#Donate Wedding Dress For Babies

[sugdenlovesdingle]

could you write something when tommy is just being a big softie to buck (or other way around is also great)? i kinda need some comfort rn :') thank you! xx

Soft I can do! I hope you like it!

---

Mr Evan Kinard. He ran his fingers over the name on the invitation. It was maybe a little silly but it was his first official anything since he and Tommy got married a few months ago, and he was barely resisting the urge to frame it and hang it on the wall next to their wedding picture.

"Oh hey you." he felt two arms slip around his waist and a kiss in his neck. "I wasn't expecting you home yet. I thought you'd be busy at casa Diaz for a couple more hours."

"Hmm? No Eddie roped the kids in to help so we were done faster. They're all moved in and Chris is only mildly annoyed by having to share a bathroom with three more people now. We are expected to come help paint soon though." He turned around in Tommy's arms and kissed him. "How was your shift?"

"Not bad." Tommy shrugged. "Had to fly a heart to a donor in the middle of the night with the new probie, and the rest was just maintenance and the usual stuff."

"So what you're saying is... you saved someone's life in the middle of the night?"

"More like... I flew someone somewhere with the tools to do so." Tommy replied and noticed the envelope in Evan's hands. "What's this?"

"Oh, yeah, an invite to the annual LAFD charity event next month. They're raising money to fund cancer research." Buck said, handing Tommy the invite. "There's one for you too."

Tommy quickly scanned the invite and pulled a face.

"I hate these things. You have to dress up and pretend to care what rich people are saying all night so they'll drop a big cheque on the donation pile."

"I know... but it's only one night. And I'll get to show you off in your dress uniform."

"Oh is that what this is about?" Tommy teased "You just want to see me in my dress uniform."

"I can neither confirm nor deny." Buck said and leaned in closer so he could whisper in Tommy's ear. "The real treat would be getting you out of that uniform."

"Oh is that your goal?" Tommy asked, slowly lowering the zipper on his hoodie and wiggling his eyebrows at Evan. "You should have just said so baby, you know I'll always give you what you want in that department."

"You're ridiculous."

"I vowed before our family and friends to always make you happy, and I take my vows very seriously."

Buck moved his hands up to his neck and interlocked his fingers behind Tommy's head.

"You do make me happy. Every day." he said and pulled Tommy closer for a kiss. "And that's why I want to go to this charity thing. It's the first official event since we got married. It's the first time I'll get to use my new name."

"You already have name tags and turnouts with Kinard on them." Tommy pointed out.

"I know. But the only people who know what those turnouts used to say are our friends who were all at our wedding. At this charity event, I can introduce myself as Evan Kinard and then ask the person I'm talking to if they've met my husband yet." Evan explained. "Without someone going 'yes Buck, we know' and rolling their eyes at me."

"They do that?"

Evan shrugged.

"It's happened a few times. It's no big deal. I talk about you a lot."

Tommy smiled that crinkly smile Buck loved so much.

"Yeah I talk about you a lot too. They kept a tally the other day on how many times in one shift I said your name."

"And? What was the score?"

Tommy grabbed his phone from his pocket and opened his camera roll and showed him a picture of his locker at work, with a sheet from an LAFD notepad stuck to it, filled with dashes.

"This is in no way correct. I'm sure it was more."

---

Send me prompts and I'll write you a ficlet!

[onceuponaoneshotfanfic]

Hey, I was wondering if you'd do a Roy Kent x reader series (maybe) where she asks him to pretend they're boyfriend/girlfriend because her ex-boyfriend is marrying her somewhat younger sister. Kinda like The Wedding Date (if you've seen it). Ends up happily ever after?

Ahh, I was going to originally try to do this in one go, but decided to do this in a few small parts so I can get some fluff breaks while working on my longer fic. Here's part one!

Playing Pretend (Part 1)

Roy Kent x Reader

1.9k words

Warnings: Language, references to possible cheating, mutual pining, major rom-com vibes

Summary: The reader has a huge favor to ask Roy Kent- a guy who can never say no to her.

Series Masterlist

“What the fuck d’you want me to do?”

“Be my boyfriend,” you explained slowly. “At the wedding.”

Roy wrinkled his nose. “There’s really no one else you can ask?”

You let out a giant sigh and tapped the side of your beer bottle. “I mean, sure, maybe. But you’re Roy fucking Kent. You’d be kind of perfect.”

His eyes bore into yours. Roy Kent had known you quite literally your whole life; he could still remember when his very pregnant mother took him to the hospital to meet you, his sister’s future best friend. Your families were ridiculously close. Up until you were about sixteen, he thought of you as an annoying little bonus sister; then, one Christmas, he came home and suddenly felt decidedly un-brotherly towards you. The way you smiled at him, the way you wore that pink dress, the way you kissed his cheek before you left at the end of the party, all of it made something snap in his brain. For years after that, the very sight of you burned his chest. But there was no way he could tell you; his little sister’s best friend? Cliché.

But those cliché feelings meant he couldn’t say no to you. Not when you’d called him late at night needing to escape from skeevy dates. Not when you’d begged him for an autograph from Jamie Tartt. Not when you’d demanded to know where he got the kebabs he brought to his sister’s parties. And definitely not now, when your heart was in a million pieces as you watched your baby sister get ready to marry your ex-boyfriend.

The idea was insane, you freely admitted that. But the situation you found yourself was equally insane, if you were being honest.

You had dated Jim for years. And Roy fucking hated him. The guy was everything Roy wasn’t: friendly, outgoing, affable, posh, clever. And you loved him. Your parents loved him. Everyone loved him.

When Jim ended things out of the blue three years ago, everyone was shocked. He hadn’t proposed, per se, but it was expected. Things were implied. You’d started looking at rings and thinking about venues. So, when he suddenly broke up with you, you were devastated. You’d spent more than a few nights curled up on the couch at Roy’s sister’s house, with Roy taking Phoebe out of the house so you could mourn with your best friend in peace.

Just when you thought you were pretty much over things, your baby sister Lauren came home with big news. And a ring on her finger. And Jim.

You’d quietly excused yourself from the party she’d chosen to announce her engagement at, walked into a bathroom and vomited, and called Roy. He’d picked you up and drove you to his sister’s, where he watched you drink whiskey straight from a bottle and cry in his sister’s arms.

Now you sat next to him at a bar, where you’d asked him to meet you so you could ask him a huge favor. He’d expected tickets to a match, or help moving to a new flat, or asking him to donate a fucking kidney, literally anything but this. A weekend at some posh estate where your whole family would be celebrating your sister and fucking Jim, watching your heart break all over again sounded like absolute shit to Roy.

But you looked at him with those stupid pleading eyes. “Please, Roy,” you begged. “You’re the only guy I trust enough for this. You’ll protect me. You always protect me.”

There it was. It wasn’t just having the big football star on your arm to show off to everyone; it was having someone you felt safe with. Someone who wouldn’t mock you. Someone who understood. And Roy was always determined to be that person.

“Fine. I’ll fucking do it.”

His cheek burned like fire where you kissed him in gratitude. “Thanks a million Roy! This is why you’re my favorite fella.

Favorite fella. You’d called him that for years. Your mother was the first person to say it after seeing the way you toddled after him all the time once you’d learned to walk. Through the boyfriends you had, through the models he dated, you assured him time and time again that he’d always be your favorite fella.

Roy ignored the warmth in his chest and sipped his beer. “Doesn’t it feel a bit like you’re stealing your sister’s thunder? Bringing a professional footballer as your date?” he mused, anxious to move the conversation along and distract himself from how fucking pretty you looked.

The shrug you gave held a coldness he didn’t know someone as kind as you could muster. “Well, she did steal my boyfriend.”

The smirk that Roy gave made your heart flutter, reminding you of all the pining you’d done for him over the years. “Fair enough.” He looked thoughtful. “You don’t have to answer but… did he… and she…?” He nodded emphatically, not sure how to finish that sentence.

Another shrug. “Who fucking knows? I don’t need to know. They didn’t have the decency to tell me they’d started shagging, that’s all I need to know.”

Roy’s heart was sad to see the hurt in your eyes. He quickly changed his tone. “Can’t believe my sister isn’t invited. Figured you’d wrangle her into keeping you company all weekend.”

You snorted, one of Roy’s favorite sounds. “Oh, she was,” you corrected him. “She’s protesting because she hates Jim and my sister.” You raised your bottle to Roy appreciatively. “Yet another reason to invite you- I need at least one Kent there. And Phoebe couldn’t do shots with me or carry me back to our room when I’m sloshed.”

That was a job Roy wouldn’t mind doing. “Bit surprised I didn’t get an invite. Only known Lauren since she was fucking born.”

“Oh, there was no way you were getting invited. Jim hates you.” Your tone was so matter of fact it took Roy off guard.

“Excuse me?” Roy’d had no idea the disdain was mutual.

You nodded, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “Yeah, when we were dating, he did not like me hanging out with a dishy footballer. Hates your guts.” Your face lit up playfully. “Yet another reason you’re the perfect wedding date.”

Another smirk crossed his bearded face. “Dishy? Is that his word or yours?”

With a laugh, you shoved him, slipping into that familiar old comfort, the one that made you forget he was Roy Kent. “Don’t go getting a big head, otherwise you won’t fit in the car.”

~

Two weeks later, Roy felt his grip on the steering wheel tighten as he pulled into the drive of the estate the two of you would be spending the weekend at. Of course Jim’s family had gone all out for the wedding. Wanker.

Your leg shook almost violently as your eyes darted around. Instinctively, Roy reached out and took your hand, giving it a squeeze.

“Three days,” he reminded you. “That’s all we’ve gotta get through. Rehearsal dinner tomorrow, wedding Saturday, stupid brunch on Sunday.”

Looking down at your intertwined fingers, you nodded. “Maybe we can skip brunch?” you joked.

Deciding he should start playing the doting boyfriend now, he lifted your hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to the back of your hand. “We can abso-fucking-lutely skip brunch.”

And you knew he meant it. Roy always meant it. It was one of the million things that made him your absolute life-long unattainable crush that you thrust into the back of your mind. You always felt like a dumb little kid around him, as if you never quite outgrew the childhood you’d shared, but part of you hoped this weekend together would maybe help him see you in a different light. Besides, Roy’s sister was right when she suggested that Roy would really get under Jim’s skin.

As if summoned, Jim came bounding out of the house, waving at the familiar sight of your car. You felt your breath catch as you gazed at him. Jim. Your Jim. At least, what used to be your Jim.

You got out of the car and waved back. “Hey there!” you called, as if you hadn’t spent the last nine months avoiding him at every family gathering he and Lauren attended.

His smile faded when Roy got out of the car, wearing that signature scowl of his. “Roy!” Jim shouted, quickly recovering. “Didn’t know you were coming.” Now in front of you, he leaned closer. “Thought you were bringing that mystery boyfriend of yours,” he whispered, ignoring the fact that Roy could hear him.

Alright. Here we go. Time to sell it.

“I did,” you chirped brightly. You waved Roy over and wrapped an arm around his waist, while he placed a hand on your shoulder. “Surprise!”

For all the years you’d spent with Jim, you’d never seen him so red in the face. “Oh! Wow! That’s great!”

Roy smiled, a smug grin that felt so fucking good on his face. “It is great, isn’t it? Me and this one, finally getting together.”

Jim cleared his throat, squirming like a worm. “Right. Well, when did this-”

“Sister!”

Lauren came sprinting out of the house, squealing as if you were her favorite person in the world. She wrapped you in a hug and planted multiple kisses on your cheek. When she pulled back, she finally noticed Roy.

“Oh. Roy. What’re you doing here?”

“Nice to see you too, Lauren,” he muttered through his teeth.

Your sister turned to you. “What happened to mystery boyfriend? I was so looking forward to meeting him,” she pouted.

You laid a hand on Roy’s stomach, pulling him close, pretending as if you did this all the time and not just in your dreams. “Well, I’m not sure introductions are necessary, considering you’ve known him forever,” you joked, hoping your tone was light.

Lauren looked as if she was doing a difficult maths problem. “I’m sorry, Roy? Your mystery boyfriend is Roy? As in, known him our whole lives, football phenomenon, used to chase you around the backyard with spiders Roy? That Roy?” Her eyes darted to Jim, who looked just as confused. “Are you joking?”

“Absolutely not,” you lied. “You said I could bring a date. I told you I’d bring my boyfriend.” You nodded towards Roy. “There he is. Is there problem or can we grab our things?”

That superior smile your youngest sister often wore appeared. “Oh, you don’t have to do that.” She judged Jim. “Love, could you send someone to grab their things?”

Roy rolled his eyes with one of his familiar groans. “Just tell me where the fucking room is. I can carry my own shit.” After a quick look from you, he cleared his throat. “Sorry, just a bit tired from the drive. And, if we’re being candid, kind of want to get this one alone for a bit before dinner, you know?” A kiss landed on the top of your head, painting your face a deep red.

The bride and groom both gawked at you, as if waiting for one of you to shout that you were kidding, that you were pathetically alone and that Roy was leaving. When neither of you did, Lauren cleared her throat. “Right. Um, when you go inside the housekeeper can show you where to go.” She turned to Jim. “We should go, er, check on that thing, right darling?”

Jim nodded, his eyes on you. “Right, right.” He offered a small wave. “We’ll see you later then.”

As soon as they were out of sight, Roy looked down at you, eyebrow quirked. “Well. This’ll be a fun weekend, hmm?”

[melanieph321]

Ruben Dias x Reader - Risk It All Part 4/6

⚠️Warning ⚠️

+18

Reader gets pregnant by Ruben. Although the two are not together Ruben promises to support her through the pregnancy, eventually letting reader stay with him until the child is born.  (This fic includes alot of angst and serious topics)

Enjoy!

You were married to Ruben.

Six months had gone by and following those six months your life was now unrecognizable. After a business like wedding with only one witness present, you were now Mrs Dias, swept into a life of luxurious parties and unwanted media attention, all whilst carrying your first child.

"You're gonna catch a cold."

"It's what I'm hoping for."

Ruben found you on the roof top balcony, hiding from your duties. Elena, the director of your life, would want you inside, shaking people's hands, talking about how excited you and Ruben were to bring new life into this world.

"Y/N, please come inside."

Ruben was better than you at playing along. He didn't mind lying to his friends, lying about how you two met and "decided" to keep your relationship private from the world. They all ate it up, even Ruben's family.

"I wanna go back to the hotel." You said, wrapping your arms around yourself to mend the nights cold. Ruben sighed, but took it upon himself to remove his tuxedo jacket, draping it over your shoulders. "We will, in time. The auction isn't over yet."

"And all the ice cream you can eat." Ruben smiled, grabbing your hand as he led you back inside. He kept his promise, of course. During your time living together you had come to learn that Ruben was no liar, even when the truth hurt sometimes.

It was a charity event in London, the money going to a good cause. However you had no idea why rich people had the need to dress up in expensive items costing more money than what they were actually donating.

"Do you promise to buy me Shawarma when we do leave?" You asked, pouting your lips and batting your eyelashes.

"Wait for me while I get the car." He said, leaving you and Elena sitting on the top of a set of concrete steps, enjoying your Shawarmas.

"He really cares about you." Elena said, unprovoked. "My job would be much more difficult if he didn't."

"Thanks." You mumbled, too busy enjoying your declicious food. The growth of your belly also followed the growth of your appetite, something that caused you to gain a bit of extra pregnancy weight.

"Ruben told me to make sure that you get a nice settlement once the two of you divorce."

You snorted. "How nice of him."

The two of you were literally playing house, getting married only to divorce a minimum of two years after the baby was born. If it wasn't for the security your life with Ruben offered, you would have never agreed to go through with any of it. I mean, you were literally playing with your own life, all because Ruben had a precious image of himself to preserve.

"That's us."

