#HELP WHY IS PATTY'S FAMILY ON THEIR FRIDGE

[u-know-too-much]

I love shows that aren't exactly shows just diff episodes with different stories

Black Mirror, Love Death and Robots, Creeped Out, School Tales loveee themm

[jaceyneedsabetterusername]

Hayloft (p.1)

Pairing: Arvin Russell x F!Reader

Summary: Your dad brings home his new coworker, Arvin Russell, telling you that he’ll be living with the two of you for a while. While attempting to keep Arvin from seeing the disfunction of your relationship with your father, the two of you grow closer than you thought. (Inspired by “Hayloft” by Mother Mother, though that’ll really only be one chapter later on so I don’t know if it really counts...) 

Warnings: Abuse, mentions of drinking, misogyny, reader’s mother is dead

Word Count: 3.2k

A/N: My first slow(er) burn fic! Let me know what you think!

__________________

When your car finally pulled up the old dirt driveway to your family's farm house, the sun was already setting, casting an orange hue over the acres of land that your father had inherited from his father. It was beautiful, really. The sun was behind your old two story home made of wood planks that were covered in chipping white paint. The door’s paint was also chipping, only this time it was old navy blue paint - at least that’s the color it was supposed to be when it was painted who knows how many decades ago - that peeled back to reveal the wood beneath. 

Your father’s truck wasn’t in the driveway yet when you pulled up and you sighed in relief because it gave you the opportunity to get dinner started before he got home. You headed straight for the kitchen. The only moment taken for yourself was the moment of silence when you leaned against the counter top and stretched out your back from the long day's work at the diner. The refrigerator was mostly empty and you made a mental note to run to the store after work tomorrow before your father could notice the lack of food. Thankfully, there was still enough scraps to piece something together for tonight between the fridge and the cupboards. 

The house was swimming with the delicious scent of herbs, onions, potatoes, and stock as you boiled a stew on the stove when you heard the front door open. “Hi, Daddy! How was work?” You asked over your shoulder before you even heard his steps enter the kitchen, not actually caring but knowing he’d be upset if you didn’t ask. 

He came around the corner but you could hear from the moment the door opened that there were the footsteps of more than one person entering your home. With a frown, you turned from the stove and took a few steps so you could see around the wall that blocked your view of the front door but your father and new mystery person stepped around that corner and into the kitchen before you could get that far. You stopped in your tracks, startled by their sudden appearance, and your hand flew to your chest as your eyes widened in surprise. “Sorry!” You chuckled awkwardly, apologizing for your jumpiness, “Didn’t think you’d be comin’ in here.” 

It was a man about your age that stood just behind your father, a navy baseball cap twisted in his hands and his footsteps light so as to not knock dirt off onto the floor from his work boots, both welcomed displays of manners that you appreciated, unlike your father who left a trail of chunks of dried mud and grease everywhere he walked. This new boy, though, he was cute. Short curly hair that was messy, either from work or wearing the hat, big expressive brown eyes that reminded you of a puppy in the best possible way, a tight lipped expression that showed he was a little nervous and uncomfortable to be here, they were all a welcome, albeit unexpected, surprise. 

"Work was good. This here is Arvin Russel. He'll be staying with us, at least for the night." Your eyes flicked back to the boy you now knew as Arvin when your dad introduced him and your heart skipped a beat at the eye contact. 

  He nodded his head slightly, a small cordial smile flashing on his face for just a moment, "Pleasure to meet you,..." 

"Y/N. It's nice to meet you as well. If you're staying the night, let me add some water to the soup and then I'll go make up the spare bed." You pointed your thumb over your shoulder towards the pot of stew that was nearly done. 

"That's very kind of you. Thank you." 

Before you could notice him moving, your dad was already beside the fridge and you reached out to try to stop him before he could open it. "Let me get you something! What about you, Arvin? You want a beer or some water?" You scurried to try and beat your dad to the fridge that you knew would earn you a reprimanding that you didn’t deserve. 

You were too late though and your dad already swung the door open wide. You stepped back nervously, rubbing the sharp edge of your nails against your thumb. "It's damn near empty." He noted, voice stiff and dissatisfied. He stood, managing to produce the last two beers from the refrigerator before slamming it shut. 

You flinched at the loud sound, hearing the few glass jars of preserves and jams clanging against each other inside from the force. Your eyes rolled beneath closed lids at his overdramatic reaction, even though it was one you expected. "I'm gonna hit the market after work tomorrow but I checked that we have enough for dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow." Your voice was sweet and placating, careful to respond in a way that would keep his temper in check. 

  "It's that damn job of yours. I told you women shouldn't be working. They belong in the house where you should be. Now look. You went and let the kitchen run out." He passed Arvin a beer, which he reluctantly accepted, watching the way your father pointed his finger at you accusingly. “Ain’t no man gonna want a wife who can’t even keep the kitchen stocked up.” 

Your tongue was raw inside from biting down on it so hard in order to keep yourself in line, as he called it. You didn't need a blow out tonight, not with Arvin here. "I manage to work and keep up with the house just fine, Daddy. We just got a little low on groceries but I'll be heading to the market tomorrow to fix it. Don’t you worry." Even you were surprised with how even and sweet your voice came out, that ever present fire of anger towards your father having been fanned into a decent blaze.  

He popped the tab on his beer and sighed, dropping the topic for the time being, "Fine. But make sure to pick up some fixin's for that chicken roast you make. Patty is lookin' nice and fat in the coop so why don't you cook her up tomorrow." 

You grimaced at the thought. Patty was one of the chickens in your coop out back that had been pretty slow when it came to laying eggs but you’d grown attached to her nonetheless. Ever since you were a young girl, your daddy warned you not to become attached to the animals out back but you never listened. Back then, you’d had your mother to step in and convince him not to kill the animals for whatever reason she could come with and opt for buying meat from the market instead. You hadn’t been able to convince him like that since she’d passed. Everything had been different since she passed. 

“I don’t know, Daddy. Patty’s been layin’ a lot of eggs lately and we’ve been gettin’ extra money from sellin’ all those eggs. Why don’t I just pick up a chicken in town tomorrow at the store.” You insisted, walking back over to the stove to stir the stew. 

“Don’t go wastin’ money on things we already got! We got some chickens out back. Just cook one of ‘em up tomorrow!” Your father’s voice was hard and stern now, enough to fill the air with tension in Arvin’s presence. You turned slowly, making eye contact with Arvin briefly before quickly avoiding it. You didn’t like the way he stood awkwardly, silently watching the interaction he clearly didn’t think highly of. Your father was already getting worked up and it would only get worse the longer the night went on. 

Biting your cheek, you nodded, “Yes, sir. Now why don’t you boys go get cleaned up. Dinner will be ready in just a minute.” 

**

Dinner went relatively well, despite your father’s occasional grumblings about there not being any beer. Once you finished, you stood up and picked up yours and your father’s bowls before noticing Arvin’s was empty as well. “Did you want some more? There’s just enough for one more if you’d like it.” You offered Arvin that last bit of stew but he just shook his head and stood up. 

“Oh, no thank you miss. Dinner was delicious though. Let me help with that.” He grabbed his own bowl before your hand could reach it and then took the bowls from your hands as well before setting them down at the sink. 

You chased after him, “Thank you but you don’t have to do that! Please, sit. I’ll make your bed up when I’m finished cleaning up dinner.” 

“She’s right, son. Kitchen ain’t no place for a man. Why don’t you come with me and I’ll show you the room you’ll be stayin’ in.” You father’s chair screeched against the beat up wooden floor as he stood, beckoning Arvin to him. 

Arvin was standing right beside you, his arm only a few inches from yours as he lowered the stack of bowls into the sink. He looked over at you with deep soulful eyes that seemed to look right through your calm facade in a way that made you feel seen like never before. It was highly uncomfortable, almost violating after all these years of hiding away what you felt for the sake of keeping the peace, and you forced a smile, “Please, you’re our guest. It wouldn’t be right to make you do the dishes. You go with him.” 

He gave you a drawn out hesitant look but turned away nonetheless and walked towards your dad. “Thank you again for letting me stay here till I get things figured out. It’s mighty kind of you.” Arvin thanked you and your father for your hospitality, shooting you one last glance over his shoulder before following your father down up the stairs towards the spare room. 

You made quick work of the dishes, having cleaned most of them as you were cooking earlier anyways and scurried to the closet that held your extra sheets. As you passed the bathroom, you heard the shower running and knew it was your father bathing after his long day of work, like he always did right after dinner. The man was a creature of habit. 

With your arms full of neatly folded faded steel blue linens and the thicker burnt sienna colored wool blanket, you made your way towards the guest room Arvin was staying in to find the door wide open and the man looking through his bag that was set on the bed. “Knock knock,” you announced your presence, waiting at the entryway for Arvin to notice you before entering. 

He spun around, dropping something that you didn’t see quickly into his bag and pressing it down while flashing you a small polite smile, “Hello, ma’am.” 

You walked into the room, raising the linens in your hands, “I brought some sheets so I could make up your bed.” You walked over to the wooden chair and set the top sheet down before making your way back over to the bed, unfolding the bottom sheet as you did, waving it up and down in the air to straighten it out before laying it flat on the bed. 

“Oh, you don’t have to do that, miss,” He moved his bag to the ground and jumped to lift the corner of the mattress and tuck the sheet beneath it. 

You blushed at his kindness, not used to such help from your father, but shook your head, tucking the sheet beneath the mattress on the opposite side of the bed “If my daddy came in and saw you fixin’ the bed yourself, he’d kill me,” you chuckled to make it sound like a joke but you knew better than that. He wouldn’t actually kill you but you would certainly get some less than kind words thrown your way, maybe even a few beer cans thrown your way depending on how drunk he was. 

Arvin shook his head, his hands falling on his hips, “Looks like you do most the housework ‘round here.” What he was insinuating was clear even though his tone didn’t change but you didn’t want to acknowledge it. He didn’t need to concern himself with the difficulties between you and your father. 

“So how’d you and my dad meet?” You changed the topic, going to grab the top sheet and unfolding it. You laid it over the bed and tucked your side in, Arvin reaching down to tuck his side in as well in a silent act of defiance against your insistence that he didn’t need to help. It occurred to you suddenly after the question left your lips that you didn’t actually know anything about this boy but, for some reason, you still didn’t feel uneasy around him.  

Arvin pulled the top corner of the sheet up to the head of the bed as he answered, “I just started workin’ at the garage with ‘im.” 

“You like cars?” You questioned, spreading out the final layer on the bed, the wool blanket. 

Arvin shrugged, “Never been really into ‘em but I can fix ‘em alright enough. Just needed the work and happened to see the wanted sign when I was passin’ through town.” 

Your brow raised in curiosity, “You were just passin’ through and stopped in this old town cause of a help wanted sign?” The little town you lived in wasn’t terrible but it was far from a destination that people really moved to for work unless you a doctor desperate for a place to practice or something like that. “You must really be desperate,” you joked but immediately felt a slight pang of regret when a shred of truth could be seen in his eyes. 

“Just tryna figure out where I’m goin’ ‘n what I wanna do. Figure I’ll find somewhere I like eventually.” Arvin picked up his bag and set it off to the side where it was a little more out of the way. 

You stared at the man standing before you, taking every bit of him from the grease stains on his white t-shirt to his scuffed up brown work boots to his messy hair, dirty from dried sweat. It wasn’t until you locked eyes with him that you realized that you’d been staring in a settled yet weirdly comfortable silence. You stood up straight and smiled to diffuse the awkwardness you’d unintentionally fostered, “You’re more than welcome to take a shower. My daddy should be finished any second. I’ll set some extra towels in there for you.” 

“That’s very kind of you. Thank you.” He nodded in appreciation but offered no further conversation. You could tell from the moment of silence that it was time for you to make your exit. 

“Well, uh, I better head to bed. You need anything before I go?” You asked, backing towards the door and swinging slightly with it once your hand hit the old bronze knob. 

Arvin shook his head, “No, thank you. ‘M all set.” 

“Alrighty, then. You have a good night.” You chewed your lip as you opened the door to make your exit. 

“G’night, miss Y/N.” 

Butterflies flew wildly in your belly as you walked to your bedroom. It had been a long while since you’d seen somebody worth looking twice at in this old town but now a mysterious handsome man rolls into town and stays with you. In your house. It probably wasn’t the safest of situations but Arvin genuinely looked like a nice man. From your very brief interactions with him, you couldn’t really imagine him trying to hurt you or your father for no reason. Even if he did, you knew where your daddy kept his shotgun and you had no problem defending yourself. But like I said, you had an unearned sense of peace with Arvin that you hoped wasn’t a misjudgement. 

“What’re you smilin’ ‘bout?” Your father’s gruff but thankfully not entirely drunk voice made you stop in your tracks and turn towards his room with a suppressed groan. He stood in the doorway of his bedroom in nothing but an undershirt and long johns with his suspenders hanging loosely at his sides.

You shook the smile off your face. “Just thought of somethin’ funny that happened at work,'' you lied. “You need somethin’?” 

“I watched you come out o’ that boy’s room with a big ol’ grin on your face. Better not let me catch you ‘n him. Ain’t no daughter o’ mine gonna be whorin’ around with some boy blowin’ through town, y’hear?” He threatened, his hands reaching down to pull up his worn out long johns. 

Your blood boiled at the accusation and despite your best efforts to keep peace while Arvin was here, you spat words with venom, “I wasn’t doin’ nothin’ with Arvin. God forbid I have a damn smile on my face.” Your voice was low enough so that you hoped your guest hadn’t heard your outburst but when your father’s face darkened and he began taking slow, heavy steps towards you, you weren’t sure if your charade of normalcy would last much longer. 

Your father hovered over you, exaggerating the size difference between the two of you, “I put a roof over your head. I put food on the table. You play make believe with that little diner job but I'm the head of this house. I'm your father. You watch that fuckin’ tone with me girl."

Your jaw was clenched tightly, matching your fists, as you glared up at him with indignantly furious eyes. Father your ass. He once had been your father, an imperfect but loving man who used to try. Now he was merely a selfish broken sperm donor. He inherited this house from his father, didn’t pay a darn cent, and you couldn't remember the last time he pitched in a dime for anything but alcohol and the occasional dinner he made when he was in a good mood. He did do that- have these strange out of character nights where he pretended to be kind and loving. They were far and few between though and, while you enjoyed the change of pace, it felt like walking on eggshells in some fantasy world. 

A heavy silence settled between the two of you that crackled with a tension that could snap at any moment and turn into a full blown fight. Your eyes were narrowed on his as you refused to let him think he intimidated you anymore. Nevertheless, you turned on your heel, nails digging into your palm, and walked down the hall towards your room, leaving him alone. 

“He wouldn’t want you anyways, fuckin’ attitude like that.” Your father grumbled to your back, hoping for one last reaction out of you that you refused to give. 

It took all the control in the world to not slam the door in his face but you knew there was no way it would escape Arvin’s attention. You’d have to resort to the therapy of muffling your furious tear-soaked screams into your pillow until you finally fell asleep, like you did many nights. 

[dauntingatdusk]

Jeffrey Dahmer - The Milwaukee Cannibal (pt.2)

DAVID THOMAS (23) – September 24 1990

David Thomas aged 24 was murdered and dismembered by Dahmer. Dahmer begins to take photographs as he dismembers the body and while the murder is in progress.

CURTIS STRAUGHTER (19) – February 18, 1991

Curtis Straughter engaged in oral sex with Dahmer, he is later murdered and dismembered. His bones were crushed but Dahmer kept his skull.

ERROL LINDSEY (19) – April 7 1991

Errol Lindsey is drugged and strangled by Dahmer before he is used to perform oral sex. Again Dahmer dismembers his body and keeps the skull.

ANTHONY HUGHES (31) – May 24 1991

Anthony Hughes, who is deaf and mute, is passed a note from Dahmer at a club. In Dahmer’s usual routine he invites him back to his place for photos. Dahmer murders Hughes and dismembers him, keeping his skull also. However before Dahmer dismembered the corpse he left the body lying around the apartment.

KONERAK SINTHASOMPHONE (14) May 26 1991

Konerak Sinthasomphone is offered money from Dahmer, and he follows him back to his place. Dahmer drugs the child and assaults him while he is unconscious. Dahmer experimented on Konerak also, drilling into the back of his skull and injecting hydrochloric acid. He did this in attempt to cfeate a “zombie” that he could have complete control of. At some point Dahmer leaves the apartment and Konerak stumbles from the building. He is spotted, bleeding from his anus, by two girls who call the police. The police investigate while Dahmer returns and explains that the child is actually his 19 year old lover. The police leave without any further investigation and Konerak is later murdered and dismembered. Dahmer also kept his skull. If the last name sounds familiar he is the brother of the 13 year old Laotian who got away from him.

MATT TURNER (20) – June 30 1991

At a gay pride parade young Matt Turner meets Dahmer. Turner would become another victim of Dahmer’s and his skull is placed in the freezer. His body is also one that Dahmer left lying around his apartment as he was dismembered.

JEREMIAH WEINBERGER (23) July 5 1991

Weinberger and Dahmer meet at a nightclub and Jeremiah actually spends the entire night at Dahmer’s apartment. When he requests to leave the next morning Dahmer became enraged and treats him not unlike Konerak. Dahmer uses boiling water in place of hydrochloric acid. Turner was left in a coma like state for two days. Dahmer would later strangle him. Weinberger was dismembered and his head was placed in the freezer alongside Matt Turner.

OLIVER LACY (23) July 15 1991

Lacy spends some time with Dahmer at his apartment engaging in consensual sexual activity. As he had done with his previous victims Dahmer drugs Lacy and murders him once he is unconscious. Lacy is dismembered and both his heart and head are placed inside Dahmer’s fridge.

JOSEPH BRADEHOFT (25) July 19 1991

Bradehoft becomes Dahmer’s last murder. The two men have consensual sex at the apartment before Bradehoft is drugged and murdered. He is dismembered with his head and torso being placed in the freezer. His other remains however were placed in a large barrel of acid that Dahmer had purchased in Early July.

TRACY EDWARDS (31) July 24 1991

Tracy Edwards is the last man who Dahmer brought back to his apartment. Tracy was given a cocktail to make him drowsy. Dahmer tried to sexually assault Tracy. Tracy had began to struggle when Dahmer put a handcuff on his right arm. As Dahmer reached for a knife Tracy ran for the unlocked door. Dahmer attempted to pull the man back inside and a brawl broke out. Tracy hit Dahmer on the side of the head which knocked him to the floor. Edwards escaped and ran into the street where he was able to flag down a patrol car. The Police returned to Dahmers apartment and began their investigation. Police found photos of various states of dismemberment, a severed head on the ground, the fridge and freezer containing a heart, flesh, and a portion of muscle. The freezer contained 3 heads, a human torso, a bag containing more flesh and internal organs. The cupboard contained various chemicals and 2 bleached skulls. Also on the floor was a large kettle holding 2 hands and set of genitals. Police found 3 more skulls in a filing cabinet. The wardrobe was opened to show a complete skeleton, dried human scalp, and more genitals. In a small box they found 2 more skulls and next to the box was a 260 litre vat containing acid. Inside the acid police found 3 human torsos in various stages of decomposition. Dahmer is arrested.

AFTER ARREST

Dahmer is charged with four counts of homicide, from the evidence police find in his home. Dahmer admits that his crimes were wrong and did not shift blame. His bail was set for 1 million dollars. On January 13 1992, Dahmer changes his plea from innocent, to guilty with an insane defense. While Dahmer admitted to killing the fifteen identified victims he continued with his defense that he suffered a mental disease and as such should not be held responsible. On February 15 of the same year Dahmer is found guilty of 15 counts of murder and sentenced to 941 years in Jail.

DEATH

On November 28 1994 Dahmer is sexually assaulted and murdered in prison by Christopher Scarver at age 34. Scarver was a convicted murderer. Dahmers body was cremated, per his request, and his ashes were split among his parents. After Death in December 1995 a judge ordered the cremation of Dahmer’s brain, which had been preserved at the request of Dahmers mother who hoped to have it studied. Joyce hoped that studying the brain would determine whether or not biological factors were behind her sons behaviour. However, Lionel sought out the cremation because that is what Dahmer requested.

PYSCHOLOGY

Conditions: Necrophilia: Lionel Dahmer noticed four year old Jefferys fascination with animal bones collected from beneath the family home. Dahmer also collected dead animals from the sides of roads. Dahmer however did not enjoy the act of killing animals, a big difference from most seriall killers in their youth. He merely was fascinated by their bodies. In High School Dahmers interest would persevere. It is believed that this fascination grew into something erotic in adolescence. Dahmer would gain another obsession at this age: compulsive masturbation. His two biggest interests would slowly began to coincide. Dahmer found the warmth from a recently deceased body arousing, however similiary to how Dahmer took no joy in the killing of animals, Dahmer claims to not be a sexual sadist. He states that he derived no pleasure from his victims’ terror or pain. Dahmer would frequently keep pieces of his victims and use them in his masturbation. He even went so far as to keep on the heads in his locker at Ambrosia Chocolate Co. Dahmer also planned to build a shrine of sorts with the skulls and skeletons of his victims. This was supposed to be a kind of supernatural shrine and help Dahmer stay connected to his victims. Cannibalism: While Dahmer initially admitted to eating one victims bicep because he wanted to try it Dahmer put another victims head and heart in the fridge to eat later. Coworkers reported that Dahmer brought meat from home with a “special gravy” but refused to let any taste it. Dahmer would also keep chopped human meat in his freezer which he shaped into patties. He would later state that he ate his victims to keep them with him forever, similar to why he kept their skulls. Pedophilia: Dahmer was arrested numerous times for exposing himself to minors or molesting them. He somehow avoided capture for these crimes. His adult victims all shared a boyish appearance and were young in age. It isn’t clear whether the allegations that Dahmer was molested by a teenage neighbour are true, but it is common in most pedophile’s background. His father has claimed he was but Dahmer denied it and no charges have been made. Denial is not unusual, however and even more so among men. Exhibitionism: Dahmer’s exhibitionism could be seen as an outgrowth of his pedophilia. In August 1982 Dahmer was charged with drunk and disorderly conduct after exposing himself to a crowd, which included children. Four years later he would be arrested for lewd behavior after he was caught masturbating infront of two twelve year old boys. He confessed to five previous incidents of public masturbating and was sentenced to one year of probation. He was also ordered to seek therapy, which he failed to do. Depression: Paraphilias are frequently comorbid with depressive symptoms. Right before he was arrested Dahmer sought and killed victims while he reported his depressive episodes to his probation officer. Dahmer also alluded that losing his job would be a good reason to kill himself. Substance Dependence: Dahmer had a long, long history of substance abuse. He abused alcohol frequently beginning in high school where a classmate recalled Dahmer drinking scotch in class. Dahmer would continue this behaviour into college where he would often pass out drunk on his way back to his dorm. His alcoholic behaviour also got him dishonourably discharged from the army. According to defense expert Carl M. Wahlstrom M.D, Dahmer had to drink in order to murder his victims and that he did not enjoy that act of killing. Asperger’s Disorder According to Lionel (Dahmer’s father) Jeffery as a young child did not hold eye contact, showed blank facial expressions, was stiff and rigid, and had trouble interacting with other children. Quote from Dahmer “The subtleties of social life were beyond my grasp. When children liked me, I did not know why. Nor could I formu- late a plan for winning their affection. I simply didn't know how things worked with other people.... And try as I might, I couldn't make other people seem less strange and unknow- able. (Silva et

al., p. 1349). “ Silva et al. (2002) belive that Dahmer’s fixation on corpses and body parts allowed him to reimagine them as love and sex objects. Morever, his meticulous fascination with bones and body parts from a young age is also a sign of Aspergers – as much as his social and emotional impairments. It is noted however that borderline personality disorder and Aspergers is difficult to tell apart in adulthood since both impair interpersonal relations and share several core symptoms. Several facts and events in Dahmer’s life seem to actually argue against an Aspergers diagnosis. There was an incident where police caught Dahmer chasing a naked and bleeding 14 year old boy. Dahmer was able to convince the police that nothing was wrong – even though he had a decomposing corpse already in his bedroom. SOURCES A&E Biography Video: Jeffrey Dahmer https://murderpedia.org/male.D/d/dahmer-jeffrey.htm Baumann, Edward, Step into My Parlor: The Chilling Story of Serial Killer Jeffrey Dahmer. 1991. Dahmer, Lionel, A Father's Story. William Morrow and Company, 1994. Davis, Don, Milwaukee Murders, Nightmare in Apartment 213: The True Story. St Martin's Paperbacks, 1995. Martingale, Moira, Cannibal Killers. St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1993. Tithecott, Richard and James Kincaid, Of Men & Monsters: Jeffrey Dahmer & the Construction of the Serial Killer.

