillow, a faint smile tugging at her lips as her thoughts drifted to him. She didn't realize how lost in her musings she was until the sound of the shower shutting off broke through her reverie. The familiar rasp of the metal rings as the curtain was drawn back sent a ripple of anticipation through her, and she bit her lip, burying her face in the pillow again to hide her expression even though Harry wasn't yet in the room.

The door creaked open moments later, and Aspen peeked out just in time to see Harry emerge. Her breath caught slightly as her eyes landed on him. A towel hung low on his hips, water droplets trailing down his toned torso. His damp curls clung to his forehead, and a crooked smile lit up his face when he noticed her watching.

"G'morning, sugar," he greeted, his voice warm and slightly teasing as he padded over to her.

Aspen managed a shy smile, her heart fluttering wildly as Harry came to sit on the edge of the bed beside her. Before she could say anything, he leaned closer, shaking his wet hair over her playfully. A few droplets of water sprinkled onto her face, making her squeal and pull the blanket over her head.

"Harry!" she protested, her voice muffled beneath the covers, though she couldn't suppress the giggle that followed.

Harry chuckled, pulling the blanket down just enough to reveal her flushed face. "There she is," he murmured, leaning down to press a series of soft, lingering kisses to her lips. Each one drew another giggle from her, her hands instinctively reaching to rest on his damp shoulders.

When he finally pulled back, his thumb gently brushed her cheek. "Did you sleep okay?" he asked softly, his voice laced with genuine care.

Aspen nodded, her smile still lingering. "Yeah. Really well, actually."

"Good," he said, brushing a stray curl away from her face before sitting back slightly. "Hey, did'ya hear about Niall's party tonight? He's hosting at his place."

Aspen blinked, shaking her head slightly. "No, I didn't. Are you thinking of going?"

Harry shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "Only 'f y'want to. It's up to you, sugar. I don't have t'go if you don't feel like it."

The sincerity in his tone made Aspen's chest tighten in the best way. She knew how much Harry's friends meant to him, and the fact that he was willing to forgo the party for her made her heart swell. Smiling softly, she tilted her head. "Would Isobel and Zayn be there?"

"Probably," Harry said with a chuckle. "I can check if you want."

Aspen considered it for a moment before nodding. "Okay. It could be fun," she said, her voice soft but genuine. "As long as you're with me."

Harry's grin widened, and he leaned down to steal another quick kiss. "Always," he murmured, his lips brushing against hers before he pulled back to grab his phone. "I'll let Niall know we're coming."

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Aspen shut the door to her bedroom with a soft click, the sound echoing louder than she expected in the quiet apartment. Isobel was still at Zayn's, and the silence felt both comforting and oddly exposing. She turned the lock and tested the handle to ensure it was secure before leaning against the door, her heart thudding in her chest for reasons she couldn't quite admit aloud.

On her bed sat a small brown package, innocuous to anyone else but holding a secret that made her cheeks burn. She approached it hesitantly, her fingers brushing the edges of the box as she sat cross-legged on her comforter. For a moment, she simply stared at it, as if opening it would set off alarms to announce her intentions to the world.

A deep breath later, Aspen dug her nails into the tape sealing the box and pulled it open, careful not to tear the cardboard too much. Inside, nestled in discreet tissue paper, was the item she had been waiting on—a purple sparkly dildo, smaller than most she had seen online, chosen with care for her specific purpose. She hesitated before lifting it from its packaging, her hands trembling slightly as she turned it over in the light.

Her face flushed an even deeper shade of crimson, and she instinctively glanced around the room despite knowing she was alone. It wasn't embarrassment exactly, but something more tender—a shyness born of inexperience and the secret vulnerability of preparing for something so deeply intimate.

Aspen's thoughts drifted to Harry, and her heart fluttered in her chest. She had been thinking about this moment for weeks, her curiosity and desire growing alongside her feelings for him. Last night had solidified it in her mind—he had been so attentive, so utterly devoted to her pleasure, and she wanted to do the same for him. Not just out of obligation, but because the thought of making him feel the way he made her feel sent a warm shiver through her body.

Still, the idea of her lack of experience made her stomach twist in knots. What if she wasn't good at it? What if she made it awkward? She hated the idea of fumbling through something so meaningful, especially when it came to Harry. The thought of his face, his groans, the way his lips parted when he let himself feel—she wanted to see that again, to be the reason for it.

That was why she had ordered this. Not to use for herself, but to practice. She could barely even think the word without her face heating up, but she knew it was the truth. The small toy felt manageable, like a stepping stone toward learning how to please Harry in the way she wanted to. She bit her lip, her thumb brushing over the smooth, glittery surface as she set it on the bed beside her.

Her mind buzzed with anticipation and nervous energy as she considered what to do next. There was a part of her that wanted to chicken out, to shove the box under her bed and never think about it again. But then she thought of Harry—the way his eyes softened when he looked at her, the low timbre of his voice when he murmured her name, the way he'd kissed her so reverently the night before. He was worth overcoming her hesitation.

With a shaky exhale, Aspen stood and moved to her desk, grabbing a small bottle of lubricant she had also ordered for this very moment. The act of preparing made her feel bold and a little self-conscious all at once. She set everything neatly on the bed before climbing back onto the mattress, crossing her legs beneath her and staring down at the items as if willing them to guide her.

She whispered to herself, "Okay, you can do this," though her voice was barely audible in the empty room. A tentative smile crept onto her lips as she picked up the toy again, her fingers curling around its base. This wasn't just about learning or practicing—it was about the quiet excitement of imagining Harry's pleasure, of knowing she could give him something meaningful in return for the tenderness he had shown her. And that thought alone was enough to make her heart race.

Aspen had about four hours before Harry would come pick her up, and one of those hours she would reserve to get ready. With three hours to spare, she figured that was plenty of time to get her practice in. It wasn't like he expected her to do this for him, and not once did he ask her for anything in return from the previous night. This was something Aspen set out to do on her own.

With the toy in her shy hands, she walked to her bathroom. She washed and dried the toy delicately and giggled to herself with red cheeks at how it just... stuck to the counter. The girl removed the toy to stick it onto the ledge of her bathtub. She figured it would be better to not hold it, since Harry's was, well, stuck on him.

Intimidation flooded her chest to accompany the slight shy and embarrassment as she stared at the toy. It was no more than six inches, maybe five, she spent less than five minutes on Amazon alone while she tried to scramble out of it. The girl slipped onto her knees in front of the toy and brushed her hair behind her ears. Still in Harry's shirt and a pair of shorts she found in her tote bag, her fingers nervously stretched the hem of the shirt. 