Elena stood, seeing Ruben's Mercedes coming your way. You made the effort to stand up as well, but lost your footing as the weight of your belly tampered with your balance.

"Dear god!" Elena gasped, as you came flying behind her, taking a tumble down the concrete steps.

"My Shawarma." You groaned.

"Y/N!"

Ruben was out of the car and rushing to your side before Elena had managed to. "Fuck, are you okay?" He didn't touch you,  afraid to do more damage as you stood on all fours, a hand wrapped around your belly.

"Y/N, please tell me you're okay?"

"I wasn't finished." You cried, a sad sight seeing the neatly wrapped bread now splatter on the ground before you.

"She needs to got to the hospital Ruben." Elena heels clicked as she descended the steps, reaching the bottom of them. "Now!"

"I'm fine." You reassured, but struggled to get up from the ground by yourself. Ruben's strong arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you up with one swoop.

"At least let someone check her out." Elena suggested.

"I promise, I'm all good." You said, trying to laugh it off.

It was as busy as any emergency in a big city. People from everywhere came with broken limbs and bleeding wounds to tend. For this you felt guilty that Ruben managed to convince a doctor to prioritize you. "Well, you seem fine to me Mrs Dias." The doctor stepped away from the stool on which you sat, removing his rubber gloves to make a few notes on his computer. "Has there been any unusual activity since your fall, like the baby moving around more than usual?"

"No." Ruben said, determined. "I'll take you to the emergency room." It was the urgency in his voice and the way his hands trembled as he still held to support you. "Okay." You nodded, agreeing to let Ruben take you to the nearest emergency room.

You bit your lip, pondering his question.  "Um, no. I don't think so. It doesn't really do that."

The doctor turned back from his computer, a deep frown on his face as he looked at you. "What do you mean?" He asked.

"The baby." You shrugged. "It doesn't move around. Or at least I haven't felt it kick yet."

The doctor turned to Ruben, the two of them sharing the same terrified gaze.

"What?" You frowned.

The doctor stood, retrieving another pair of gloves as well as calling for a nurse to assist him.

"What's going on?" You asked, uncertainty in your voice.

"Mrs Dias, it says you're six months pregnant."

"Yes, and?"

The doctor and his nurse worked together to rearrange his office, bringing in a monitor that looked like a tv screen on wheels. "Prepare for an emergency ultrasound. Patient is six months pregnant but has failed to notice any signs of life from the fetus."

"Doctor please, tell me what's going on. Is my baby going to be alright?" Things were moving fast, as well as your heart rate. You knew that things were serious when the nurse started attaching clips to your finger tips, setting up a graphic to show your pulse. Whilst all of this was going on the doctor had you lay on a medical table, pulling up your shirt as to expose your belly. "This might feel cold." He said, the only warning before rubbing a cooling gel across your stomach.

"Ruben." You flinched, practically panicking now.

"Hey, I'm here." He said, grabbing a hold of your hand, squeezing it to reassure you.

Your eyes traveled to the ceiling, the blinding lights causing tears to slid down the side of your face. You gasped as pressure was applied to your stomach, the doctor moving around with his tools. However, you were to afraid to look and confirm this.

"Ultrasound begins." The doctor said, speaking to his nurse. "We have a visual of the fetus...Everything looks fine. Let's move on to localizing the heartbeat..."

You tilted your head as Ruben grip around your hand tightened. He looked focus, brows furrowed as his eyes were fixated on the little TV screen. The suspens was killing you. What if something was wrong with your....

"Hearbeat located." The doctor said,  followed by a collective sigh from both Ruben and the nurse. You, however was still trembling all over.

"Congratulations Mrs Dias, you and your husband await a beautiful baby girl."

********************************************

You returned to the hotel room around midnight. Ruben was still on the phone with Elena as you went to wash up. Only when you were halfway asleep did you feel a dip in the bed that you shared.

"Ruben?"

He krept closer, doing something that the two of you had never done before. "I'm here." He said, wrapping his arms around you, pulling you close.

"Why are you shaking?" Your eyes flung open, turning around in order to face him. Your heart sank once you saw the exhaustion in his face, the remaining terror in his eyes. "Ruben?" Your hands went to caress his cheek, but he jerked away, not wanting to be consoled.

"Ruben?"

He sat up and you followed.

"What's wrong?"

He shook his head, burring his face in his hands as if he suddenly suffered a severe headache.

"Ruben, please. You're scaring me." You scooted closer,  desperate to be near him, to touch him. However he jerked away once more, refusing to be touched. It broke your heart, seeing him this way.

"I thought I...." He mumbled. "I thought I lost..."

"Oh Ruben, the baby is okay. Everything is gonna be okay." You didn't care if he refused to be touched, you couldn't take it, leaping forwards to pull him close. However Ruben caught you in motion, grabbing your hands just as you were about to touch him. The room was dark but Ruben eyes were visible in the moonlight. They were shimmering,  shimmering with his tears. He pressed his lips together, uttering the words through gritted teeth. "No Y/N, I could have lost you." Your heart fluttered, eyes fixated on him and only him. He surrendered, lowering your hands so that they rested on each side of his face. "I could have lost you." He whispered, shifting his head a little so that your hand covered a part of his mouth, his lips soft beneath the palm of your hands. "I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost you Y/N."

"You won't lose me Ruben. Not me or the baby."

"Fuck."

He looked up, eyes wide. The palm of your hand still covered his mouth, however his intentions were not to speak. He kissed it, the center of your hand, moving on to kiss the back of it, tracing the kisses all the way up towards your forearms, railing you in. You gasped once he had you pressed flush, against him, his head buried in the crease of your neck. He inhaled your scent,  preserving it in his memory. "Ruben." You groaned. The heat of the moment capturing you too. You knew that you wanted this, you've always wanted this. "I want you Ruben." The words were whispered against the smooth skin below his ear. Ruben responded with a low grunt made deep down in his throat. And then his hand slipped between the sheets in search for an opening.

Your back arched, to the sensation of him, Ruben's fingers, making their way down your damped panties.

"Say you want me Y/N." He huffed. "Say you want me forever."

"I want you Ruben, forever."

It was all that needed to be said. No further words were spoken as the movments between you synchronized into something fluid, a liquid of some sort. A liquid of love. Yes, it was the only to describe it. The two of you were in love.

[beneaththehalo]

nfwmb [rafayel x fem! reader]

an exploration of your married dynamic with rafayel based on the song. there are references to sex and murder, but nothing explicit. the song lyrics are indented, small text, and bolded. 1.3k words. link to ao3!

When i first saw you / the end was soon / to Bethlehem, it slouched /And then it must’ve caught a good look at you / Give your heart and soul to charity / ‘Cause the rest of you / the best of you / honey, belongs to me

another charity gala as rafayel’s wife. parasitic leeches of linkon hoping to boost their image through large donations that barely make a dent in their generational wealth. a drink at the bar, a waltz with a man fifteen years your elder, and the flick of your hair to drain their wallets. it would all be worth it once you could present the large donation check to your favorite ocean conservation charities — saving the sea turtles, clean the beach, etc. in fact, your knack for playing the game is what attracted rafayel to you in the first place. a measly event reporter drowning your sorrows in seconds at the buffet table, ranting to the poor photographer. in a crowd of fairweathers, you were the first real person rafayel had seen. it intrigued him.

you could say the rest was history, but you certainly didn’t make it easy for him as you were wary to trust another snooty, rich man. artist types tended to be uppity, over pretentious, and full of themselves, but their big pockets made them an easy target for charity. you changed your mind on him when you heard him talk about his paintings for the first time, no longer filtered through the PR-lens of Thomas, you saw the true tortures, loves, and muses of a real artist. of course, you were both a bit inebriated at the time which helped forego the filters as you both ranted over the pompous event. when you found out who he was, you thought you’d lose your job and never speak again. you will forever be thankful that the opposite happened.

ain’t it a gentle sound, the rollin’ in the graves? / ain’t it like thunder under earth, the sound it makes? / ain’t it exciting you, the rumble where you lay? / ain’t you my baby? ain’t you my baby?

it wasn’t always easy. the attention that came with being rafayel’s significant other was something you weren’t used too. microphones shoved in your face, constantly ending up on worst-dressed lists, and never knowing who you could trust out of your business contacts. it was fatiguing — this image of mr. rafayel’s perfect wife. she never said anything controversial, so she didn’t have morals or values. she never demanded attention away from her husband. she hardly ate in public or sipped more than one cocktail. yet, she women still seethed with jealousy and found any excuse to tear her down. they told her she would never meet his needs. she wasn’t pretty enough or smart enough to understand his art or tall enough or whatever bullshit excuse the media sold. rafayel’s ability to be a sex symbol as well as an artist was important, you were a threat to the brand.

you can imagine all that external pressure caused an implosion. insecurity breakdowns at home, intimacy interrupted tears, anger, and frustration. rafayel was ever-understanding, his patience with your struggles admirable. and on one such night, he said, “fuck my brand. i fell in love with you because of your capacity to care, tenacity, and raw emotion when you discuss your passions. i could lose my whole career, but i can’t lose you. not to people who don’t know you,” he says, planting a firm kiss upon your forehead. from then on, the dynamic shifted.

nothing fucks with my baby / nothing can get a look in on my baby / nothing fucks with my baby / nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing

you were married within a year or so, quick for some, but why wait for something you know will never change? the wedding naturally received a lot of attention despite it being a private elopement. tabloids clamored for the exclusive interview about the marriage of the famed rafayel and if he had any regrets about marrying at his younger age. would this effect his career? was he considering children? intrusive vultures thinking they were owed answers just because of rafayel’s fame. they never received any.

for rafayel was too busy burning every detail of your body into his mind each night. memorizing his favorite canvas and painting purple hues upon the skin of your neck. he touched you as if to prove that you were the only one who could ever draw his attention. all of your insecurities reduced to ash with his steady rhythm and guidance. he was everything you would ever need, and no one could satiate you more. it was heaven on earth, the connection you both shared. you’d both rather be damned than give that up.

if i was born as a blackthorn tree / i’d wanna be felled by you / held by you / fuel the pyre of your enemies

and here you are, back at the scene of the crime, aka this month’s charity gala to benefit coral reef restoration and preservation. you’re a few cocktails deep, the liquor always making things much easier to bear when conversing with the wealthy elite. men who hated their wives, women who loathed their husbands, and children far too privileged to be well-adjusted. people always found you easy to talk to, a little too easy to talk to, which normally you didn’t mind, it caused them to open their wallets all the same. however, tonight was not your night.

one of the men was blathering on and on about his petulant divorce. nothing you had not heard before. he was bolder than the others though, his words slurring a bit as he drapes himself over you. most people knew not to mess with you. for one, you could handle your own. for two, rafayel was rather possessive. so when this man thought he was clever, groping you inappropriately and making inane comments at your behest, something had to be done. so in your best, pseudo-sympathetic voice, you coax him into a private hall. rafayel isn’t far behind.

ain’t it warming you, the world gone up in flames? / ain’t it the life you, you’re lighting of the blaze? / ain’t it a waste they’d watch the throwing of the shade? / ain’t you my baby? ain’t you my babe?

the smoldering, remnant ashes of the man are promptly flushed down the toilet. rafayel cleans his hands at the sink, the small cut across his face already healing. you fix your hair, and blot at any of the smearing of your makeup. “better off anyways,” rafayel mutters, giving you a once over. he gingerly takes your face in his hands, resting his forehead against yours, “Ça va mon amour? [are you alright my love?]” he whispers. you nod, nuzzling your nose against his.

he peppers delicate kisses across your face. then drapes a few more down your exposed neck and collar. all your worries assuaged for the time being as you float in his attention, the memories of the disgusting socialite washed away as he fans the flames of your nerves. “rafayel,” you sigh, leaning into his touch, “you keep at it and the coral reef will never receive their generous check.” he whines in protest, but ultimately agrees and accompanies you back out to the party.

nobody mentions the missing man, and rafayel was such a smooth talker that any questions were easily forgotten. in the end, you had raised over $1.2 million for coral reef restoration, which was a feat in itself. when the party finally concludes and you tiredly shed your personas at the door of your shared home, you couldn’t be more grateful rafayel was who you had chose to spend your life with. and now that you were finally alone again, he would take that chance to remind you.

nothing fucks with my baby / nothing can get a look in on my baby / nothing fucks with my baby / nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing

beneaththehalo || est 2024

[idyllcy]

con..? cosplay - tim drake x reader (pretty bird countdown #3)

"I should start an onlyfans." You hum, going through your photos as Tim blinks.

"Can't. Did you see the news? Also, do you really want to be exploited by old men?"

"Right. The donation." You huff. "Well, I'll just have you build a website."

"pretty bird..."

"I know, I know. I'll build the website." You grumble. "Or..."

"Or?"

"You can go to the con next week dressed up and I can take photos." You grin.

"AG?"

"AG." You give him a thumbs up. 

"And who would I dress up as?"

"I may... or may not have already bought it..." You hold back a smile as he glances at you. 

"Does it have to do with the Hades cosplay that came into the mail two days ago?"

"Maybe?" 

"You're making me cosplay Thanatos, aren't you."

"..." You purse your lips.

"Just because I have—"

"You have the eboy haircut for it. I'll just spray some gray on." You give him a thumbs up.

"And then you?" He pauses. "No. Don't tell me. Are you going out with your tits out?"

"NO."

"Are you leaving your tits out?"

"Did you not—"

"Bra."

"Yes."

"You're going to let people see how you look?" Tim huffs, and you pull out his cosplay for him.

"Not if I'm contouring fake abs onto myself." You shrug. "It's alright... Neither of us have the height for it anyway."

"At least you're aware."

You stick your tongue out at him.

"Don't you have to go barefoot?"

You grimace. "No. I'm not doing that. Also, you're gonna have your tits out."

"I figured." He grimaces. "Are you going to paint me gray?"

"Maybe." You grin.

"Did you buy tickets?"

"Yeah. You said you'd go all four days so I just bought the full pass." You hum. "You're still going, right?"

"Yeah."

"You should show up at the Red Robin meetup I'm hosting." You hum. "In suit."

"I figured you'd say that."

"It'll be funny." You grin. "I'll be in my knock off suit."

"You could probably fit in one of my old ones." Tim mumbles. "What day is that?"

"Saturday at six."

"You want me to change in the bathroom?"

"You'll be fine." You pat his chest. "You can exit and then re-enter."

"In that hellish line?"

"Use your nepo baby privileges."

"Denied."

You stick your tongue out at him. "The con ends at 6."

"Oh... so I just leave and then."

"Yeah." You give him a thumbs up. "Be sure to NOT wear your wedding ring please. Please."

Tim gives you a grin that can only mean he's going to wear it.