[wocfics]

Fine Art

Part 2

Arranged Marriage Series

Masterlist

KTH x Poc Reader

Warnings: Talk of a past miscarriage, LOTS of the fluff, smut.

Word Count: 4.4k+

Of course it was an accident, the fans would never intentionally hurt you and embarrass you like this right? Okay yeah, you were married to Taehyung but that news was around 3 months ago and they moved on? That’s what you wanted to tell yourself as you stood in the bathroom of your home, wiping the strawberry and mango flavored boba liquid from your face. You had the day off today, having to run a few errands like doctor's appointments and setting up something romantic for you and Taehyung for when he got out of practice later on. When you left from your appointment you wanted some boba and found a shop in town. You weren’t alone since Tae insisted on you bringing some sort of security with you just in case and you did. 

The woman  behind the counter was sweet, noticing who you were and even offered you a free drink to take home for Taehyung. You were standing off to the side, fixing your jacket since it was cold outside when you heard someone yelling off to the side. As soon as you turned you felt not one, not two, but three drinks being thrown in your direction from three very angry fans that were in high school once you noticed their uniforms. There was some in your hair, a good day to wear two braids at least and you got some in your eyes and all over the cream colored sweater and white pants you were wearing. 

A few of the management team escorted you into the back where they gave you a towel to wipe your eyes before the security quickly escorted you out of the shop while speaking quickly on the phone to someone you figured was your husband. It was taking a while for you to process it all on your way back home, you wanted to have a nice dinner with your husband but you knew that had to wait until tomorrow night.

Deciding to just take a shower instead, you took out the two braids you had and turned on the shower, rubbing your face and letting the water hit your scalp. You could hear rummaging outside the bathroom door once you were finished in the shower, your hair wrapped up in a shirt and a towel around your body. Once the bathroom door was opened and you stepped into the bedroom, you saw Taehyung scrambling up from the bed and quickly walking over to you, placing his hands on either side of your face with fear in his eyes as he looked over you as if he was searching for any marks or a sign that you were hurt. You could see the flood of emotions on his face as he caressed both sides of your face before looking at you and pulling you into a hug, his arms squeezing you into his chest. 

“Are you okay? They told me what happened on my lunch break.” He pulled away and looked at you again, leaning down some to place a soft kiss against your lips which you returned. You nodded and patted his chest as you pulled away to start getting dressed. “I’m okay, I just..didn’t see it coming at all. The owner and the other employees were very helpful. It was bound to happen someday Tae.” “No, it shouldn’t have happened at all. I have all three of their names and Big Hit will be sending a notice to their parents about their behaviors so that they can have the proper punishments.” He was beginning to get angry, you could see it all over his face as he started to undress himself. 

“They’re your ARMY, of course they’d be upset that all of you have wives now. They just let their anger get to them is all. I don’t have any scratches, they didn’t attack me physically-” “Jagi, please. If they were the ARMY that I know, they wouldn’t have done that to you. They have to hold responsibility for what they did because it could have been worse. I need you to be safe and happy, okay? I’ll make sure to have some extra security around you when you decide to leave or you can just order whatever you need from here.” He wrapped a towel around his waist while you busied yourself with moisturizing your body and slipping on a pair of shorts and an oversize shirt before removing the shirt from your hair and began detangling. “I can’t stay inside everyday, I have to work as well. I’ll be more careful next time.” 

You let him get into the shower while you placed two more braids into your hair to let it dry while you walked back into the living room area to grab your bags from earlier to put everything away. You took out some hamburger meat and sat it on the counter along with some seasoning and began forming patties while listening to some lofi hip hop. While the burgers were cooking, you took out your papers you had gotten from the doctor’s office and looked over them.

You both had been talking about wanting kids for a couple of weeks and you had to tell Taehyung about your past before you made any decisions. When you were in your previous relationship you were pregnant, three months to be exact and you were going to tell your fiance at the time until you walked in on him and your best friend at the time in your shared bed. The amount of stress and heartbreak caused you to miscarry and that added onto your heartbreak. When you told Taehyung, he knew it would be a tough decision for you but he understood that you needed some time. Of course you wanted children with him, but you needed to make sure your body was equipped for it once again. The doctors ran a few tests and asked a few questions and said that your results would come back in two weeks, which was why you were there today. 

Although you and Tae still didn’t have sex yet, you were so comfortable with each other. You could be naked in front of each other and you could tell how much he just wanted to jump on you but kept his composure and you couldn’t deny that you wanted to pounce on him every chance you got but you wanted to do it right. You needed the emotional connection with him first and that in itself worked out for the best. 

Reading over the letter, you sighed since you couldn’t really understand what it said, reading Hangul was hard for you but speaking Korean was easier. Returning to the burgers on the stove, you flipped them and took out some buns, making a couple of burgers since you knew Tae had to be hungry with only just eating lunch. You felt hands snake around your waist and his chin rest on your shoulder as you turned off the stove. “I need you to read something for me. I don’t know what it says and I was going to keep it a secret until tonight but since some plans were shifted, I figured I’d just let you read it now.” You turned around in his arms and noticed he was shirtless. Handing him the paper, he took one hand away from your waist and read over the letter, soon removing the other one to hold the paper in both hands.

“What does it say? You know I can’t read it.” You were nervous now, because his facial expressions were all over the place before he looked at you, his eyes watering. He put the paper down and lifted you up so you were seated on the counter and kissed you, your hand immediately going to lock in his hair. His hands were all over your thighs before you pulled back and looked at him. “Everything is great. You can carry my babies now.” 

Laughing between kisses, you stared up at him, your eyes getting watery as well. Even though you had only been together for three months, you wanted to be as open with him as possible, you wanted kids just as much as he did. He was the other half of you that you were looking for and he just so happened to be on the other side of the world. Of course you still had a lot to learn about each other, especially not knowing one another for that long. You knew there were going to be some arguments but being in the moment with him would be worth it. You could trust him.

“I still want to enjoy you, Tae, but if we just so happen to make a miracle happen I’m okay with that too.” As you spoke he wiped the stray tears that escaped your eyes and pressed his forehead into yours. “We’ll enjoy every part of it, that’s the fun in making a baby.” 

His voice got deeper and you got chills. Bringing his lips down to yours again, you hummed into his mouth as his hands found purchase on your hips before sliding under your shirt and around to the lower part of your back. “We should...eat first.” You said between kisses until he rested his forehead against yours and pecked your lips once more before pulling away and grabbing the plate of burgers you made.

This was what both of you wanted, although you weren’t married for that long, you two wanted a family as soon as possible, especially with him being so busy all the time with the comeback. Soon there would be a tour which meant less time to be with each other, but you knew it would work out with the both of you. Even when he was at practice, he always texted you or called you during lunch break and even helped you in your studio when he had a day off.

Most of ARMY loved your artwork and you even had a page dedicated to just your work. Some bashing you because of obvious reasons but you always saw that there were more positive comments than negative. 

Sitting across from Tae, you ate your burger, listening to him talk about the comeback and the new album that he was excited to drop very soon. He also talked about the award show that was coming up in two days which you totally forgot about. “Oh wait, I almost forgot.” You got out of your seat and walked into the kitchen, coming back with a boba tea you had in the fridge, slightly shaking it a little before handing it to Tae and kissing his forehead. “The woman behind the counter gave me a free one for you, she said it's from ARMY and it’s even purple.” You grinned and he took a sip before nodding and smiling at you. “Thank you, baby.” he finished eating his burgers while you cleaned the kitchen and put everything away. 

You saw him engrossed in his phone while eating so you walked into the bedroom and decided to quickly clean up everything so you could set a mood. Although your day was partially ruined, you wanted the night to be as romantic as possible. Lighting a few candles, you placed them on the dresser and some small tealights on the nightstands. Pulling a small box from under the bed, you opened it and quickly changed into the lavender colored silk set and robe, took the braids out of your hair and fluffed it out quickly as you heard his footsteps coming towards the bedroom.

Standing by the bed, you waited for him to open the door, a smile on your face as you watched him take in everything. “Wow…” He scanned the room before his eyes landed on you and raked over your body. You walked over to him and grabbed his hands, placing them around your waist before leaning up and capturing his lips with yours. His grip tightened, pulling you flush against his chest, his tongue prodding into your mouth to seek yours out. You moaned from it, letting him back you up until you felt the bed behind you. Quickly hopping up onto it, you pulled him with you, laying back and letting him rest between your legs, your hips already bucking into his as his lips moved down to your neck, his hands sliding under your thighs and kneading the flesh there. 

It was easy for him to turn you on, especially with the way his hands were roaming all over your body. “Take this off…” He sat up to slide the robe off of you, kissing your shoulder as the fabric slid down your arms, leaving you in the bra and panties. Biting your lip, you watched him watch you, looking over every inch of you as if he was taking a mental picture. You sat up, pulling his face down to you, connecting your lip once again. This time, you kissed with hunger, nipping at his bottom lip as he unhooked your bra and tossed it to the corner of the room knowing you’d have to look for it later.

You could feel your panties sticking to you and as if he knew it, he slid his hand between the both of you as he laid you back down and began rubbing slow circles through your panties, groaning from how wet you already were. Your breath caught in your throat when he moved your panties to the side and rubbed tight circles on your clit, your legs moving apart more from this action. “Please…” You begged and looked up at him as he stared down at you, licking his lips and grinning. “You want me already, baby?” You quickly nodded and pushed your panties down, doing the same with his shorts and it didn’t surprise you that he had nothing on underneath. 

His cock sprang free, slapping his stomach and already leaking from the tip. Sliding between your folds, he made sure to get himself nice and wet, both of you looking down at your actions before he slowly slid into you. The stretch burned a little and you let out a deep breath until he bottomed out and groaned at how tight you were. You bucked your hips up again, your arms going around his shoulders as he began to slowly thrust into you, both of you moaning at the same time at the feeling of finally being connected after waiting for so long. His head dropped into the junction of your neck and shoulder, kissing and nipping at the flesh there as he continued to pump in and out of you, your head turning to give him more of your neck.

Your body quickly heated up, your eyebrows knitting together as your head tossed back when he began moving his hips faster. Moving your hands across his back, you stared up at him, locking eyes with him as he pecked your lips a few times before moving his head down to suck one of your nipples into his mouth, lapping at it, hearing moans leave your lips. He switched to the other one, making sure to give them both attention. 

Moving his lips back up to your neck and biting at your jaw, he placed both hands on either side of your body and began thrusting faster into you, his pelvis slapping into the underside of your thigh which each thrust. “Oh God...Tae, please.” You groaned, your hands moving down to his hips, pushing him in harder. Taking advantage of the position, you moved your hands down to squeeze his ass, which caused him to bite and suck on your neck and nip at your earlobe. “You’re gonna be nice and pregnant for me, jagi?” He breathed into your ear. “I can’t wait to see you swollen with my baby inside of you, baby.” Your eyes rolling in your head from his words, his hands finding yours and pinning them above your head, fingers locked together.

“Fuck...I’m coming.” you moaned, his grunts turning into moans as his hips stuttered, feeling himself reach his climax as well. Your vision blurred for a few seconds as your body trembled from your orgasm, Tae following right behind you, a few pants leaving him before he released inside of you in thick spurts, pressing his hips into you so none would leak out. He slowed his hips, turning your face to kiss you once again, sloppy and lots of tongue. Once he released your hands you pushed his hair away from his face. 

Your chest was still rising quickly, trying to catch your breath while pushing some of your curls from your sticky forehead. He pulled out of you and you could feel some of his release leaking out of you which made you close your legs, grabbing a pillow and sliding it under your hips. You read somewhere that this helps when trying to get pregnant and although you two were young, you knew you were more than capable of having a baby, just one for now.

“Are you okay?” He asked, kissing your shoulder and then your cheek, as you nodded and looked at him. “Perfect.” You whispered, caressing his cheek. You two did this  lot, stare at each other, taking in every detail. He had some sweat sticking to his face and so did you, you sighed and looked around the room. “Actually, can you blow out the candles? They’re making it really hot in here.” You giggled and he stood up quickly, going around to each one and blowing it out before coming back to join you on the bed. After a few minutes, you moved the pillow from under you and slid under the blankets with him, resting your head on his chest and looking up at him. “I love you.” you spoke quietly, pushing his hair back and wiping some of the sweat that was still lingering on his forehead. 

“I love you, more.” He rubbed your back, leaning down to kiss you once more before looking up at the ceiling. You watched as he slowly blinked, seeing the sleepiness wash over him. 

The next few days were busy for the both of you, going over what you would be wearing to this award show and choosing the right accessories for it. You loved art but also loved fashion, something you and Taehyung also had in common. You’d find yourself taking some of his shirts to style them with your other clothes, he didn’t mind one bit, always telling you how cute you looked drowning in his over sized button ups. 

You were able to do your own hair for the show, keeping the long twists you always did. Your dress, a purple silk ruched dress with an open back and matching long robe-like jacket. You paired it with silver block heel pumps, the neck was open and you wore a silver choker and earrings. Your dress was a little on the short side, stopping mid thigh but as long as you were able to move around without any slips you’d be fine. You had a thin liner and a tinted pink lip, shifting your weight back and forth as you and the other ladies waited for the boys.

“Let me look at you.” Taehyung came up behind you, causing you to jump a little and turn around to look at him, taking in his black suit with purple details and silk purple shirt underneath. He scanned over your body, twirling you around with one hand and placing a kiss on the side of your neck since he didn’t want to ruin your makeup. Everyone huddled into the vehicle and arrived in a timely manner.

The carpet looks were stunning, you were looking at other idols as you guys walked to each set of photographers. Taehyung fixed your jacket, making sure it looked good in the photos that you two took together and as a group. You even took photos with the wives, knowing that some people wanted group shots and individual shots of all of you. 

The show was nothing like you’ve seen before, the yelling and cheering of fans behind you, of course some were not so nice but you ignored them and continued to watch your husband on stage, mesmerized by his performance and how ethereal he looked up there. You were so proud of the group, earning their awards and putting on their best performance, you were even happy to witness the experience. 

After the show ended, the after party came and you didn’t mind it one bit. Tae kept you at his side the entire night, letting you meet his cast members and friends from the movie he’d done, Hwarang. You only drank one glass of wine the entire night until Taehyung glanced at his phone and saw that the boys were ready to go. You quickly said goodbye to his friends and got into the car, already feeling the events of today hit you. In your own little bubble, you and Taehyung whispered about the night to each other on the way back, getting dropped off at your place and going inside.

Taking off your heels as soon as you walked inside, you sighed heavily and turned around to Tae, wrapping your arms around his neck. “We should take a bath together, I’ll run some water and meet you there?” You asked, pressing a few kisses to lips now that you were alone. As infatuated as you two were with each other, you mostly held hands in public, you didn’t want others seeing into the little world you two had going on. Taehyung was big on privacy when it came to relationships and even more now that he was married and you couldn’t blame him. He hummed against your lips, removing the light jacket you had on and staring at your dress once more. “Let me take a few pictures of you first.” He held up a finger and kicked off his shoes, jogging into the room and coming back with his camera, he pressed a button and held it up, watching as you were taking off your earrings and turned to look at him, seeing the flash go off and giggling. 

“I wasn’t ready yet.” You laughed, him capturing another photo of you. “Off guard pictures are the prettiest. It’s in the moment, jagiya.” You smiled and nodded, playing with your twists as he snapped photos. You turned around and looked at him over your shoulder, relaxing your face as he took a few more pictures before putting the camera down. “Go and get the bath ready.” He grabbed your hand and kissed the back of it.

You loved the tub you had, big enough for the both of you and the water was hot enough as you added bubbles. You removed your makeup beforehand, tied your hair up on top of your head and stripped before stepping into the hot bath, sighing heavily at the warmth it brought to your body. With your back leaned against the back of the tub, you closed your eyes for a second before opening them, hearing Tae step into the bathtub with you and sit across from you. 

“I want to show you something. I have a surprise for you.” He pulled you closer, your legs on either side of his body. What did he have up his sleeve? “Close your eyes.” He whispered and you did just that. Keeping your hands on the sides of the tub until he told you to open them and what you saw shocked you. You couldn’t believe what you were looking at as he held open a small box for you. A box that held an emerald cut sapphire ring with white gold diamonds surrounding it. It sparkled against the light and you looked at Tae, already on the verge of tears. 

“I know when we first got together, we had no idea what the other would be like. I know it’s been only a couple of months but I feel like I’ve known you for a long time, Y/N. If I had known you before, I wouldn't have been prepared but it took me a while to find something that I know you’d love. I know we’re already married but I want others to know how serious I am, more importantly, I want you to know how important you are to me. Kim Y/N, will you wear this ring for me? As a symbol of our marriage?” He asked. Blinking a few times, the non stop tears flowing, you stared at him before looking down at the ring again and nodding. His boxy smiled made an appearance as he took the ring out of the box, putting it on the floor next to the tub and sliding the ring onto your left ring finger. 

“This is so beautiful, even without it I’d be okay with anything, ring or not...wow.” You stared at the ring on your finger before wrapping your arms around him and pressing a kiss to his lips. “I love it and I love you, Kim Taehyung.” He kept his hands on your lower back, rubbing your noses together before kissing you again. 

It was a very long time until you two decided to get out of the now freezing cold bath. Half of the water was outside of the tub during the passionate moment you two shared together but once you both were dressed for  bed, you cleaned up the water on the floor before sliding into bed together. Staring at the ring, you didn’t realize how big it was, it was huge! Taking it off your finger, you placed it on the nightstand and turned off the light, wrapping yourself up in Tae once again to go to bed.

“One more thing, Y/N, before you go to bed.” He looked down at you in the dark and you hummed, your eyes closed but you were awake. “I’ve arranged some activities for us next week, since I’ll have the week off. Just a few things I’ve wanted to do with you.” You opened your eyes. “What kind of activities?” You asked. He grinned. “It’s a surprise. I want to surprise you, especially since you’ve had to adjust so much while being here. I want to take you to where I grew up, but I won’t tell you anymore than that.” 

“Okay, I’m both excited and nervous.” You let out a breathy laugh and kissed his chest. “I can’t wait. Goodnight, Tae.” You mumbled. He pulled the blanket up a little more over you and kissed the top of your head. 

“Goodnight, Y/N..”

[youllneverknowrac]

Oscar Diaz-Birthday Bash Pt.2

(Momma Bear Series)

When you finish getting dolled up, a breezy summer dress now on your body you head to the back yard, all of your kids outside helping Ruby decorate the backyard, including Cesar. Minus Alexander of course who sat happily in Jasmines arms as she watched her boyfriend command everything into perfection. Oscar working on firing the grill up.

“Hey girl, you look good.” The still crazy outgoing girl, now women compliments when you walk up to her.

“Thanks, so do you. Love the earrings. So where’s Monse?” You ask as you take a seat next to her,”Jamal?”

“Jamal is showing up after he gets off of work and Monsé couldn’t couldn’t make it. Something about her dad and his ankle this morning, I don’t know.” She shrugs, making faces down at Alex.

“That’s too bad.” You say sadly,”I’ll ask Cesar to find out what exactly happened.” Looking around as your backyard is slowly getting covered inch by inch in party decor,”I don’t know why Ruby hasn’t become a official party planner.” You joke

“Because I would go crazy with how stressed to the max he would be all the time. I don’t need that in my life and neither does nobody else.” She laughs, letting you think it over before agreeing with her statement.

“Okay true.” You say, making small talk with her before your husbands voice grabs your attention.

“Yo birthday boy! Bring daddy a beer.” You hear Oscar yell from across the yard, Angel sitting down and trying his best to blow up a balloon.

“Uh no!” You call out quickly to him, standing up and doing it yourself,”Don’t have our three year old bring you alcohol.” You scold playfully as you shove the can to his chest when you reach him.

“Aye, I’m fucking thirsty mama.” Oscar defends as he grabs the beer and pops the tab, the grill heating up,”Besides he’s a big boy now right? So I gave him a big boy task.”

“You’re so annoying.” You laugh and turn to walk away, Oscar smacking your ass roughly,”Stop.” You squeal, running away to go make yourself useful. Oscar’s loud laugh filling your ears.

“Hey boys.” You smile, watching as Cesar and Ruby secure the yellow plastic cover over one of the rental tables, your kids doing the same at another one.

“Y/N.” They both say in unison, offering a smile to follow

“Can I do anything to help out?” You ask

“No. We got this.” Your brother in law says, Ruby holding his finger up in disapproval.

“Actually, I noticed you guys didn’t have any dip or sauce for the snack table so if you could whip something up that would make everything look a lot more presentable. Thank you.”

“Right. Dip, I’m on it.” You smile and wave them off, running inside as Jasmine follows in,”If you want to set him down, his rocker is in the living room.” You tell her, pulling out a large bowl from the cabinets.

“I guess, he’s asleep anyway.” She says and puts him down before joining you,”Want me to help?”

“Sure. I have a basket of avocados and tomatoes in the fridge, I may have some limes and cilantro as well.” You tell her, Jasmine nodding.

The two of you work swift and quick around the kitchen, working as one and before you know it a beautiful bowl of guacamole is prepared. You glance at the clock on the wall as you make your way outside again, the party almost about to start. You admire the transformation in front of you, a huge grin on your face. The slide taking up most of your yard, a little kiddie pool set up for the younger kids, the speaker now blasting music, and baby shark decorations covering every inch.

“Ruby!” You say happily as you set the bowl down outside near the chips,”Everything is so perfect. You’re the best.”

“It was a bit of work, but I’m glad you like it.” He grins, fixing the collar on his button up shirt,”I’ll take my payment please. I’m now accepting cashapp as well.”