No one is here, she thought to herself to calm down. The girl set her phone down on the ledge, clicking play on some random short video she found. With a hot face and nervous hands, she watched the video at least three times before she wiggled closer and tucked her hair back once again. 

Aspen's heart was racing as she sat back on her heels, staring at the toy stuck firmly to the edge of the tub. Her fingers trembled slightly as she adjusted Harry's shirt on her shoulders, the familiar fabric bringing a strange sense of comfort. The video had been helpful—at least, it gave her some idea of what to do—but actually putting it into practice felt entirely different.

The toy gleamed under the bathroom light, the sparkles catching her eye as if teasing her for her hesitation. She bit her lip, her mind flashing back to Harry's hands on her, his mouth, the way he looked at her like she was the only thing in the world that mattered. That memory alone gave her the push she needed. She wasn't doing this for herself—this was for him, for the look she knew she'd get when she finally showed him how much she cared in her own way.

With a deep breath, Aspen leaned forward and wrapped her hand around the base of the toy. Her grip was unsure at first, her fingers flexing against the smooth surface as she tried to mimic what she had seen. It felt strange—foreign, even—but she reminded herself that this was exactly why she was practicing. Her gaze flickered to the video still playing on her phone, the soft, instructive voice guiding her as she adjusted her hand to a more comfortable position.

She brought her lips close to the tip, her face heating as she hesitated. The idea of doing this for Harry, of having him look at her with that mix of awe and affection, sent a warm shiver through her. Slowly, she let her lips part, pressing a tentative kiss to the tip before sliding her mouth over it just slightly. The feeling was odd but not unpleasant, and she pulled back almost immediately, her cheeks burning.

"Okay, Aspen," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the video. "You've got this. Just... take it slow."

She leaned in again, her lips wrapping more firmly around the toy this time. Aspen tried to remember the rhythm and movements she had seen, moving her hand in time with her mouth as she took it in a little farther. Her tongue brushed against the surface, and she focused on maintaining a steady pace. The motions felt awkward at first, but she kept going, determined to make it feel natural.

Her thoughts strayed to Harry again—his voice, his laugh, the way he called her "sugar" with that teasing lilt. It made her smile despite herself, and she realized she was beginning to relax. She adjusted her grip slightly, testing what felt comfortable for her as she moved her mouth up and down the length of the toy.

As she grew more confident, Aspen pushed herself to take it deeper. The first attempt was met with resistance, and she pulled back quickly with a small cough, her eyes widening in surprise. "Okay," she muttered, her cheeks flushed. "Noted."

She took a moment to collect herself, running her fingers over the base of the toy as she caught her breath. This wasn't easy, but she didn't expect it to be. What mattered was that she was trying, and she couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride for even attempting this in the first place.

Aspen brushed her hair back again, her fingers steadying themselves as she glanced at the toy. The brief setback hadn't discouraged her—it was all part of the process, she told herself. After a few deep breaths, she leaned in once more, determined to improve. This time, she focused on keeping her movements slow and deliberate, experimenting with how far she could go while maintaining a comfortable rhythm.

Her lips wrapped around the toy, gliding down the length with a bit more ease. The motions began to feel smoother, less awkward, as she found a rhythm that worked. Each time she pushed herself to take it deeper, she would pause to adjust, her mind focused on breathing steadily through her nose and relaxing her jaw. The initial nerves faded bit by bit, replaced by a quiet determination. Aspen imagined Harry watching her, the thought sending a wave of warmth through her. Would he be proud of her for trying this? She hoped so.

After a few more rounds, she pulled back, sitting up on her knees as she wiped at her lips with the back of her hand. Her chest rose and fell with her measured breathing, and she allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than when she started.

Her eyes flickered to the bottle of lube she had grabbed earlier, and an idea clicked in her mind. She'd read somewhere that using just spit wasn't ideal for making things comfortable. A little extra help couldn't hurt, and it would give her a chance to practice with her hands as well. With that thought, Aspen uncapped the bottle, squeezing a small amount onto her palm.

The cool, slick sensation made her fingers tingle as she rubbed the lube between her hands. She hesitated for only a moment before wrapping her hand around the base of the toy, gliding her fingers along its length experimentally. The lube made the movements smooth and effortless, and she nodded in approval to herself. "That's definitely better," she muttered.

She practiced moving her hand up and down, twisting slightly at the top as she had seen in a few videos and read in advice threads. The slickness made the motions feel more natural, and Aspen began to alternate between using one hand and adding the other for different techniques. Her cheeks were flushed, but there was a hint of pride in her expression as she focused on getting it right.

As she worked, her thoughts drifted back to Harry, imagining his reaction. She wanted to surprise him, to show him that she could give him as much care and attention as he had given her. The thought of his soft praises, the way he always made her feel safe and adored, spurred her on.

By the time she set the toy down, her hands slightly sticky with the remnants of the lube, Aspen felt a new wave of confidence. She still had a lot to learn, but she was making progress—and that was enough for now.Aspen was still kneeling on the bathroom floor, her hands gliding up and down the toy with practiced motions, her face a little less red as she became more confident in what she was doing. She was so focused that she almost didn't hear the front door open—or the unmistakable sound of Isobel's cheerful voice calling out, "Aspen! I'm back!"

Her heart leaped into her throat. Panic surged through her, and her hands froze mid-motion. "Crap, crap, crap," she whispered, fumbling with the toy as she tried to think of where to put everything. She quickly grabbed the toy and the bottle of lube, shoving them under the sink. Her fingers trembled as she wiped at the countertop with a nearby towel, trying to erase any evidence of what she had been doing.

She turned on the faucet, frantically scrubbing her hands and splashing cold water on her flushed face to cool it down. But then her eyes widened as she remembered the box and the packaging still sitting on her bed. "Oh, no," she whispered, darting out of the bathroom.

Just as Isobel's footsteps echoed closer, Aspen grabbed the box and kicked it under the bed with a hurried nudge of her foot. She spun around just in time to see her bedroom door swing open, her heart racing as she plastered a casual smile on her face.

"There you are!" Isobel beamed, stepping inside and flopping onto Aspen's bed without hesitation. "I thought you'd still be sleeping or something. Zayn's place is crazy right now, so I figured I'd escape and come bother you."

Aspen forced a laugh, hoping her flushed face wouldn't give her away. She nervously tugged at the hem of her shirt, her mind racing. "Oh, um, no. I've just been... cleaning up a bit," she said, glancing toward the bathroom door as if double-checking that nothing was left out.