[creedslove]

hiii, how about a headcanon of reader, sarah and joel painting the house or redecorating sarah's bedroom now that reader is married to joel, AND MAYBE IT IS THE FIRST TIME THAT SARAH CALLS READER MOM by accident???? and reader and joel cry?? idk 😭😭 I know it is much but I can not stop thinking of being a wife to joel and have a family with him😭😭

No outbreak!Joel Miller x f!reader

A/N: this is too beautiful anon, I loved this request ❤️

• Sarah had been begging Joel to redecorate her bedroom since the two of you got engaged and though you were excited to help them, Joel always seemed to come up with an excuse not to do it

• one month he said he didn't have enough money to buy the paint and the other materials to do it and he absolutely refused your offer of helping him pay for it

• the next month he told her you two were too busy with the upcoming wedding and the three of you wouldn't have enough time to finish it

• and the other month he said you wouldn't be able to do it because of your honeymoon, which was kind of true, but it was during the wedding you found out the real reason why he was postponing doing the redecoration

• at Sarah's refusal to wear the pink dress full of flowers her grandma - your mother-in-law had bought her because it was too childish and settling for another dress that wasn't so pink she picked with your help, you could see in Joel's eyes the melancholy of his little girl growing up

• she used to love pink, flowery dress, just as she used to love the pink walls of her room her dad painted when she was just a baby and now the walls were about to go, just like the bunch of dolls she got over the years

• you felt sad for Joel, you knew how strong his bond with his daughter was and how close they were, but you also felt sorry for Sarah, she was growing up and she should be able to enjoy the new phases of her life

• so as soon as you returned from your honeymoon, you sat down with Sarah and took notes of everything she wanted to get it done with her bedroom and then you drove her to the store, letting her pick everything she wanted

• you had saved some money and you thought it would be a nice way of spending it, she would be happy and Joel would have to accept it one way or the other

• once you got home with the new paint, curtains, bedspread and carton boxes to store everything she didn't want anymore, he widened his eyes at the surprise of seeing you two with the new stuff

• he was chewing on a sandwich so you sat next to him and asked Sarah to begin gathering the things she would like to donate, which she quickly went to do it and you took Joel's hand

"You know she'll forever be your little girl, right? No matter if her walls aren't pink anymore or if the barbies are gone, she'll always be your daughter and love you, just as you love her"

• a blush spread through his face as you said those things, he swallowed his sandwich wanting to say something but you just shook your head

"besides, think of all the lucky little girls that are going to be able to play with Sarah's old dolls, she's doing something really nice for them and she learned that from you... You know, how to be kind. Also, she told me she doesn't want pink on the walls because it hurts her eyes when she's reading"

• that was partially a lie, Sarah was going to help other kids by donating her old toys but she hadn't said anything about the wall colors, but judging by the way his eyes softened when you justified why she was leaving behind a part of her childhood, you knew you'd said the right thing

• so once Joel was done eating, the three of you changed into older clothes and after a painful period of dragging around furniture, you began painting the walls

• you didn't actually know how to do it, but as soon as Joel showed you how it was done, you got the hang of it, plus it ended up being a lot more fun than you had expected

• turns out Joel got really excited about the fact he was spending time with his daughter and that made him realize that was much more important than the color of her walls

• and the happiness in her face was just beautiful, she was excited and telling you about her plans of decorating, asking for your opinion and advices

• you were more than happy to help her and give your thoughts, seeing she really valued and appreciated them

• it took the three of you most of the day to get her bedroom done, but once you finally got the decoration part - the one she was more excited about - Joel decided to help

"so are you putting your books or your funkos on this shelf?"

"I don't know dad, let me ask what mom thin- I mean, Y/N"

• Sarah felt embarrassed at her mistake and looked at you with widened eyes, not sure what to say, if she should apologize to you or what, she hoped you wouldn't think it was weird

• you turned to her with a gentle smile and took a step closer, brushing your fingers through her soft cheeks and wrapped your arms around her smaller frame

"you can call me mom if you want, I would be very happy and lucky to have you as my daughter"

• you sniffed softly, your eyes watery at the emotion of hearing such beautiful words from her

• Joel also felt very emotional and wrapped the two of you into his warm tight embrace, he had tears in his eyes he wanted to hide, he really loved hearing his daughter call you mom, because you'd been acting like one ever since you walked into their lives and he knew you were just perfect at it

"Alright mom..."

• Sarah shyly dried her own tears and chuckled a little shy, she looked at you and gave you another tight hug

"Where should I put my books?"

____

[justagalwhowrites]

HI BESTIE !!! 🫂

i was wondering how Joel would react to Doc spoiling him ROTTEN after she got that big girl money 🫦 (in the lavender au)

(because i know she will spoil him so much as a thank you for his unwavering support throughout her career 🥹)

OMG Hi Bestie!

I love this ask so so SO much. Joel is so soft with his girls and he deserves all the good things, including his wife treating him to all the best things once she's a big time surgeon.

This is just the perfect prompt for our favorite man's birthday, too! I hope this is just what you were hoping for. Love you!

Spoiled

After years of Joel taking care of you, you take care of Joel. A one shot set in the Lavender AU timeline.

Yes I know it's not a Joel gif but it fits the fic so well I had to.

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female Reader (Joel and Doc from the Lavender AU)

Warnings: Fluff and smut, smut and fluff. No use of Y/N. Minors DNI 18+ only.

Length: 4.4K

It started with a shopping trip in Houston for Sarah’s wedding. 

She needed a dress for the rehearsal and her bachelorette party and the malls in Austin just weren’t cutting it. 

“I’m telling you,” she said after coming up empty handed on another Saturday spent shopping as the two of you ate salads and drank sweet tea at a patio cafe. “We need to go to Houston. We haven’t found anything for you, either.”

“I can just…” you began, but Sarah cut you off. 

“Mom,” she raised her brows. “You do not get to say ‘just’ anything about my wedding, come on.” 

You rolled your eyes a little but smiled. 

“Alright,” you put your hands up in surrender. “I’ve got the weekend off again in two weeks, I’ll get us a hotel room in Houston and we can shop til we drop.” 

“I’m going to get you comfortable with spending some of those big surgeon bucks one of these days,” she said. “You need to treat yourself! Live a little!” 

“I live plenty, thank you,” you replied. “And I do it just fine in my Goodwill jeans.” 

“Whatever you say,” she smirked a little, flagging down the server and grabbing the bill before you had a chance to fight her on it. 

Sarah might have had a point. You’d been an attending for the better part of a year now and the jump in pay had been staggering. You were making more now in a year than you had your entire life - or it felt that way, anyway. You’d already made good progress paying off your student loans but you made quick work of the rest. Joel had asked if you wanted to move - something bigger or better somehow - now that you could easily afford it but you’d just frowned at him, almost hurt. 

“This is our home,” you said. “I fell in love with you here, Sarah grew up here, we made Evie here. This is the first place I ever really felt like I belonged, I don’t want to leave.” 

Joel just smiled and kissed your forehead. 

“Then we’ll stay,” he said. “Moving’s a fuckin’ hassle anyway.” 

You’d just been saving money, not really sure what to do with it. You donated some of it, stopped spending time clipping coupons, finally bought a car that was from this decade (but still used). But actually spending it made you anxious. You’d never had money before. You weren’t poor, exactly. You’d always had enough to eat and a roof over your head but you almost never bought new clothes, had never really traveled outside of places that you could easily get to by car. You were pretty sure you’d never even been in a car that wasn’t at least 10 years old before you came to college and your friend Cassie gave you a ride to the store in her new BMW. It was hard to get used to the idea that money could be spent at all, that it wasn’t already earmarked for some bill or, if there was any left, that it had to be saved for a rainy day. 

“You gotta actually spend some of that hard earned money on yourself, Baby,” Joel said as you headed outside to meet Sarah for your weekend in Houston. “Buy some ridiculously expensive dress that I’m gonna want to rip off you in seconds or some purse that’s $1,000 for reasons I don’t understand.” 

“That’s two mortgage payments,” you said, eyes wide. 

“Baby.” 

“Right, right,” you nodded. “On a mission, spend money. Got it.” 

“On yourself,” he added. “Not Sarah. Or not just Sarah, anyway. You two have fun.” 

“You too,” you said, stretching up to kiss him goodbye. “Don’t let Evie con you into giving her candy when she gets home from school.” 

“What wild thing and I get up to when you’re not around is none of your business,” he gave you one last peck on the lips. “Now go, stop worryin’, live a little.” 

The mall in Houston was almost overwhelming. Not in the crowds way malls sometimes were for you, thank goodness, but with the kinds of stores. There were names you recognized from Cassie’s closet and from some of the trust fund girls in your med school program but you realized quickly you had no concept of what things like this actually cost. 

Sarah picked a dress for the rehearsal that was nearly $600 and you choked on the champagne the sales person had given you to sip while Sarah tried on options. 

“You really buy $600 dresses?” You gaped at her as you wandered back into the store from the dressing rooms. 

“Not all the time,” she shrugged. “But we make good money and sometimes it’s fun to buy something nice.” 

She held up a floor length gown to you, the bottom pooling on the ground. 

“That’s too long,” you said. 

“Well we’d get it tailored,” she laughed a little. “Come on, try it on.” 

Another sales person wandered over and offered to set up a fitting room and you snuck a peek at the price tag. Your eyes went wide. 

“That dress is $1200!” You whispered at Sarah as you trailed after the attendant. 

“And it’s for my wedding,” she replied. “And don’t you have that gala thing every spring for work? You can wear it for that, you need a new dress for that anyway. Plus I’m the bride and I say you have to try it on. You can’t disappoint the bride.” 

You sighed and went into the fitting room, feeling utterly out of place in your second hand Levis and vintage top you’d picked up on a shopping trip a few weeks back that felt much more your speed. 

But the dress - outside of the length - looked like it had been made for you. The silk hugged your every curve, the neckline dipping just low enough to display just enough cleavage to be sexy but not so much that it would be scandalous. It was simple, no embellishments beyond the structure of the dress and the deep emerald green of the fabric. Normally you’d have scoffed at something so basic fetching such a high price but, now that it was on your body, you understood it. It was like you’d put on a work of art and, in doing so, become art yourself. 

“OK you can’t laugh,” you said. “But I’m coming out.” 

Sarah was waiting patiently in the little show room attached to your fitting room and you had to hold up the hem of the dress to not trip but she gasped all the same. 

“Oh Mom,” her hand went to her mouth, her eyes wide. “You look incredible.” 

“Yeah?” You asked, turning in the mirrors to look at yourself from every angle. “I don’t look like I’m playing dress up?” 

“Not at all,” she spoke with almost a sense of reverence, looking you up and down. “You’re getting that dress. I’ll buy it for you if you won’t…” 

“No, Sarah,” you protested but she pulled out her phone and snapped a picture before you had a chance to really realize what she was doing. “What was that for?” 

“I’m sending this to Dad…” her voice trailed off and she took a sip of champagne just as her phone rang. She smirked and answered, putting it on speaker phone. “Speak of the devil. Hey old man, your wife is trying to tell me this dress costs too much.” 

“I don’t care if that dress costs $200,000 she’s bringing it home,” Joel said. “She hear me?” 

“Yes,” Sarah smiled, a shit eating grin if there ever was one. 

“Good,” he said. “Baby, you look so damn amazing I’m about to jump in the truck and drive over there just to see you in that thing in person sooner. Save me a trip, bring it home, alright?” 

“Alright,” you sighed. 

“Didn’t quite hear that,” Joel said. 

“I said alright you dork,” you said a little, grinning in spite of yourself. 

“That’s my girl.” 

You bought the dress. And a bag that Sarah insisted you needed for work because she was tired of seeing you haul around a canvas tote. And shoes for the dress. 

When you passed the jeweler window, you were on the way to the car after spending so much money you were surprised you hadn’t fainted. You stopped, the hanger with the garment bag for the dress hooked in your fingers over your shoulder, and looked at the watch sitting in the window. 

It was large and silver but not too ornate, no diamonds or anything like that. The face of the watch was black with elegant white roman numerals on the face. 

“What?” Sarah asked, stopping next to you. 

“Do you think your dad would like that?” You asked, head cocked a little, still looking at the timepiece through the glass. 

“Yeah,” Sarah said after a moment. “Seems like a him watch, if he were going to wear a nice watch, anyway.” 

Joel did already have a watch. A simple one with a green strap and silver colored case and a black face. You and Sarah had picked it out together for his birthday one year. She’d been giddy about it, you had to all but beg her to keep it a secret for a few days until it came time to give it to him. He loved the thing, wore it every day, even more than a decade later. 

But your career wasn’t the only one that had advanced. Joel was no longer doing the manual labor of a contractor every day. More often than not, he was going to meet with clients and arrange contracts and make plans. For a lot of those meetings, he wore a suit and, for a lot of those meetings, you saw him stick his watch in his pocket before leaving the house instead of putting it on. 

“Hard sometimes,” he said when you’d asked him about it. “Fittin’ in with these clients.” 

“Let me just…” you doubled back to the entrance to the store and went inside. 

The watch was more than you thought it would be. A lot more. So, so much more. You watched as the sale’s person’s eyes went from encouraging and hopeful to let down when you reacted to the price. 

“One second,” you smiled sheepishly and pulled out your phone, going into your banking app. Even after spending an arm and a leg on yourself that day, the number in your personal checking account seemed obscenely high. More money than you’d ever had at once until very, very recently. You could afford the watch. You looked at the sales person and smiled. 

“I’ll take it.” 

You had several very strong cocktails when out to dinner with Sarah that night to make yourself feel a little better about spending thousands of dollars on things like clothes and a watch and she just smiled. 

“See, Mom? You spent some money on yourself and the apocalypse did not happen, I think you can actually buy yourself things from time to time.” 

“And things for your dad,” you said. “Because he needs nice things, too.” 

When you got home, Joel insisted that you model the dress for him. 

“It needs to be tailored,” you tried to protest. 

“Not for me to take it off you it doesn’t,” he smiled from his spot on the couch, beer in hand. 

“Fine,” you said. “But only if you let me model everything I bought and you can’t return any of it.” 

“Deal.” 

You went to your bedroom and put on the dress and the shoes and took the watch out of the bag, the face almost comically large on your wrist, before going back to the living room, hem of the dress in hand. 

“Jesus Christ Baby,” he looked at you, his eyes wide. “You look… fuck me.” 

“That is the idea,” you winked. “You like it?” 

“Like is a fuckin’ understatement,” he said, getting up and walking around you slowly, his eyes going up and down your body. “You know, Evie’s at a friend’s for two more hours…” 

“So you’re not going to make me return anything I have on?” You asked. 

“Fuck no.” 

“Not this dress?” You started unzipping the side before sliding the straps down your arms. 

“Dress stays,” he said, gently tugging it down and exposing your chest, kissing the swell of your breasts. 

“What about the shoes?” You asked, putting a sandaled foot out from below the hem. He glanced down, eyes ranging over the straps. 

“Those stay, too,” he said, going back to kissing your chest. “Everything you’ve got on stays, already agreed to that.” 

“Good,” you said as he made it to your neck. “Even this?” 

You held up your wrist, the watch sliding down your arm. 

He frowned, looking at it. 

“Don’t look like you’re style,” he said. “But if it makes you happy, Baby, keep it.” 

“Never said it was for me, Joel,” you smiled a little. You watched him piece it together, taking a moment for him to dawn on him. 

“No,” he shook his head, looking from your arm to your face. “No, you were supposed to get stuff for yourself for a change not…” 

“I did get stuff for me,” you said. “And I got this for you. Because you’re wearing suits more now and I wanted you to have the watch for that. So really, it is for me.” 

He took your wrist gently in one hand, elbow in the other, tilting your arm this way and that to look at the watch in different lights. 

“Baby, this…” he shook his head again. “This is too much, this is…” 

“Not for you,” you cut him off. “Not after everything you’ve given me. This is not enough. But it’s a start. Besides, you said I got to keep everything I was wearing. You already agreed to it, Miller.” 

“Baby,” he sighed. 

“Joel,” you smiled a little. “You’re my husband. Let me give you something nice. Please.” 

He brought the inside of your wrist to his lips and kissed you there, making your pulse flutter against his mouth. 

“Already gave me the best thing there is,” he said. “Anything more feels like I’m stealin’ it.” 

“Steal whatever you want, Miller,” you teased. “But you’re keeping the watch.” 

Joel ended up wearing the watch often. Not as much as the Sarah watch - and he stuck with the Sarah watch for her wedding - but at least once a week for meetings where he needed to dress up for. Every time you gave him a little knowing smile and every time he rolled his eyes a little before kissing you goodbye. But you had yet to get him to accept anything like it in the years since, Joel trying to dodge everything every time you spent money on him. 

So when his birthday was around the corner, you were bound and determined to get him something good. 

“Anything you want for your birthday?” You asked as you, Joel and Ellie wandered around a street fair, meandering towards the car show. “Anything you want to do?” 