“You can talk to my husband about that one.” Motioning over to him as he worked on filling large foil trays with patty’s and sausages.

“I will do that...um no problem.” Ruby’s says and takes off in that direction, his fiancée following. Knowing that Ruby still had a unresolved nervous tick when it came to talking to Oscar sometimes.

“Hey Uncle Cesar.” You call out as you walk over to sit by the kiddie pool, watching Angel play. The older boys already making use of the slides.

“What’s up?”

“Can you please go get your nephew from the living room and then come tell me why Monse hasn’t been coming around anymore?” You ask

“Fine. Only cause I know you’re going to keep bugging me about it.” He groans, darting off inside the house.

“Mommy? I want to go on the big slide.” Angel says from the pool,”But I’m a wittle scared.” He admits shyly

“The slides for you papi. You don’t need to be be scared. Go ask Ant or JJ to help you, I’m sure they will.”

“Okay.” He grins excitedly, pushing the curls off his face before he goes in search of his big brothers.

One at a time, people start showing up to the party, Cesar joining you a few minutes later,”Had to change him, it was a messy one.” He says, handing over the fussy baby.

“Thanks.” You smile and let Alex chew on your knuckle as he brings it to his mouth,”So where is your long time girlfriend at?”

“She’s always busy with work and her dad, I don’t know. We’re just sort of drifting apart. That doesn’t mean she didn’t want to come today though, her dad messed up his ankle and she’s staying with him for a few days.” He explains, not being one to beat around the bush when it came to you.

“Why are you letting it drift apart then stupid?” You ask him with a raised eyebrow,”You can’t let adult shit keep you guys from being together. You guys are endgame, like me and Oscar.”

“I know, it’s just hard. And I don’t want it to be hard. I know we’ll get through it though, we always do. I just have to give her some space and she has to do the same for me. You know we’ve always been like that, it’s just how out relationship works.”

“It shouldn’t work like that though. You guys are 24 now, it’s time to buckle down. Don’t you agree to some extent?” You say with a small smile,”I’m not trying to tell you what to do, but I’ve been in your life since you were 5. I care about you and love you. I just don’t want you to waste the best years of your life with Monse just for it to go no where, same for her. You both deserve a happy stable relationship.” A flashback popping into your mind of when you were 15 and Oscar brought you over to his house for the first time ever and you met a certain little Diaz brother.

“I know hermana, and I appreciate it but I don’t want to talk about this. At least not today. Okay?”

“Okay.” You sigh, changing your mood,”Now, go enjoy that really expensive slide with your nephews please. They missed you.”

“Will do.” He smiles and walks around to join the boys.

You sit back in the chair and enjoy the sun, watching as your back yard gets filled by the minute. Jamal managing to get off of work a bit earlier and picking up his growing family on the way, not really a surprise to you that he ended up being a young dad as well whenever Kendra got pregnant in their final year of college.

“Is that the Mrs.Oscar Diaz?” You hear him joke as he walks over with a pregnant Kendra and two year old daughter in his arms.

“Why yes it is.” You laugh and do a little shoulder shimmy. Standing up and placing Alex in the kiddy pool before you go over to hug the both of them.

“How have you guys been?” You grin from ear to ear,”How’s the parent life treating you?” You ask along with a bunch of other questions, always having loved the chats you shared with them. They make conversation with you for a while before going over to sit with Ruby and Jasmine, their daughter now sitting in the pool with Alex and two other baby’s from the neighborhood. After asking one of the other moms to keep a eye on Alex, you walk back over to Oscar. Standing on the other side of the grill this time, not wanting to feel his hand on your backside again.

“Where’s my food chef?” You joke as you push all of your hair to one shoulder.

“Aye, I’m going as fast as I can mami. Lot’s of people asking me for food around here.” He says with a wave of the spatula, his forehead covered in sweat.

“I’m sure Cesar wouldn’t mind taking over.” You suggest

“Do you want our kids party to end in flames? He ain’t coming no where near my grill.”

“You’re right.” You giggle in agreement,”But I think you’ve made enough to hold people over for a while.” You say after taking a look at both trays filled with meat,”Come enjoy the party. Please.”

“Only for a bit.” He says, switching the fire off before coming around to join you.

“Yay.” You cheer softly and wrap your arms around him when he’s in arms reach,”Let’s get some of the food you worked so hard on.”

“Gladly.” He says and pecks your lips before releasing you and reaching for a plate as you do the same. Once the two of you are satisfied you go back to your original spot by the pool and take a seat, Oscar by your side as you both talk and eat. Him being the one to discard of the trash when you’re both full and have had enough. When he returns he has a crying Carlos in his arms, clinging to his neck.

“Oh my god, what happened?” You ask quickly, letting Oscar place the six year old boy in you lap as you hold him to your chest.

“He fell, got a little cut on his knee. He’ll be okay but he wanted me to bring him to you. He said he’ll believe he’s okay when you say it.” Oscar informs you as he sits back down,”Apparently I don’t know shit about cuts so he’s got to hear it from the expert. Which would be mommy.” He chuckles.

“Shut up.” You say followed by a large eye roll before you cater to your son,”Does it hurt papi?” You ask him softly as you stroke his damp hair back

“A little. Is my leg going to fall off mommy?” He asks, little sniffles still coming from him.

“No. It’s not going to fall off.” You laugh and kiss his forehead,”You’re going to be all okay. I promise. Just sit with me for a few minutes and rest your leg. Then you can go play again, sound good?” You ask him

“Sounds good.” He answers quickly and lays his head against you, letting you cuddle him. You know people loved to judge you about how you ‘baby’ your kids but you didn’t care. They were your baby’s and always will be. Oscar actually liking that you treated them with such love and affection since it was something he never had growing up,”I feel better mommy, can I go now?” He asks not even two minutes later.

“Yes, just be careful.” You tell him seriously before letting him down from your lap, watching him take off back to the slide at a super speed.

“Must be nice. I pick him up, clean the cut and put the bandaid on, but you get all the love and credit.” Oscar comments next to you, a grin on his face.

“They are mommas boys, you should have gave me a girl if you wanted love and credit.” You smile and reach for his hand.

“We still have a few years of trying left in us. We can always get that girl. Maybe I’ll have a gift for you tonight and she’ll get here sooner rather than later.”

“Yeah right. The only person getting gifts is Angel and if your so called ‘gift’ ever comes near me again it better be wrapped. No baby’s here. Ever again.” You tell him seriously as you point to your stomach,”Five and done.”

“Sure.” He says smugly, taking a sip from the beer can.

“Damn right I’m sure. What the hell would we look like with six kids? Plus Junior is going to be 18 soon, we would have an adult for a kid and a newborn. You’re crazy.” You laugh

“We would look like a normal Hispanic family and we wouldn’t have to pay for a babysitter.” He laughs in return,”Besides I’m not being totally serious, I’m just messing with you.”

“Good.” You say and squeeze his hand,”I’m glad we’re on the same page. Now let’s cut the cake and then we can do presents.”

“Yeah just what we need, more monster trucks and fake tools laying around the house.” Oscar laughs as he stands up, helping you to your feet. The present table over flowing with boxes and gifts bags.

“I’ll just get rid of his old toys, he won’t even notice. I’ll get the baby and you go get the cake. Or do you want to switch?” You ask

“Switch.” He grins, already walking past you to pick up Alexander. You smile and head inside, grabbing the cake and cupcakes, along with a lighter. Oscar loudly instructing everybody to gather around, Angel rushing to the center of the table and climbing up on the chair.

“Cake! Hurry mommy.” He says excitedly with a clap of his hands.

“I’m coming.” You tell him and you hurry over and set everything down in front of him, lighting the three candles before stepping back.

“Nobody better smash his head into anything! Now sing!” Oscar quickly adds in before the famous birthday song commences, everybody keeping their hands to themselves when it comes to a end. A loud cheer erupts when he blows out the flame, Angel over joyed at this.

You help pass out the treats, letting everybody have time to eat before moving onto gifts. The rest of the part continuing to be just as perfect and lasting until late at night. Most of the kids passed out in random places around your house as the parents enjoy themselves until you nicely kick them all out.

~

“Thanks again for staying to clean up.” You thank Cesar at the door,”get home safely. Love you.”

“Love you guys.” He says, heading to his car after and driving away. You yawn tiredly and lock up, the time reading a little past one in the morning now. The older boys just going to bed a few minutes ago, wanting to enjoy the slide for as long as they could since it was being picked up early in the morning. Angel and Alex already in your bed and absolutely drained from today’s activities.

“I think that’s everything.” Oscar slurs as he comes in through the back door with another garbage bag filled with trash. He sets it down in the kitchen with all the others before stumbling towards you,”I’ll take it all out in the morning.”

“That’s okay with me.” You giggle and help him walk to your guys bedroom,”Drank a bit too much huh?”

“Just a bit.” He laughs,”But I still managed to clean the yard up pretty well.”

“You did. I’ll give you that.”

“I’m so tired mami, I need sleep.” He groans, kicking his shoes off and not bothering with his clothes as he goes over to the bed.

“Careful. The boys are asleep already.” You remind him, already undressing yourself and pulling a t-shirt over your body, Oscar grumbling in understanding. Showering could just wait until tomorrow. You join them in bed, your eyes already closing before your head even hits the pillow. Today being long, hectic, tiring, and happy all rolled into one. Knowing that in just a few more months you would be throwing another party and then another after that. Which was all okay with you, you loved your boys and their birthdays were something you took pride in making special. This was the life you signed up for after all with five kids and what not.

[talesfromthesnogbox]

A Love Story in 10 Parts

Summary: After Eddie and Richie fell in love, how did they not see their daughter falling for her best friend? 

“They’re taking bets on when Sam and Maggie are gonna get together.” Bill piped up, a shit-eating grin on his face.

Stan spluttered. “Excuse me?” 

“I have to say man, your kid is a real Cassanova.” Mike raised his eyebrows watching the two sway.

Word Count: 7,974

Notes: This is a continuation of "Richie Tozier and the Birth of His Child". You don't have to read it to know what's happening, but there's a few nods back to it! The fic is the brainchild of my headcanon "what if Reddie's kid fell in love with Stanpat's kid?" Anyways, I've plopped in two references to two of my favourite mid-2000's movies, 10 points if you can find them! Enjoy!

Tagging: @richietoaster

AO3

A Love Story in 10 Parts

I

The house was clean, the fridge was stocked, and six month old Maggie was nearing the end of her nap. Perfect timing as her aunts and uncles of the Losers club were finally coming down for a late baby shower.

“Hey Eds, you have the dip—”

“For the veggie platter? Still in the fridge.”

“And the wine—”

“Shiraz is on the counter, Moscato is in the fridge chilling. There’s some beer and cider chilling as well.”

Richie nodded, taking stock of the kitchen, pristine for the first time since Maggie’s arrival.

“Good, good. Why do I feel like I’m forgetting something?”

Eddie chuckled. “Well the guest of honour is getting her beauty rest.”

Richie grinned. “Right, can’t forget her. No, I’m forgetting something that’s right under my nose… or rather it will be in a second.” He leaned down to kiss his fiancée. “Can’t forget to tell you how much I love you before the others get here.”

Eddie frowned. “You’re gross.” He muttered just before the doorbell rang.

“But you love it!” Richie called out in a sing-song voice, rushing to let his friends in.

Unsurprisingly, it was Stan and his little family to arrive first.

“Stan the man! Welcome dude, come on in guys.” He caught little Sam’s eye, but the boy quickly shied away.

“Hey Sammy, do you remember who that is? It’s Richie!” Patty asked, brushing the boy’s hair back.

“Chee.” The boy whispered, sending Richie into a fit of giggles.

“Oh my god he’s huge! How’s it going little buddy?” Richie waggled his finger in front of the 18 month old’s face.

“You know, ever the explorer. Just like his mum.” Stan said waltzing into Richie and Eddie’s house. “Where’s the little princess?”

Eddie chuckled as Stan mocked Richie. Ever since Maggie was born, Richie had become so attached to her. He’d taken to calling her his “little princess” in their group chat. None of the other Losers quite understood it, not even Eddie really, but it was entirely endearing to watch how enamored he was with his daughter.

“Just you wait till you have a girl Staniel, then you’ll get it.”

“I somehow doubt I will.”

Richie ran off to collect Maggie, and when he came down, he had a full house.

“Wow, you all showed up on time!”

The Losers chattered and giggled, all catching up with the others, passing Maggie around.

The infant was already in love with Beverly, of course, being her biological mother, but she was also quite taken with Mike. Eddie had to admit, the man had a gift with children.

While Mike held Maggie, Bill couldn’t help but notice that Sam had become rather interested in the little girl.

“Mama,” he whispered, “baby.”

“That’s right sweetheart. Would you like to see the baby?” Sam nodded and turned on his mother’s lap to face Mike.

Mike turned Maggie, and the moment her eye caught Sam’s, a wide smile took over her face.

Bill chuckled at the two youngest Losers as he looked between them. “How did she somehow make Trashmouth’s smile adorable? I just don’t get how she’s Richie’s kid and so cute.”

“Looks like someone else thinks she’s cute too.” Mike said glancing pointedly at Sam.

“Aww, Sammy’s got a crush!”

Richie scoffed. “Please, I will not tolerate any heteronormativity in this house. He’s not even two.”

Stan rolled his eyes, while Patty let out a snort.

 II

 Two and a half years went by, and the Toziers were finally tying the knot.

The day had come, and everything was perfect. Both Eddie and Richie had custom suits made by the one and only Beverly Marsh-Hanscom, and little Maggie even got her own Marsh Original. She couldn’t stop twirling in her little white flower girl’s dress, looking back in the mirror every time she caught a glimpse of the oversized bow fastened to her back.

“Why do you have flowers?” Sam, now four years old, asked her, poking her arm.

“Because I’m the flower girl. I have to put out the flowers so Papa can find Daddy at the end of the aisle.”

“Well why do I have to carry rings? What if I want to carry flowers?”

“Because you’re the ring bear. You have an important job.”

“Why is it a ring bear?” Sam asked, playing with the flower crown on Maggie’s head.

“I don’t know, I don’t make the rules.”

The girl turned around when she heard a gasp coming from behind her. “Wow sweetheart.”

“Papa!” Maggie squealed, running into Eddie’s arms.

“You look like a princess.” He kissed her forehead. “Have you gone to see Daddy yet?” She shook her head no. “Well you should go see him before it’s time to start.” Eddie put her down and watched her run off in her little tulle skirt towards the other little room across the hall where Richie was.

“Daddy!” She ran right into Richie, hugging his leg.

“Hey my little princess, let me take a good look at you.” Maggie flashed a signature Tozier smile up at her dad, and it brought tears to his eyes. “Wow, look at how beautiful my little baby is.” He picked her up and the tears started falling.

“Oh my god Trashmouth, don’t tell me you’re crying again.” Bev walked up to Richie, pressing a kiss to Maggie’s cheek and handing him a handkerchief.

“Daddy, don’t cry, why are you sad?”

He sniffed. “I’m not sad baby, I’m happy, these are happy tears.”

“Dry your eyes bridezilla, the ceremony is gonna start in a few minutes.”

Richie gave Maggie one last kiss on the cheek and she ran to meet Sam again in the hallway.

The music started, and the crowed “aww’d” as the two walked down the aisle. Maggie, being an absolute ham, smiled with her rosy cheeks dropping rose petals in her path until her and Sam reached the end of the aisle.

There wasn’t a dry eye at the ceremony as Eddie walked down the aisle towards Richie. Richie’s parents held onto Maggie’s hand tight, but as Eddie began to approach the altar, she let out a wail.

“Maggie?” Both Eddie and Richie looked her way to see the girl sniffling, her shoulders moving, but no tears falling.

“Maggie are you okay baby?” Richie bent down to caress her face.

“Yeah Daddy, I’m happy crying!” the congregation laughed, and Richie kissed her cheek before rejoining his groom at the altar.

The ceremony was short and sweet, and Eddie came by to pick up Maggie in his arms before walking back down the aisle with his new husband. The little girl smiled as she saw her basket of rose petals left behind for Sam on her chair.

Photos followed the ceremony, and just as Richie had suspected, Maggie was totally in her element. She was a Tozier through and through, dramatic, witty, and absolutely adored being the center of attention. She listened to everything the photographer said, even didn’t complain when Sam left a wet kiss on her rosy cheek in one of the snaps.

Sam’s favourite part of the day came a little later… the dancing. This was both Maggie and Sam’s first wedding, and neither child had experienced the joy of an open dance floor.

Sam pulled her into a slow sway as Richie and Eddie took to the floor for their first dance, and as much as the Losers wanted to watch Richie and Eddie finally get their happy ever after (and their shit together, it took them entirely too long to come to their senses about how they felt towards each other), they couldn’t take their eyes off the two kids on the dance floor.

“Something tells me this is foreshadowing for the future.” Mike whispered to Bill, Ben and Bev.

“You think?” Bill took a sip of his beer.

The four of them watched intently as Maggie rested her cheek on Sam’s shoulder.

“Oh yeah, definitely.” Ben laughed.

“But if she’s anything like her dads, and her godfather, she’ll be sixty before she says anything to him.” Bev poked Ben’s side.

Ben glowered at his wife. “They won’t end up like those two idiots. Stan had a ring on Patty’s finger before they even finished college.”

“What did I do now?” Stan and a mildly pregnant Patty took their seats at the table.

“They’re taking bets on when Sam and Maggie are gonna get together.” Bill piped up, a shit-eating grin on his face.

Stan spluttered. “Excuse me?”

“I have to say man, your kid is a real Cassanova.” Mike raised his eyebrows watching the two sway.

“Alright, I’m gonna need another drink.”

 III

 Stan, Patty, Sam and their youngest Abigail had all moved down to Santa Monica shortly after the Tozier wedding. Maggie loved showing her best friend Sam (and new friend Abby) all the fun things they could do at the beach.

Now that Maggie and Sam were older, about to start 9th and 10th grade, all the adults agreed the beach was great for their independence, especially since Richie and Eddie had just bought a big house that backed onto it. The teens could have their privacy, and Eddie could make sure they were safe without hovering too much.

Usually Maggie was the first to get the door when she knew Sam was coming over, but today, it was Eddie that answered.

“Hey Sammy, I think Mags is sitting out on the deck.”

“Oh, okay. Thanks Eddie.” The boy wandered through the house and out the backdoor to find his friend with her head in her hands.

“Maggie?”

“Don’t look at me, I’m hideous!”

Sam frowned. Maggie wasn’t hideous; sure he teased her about the size of her teeth, and her unruly brown hair, but she was fourteen and in her awkward stage… and far from hideous in his humble opinion. He and his family had gone to visit his grandparents in Maine for the month of July, and he was anxious to see her and catch up. He’d really missed his friend, awkward stage and all. “What the hell are you talking about?”

She turned to him with tears in her eyes, tears that had been obscured by a pair of tortoise-shell glasses.

“Hey, you got glasses!” He rubbed her shoulder. “They look good.”

“No, they don’t! I look like such a freak.”

“Oh come on, wearing glasses doesn’t make you a freak, your dad wears glasses.”

She looked up to him, shooting daggers through her eyes.

“Okay, you have a point, your dad is kind of a freak. But hey, who called you a freak?”

“N-nobody.”

Sam’s heart broke at how quiet the stuttered word was. “Seriously Mags, who called you a freak?”

She was silent for a moment. “Liam Donahue.”

Liam. I’m gonna kick his ass. Sam thought, seeing red. He lived down the street from Sam and Maggie, and in summers past, he’d hung out with the two of them. He’d all but disappear once the school year started up again, but neither of them really cared, they just liked having people their age to hang around with on their break. “W-what happened?”

“Well I asked him this morning if he wanted to grab lunch with me after my appointment, and he said yes. But when I met up with him at the diner, he… he…”

Sam pushed her hair away from her face. “What’d he say Mags?”

“He laughed in my face. Told me I looked like a four-eyed freak. I guess one of the girls from the soccer team told him I had a crush on him a-and he got spooked.” She sniffed, rubbing her eyes under her glasses.

“What an asshole.” Sam shook his head. Why couldn’t Liam see what a great girl Maggie was? She was smart, unapologetically herself, witty, absolutely adorable… he would be lying to himself if he said he didn’t have a slight crush on his best friend. “You’re not a freak Maggie, you’re my best friend. Don’t listen to Liam and those other dickheads, you’re way too good for him.”

“Really?”

“I promise. Now come on, I think I saw your dad brought stuff home for s’mores.”

 IV

 The conversation Richie had overheard about that jackass Liam Donahue was now years behind them, and the Tozier couple was now leaving their daughter behind at Berkeley. The first hour of their five-hour drive back to Santa Monica was quiet, but as soon as hour two hit, Richie became a blubbering mess.

“I just can’t believe we just moved her into college. College Eddie!”

“Yes, Richie, that tends to happen after kids turn 18.” Eddie was sad to see their daughter go too, but he trusted her, and he knew that despite all the worrying he did before she was born, they’d raised her well.

“B-but what if… what if something happens? What if someone tries to hurt her, or what if she gets homesick and wants your homemade pizza?”

“Rich you’re starting to sound like my mother.” Richie’s blubbering halted. “Maggie is a smart girl. We’re only a phone call away from her, she isn’t that far, and besides, she’s got Sam with her.”

Sam had taken a year off between high school and college to work and save up money for school. When he’d found out both he and Maggie had gotten early acceptance to UC Berkeley, everyone was over the moon that the two best friends would be together.

“Sam’s been good to her Rich, he won’t let anything happen to our Mags.”

Richie nodded. “I hate it when you’re right.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure your little princess will call you all the time.”

As always, Eddie was right.

Maggie made sure to check in every night, whether it was through their family group chat, weekly FaceTimes, or simple texts, but one Friday evening, Richie didn’t hear from her.

“Eds, did Maggie text you last night?” Richie asked, snuggling his husband closer in their bed on that lazy Saturday morning.

“No, why?”

“Nothing, I just haven’t heard from her.” Richie frowned and pulled out his phone, texting her privately. Hey my little princess, I miss you. Everything OK?

It wasn’t until noon that he heard back from his daughter.

“Hey princess, are you alright?” He answered the incoming FaceTime call. She looked like hell.

“Yeah… no… not really… I’m pretty sure I have a wicked hangover.”

Richie laughed out loud, taking in her ruffled appearance and the dark circles under her eyes. “Yeah, college will do that to you.” A weight lifted off his shoulders as she giggled along with him. “Big party last night?”

“Yeah dad, it was wild. Now that midterms are over, I think we all needed to let loose.”

He nodded in agreement. “You’re partying responsibly though, right?”

Maggie rolled her eyes. “Yes dad, I knew my limit and stopped within it.”

“That’s my girl.”

“Hey dad… is pops around by any chance?” Her eyes shifted downward suspiciously.

“No, we’re having the Losers over tonight so he popped out to grab some snacks. I can get him to call you ba—”

“No! No, it’s fine. I just… something happened last night and I’d rather him not really know right now. You… you know how he is.”

Richie’s heart sunk, but he kept a straight face to not alarm her. “Yeah, yeah I know. What is it sweetie?”