Isobel didn't seem to notice Aspen's odd behavior. She stretched out on the bed, her legs dangling off the edge as she grinned up at her friend. "So, about tonight... Are we going to Niall's party? Zayn says it's going to be packed, and I heard there's going to be karaoke again. You have to come, Aspen."

Still trying to calm the frantic beat of her heart, Aspen sat on the edge of the bed and nodded slowly. "Yeah, I think I'm going. Harry mentioned it earlier, so... I guess we'll both be there."

Isobel's face lit up. "Perfect! I can't wait to see you two being cute and couple-y. Honestly, it's kind of sickening how adorable you are." She smirked, poking Aspen's arm playfully. "What are you wearing? You have to look amazing."

Aspen chuckled softly, the tension in her chest easing slightly as she realized Isobel wasn't suspicious. "I haven't decided yet. Something simple, probably."

"Simple doesn't cut it, babe," Isobel teased, sitting up and pulling Aspen into a half-hug. "We're going to make you look like a goddess tonight. Harry won't be able to keep his hands off you."

Aspen's cheeks flushed again, but this time, it wasn't from embarrassment over what she had been doing earlier. She let herself relax as she and Isobel began to chat about outfits, hairstyles, and what they thought the night would bring.

Aspen turned in front of her full-length mirror, trying not to let her nerves get the better of her. Isobel stood behind her, beaming with pride as she admired her work.

"You look so good, Aspen," Isobel said, clasping her hands together as if she'd just unveiled a masterpiece. "Harry's going to lose his mind when he sees you. Trust me."

Aspen bit her bottom lip, her cheeks flushed as she took in her reflection. The leopard print micro shorts sat snugly on her hips, showing more skin than she was used to, and the black top clung to her figure in a way that made her hyper-aware of every curve. The sheer material revealed hints of her dark red bra, especially when she moved under the light, and Isobel had made sure she wore a push-up bra that emphasized her chest more than she was used to. The knee-high boots added an edge to her look, and her hair—loose, shiny, and with its natural blowout volume—cascaded around her shoulders.

Her makeup was darker than usual: smoky liner that brought out the green flecks in her hazel eyes and a deep, muted red lip that balanced sultry with understated. It wasn't too far from her natural style, but it was definitely bolder than what she normally wore.

"Are you sure about this?" Aspen asked, fidgeting with the hem of her shorts. "I mean... I don't know if it's really me."

Isobel rolled her eyes dramatically and swatted Aspen's hand away. "Stop doubting yourself! You look hot. Like, seriously hot. And it's a party, Aspen—it's supposed to be fun. Besides, you deserve to feel confident and sexy for once. Harry's going to eat you alive."

Aspen groaned softly but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. Isobel's confidence was infectious. "Okay, okay. But if anyone stares too much, I'm blaming you."

"Let them stare!" Isobel declared, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "You're a goddess tonight, and everyone should know it."

Aspen laughed nervously, grabbing her small black crossbody bag and slinging it over her shoulder. "All right, let's go before I change my mind."

When Harry arrived to pick Aspen up, the last thing he expected was to be rendered speechless on her doorstep. His usual laid-back confidence wavered the second his eyes landed on her. She looked... stunning. The kind of stunning that didn't just catch his attention but made his chest tighten and his thoughts scatter.

His gaze swept over her from head to toe, lingering on the daring leopard print shorts that showed off her legs and the way the black top hugged her figure in ways that made it impossible to look away. The subtle flash of red from her bra beneath the sheer fabric sent a warmth up his neck, though he quickly fought it back, not wanting to seem like he was ogling her.

Harry, standing there in his dark grey long sleeve shirt with the top two buttons undone, sleeves casually rolled up to reveal his tattoos, shifted on his boots. His flannel was slung loosely around his waist, the contrast between his rugged appearance and her bold elegance somehow fitting. But for once, he felt like he was the one trying to keep up.

He swallowed hard, realizing he hadn't said a word. "Wow," he finally breathed, his voice unintentionally dropping an octave. "You look... incredible." His words hung heavy with honesty, his eyes still glued to hers.

Aspen's cheeks flushed a deep pink under his intense gaze. She ducked her head slightly, a small, self-conscious laugh escaping her. "Isobel's doing," she murmured, tugging at the strap of her bag as if to distract herself. "It's a little more than I'd usually wear."

Harry took a step closer, closing the space between them. His hand came up gently, his fingers tilting her chin so she'd meet his gaze. The warmth in his eyes melted away any lingering doubts she had about the outfit.

"You're perfect," he said, his tone steady and certain. The sincerity in his voice wrapped around her like a blanket. "Don't change a thing. I love it."

Aspen's breath caught, her heart racing under his unwavering attention. The blush on her cheeks deepened, and all she could manage was a soft, "Okay," her voice almost a whisper.

Harry's thumb brushed lightly along her jaw before he dropped his hand, though his eyes stayed locked on hers for a moment longer. His own heart was pounding—he wasn't even sure how she didn't notice the way his hands itched to reach for her again, just to keep her close.

Before either of them could say another word, Isobel's cheerful voice rang out from the top of the stairs. "Come on, lovebirds! We're going to be late!"

Harry chuckled, breaking the moment as he stepped back, his hand naturally finding the small of Aspen's back to guide her toward his car. "Guess that's our cue," he said softly, glancing down at her with a smile that felt reserved just for her.

Aspen followed his lead, her heart still fluttering in her chest. As they walked, she couldn't help but steal a glance at him—the way his rolled sleeves accentuated his forearms, the casual way his flannel swayed with his movements, and the ease in his stride. He looked good. He always did, but tonight... there was something different.

The night was just beginning, but Aspen already felt the buzz of excitement tingling through her. And it wasn't just about the party ahead—it was about Harry, and the way his every glance, touch, and word made her feel like she was the only person in the world.

The drive to Niall's party was filled with a mix of quiet conversation and a shared anticipation. Harry's hand rested comfortably on the gear shift, his fingers occasionally brushing against Aspen's knee as they chatted about nothing in particular. Aspen felt her nerves ebb and flow; this was her first time going to a party like this with Harry, and she wasn't sure what to expect.

When they arrived, the unmistakable hum of bass reverberated from the house, spilling into the night air. The sound grew louder as Harry pushed open the front door for her, the familiar chaos of a party greeting them like a wave. Laughter, music, and snippets of overlapping conversations blended together in an almost overwhelming cacophony.

Aspen instinctively pressed closer to Harry's side, her arm brushing against his as they stepped inside. He noticed the small movement immediately, glancing down at her with a reassuring smile. "Stay close," he said, his voice low but audible against the noise.