“S’not like it’s a big one,” he shrugged. “Just 56. Would love to see all my girls, of course. Could use some new tongs for the grill.” 

“Tongs?” Ellie said, brows raised. “Seriously? Old people are so WEIRD.” 

“You know what kiddo?” Joel smiled a little, faking exasperation. “We’ll see how you’re doin’ when you’re pushin’ 60.” 

“Ew,” she crinkled her nose and wandered to the first car in the row of vehicles on display. You laughed, strolling along with Joel until he stopped at a beautiful old convertible, giving a low whistle. 

“What?” You asked. 

“Just a pretty fuckin’ car,” he said, his hands in his pockets as he walked slowly around it. “Always wanted one of these when I was a kid.” 

“Yeah?” You asked, getting an idea. 

“Neighbor had one,” he nodded. “Let me ride in the back once. Coolest fuckin’ car.” 

He looked over every inch of the thing and Ellie caught up with you while he did, pouting a little as she leaned on the door of the car, her chin propped on her folded arms. 

“I’m starving,” she groaned. “Can I go get some fries at least?” 

“Sure,” you laughed a little, pulling some cash out of your pocket. “Grab me a lemonade, too?” 

You watched as she went to the food stands and you and Joel moved on, walking slowly down the row of cars when Ellie caught up with you again, passing you the lemonade. Joel stole a fry from her cup. 

“Hey!” She protested. “Go get your own!” 

“Might have to,” he said, giving her a wink. “Back in a sec.” 

You waited until he was out of earshot before you grabbed Ellie. 

“Do me a favor,” you said. “That car we were looking at? The blue one? Can you go talk to the owner and find out what make, model and year it is?” 

“I guess,” she frowned. “Why?” 

“Because,” you said. “I found something your dad wants besides tongs.” 

You went and stood in line with Joel, keeping him distracted while Ellie did recon. She took some pictures of the car and texted you all the information which you texted to Andrew as Joel drove home from the fair. 

“Can you help me find this car?” You asked him. “One that’s for sale?”

“Becoming a collector?” He texted back. 

“Joel’s birthday,” you added a smilie face emoji. 

“Excellent,” he replied. “I’ll find you something, don’t worry.” 

It took a few weeks but Andrew found the car. A blue 1967 Mustang Convertible that was being sold down in San Antonio. He went down with you to help you test drive it - you didn’t know a damn thing about cars - and you bought it on the spot. 

“He’s going to freak the fuck out,” Andrew said, driving it home since you couldn’t drive stick. “Seriously, you might give the man a heart attack…” 

You rolled your eyes but laughed all the same. 

“I really hope he loves it,” you said, running your fingers over the dash. 

“I’ll take it off your hands if he doesn’t,” Andrew smiled. “Just don’t tell Jess.” 

Tommy agreed to store the car in his garage until Joel’s party at his house in two weeks and you were giddy as you drove home, feeling like a kid at Christmas as you tried to keep the car a secret. 

By the time the party rolled around, even Ellie was excited and having a hard time holding it together. 

“It’s really just a cookout at Tommy’s,” Joel said as the three of you piled in the car to head over. “Not sure why you two are actin’ like we’re going to fuckin’ Six Flags…” 

“Tommy’s cooler than you,” Ellie said. “Nice to spend time with someone who isn’t a total dinosaur…” 

“Alright, in the car kiddo,” Joel smiled and shook his head a little. “Can’t take you anywhere ’til seatbelts are on, let’s go!” 

You texted Tommy that you were on the way and he responded with a picture of the car, shiny in his driveway with a big, red bow on the hood. 

“He’s going to lose his mind, Kid,” he texted back. “Please tell Maria I want this same treatment when I’m old.” 

“Better put in some work to deserve it, Miller,” you replied, smiling a little. 

Joel parked on the street, frowning at the car in Tommy’s driveway. 

“When the hell’d Tommy get a Mustang?” He got out, his frown deepening. You almost laughed. 

“He didn’t,” you smiled, so big it was like your face was going to crack. 

Joel looked confused for half a moment before his mouth dropped open in shock. 

“No,” he shook his head. Ellie leaned between the front seats, grinning hugely, “No, no that’s… Baby. No.” 

“Suck it up, old man,” Ellie smirked as Sarah and Brandon came out of the house, little Carson making a beeline for the car. Sarah and Brandon waved as Tommy and Maria joined them in the yard. Ellie pulled the keys out of her pocket and dangled them between you and Joel. He took them, staring at them in his hand for a second.

“Should take it before I do,” Tommy hollered and you laughed as you got out of the car and followed an almost dazed Joel toward the Mustang. 

He walked, in awe, around the car twice. 

“I…” he said but stopped, staring at the convertible for a moment. “I don’t….” 

“Do you like it?” You asked, coming up beside him and wrapping your arms around his waist. 

“Fuckin’ love it,” he said, immediately looking at you. “But Baby, this is too much, way too much, I can’t…” 

“Yes you can,” you smiled up at him. He looked down at you, the awed expression still on his face. “After everything you’ve done for me? For us? Everything you’ve sacrificed, all the ways you take care of me and our girls? The life you gave me? Still not enough, Joel. Not for you.” 

He pulled you tight to him and kissed the top of your head. 

“I love you,” he said, his voice wet. “So goddamn much, Baby.” 

Tommy set up chairs and a table in the front yard so everyone could sit near the car while celebrating Joel. He kept looking over at it in disbelief before looking at you with eyes filled with gratitude and wonder. You couldn’t remember the last time your heart felt quite so full. 

You drove Ellie home, following slowly behind Joel in the new convertible. 

“OK I know what this shit means,” Ellie said, gesturing between you and Joel after you got home, your husband clutching you to his side. “Try to keep it down and not be gross about it because ugh.” 

“Was actually going to see if you wanted to take the car for a spin,” you smiled up at Joel. “Just you and me. Assuming Ellie will behave herself and actually go to bed at a reasonable time.” 

“Anything to get away from whatever that is,” Ellie said, smiling a little as she went to her room. You laughed. 

“So,” you said, once she closed the door to her room. You looked up at Joel, smiling. “Care to take me for a ride, Mr. Miller?” 

He grinned.

“Whatever you say, Mrs. Miller.” 

He took you through town slowly, down quiet side streets filled with sleeping people and past businesses that had closed for the night, until the two of you ended up at a large park on the edge of town where things were a little darker and you could see some of the stars. 

“I can’t believe you got me a car, Baby,” he said, his hands running over the steering wheel. His smile was so big you could see it even in the dim light of the moon. “It’s really…” 

“If you say it’s too much again, Joel, I will go and buy you a second one on principle.” 

He laughed at that. 

“I was gonna say it was the best gift I’ve ever gotten,” he said, turning to look at you. “Besides you and the girls of course.” 

“Oh, of course,” you smiled. 

He leaned in and kissed you gently. 

“Not sure what I did to deserve you,” he said. “But I sure am grateful for it.” 

Your kiss shifted and you started climbing over the center console, Joel taking a second to move his seat all the way back. You bunched your skirt around your hips and settled over him, kissing him harder, more eager. 

“I’m pretty damn grateful for you,” you whispered against his mouth, his hands going to your hips. You ground down on him and he moaned, pressing his hard length up against you through his jeans. “And I think the birthday boy should get laid in his dream car.” 

“Dream car,” he said, kissing you. “Dream woman.” He kissed you again. “Perfect fuckin’ birthday.” 

You unzipped his fly as you kissed him and tucked your panties to the side, notching his cock against your entrance. He moaned as you sank slowly down onto him, taking all of him inside of you, savoring how he filled you. 

You started slowly, just grinding him deeper into you as you kissed him, his tongue licking into your mouth. 

“You feel fuckin’ amazing Baby,” he moaned, kissing down your throat until he reached your breasts, cleavage bared in your v-neck top. “Always feel so damn good…” 

He was thrusting up into you, trying to set his own pace, and you decided to allow that, matching him stroke for stroke as he groaned below you. His hands ranged up your back, pawing at your shirt until be was able to raise it enough to slide below it and get at your skin with a satisfied moan. He clutched you close, so close that you could hardly move over him anymore. Instead, he fucked up into you, making you whimper and your channel tighten around him. 

“C’mon Baby,” he grunted, voice strained. “Want you to come for me. All I want now is you to come for me, come all over me, fuck Baby…” 

You bit down on his shoulder to keep quiet, the sounds of crickets and cicadas on the air as you came, your sex throbbed around him. You whimpered against him as you came down from your high and he kept working you, his grip on you tightening. 

“Fuck Baby,” he gasped. “Feel too good, I’m gonna… fuck… I’m…” 

He cut himself off with a groan, thrusting deep and filling you, his grip on you relaxing enough that you could sit up a little. You looked at him in the moonlight his eyes closed, a blissed out look on his face. You smiled a little, brushing his more unruly curls back from his forehead. 

“I love you so much, Baby,” he smiled a little, eyes still closed. 

“So I did alright for your birthday?” You teased lightly, his softening cock still buried inside you. 

He laughed. 

“Did perfect,” he tugged you close enough that he could kiss you again, careful to not push you back against the horn. “Perfect fuckin’ birthday, perfect fuckin’ woman, perfect fuckin’ wife.” 

“Good,” you smiled, kissing him. “You deserve it, Joel. You deserve the world.” 

[alaezasmystery235]

PILE 1 -> PILE 2 -> PILE 3 -> PILE 4

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꒰ ♡ ꒱ 𝓅𝒾𝒸𝓀 𝒶 𝒸𝒶𝓇𝒹 ; 𝗚𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗽𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗮.𝗸.𝗮 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆

rules, disclaimer and notes ☆

⋆·˚ 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫 ⋆·˚ ----- This reading was made for entertainment purposes only. this is obviously a general reading so takes what resonates and leave when it doesn't, you don't need to force your energy to read this and leave such a bad comment just to say it doesn't resonates with you at all because the answer is very obvious!

⋆·˚ 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 ⋆·˚ ----- All of the pictures are collected and downloaded from 'pinterest' i don't own any of them but credits goes to the rightful owners however edits goes and belong to me only @alaezasmystery . I use the editor tools canva and kapwing for the header and divider. Extra credit to @daninixx for giving permission to use her rules and disclaimer.

ＰＩＬＥ 1

First court marriage then there will be big luxurious wedding party . It's a royal wedding !!!! You'll look like a powerful person . That's your day and you're just not ready to share it with anyone . Your Future Spouse can be famous or has fame to their name . Many people will make posts of your wedding photo viral in social media .

Extra information :- owl , Tik tok , China , Sushi , Pens and highlighter , Baby cradle , Red hair , Green and black eyes , 5 ' 6 - 6 ' 0 in height , garters , stockings , statement jewelry , diamond bracelet / heirloom , summer and June .

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ＰＩＬＥ 2

Big fantasy wedding ceremony . There will be a huge celebration in your wedding . You'll look so gorgeous and luxurious on that day . You're manifesting a successful huge ceremony . I'm seeing many expensive gifts being given to you . A presence of child / children will be there too. Maybe you'll own a pet by then whom you treat like your own child.

Extra information :- Swan , Sunflower , mesh net , Zari works , minimal jewelleries , boots , blonde highlights , peach and white colours , grandparents , 2211 , 1818 , Name starting with R , S , W , U , 2009 , 1998 , 25 .

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ＰＩＬＥ 3

Cute destination wedding is going here. Small amount of people are going to join your wedding . It's like a magical sacred union of two matured person. This wedding is going to be so intimate and exquisite. I'm seeing nature is included in your theme . Like beach , waterfall or ocean is present by your side. You'll look like an angel straight out of a fairytale .

Extra information :- Candles , fairy lights , cars , potluck , hotpot , 444 , piano , fluffy dresses , braids , ace of spades , Middle of the night by Elley Duhé , tulips , Netherlands , old photos , X , D , G , H , Ticket .

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ＰＩＬＥ 4

Okay this is giving me destination wedding vibe !! It maybe a small wedding but this is going to take place in different place than yours . I'm seeing a very vintage vibe from here . You'll be radiating so much that day. A sense of pride is in the air. People will be talking about this for a while . Many of your family members will be shocked to see that you're finally getting married .

Extra information :- Old money , Manor , Dolce & Gabbana , Jesper , Finland , Bees , Long drives , 26 , 30 , 4+ years age gap , Teacher - Student vibes , Seashell , Mirror , Buddha .

☜♡☞ TIPS :- PAYPAL 222 > If you love my reading, you can leave a tip or donation here , any amount will do since i just really need money or you can check or book an order from here.

𓊆 εїз 𓊇

© @alaezasmystery ── all rights reserved. do not copy, translate, alter, or repost my work without my explicit permission.

[rosesradio]

Jercy recreates the scenario of Aphrodite's birth in order to have their own child only in a milder and more voluntary form.

Percy jerks off Jason in a car near the sea to get his sperm and going into the sea cuts his hands to get blood, Jason meanwhile is excitedly waiting for him in the car.

In the lush foam, the heavenly seed and the sea blood unite and their baby appears.

the second paragraph threw me off jdksjdkaj...percy jerks jason off in the car? haven't i written something like that?? lmao

but yes i love this !! as much as i love a good breeding kink/mpreg, i like this version because it is a lot more true to the myths & purposeful.

that would also mean they would have to get everything ready beforehand as there is no pregnancy period. they're both stressed to high olympus. jason starts rubbing his stomach like he's phantom-pregnant. percy paints the nursery at least half a dozen times lol.

jason would debate over who donates the sperm & who donates the blood. jason would argue that his end is all pleasure & percy's is all pain, but percy would insist he's perfectly fine with that arrangement for the sake of jason & their baby. there would come a point where he's like "babe. i'm healed by water. the pain is gonna last like thirty seconds if even"

percy would definitely be a tease about how to get jason off though. jason's like "this is literally for our kid don't make a thing out of it" & percy's like "i always have to make a Thing out of it i have a Reputation & Responsibility to make you feel good and—" & then jason just pulls him down & kisses him.

even though jason's beyond excited for the process of actually making a baby, he would still enjoy taking things slow with percy. percy would make things all about jason of course, but jason would just want him deep inside him. he'd want his voice, low with dirty remarks and praise & stupid jokes when they fumble here & there. it would be like wedding night sex...at least, if wedding night sex were to occur in a car close to the beach with the underlying fear of being caught, that is.

when they finish, jason's sure to collect (probably by wearing a condom? or whatever) & the pair dress & go to the beach. jason would ask percy to look into his eyes as he cuts his hand, his heart aching at the sight of his breif wince. when they dispense the materials, it takes a few minutes, & the pair sit on the beach with baited breath. finally, the sea foam would form into their beautiful baby (they would have a girl, to me).

jason would scoop the baby up first, percy wrapping an arm around the both of them as they look down at their unbelievable creation. the baby would start crying, understandable given it was born in sea water in this economy etc, though jason & percy aren't fazed. they would have all the supplies they need in the car & would go through everything to ensure the baby is safe & happy.

[val-the-bookworm]

Nicky Valentino (from Fictif) is an absolute comfort character for me, which means I’ve collected some information about him!

I just feel like I need to share what I’ve gathered with others who might be interested! Feel free to comment any other facts/headcannons/etc you guys have, I love to hear what other people think or picked up!

First off, here is a list of actual facts that can be found in the story or stated by the authors of TATW:

* The story takes place some time after April 1925 (cause Nicky knew about The Great Gatsby), but before August 1929 (because the story takes place before The Great Depression) - which is a 4 year 4 month time difference

* Possibly before 1928 (which is when phones changed from the candlestick) — that would make it a 3 year time gap

* He keeps a small tin of dog treats in his breast pocket incase he stumbles upon a stray

* There was a 3 year age gap between him and his sister

* His birthday is on November 12th.

* Nicky's favourite animal is the wolf.