“Well… I um… I kind of… kissed Sam… last night.”

He let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in. “Oh… is that right? A-and how do you feel about that?”

“I dunno, I mean, he’s my first kiss, he’s my best friend. What if… will things get weird?”

Richie shook his head. “You can’t think of it that way. Things will only get weird if you let it get weird. Have I ever told you about my first kiss?” She shook her head. “Well, surprisingly enough, it was with pops.”

She scoffed. “What? I thought you guys didn’t get together until you were like… 25 or something.”

“We didn’t, but it was a spin-the-bottle situation. Bill threw a party, and he was really trying to impress this girl, so he started spin-the-bottle, and of course, I landed on short and angry. We kissed, my heart soared, but we all thought he was straight, so I played it off as a joke rather than telling him how I felt.”

“So I should play it off as a joke?”

“No! I mean, if you don’t have feelings for him, then don’t say anything about it, but if you do… you should tell him sweetie.”

Maggie sighed. “But… but dad… what if he doesn’t like me back?”

Richie’s heart swelled. As much as his little girl growing up so fast saddened him, it was sweet that they could share the experience of being in love with their childhood friend. “That’s the risk you take when you put yourself out there. It’s your choice, you don’t have to say anything now, or tomorrow, or even a month from now, but if you really like him, I think you should tell him. Trust me, I think his answer will surprise you.” Richie knew for a fact that his answer would surprise her. He saw the way they looked at each other, Richie may have been blind to his own love life at his daughter’s age, but now that he was past that, he could clearly see how much Sam cared for her.

“Thanks dad.”

Richie kept his lips sealed tight when Eddie returned, he even didn’t say anything when their friends arrived, but Richie couldn’t be trusted with a secret around alcohol.

“How are the kids doing at school?” Mike asked after spilling the beans on the woman he’d met while travelling in Vancouver.

“Sam’s great, he loves his program!” Patty gushed.

Richie chuckled. “Yeah, Mags is great too. Even better after last night though, right Staniel?”

Stan looked at him confusedly. “What?”

“Mags and Sam? Sharing a little smoochy smoochy time?”

“Wait, what?” Both Eddie and Stan shouted. Patty and the rest of the Losers couldn’t contain their laughter.

“You t-totally called that at their wedding!” Bill high-fived Mike as their laughter died down.

“Oh fuck, I was not supposed to tell you that.”

 V

 Richie was lucky that the Losers loved him enough to keep Maggie’s secret. Nobody had spoken a word about it, at least not until the Christmas break the next year.

Their 19 year old had only been home for all of two days, but Richie was already dreading bringing her back to Berkeley.

“You’re so dramatic, she doesn’t go back until January, Rich. Get some sleep, it’s three in the morning.”

Richie yawned and started to doze off when a thump coming from Maggie’s bedroom made them jolt up.

“Mags?” Richie was out of bed in an instant, with Eddie hot on his feet. They burst into their daughter’s room, only to find out she wasn’t alone.

“Sam?”

He spluttered. “Uhhhh, hi Mr. Tozier… Mr. Tozier.”

Maggie groaned as the lights came up and the two tried to hide how disheveled they (and the bedsheets) were.

“Care to explain why you’re in Maggie’s room, without a shirt, at three in the morning?” Eddie crossed his arms, trying to look intimidating in a pair of boxer briefs and one of Richie’s old tour shirts.

“Well, um… you see…”

“Dad, pops! Stop it! I invited him over.”

“Okay, but that still doesn’t explain why you’re shirtless, Sam. Unless this has something to do with what happened last year?” Eddie’s eyebrows raised.

“Last year… Oh my god, dad did you say something?”

Richie winced. “Sorry sweetie.”

“Ugh!” Maggie let out a huff of frustration. “Dad! How could you?”

“I know, I’m sorry I fucked up, but you shouldn’t be… sneaking around Mags. I thought we could talk about this kind of stuff.”

“I’m sorry Dad.”

Eddie shook his head. “Put a shirt on Sam, I’m calling your dad.”

Sam followed Eddie out of the room, his head hung low. Richie stayed back for a second and threw a quick thumbs up at Maggie. “I’m proud of you for saying something to him sweetie, but next time, please don’t sneak around, just… ask if he can stay the night.”

“Really, you’d let my boyfriend stay the night?”

“Well… no, I wouldn’t, but hold on, boyfriend?”

She blushed. “Yeah, we um, we got together when the semester started.”

Richie’s heart swelled. As disappointed as he was that she kept something like this from them, he couldn’t help but root for her. “You can tell me about it later, I’m sure we’ll be spending all the time in the world together while you’re grounded.” He kissed her on the head and joined his husband downstairs.

Stan was just as grumpy as Richie thought he’d be when he and Patty arrived.

He looked at his son, a tired expression on his face. “You, car, now.” Sam skittered off past his parents towards the car.

“I’m so sorry guys, he must’ve snuck out after we went to bed.” Patty shook her head apologetically.

“It’s fine guys. Sam’s a good kid, I think it was more Maggie’s persuasion that got him over here if I’m being honest.” Eddie laughed. “Man that whole intimidation thing was fun though.”

The four adults spluttered trying to contain their laughter at the situation.

“So… they’re dating?” Stan questioned.

“Yep, since September it sounds like.” Richie confirmed.

“Fuck, that makes us in-laws, doesn’t it?” Stan rubbed his eyes.

“Fuck! That means Bill and Mike were actually right!” Patty shook her head.

 VI

 After that fateful December night, Sam became an even more permanent fixture in the Tozier household.

Maggie had never dated at all before Sam; everything was new territory to her, and to her parents. She now had this dreamy eyed look on her face on nights where she facetimed them after he’d left, and her Instagram was filled with pictures of the two of them, smiling and in love.

“They look rather cozy in that one, don’t you think?” Eddie pointed out, looking at her Instagram story over his shoulder.

“Yeah… they do. Do you think they’re being safe?”

“What? The hell do you mean—” Eddie’s brow furrowed.

“Well I never taught her about protection, I thought you had that covered!”

“I—” Maggie’s face popped up on his screen as her facetime request came in. “Fuck. Hi sweetie!”

“Hey pops, hi dad. Sam just left, I thought I’d see what you two were up to.”

“You’re being safe, right?”

Eddie’s eyes widened and he playfully slapped his husband’s chest. “Richard! You… you can’t just—”

“Dad!”

“What! It’s a valid concern, Stan would kill me if he became a grandfather at the ripe old age of 35.”

She rolled her eyes. “Okay, 35 sure.”

“Well honey, you have a boyfriend now, you know you can call us if you have any questions… or if you need anything… some snacks, a condom…” Richie baited.

“Yes, because you two know so much about hetero sex.”

“Hey, I was a closeted comedian until I was 25, I know plenty about heterosexual relations.”

“You do?” Eddie eyed him carefully.

“Okay… so I’m not a great liar, but I’m a great listener and I have Bev on speed dial.”

Maggie giggled. “Thanks dad, but I think I’ll leave the girl talk to mom, if that’s okay?”

“Of course, sweetie. Your dad and I are always here if you want to talk, but we understand if you’d rather talk to Bev about this stuff.”

“Thanks pops.”

Richie and Eddie took everything Maggie threw at them growing up in stride, but were so incredibly thankful for her and Bev’s strong bond, especially once she became a teenager. They did all the hard lifting, explaining everything, and doing all the research to teach their girl, but Eddie will always remember the panicked phone call on that rainy Sunday morning standing in the drug store staring at a wall of tampons, and could never thank Bev enough for her help.

 VII

 But of course, Bev couldn’t always be around to help.

Richie and Eddie were having a quiet Saturday morning brunch when they heard their front door slam. Their 24-year-old Maggie rushed up to her room, bag in tow, which was unusual, considering she and Sam had an apartment not far from them.

Shortly before graduation, the two of them had moved in together. Eddie loved Sam, he really did, but ever since that point, he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. He’d seen it for himself with many college friends of his… college relationships don’t always last. So when he heard that door slam shut… he had an idea of what was happening.

Eddie shot Richie a look, I’ll get her, and followed her up the stairs.

“Hey, hey baby, what’s wrong?”

“Hi pops… sorry for barging in, I just needed to get out of the apartment.”

“Don’t apologize, you know you’re always welcome here sweetie. Now tell me what happened.” He sat down beside her and rubbed her back as she leaned into him. Hot tears hit the collar of his t-shirt, and his eyes met Richie’s, now standing in her doorway. Eddie motioned him over, and he joined the two on the bed, patting his daughter’s hair.

“It’s Sam… he’s been so distant lately, and secretive. He gets so anxious every time I try to bring it up, and he brushes me off. Today he just… he just snapped. Went into our bedroom and shut the door, he didn’t even say anything. I think he’s hiding something from me, I think he’s cheating on me.”

The two fathers let her cry it out, until she was done with the tears. Maggie fell asleep in her childhood bed, and they left her to sleep it off.

Eddie let out a huff once they’d reached the main floor. “Man, she’s really heartbroken.”

“This is crazy, you know? I never saw those two breaking up.”

“Rich, he’s her college boyfriend, sometimes relationships just… run their course.”

Richie rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, I know that, but he was just here last week asking for my blessing to propose.”

Eddie looked at his husband incredulously. “WHAT?”

“What do you mean ‘what’?”

“You didn’t think to tell me about this, what?”

Richie scoffed. “Shut up, I so told you about this. Remember, we talked about it before bed on Monday… ohhh, your stupid talented mouth totally distracted me from telling you about that. Right.”

“Oh my god! I can’t believe you let me blow you when you were sitting on that information!”

“To be fair, you do tend to suck my soul through my dick, and it’s too good to pass up in the moment babe.”

“You’re disgusting!”

Just then, the doorbell rang. The two of them got up to see Sam on the other side.

“Hey Sam, I don’t really think it’s a good time—”

“Eddie, please, I need… I need to talk to her.” His hands shook as he pulled the little velvet box from his pocket. “I just… I was planning to do it this weekend, and I had this whole plan but then things started falling through one by one, and I wanted it to be perfect, I just got so stressed out—”

“Sam?”

The three men looked towards the top of the staircase to see Maggie standing there, tears in her eyes.

“Mags… please…” He fumbled with the box opening it and tuning out the three collective gasps heard by the Tozier family. “I love you, I love you so damn much, since we were kids.” He moved further into the foyer. “I’ve wanted this forever, from the first time we kissed, I knew you were it for me. Maggie Tozier, I love you, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”

Richie let out a choked sob, and Eddie knew he had to drag his husband away. He heard muffled voices talking lowly as he and Richie moved into the living room to give them some privacy, but it was only minutes later that a girlish giggle and a simple three letter word broke the room’s silence.

“Yes!”

Eddie met Richie’s eyes, tears now clearly welling up in both of them as they thought back on their own little love story. They had been older than Maggie and Sam by a few years, but god, they were just as stupid, and just as wrapped up and in love with each other.

“That’s our little girl, baby.” Richie pulled Eddie closer, and kissed the crown of his head.

“Yeah Rich, she’s all grown up.” Eddie wiped his eyes and moved away from Richie’s embrace. “I think I’ve got a bottle of champagne lying around from our anniversary, good time to crack it open.” He smiled as he rummaged about the kitchen.

 VIII

 Eddie was a totally hands-on wedding planner, but he wanted nothing to do with the dress. Dress shopping didn’t hold good memories for him, and he didn’t want to put a damper on Maggie’s day. Luckily Richie was practically bursting at the seams with joy at the thought of wedding dress shopping with Maggie.

The day of Maggie’s bridal appointment had come, and Richie had never felt more out of his element. The Beverly Hills shop was beautiful, soft grey walls, luxurious couches in front of huge mirrors and pedestals. Gowns lined the walls, and Richie suddenly felt panicked.

“Hey sweetie, you okay?” Bev grabbed his hand, and he nodded, taking a deep breath.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.”

“I know it’s hard seeing her grow up.” Bev smiled at him, and joined Patty and Abigail admiring a dress with a beautiful satin skirt.

Maggie was whisked away into the dressing room while her “entourage” took their seats, and minutes later she emerged. The dress wasn’t anything grand, it was a simple gown with a poofy skirt and a sparkly belt. The girls let out soft coos, showering the bride with compliments, but Richie was silent.

“Dad? What do you think?” Maggie turned around and met her father’s eyes, only to realize they had misted over. “Dad! You said you weren’t gonna cry today!”

Bev burst out laughing, pulling her best friend close and kissing his cheek. “Oh, be nice to your dear old dad, he just has a lot of feelings.”

“Sorry sweetie, you just look so beautiful.”

Patty pushed his hair back from his face. “Aw Rich, I can’t believe you made me lose fifty bucks to my husband.”

Bev gasped. “Patricia Uris!”

“Damn Patty, I thought you knew me better than that.”

“Well I thought you were gonna hold it together Trashmouth.”

The group agreed that while the dress was beautiful, it wasn’t the one for Maggie, so back to the dressing room she went.

Maggie tried on four more dresses, none of which were winners. It had been a long day, and the group was nearly ready to leave, but one dress in particular caught Richie’s eye.

It was simple, but beautiful. “Hey Bevvy, what do you think of this?” His large hands looked clunky against the delicate lace appliques, the dress was soft and flowy, and he thought it ticked all the boxes on his daughter’s wish list.

“Oh Rich, it’s amazing. I know the designer, why didn’t I think of putting her in something like this?”

Richie raised his brows. “Hey Mags, before we leave, could you just humour me and try this one on?”

The four of them took their seats on the couch when Maggie emerged in Richie’s dress looking like an absolute dream.

“Oh my god baby, you look incredible.” Bev was up right away, fussing with Maggie, fixing the dress, pinning her hair into a messy, fashionable bun and adding a veil.

“Dad?” She turned around, tears welling up as she met his eyes (which of course, were also watering).

“Mags.” His voice broke. Richie stood—the pedestal she stood on and her heels making her just above eye level with him—and took her hands. He stared at the girl, no, woman that stood before him, and didn’t even care when he heard the clicks of Bev’s and Patty’s phone cameras going off. “Maggie sweetie… wow.”

“I think this is my dress dad.”

 IX

 The next nine months flew by faster than anyone was prepared for, and soon enough, the day came where Margaret Tozier would be wed to Samuel Uris.

“We should get out of bed. She needs to get to the venue to start getting ready.” Richie lie wide awake on that beautiful Saturday morning beside his husband, who promptly smacked him on the chest.

“Shut the fuck up and go back to sleep, it’s six o’clock in the morning.” Eddie groaned and rolled away from him.

“But like… there’s so much shit to do, Eds. The flowers are going to be arriving soon, and the centerpieces, we can’t forget to put the seating chart up at the reception and help set up the favours table, and the photographer—”

“Doesn’t show up until noon. The ceremony starts at four, Rich. Florist won’t show up until one at the venue, and Mike and Bill already said they’d go help set up the ceremony space while Ben shows them the reception hall. Photographer shows up here at noon and another to Stan’s house around the same time. Mags and Bev will head to the venue for twelve-thirty with your mom, Patty and her mom, and the bridesmaids will get ready there. We show up at two-thirty for photos with our tuxes and a shitload of tissue. We’ve been over this babe, we got it down.”

Richie huffed out a breath, but nodded, turning on his side to spoon Eddie. “What would I do without you?”

“Drive yourself mad.”

He laughed. “You know my mom is giving Mags the diamond earrings she wore on her wedding day as her something old?”

“That’s beautiful, Rich. Bev told me she’s going to give her the brooch she had in her hair at her wedding for her something borrowed. Mags wanted to put it on her bouquet.”

Richie kissed the back of Eddie’s head. “I love that, she should have something of her mother’s with her. The dress is new, and her shoes are blue, so that covers the rest of it.”

“Perfect.” Eddie yawned. “Can you believe our baby is getting married today?”

“Not one bit. Remember when I accidentally spilled that Bev went into labour on a radio show?”

“Yes, you idiot. Oh god, you’re totally going to bring that up in your speech, aren’t you?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Richie snickered. “Of course I’m bringing it up, Stan was the first one to visit.”

“I forgot about that, he was, wasn’t he? Who would have thought we’d be here right now?”

“Crazy, isn’t it Eds?”

The two drifted off to sleep for a few more hours before Eddie’s alarm went off. They snuck down the stairs as quietly as they could to not wake Maggie, and prepared her a pancake breakfast spread. She’d spent the night at their house, not wanting to see Sam until she was meeting him at the altar.

“Morning baby girl, it’s your wedding day.” Eddie crept into her room, Richie following with the tray.

Their daughter greeted them with a watery smile. “I love you two so much.”

Richie set the tray down on her side table and jumped into bed with her, cuddling his girl to his chest as tears streamed down his face. “We love you too sweetie, I can’t believe how grown up you are.”

Eddie scootched into bed on her other side, stroking her hair lovingly. Once the tears had dried, and breakfast was eaten, Maggie got down to business.

“Mom just texted me, she’ll be here in an hour to pick me up. I’m bringing the veil, jewelry and Sam’s ring, but can you guys bring the dress and shoes? They’re both in the hall closet downstairs, all together in the garment bag.”

“Absolutely honey.”

“Perfect, I’m going to run a bath. Shoo, go relax or something!” Maggie gave them both kisses on their cheeks and pushed them out of her room.

Just as scheduled, Bev and the photographer arrived and snapped a few pictures of the strange little family in their home before the girls were whisked away to the venue. After the few minutes of chaos, a peaceful silence washed over the two.

“I definitely expected this morning to be crazier.” Richie huffed, playing with Eddie’s hair.

“Yeah, yeah I feel quite… relaxed.” Eddie stood, pulling his husband up with him. “Come on, we’re jumping in the shower before we put our tuxes on.”

“Together?” Richie gasped. “But Edward… I’ll see your… thingy.”

“Oh no, not the thingy.” Eddie deadpanned and dragged him up the stairs. “Get your mind out of the gutter Tozier, we’ve got important shit to do today.”

One (almost) uneventful shower later, the two of them were buttoning up their shirts and lacing their shoes. “God damnit Rich, Bev will kill us if we’re late.”

“Relax babe, we’ll be at the venue in plenty of time, it’s only two.”

He glared at Richie. “Yes, but I want to be able to actually walk my daughter down the aisle, asshole, my legs are still shaky.”

Richie snickered. “Hey man, you started it. Can’t get enough of this magical dick.”

“Fuck you. Let’s go, don’t forget your jacket.”

They locked the door and buckled their seatbelts, but as Richie pulled out of the driveway, Eddie shouted. “Wait! She asked us to grab the dress.”

“Fuck, right! Hold on, let me run up to her room to grab it.” Richie sprinted inside quickly, but when he got to Maggie’s room, there was no dress in sight. “Eds! She definitely took it with her. It’s not here.” He told his husband, wracking his brain to figure out where she put it.

“No she didn’t Richie! I saw them leave, she had her veil and jewelry box, no garment bag. She specifically asked us to bring the dress and shoes.”

Richie looked around her room perplexed. “But… but she has to have it… it’s not here.”

“Fuck.” Eddie looked around panicking. “Fuck! She’s gonna kill us!”

“Hey, Eddie, hey, calm down, we’ll find it.”

“No Richard, we won’t find it and our daughter’s entire day is going to be ruined, and it’s going to be all my fault! Maybe we should have got out of bed at six like you said we should, Richie I’m such an idiot, I have to call her, we have to tell Bev, she’ll know what to do, she’ll know someone who can whip up a dress in an hour—”

“Eds! Babe take a breath, please, you’re freaking me out here. Maggie told us where it was, try and think back.”

“She said a closet, but you said it’s not in her closet! Get back in there and check again.”

“Woah man, I’ve been out of it for too long, you can’t make me get back into the closet.” Richie joked.

“Shut the fuck up asshole, save the jokes for the toasts. I’m going to look again, you go look downstairs.”

The taller man nodded in agreement and kissed his husband’s forehead. His eyes scanned the open concept main floor of their home, looking for the glaringly obvious giant white garment bag and blue box, but couldn’t see anything in plain sight. He checked the spare bedroom, his office, dining room, cupboard, but nothing came up. Finally, he had one place left to look: the hall closet.

Richie felt his breath leave his chest and his heart stutter as he opened the closet to find exactly what he was looking for. “Eddie, search party is off, it’s down here!”

“Thank fuck!” Eddie came careening down the stairs and grabbed the shoebox as he dashed out the door.

When the two arrived, Bev was waiting outside, arms crossed angrily. “Oh my god finally! She was freaking out in there, thinking something had happened to you idiots.”

“No, we uh, couldn’t find the dress.” Richie said sheepishly. “But hey, we got it!”

“Thank god, she was getting anxious. Now come on, the photographer wants a few shots of you helping her get ready.”

Stepping into the room was like stepping into organized chaos. Maggie’s friends paraded around the room in floral silky robes helping each other with their hair and makeup, and finally towards the back of the room, Maggie was in the makeup chair, the artist putting the final touch of lipstick on.

Eddie could tell that Richie was already getting choked up. “You look beautiful Mags.” He held his hand out to the taller man and squeezed it, bringing him closer.

“Wow.”

“Dad!” Maggie blushed. “I haven’t even put my dress on yet, stop it.”

“We’ve got that here for you by the way.” He offered the large garment bag over to her.

“Perfect timing. Can you get mom to come help me into it? I think the photographer wants to shoot you two helping me with the buttons.”

“Of course, we’ll give you some space.”

The next hour was filled with a flurry of activity. The photographer perfectly captured Richie’s face glowing with pride as he laid eyes on his daughter in her dress for the first time since he helped her pick it out. The small family shared a moment together when they could hear everyone shuffling into the ceremony space, right before they would walk her down the aisle.

“We’re so proud of you sweetheart, you’ve grown into such an incredible woman, and I know you and Sam are going to be so happy.” Eddie laced his arm through Maggie’s and kissed her temple as they walked towards the aisle.

“Pops, stop it, you’re going to make me cry!”

Richie sniffed on her other side. “I’ve got extra tissue if you want.”

Finally, the three made it out into the open air of the ceremony space overlooking the water. Gasps could be heard from the congregation as they all took in how incredible she looked, but Maggie only had eyes for the man at the end of the aisle.

Richie caught Stan’s eye as they approached the arch, and even he had a tear in his eye watching his best friends walk their daughter, his now daughter-in-law, down the aisle to his son.

The ceremony was beautiful. Much like at his own wedding, sniffles cut through the silence between the vows, this time, it was Richie instead of Maggie.

The reception was just as incredibly beautiful as the ceremony was. All the losers took their seats at their table together and watched the newlyweds share their first dance.

“Dude,” Mike piped up to Bill, “you owe me $20.”

“What?”

Mike rested his hand on the table, palm open. “$20, I told you this would happen.”

“When did we make this deal?” The rest of the losers snickered around them.

“At their wedding.” Mike nodded to Richie and Eddie. “Those two were dancing, but those two were the cutest couple I’d ever seen.

“I really can’t believe you put a bet on our kids man.” Eddie shook his head and took a swig of his wine.

“Oh I can, we put a bet on your husband and I lost.” Patty giggled, leaning into Stan.

“When did you put a bet on my husband?”