She nodded, her heart steadying slightly at the comfort of his presence. Together, they wove through the crowded space, stopping to greet Liam, Louis, and Zayn. Each of the boys greeted Aspen warmly, their familiarity making her feel a little less out of place. Isobel had already peeled away, spotting a group of friends across the room, leaving Aspen tucked safely under Harry's protective gaze.

As they maneuvered through the living room, Aspen's eyes darted around, taking in the lively scene. People were scattered in groups, some dancing, others huddled on couches, and a few lingering by the kitchen island with drinks in hand. Her gaze snagged briefly on a figure near the edge of the room—Kirsten.

The sight made her stomach twist involuntarily. Kirsten was laughing at something, her posture relaxed and carefree. Aspen's fingers twitched, an urge to grab onto Harry stronger than before, but she forced herself to look away. It didn't seem like Harry had noticed, his attention focused on steering them toward the drinks table in the kitchen.

"Want a drink?" Harry asked as they approached, his voice cutting through the noise as he leaned slightly closer to her.

"Juice, if they have it," Aspen replied quickly. She wasn't in the mood to risk alcohol, not with the way her nerves were still settling.

Harry nodded, scanning the array of bottles and mixers sprawled across the counter. He reached for a carton of juice, unscrewing the cap and pouring it into a cup. Before handing it to her, he paused, taking a sip himself.

His brows furrowed for a brief moment as he swirled the liquid in his mouth before nodding in approval. "Just juice," he confirmed with a small smirk, handing the cup to her.

Aspen took it with a shy smile, grateful for the small gesture of care. Harry grabbed a beer for himself, expertly popping the cap off with one hand.

"You okay?" he asked, his green eyes searching hers as they stood shoulder-to-shoulder at the counter.

"Yeah," she said, sipping her drink. "It's... loud. But I'm fine."

Harry chuckled, his hand resting briefly on the small of her back. "It's always loud with Niall. You'll get used to it. If it gets too much, just say the word."

She nodded, her chest warming at his attentiveness. Even here, surrounded by chaos and distraction, Harry made her feel seen—like she mattered more than anything else in the room.

As they moved to find a quieter corner, Aspen felt herself relax slightly. The drink in her hand grounded her, and Harry's steady presence beside her made the overwhelming atmosphere feel manageable. She cast another glance around the room, but Kirsten was nowhere in sight now.

Good, she thought, turning her attention fully back to Harry as he sipped his beer and tilted his head toward her. The night was still young, and she silently vowed not to let anything ruin the moment they were building together.

Harry leaned against the kitchen counter, beer in hand, his body angled toward Aspen. The faint smirk playing on his lips softened as he looked at her, his green eyes catching the low kitchen lights. Aspen was still close, her drink clutched delicately between her hands.

"See? Juice isn't so bad at a party," he teased, the corner of his mouth quirking up.

She laughed softly, the sound barely carrying over the thrum of the music from the next room. "It's safer. I can't afford an Isobel-level hangover," she replied, taking a small sip for emphasis.

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "Fair point. She's a lightweight, but she recovers fast. Maybe you'll be one 'nd the same."

"I think I might still feel Zayn's party for her," she joked, glancing down at her cup. "But this is nice. I like just... talking like this."

He smiled at that, a warmth spreading through his chest. "Yeah? Me too. 'S easy with you."

Her heart skipped at his words, and she tried to focus on the rim of her cup instead of how close his gaze made her feel. It was like he could see right through her, past the noise of the party and into something she wasn't even sure she fully understood yet.

They fell into a rhythm of light conversation, their words flowing as naturally as the comfort between them. Harry asked about her day, his tone genuinely curious, and Aspen recounted the little details she hadn't thought worth mentioning before. He listened intently, occasionally nodding or adding a playful comment that made her laugh.

But as they talked, Aspen became increasingly aware of the others around them. Niall's party was buzzing with energy, and she couldn't help but notice how many people greeted Harry, waving or clapping him on the back in passing. He was clearly a familiar face here, and it struck her that she might be unintentionally keeping him from joining his friends.

She hesitated, fiddling with the cup in her hands before glancing up at him. "Harry?"

"Hmm?" he hummed, his eyes still fixed on her.

She smiled softly, trying to keep her voice steady. "You don't have to stick by me all night, you know. If you want to go hang out with your friends or—"

Harry frowned, cutting her off with a shake of his head. "What? No. 'M not leaving y'here alone."

"I wouldn't be alone," she argued gently, motioning to the room full of people. "I'll be fine, Harry. Really. I don't want to hold you back from... whatever it is you'd rather be doing."

His frown deepened, and he set his beer down on the counter with a soft clink before turning fully toward her. "Aspen," he said firmly, his voice lowering enough that it felt like they had their own little bubble of quiet. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be. If I wanted to be with anyone else, I'd be there. Not here. But 'm here with you 'cause you mean more t'me."

Her cheeks flushed at his words, the sincerity in his voice almost overwhelming. She opened her mouth to respond, but he beat her to it, his lips curving into a softer smile.

"Besides," he added, his tone lighter now, "if I let y'out of my sight, who's going to make sure your juice stays jus' juice?"

She laughed despite herself, the sound easing the tension she hadn't realized she'd been holding in her chest. "You're ridiculous."

"Maybe," he agreed, his smile widening. "But 'm also not leaving you. So deal with it."

Aspen shook her head, her grin matching his. "Fine. Suit yourself."

"I will," he quipped, taking another sip of his beer as if to punctuate the moment.

The conversation flowed naturally again after that, but Harry stayed closer than before, his arm brushing hers occasionally as if to remind her he wasn't going anywhere. Aspen felt a warmth settle in her chest—a feeling she was beginning to recognize as uniquely tied to him.

The two were still mid-conversation when Kirsten approached, her appearance so sudden that even Harry—typically unflappable—tensed slightly. She wore her signature smile, the one that didn't quite meet her eyes, as she sauntered up with a drink in hand.

"Well, well," she began, her tone syrupy sweet. "If it isn't the cutest couple at the party."

Aspen turned, her face lighting up in genuine surprise. "Oh, hey, Kirsten!"

Harry's jaw ticked, but he masked it quickly, offering a tight smile. "Kirsten."

Kirsten tilted her head, her gaze flicking between the two of them. "I was just telling Zayn how happy I am for you guys. I mean, really, Aspen, you've got quite the catch here."

Aspen's cheeks flushed at the comment, her shyness kicking in. "Oh, um, thank you. Harry's... he's great."

Harry glanced at Aspen, his features softening momentarily at the sincerity in her voice, but when his gaze shifted back to Kirsten, his expression hardened again.