* Nicky’s zodiac is Scorpio.

* His favourite colour is blue.

* His favourite alcoholic drink is whiskey.

* His favourite dishes are lobster, PB&J and anything made by MC.

* His favourite books are This Side Of Paradise and The Sun Also Rises.

* He was born in Sicily, Italy. Grew up in South Brooklyn

* Nicky is Catholic.

* His crimes include bootlegging, racketeering, obstruction of justice and loansharking.

* He did not enjoy his first time.

* His first kiss was when he was 15.

* His celebrity crush is Gloria Swanson.

* His dad kicked him out of the house for dressing like a gangster.

* He used to shine shoes as a teenager.

* In Chapter 9, two of his other henchmen are named/called Johnnyboy and Richie.

* In Chapter 10, it's revealed that he has made several charitable donations to a homeless shelter, a boys and girls club, and the church he went to as a kid.

* HE SINGS SWANEE TO MC WHILE THEY DANCE ON A BRIDGE AT NIGHT (I absolutely adore this song, so I about passed out when I read this scene lol)

* He is big reader and likes to learn from the books

* He grew up with big dogs

* If he wasn’t a gangster he would own a dog rescue center or be a model

* He is left handed

* His parents are from the country

* He had lots of nightmares as a kid

* His sister, Sofia, loved daisies

* Central Park is one of his favorite places in the city

* He prefers blackjack over poker

* This man straight up had flower crowns for us to wear and dance in before the wedding (I’d like to think he made them with the help of a maid who taught him)

Now some of my personal headcannons:

* When Mc and him are riding together he sits in the seat diagonal to the driver, cause that is the most dangerous seat in the mob world

* An Italian pet name Nicky calls MC is ‘Cara Mia’ which translates to my dear

* If Nicky and Mc have a daughter they would name her Sofia in memory his little sister.

* Definitely has some children’s books scattered among his bookshelf, considering he said…

* He would most definitely do that thing where his kid stands on top of his feet and then dances them around the room

* Would be so down to adopt kids. Growing up on the streets, and having a horrible father, make him want to help all of the children in a similar position

* Would definitely want a big Italian family (if Mc was also down) cause he find family so important, and it makes him so happy to see their children. If Mc only wanted one kid though he would totally be fine, he is just so soft for the family dynamic and his kids

* (Ultrasounds weren’t a thing until the 1950’s, but let’s say they were created sooner) Nick would 110% tear up/cry seeing the first ultrasound, and once the baby is born and in Mc/his hands for the first time

* He LIVES for the cute domestic stuff. Like just cuddling and/or talking: ✅ Washing dishes together: sold! Making breakfast for Mc/together: a must!

* Nick has bi-wife energy and no one can convince me otherwise

* This man’s love language is 110% acts of service

And finally my last category for this list; all of the nicknames he calls MC:

* Toots

*honey

*(my)love

*sugar

*gorgeous

*baby

*sweetheart

*my one and only

*doll face

*sweet thing

*sweets

*my queen

[mermaidsirennikita]

Any HR with gothic vibes you would recommend?

Yes!

Anne Stuart is known for writing darker, more gothic-y historicals. I've only read A Rose at Midnight so far, but I know her Rohan series is recommended for this a lot. I loved A Rose at Midnight. It's set shortly after the French Revolution (set in England, largely) and the heroine literally begins the book wanting to kill the hero. She does poison him! He just survives lmao. But yeah, the beef is real, it's pretty dark (TW for noncon, dubcon, forced sex work, general Reign of Terror violence) and there's a general sense of violence and mystery and secrets.

Elizabeth Hoyt plays with the Gothic a lot. I'd recommend:

The Raven Prince. Really a sexy Jane Eyre, the heroine is the hero's secretary and ends up putting on a mask and pretending to be a sex worker at a brothel he frequents in order to sleep with him. (To be very fair to her, he was only visiting the brothel because he was avoiding their intense sexual tension.) But yeah, he sweeping around his manor, he's doing the high drama. it's GREAT.

The Leopard Prince. This is more "we're out on the moors, the natural world is here, the are murders and mysterious sheep kilings" Gothic. The heroine inherits an estate and moves there, only to begin an affair with her gruff steward, who's basically on the brink of being framed for murder. It's HOOOOOT.

All of the Dolphin Sex Cult books in Maiden Lane kinda have this vibe, but TW because the cult is heavily involved in pedophilia. The heroes and heroines are trying to stop it. These books consist of:

Duke of Sin. Insane villainous hero, hides in his walls watching the heroine (who's his housekeeper and has been planted in his house in order to steal blackmail material he owns from him) for like... 3-4 months. She doesn't even know he's there. He's truly wild. But he is trying to... avenge his sister... because their father was in the Dolphin Sex Cult? It's complex.

Duke of Pleasure. In this one, the hero is a king's bastard, actively trying to take down the Dolphin Sex Cult. The heroine is a street urchin who's often dressed as a boy in order to stay safe; she's also a vigilante. He recruits her to help him, while also teaching her to pass as a lady. This one involves the infamous "ummmm people are about to catch us, quick suck my dick for cover" and she just doesn't stop when the people go away and swallows.

Duke of Desire. This one is really intense and dark. The hero kidnaps the heroine to prevent her from falling prey to the villains, and forces her to marry him for the same reasons. She's like "I can deal with this, but I want a baby" which he refuses because he has a lot of sexual trauma related to the cult (TW for childhood SA).

The Ghost of St. Giles arc in Maiden Lane is also on that wavelength--it's all about this masked vigilante who skulks the night. Turns out the identity is shared by several different guys!

Thief of Shadows. The Winter Makepeace book. Our hero is a schoolmaster/orphanage master guy, and he runs around as the Ghost, while by day a rich society widow tutors him on how to solicit donations from patrons and do polite society right. Said widow catches on to his game, and they begin this intense passionate secret affair while he's also dealing with Ghost stuff.

Lord of Darkness. The next Ghost is a quiet widower who married again a few years ago in order to save a young woman he barely knew from ruin when she got pregnant out of wedlock and her lover died before they could make it legal. She miscarried right after the wedding, and wants a baby now, so she's back in town wanting to finally consummate the marriage. He agrees, but he's withholding the Secret while they try for a baby.

Duke of Midnight. Georgian Batman with heavy Gothic tones. Our hero is a tortured duke whose parents were killed in front of him, and ever since he's desired REVENGE. The heroine is a lady's companion with a dark past who's trying to regain her former station and free her imprisoned brother, and she catches on to his vigilante activities and is like "mmm you're gonna help me or I'm gonna tell everyone thaaanks".

If you want something on the kinkier side, Sierra Simone's Ivy Leavold trilogy (which must be read in order) is a kinky Jane Eyre, basically, with very Gothic overtones. Sierra looooves the Gothic. It's super hot and really fun.

Scarlett Peckham's The Duke I Tempted has a Gothic "I married a mysterious man and he has secrets I must discover" vibe. Of course, his secret is that he's submissive in bed, but there are other things too! The Earl I Ruined has similar vibes, but less so.

[possibilistfanfiction]

Hi, may you please spare some advice on what casual, but also cool in a hot climate, clothing a baby butch could look into wearing that’s a bit fashionable and isn’t just a shirt and a cargo shorts?

whew first of all donate any & all cargo shorts immediately (pretend tan france is telling you that Urgently). i do understand finding shorts can be kind of weird depending on ur body shape bc men’s shorts are often bulky & long. i prefer a 5’ inseam, but you can go for a 7’ if that feels better. under No circumstances should ur shorts hit ur knees lol. madewell has some pretty good options (if you can find one that’s mens & womens in-store that’s the best). pacsun usually has some pretty chill options. for online shopping, bearbottom shorts is not too expensive & has a lot of colors in both 5’ & 7’ shorts. i really like the swim shorts both& just made (not sure if they’re sold out). get lighter colors in the summer if you want for shorts, & just… no khaki.

& i love a t-shirt, but it’s in how it’s worn. i don’t think it even needs to be an interesting t-shirt, but it should have a fit & pov that looks intentional. i like to get my t-shirts a size up & tuck them in, sometimes pair them with an overshirt. if i know i’m going to be SWEATING & i want to wear a tshirt, i’ll wear something looser & actually thicker cotton in either black or white. i’ve had top surgery so i can wear tanks without stress but if binding is a concern, both& has some great tanks for ppl who bind.

if you do want to be more dressed up than a short/t-shirt combo, the answer is & will always be linen. a short sleeved linen button up (from really anywhere you like that fits well — uniqlo has both men’s & women’s in many earthtones for under $50!) is The Key. put it on as an overshirt over your t-shirt or wear it buttoned halfway in a french tuck. i prefer to stay away from patterns & bright colors bc it can easily look a little zany, but do your thing there. i have a few pairs of linen pants i also love, especially for things like taking my wife on a date, or if it’s just a cool day/nighttime activity etc. literally just… linen button ups & linen pants, even drawstring pants! if you wanna ball out, theory makes my favorite linen pants, but oak + fort is a close second & much more affordable. everlane also has all of these pieces in mens & womens & is very high quality!

idk ur shoe situation but two great options are always birkenstocks (the rubber ones are under $50 & v comfortable) and/or all white low air force 1s. a good all white sneaker is a great starter sneaker & will always go with everything. i myself prefer dunk lows but u gotta rly be wanting to invest in some sneakers to do that lmao but if you are! they’re cool

lastly, small accessories go a long way! i have a few chains, a small hoop earring, a ring (& my wedding ring but lol i don’t think we can count that as an accessory), & then sunglasses i love. i have a Beautiful watch from my wife but literally just a watch w a normal watch face & a leather band is better than nothing or wearing a smart watch out when there’s quite literally no need lol. a good baseball cap, either plain black or from a cool brand (mine for this summer is aime leon dore) is both a nice addition & also practical. do not & i mean Do Not carry around a backpack unless u Absolutely have to lol. masc cross body bags or canvas totes are much better if u need a bag

also:

- you can find tons of overshirts thrifting or at outlets! since they don’t have to fit perfectly it can be a great place to look for them

- i live & die by a good pair of light wash denim in the summer. allsaints & madewell always have beautiful denim, but you can look at levi’s as well, or thrift!

- tailoring is not expensive!!!!!!!!! if u find pants u love that are too long, just get them hemmed! fr it’s like $10, everyone needs a good tailor

- never underestimate a good sweatshort/t-shirt/overshirt/birks moment to go get a cup of coffee or something… 10/10

- i have definitely not been in a place financially to do this in the past, so pls take this w a grain of salt & of course do what’s best for your budget, but higher quality, simple fabrics ethically made are ALWAYS going to be best. they’ll last longer & keep their fit. launder ur clothes carefully too! hang drying pants & heavy cotton will get their lifespan to extend. & it’s 100% cool to find brands u love & stick to them. if u find a piece u like, u can get it in a few colors, rather than trying to find a bunch of other stuff. quality > quantity, capsule wardrobes are easier to wear & maintain

- some ppl whose fashion i like rn: courtney williams, arike ogunbowale, shanice van de sanden. & sue bird knows how to wear a short/button up summer set with the best of them. kristen kish Obviously. (& also i love mal from the queer ultimatum lmfaoooo)

- wear whatever u want, just not cargo shorts :)

[pbandjesse]

I'm sitting at this wedding listening to the father daughter dance. And it's been such a good night. And honestly a pretty great day.

I do wish I slept a little more. I had a lot of anxiety last night that made it hard to settle down but then I just didn't feel like I slept enough. I was aware of James kissing me goodbye. And then I slept for a little longer.

But not to long. I was up around 830. I would take a shower and put on comfy clothes. I would get dressed for work last when I was leaving for work.

In the mean time I would make the bed. And changed the blankets we have on the bed for variety. I would go downstairs and lay outside on the porch swing and eat the omelette James made for me. They are the best.

Me and Sweetp would hang out there for a long time. But then another cat walked past the fence and Sweetp started screaming and was all pluffed up and hissing. It was horrible. I had to calm him down and would shoo the other cat away. But I decided that that was enough outside time and would bring him inside and went to lay upstairs.

I would try on my renfair costume for next week. And I am pretty happy with it. Though I'm still unsure what I'm doing with my hair. Which felt very dry today. My hair just isn't cooperating and it's annoying to me. I found some pictures of my hair from 2 years ago that I just love so much and while I don't want to cut the length, I am going to work on the parting and the bangs and stuff like that.

I would hang out on bed for a while. Watching a video. Reading. But eventually I decided it was time to go.

I wanted to go to Glen Burnie to go to value village. To drop off a few bags of clothes and look for a few new things. Specifically I was going to let myself start buying baby things. A whole new section of the thrift store is open to me!

And then I would go to Southside to have lunch. And then on to the museum. It was a little tough to time. I had to be there at 2. But I would leave at 11. I should have left closer to 12 but it's fine.

I had good music and got to value village and donated my bags and got my coupon. I had a nice time walking around the store. Looking at the Halloween stuff. I would get myself 3 things. A cloak, a long black dress, a short black dress. But today was about the baby stuff.

I was slightly overwhelmed. Both because the racks were very overstuffed. But also because I don't really know what I'm doing. I wasn't really paying attention to sizing. Instead just going for whatever was cute and relatively neutral. The boy side was a little better for stuff without words on it but not by much. The girl stuff was overly feminine and frilly but I still found a few good things.

I want to not get clothes with words in general but I did get one that made me laugh. A motorcycle reference that is just such a silly joke.

I left Glen Burnie with my purchases and went back towards the museum. I went to Southside and sat at the counter. Felt like the right thing to do so I wasn't taking up a table during lunch time.

I got my grilled cheese and a soda and watched a video. I honestly had a really nice time hanging out there. I took my time and didn't feel sick during the meal and that was awesome. I sort of felt sick right at the end and wanted to go lay in my car. But instead I paid and walked next door to five below to try and walk off the nausea.

It passed pretty fast. I would get myself a calico critter and a body wash that came in a spray can like whipped cream. I also got two tshirts and a pair of pajama pants. Was just enjoying myself.

I would get done all my stuff at 1 though. So I would end up laying in my car watching my video and just resting. The whole harbor had gotten very grey and I was concerned about the rain. And it would rain but it ended up being a really perfect evening for the couple and that's just great.

I went inside around 140 to show James the baby clothes. And hung out with them and Rosia and Sarah for a while. But eventually Jesse came in and let me know he was going to run home and that I was to watch out for vendors.

But then he had a surprise walk through so he was roped into that for a while. And I think I did a pretty good job. I did get very confused about how to unlock the window wall doors but James would come and help. And I helped the florist and the caterer and the dj by the time Jesse did come back from changing at home.

And honestly it's been a really smooth night. Jesse is a little more anxious then Meril and it makes me feel a little more unsure what I'm supposed to be doing. Like why are we running around? Nothing is in fire why are we so worried?? But Jesse is very good at this job and it has been a fun night.

There were early hiccups because of the rain that did come in and soaked the pier. And then there was an injured duck me and James had to try and catch but we just got him to fly to the grassy area and he was just struggling to stand on his little feeties. I hope he's alright.

The couple has been lovely though. I helped with photos. Let them rearrange the galleries a bit. Even got to hold the bouquet for a while. Which was surprisingly heavy! But they are a very fun couple and so it's been a really nice evening.

It's a big wedding with 200+ guests. But it only felt big during the first half of the cocktail hour. Me and Jesse had to try and redirect guests because everyone was going to the one bar and the line was crazy. So we were moving things around a lot. But we got it handled. And besides we a a few confused drunk people, everyone has been lovely and kind.

I had some snacks. I really liked the appetizers tonight. Are a bunch of celery and nacho cheese. I also got to talk to a guest about historic ships and the total and how much I love it there and how he should visit it tomorrow. And just really enjoyed walking around and helping and interacting.

It would calm down once dinner started. We got everything back to their tables and then we were just chilling for a while.