“Dress shopping, I bet he would break down the second he saw her in a wedding dress, Patty thought he’d keep it together.” Stan kissed his wife’s cheek. “What were you thinking?”

“Yeah honestly Pats, he made some easy money there.”

“Who said it was money we bet?” She threw the table a wink and stared at her husband bashfully.

“Woah Staniel the maniel!”

“Alright, alright, chill out, we’re at my kid’s wedding, remember?” Stan knocked back the rest of his drink and stood up. “Let’s go, we’re all doing shots.”

 X

 The next two years saw Maggie and Sam travelling the world. Sam had really made a name for himself as a veterinarian at the San Diego Zoo, and Maggie as a documentary filmmaker, and luckily, their jobs happen to clash when National Geographic offered them a contract travelling the world documenting wildlife foundations and rescue practices.

The holidays were hard without the two of them there; this holiday would be especially hard as Mike and Bill and Ben and Bev would all be gone as well. Eddie was preparing a small thanksgiving dinner for himself and Richie plus Stan and Patty; it would be quiet, but it would still be nice. Besides, Maggie and Sam were due to skype in during dessert.

“Have you heard from them yet?” Patty asked, taking a sip of wine.

“Yeah, Sam said they were going to call in around seven—” Eddie was cut off by the sound of his phone ringing. “Hold on, that’s actually Mags right now. Hey honey, how’s it going?”

“It’s great! But kind of bad news, our service is really bad around here, we may have to push our skype.”

“No worries, wish you guys were here, we made too much food as usual. Whereabouts are you now?”

“Pops? Pops you there? You’re breaking up?”

“Maggie? I can hear you just fine, what’s going on?” Eddie’s heart thrummed in his chest.

“Hold on, let me move into a better reception area.”

The call hung up, and Eddie’s heart sunk. “Mags?”

Suddenly, keys jingled in the front door, and in stepped Maggie and Sam.

“Oh my god!” Richie led the way as the four of them ran to greet their kids in the doorway. “How did you guys get here? How long have you been planning this?”

The questions continued through dinner. Maggie and Sam told them all about the places they’d visited to their parents who listened with open ears.

“Sounds beautiful darling. Hey Stan, we brought that really nice bottle of merlot, why don’t you break it out? Maggie you’re gonna love it, I promise.”

“Oh.” She blushed. “T-that’s okay Patty, I’m a little jetlagged, I’m afraid wine might just put me to sleep.”

“Nonsense, I insist! You’ll sleep like a baby tonight.”

“No, um, mom it’s probably not a good idea if she drinks the wine.” Sam stepped in looking around at the four sets of skeptical eyes that sat on him.

A sudden wave of realization fell over the room. “Maggie?” Richie whispered, looking at his daughter, already feeling the tears stinging his eyes.

“We wanted to surprise you to let you all know that you’re going to be grandparents!”

Everyone jumped to their feet to crowd the couple, cheers of delight echoing throughout the dining room.

“How fa r along are you?” Patty asked.

“Ten weeks, we actually came back to see my doctor and figured it was a good time for a pit stop in to tell you all.” Maggie stood proudly and lifted her shirt. Sure enough, her abdomen was swollen ever so slightly. “You okay there dad?”

Richie blinked. “Y-yeah! I’m more than okay, I’m going to be a gr-grandpa. Holy shit.” He sniffled and immediately broke down. “My baby is having a baby.”

“Oh come on you big old sap.” Eddie rubbed his back, chuckling at his husband, but his voice was also thick with emotion.

“I think grandpa needs another glass of wine.” Stan said, reaching across the table to fill Richie’s glass. “Shit, that makes me grandpa too… three grandpas.”

“Luckiest kid in the world.” Maggie whispered adoringly.

[tenglows]

Could I request # 8 and enemies to lovers with fluff with Ten from the prompts? Thank you💛 Tried to send one yday, but i think it got cut after hi hi 😅

[ 8: kiss me again and you’ll see ] i loved this so much i got a little bit carried away and made it kind of long. i'm sorry jsjd

the prompts

you were one of the best bakers in town. one of them, not the actual best. although you believed you deserved to be the only one with that title.

you had never considered yourself a competitive person until you met ten. the town’ sweetheart who for your misfortune, owned the other most claimed bakery.

for a while, you did take the cake for making the best pastries and desserts. you had always loved cooking, and having your store filled with your satisfied neighbors every day was all you could ever ask for. you lived in a small town too, so acclamation flew fast and soon there was not a single villager that wasn’t obsessed with your patisserie.

that lasted until there was a new baker in town. it was never a drastic popularity loss that caused your shop being completely empty and your sales crashing down, but you were totally sharing the praise that was previously merely yours with ten’ stupid sweet eyes.

therefore, it was an understanding that you hadn’t stepped out of your kitchen ever since the town mayor announced the yearly municipal contest. it consisted on the food professionals exhibiting their specialities, people trying everything so at the end of the day, they could vote who was their favorite.

every year in a row you had been given the medal of the bakery position, but for the first time in your life you now had your doubts. could you really win against ten?

hibernating in your kitchen resulted in you going over your recipes, modifying everything a hundred times until you found the perfect design. your friends and family adored you, but you were honestly driving them a little nuts, filling their mouths with cakes every second and asking which they liked better. only for you to not listen to their thoughts and start another recipe from scratch.

it was almost midnight when you were convinced you had finally figured the exact and right amount of ingredients you needed to make the winning cake. you wrote it down so you wouldn’t forget, on the roughed notebook that had the instructions of all the supposedly winning cakes.

after frantically opening the fridge, you almost broke down to tears when you couldn’t find anymore eggs. how could you have ran out of eggs???

you glanced at the clock before storming out of your house, running to the small market down the street. everything was closed now, but you knew old patty kept her store open until midnight.

“hi patty” you sighed and sprant inside, heading to the egg’s shelf.

there was no one in sight until, of course, in front of you, there was ten. holding the last egg carton.

you looked daggers at him. trying to step back so you wouldn’t end up physically harming him.

“ten” you spoke slowly, containing yourself from exploding. “i really need those eggs”

“i need them too, y/n. this is simply a matter of who got here first”

he smiled at you, almost looking nice, and left you there.

when you got back to your place you were a mess. you pulled your hair while you screamed all the words you would like to say to ten. his comment had annoyed you more than you could explain. if it truly was a matter of who got there first, this had always been your town. he was the intruder, the one who got here last. hence, he should have given you the eggs.

you were doodling on your journal when there was a knock on the door. you furrowed your eyebrows, wondering who of the people you knew would show up at one in the morning.

seeing ten with a basket full of eggs was an image you couldn’t wrap your mind around when you opened the door.

“these are better than the ones at the market”

“where are they from?”

“from my chickens. i raise and take care of them myself, i assure you won’t find better eggs than these ones”

you looked at him distrustfully, still not taking the box from his hands.

“why are you being nice to me?”

ten ignored your question and looked around your house, solely what he could observe from your doorstep, since it didn’t seem you would let him in.

he beamed sincerely at you when he noticed all the various cakes spreaded around your furniture.

“don’t be too hard on yourself, y/n” you didn’t know what to say, specially because those were the words you needed to hear at this time of pure self-criticism.

“hey, the cake of yours that is white chocolate mousse with lemon cream inside is mind blowing. totally contest worthy. i think it was called blanc?”

that comment took you aback.

“when on earth have you bought one of my cakes?” you didn’t recall the boy ever coming to your shop, you would probably have kicked him out if he had.

“my mom got it for her birthday” he shrugged and put the basket on your door mat. “goodnight, y/n”

ten walked away after that, and now you were staring at the eggs in your kitchen counter. you had never seen ones so fresh since forever, they were in impeccable condition.

you shook your head and stored them in the fridge. you couldn’t accept help from the competition, that was just plain weak.

you got ready for bed and reminded yourself to get eggs at patty’s first thing in the morning. you also crossed out “blanc!!!! winning cake!!!!! (for real this time)” from the notebook.

it was finally the day from the contest, the town had been beautifully adorned, garlands hanging from the food stands.

you were currently at your stall, serving people the cake with a big smile even though you were a nervous wreck. you had barely left your spot to try the other delicious stuff that was going around.

“i see you settled on that one. it must be delicious. can i try?”

ten spoke softly with a smile on his lips. like he always had.

“just so you know, i had already made up my mind before you came by” you cut a piece and passed it to him.

of course you didn’t trust ten’s recommendation to go for that exact cake. what if he was planning to do the same and then accuse you of plagiarism? you never knew. but after asking around and confirming that he had prepared a chocolate cake, you were safe.

“mm, this is great. seriously. really tasty and the right amount of sweet”

“thank you”

ten arched his eyebrows at that.

“what did you say?”

“thank you” you repeated a little louder, still mumbling, not wanting him to actually hear you.

“wow, the y/n thanking me?? her archenemy???? must be my lucky day”

you couldn't help but giggle. the truth was that ten wasn't a bad person or anything for that matter. he was actually really nice and sweet, maybe that was made you hate him even more.

“did you use my eggs?”

“not really”

“what, why?”

“i wasn't sure if you had poisoned them”

you spoke in such serious and confident tone now it was his turn to burst into laughter.

“you really think i would modify my chickens just so i could give you poisoned eggs”

“better safe than sorry”

“you are something else” you wondered how he never appeared without a smile. it was like his signature. but you kinda didn't mind it today.

“do you want to try mine?”

you nodded and he guided you towards his stand. the cake was delightful, and you became aware that you had never actually tried ten's cooking before.

suddenly, you heard the mayor's voice through a megaphone saying they would announce the winner soon. ten and you went together to the town square, before parting ways to your respective friends. he didn't leave without wishing you luck first.

your mom wrapped her arms around you as the winning names were told. the bakery category was left for last, and your nails were suffering the effect of your nerves.

“and the winner for this years best baker goes to...”

you shut your eyes.

“y/n!!!!”

your family and friends cheered noisier than everyone else, but your eyes glowed when seeing the entire reunited town applauding and complimenting you. all that energy and hard work had reaped its fruits and it made you more than happy. you only wished you could have enjoyed the process a bit more, after all, you loved baking and you loved this town. you shouldn't need much more.

you were thanking someone when you saw ten making his way towards you. he waited aside for you to finish, a radiant smile on his face.

“congrats”

“thanks a lot, ten. your cake was great as well”

the boy moved closer and fixed his eyes on yours. your arms shivered. you had never let him be this close to you, and you could sense he was testing the waters by the way he hesitated sluggishly.

honestly, you weren't even conscious of your surroundings when ten kissed you. this was a scenario you had never given thought to before, but it didn't bother you, not one bit. you liked it, his lips on top of yours. his mouth was so warm from all the smiles he gifted.

he pulled away and looked at you once again. he had expected you to run away, scream at him, hell, maybe even punch him, but you didn't. you just stayed there, beautiful as ever. and he thanked all the gods above for that.

“here, i made you a congratulations cupcake. i always knew you would win” you hadn't noted he had an arm behind his back, which was now handing you a cupcake with flawless buttercream icing.

“how can i know this is not poisoned?”

ten eyed you before taking a bite out the pastry, watching you as he did, humming in satisfaction.

“there's only one way to find out. kiss me again and you’ll see”.

[sparkie96]

24, age difference

“24: I’ve never met someone who makes me feel like this.”

For the first time in a long time, Leon felt butterflies in his stomach. The college student picked up another box and carried it into the ranch style home. He had recently moved out of his dorm, and Ark had moved out as well due to a situation that nearly got Leon and Ark killed. 

And Leon felt like it had been his fault, despite everyone telling him otherwise. Sure, he didn’t lead Curtis Miller on or even show interest, but had he turned him in for stalking earlier, Curtis wouldn’t have broken into their dorm, hurt Ark and then nearly raped Leon. 

Good thing Chris hadn’t been too far from the campus and good thing Leon had been in the middle of a call with him when Curtis broke in. Chris had come from a hang-out with his own companions and taught Curtis a lesson, with his fists, before the cops showed up. The Scientist had been arrested and Leon and Ark had been checked out, Chris holding Leon protectively, reassuring him that Curtis would be going away for a while. 

Sadly, the courts disagreed, saying that Curtis needed help and something like this could “ruin a man’s future and reputation”, having done good work outside of just teaching a College Forensics and Sciences Class. He had been put on house-arrest, but Leon didn’t feel safe and he feared for himself and Ark. 

So, Ark had been moved into Piers and Finn’s apartment way off-campus, but still close enough to attend classes, and Leon moved in with Chris, not wanting to move back in with his mother and worrying her even more. She was strong, but he didn’t want to add to whatever was going on in her own life. Leon hugged Ark and promised to hang-out and game like nothing ever happened, even scheduling to set-up for their YouTube videos. Ark holding him to that. 

Which is how Leon ended up here, after a long truck ride to Chris’s house. He didn’t live as close to the campus as Piers and Finn, but it was still reasonably close. The house was in a quiet neighborhood, the residents needing to use a keycard to get into the community. There was a pool and playground, as well as a sort of Sports Club or something that held the gym, yoga classes and even a daycare center. 

All in all, Leon didn’t picture Chris living in such a normal area. The man explained that it made him feel a bit better and admittedly safer. Normal even, due to how his not-so normal job made him feel. 

Leon was also pleasantly surprised to learn that Chris had two dogs. A very big German Shepherd named Brutus, who stood on guard and watched Leon’s every move. Chris also had a shorter and chubbier English Bulldog named Flash. He was a bit more laid back and lazy, but a happy dog that seemingly loved Leon already, following Leon in and out of the house as he unpacked his things in the main bedroom. 

“Brutus is actually my friend DC’s dog,” Chris explained once Leon got settled in, “But DC and his family are visiting family in Denver and asked me to watch him for the week." 

Leon smiled, having changed into sweats and a sweatshirt, before sitting on the couch. An "oof!” left the younger as Flash dashed at the couch, nearly tackling the college student and sitting in Leon’s lap. Leon giggled as Flash showered him in kisses. 

“I think Flash likes you.” Chris chuckled.

“I like him too.” Leon laughed, petting the dog’s head before looking at Brutus, who simply watched from afar, “Brutus on the other hand…I don’t think he likes me." 

Chris waved toward Brutus, petting the dog’s head fondly, the German Shepherd making a sound of acknowledgement, "He’s not sure what to make of you. He used to be a combat and search and rescue canine for the BSAA, though he was mostly used with human targets. He’ll figure out that you’re not here to hurt anyone and he’ll warm up to you." 

Leon smiled as he continued to pet Flash, accepting Chris’s hands as the man gently shooed Flash away and helped Leon off of the couch, "Why don’t I give you a proper tour?" 

Leon beamed as he got up, following Chris around as the man showed him where everything was. He had seen and known about a lot of this stuff due to how often he stayed over, but it was the first time seeing Chris’s office, garage, basement / family room. He even got to see the pool and the small hide-out shed. Just in case Claire or someone volunteered his home for the next Christmas Party or something. 

"I also kind of, sort of, have a fortified "panic room”.“ Chris admitted sheepishly, "That’s in the basement behind the freezer. That’s also where one of my gun safes is." 

Leon gave a curious look, "Panic Room? And one of your gun stages? How many do you have?" 

Chris gave a nervous chuckle and scratched the back of his neck, ”…uh…maybe I shouldn’t tell you. You would think I was weird, especially if you found out where they were.“ 

"Well, given what you do, I think it would be pretty rational.” Leon pointed out, “C'mon, you can tell me." 

Chris gave a contemplating look before giving a defeated sigh, ”…I have a gun safe in the basement, two in the living room, one in each of my bedside tables, one in the office and one in the shed. I also always have a weapon in reach…even in the bathroom.“ 

Leon blinked, taking a moment to process the information before giving a small shrug, "Well…gotta always be prepared." 

Chris raised a brow and a small smile, "Really?" 

Leon gave a nod, "Yup. So, no one would mess with you if they broke into your home.” He reassured the elder.

That made Chris’s smile even bigger, and Leon couldn’t get enough of it or the man who wore it. Leon couldn’t deny that he kind of looked up to Chris in a way…admired him even. This man was the one he never wanted to lose and he would be damned if he let anyone hurt him. 

…was it weird to inadvertently threaten harm to anyone who dared hurt a man he was only dating? It wasn’t weird, right? 

After another brief tour of the house, Chris and Leon had decided that it was time to start making dinner. Leon felt like they were in sync as he and Chris both agreed on grilling up some burgers and hot dogs for dinner. Luckily, Chris had some ground beef in the freezer and a pack of hot dogs in the drawer in the fridge. He also picked up some rolls ahead of time, thinking of making burgers and dogs earlier this week. 

He and Leon had a grand old time in the kitchen making the burgers and cutting up some vegetables. Chris playfully scolded Leon, telling the younger to stop eating all the pickles or else he wouldn’t have any leftover for dinner. 

“Any preferences on how you like your burgers?” Chris asked, firing up the grill. 

Leon sat at the patio table, enjoying the sun and the nice weather that they had been having recently. He tapped his chin thoughtfully, “Hm…I usually get mine done medium rare.” He admitted, “So, I guess medium rare.” 

Chris chuckled, “A man after my own heart.” 

Leon beamed up at him, watching as Chris threw the patties and the hot dogs on the grill. Flash and Brutus sat at Chris’s feet, Brutus taking on a guard position while Flash stared up at the man, waiting for him to drop some food. 

Leon chuckled, “I think you got yourself an audience.” 

The elder laughed as well, “Yeah, Flash is my grilling buddy because he usually gets something out of it.” Chris looked down at the bulldog, “But Stacy at the vet says I can’t give you anymore table food because you’re supposed to be on a diet, buddy.” 

Flash made a noise that was a mix of a groan and a whine of disapproval, a chubby paw gently scratching at Chris’s pant-leg. Chris gave him a look, and then a smile, cutting one of the hot dogs in half. He blew on one of the halves before handing it to the dog, Flash happily and excitedly gobbling it up. Chris patted him on his head, telling the dog not to tell Stacy. Chris looked to Brutus handing him the other half. Brutus turned his nose at it at first, taking another sniff before gently taking it from Chris’s fingers. He ate his more slowly, only eating a part of it before leaving the other piece untouched. Flash sneakily waddled over and ate the rest of it. 

Chris looked to Leon over his shoulder, “You saw nothing.” he chuckled. 

Leon canted his head with a mock look of confusion, “Saw what?” 

“Exactly.” 

The burgers and hot dogs were done in no time, Chris and Leon having dinner outside. Once the table was set and the grill was turned off, Chris sat across from Leon. They served each other food, talking about what they liked and didn’t like on their burgers and hot dogs, Leon poking fun at the fact that Chris liked relish and mustard on his hot dogs but not ketchup. Chris on the other hand couldn’t understand why Leon didn’t like relish at all. 

“You like pickles, right?” Chris asked. 

Leon gave a nod, digging into his hot dog first, chewing and swallowing before speaking, “Yup.” 

“Well, it’s pretty much the same thing…just mashed.” Chris explained.

“No it’s not.” Leon disagreed, wrinkling his nose, “It’s more like a sweetened cucumber mash with a weird taste and an even weirder aftertaste.” 

Chris gave a playful look of disbelief, “You’re crazy.” 

They gave each other serious looks before breaking out into a fit of laughter, the laughter dying down into chuckles before they both sighed, staring at each other lovingly while they ate. Leon turned away first, a rosy blush on his cheeks and a shy smile on his lips. He felt his heart flutter in his chest and felt like there were butterflies fluttering around in his stomach. 

Unbeknownst to Leon, Chris felt the same, a happy smile on his own lips and a fluttering feeling in his chest and stomach. He couldn’t believe that any of this was real, that this beautiful man loved him and actually felt comfortable enough to move in with him. He trusted him enough to let Chris handle the asshole harassing him. Chris would never let anything happen to Leon. He would protect him. He loved him. 

They looked up at each other once more, “I-oh…” They said at the same time, but stopped to let the other speak. 

“You first.” Chris insisted. 

Leon smiled, “I wanted to thank you…for everything. For always being there and helping me…and with Curtis. I don’t know what I would do without you.” 

Chris smiled as well, a light blush on his cheeks at the younger’s admission, “I don’t know what I would do without you either…I’ve never met someone who made me feel this way…” 

The college student reached over and set his hand on top of Chris’s, turning it over to hold it in his own, making Chris flush an even deeper shade of red, “I love you.” Leon admitted. 

Chris looked up at him with surprised eyes. Though, he didn’t know why he was surprised, he had always sort of known. He just hadn’t expected Leon to say it first. 

He gently squeezed Leon’s hand in return, bringing it to his lips and kissing the back of it softly, “I love you too, Leon.” 

Leon sat up a bit straighter in his chair, a smile that was both one of relief and happiness on his lips. He leaned forward slightly, pulling Chris’s hand to his own lips and doing the same. It was their own little ritual in a way. Their own way of letting the other that they loved them without always saying it out loud. They didn’t need to say it out loud for it to be true. They just knew. 

After giving each other one more reassuring squeeze, they went back to eating their dinners, talking about plans for the upcoming weekend. 

——————

Ao3, Ko-Fi

[papermoonloveslucy]

APPLE BLOSSOM LUCY

April 30, 1964

If it were not for the scourge of Corona Virus, this week would have been the start of the annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival and Parade in Winchester, Virginia. The event began in 1929 and was only previously  cancelled during World War II. The event features an Apple Blossom Queen (aka Queen Shenandoah), a parade with a Grand Marshal, and celebrity appearances. 

In 1964, TV legend Lucille Ball, served as the Festival’s Grand Marshal. The Queen of Comedy was joined by another famous Lucy - Luci Baines Johnson, who was Queen Shenandoah. 

Luci Baines Johnson (born July 2, 1947) is the younger daughter of U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Her father was president from November 22, 1963 (President Kennedy’s assassination) to January 20, 1969. Her first name was originally spelled "Lucy" just like Lucille Ball’s nickname, but in her teens she changed the spelling. As her parents both had the initials LBJ, they named their two daughters so that they would have these initials as well.

A brochure for the 1964 event shows both Luci and Lucille on the cover. 

A more generic tourist guide was also available for visitors. 

A program book was available for fifty cents. 

Naturally, the ‘two Lucy’ event gathered a good deal of press, as with this brief column in Variety. 

The Post Office even commemorated the Festival with special envelopes and postmarks. The top left envelope is from the 1964 event and shows the Johnson family home. 

If Lucille Ball needed to be convinced to be Grand Marshal, she just had to ask some of her famous friends, who also went to Winchester at Festival Time. 

1949 & 1975 - Bob Hope

1953 - Howard Keel

1953 - Arthur Godfrey

1954 - Ed Sullivan

1957 - Johnny Roventini (Philip Morris Bellboy) also present in 1964 with Lucille Ball

1958 - Audrey Meadows

1968 - Eddie Bracken (Too Many Girls)

1969 - Ed McMahon 

1973 - Mike Douglas

Three days before Lucy’s appearances at the Apple Festival, “Lucy Enters A Baking Contest” (TLS S2;E28) was aired for the first time. The episode depicts Lucy making pies, although they were cream pies, not apple! 

For the 75th Anniversary Festival in 2002, Lucy’s granddaughter, Katharine Desiree Luckinbill, served as Queen Shenandoah. Lucille Ball’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz and Lucie’s husband Larry Luckinbill, accompanied their daughter Katharine to the event and also rode in the parade. 