"Anyway," Kirsten continued, leaning slightly toward Aspen as if to exclude Harry, "you're looking amazing tonight. That outfit? Killer. Who knew you had it in you?"

Aspen blinked, unsure if that was meant as a compliment or something else entirely, but she managed a small smile. "Thanks. Isobel helped me pick it out."

"Of course she did," Kirsten said with a laugh, her eyes glinting with something Harry didn't like. "She's always had an eye for this kind of thing."

Before either of them could respond, Kirsten held out a cup toward Aspen. "Here. I grabbed you another juice. Figured you'd want a refill."

Aspen hesitated for a moment but took the cup with a grateful smile. "Oh, thank you. That's so nice of you."

Kirsten's smile widened, her eyes flickering briefly to Harry. "Anything for you, Aspen." With that, she waved a hand and breezed off, heading back to the group she'd come from.

Aspen raised the cup to her lips, ready to take a sip, but Harry's hand shot out, gently but firmly taking the drink from her.

"Harry?" she asked, confused by the sudden action.

He didn't answer immediately, his brow furrowed as he brought the cup to his nose and sniffed. His frown deepened, and without a word, he tipped the cup back and took a cautious sip. The sharp taste of vodka immediately hit his tongue, and his jaw clenched.

"Are y'kiddin' me?" he muttered under his breath, his grip tightening on the cup.

Aspen tilted her head, concern lacing her features. "What's wrong?"

Harry set the cup down on the counter with a little more force than necessary, his green eyes locking onto hers. "It's spiked. There's vodka in it."

Aspen's eyes widened in shock. "What? But... I didn't—."

"I know you didn't," Harry cut her off, his voice softer but still laced with a protective edge. "But she did." His eyes trailed along with Kirsten who shuffled through the crowd, shaking his head.

Aspen blinked, her confusion deepening. "Kirsten? Why would she...?"

Harry let out a slow breath, running a hand through his hair as he tried to keep his frustration in check. "I don't know, but anyone who knows you knows you don't drink. Tha's not an accident."

Aspen's lips parted, but no words came out. She looked down at the cup, her brows knitting together as realization dawned. "I didn't even think... I just—."

"Hey," Harry interrupted, stepping closer and cupping her cheek gently. "It's not your fault. Y'shouldn't have to think about stuff like that."

She leaned into his touch, her face still tinged with worry. "I just don't understand why she'd do that."

Harry's jaw tightened again, but he kept his voice steady for her sake. "Some people are just... I don't know, Aspen. But 's okay, I'll go grab you another, yeah? No need to fret."

Aspen nodded, her hands curling into the hem of her top. "Thank you, Harry. For looking out for me."

"Always," he said firmly, brushing his thumb over her cheek. "Let's just... steer clear of Kirsten for the rest of the night, yeah?"

Aspen gave a small nod, her trust in him evident in the way she relaxed under his gaze. Harry, however, made a mental note to keep an even closer eye on Kirsten for the remainder of the party.

An hour later, the party continued to hum with noise and activity, but Harry and Aspen had found a quieter moment in the kitchen. The two leaned casually against the counter, a shared bowl of chips between them, as their conversation meandered through light and playful topics. Harry popped a chip into his mouth, his eyes sparkling as he glanced at Aspen.

“I have to say,” he started, his tone easy but laced with sincerity, “your eyeliner tonight? Flawless. You’re like some kind of makeup wizard or something.”

Aspen blinked, then let out a soft laugh, tilting her head as she brushed a stray curl behind her ear. “Makeup wizard? That’s a new one.”

“I’m serious,” Harry insisted, his lips quirking into a small grin. “It’s sharp enough to cut someone. Deadly.”

She rolled her eyes, though the faint blush on her cheeks gave her away. “Thanks, Harry, but it’s really not that impressive.”

“Oh, it is,” he countered, leaning just a fraction closer. “I’m impressed.”

Aspen smirked, crossing her arms over her chest as a teasing glint appeared in her eyes. “If you’re so impressed, maybe I should do yours. Let’s see how you pull off a cat-eye.”

Harry raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “You’re joking.”

“Nope,” Aspen said, her tone playful but challenging. “I’ve got my liner in my bag. I could make you look runway-ready in ten minutes.”

He laughed, the sound low and warm, before shrugging. “Alright, deal. Let’s see what you’ve got, wizard.”

Aspen blinked, startled by his willingness. “Wait, seriously?”

“Why not?” Harry replied, leaning casually against the counter. “It’s a party. Let’s have some fun. Plus, I trust you.”

Her heart fluttered at the casual way he said those words, and she quickly turned away to fish through her bag, hoping he didn’t notice the way her fingers trembled slightly. “Okay, but I need decent lighting. I can’t work miracles in the middle of a party.”

Harry chuckled, pushing off the counter and nodding toward the hallway. “Come on. I know just the place.”

He led her through the crowd, his hand naturally finding the small of her back as they weaved between clusters of people. When they reached the bathroom, Harry opened the door and gestured for her to step inside first.

The bathroom was surprisingly tidy, with bright lighting that illuminated every detail. Harry leaned against the sink, crossing his arms as he watched her set her bag down on the counter and pull out the eyeliner.

“Alright, sit,” Aspen instructed, pointing to the closed toilet lid.

Harry obliged, his posture relaxed as he perched on the seat, looking up at her with an amused expression. “This is going to be good.”

Aspen leaned down slightly, her focus shifting entirely to him as she uncapped the eyeliner. “Stay still, or I’ll accidentally poke your eye out. Then you’ll have to explain to everyone why you’re walking around with one eye closed.”

“I’ll behave,” he promised, though the mischievous twinkle in his eyes suggested otherwise.

She started carefully, her free hand resting lightly on his cheek to steady herself. As she worked, Harry found himself watching her, his gaze tracing the curve of her lips, the furrow of concentration in her brow, and the way her lashes brushed her cheeks.

“You’re really good at this,” he murmured softly.

“Shh,” Aspen replied, her lips twitching into a small smile. “Don’t distract me.”

But inside, her heart was pounding. She was hyper-aware of the warmth of his skin under her fingertips, the way his breath fanned across her wrist every time he exhaled.

When she finally leaned back to inspect her work, she couldn’t help but laugh. Thick lines of black flooded his waterline, yet it somehow looked good. “Okay, you actually pull this off. I hate that you look good in eyeliner.”

Harry stood and turned toward the mirror, his brows lifting as he examined her handiwork. “Damn,” he said with a grin, tilting his head to the side. “You weren’t kidding. I look... edgy.”

Aspen giggled, capping the eyeliner and tucking it back into her bag. “You’re welcome. Now you can tell everyone you’ve had a professional makeover.”