We just had our dinner. Not a lot I could have. Carrots are just not my thing but the mashed potatoes were good. I'm having a nice night.

The ice cream bike just showed up! I hope I get a little ice cream. But if I don't James has promised me a Rita's date tomorrow so I'm looking forward to that.

Only a few hours left. My feet don't hurt as much as they did last week. I am still figuring out the best shoes for working these events. But I am having a good time.

I hope tomorrow is a relaxing day. And I hope you all have a good night. Until next time!!!

[elxctrics]

"yeah it's 2 a.m and she's out there in the sheer white dress, wearing last night's makeup. all coquettish in the pictures, with the flash on. she's in her mid 20's, real intelligent. hedonistic with the gravel, drawing dead eyes."

(—) ★ spotted!! CATERINA 'CAT' VETROVA on the cover of this week’s most recent tabloid! many say that the 28 year old looks like KAYA SCODELARIO but i don’t really see it. while the SOCIALITE/NEPO BABY is known for being WITTY my inside sources say that they have a tendency to be ALOOF i swear, every time i think of them, i hear the song MEAN GIRLS by CHARLI XCX { she/her cisfemale }

  ˗ˏˋ ＊ ‣ 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬    :  

connections || musings || instagram || headcanons

𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓬𝓼

name: caterina vetrova

age: twenty eight

nicknames: cat

date of birth: october 16th, 1995

astrological sign: libra

place of birth: beverly hills, los angeles

occupation: socialite

label: the nepo baby

positive traits: witty, adventurous, blunt, bold

negative traits: aloof, sarcastic, crude, improper

characters/celebrities she’s like: rachel gatina from one tree hill, serena van der woodsen from gossip girl, nicole richie, kim kardashian, simon cowell, venetia catton from saltburn

𝓫𝓲𝓸𝓰𝓻𝓪𝓹𝓱𝔂

stemming from the infamous vetrov family oil fortune, being the youngest daughter of the vetrovs meant that caterina never had to want for anything in her life, but her mother wasn't just going to just let her sit around and do absolutely nothing.

with her brother going against the grain, living the life of a 'starving artist' as her mother liked to call it, caterina was forced from a very young age to parade by her parent's side, putting on the image of the perfect, dotting daughter who was incredibly bright and had so much going for her.

from etiquette classes, horseback riding, ballet and violin lessons, her parents enrolled her in everything that they could to make sure she learned how to be proper, but caterina wanted no part of it.

she hated the pretense, hated how phony and forced everything was and as she got older, began speaking up - making snarky comments when someone said someone pretentious or mocking those around her, which often resulted in a scolding from her parents. but while they had raised her to be elegant, they also managed to raise her to be tough, and caterina wasn't one to take shit from anyone.

it was her teenage years when she really almost put her parents into an early grave. sending her off to boarding school in london only made things so much worse. throwing wild parties in the dorms, sleeping around and purposely releasing footage of her doing drugs, drinking, and many other scandalous things meant her family had to reach deep into their pockets to keep all of her debauchery under wraps.

she barely passed school, only graduated because of her parents' hefty donation, and once she graduated and returned to the states, she didn't return to the vetrov family home and instead, ran off with the first guy who paid her any attention and had a whirlwind wedding in vegas.

naturally, once her parents caught wind, they made sure to have annulled right away, which caterina really didn't care about - she didn't love the man, she was just bored, and she was fairly certain she'd never have the capacity to love anything given her cold upbringing. but she wasn't going to sit around and wine about it, she was going to enjoy her life.

she continued to get herself into wild situations and scenarios - jet setting across the world, two more marriages and divorces and many other things that the family has invested insane amounts of money to keep underwraps.

caterina plays the act well - standing by her family's side at various charity functions, galas, sundays at the russian tea room that they own in new york city and so much more and because of her willingness to cooperate and the lack of it on her brother's end, she truly believes she's the only one who deserves an ounce of the family's riches. because it's always been her that had to carry the brunt of responsibility while dimitri was out following his 'passions.'

she's a completely aloof and bored person - chasing temporary fixes and highs, but nothing truly interests her and she finds most things to be dull, uninteresting and terribly drab and boring.

she's blunt and crude to a fault, always saying whatever comes to mind and getting a little rush out of the shock that her words bring to people's faces.

other than her family's last name, she has absolutely nothing going for her and has no interest in anything other than enjoying the perks that being born into wealth have rewarded her.

[mysterymissteary]

Wedding Hells

Snapshots of Twin Stars au | future ph!bkdk | wedding fic | side seroroki and shinkami | long fic

Bkdk just wants to get married. Villians crash their wedding.

"This is Hanso Fujihiko coming to you LIVE at the televised wedding ceremony of Japan's beloved Wonder Duo, Dynamight, the Explosion Hero, and Deku, the Hero of Hope! If you haven't been living under a rock for the last five years, the Wonder Duo is the hottest celebrity couple in Japan! Winning hearts with their heroic deeds and clever marketing. They never seem to do anything apart and we are eating it up! And after many years of climbing the charts side by side, our beloved heroic pair is finally tying the knot!"

As the reporter continued his script, the wedding party was scurrying around to make sure everything was perfect. Izuku and Katsuki have been through so much, their friends and fellow pro heroes would be damned if they didn't deserve a perfect wedding day.

"Is Midoriya getting dressed still?" Todoroki asked. To anyone outside their group, Todoroki's facial expressions and tone seemed unchanging. But a trained ear, and close friends who knew him, could tell that anxiety was starting to get to him.

"Chill, Roki, baby. Everything's going according to plan. The flowers are perfect, Jirou's got the tunes, Mic sensei is gonna take care of the speeches and keep the mood hyped. And Kiri and Mina are getting the grooms all snazzy. Relax, gorgeous." Sero lazily slings his arm around Shoto's shoulders. Ever since third year, Sero and Shoto have been an item. Both of them were awkward at first, being as Shoto has never had anyone show interest in him and Sero's never dated a boy before. But they're still going strong, filling out the parts the other lacks.

Shoto gives a determined nod and tries to calm himself. "Thank you, Hanta. Everything is going to be fine." His boyfriend kisses his cheek before patting his back and going off to help Sato and Koda with the catering. He didn't cook anything but he sure can help taste it.

In Bakugou's suite, he was seconds from blasting this stupid suit and his stupid rock faced best friend off the face of this planet. "I'm not wearin' no stupid fucking cufflinks!" Kirishima was trying to wrestle them onto Bakugous sleeves without either using their quirks. Since that would ruin the suits and they don't have time to pick up another.

"Come ON, Katsuki! It's tradition! You wanna look nice for Mido right?"

"The shit nerd loves me just fine no matter what I wear!" What was supposed to be a threat turned out sounding much more endearing. It was enough to make Kirishima pause and then smile knowingly.

"Aw, Kats~ I'm gonna stop with the cufflinks but I am SO telling Mina how romantic you are~" Immediately he pulls out his phone. Katsuki rages, yelling as he tries to crush it. Making Kirishima laugh. It's a good thing his phone case is as unbreakable as he is.

Ping! Mina squeaks and giggles as she reads her messages. "Mido! Your man is being totally adorbs~ Kiri tells me he's in there angrily professing his love."

Izuku, who was previously pacing in front of a full length mirror, pauses to look at her. He flushes with a light chuckle. "As Kacchan does with everything. Aggressive but somehow also sweet." He seems to frown at a sudden thought. "Kacchan probably is going to look amazing. Stunning. As he always is. What if... What if I look boring next to him?" Maybe inviting the media to his wedding in exchange for the profits being donated to charities supporting homeless queer kids and heteromorphic rights organizations wasn't such a good idea. Yes it's to a good cause. And Izuku is so glad he made that ultimatum to the news network currently surrounding their venue. But... It's costing Izuku his sanity. And worst of all, he can't see his beloved Kacchan until the ceremony starts. He's getting nervous just being away from him.

Ever since they were children, they've been in each other's lives. Grew up in the same neighborhood, had the same classes, even when Katsuki wasn't the kindest to him, they were always within arms reach. Never had they spent a long period of time away from each other.

Until the war. Until his Kacchan was stolen from him. Until they fought death itself to keep the other alive. Now they can't stand even one day apart.

Mina rolls her eyes with an amused grin. "Mido... Honey.. you don't honestly think you're boring, do you? You've got a rockin' bod, and those cute freckles. Those doe eyes. You've really filled out since first year. You're a total babe." Izuku has changed a lot. He's only grown a couple inches since high school, but he's broad now. Slightly darker tan, thighs and an ass that could quite literally crush a man's head, and his hair is more well managed now. He keeps it short on the sides and curly on top. Katsuki has been sporting an undercut these days and he's far taller. Built like a house too. But as always, he's so gorgeous. Kacchan has always been so pretty. Even now, with his face scarred from the war. Especially now. Izuku finds his scars very sexy.

The door softly opens and Izuku's gaze snaps to it, hoping it's his Kacchan.

Uraraka shyly smiles. Like she knows exactly what he was thinking. "Sorry, Deku. It's only me."

Izuku suddenly looks embarrassed. But he opens his arms to accept her in a warm hug. "You're exactly what I need. You look beautiful, as always." The two good friends giggle and greet each other.

"Ya know, what I said in second year, about kicking his butt if he ever hurts you still stands." Ochaco pokes Izukus chest.

"I'll kick his butt myself, don't worry." Izuku gives a light chuckle. He and Ochaco dated for a short time in first year. Then they realized with a war going on and their feelings changing, that it was better for them to just be friends. Ochaco also has a close relationship with Bakugou, as they're gym buddies. So she's aware he'd never harm Izuku ever again. But still. It's her job as best friend to hand out threats.

When she really wants to rile the explosion hero up, she'd just brag about being Izukus first kiss. And his first date. Nothing gets Bakugous blood pumping and his muscles straining like furious pushups after being told his future husband kissed someone other than him.

"How are you holding up, Deku?" Ochaco asks while rubbing his arm softly.

Mina nods. "It's not too late to tell the vultures to back off."

"It's okay. I did make them a deal. And it's going to be helping a lot of people. I can deal with this one day. Because..." Izuku's voice starts to sound watery. "..b-because after today... I'm gonna be married to Kacchan." He sniffles as he chuckles. Mina comes over with a soft face cloth so his makeup doesn't run too much.

"Zuku, those better be happy tears. I didn't spend all that time curling your hair and dolling you up for you to wash it away with anything but happy tears." Mina scolded, but fondly smiles as she wipes his eyes.

"Happy tears... Very happy. I'm so blessed. All my friends, my mom, my senseis, and today I get to marry the love of my life. I'm very happy." Izuku smiles with such soft eyes.

Ping! Kirishima plops down, out of breath from his wrestling match with Bakugou, both having given up since they were evenly matched without quirks. They're both quite broad and muscular. With Katsuki being slightly shorter.

"Mina says Mido is crying about marrying the love of his life. He's just as whipped as you." Eijirou laughs. Katsuki straightens his tie in the mirror, scowling slightly.

But his voice is soft and full of affection. "Nerd always cries. But at least this time it's not for some stupid reason." Katsuki feels his own eyes sting but he shakes it off. He can't cry today. The nerd has cried enough for both of them. "Eij... I'm getting fucking married." He shakes his head like he doesn't quite believe it. After everything he's done, he doesn't think he deserves something as precious as this. Someone as amazing as Izuku. If Izuku knew he thought like this, the nerd would argue with him that he's made up for his past and that no matter what, they will always have each other.

Kirishima knows his best friend enough to know the meaning behind his words, no matter how hidden they are. He stands, going over to Katsuki and wraps him in a hug. He doesn't let Katsuki wiggle his way out of this one either. He holds him tight. "Kats.. whatever's going through your head, man.. it's just wedding jitters. Nerves. You and Mido will be great together. Ya know.. we always knew you two would be here. We figured it would take a while due to both of you being stubborn as hell. But you did it. And in only half the time we'd bet it would take."

"The fuck you mean you bet on it?!" Katsuki pushes out of Kirishimas grasp. "You bet I would lose??"

"Kats, it's not losing. We just bet it would take the two of you about five more years to figure out you were nuts for each other." The red haired hero chuckles, brushing through his long hair. He had it in a lose ponytail for the ceremony. When he was on duty, it was usually styled up in the front but kept long so it fell down his back. It gave him a lion like appearance. But the real Eijirou was anything but. He was more of a giant puppy.

Katsuki growls, baring his teeth. "Same shit! Not being with the nerd is losing." Katsuki seemed to realize that time just how sappy he sounded because his eyes widen and his cheeks turn pink. But it was too late. Kirishima laughs at him, hands over his mouth in surprise.

"You're a goner, bro! I can't wait to tell Mido!"

"Not if I kill you!" Katsuki reels one hand back as if he was going to punch Kirishima but before he can, the door opens.

"Kacchan! Wow, you look like a bonified prince!" Of course it's Dunce Face. "Woah, did I interrupt something?"

"Kats was just telling me how he can't wait to be married and how in looove he is~" Kirishima dodges a punch in the chest.

"Fuck off! I didn't say any of that shit!"

Kaminari seems to be amused by this. He was never scared of their explosive friend's outburst like the rest of the group. He goes right up to Bakugou and pats his cheek, which Bakugou angrily smacks away, snarling. "You're always so shy, Suki~. It's totally okay to show much you care once in a while. We already know you're literally willing to die for Mido. Saying you love him isn't something to be shy about." Kaminari taps Katsuki's nose with his finger.

"I ain't shy! And stop touching me! Of course I love the nerd! But it's not as mushy as Shitty Hair says. I was jus' sayin' that I can't wait for this day to be over already. All this shitty press botherin' us. Izuku-" he stops himself from finishing. It's bad enough his cronies think he's some sap. If they knew he was so aggravated because he was knew his fiance had anxiety and the media would only further freak him out, they would never let him hear the end of it. "I don't need this shit right now. The longer I'm out of the field, the less villains I can destroy."

"This guy." Kaminari gently elbows Kirishima, both looking amused. "Always thinking about work. It's your wedding day, dude. Chill. There's plenty of heroes that can pick up the slack-"

"None as good as me and Deku."

"-While you get hitched. Wait- you're including Midoriya now~. You're right, Kiri. He is whipped."

Bakugou's face burns, but he turns away so he doesn't blast his designer suit. A wedding gift from his parents. All of the parties outfits were specially designed for each person, fitting their personal style, color motifs and body type. Even Shoji and his many appendages. Which Shoji was over the moon about. He's never had someone actually care that much to design something for him.

"Enough outta you extras. Pikadork, didn't you bring that...freaky one? He's with Izuku, yeah?"

"He's not freaky. He's my date. And yes, Toshi is on his way to Mido's room. You've known Hitoshi since first year. Yet you still don't know his name?"

"I don't care enough to know any of your names." An absolute lie. Which Kaminari absolutely doesn't buy.

"There you go with that shy thing again. You know our names~."

Then Kirishima, the bastard, decides to betray Katsuki. "He called me Eij before you got here, Denks."

Chaos erupts.

"Shinsou! Deku, Shinsou's here!" Uraraka opens the door to reveal a shyly smiling indigo haired hero. Like mostly everyone else, Hitoshi has grown quite a bit. And that included height.

Izuku smiles wide, greeting his good friend with a hug. "Hitoshi! I'm so glad you could make it. I thought for sure you'd be on patrol all week."

"I requested a night off. Turns out the big wigs are willing to do anything for Japan's number one, and any friends he has." He jokes. Izuku chuckles, but then he's sporting a mischievous looking grin.

"I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that Kaminari asked you to go with him." Shinsou looks away with a slight cough and Izuku knows he's won. "I think you two would be good together. He really likes you."

"He's like that with all his friends."

Mina gaffaws as she types away on her phone, checking in on the preparations. "He doesn't look at us like he does you. Denki is totally into you. Ask him on a real date already. God, this is third year Blasty and Midoriya all over again. Is it a thing with you guys that none of you realize someone is into you?"