AN APPLE A DAY...

Although audiences never knew it, apple sauce was the main ingredient in the pies dumped on William Holden in “Hollywood at Last!” (ILL S4;E16) and apple pectin was the secret ingredient in Vitameatavegamin in “Lucy Does a TV Commercial” (ILL S1;E30). 

“Lucy’s Notebook” - a publication from the mid-1950s - includes a recipe for Apple Pie de Luxe!  

She was also known for her Sweet Apple John - recipe above!

Speaking of Apple John, in “Lucy Goes to Art Class” (TLS S2;E15), Viv bakes an apple pie for John, a handsome new bachelor she met at art class. 

In the same episode, Lucy ‘meets cute’ with John when the contents of her purse spill out on the floor and he helps pick them up - including an apple!

In “Lucy Buys a Boat” (TLS S1;E30), Lucy snacks on an apple while Viv is out cold from too many sea sickness pills! 

In “Lucy Learns To Drive” (ILL S4;E12) Lucy tries to coax a catatonic Fred out of his daze by tempting him with a piece of her apple pie! 

In “Lucy and Chuck Connors Have a Surprise Slumber Party” (HL S6;E13) Connors decides to spend the night in the Carter house. His director (Ryan MacDonald) informs him there’s plenty of apple pie in the fridge! 

Lucy Ricardo owned an apple cookie jar! Lucy’s Hull Apple Cookie Jar, was often seen in the Ricardo kitchen. Hull Pottery was quite popular in the 1950’s.

In early episodes of “I Love Lucy” apples (and other fruits) were readily available in the Ricardo living room! 

Int “The Kleptomaniac” (ILL S1;E27) while Lucy is stealing Fred’s cuckoo clock for her club bazaar, she grabs an apple from the sideboard as a snack!  

A ravenous Lucy takes a bite out of juicy looking apple - only to discover that it is made of wax - in "Lucy’s Schedule” (ILL S1;E33). 

In “Lucy Helps the Countess” (TLS S4;E8), Lucy Carmichael, the Countess, and Mr. Mooney, accidentally get locked in a vacant high rise apartment for the weekend!  The only food they have is one solitary apple! 

In “Dirty Gertie” (HL S5;E10), Lucy Carter goes downtown to bring a basket of surplus apples to her hairdresser, and is mistaken for an impoverished “Apple Annie” by some local mobsters. 

In “Lucy in London” (1966), after Anthony Newley’s medley, there is a quick shot of Lucy as an Eliza Doolittle-type figure in the balcony of a theatre munching an apple!  Technically, London theatres were known for their orange sellers, but why quibble?

In “Lucy Becomes a Reporter” (TLS S1;E17), Viv’s old flame Argyle (John Vivyan) says she was known in high school was as ‘Truckie’ because of her dance moves while doing “The Big Apple.” In “Love Among the Two By Fours” (LWL S1;E3). Lucy Barker and her old flame Ben (Peter Graves) say they first met doing the same dance!

Apples are 18 cents a pound in 1970′s “Lucy Loses Her Cool” (HL S3;E13). 

In a silent movie sketch in “Lucy and Mickey Rooney” (TLS S4;E18) The Kid (Rooney) swipes an apple from a fruit stall, but The Tramp (Lucy) stops him. 

He was only emulating the Keystone Cop!  

At the start of “Lucy the Gun Moll” (TLS S4;E25), Lucy Carmichael wants Mr. Mooney to install an apple vending machine for the employees at the bank.  Although vending machines offering fresh fruit are rare in today’s world, the Fruit-O-Matic Company started to manufacture such machines around 1950.

In “World’s Greatest Grandma” (LWL; unaired) Lucy Barker considers singing “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me)” for a talent show - except (as usual) she can’t sing! 

In “Lucy and the Andrews Sisters” (HL S2;E6), Lucy Carter and daughter Kim join Patty Andrews in a medley that contains the song. It was originally sung by the Andrews Sisters in the 1942 film Private Buckaroo.

[purrfectstrangers]

A Christmas Miracle

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

Well, except you.

You tossed and you turned in your bed as the wind beat at you window, causing the glass to creak and groan. No matter what you did, no matter how much you shifted, you just couldn’t fall asleep. Your mind continued to wander well into the night.

Thoughts and dreams of drooling maws and gurgling guts kept you up at night. Dreams of digestion and hopes of hunger kept you squirming. It was a foolish fantasy, you knew as much, but it wouldn’t leave your mind. The best gift you could get for Christmas was a soft gut to stew in.

A crash downstairs brought your fantasies screaching to a halt. You shot up in bed, eyes wide with dread. For a moment, you hoped it was all in your head. But that clattering sounded much to real. You couldn’t have imagined a sound like that. 

Your steps creak beneath your feet as you scurry down to the kitchen. You flick the lights on to find… him.

Gamzee Makara stood their blinking at you, his scrawny arms cradling the plate of milk and cookies you left out for the sake of tradition. He shrugged, put the plate down, and stepped carelessly over the broken glass on the floor, leaving milky footprints trailing behind him. “SoRrY aBoUt ThE mEsS, mOtHeRfUcKeR.” He said as he looked you over, pausing only to lick his lips. “i WaS jUsT hElPiNg MySeLf To An ApPeTiZeR.”

You stared in shook, trying to process that, somehow, someway, a Homestuck character was in your house. “I- how… what?" 

Gamzee raised an eyebrow before realizing. "Oh. RiGhT. tHe ReD mOtHeRfUcKeR sAiD tHiS wOuLd Be WeIrD tO yOu.” He rolled his hand lazily, like this was a regular inconvenience and not a fictional character coming to life right in front of you. “YoU dOn’T hAvE tO wOrRy AbOuT a MoThErFuCkInG tHiNg, MoThErFuCkEr. I’m YoUr ChRiStMaS gIfT. yOuR cHrIsTmAs MiRaClE.”

Your eyes flicker from his face to his guts as they let out a conveniently timed gurgle. “Wait… you’re here to…” He smirks a bit as his eyes glow purple. Your mouth finishes the sentence of its own accord. “Eat me.”

Gamzee leaned over you, looking you over like you were a scrumptious Christmas dinner. Which, technically, you were. “YoU tElL mE, mOtHeRfUcKeR. iSn’T tHiS eXaCtLy WhAt YoU wAnTeD fOr ChRiStMaS?” Gamzee opens his jaws right in front of your face, his warm breath washing over you as you spot his uvula in the back. Saliva dripped down across his tongue as it hung out haphazardly, spilling drool onto the floor. His purple cheeks and wet, dripping teeth seemed eager to welcome you.

You blushed at the display and shivered when he forced out a light burp. The smell of his breath burned its way into your nostrils and his eyes bore into you. Gamzee asking for your approval was nothing but a formality. You both knew you would say yes.

So, instead, you just stuck your head inside. Gamzee’s jaws popped out to accommodate you, allowing your head to bulge out his cheeks as his teeth clamped onto your neck. Saliva coated your head as his tongue lavished you, slobbering all over your face, eyes, nose, and mouth as your squirmed about inside him. 

Gamzee’s hands clasped your shoulders as he lifted you off the floor, shoveling more of you into his maw. He half moaned-half purred around you as your face squeezed into his throat, his breath and heartbeat squeezed past you as his tongue massaged your chest.  You could feel him slobbering over and chewing through your clothes, it almost makes you wished you’d come downstairs naked.

You hear his belly gurgle ahead of you and you squirm towards it, twisting yourself through his throat as Gamzee laughs around you in the way only a practiced pred can. Another gulp causes you to shiver and kick as his tongue slithers across your belly. You swear he’s tickling you on purpose as you twitch and kick and laugh sporadically. The half chuckle around you only confirms your suspicions and you squirm deeper into him. His stomach called for you. It’d be cruel to keep him waiting.

Another swallow pushed your head into his gut, mashing your face into the stomach walls as they stretched to accept you. Your legs kicked around in the air feebly as Gamzee’s gut gurgled around you. You could feel one hand pet your head as another gropped your ass outside of him, causing you to gasp and moan inside of him. “Take me…” you plead inside of him. “Swallow me down. I’m yours.”

You can feel Gamzee tilt his head back and slurp your legs up like noodles. The rest of your body swiftly falls in on top of you as his gut expands and your entire world is shaken by a colossal burp as you try to turn yourself upright. Sticky purple slime and saliva soaks into your clothes as stomach acids tingle at you. Stomach muscles pulse around you as Gamzee rubs his massuve gut, kneading purple slime into your skin.

“YoU’rE aN eAgEr LiTtLe MoThErFuCkEr, ArEn’T yOu? TaStY oNe ToO.” Another sharp belch compressed the stomach around you, forcing you to shiver and moan. “sTaRtInG tO wOnDeR wHo’S gEtTiNg ThE cHrIsTmAs GiFt HeRe.” Gamzee almost purrs as he continues massaging you. You press back like you’re playing a game of patty cake, causing him to chuckle. “HuMaNs AlWaYs Go DoWn EaSy… BuT i CaN tElL yOu FeEl RiGhT aT hOmE iN tHeRe.”

As Gamzee continues to pet you, you look around your purple, squishy home. Seems like Gamzee is quite the glutton, as you can see you’re surrounded by half digested pie tins and bike horns. You spot a few trinkets from previous meals, like Nepeta’s hat and Terezi’s glasses. You can even spot the leftover scraps of Eridan’s cape. It’s a wonder he doesn’t have indigestion. 

Suddenly, you feel a cool liquid pouring on top of you, cold milk runs down your spine and pools at your ankles. Apparently you weren’t enough for the greedy, gluttonous slob as you can hear him digging through your fridge and chewing cookies. Part of you almost wants to feel incredulous. The rest of you fully embraces it. You’re food now. Who are you to complain?

…You’re food now. That’s such a strange thought to have. All your experiences, your memories, your family, your friends… they don’t mean anything. You’re food now. It’s so demeaning… but so oddly comforting.

Why should you worry about what troubles tomorrow may bring? Why should fret about taxes, disease, poverty, or politics? You’re food now. You have no worries now, no concerns. You only need to sit back and digest.

Gamzee clearly agreed with that sentiment as he eagerly rubbed his gut. Chewed up cookies stopped raining down on you heard him slam the fridge door shut. “YeAh, ThAt OuGhT tO fIlL mE uP fOr ToNiGhT.” You could feel him stretch before your home shook with another belch, mashing some of the chewed up food into you. “tHiNk It’S aBoUt TiMe I sLePt YoU oFf.”

Gamzee’s gut rocked back and forth, presumably from him making his way up the steps. You paid it no mind. You just sighed blissfully as hus stomach gurgled and groaned around you. The acids had begun to rise… it wouldn’t be long now…

You heard your bed creak as Gamzee lazily flopped into, shaking another burp out of his guts. He pet your head through his thick stomach walls. “MeRrY cHrIsTmAs To AlL…” He muttured, clearly dozing off “aNd To AlL a GoOd NiGhT.”

Soon, you were the only creature stirring that night. Stirring and stewing in a tight purple gut as your body broke down. Hours of burps and churns would eventually lull you to sleep.

~

You wake up on Christmas day from the best nap you’ve ever had. The events of last night still fresh in your mind. You could only sigh as the smell of Gamzee’s guts were still fresh in your nostrils.

Before you could get up, however, you found a note taped to your head. The dark purple ink on it almost made you shudder and it confirmed to you that this was the best Christmas ever.

SeE yOu NeXt YeAr ;o)

------------------------------------

More wonderful work from Gamzanon. A wonderful Christmas gift ;u;

[amethystaqua]

Of mugs and secrets (Or how Dante found out about your relationship with Vergil)

I finally finished after entire week of writing and editing! I never thought my first fanfic would be of 2223 words! I really hope you enjoy it! :D

The room was still dark as calmness reigned; the only sounds were the soft breathing on your ear of the man sleeping next to you. Vergil was spooning you, the warm feeling making a real struggle having to get up to start your day. You wiggle trying to move the least required, not wanting to disturb your boyfriend’s sleep, you almost made it, until he made some soft grunts. You froze fearing you might have woken him up, but he just turned to his side of the bed.

A smile found its way into your lips as you approached to kiss him ever so lightly on his mouth, then proceeding to leave the bedroom. You started to go through your day’s agenda in your head, the pendant paperwork waiting at work, visiting Nico to pick up your beloved, just repaired sword Polaris, and the appointment with a possible client. However, all your plans came to a halt the moment you notice a dark figure lying on the living room’s couch. Quietly you summon your spear Morgenstern out of thin air and approach the figure, looking around to see if something else was hiding in the shadows.

“Well now this is what I an exciting welcome (Y/N)” a sleepy familiar voice said making you jump out of the impression.

“My god… Dante! I was this close to stab you!”

“As you know, you wouldn’t be the only one sweetie” he sat on the couch while stretching his arms with an audible pop from his bones.

You met Dante when you were just a kid, with no family left, he rescued you from being a sacrifice for a greater demon since you were a Nephilim, however that seemed to be only the beginning of your problems. Demons appeared to be drawn to your blood like moths to a flame and thus, the week that you hadn’t been attacked by a demon, extremely uncommon. So instead of going to every orphanage or school you assisted to save you, Morrison decided it was for the best if Dante just adopted you. That way he could keep an eye on you, so no more civilians were put on danger, and also train you. Dante wasn’t in any sense qualified to adopting a little girl, but with your help (The motherly interventions of Lady and Trish, and some extra cash from Morrison) you two worked it out and in the process, perceived each other a bit like father and daughter.

“What on earth are you doing here?” you made Morgenstern disappear, heartbeat slowing down now that there was no real danger “And how did you get in?”

“Perks from my brand-new powers, and as for your first question… Let’s leave it I had kind of an emergency”

“Ok let’s review your concept of emergency” You leaned into him, taking carefully his face on your hands checking for any sings of cuts or bruises “does it involve injuries?”

“Not this time” he chuckled as you were still inspecting the rest of his body. After confirming the man was in one piece, you decided to head to the kitchen to start making breakfast with Dante following right behind you.

“An angry Trish or Lady?” you opened the fridge to start looking for the ingredients to make pancakes, you really stomach really needed some food now.

“Nah we just had drinks last week” he took a seat on the small kitchen table.

“Another powerful demon king about to be resurrected?” once you gathered everything you needed; you poured some flour along milk on the crystal bowl you took from the kitchen cabinet.

“Funny (Y/N) but no, not a demon, and somehow way more terrifying then one…Patty wants go out on a date with me” you almost dropped the egg you just grabbed for the batter, staring at him in disbelief on what he just said heard.

“Wait… so you broke into my apartment at” you looked at the clock next to the fridge “at 7:00 am just because you’re scared of a 19-year-old who wants a date with you?”

“I was coming back from a job! Morrison called me and he said a miss was waiting for me at DMC! Then I heard her voice on the phone! I’m not going anywhere with her when she’s faking a promise!”

“Dante…” Calm, take a deep breath you thought as you focused on inhaling deeply, he sure had a talent for making you lose your temper sometimes “are you serious? Both Morrison and I were there! I perfectly recall you saying when she’s turned old enough you would date her!

“Damn, so you’re saying she isn’t lying and I must keep my promise?”

“Yeah sure because I definitely want Patty to come on our already uncomfortable family dinners at Nero’s home” you answered sarcastically as you mixed the bowl’s ingredients “Just take her out to eat pizza or something, keep it as casual as possible so she doesn’t get her hopes up”

“Or... you could allow me to stay for a few days”

“Dante...”

“Please (Y/N) only 2 days!” he lifted up the chair and moved next to you “Just until she’s tired of stalking me!”

“Since you’re here not like I have much of a choice, do I?”

“I knew I could count on you!” Dante said while lifting you off the ground, on really strong hug just like he has done all these years since you were a kid.

“Be quiet!” you whisper loudly, squirming a bit in his tight embrace “Vergil is still sleeping!”

“Wait, what’s Verge doing here?”  he dropped you while looking at you quite confused.

Oh, you just fucked up big this time… Dante was the only one who didn’t know about your relationship with Vergil. Unknowing of your past together when he was V, Dante’s father instincts awakened, as he warned you to stay away from Vergil, after noticing the constant glances you shared with his twin, fearing his brother got interested in you just because you were a Nephilim.

“He uh... went on a job yesterday, and uh he got poisoned by a demon so he needed someone to cure him!” That was the only excuse your sleepy brain was able to scheme in those few seconds, thinking Dante would buy it… then you remembered the eldest son of Sparda never asked for help.

“So, he decided to come here was the best idea?”

“Yeah” you tried to smile at him to look as convincing as possible.

“My brother looking for you to heal him?... All right never thought I’d see the day the dumbass put his pride aside and ask for help!”

“Heh… guess he still remembers one of the times I cured him when he was V” You sighed in relief, turning your attention on the coffee machine to prepare some, thinking you got away with your little lie until…

“But why he didn’t return to Devil May Cry?”

“I-it was really late and cold outside so I suggested he spent the night here “blush adorned your checks, once you realized the size of the stupidity you just said. “Al-also, I needed to be certain I cured the wound properly.

Dante just hummed and returned to his seat, whether he believed that poorly made answer or not, he didn’t say it. You were about to change topic, but were interrupted by a growling.

“Geez...” you couldn’t help but laugh lightly “I suppose you haven't eaten anything”

“Can’t lie at this point” You smiled at him. Once the coffee machine finished you poured some coffee on 3 cups that you placed on the counter. With all the noise, probably Vergil would join you both for breakfast.

“Stay right here, and don’t touch anything” you said as walking past beside him.

A shower was really much needed. You were already a bit late and didn’t want to waste more minutes, after all, you could always buy something to eat at work if you didn’t have time left. On the hallway to the bathroom you found the elder son of Sparda already got up.

“Oh, hi I thought you were still asleep” you stood on your tiptoes to give him a quick peck on his cheek “Didn’t want to wake you up”

“To whom I must thank for making Dante grace us with his presence this early in the morning?” his icy blue eyes showing an evident annoyance.

“That would be Patty… apparently the poor girl really wants a date with your brother to the point she’s waiting for him at Devil May Cry as we speak”

“I’m afraid that doesn’t justify why he’s here” a frown taking over his features.

“Well… “you played with a loose lock of your hair “Lady and Trish aren’t home, Nico still wants to bang him and I’m not letting that happen, and finally Nero made crystal clear last time I spoke to him, he wanted Dante at least 10 mts away from Kyrie and Credo” Your best friends had just had their beautiful son, the last thing Nero needed was having Dante in their house with Kyrie so delicate after her pregnancy.

“Hmpf still he isn’t staying here” Vergil crossed his arms, his answer just as you predicted.

“Please I can’t kick him out of the apartment just like that! I bet if you were the one in his…”

“I would never find myself in such a ridiculous situation like this”

“Right, forget what I just said” you said a bit ashamed while scratching your head.

“Even if I did unlike Dante, I could find a solution on my own”

“My point is! He needs help” you cupped his face in your hands “I know we had plans but come on, it’s going to be just a couple of days” you gave him the best puppy eyes you could.

It wasn’t as frequent as you wished for Vergil to stay in your apartment, between your jobs and the constant efforts to hide the truth to Dante. That’s why those days where two of you just sat on a couch to read, or did any other silly activity together, became so precious memories.

“I promise I’ll make it up for you when he leaves” you whispered in his ear face turning red with the possible implications.

He pushed you carefully against a wall lifting you face and grazing with his thumb your plump lips.

“You should not take promises so lightly my dear angel” you melted at his words, his lips mere inches from yours “I fear you may have acquired my brother’s demeanors”

“Have I ever broken my word before?”

An almost imperceptible smile, one only you got to recognize adorned his face as he claimed your mouth on a passionate kiss, that to your perception didn’t last enough. But you didn’t complain once Vergil separated from you, the risk of being caught by Dante was way too high.

“He’s in the kitchen” you cleared your throat, trying to control your small gasps for air.

“I expected no less” he fixed his hair and clothes, erasing any sings of the kiss you just had.

“Welp I’m going to shower now, not taking long” you passed beside him and closed the bathroom’s door only to open it a few seconds later “Vergil wait! Geez I almost forgot; I left some coffee for you and Dante on the kitchen counter. I’m pretty sure you’ll know which mug is yours since your favorite mug broke in our tiny accident a few nights ago”

You winked playfully at him, but he only limited to clicked his tongue in disapproval and directed to the kitchen. Once Nico knew about your relationship with Nero’s deadbeat father (as she always called him) the mechanic wasted no time to tease, giving you a little present: a white mug with big blue letters that read I’m your daddy for your boyfriend to use. Obviously, once Vergil found out the existence of the mug, the first thing he wanted was to toss it on a trash can, but you didn’t allow it being a gift from Nico.

While you showered the guilt took over you for hiding Dante about you and Vergil. Maybe it was time to tell him the truth, after all, didn’t he always wanted for his brother to embrace his humanity and live a somewhat normal life? You stepped out of the bathroom once you finished, so deep in these thoughts that it wasn’t until you were on your way to the kitchen, that you noticed how quiet the house was. At this point you were so used to whenever the twins were together their heated conversations escalated quickly to an argument that sometimes required a third-party intervention, so the silence was really unusual.

“Ok now, is it okay for you guys to eat pan…cakes...”

Your voice lowered the volume as you looked at the scene before your eyes. Vergil and Dante were staring fixedly at each other with a murderous gaze, each one with a hand around the infamous cup, now you knew the real reason for the unusual silence, Dante must have assumed the mug was his.

“So…” you laugh nervously “I guess the cat is out of the bag.

The end

[kelleyish]

Greetings tumblr. Let’s do a little update, with pictures since these things are usually just a wall of text.

I guess the curve is being flattened and the rate of new people getting infected with the ‘rona isn’t going up as fast in the last week. You’d think people would be like, “Yay, go us!” But instead you’ve got a bunch of crazy white people gathering **in large groups** to protest that they want stay at home restrictions lifted already. This is why we can’t have nice things. 

On the opposite end, I am happy to report the lady on Twitter that I’d been following because I did a transcription file about her and later found out got sick with covid is still alive and posting, so that’s good.

I just did another file this evening that was a financial podcast from Singapore. He had an interesting accent, a combination of Asian and British, which would make sense I guess, because colonialism. He said the town he’s from has a program where some people donated their old fridges, and the city council put them around town and people donate food for people who need it by just leaving it in the fridge. It’s things like meat and produce, and a lot of fisherman put fish they’ve caught in it. A nice idea, I thought.

My hamstrings are sore because I did a bunch of bending over yesterday, pulling weeds in the garden and planting some flowers in pots. I had planned to go to Home Depot but then decided I didn’t want to get into the mess of standing in line with a bunch of people, but then I remembered the local nursery on the way to my house so I stopped there. Less crowded and supporting local business at the same time - yay!

Here’s one of the pretty plants I got, and you can see another in the background. The deck looks a little more springy now. Unfortunately ants had colonized the underside of the planters and there was all kinds of white larvae and stuff, yuck.