He turned back to her, his expression softening as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face. “Thanks, wizard.”

Her breath hitched, and she tried to play it off with a light laugh. “Anytime, Potter.”

Harry hummed softly, leaning down to cup her jaw with both of his hands, pressing a kiss to her lips. "'S been too long since I could do that," He grinned, pressing his lips back onto hers. 

Aspen wrapped her hands around his wrists, sighing contently. It had been too long since they've had a moment alone. Their lips worked together with ease, each tilt of their heads deepening the kiss. Harry mumbled something against her lips, using his foot to kick the door closed and fumbled out a hand to click the lock shut. 

With quick swiftness, his hands dropped down to the back of her thighs, lifting her to wrap her legs around his torso. Harry's lips sprawled out onto her neck as her thighs made contact with the cold counter. 

"Harry," She sighed out, closing her eyes as she tilted her head back. His reply was another hum against her skin, his fingers hooking on the hem of the neck of Aspen's shirt to pull it down, his lips following the bare skin. Before she could say anything more, Harry's mouth latched onto her collarbone as his free hand gave her hip a firm squeeze. A breathy moan fell from the girls lips, a sound that was so easy to draw out for Harry. 

Harry’s lips trailed lower, his hands steadying Aspen against the counter. She let out a shaky breath, her fingers threading into his soft curls as her heart raced. Her chest rose and fell with every rapid inhale, and she fought to gather her thoughts amid the heat building between them.

“Harry,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

He pulled back just enough to look up at her, his green eyes dark and full of affection. “Hmm?”

Her cheeks flushed, and she bit her bottom lip nervously. “I... I want to, um... return the favor,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry’s brows furrowed for a moment before realization dawned on him. He stood straight, his hands shifting to cup her face gently. “Aspen, you don’t have to,” he said firmly, his voice low and reassuring. “Last night wasn’t about keeping score. And right now... 's jus' me wantin' to kiss you a bit. Missed that.”

“I know,” she said quickly, her hands moving to rest on his forearms. “But I want to. I... practiced earlier today.” Her eyes darted away from his, embarrassment flooding her face.

Harry blinked, caught off guard. His lips twitched into a soft smile, but he could see the genuine nervousness in her expression. “Practiced?” he asked gently, his tone curious but kind.

She nodded, her face turning an even deeper shade of red. “For you. I... wanted to be good at it. You’re always so patient and sweet, and I just...”

Harry chuckled softly, pressing his forehead to hers. “Aspen, you’re perfect. You don’t have to prove anything to me. But what d'you mean by practiced?”

A deep red flushed her cheeks, her eyes dropping to anywhere but his. The gentle touch of his thumbs on her skin soothed her. “I... just ordered something,” she squeaked out, "and I spent the morning just... using it? But n-not all the way, but you know." Aspen spluttered out in embarrassment, her eyes meeting his with determination despite her shyness.

He studied her for a moment before nodding. An amused smile turned up his lips but a new flicker of heat flooded his eyes. The thought of her taking anything down her mouth, honestly, made his head spin. “Alright,” he said softly. “But if at any point y'feel uncomfortable, you tell me, yeah?”

She nodded, swallowing hard as her nerves buzzed. “Okay.”

Harry leaned in to kiss her softly, his thumbs brushing her cheeks as if to reassure her. “Take your time, love.”

liding off the counter, Aspen took a deep breath and dropped to her knees in front of him, her hands trembling slightly as they moved to the buckle of his belt. Harry leaned back against the counter, his fingers gently threading through her hair, offering soothing strokes.

“You’re doing great,” he murmured, his voice warm and steady. “No rush.”

Aspen fumbled with the belt, her hands clumsy with nerves, but Harry’s patient presence helped steady her. She managed to undo it, the soft clink of the metal filling the quiet bathroom, followed by the sound of his zipper. Her breath hitched as she tugged his jeans down just enough, her hands pausing when she saw him.

Her blush deepened as she stared, her mind instantly comparing him to the toy she had practiced with. He was... much bigger.

“Harry...” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Hey,” he said softly, his fingers brushing against her cheek to catch her attention. “You don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for, okay?”

She shook her head, determination flickering in her eyes despite her nervousness. “I want to,” she said, her voice a bit stronger this time, "you're just.. big. Really big."

His thumb gently stroked her jaw, his smile soft and reassuring while a laugh ripped through him. “Just go slow, love. You’re already doing amazing, especially at fueling my ego.”

With a deep breath, Aspen leaned forward, her hand wrapping around the base of him carefully. The warmth of her palm made Harry’s breath hitch, but he remained still, letting her set the pace. He felt heavy in her hands, her hand barely able to wrap around him and she was sure that with two hands wrapped around his length, there'd still be extra.

Aspen pressed a tentative kiss to the tip, her heart racing as she tried to remember everything she had practiced earlier. She glanced up at him, her eyes meeting his as she saw the soft encouragement in his expression. His brows were furrowed slightly, his Adam's apple bobbing when he swallowed. 

“You’ve got this,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing.

Gathering her courage, she took him into her mouth, her movements slow and careful. The taste wasn't bad, she thought, maybe even a bit sweet. His tip felt heavy on her tongue, her tongue wrapping around it as best as she could. As she pulled back up, her lips closed around the tip to another kiss. Harry’s hand in her hair tightened slightly, a low groan escaping his lips as she worked.

“God, Aspen,” he breathed, his head tipping back against the mirror. “You’re... incredible.” He quickly looked back down, swallowing once more as he kept his eyes locked on hers.

His words spurred her on, and she continued, her confidence growing with every soft groan and murmured praise that fell from his lips. Aspen laid her tongue flat along the underside of his tip, swirling around the pink head of his cock before she trained the muscle to slide between his slit. A groan rippled through Harry's chest followed by another cuss word. 

Taking her chances, Aspen took his cock between her lips again. Her red lips stretched around the length before they curled over her teeth as she sank lower. She whined softly, which made Harry's breath hitch and his grip tighten in her hair.

When she finally pulled back, her lips red and her breathing heavy, Harry looked down at her with a mixture of awe and affection.

“You’re so fuckin' amazing,” he said, his voice hoarse. “But we’re stopping if this is too much.”

Aspen shook her head, a shy smile tugging at her lips as she met his gaze. “I’m okay,” she whispered. 

Harry leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead as he continued to run his fingers through her hair. “You’re perfect, baby. Absolutely perfect.”

With a shy gaze up at Harry, her tongue came out to kitten lick at his tip a couple of times before she returned to her position once more. His brows furrowed, lips parted and wet as he stared down at her. She looked far from his little angel, but he swore he could see wings coming out around her still.