Izuku and Shinsou both look somewhere between embarrassed and undignified. "Kacchan and I weren't that bad..." Apparently that's not the right thing to say, because the entire room erupts into snorts of laughter.

In the Bakugou suite, an alarm on Katsuki's phone goes off. Then Denki's and Eijirou's simultaneously. They all share a look of determination. The ceremony was starting.

"Go to your seats. Keep the hag out, and don't get up to any bullshit. I fucking mean it." He points to the both of them. "This day is going to go fucking perfect even if it kills me. Now get out, chucklefucks." Denki and Kirishima give mock salutes as they rush out. It seems just in time too, as they catch Mitsuki Bakugou on her way to Katsuki's room.

"Is my brat ready yet? I swear if he-"

"Mrs. Bakugou! Do you remember me? Kaminari. I'm friends with your son. Hey, why don't we catch up in the chapel, yeah?"

The two heroes lead Bakugou's mother down the hall and far away from Katsuki's room. She would only cause him more stress and no one needed a stressed out Dynamight.

With the wedding party gathering in the chapel, and everyone taking their seats, the atmosphere is starting to settle. This was finally happening. The camera crew turns to film the entrance as Yamada plays a romantic score on the piano. It seemed Mic's talents didn't just lie in electronic and hip hop beats. His husband and daughter look on proudly from their seats. Shinsou sneaks in to take his seat with his sister and guardian. When the school found out Shinsou lived in a foster home, Aizawa officially adopted him. Something about his potential and saving time. But everyone knows he loves the boy like his own son. He tries his best not to blush when Kaminari's pretty golden eyes follow him as he passes before resuming his conversation with Mrs Bakugou quietly. He's definitely gonna take Mina's advice and ask Denki out. Just not here. This was Izuku's special day.

The girls enter, glowing and beautiful, in pairs. Beautiful lace and delicate curls. Flowers of red and orange lovingly placed in their hands, vines of ivy falling from each bouquet. The two grooms favorite colors. The main flower of these bouquets were the ever beautiful and fiery Forever Susan Asiatic Lily.

Izuku once suggested red and green for their eye colors. Katsuki quickly shot it down with "I ain't having my wedding look like Christmas." So they went with their favorite colors. It ended up fitting them far more than their original choice. Which Katsuki will brag about on their honeymoon.

The next of the party to enter is the boys, Kirishima and Iida leading. Kaminari had left the Bakugous at some point and was entering with the rest of Katsuki and Izuku's friends. Each one of them had a smaller Forever Susan Asiatic Lily in their jacket pocket, along with a green handkerchief. Each man, and Jirou, because she really hated wearing dresses, sported their signature color on their tie. Otherwise, their suits were identical in color. Similar designs, though each custom fit for each hero. With Jirou's being a more feminine cut.

After the wedding party was Katsuki's entrance. And an entrance it was. Katsuki, as always, looked gorgeous. With his ash blond hair styled to the side, revealing his very rarely seen forehead. Best Jeanist would be proud, if he could have made it. A lovely watch adorns his wrist, his nails painted black. His crimson red eyes lined with eyeliner and the slightest smokey eye. His skin was perfect like his mother's so he didn't need much to enhance his natural beauty.

His suit was fitted to his body in just the right ways. It was a burnt orange three piece, though Katsuki argued with his mother about wearing the tie and vest. He ended up wearing them today. Not for his mother. But for his Izuku. Today has to be perfect. That includes enduring choking nearly to death by a stupid tie. The tie and accents of the suit were a cream color. A handkerchief in his pocket, a silver grenade shaped pin on his lapel, and a thin and tiny chain pinned from one side of his shirt collar to the other, over the tie.

He walked with his hand in his pocket, but kept his back straight, as instructed by Best Jeanist, whom he'd very embarrassingly asked for advice weeks ago. He was aware he had a problem with his posture. But he never had a reason to give a fuck. Now he does. And that reason had the most beautiful, hope filled green eyes and freckles like constellations. Fuck he loves that dorky little nerd so much.

Katsuki takes his place at the center of the alter. Kirishima pats his shoulder with an encouraging smile. He leans over to whisper. "I've never seen you look that happy. Were you thinking about Izuku~?" He learns a light elbow to the side.

He would never admit it, but he doesn't remember ever being happier than he is now. Today he was going to marry Izuku, the boy who always reached out to him. The man who saved his life many times. The man he saved many times in return. The love of his life. And his absolute soulmate. He's sure of that. Only fate would be so cruel as to dangle such an amazing man in front of him, then make him spend a decade and a half being a complete fucking dumbass about it. After everything, the nerd is still by his side. So he has to be Katsuki's soulmate.

Once the music shifts to a bridal tune, the room grows quiet. The doors open once more. Inko holds Izuku's arm. He's looking down in shyness but that doesn't hide his beauty. A few gasps and 'aw's are heard as he looks up and straight at Katsuki. Only ever at Katsuki. And he has the softest, most hopelessly in love expression. Kirishima suddenly understands the look Katsuki had moments before. Because Izuku has the same expression.

Izuku's suit was much like Bakugou's, only viridian in color, and with a bow tie. Where Katsuki's shirt was white, Izuku's was black. Where his handkerchief was creme, Izuku's was red. Where Katsuki had a grenade shaped pin, Izuku had an All Might pin on his lapel. He insisted. Izuku, unlike Katsuki, could be talked into the cufflinks. Green gems. Honestly, a good look for Izuku. Damn, Katsuki couldn't be more proud he could call this man his husband. Or was about to

Suddenly, Izuku is standing in front of him, with his glassy, teary eyes and his stupidly adorable freckles. "Hi."

"Holy shit. -I mean, hey. Fuckin' hot."

Izuku giggles with a shy blush.

Inko takes her seat next to Mitsuki and Masaru, handkerchief up to her mouth as she stifles her tears. Her baby was getting married. And over all, he is the happiest she's ever seen him. Katsuki will be good to him, she just knows it. She wasn't sure when Izuku called her one day after graduation and told her Kacchan confessed his feelings. She remembers how the boy used to be with her son. She never expected Katsuki would ask to meet her over dinner. And she definitely didn't expect such a polite and nervous young man apologizing to her for how he treated her son and asking for her blessing to date Izuku.

She was in disbelief this was the Katsuki Bakugou that her son grew up with. The boy that bullied him. But the then 19 year old that asked for her permission and apologized was so different. And the now 24 year old looking at her baby boy like he was the only thing in the universe? She knew she would trust him to look after her Izuku.

"I wish you could have seen this, Toshinori." Inko sniffles. "Izuku looks so handsome."

Katsuki takes Izuku's hands in both of his, his thumbs tracing the old scars. Izuku looks up at him with a watery smile. He stands on his tip toes to give Katsuki a kiss. Only to be stopped by Katsuki's voice.

"Ah. That comes later, dork. We gotta say 'I Do' first."

Izuku blushes but nods in acceptance. "Sorry, Kacchan. Got excited." He looks to the officiant. "Hurry please." Izuku was never a rude man, but he can get impatient from time to time, especially when it concerns his Kacchan.

"Dearly Beloved.... We are gathered here today.." The ceremony was perfectly planned. Katsuki and Izuku would exchange vows, then rings, then kiss. Then a private reception at a secret location, away from the cameras. Just a group of former classmates and their families enjoying themselves, celebrating the love of two of their dearest friends.

But not everything goes as planned when you're a world renowned hero getting married to another world renowned hero. On national television. You think you're going to say your vows to the love of your life. But what you get is the chapels roof being blown apart.

Screaming erupts as Izuku curses himself for being so distracted. If he wasn't oogling Kacchan in his gorgeous suit, Danger Sense could have picked up on the attack before it happened.

Metal crumples in a sickening crunch as more of the ceiling peels away. The heros of the wedding party immediately lower themselves into defensive positions. Katsuki and Izuku included.

Several figures come into view. Lead by a larger figure, floating. The leader was dressed in a trench coat over some kind of black metal armor. They seemed to have some kind of metal manipulation quirk.

"Hope we're not late!" The leader bellows. "What a lovely wedding!" The foundation beams of the ceiling rise as the leader levitates. They twist and form spear like abominations of steel and bolts. "Too bad you're going to miss the honeymoon! Say goodbye to your heroes!" The spears come raining down in Izuku and Katsuki's direction.

"Fucking figures my wedding day will be crashed by extras!" Katsuki blasts one of the spears to pieces before it can hit Izuku. Izuku's fists flicker with the familiar green lightning of One For All.

Kirishima hardens his body, bursting through his suit. "We're not letting you ruin this!" He shields the couple from as much as he can with his hardened body. "Unbreakable!"

Aizawa wasn't prepared for a fight so he didn't bring his gear, due to this being a wedding event and honestly he didn't think any villains would be stupid enough to attack a room full of heroes. But he can still help his students with his fighting abilities, even if the war took one of his eyes. He had his family and his kids by his side.

Kaminari didn't have his gear either so fighting will be hard without hurting his friends. But he was still a human stun gun if he can touch one of them. But.. he had to get the civilians to safety. "Mr and Mrs Bakugou! Come with me. Everyone! You have to evacuate and let the heroes take care of it!"

"Good thinking, Kaminari!" Izuku praises as he catches a beam in midair using Float and his super strength. "Anyone with a defense quirk, escort the civilians to safety!"

"Zuku! Tell them to go to the reception!" Katsuki goes after one of the villains head on, yelling as he jumps to attack with a blast overhead. His mom is gonna bitch at him later for the suit being ruined.

"Good idea, Kacchan! Shoto, stabilize the ceiling!" Immediately Shoto nods and coats the ceiling in a thick sheet of ice, connecting that to his Heaven Piercing Ice Wall. That should hold. Sero comes rushing to his side and reinforces his wall of ice with tape. He'd pushed his sleeves up at some point. The couple smile softly at each other before focusing again on the battle.

Izuku uses Black Whip to hurl himself at the lead villian, at the same time Katsuki has the same idea, using his blasts to launch himself. Two minds acting as one. They both rear back to punch at the same time.

"Detroit Smash!"

"Burning Fist!"

They land their attacks into a wall of metal. The villain must have set it up in the last moment.

Sero, Kirishima, Aizawa and Uraraka take on the other villains.

Katsuki was pissed. How fucking DARE these nobody losers crash his wedding. Not even someone big name like Big Nose, or even Half and Half's burnt pile of disappointment of a brother. Hell, he'll take that smiling weirdo vandalist again. But no. He's gonna fight some magnetic loser and his cronies. At least it'll be quick. These chumps got nothing on the Wonder Duo.

Kaminari comes running back into the chapel. "Everyone's on the way to the venue!"

Hitoshi's eyes are immediately drawn to him. And the world seems so glow. He's messy, his hair is messed up, and his clothes are wrinkled. But to Hitoshi, he's never looked more beautiful. Kaminari's eyes meet his. And he gets an idea. "Izuku! Bakugou! Fall back!"

Katsuki blasts a clone one of the villains to pieces. "Hah!? I ain't a coward!"

"No, Kacchan.." Izuku lands back on the ground. "I think I know where he's going with this."

"Denki." Hitoshi calls out to Kaminari. "He controls metal." Kaminari's eyes widen. His fingers spark with excitement. This could work.

"I get it! Kats, stand back!" Katsuki growls, but lands back on the ground next to Izuku.

"Current Chain!" Kaminari's electricity shoots from his pointer finger, right at the nearest metal beam, then jumps to the next, until every piece of metal was charged with thousands of volts of electricity. Including the leader and his metal suit. The villian seizes from the sheer power of the shock, then falls, disappearing among the rubble. The remaining flunkies are tied up by their friends and teachers.

Izuku sighs in relief. His wedding is ruined. And his suit is destroyed. And his arm is injured from punching a solid metal wall. But his guests and his friends are safe. Everyone's safe. He gravitates toward Katsuki and leans on him. Katsuki is in a similar condition with a similar busted arm. But they're both safe. Katsuki wraps his uninjured arm around his future husband.

Aizawa eyes Hitoshi and nods in the direction of Kaminari. He knows his kid wants to go and talk to him. Hitoshis feelings for Kaminari are very obvious. And although he was sceptical at first, not wanting a second loud blond to deal with, his kid took after him too much. There are worse people Hitoshi could have feelings for.

Hitoshi's feet carry him to Kaminari, just as Kaminari is rushing to him.

"Hey, good j-" Kaminari throws his arms around Shinsou's 6 foot tall frame and plants a kiss right on his lips. Like the hyped up firecracker he is, he breathes life into Hitoshi's lungs. Hitoshi feels himself melting, holding Kaminari's waist.

Izuku gasps, then coos in adoration. Katsuki smirks, kissing the top of Izuku's head. "Told you, nerd."

Kaminari pulls away, suddenly aware that everyone, including Shinsou's parents, are watching them. He smiles nervously. "I shouldn't have done that. That was probably really embarrassing for you."

Hitoshi smiles softly, his forehead pressing against Kaminari's much shorter one. "Strangely, I'm okay with it." He looks to the happy couple. "I really wanted to wait until after your special day, Izuku."

"It was shit anyway." Katsuki smirks.

"Oh! We should check on our guests! Everyone's probably waiting." Izuku takes Katsuki's hand and squeezes.

Their remaining classmates that didn't help with evacuation hand off the restrained villains to the police. One by one, they give Katsuki and Izuku an apologetic pat on the back before filing out. Shinsou and Kaminari holding each other's pinkies with shy smiles.

"Mister Deku!" Eri, who was supposed to be evacuated with the other guests, meets them outside. "Mister Kacchan! You're hurt!" Eri was now 14. In her first year of UA. Class A and her family couldn't be prouder. She'd decided she was going to specialize in healing and support. "Let me help." She reaches her hands out for both of them, intending to use her quirk as she did with the guests.

"Eri, it's okay. You've helped more than enough today. We don't want you to overuse your quirk."

"Mister Deku, I can do it. I've been practicing. Papa, can I?" Like everything, she looks to Aizawa for answers. He assesses the situation, both trusting Eri could physically do it, but also as her father being nervous about her overusing her quirk. Yamada had gone with the kids to help evacuate, using his quirk to give instructions and directions to the reception venue. But if his husband were here, he'd encourage Eri to help however she can, because that's what a hero does.

"Go ahead. But take it slow. Midoriya, she's been doing well. She can do this."

Izuku nods. "Alright. It would suck pretty bad if I had to dance with my new husband with one arm." He smiles. Eri places her hand on both Katsuki's and Izuku's arms. There's a glow from her quirk, then it's over. Like their injuries never happened. Izuku smiles, flexing his fingers on his now healed hand. "Thank you, Eri. You're amazing. Let's go."

"Nerd. How are we gonna get everyone there? All the cars left."

Izuku frowns. "Shit. I didn't think of that.. Kacchan and I can get there with our quirks, but... I don't know." Tears start to form in Izuku's eyes. Here it comes. All the pressure is finally overflowing. Izuku is breaking down. Suddenly, he's sobbing, and Katsuki pulls him into an embrace. "I-I just...wanted to get...married." Katsuki shushes him in the most loving tone, gently petting his hair and holding him.

"It's okay, Izu... We don't need some big party."

"The... The money..."

"We'll figure something out, baby."

Their friends start to join in on the hug, Todoroki being the first. "Midoriya, we always find a way."

"Yeah, dude. We're Class A." Kirishima adds, hugging Izuku as well. Izuku is comforted knowing that so many people care about him. Kaminari, Shinsou, Sero, Eri, and in spirit, their whole class. All of them love him so much.

"I'm so blessed to have you all." He sniffles. "You're right. We'll find a way."

Aizawa's heart aches for his kids. But logically, there's not much he or Mic would do. None of them have transportation quirks. Or speed quirks. "You kids go ahead. With Bakugou's blasts and your jumps and Black Whip, you should be able to get to the beach."