Here’s a chunky boi we found hanging out in the shed. This was yesterday, and today we found that he was still there looking like he hadn’t moved a muscle. Hopefully he’s just chilling and not dying. :-/

I was doing decently on my diet this week and I’ve managed to fall halfway off again. I ended up weighing after I’d been peeing a lot for a few days and I was at 296.6, so I had probably edged up over 300 at some point. Then of course these last couple days I’ve had some things I shouldn’t have. I hate myself so much.

Earlier this week I decided to try to make my own sugar free iced chai latte. At coffee places you can’t get these without sugar, because the drink is made by adding chai syrup to milk, whether hot or cold, and the syrup already has the sugar added. So I brewed some double strength tea using chai teabags, and then two packets per serving of the pumpkin spice flavor of these Equal packets (which I found on clearance and bought a shit ton of):

Plus a couple spoons of erythritol per serving, and then put it in the fridge to chill. Later I mixed it 1:1 with milk and poured over a little ice - it was *awesome*.

I went out to pick up some bbq for the family today and my throat started feeling scratchy. I’m hoping it’s just allergies again, but of course I worry. I haven’t taken any allergy pills the last few days but I just took one a bit ago, hopefully I’ll wake up tomorrow feeling better.

And finally, my sister’s baby shower is next weekend, which will be happening virtually over Zoom, I guess. I had to go ahead and order some stuff off her registry, and then I couldn’t help but buy a couple outfits as well. She’s a huge Gilmore Girls fan, so I ordered one of these:

From Cafe Press. I love the little drawing and how it looks like it’s really for a kid, where a lot of Gilmore’s merchandise doesn’t really. It almost looks like a poodle Dr. Seuss would draw. I also got this one:

I also liked this one, featuring some ballet dancers and the words “Miss Patty’s School of Ballet - Hands in the air, not in the nose!” But I had to stop somewhere and these two outfits were like $50 with shipping, and she’s probably going to grow out of them at the speed of light. 

I found this one on a listicle of Gilmore baby merchandise, but the listing on Etsy appears to no longer be available. I wouldn’t have gotten it, but I do like it. It says “Proud product of Miss Patty’s Founder’s Day punch.”

Okay, I guess it’s time for bed. Or, it’s time for me to go lay in bed and look at my phone for an hour before going to sleep, anyway.

[controloffandoms]

Heart of Steel (P.P./S.M.)

Prompt: Another one of those things that I kinda just thought of.

Pairing: Peter Parker x Stark!reader, Tony Stark x Sister!reader

Words: 4170

Warnings: Major character death, cursing

Notes: Peter’s older in this fic (25), Reader is around 25.

Five years ago, your best friend along with half the population had been wiped out by Thanos. Your brother had come back from space and told you that Peter was gone. That Peter, Dr. Strange, and everyone that had been with him other than Nebula was dead. You didn’t take it well. Hell, you hadn’t taken the last six years well. 

Now your brother was trying to get you to stay as far away from him and the others as they try to get everyone back. “Anthony Stark, I listened to you the first time Thanos’ cronies showed up and look where it got us. I’m helping you to get everyone back,” you growled. “And let’s be completely honest, you need all the help you can get. Half of the Avengers turned to ash after the snap.”

“(Y/N), this time travel thing is too dangerous. Feel free to help afterwards, but let me do this.”

You shook Tony’s hand off your shoulder, standing to your full height, arms crossing. “What, sit back and watch something go wrong and you not come back? Don’t you think I’ve seen enough of my friends and family die? I’m not adding you to that list!”

Tony sighed. “I’ll come back. Please don’t make me worry about you. Stay with Bruce and make sure we all get back.”

“Tony-”

“(Y/N), I’ll make sure that Tony comes back,” Steve Rogers, ever the diplomat of the group. 

You glared at the pair of them before looking away from them and nodding, “fine.” 

_______________

You had no time to process that all of your friends were back. You were too busy trying to make it to Tony. You aimed for Thanos, knocking him away from your brother. You shouted at him, you weren’t exactly sure what you were saying, but he was the reason for your suffering for the past five years. 

Thanos got a couple of hits on you, tearing your suit to pieces. Your helmet was completely destroyed, you had one repulser, your chest piece was gone, and one of your boots was completely gone. He wrapped his hand around your throat, lifting you so your feet couldn’t touch the ground. 

You used your only repulser to hit his eyes. In surprise, he let you go. You collapsed at his feet, coughing to get air into your lungs. Then Tony was in front of you, attacking Thanos. You picked up a fight with some of Thanos’ army who had closed in on you. 

You finished with them just in time to see Tony with the stones attached to his suit. “NO, TONY NO,” you shouted, trying to make it to him. A blast of energy sent you backwards, but you were almost immediately back up and running to your brother. 

You slid to a stop next to him. You captured his face in your hands, “why did you do that?” You kept repeating the question, feeling the tears overflow and streak down your face. 

You don’t really know what happened next, but suddenly everyone was surrounding you. Pepper was telling Tony that he could finally rest, Peter was a mess. Tony placed a hand on your face, his own tears falling down his face. “You take care of Morgan. Don’t let her into the suits too young. Take care of Peps. I’m sorry. I love you Pipsqueak.”

Your shaking hand, reached his face. You couldn’t hide your tears from him. “It-it’s okay. I love-I love you too, Sasquach. R-Rest n-now.” You bent, resting your forehead against his own. You kept repeating that it was okay. You felt his last breath, the way his body went slack against yours. You spent a couple of extra minutes pressed against him in order to get your emotions under control. 

You placed your arms under his knees and around his upper back. You stood, ignoring the pain in your own body. “Right, we need to get this idiot into his best suit, clean him up a bit, and give him a proper send off.” You cleared your throat. “Well stop standing around and get to work!”

______________

The funeral was the hardest part. You were holding Morgan and didn’t want to break in front of her. She needed at least one of you to be strong for her. With Pepper crying, it was up to you. As you watched the wreath bob on the calm water, you felt tears start to well. “Can we go closer to the water,” Morgan asked. 

You nodded, not trusting your voice. You walked closer, setting Morgan down when she motioned for it. She walked to the water, placing her hand in it. “I love you, 3000,” she whispered. You covered your mouth with your hand, blinking back the tears. 

Morgan motioned to be picked up again and you obliged. She placed a hand on your cheek, much like your brother had. “I love you...2000,” she stated. You couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled from your lips. Morgan joined you in laughing, wiping away some of your tears. 

“I love you, 2000,” you responded after taking control of your body again. You walked back to Pepper, letting her hold her daughter as you needed a minute to yourself. 

You walked away from them, going into the house while everyone was outside. You walked around, hand lightly dragging against different surfaces you passed. You paused at one of Tony’s inventions. He had always been the smarter of the two of you. You couldn’t match his intellect. He’d tried to teach you, but most of it had gone over your head. You’d have to learn it yourself now. You had a family to protect, along with the world. The world couldn’t go without an Iron Man, after all. 

“I came in to help set up the food,” a familiar voice called from behind you. You sighed as he came closer. “But if you need a minute, I can leave.” 

You were quiet for a minute. You were trying to gather your thoughts. “I thought I had lost everything and everyone I cared about five years ago. Tony was lost in space, I didn’t know where you were...then Tony came back and I was expecting to see you come out right after him, but you never did. Tony had to tell us that you were dead. You, Dr. Strange, those Guardians. I had hoped it wasn’t true.”

You turned your back completely to Peter. “I would have given anything to have you back at the time. I was-I was so down...My best friend was gone and I hadn’t even gotten to say goodbye. At the time, I thought I would have given anything...then you were back and my brother was dying. Should have been me-I was fighting Thanos before Tony stepped back in. I should have been the one with the stones, I should have gotten rid of Thanos and his army...I should have died.”

Your shoulders tensed as you fought against your tears. You were brought into his arms before you had time to fully put yourself together again. He turned you so that you could bury your head in his chest. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have left you like that...you shouldn’t have had to see your brother die. None of this should have happened.”

The dam broke and your body shook with sobs. Your arms wrapped tighter around Peter as his did the same. His heart broke to feel you shake against him. He knew that you hadn’t really cried over your brother since the day he died, but he didn’t think that you had been putting the blame on yourself. Had he known, he would have talked to you instead of giving you space.

“Let it out. Let it all out, I’ve got you,” he whispered in your ear. You clutched him even tighter, not caring that there were people probably watching you both as it was time for everyone to come inside and eat and reminisce. 

As your crying began to subside, you loosened your grip on Peter, but didn’t move away from him. He put a little space between you and placed both hands on your cheeks, wiping the remaining tears away. He gave you a small smile that you tried to return. “Thanks Pete,” you whispered. “But we should set out the food.”

Slowly, Peter separated from you, and you both got to work. Once the food was ready, you let everyone in to get their plates. You walked back outside, finding Morgan, Happy, and Pepper. “Food’s out and ready...though I don’t think Miss Morgan is going to like any of it.” 

“I want cheese burgers,” she supplied.

Happy, Pepper, and you looked at one another before laughing. “That’s exactly what your dad would say,” you laughed. “I think we’ve got hamburger meat in the fridge. I can start the grill and make some cheese burgers. I think that’s what Tony would have wanted anyway,” you gave a small smile to Pepper and Morgan. 

“I think that’s a good idea. Are you sure you want to do it though? Happy or I would be glad to do it.”

“No, I’ve got it.”

You entered the house again, dancing around the crowded rooms. You grabbed the hamburger meat, cheese, tongs, a plate, and a lighter before exiting to the back of the house. You set out everything, putting charcoal in the grill and lighting it. You closed the lid, waiting for the smoke to push its way out in order to know that it was warm enough to use. 

You began to make patties while waiting on the grill. As you waited, you remembered the multiple times Tony had grilled out. He wouldn’t let you anywhere near the grill, claiming that you would break something or hurt yourself. People would think that having a 20 year age difference would put kinks in your relationship with your brother, but they were wrong. It made your bond stronger. Sure, you guys fought, but it was always because one person was worried about the other.

You opened the lid of the grill, placing patties on the rack, putting the spices on them, before closing the lid again. You turned at the sound of the glass door sliding open and closed. “We decided to join you,” Pepper explained as Morgan pushed a chair closer to the grill and got up on it to watch you work. “Not too close Morgan.”

Peter exited the house, grabbing Morgan and putting her on his back. “You can see better this way, munchkin,” he stated as he stood close to the grill. “What are we making,” he asked.

“Cheese burgers!” You laughed at Morgan’s excitement. 

“Miss Morgan gets what Miss Morgan wants today,” you added. You turned to look at Peter, “would you mind going inside and setting out hamburger buns and condiments? I forgot to do it before I came out here.”

“I’ll do that. You and Peter entertain Morgan.” Pepper left. You and Peter shrugged.

You turned the grill, opening the lid and flipping the burgers. You added spices to that side before  closing the lid again. 

________________

Everyone was inside eating and talking, but you couldn’t just sit around and talk about your dead brother. You couldn’t sit and talk about the good times when it was your fault that he was dead. He had a daughter and a wife and a life that he deserved to get to live out. You had no children, no husband...it would have been easier if it had been you that died. 

You sat down on the pier, letting your feet dangle in the water. Your heart hurt. Tony had been your life since you’d been born. Right after you were born, your parents had been killed. You had known Tony your whole life, longer than Pepper had known him. To think that you would never see him in person again...that hurt more than you wanted to acknowledge.

________________

Morgan Stark missed her dad. She knew that he wasn’t coming back, but she didn’t know why. As she finished her burger, she looked around the room. It was filled with all of her father’s friends. Some of them she knew, others she wasn’t sure who they were. She walked to the couch, standing on it and looking out the window. 

Morgan could see her Aunt walking towards the Pier. She had noticed that her Aunt had been acting weird since she had come back from defending the Earth. She was more distant, smiled less, and seemed to be in a different world. She turned to her mother and the guy she decided to call family, Peter. “I Aunty (Y/N), okay,” she asked, turning her gaze back to the window. 

Peter and Pepper joined her, looking out the window. “Your Aunt spent her whole life with your dad, Sweetheart. She knew him longer than I did and probably better than I did. To suddenly go from having your best friend beside you to not seeing him again is a lot to process.”

Peter didn’t answer Morgan, he just left the house and walked towards the pier. He had promised Tony that he’d look after you. He had promised that he wouldn’t let you blame yourself and that he’d help you get over Tony’s death. He walked quickly towards you, sitting beside you, not caring that his pants were going to get soaked. 

He sat in silence with you for a while, watching you as you watched the gentle waves of the lake. “It’s not your fault. You didn’t get a chance to get the stones, Tony did. He knew what would happen if he used them, but he did it anyway to make sure that you, Morgan, and Pepper would be safe. He would always put the lives of the people he cares about above his own. You can’t blame yourself.”

You shook your head. You knew he was right, but it didn’t seem right. “I know Tony told you to look out for Pepper and Morgan, to protect them. He told me to protect and look after you and I can't do that very well if you stay silent.”

Your gaze turned to him briefly before turning back to the lake. “I hate that you’re right,” you stated.

“That’s a start.”

__________________

Seven Months Later

You placed the last of the decorations out. You had decided to hold Morgan’s birthday party at the new and improved Avenger’s compound. It had more space meaning that no one would be crammed like in Morgan and Pepper’s house. Peter walked in carrying the cake. “It looks perfect. Are Happy, Pepper, and Morgan on the way?” 

“They are. Let’s get the cake out of the box and put the candles on it. I’m going to set out the other snacks and hopefully everyone is in place. Would you check on them while I get the snacks?” At Peter’s acceptance of the job, you walked off. Everything was going to be perfect. It was Morgan’s first birthday without her father, and you wanted to put the exuberance in it that he did. She deserved at least that much.

“F.R.I.D.A.Y., what is the status of the car?”

“They should be arriving in ten minutes. Peter is getting everyone into place.” You sighed with relief as you placed the last of the snacks out. You made sure everything was perfect before starting to walk out to meet your niece. “I am sensing a disturbance in central New York City.” 

“What do you mean disturbance?”

“I can not get a clear reading.”

You sighed, contemplating. It was Morgan’s birthday, you didn’t want to abandon it before it even started. Then again, if there was a major problem in the city, Morgan could get hurt in the long run… 

You quietly cursed, calling on your suit. “Inform Peter that I had an errand to run and to make sure that Morgan has a great time until I return.” F.R.I.D.A.Y. did as you asked while you flew off towards the disturbance.

A call came in on your suit and you cringed slightly as Peter’s face illuminated. “Hey Pete. I just forgot to get the ice cream. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Are you in your suit,” he asked, completely ignoring your statement. 

“Yes. It’s the fastest way to get the ice cream. I’ll be back quicker than I would if I had taken a car.”

He paused, seeming to think about your explanation. Finally he sighed, “alright. If you run into a lot of trouble getting ice cream please call me.”

“Promise, Pete,” you stated. You disconnected the call as you approached the disturbance. 

You flew around the spot, not seeing anything. “Scan for anything out of the ordinary.” You landed, deciding to get a closer look. You could see light poles bent and a large crater in the ground. 

“I was hoping to draw Thor out, but I guess you will do,” a voice called from behind you. You turned just in time to be punched backwards. “The metal in your suit is much stronger than I was able to get from around here.”

“Who might you be,” you asked before you blasted him away from you. “Scan him, F.R.I.D.A.Y...and don’t tell Peter or anyone what’s going on if they ask where I am,” you muttered to the A.I. 

“So it is true. The original Iron Man is dead. How exciting,” the mystery man laughed in front of you. You shook him off as he placed his hands on the suit. You turned to see his skin ripple until it looked like your suit. “Thanks for the upgrade.”

He charged at you, and you met him, locking your grip around him. You were able to throw him into a building beside you. “From my scans, he is able to absorb anything he touches. It causes his body to become that substance. For instance, he is now made up of the exact alloys that the suit is comprised of.”

“So by using my repulsor against him-”

“He can use it on you,” F.R.I.D.A.Y. finished. You braced yourself as the blast came towards you. 

“I bet that Thor is in the direction that you came from,” he stated before taking off. 

You raced after him. You wouldn’t let him anywhere near the compound. You weren’t letting him near Morgan. “Back off, I haven’t seen Thor in months,” you stated, blowing him backwards. “Besides, we weren’t finished.” You hit him while he was down, sending him flying. 

You don’t know what happened, but suddenly he was right in front of you, repulsor blasts aimed at your helmet on both sides and he was firing them. You let out a pained grunt as your vision went white and your hearing went out.

When you could see again, you retracted the helmet, wincing as part of it scraped your cheek. “F.R.I.D.A.Y., find Absorbing Man and take me to him.” The A.I. did as she was told. The second you saw him, you raced towards him, knocking him yards away from where he had been standing, staring at the compound. You had the helmet placed on again. 

You picked him up, ignoring the fighting he was doing against you. “F.R.I.D.A.Y., figure out how we can hold him without him breaking out.” You flew until you couldn’t see the city anymore. You were over the ocean. This could either be a really good idea, or a really bad idea. You dropped him, following his descent. 

As he hit the water and you saw his body start to shimmer, you pointed your hand, “let’s cool him off.” You froze his body, hurrying to grab him before he floated off. You started towards an old S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, hoping they would have a cell you could put him in that would hold him. 

__________________

You entered the compound without so much as a sound, willing the suit off. You made a pit stop at your room to change your clothes and clean up a bit. You winced as everything hurt. You’d had to fight off the absorbing man at the S.H.I.E.L.D. facility while the workers got a cell ready for him. Needless to say, he’d done a lot of damage. There was no way for you to hide the scrape on your cheek, or the bruising on your arms and face. You did cover it with make-up, but they were too dark to really cover.

Deciding that you wouldn’t be able to do much more, you grabbed the ice cream you had promised to bring home and made your way to the party. The first person you saw was Pepper. She watched you, frowning slightly. You offered her the ice cream with a small smile. “Aunty (Y/N),” Morgan yelled, running towards you.

You dropped the bags of ice cream opening your arms and bracing yourself. It was going to hurt with her going full speed. You bit the grunt of pain away as you wrapped your arms around your niece. “Sorry I was late, Bub. I had to get your favorite ice cream and they were out at the first few places I went.”

Morgan leaned back slightly, frowning at the scratch on your face. “It’s okay. Peter made sure I had a good time.”

“That’s great! Have you opened your presents yet,” you asked.

“No! I wanted to wait for you.”

You placed her down and she ran back to Thor, Clint, and Wanda. You stood again, wincing slightly. Peter came into your vision, a firm frown on his face. He raised a hand to your cheek, gently tracing the cut. “You promised,” he whispered. 

“I promised my niece an amazing birthday. If you or anyone else left in the middle of it, she would have known something was wrong.” You placed your hand over his on your cheek. 

“And what if you hadn’t come back. Do you think Morgan would have an amazing birthday then?” 

“She has you and Pepper and the rest of the Avengers.”

“She adores you, (Y/N). She’s convinced that you are her only true link to her father because you knew him longer than anyone in this room.” Peter’s voice barely rose, but he brought it down again. “And what about me? How do you think I would feel if you didn’t come back?”

You averted your eyes. “You’d get by, Peter. You’d find someone else to fill my spot. You’re stronger than I am with the whole loss thing. You’d be okay.” 

His nose flared at your words. “No one can replace you. You’re everything to me, my whole world. Don’t you dare say that I would be fine if you were to never come home,” he growled. He placed his forehead on your own. “I love you and I’m afraid when you leave in your suit that you won’t come back. I’m afraid at the thought of having to live the rest of my life without you. So don’t say that I would get by if you died.” He leaned in, capturing your lips in a short but sweet kiss.

“Ew,” Morgan commented from right beside you. You both turned to see her standing next to you with a piece of cake. A chuckle left your lips at her face. “Can you do that where I can’t see you?”

You turned your blushing face into Peter’s chest. “You’re the one who told me to go for it, Short Stack,” Peter responded. You could feel his neck heating up so you knew he was starting to blush as well.

“I meant when I wasn’t here, Spidey,” she sassed...she’d learned that from you. Usually you were proud of her and how she sassed everyone, but at the moment you were mortified. 

“You talked to a six year old about your feelings for me and then took her advice to ‘go for it’?” You leaned back to raise an eyebrow at your best friend. 

“It was solid advice,” he defended. 

You shook your head, stepping out of his embrace. “I think Morgan and I have some bonding to do as I missed the first part of her birthday party. Think you can manage to scoop out ice cream?”

He sputtered for a second. You were already walking away from him when Peter was able to form a coherent sentence. “I share my feelings and all you do is walk away with your niece,” he called out to you, drawing several more eyes than before. 

“You got your relationship advice from my niece and now you can’t let me do the same?” 

“I mean-I thought-okay?”

Forever Tags

@miraclesoflove @nocturnalherb16 

People who might wanna know what’s up

@gracearchives

[hockeygods14]

Auston Matthews  - Holiday Arrangement Part 9

Masterlist

A/N: I didn’t think I would have another part up for this fast but this one came so easily to me let me know what yall think. If anyone as any suggestions let me know because there are times where I think I know where I want to take this and then there are times where I am lost.

Word count: 1,592

My family is supposed to be there for me. That are supposed to be the ones I go to when I’m mad or upset. They are supposed to tell me everything is going to be okay. That isn’t to suppose to choose between two different family members. 

I left the house and walked over to Auston's car I could feel the tears coming down my face I didn’t stop them I just let them start coming down. 

Auston pulled me into a hug before I was able to open the door. I just cried in his shirt and let him hold me in front of my parent's house.

“I should have listened to you when you said not to get involved,” I spoke into his chest

“Well next time you will know,” I didn’t say anything I just smiled.

I don’t know how long we stood there but it was nice just being in Auston's arms. I do know that no one has come out here to see if we were still here or to see if I was okay. That is one this I’m sure of.

“Do you think patty would mind if we showed up?” I took my head off his chest but not pulling away from him just enough to look at up at him.

“You want to go over there even after all that?” I shrugged my shoulders 

“I don’t want to go home.”

“Well to Marleau’s House we go.” Auston unwrapped his arms from me and open the door of his car for me. Before I get inside the car I place both hands on either side of Auston’s face and kiss him. I could tell he was a little taken back from it not expecting me to kiss him but he let go the door he was holding open for me to pull me closer to him to deepen the kiss. I could hear the fireworks going off. 

“We better get going if we are going to make it for dinner,” I pull away a little bit but I could still feel Auston’s lip close to mine. All he did was nod his head and took a couple steps back and held the door for me again.

Once we both were in the car I just looked out the window and didn’t say anything. I felt Auston put his hand on my thigh. I looked up at him and see his eyes were on the road never once looked at me but a little smile on his face, I could get used to this. 

All I could think about on the way to Patrick’s house was how my parents and siblings didn’t care how I felt. I walked out of the house and not a single person from my family followed me. They were all with Katie. I could help but think what I was going to do on Christmas Day now. Auston and I had planned that we would do Christmas morning with my family and then do dinner with his. There is a chance now that I will be spending my first Christmas away from my family. They might not even notice if I’m there or not, 

I saw that we were about to pull into Patrick’s driveway. I tried to forget about what happened at my parent house so I could have a good time. It might be in the back of my head but it’s still there it still hurts. 

“Did you tell them that we were coming?” I looked up at the house. We can’t just show up for dinner without them knowing that’s rude! 