"Fuckin' hell," He moaned, looking down with darker eyes now. They fluttered closed as he felt himself hit the back of Aspen's throat, brows furrowing more at the sensation. Even at a loss for words, every sound he continued to make shot straight to the girls core. She pressed her thighs together at the sound, looking back up at him. His breathing had picked up, his chest rising and falling with harsh breaths escaping his nose.

Aspen pressed her tongue flat along the underside of his cock, following the pressure of the vein as she bobbed her head carefully. Harry fumbled down to grab one of her hands on his thighs. The man brought her palm up, leaning forward and letting a dribble of spit past his lips. The man inhaled, setting her slick hand onto the base of his cock.

She was quick to get the message, her small hand syncing up with her mouth. She took heavy breaths, but her determination drove her to swallow around his cock once he hit the back of her throat again. 

"Fuck!" Harry groaned, pulling her up and off of his cock. "Fuck, 'm sorry, shit," His voice was hoarse, his eyes locked on the string of saliva that connected from her red lips to the tip of his cock. Aspen looked up at him with her doe eyes, taking heavy breaths herself. She tilted her head in confusion, which Harry was quick to answer.

"I jus', holy fuck," Harry laughed breathlessly, watching as she returned to pressing little kisses to his tip. "Was gonna cum if you.. fuck," he shuddered, closing his eyes as she sucked around the slit.

Harry took ahold of her hand, his arm wrapping around her waist to set her on the counter. "Need t'play with you," He spoke against her lips while his hands fumbled with her shorts. As much as he loved them, and would advocate for her to wear them more often, he needed them off. He slid the material off her thighs and let them bunch up around her ankles, his mouth hotly covering the skin of her exposed neck. 

The mans fingers danced along the inside of her thigh while they peeled her panties to the side. He was quick to lay his fingers over her clit, which made her moan out in surprise. "Harry," She whimpered, taking the material of his shirt between her fisted palms. 

"I know, baby, I know," He muttered, pulling back to look at her, Her back was flush against the mirror, lips dark red and stained with spit, sporting her doe eyes once more. His green eyes trailed down her chest and to the girls open thighs, and he groaned at the sight of her pussy. 

His fingers slid down to her entrance, collecting the slick that collected between to drag up towards her clit. With the newfound wet, he continued to circle her clit while his free hand wrapped around the base of his cock. 

"Harry," Aspen moaned, her brows furrowing in pleasure. She arched her hips into his touch, reaching down for the hand on his cock. With flushed cheeks, she looked up at him as she spit into his palm before letting him return. 

Harry swore he could pass out. Everything about the moment was so needy and full of want. His head was spinning of just Aspen. The knocks on the door broke him out of his gaze, though that didn't stop him from wrapping his hand around his cock again. 

"Busy!" He called out, his eyes breaking from the door to stare at Aspen once more. She was close, he could tell. The way her thighs threatened to close around his hand, the way she got quiet besides her sounds. He was close behind.

Even though he had turned to his hand multiple times because of the thought of Aspen, nothing could compare to actually seeing his visions come to life. The little bead of cum threatening to spill from her entrance made Harry's fingers dip in, collecting the bead onto his fingers along with her slick and he brought it to his lips with a smug smirk.

Aspen whimpered at the sight and only dug her hips further in need for his hands back on her. "H-harry," she breathed, taking a hold of his wrist followed by a high whine. "Please," She breathed out, closing her eyes. The knocking on the door persisted, which drove Harry to quicken his hands on her clit and around his cock. 

"Fuck, Asp," Harry groaned, sliding between her thighs. The coil in his stomach built quickly, his brows dropping into a deep furrow with parted lips. His eyes were trained on her fluttering entrance just beneath his slick cock.

"'M so close," The man warned, his dark eyes scanning back up to Aspen through his lashes.

Suddenly, an idea sparked through her mind. She was no stranger to what she read in books with the names they called their partners. The heat settled in her low stomach and a new shrill traveled up her spine. 

Aspen cried out only a second later, her thighs shaking around his hand that was buried between her thighs, "Daddy!" 

Harry lost it at that. His hand pumped quicker over his cock as a string of curse words filled the room. "Jesus christ, Aspen, what the fuck--!" He gasped, followed by a groan as he hunched forward with a weakening moan that made his chest heave as he painted Aspen's lower stomach. "Fuck, fuck, fuck," Harry whimpered, his hand leaving his cock to force her thighs open.

With heavy breaths, his eyes locked on how her mess covered his hand before they trailed up to her eyes. She looked compeltely fucked out, and that only made Harry's ears ring further. The man was beyond expecting that name from Aspen, or anything besides his name. He'd never given much thought to it, it never really drove him wild in past hookups, but the way her lips quivered and her pussy had clenched around his fingers, he was a goner. 

Harry's chest heaved as he leaned forward, his forehead resting gently against Aspen's. The room was filled with the sound of their ragged breathing, the intimate tension gradually giving way to a softer, more vulnerable atmosphere. His hands, still trembling slightly from the intensity of the moment, tenderly cupped her face.

"You okay, love?" he murmured, his voice hoarse yet gentle. His thumb brushed across her flushed cheek, and his green eyes searched hers for any sign of discomfort or unease.

Aspen nodded, her lips curving into a small, shy smile. "Yeah," she whispered, her voice soft but steady. "I'm... so good." Her cheeks burned, and she couldn't quite meet his gaze. The reality of what she had just said—and how it had affected him—hit her in waves, each one leaving her a little more breathless than the last.

Harry chuckled softly, the sound deep and low, as he pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. "Didn't see that one coming," he admitted, a crooked grin forming on his lips. He pulled back slightly, his gaze warm but teasing. "Ya' trying t'kill me, little mouse?"

Aspen let out a nervous laugh, covering her face with her hands. "I don't know what came over me," she admitted, her voice muffled. "I just... I don't even know where that came from!"

Harry gently pried her hands away from her face, his grin softening into a more affectionate smile. "Well, wherever it came from, it was... unexpected. But not unwelcome." His tone was playful but sincere, a reassurance that she didn't need to feel embarrassed. He dipped down and kissed her lips carefully, "Genuinely did somethin' to me, fuck." 

As the initial haze began to fade, Harry grabbed a tissue from the counter, carefully cleaning both of them up with a tenderness that made Aspen's heart ache in the best way. She watched him, marveling at the way he cared for her without hesitation, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He helped her slide her shorts back on before tucking himself back in and zipping himself back up.

When he was done, he leaned against the counter beside her, running a hand through his messy curls. "Y'know," he said, his voice quieter now, "I wasn't lying earlier. Y'really are full 'f surprises, baby."