"But... We'd be leaving you all here... Sensei, I want you all to be with me. But... I guess it doesn't matter now because the wedding is ruined." Izuku felt like crying again.

"Oi! Who said it's ruined? We're fucking Deku and Dynamight! We're getting married today if we have to officiate it ourselves. If it takes a bit longer to get there and be with our friends, that's nothin!"

"We'll do what we can, kid." Their former teacher smiles so softly, it's almost invisible.

"We certainly will, Mr Aizawa." Everyone in the room turns to the unnaturally cheerful voice. When did he get here? "Pardon me for the intrusion, but I saw you on the news and I was thinking you'd be quite upset about your wedding being interrupted. So as the former principal of our countries top heroes and a dear friend of the beloved late All Might, I've taken it upon myself to offer my aid."

Katsuki makes a 'tch' sound, but really, he's touched that their former teachers want to help. "You got a ride or what, furbag?"

"Kacchan! Have manners. Principal Nezu, we're so grateful for your help." Izuku smiles.

Nezu taps his cane on the ground. "Follow me, children. Your white horse awaits."

The group shuffle through the rubble to make it to the outside of the building. Theres three cars, all lined up and ready to be filled, drivers ready. Izuku could almost cry.

"And I have one more surprise for my number one and two students."

"I'm number one right?" Izuku smacks Katsuki's arm.

"Kacchan!" Then Izuku smiles mischievously. "you're not even number one on the charts."

"Oi! It's not too late to return the gifts, ya little shit."

"As I was saying, children. I've arranged an officiant to meet us at the venue." Izuku and Katsuki stares at their former principal in confusion and shock.

"Are you saying... We can still be married?" Izuku tries not to let too much hope show in his voice but due to his nature, it's impossible.

"Yes of course. I'm a bit of a romantic. Now go. You kids deserve happiness after all you've been through."

Izuku kneels down to hug Nezu, tears in his eyes. "Thank you, so much. I don't think we ever thanked you for doing so much to protect us."

"You don't need to thank me for doing my job." Nezu looks to Aizawa. "No matter how old you kids get, we will always be your teachers. Aizawa, you can take it from here. Eri, my dear, lovely job. You get stronger every day. I look forward to your debut." Eri gives him a bow and a grateful smile. Then the stoat like hero hobbles away.

"Alright, dweebs. Into the cars, now! Sensei, Squirt, Dunce Faces boytoy, you're with us! Stupid Hair, Half and Half and Tape Face, take the other car. Dunce Face stop giving me those eyes, you're not coming with us."

"Blasty-"

"Its my wedding-"

"Our wedding, Kacchan."

"Fine, nerd. OUR wedding. And I'm not gonna watch you two tongue each other. So for now, you're staying far away from him. You're in the third car with Cheeks and Raccoon Eyes."

Denki tips his head back with a groan. He grumbles that it's not fair that Sero and Todoroki get to share a car and they're a couple. But he reluctantly follows his classmates to the car. Everyone loads up and they're on their way.

Izuku is buzzing with excitement, waving his fists happily. He's gonna get married after all.

But then he notices. "Huh. This time of day, you'd think they'd be traffic. Or at least red lights."

Aizawa snorts. "I bet that old rodent has something to do with it. You two have always been his favorite."

Katsuki smirks, his arm around the back of Izuku's seat. "Don't act like we're not your favorites, teach."

"I don't have favorites. I care about all my students."

"Father..." Hitoshi gives him a look. "it's not logical to lie. We both know this class has wormed their way into your heart more than any other class."

Aizawa can't fight logic. Hitoshi is smiling, and so is Eri. And he definitely doesn't like the look on the problem children's faces. "Not a word."

When the cars arrive at the beach, a crowd is waiting for them. Their friends and families, the civilians they saved throughout their lives.

And most of all, they were met with a private party, on a long secluded beach very few even remember being there. The beach Izuku trained with All Might on, those many years ago. The beach Izuku cleaned top to bottom when no one else would. The beach Izuku took Katsuki for their first date and told him the story of how he met All Might. The beach Katsuki later proposed to Izuku at.

This beach was very special to the both of them. That's why they knew it had to be their secret reception venue. They had it decorated with flowers and lights, with tables set up with tons of food. Carpets made up a dance floor and a small stage was set up for music.

The centerpiece of the party wasn't some big dessert table, or ice sculpture, although Shoto did offer to provide one. It was far more special. Years ago, when they both broke through the top five, Katsuki and Izuku had the idea to install a tribute to Toshinori Yagi on the beach that meant so much to both of them.

See, the world already knew All Might. All around Japan was statues of his great, towering, muscular form, strong and unbreakable, with a blinding smile on his face. But hardly anyone cared about Toshinori Yagi. So Izuku designed the statue and Katsuki funded it. It was bronze, Toshinori sitting on a bench, with a filled bento open at his side, delicate rabbit printed cloth draped over the bento. His face old and weathered, but calm and at peace. He smiles with a warmth few saw on the heroes face. The plaque read "Toshinori Yagi: Father, teacher, and eternal hero."

When Izuku steps out of the car, he immediately goes to his mother, who of course, is emotional as always. "I'm okay, mom. It was nothing. Really, they were nobodies." Izuku laughs, trying to lean away from his mother's doting hands trying to clean the dirt from his face.

Mitsuki, was pretty much the opposite. She snatches Katsuki's ear. "You brat! First you avoid me all day, then you chase me out of the church."

"If you were there any longer, hag, you would have started burning!"

"You calling me a devil, brat!?"

"Honey... The kids have been through a lot today. Let's let Katsuki get to his wedding party." Masaru tries to pull his wife away.

Izuku manages to calm his mother down enough to escape her overbearing grasp. He finds his way to the statue at the center of the party. Just looking at it makes his heart ache. There's so much he should have done. But Yagi passed peacefully, of old age, surrounded by his many students and loved ones. Izuku and Katsuki held his hands as he took his last breath. His Wonder Duo was there, filling his heart with love until the end. Even so, Izuku wishes more than anything, he could go back to that day. That day Yagi offered him a bento and Izuku left him behind. He wishes he could-

Katsuki's kiss to his hair brings him out of his thoughts. "Whatever you're thinking, stop. He loved you, like his own blood, Izuku. You know that."

"I know, Kacchan. I know." He smiles, turning to look up at his love. "He's the only father I've ever known. I miss him so much."

"Me too, nerd."

"Bakugou? Midoriya?" An elegant voice calls. They turn to see Momo, holding two lovely jackets. Not the same as the ones Mitsuki designed for them, but theyre perfect. "I saw the condition of your suits, and I hope you don't mind, but I've taken the liberty to make you fresh ones."

"Oh, Momo..." Izuku hugs her close. As an adult, he's gotten much more comfortable around pretty girls. Probably due to all of his female classmates being beautiful. He's had time to get used to the beauty that surrounded him. Although his favorite beauty was still sharp red eyes and battle scars on his face. "Thank you. So much."

Izuku accepted the jackets and helps Katsuki put his on. Katsuki, in turn, does the same. Izuku uses his handkerchief to clean Katsuki's cheek, right where his scar rests. Katsuki fixes Izuku's messy curls. They look at each other with such love. They way they take care of each other says more than words can ever say. Katsuki turns his head to press a kiss to Izuku's scarred palm.

"Let's get married, nerd." Izuku smiles.

Yamada has reunited with his husband and kids, never doubting them for one moment. After greeting them with hugs and fatherly fistbumps, Yamada takes the stage. "Alright, alright alright! Now that the grooms are here, we got a wedding to get on with! Now, please welcome our special guest and the man who's going to be officiating the marriage of our top heroes.... Best Jeanist!" A tall, denim clad figure steps onto the stage.

"Oh for fucks sake!" Katsuki's voice is distantly heard, followed by chuckling from the crowd. He thought he'd escaped the blond menace. Sure, he invited him to the wedding, but he was told he couldn't make it due to his Number Five hero duties. Now Katsuki has to deal with him.

And he's gonna be marrying him and the nerd. Izuku bumps his hip. "He's not that bad, Kacchan. And he's taking time off to fill in. I know you respect him. You even asked him to teach you to dance."

"How the fuck-"

"I have my sources, Kacchan. Don't worry about it. The point is, we're very grateful that he's here to help. Now... If I wait any longer to get married, I think I'll explode."

Yamada hands Best Jeanist the microphone. "Thank you, Present Mic. Can the grooms come to the stage?" Izuku is very excited to join Best Jeanist. Katsuki rolls his eyes, but follows his future husband. He's only doing this to marry the nerd. That's all.

Izuku stands in front of Katsuki, holding his hands, looking at him with those big, stupid green eyes he can never say no to. And the humiliation is worth it. Because he's gonna marry this dweeb.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here..." The ceremony goes on without any more incident. The two exchange their vows to each other. They're given the rings, and kiss each other's hands as they place them on each other's fingers. They look into each other's eyes and whisper words of love.

"I hereby pronounce you wed. You may kiss." And kiss they did. Katsuki doesn't waste a moment in grabbing Izuku and spinning him in a passionate kiss. Cheers erupt around them. And the newly wed couple laugh.

Finally, as the sun sets, Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugou, Deku and Dynamight are married.

[chaoswithkaycee]

A Farewell to Papaw

He was born in 1946, two days after Christmas, the third son of an Appalachian coal miner and his bitch wife. You may think I’m being too harsh on my great grandmother - but trust me, if you’d known her, you’d agree. West Virginia was a beautiful place to grow up, poor as they were, and Papaw told me stories all the time of his upbringing. He got into making moonshine shortly before he married my Gramma in 1964, when he was 17 and she was 16. I saw the picture once, of them on their wedding day. She was wearing a tea length, cream-colored dress, her curly brown hair pinned back and swept off her neck, and little lace gloves. He was wearing gray slacks and a mismatched jacket. At 17, he already had calluses on his hands and dirt in every pore, no matter how hard he scrubbed, from working in the mines with his daddy. He told me, when he showed me the picture, that right after they’d gotten married, he’d gone right back to work that day. He worked everyday to give “Annie” (my Gramma) everything she deserved. 

At some point, West Virginia lost its luster and they moved to Texas before their first child, my aunt, was born. Not too much later, their second child, my father, came around too. Around that time, Papaw gave up moonshining and got sober himself. Once he left rehab, he never touched alcohol again. Coal mines aren’t a thing here on the gulf coast, so he moved into the next most common working poor job we have here - a refinery plant. He worked at the same plant until he retired, some 40-ish years later. That job paid for him to buy a little three bedroom house with a shed, paid for the tools he used to maintain that house and yard, paid to keep his sweet wife at home to raise their kids and grow her rose garden and plant a pear tree in the middle of the backyard. That job paid for his kids school clothes and shoes, for all the food that filled their bellies - and they never went hungry, that was a rule he had from his own time as a poor child in the Appalachian region - paid for Annie to go and get her hair done at the salon down the road every other week, paid for the small donations they could muster at church. And when Annie got sick, it paid for her treatment and surgery, and eventually, her funeral. He taught himself how to make rosaries, and made her one every day from the time he retired to the time she passed away. 

Of course, all of that happened long before I came around (Except her death. She passed when I was 13). He was still working when I was born, though. I grew up in the same house that he raised my daddy and aunt in. He helped my mama put my bedroom together, bought a swingset for the backyard, and built a playroom add-on next to the laundry room, attached to what would become my bedroom. He and Gramma helped to baby proof the house, bought toys and books and clothes, and talked my terrified parents down a hundred times over. 

When my aunt announced the birth of her second child, mama was devastated to find out it was a girl. Now my aunt, daddy’s older sister, had given birth to both the first grandson and the first granddaughter, a month before I would be born (well, really, it was three months before I was supposed to be born, but I surprised them two months early). Mama said she sat on the swingset out in the backyard and cried. Papaw came out to talk to her, and asked her what was wrong. She said she was scared that I wouldn’t be special to him, since I wouldn’t be the first granddaughter. Papaw looked her dead in the eye and told her every baby that came into his life was special, and I was no different. He would love me just as much as the first two, and he’d love every one that came after just as much as the ones before. Years later, when I told this story back to him (as mama had told it to me), he told me a little bit more. “She was my special girl, your mama,” he said, adjusting his cannula and stopping to catch his breath. “Annie liked her well enough, but I loved that girl. Day she married your dad, she became my daughter, and I loved her just as much as my own baby girl. She’s still my special girl, tell her that next time you see her.” I did tell her, and she cried.

I was born two months too soon, and he was there at the hospital as soon as his shift was over. He sat and prayed with my mama, he gave money to my daddy so he could call off work to be with me and mama. When the doctor predicted I’d die, he told me I wasn’t allowed to. I don’t remember it, but he’s told the story back to me so many times that I feel like I can. I was in an incubator, in a diaper so small he said it couldn’t have been any bigger than a tissue (according to him), and I wasn’t crying or anything. Just fighting for every breath. And he said he told me I wasn’t allowed to die, because he hadn’t been allowed to hold me yet, and I would break his heart if I died before he could hold me.

I’m sure my survival is far more likely because of the dedicated team of nurses and doctors that took care of me around the clock for the next month, but my Papaw believes it’s because he told me to stay. Maybe both are true. I have so many memories of sitting in his lap while he learned how to use a computer, watching tv with him, laying on his chest and listening to his heartbeat. He always smelled like gasoline and tobacco, which are both considered extremely acrid smells, but they smelt like home and comfort to me. I remember how he used to hand me a comb and some oil and let me comb his beard and mustache, and even when I got snagged on knots he never yelled or gave any sign of discomfort. I remember the silver watch he wore, an anniversary gift from my gramma to celebrate their first year together. His hair was already thinning when I came around, but it still had a little curl to it, and he let me comb that too. 

I remember how he used to take me to the park in his pick up truck when the fair was in town, how he’d buy me a caramel apple even though I would just eat the caramel part. He always ate the apple for me. When he went to the grocery store, he’d go to the candy section and pick out all the banana Runts to bring home to me in a little bag. To this day, I can’t eat banana Runts without thinking of him. Even when he moved up to Tennessee and I only saw him once every few years, he made it a point to go down to the store and buy me all the banana Runts he could find, enough for me to snack on for the next week.

When I came out of the closet, I expected him to stop loving me. To tell me that it was wrong, that God would be angry, that he was angry. I was so scared of his reaction that I hid it from him for almost ten years after I told everyone else. He found out when my dad accidentally mentioned my girlfriend at the time, and he called me to talk about it. “Monkey,” he said, because that was his nickname for me, “tell me about this girl.” And I did. I told him about how her smile made my insides feel like melted butter, how she smelled like chocolate dipped strawberries and laughed at all my jokes. “Sounds like she makes you feel like Annie made me feel.” He told me. Gramma had already been gone for awhile at this point, and he sounded sad when he said it, but I knew what he meant. “Don’t be afraid to tell me something ever again, baby girl. You’re always my Monkey, and I love you no matter what.”

Last time I saw him was in 2018, a few months after that phone call. He was already pretty sick then, and a little confused. He told me probably a hundred times that I was his Monkey and he loved me so much. I thought it was because he forgot he already told me, but now I wonder if he knew I wouldn’t see him again and he wanted to make sure he said it enough times to fill up my life when he was gone. He wouldn’t let me comb his beard this time, but he sat and played checkers with me for awhile, then candyland with me, my sister, and my dad.

Papaw wasn’t perfect. But he loved me, and I loved him. He helped shape who I am, taught me kindness and steadiness to counteract my chaos. I got the news yesterday that he isn’t expected to make it another week, and I’m a wreck. He always told me that as long as you love someone, as long as you remember them, they’re not gone. So I thought I’d tell y’all about him, and maybe y’all could love him and remember him too. Thanks for letting me ramble.