She finally met his gaze, her lips curving into a genuine smile. "Good surprises, I hope?"

"The best," Harry replied, his voice earnest as he reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers. "Always the best."

Aspen felt her heart flutter at his words, her earlier nervousness replaced by a sense of warmth and security. For all the intensity of the moment, it was the way Harry looked at her now—with a mixture of admiration and care—that truly took her breath away.

They stayed like that for a while, fingers intertwined, leaning against the counter in comfortable silence. There was no rush, no need for words—just the quiet understanding that whatever this was between them, it was theirs.

The knocking grew more impatient, more heavy handed which made Aspen flush in embarrassment. "Oh god..."

Harry grinned his lopsided smile, his lip ring catching the light as he helped her back onto his feet. "Come on, better get out before they SWAT the door." He took her hand and intertwined their fingers once more, using his other hand to gently brush through her messy hair. 

Harry gave Aspen a reassuring squeeze as he approached the door, his smug grin already forming. Aspen's heart raced at the thought of who might be on the other side. She quickly glanced in the mirror to smooth her hair and adjust her slightly askew top, still blushing furiously. The knocking continued, sharp and insistent, making her wince.

“Relax, love,” Harry teased, his tone laced with amusement as he unlocked the door. “It’s just a party. What’s the worst that could happen?”

As the door swung open, the worst—or perhaps the most unexpected—happened. Kirsten stood there, her eyes immediately landing on Harry, her expression shifting from annoyance to utter shock. Her mouth opened slightly, and her gaze flitted between Harry, his tousled hair and flushed face, and Aspen, who was stepping out from behind him.

Kirsten's shock deepened when she took in Aspen's shy but undeniably proud demeanor. Her lips parted as if to say something, but no words came.

Harry leaned casually against the doorframe, his smirk wide and unmistakable. "Hey, Kirsten," he said, his voice dripping with a playful smugness that only he could pull off. "You looking for something?"

Aspen felt her cheeks flush hot as she stepped out from behind him, her eyes darting to the floor. She couldn’t bring herself to look directly at Kirsten, though she felt a strange sense of satisfaction creeping up from deep within her. Maybe it was the fact that Harry didn’t seem fazed at all by the interruption. Or maybe it was the fact that they had just shared something so private, something intimate, and now it was—unintentionally—being displayed right in front of Kirsten.

Kirsten’s expression was a mixture of disbelief and... something else. Aspen wasn’t sure if it was envy or just sheer shock, but it stung all the same. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words seemed to get stuck in her throat.

Aspen, however, could feel the heat of her own emotions building. She fought to keep her posture relaxed, though her stomach twisted uncomfortably with the unexpected confrontation. Her hands subconsciously squeezed Harrys fingers, her body language betraying her nervousness.

"Is there something you need?" Harry asked again, a touch of mockery in his tone as he looked at Kirsten, his lopsided grin never fading.

“I—uh…” Kirsten finally managed, her voice faltering as she regained some semblance of composure. “I was just—Niall’s looking for you both. That’s all.”

“Is he now?” Harry replied smoothly, his smirk only widening. “Well, we’ll be right out. Thanks for letting us know.”

Kirsten’s eyes darted back to Aspen once more, as if trying to piece together the situation. Her lips pressed into a thin line, and she gave a curt nod before turning on her heel and walking off.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Aspen let out a nervous giggle, her hand flying to her mouth. “Oh my god. She knows.”

Harry turned to face her, his grin softening into something more genuine. “Good,” he said simply, his voice firm but amused. “She needed to.”

Aspen tilted her head at him, her eyes wide. “You’re so smug right now,” she teased, though her tone was light.

“Can you blame me?” Harry asked, stepping closer and tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Let her stew on it. She had her chance, and she blew it-- though she never really had a chance, not with you 'round. Now? You’re mine, and I don’t care who knows it.”

Aspen felt her cheeks flush again, but this time it wasn’t out of embarrassment. She nodded, her heart swelling at the possessive yet tender way he spoke. “I guess that’s one way to make an impression,” she said, her lips twitching into a smile.

Harry chuckled, leaning down to press a quick kiss to her temple. “Come on, little mouse. Let’s not keep Niall waiting.”

Aspen followed, her head down as she tried to ignore the feeling of Kirsten’s eyes on her. She could feel her heart hammering in her chest, the rush of embarrassment and pride battling for dominance in her mind. Her thoughts were chaotic, a mix of everything from the heat of their intimate moment to the surreal feeling of having Kirsten witness their departure. But through it all, one thing remained clear: she didn’t regret it.

As Harry led the way, Aspen caught a glimpse of the smirk on his face, and the feeling of pride bloomed again. She had wanted to send a message to Kirsten, to show that what they had was real and it was theirs. No matter how awkward or strange the situation had become, she couldn’t deny the quiet satisfaction building in her chest.

Kirsten’s shock was everything Aspen needed to see, and in that moment, she realized how much of a weight had been lifted. It wasn’t just about showing Kirsten, it was about asserting herself, about knowing that what she had with Harry was more than a fleeting moment—it was something meaningful, and she had every right to claim it.

As they moved deeper into the house, Aspen stole a glance back at the door, her heart still thudding loudly in her chest. She had no idea what the future held, but for now, she was more certain than ever that this was the path she wanted to walk. With Harry by her side.

And even though the events of the last few minutes had caught her off guard, one thing was certain: she was done hiding.

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

bonus! ig posts!

[lynzishell]

The Present 🤍 San Myshuno

Prev // Next

Transcript below the cut:

Phoenix: Hello?

Phoenix: Hellooooo

Phoenix: Hm. I guess no one’s home.

Aspen: [high pitched scream] BOO!! Phoenix: [exaggerated gasp] AH! You scared me!

Aspen: [laughing] Phoenix: You’re gonna get it now! Aspen: [laughing harder]

Phoenix: [monster noises] Aspen: [squealing] Mommy help! Dawn: [laughing] Sorry, kiddo, you got yourself into this.

Aspen: [giggling]

Phoenix: How’s she been? Dawn: So fun. She’s already clogged the toilet twice today. Once with one of her toys, and then with my hairbrush.

Aspen: They go swimming. Phoenix: Swimming huh? Well maybe your toys should swim in the bathtub. Aspen: No. Toilet. Pssshhhh!!!

Phoenix: Sounds like we need to childproof the toilets now. Dawn: Yep. Phoenix: Annie, how ‘bout you go play so I can say hi to mom.

Dawn: Welcome home. Phoenix: I missed you. Dawn: I missed you too. So much. Phoenix: So much.