“They will be fine with it,” Auston tired to assure me but it wasn’t really working. 

Before I knew it we were standing at the door and Auston knocked a couple times waiting for someone to answer. I could feel my legs shaking. The door opens to a confused looking Patrick. 

“What are you guys doing here?” He asked looking between the both of us. 

“That’s a long story. We were hoping that dinner invite was still open?” 

“Of course it is come on in,” Patty stepper aside and let us walk in. I took my jacket off and placed it on the hangers my the door. “I was headed downstairs with the boys Auston do you want to join?”

“When Mitch finds out that I’m here and didn’t go down I wouldn’t hear the end of it.” Auston and Patrick laugh. 

“Y/N the girls are in the kitchen if you would like to go in there. You are more then welcome to come downstairs with us too if you would like.” Auston, as told me about all the fun him and Mitch, have with Patrick and his son in the basement I think I would be better to hang out with the girls. 

“Maybe some other time I will go downstairs but I think I could use a little girl time.” 

Auston gave me a quick kiss and walked down the stairs. I took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen where I could hear Steph and Christina. 

“Y/N?” I walked in and Christina day me right away “what are you doing here? I thought Patrick said you and Auston had plans with your family tonight?”

“We did and we went then something happened between me and my sister and we left.”

“Well, would you like wine or beer?” Steph asked getting up from her seat. 

“Beer would be great,” she smiled at me and grabbed me a beer front the fridge and handed to me. 

“I was just telling Steph about the Christmas list the boys gave Patrick and me this year.”

Steph and I help Christina out with dinner while she told us the boys Christmas list. They thought it would be a good idea to combine their list this year and what they had on it was crazy. The things that go through boys head are amazing. 

When dinner was ready none of the guys were upstairs yet. I offer to go down and get the hockey players. 

Once I stepped off the last step I heard fight about if the hickey puck went inside the net. I turn the corner expecting it to one of the younger boys but it wasn’t it was Mitch and Auston fighting. 

“Wow, when I heard the fighting I didn’t expect it to be you two. Aren’t these boys suppose to look up to you two?” I laugh a little bit but I try to hold it in. 

“You would think that but no they do this all the time. They either fight with each other or they fight with one of the boys. Is like I have six sons sometimes.”

“Well if all of you are done fighting to see who won the Stanley Cup dinner is ready upstairs.” I laugh and look at Auston but he is talked to Mitch still probably still about the puck whether it went in the net or not. I rolled my eyes as I climbed the stairs. 

The ten of us sat around the dining room table and had different conversations about different things. I’m glad no one brought up why Auston was here instead of at my parent's house. 

Has I was talking to Steph about the family skate day with the Leafs I felt Auston’s hand go on my leg. I didn’t look over at him because I was in the middle of talking. He kept going higher and higher. I couldn’t focus on what Steph was saying. Before He got any higher I stood up and everyone looked at me. I excuse myself and went to the bathroom down the hall. I closed the door right behind me and placed my forehead against the back of the door and took a deep breath. These feelings I help having for Auston is worrying me a little bit. What if after the holidays he doesn’t want this and that all he wanted was the arrangement we made in the beginning. There is a part of me that thinks that this could actually work and we could be happy then I think about when he goes off-road trips and all the time during the season and then I’m worried that he may go to find another girl in another city that has a better family and that doesn’t fight with their siblings. 

I hear a knock on the door that made me jump, I don’t know how long I have been in hear here. 

“Babe? Are you alright in there?” I heard Auston’s voice on the other side and I open the door and seen him there looking worried

“Yeah, I’m okay.” I walked out and turned the light off. 

“Are you sure? If I didn’t something you didn’t like you can tell me.”I could tell he was worried which was really sweet. 

“Tonight has been a little rough is all maybe we get some dessert and then head out. Maybe watch a movie and cuddle a bit?” I asked him. 

“That’s sound great.” He put his hand on the lower part of my back and lead me back into the dining room. 

I sat down and Brody who was sitting next to was a little chatterbox during dessert. He talked about school, hockey, going to the Leafs game, and then he talked about how he would show me how well he could skate at the family skate later in the month.

[collapsingintojupiter]

Sunshine and Storm Clouds: Chapter 4

Chapter 1  Chapter 1.5  Chapter 2  Chapter 3

Yes, this is the story that originally spawned from drabble prompts, and lemme tell y’all I have some fun stuff planned. Enjoy!

Warnings: Exactly one curse, alcohol mention. Let me know if I need to add anything.

Also before I begin this chapter I just want to send a huge shoutout to @just-perhaps for being such a freaking amazing friend! Like guys he was so patient with me, and just let me bounce chapter ideas off of him and helped me come up with a lot of this stuff that you’re reading now--because I have such a disastrous brain I have trouble with that kind of thing a lot, and thanks to him I’ve been able to sort a lot of these ideas out so that you can enjoy them. So if you like what you see--thank him too! He’s awesome!

That is all. Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

___

Roman tried not to look tense as he followed Logan and Virgil into the kitchen; sure he was excited for a free meal but Virgil's presence especially put him on edge. He was pretty sure that the purple-and-black clad father hated him, and the almost robotic demeanor of the other one didn't help with that much.

"Can you take Patton and sit down with him while Virgil and I get dinner?" Mr. Sanders held the child out to him and Roman nodded, taking Patton into his arms.

"Ready to eat?" He asked the little boy with a grin. He felt better just holding Patton--the little boy's very presence seemed to make the world feel a little better; a little brighter. I guess I can understand why Virgil's so protective of him, he thought.

"He seems to like you," the other Mr. Sanders nodded to him with something that might have been approval.

"Thank you, Mr--"

"Virgil."

"Mr. Virgil?" The one in the patch jacket groaned, turning to his husband.

"I'm not professional enough for all that garbage," he shook his head and waved one hand vaguely in the air. "Just call me Virgil."

"Yes sir."

"Virgil."

"Right." Roman was blinking as he carried Patton into the dining room and away from that awkward conversation. He busied himself settling the little boy down to his chair; before he sat down next to him and turned to watch Mr. Sanders and Virgil as they worked together on the burgers.

"There's three of us, Logan," Virgil reminded his husband when the blue-tied father only got four hamburger buns from the pantry. Mr. Sanders nodded, quickly correcting his mistake and throwing the buns into the toaster while Virgil got out pans to cook the burgers. 

"What kind of stuff do you like on your burger?" Logan asked Roman, heading over to the fridge to get out condiments. 

"You guys have teriyaki sauce?"

"Yes." Logan pulled out a small bottle of it, following that with mayo, ketchup, relish, and cheese.

Plates and utensils were brought out and arranged, and Virgil helped Mr. Sanders arrange them on plates. Mr. Sanders sniffed at the air when they'd finished, then frowned.

"Virgil, your burgers are burning." Logan's husband spun around when he heard that, eyes wide.

"Shit!" Virgil dashed back into the kitchen and Logan watched him go, a half-smile on his face as he shook his head. 

"Maybe one day we'll make these correctly, eh Patton?" He looked down at his son, suddenly seemed to realize Roman was there, and his cheeks turned red as he looked away.

Roman didn't say anything, but he was more intrigued than anything by the two fathers' almost clumsy attempt to make dinner for him. He felt almost...honored. People rarely shared themselves with others so easily, especially when they weren't "perfect" at whatever it was. Seeing these two was almost...refreshing, in a way, a good break from too-perfect Hallmark families and idiocy painted over with smiling faces.

Virgil and Logan seemed to exist in their own dimensions, yet acted as anchors for each other in the real world. It was such an odd relationship Roman couldn't quite figure out how it worked, but he didn't doubt it either--the adoration in the teacher's usually stony expression when he looked at Virgil, the way Virgil's eyes softened whenever they saw Mr. Sanders. That's love, he thought to himself. That…that's real love.

Virgil came back into the room with a plate of steaming burger patties (which were hardly burned at all, Roman couldn't help but note), and the two arranged everything on the table before sitting down next to each other. 

"We have enough for each of us to get two, but we can make more if you'd like," Logan stated, and everyone dug in. Virgil tried to ignore his food and feed Patton instead, but one look from Logan and he begrudgingly began to eat while he fed the child instead.

Roman forced himself to eat slowly, taking small bites from his burger and ignoring the ravenous hunger that burned in his stomach. The burgers were delicious, and as they ate Mr. Sanders questioned him about...well, the list of things he didn't ask about might've been shorter. Roman kept his answers short, hoping he'd stop, but Logan just kept talking. He hadn't realized that the teacher could say so much.

"What school do you go to?"

"Rachedale Highschool."

"And you're in what grade?"

"I'm a junior."

"Do you have any siblings?"

"No, it's just me at home."

"Have you read any good books lately?"

"...I don't read much, sir. I don't have time."

"Do you have a favorite subject in school?"

"I like History, I guess."

Logan opened his mouth to ask another question, but before he could Virgil bumped him with his knee under the table. Roman could tell he was trying to be subtle, but he tended to notice things a lot of other people didn't, this included. Logan glanced at Virgil and shut his mouth, then looked back at Roman.

"I apologize, Roman. Am I talking to much?"

"No sir," Roman lied. "I don't mind." The teacher narrowed his eyes.

"Roman, I want you to be honest with me. If something is bothering you, or if I am making you uncomfortable, please say something. I don't want to distress you."

Roman blinked several times, surprised. Since when did adults care about what him, a teenager, had to say? But Logan looked so serious, and Virgil was nodding.

Maybe he doesn't hate me. Man, these two are weird...but cool. I like them.

"Um...I guess yeah, then? I don't really like being, um, questioned like that." He ducked his head after saying that. "Sorry."

"No need to apologize, Roman," Mr. Sanders answered quickly. "If it makes you uncomfortable, I'll avoid it. Alright? But you have to tell me."

"Y-Yes, sir."

Logan nodded. "Is there anything you wish to talk about instead?"

Roman actually grinned that time. He hadn't really expected to enjoy the meal, but this was actually turning out to be quite interesting.

"So, earlier Patton and I…"

The three talked about the little boy in blue for a while, sharing a few stories and laughing at Patton's antics over burgers and fries (Virgil claimed that they too had burned, but really they were fine). Roman finished his burger first, and while his stomach still roared with hunger, he didn't touch the second one once he'd fixed it. 

"Ah…Mr. Sanders?"

"Yes?" Logan looked up at him, one eyebrow raised.

"Can I get a plastic bag to put this in? I'm not hungry...I was wondering if I could take this home and eat it later?"

Logan looked at Roman, adjusted his glasses, and shook his head.

"Falsehood," he stated calmly. Then, before Roman could protest, Virgil spoke up.

"Eat at much as you need, kid. I'll make more and you can take that home with you. Deal?"

Roman looked at the purple-and-black father in surprise, and when their eyes met he almost wished he hadn't looked up at all. There was an understanding in Virgil's eyes that was a lot more knowing; a lot more unsettling than he would've liked. How does he...

"Deal," Roman answered, trying to keep his voice from trembling. Virgil nodded and disappeared into the kitchen, coming back sometime later with more hot burger patties. He also had a few bags of chips, an apple, and juice, which he'd arranged in a plastic bag.

"Take it all," he told Roman, setting it down in front of him. Roman didn't argue, finishing off his second burger and packing up the rest.

"Thank you so much," he told Mr. Sanders and Virgil earnestly. "I'd love to stay for longer, but I probably should get back. I don't want my mom to worry." Oh whatever, she probably wouldn't notice if you never came back, the voice at the back of his head snickered. Shut up, Roman thought back at it. He wished that the voice wasn't right, desperately trying to block it out with something here and now.

"Thank you for taking care of Patton," Mr. Sanders said with a nod. "Will you be willing to return should we need help with him again?"

"Yes sir!" Roman forced energy into his voice that he didn't know he had. "I'd be glad to help with Patton anytime!" Logan nodded.

"Until next time then, Roman." Roman waved to them and smiled at Patton as he opened the front door.

"I'll see you later!"

He shut the door behind him and started the walk home.

---

About a half hour later, Roman pulled an old key from his pocket and slid it into the doorknob that belonged to a small dilapidated house. 

"Mom?" He called as he stepped inside. "I'm back."

"Oh, hey honey." The lilting voice came from the living room and Roman followed it, clutching the plastic bag in his hands. In front of the TV his mother was sprawled out on the couch, her clothing battered and dirty. Had she looked so bad that morning?

"Mom… Please tell me you didn't buy more of that stuff."

"Oh honey...I promised you, remember?"

"Mom, you're drunk." Roman let out a quiet sigh. "How are we going to pay rent this month if you keep spending everything on booze?"

"Oh relax honey, it'll be alright." Mrs. Emerson smiled at Roman, and he shuddered.

"I brought you dinner," he said, taking the plastic bag over to his mother. She took it and frowned at its contents.

"But, darling...I'm not hungry."

"Mom, please eat?" 

"Maybe later." Roman sighed; dropped it. There was no use chasing subjects when his mother was like this. Maybe he could heat it up later for her, or eat it for breakfast tomorrow.

"Did you get the job?" He asked instead. Of course not, idiot. She wouldn't be drunk if she had.

"No, I didn't…" his mother sighed. "But don't worry about it, hun. I'll get something eventually."

"Yeah," Roman nodded. "You'll get it." He hated how hollow the words sounded, even to him.

"You'll get it, Mom."

___

Taglist.

@antisocialsilvermermaid @just-perhaps @ghostintimelostintime

[consulting-celiac-in-the-tardis]

57 Easy Gluten Free Dinner Recipes For the Whole Family

New blog post! Nowadays, I find myself having even less time and motivation to cook than usual...which is why easy gluten free dinner recipes have definitely been my saving grace!

So in the hope of making everyone’s life a little easier right now, I thought I’d round up some of the best easy gluten free dinner recipes on the blogosphere. All of the recipes I’ve included below are not only gluten free but also easy to make and require simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, there are plenty of keto, low carb, paleo and vegan options! So without further adieu, let’s dive into these 57 easy gluten free dinner recipes for family members of all ages and palates.

1. Easy Chicken Pizza (Low Carb) - Snappy Gourmet

You don't even need pizza crust or flour to make this easy gluten free dinner. Just combine chicken with your favorite pasta or tomato sauce, cheese and pizza toppings!

2. Quinoa Avocado Veggie Patty (Vegan) - Any Reason Vegans

Have quinoa in your pantry that you want to use up? Combine quinoa, avocado and a few other ingredients for a delicous vegan "burger."

3. 5-Ingredient Sweet Chicken - My Gluten-Free Kitchen

This gluten free chicken recipe has definitely earned the top slot of my to-do list!

4. Zucchini Beef Skillet (Paleo) - Eating Richly

If you're looking for a one-pot-wonder that also just happens to be healthy, paleo and delicious, this gluten free dinner checks all the boxes.

5. Sweet Potato Salmon Sliders (Paleo) - Casey the College Celiac

No bread, no problem! You can enjoy your salmon between two "slices" of roasted sweet potato instead.

6. Delicious Easy Keto Pizza - Healthy with Jamie

Making a gluten free pizza might sound time-consuming and complicated, but this keto pizza recipe only takes 15 minutes to whip up - including cooking time!

7. Sesame Noodles (Vegan, Soy Free, Nut Free) - Moon and Spoon and Yum 

Noodles have never looked so good or been so flavorful.

8. Caprese Sheet Pan Chicken Breast - Food Meanderings 

You only need five ingredients to make this Caprese-salad-inspired dinner.

9. Instant Pot Curry with Chickpeas, Tomatoes and Spinach (Vegan) - The Foodie Eats

As long as you have curry powder in your pantry, this curry is a super easy recipe to whip up with the veggies you have on hand.

10. Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner (Low Carb, Keto, Paleo) - Tasty Galaxy

This Greek chicken dinner tastes like it's straight out of a restaurant, and it only takes eight very simple ingredients.

11. The Best Vegan Chili Recipe Ever (Nightshade Free Option, Soy Free) - Allergy Yummy

The ingredients you need for this vegan chili may be easily accessible and cheap, but this chili tastes high quality!

12. Singapore Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Sauce - Christina's Cucina 

For those nights when you only have chicken in the fridge but want something different for dinner...

13. Crustless Spinach, Onion and Sundried Tomato Quiche - Girl Gone Mom

If you have some eggs on hand, this quiche is an easy meal-prep recipe that your family can enjoy for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

14. Spanish Beans with Tomatoes (Vegan, Vegetarian) - Veggie Desserts

This vegan dinner recipe is proof that even if you have limited fresh ingredients, you can still create a winning meal.

15. Deconstructed Vegetarian Enchiladas Skillet - Mash Up Mom

All of the enchilada flavor with a fraction of the effort. Sign me up!

16. 5-Minute Crunchy Greens Quesadilla (Paleo, Vegan Options) - Casey the College Celiac

This is the perfect easy gluten free dinner to use up any leftovers you have on hand. Plus, it can easily be adapted to a paleo or vegan diet.

17. Easy Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables - Foodal

Seasoning turns what could be a boring dinner of potatoes, veggies and sausage into a flavorful dinner the whole family will enjoy.  Just make sure whatever sausage (or substitute protein) you use is gluten free!

18. Vegetable Soup (Vegan) - Veg Recipes of India

If you're craving a comforting soup but don't have any cans at home, you can make your own with this very easy recipe.

19. Whole30 Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers (Paleo) - Cook At Home Mom

To make this gluten free dinner even quicker and easier to make, you can follow the cooking hacks included in the recipe, like using frozen cauliflower rice or pre-cooked chicken.

20. Mushroom Pulao, or Instant Pot Mushroom Rice - Indian Ambrosia

Moist rice combines with tender mushrooms for a simple but scrumptious gluten free dinner.

21. Easy Vegan Tortilla Soup - Class Clay Cooking

No cream or chicken is needed for this flavorful tortilla soup.

22. Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken - Nourish Plate

Lemon and garlic upgrade the traditional chicken breast into a creamy, tangy dinner.

23. Flatbread Quinoa Pizza (Vegan) - Stacey Homemaker

Who knew that you could make a gluten free pizza crust out of just quinoa, water, garlic and seasonings?!?

24. Loaded Potato Wedge Nachos (Vegan Option) - Casey the College Celiac

The only required ingredient for this gluten free dinner is a regular or sweet potato to cook up into fries. Otherwise, you can stack your nachos with whatever ingredients you have on hand or are craving!

25. Extra Crispy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken (Allergy-free, No oil) - Strength and Sunshine

If you're craving take-out, make a healthier version of fried chicken using this simple air fryer recipe instead.

26. Super Simple, Very Green Cream Soup (Low Carb, Paleo, Vegetarian) - Refresh My Health

The hardest step of this gluten free soup recipe is blending all the veggies, so it's safe to say it's a winning recipe for busy nights.

27. Kid-Friendly Baked Ziti Casserole - Fearless Dining

Have a ton of gluten free pasta in your cupboards and don't know how to use it? This easy gluten free casserole will please the whole family!

28. Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili - Feast for a Fraction

The nice thing about this chili is that you can easily make a double batch and freeze half for even easier dinners later on!

29. Vegan Tomato Soup - Allergy Free Alaska

This soup is as comforting as it is easy to make. Plus, you likely already have all the necessary ingredients in your pantry.

30. Easy Zucchini Enchilada Skillet - Wanderlust and Wellness

This gluten free enchilada dinner is loaded with extra veggies and only takes 10 ingredients and 30 minutes to make.

31. Gluten Free Pizza Rolls - Hunny I'm Home DIY

As long as you have a gluten free pizza crust mix waiting in your pantry, you can surprise the whole family with these allergy-friendly pizza rolls.

32. The Best Twice Baked Stuffed Potatoes - Simply Full of Delight

If you have a lot of Russet potatoes you want to use up, this simple take on twice baked potatoes will take those spuds to the next level.

33. Instant Pot Lentil Stew (Vegetarian) - Fun FOOD Frolic Photo Option 

Meatless Monday has never been so tasty or delicious. Plus this recipe is super customizable for whatever you have in your pantry.

34. 4-Ingredient Roast Chicken Dinner - My Kitchen Love

This one-pot meal lets the oven do all the work and is the perfect way to cook up a whole chicken and have leftovers for days.

35. Lazy Vegan Pot Pie with Sliced Potato Crust - My Pure Plants

Pot pie might not be the first meal you think of when you hear the phrase, "Easy dinner recipes" but this one is extra easy since you use a potato instead of flour for the crust!

36. Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas - Little Sunny Kitchen

Homemade fajita seasoning and the air fryer makes these chicken fajitas extra flavorful and easy.

37. Mexican Ground Beef Skillet (Paleo, Whole 30) - Hot Pan Kitchen

This gluten free Mexican dinner only takes 25 minutes to cook, and you can eat it on its own, with veggies or even as tacos.

38. Crispy Salmon Cakes with Lemon Dill Sauce (Low Carb, Grain Free) - Flavor the Moments

I grew up eating salmon patties with my grandma, so this low carb version is definitely on the top of my to-do list.

39. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Stew (Vegan, Refined Sugar Free) - Healthy Living James

Black beans and sweet potato are a match made in culinary heaven.

40. Quick & Easy Vegan Bolognese - Delightful Adventures

For when you're craving spaghetti but also want a meatless dinner that everyone will enjoy.

41. 3-Ingredient Balsamic Jam Pork Chops (Paleo, Whole 30 Option) - Paleo Gluten Free Guy

A sweet and sour glaze takes pork chops to the next level.

42. One Pan Mexican Quinoa (Vegan) - Vegan Huggs

Quinoa and black beans give this Mexican dinner a hefty dose of plant-based protein.

43. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy - 24 Bite

No canned soup or gravy mix packages are required for this gluten free crockpot dinner.

44. Lentil Curry (Dal) with Spinach (Vegan, Vegetarian) - Go Healthy Ever After

Personally, I love a cozy bowl of dal and this vegan dal recipe is extra easy to make thanks to the instant pot or pressure cooker.

45. Supreme Pizza Casserole (Low Carb) - Peace, Love and Low Carb

Transform that leftover cauliflower in your fridge into a pizza-like dinner with help from whatever pizza toppings and sauces you have on hand.

46. One Pan Chicken and Asparagus Skillet Dinner - Creative Green Living

As long as you have chicken breast, cheese and asparagus, you can whip up this easy gluten free skillet dinner.

47. Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Keto) - Wholesome Yum

This gluten free casserole only calls for seven common recipes and you have two ways to choose to make it.

48. Keto Pulled Pork - Joy Filled Eats

One instant pot + five simple ingredients = one delicious, protein-packed keto dinner recipe.

49. Simple Italian Sweet Potato Pizza Crust (Vegan) - Bucket List Tummy

Do you have sweet potatoes, gluten free oats and cornstarch? Then you can have a sweet potato pizza!

50. Creamy Baked Chicken Legs (Keto Friendly) - Cooked by Julie

Shake up traditional chicken leg dinner with a creamy tomato sauce.

51. Paleo Shepard's Pie (Whole 30) - Lau's Healthy Lifestyle

This paleo dinner recipe versatile, comforting and tasty.

52. Instant Pot Salsa Chicken (Keto Friendly) - Mom Foodie

Salsa, chicken, cheese and spices + the instant pot = an easy and delicious family meal.

53. Healthy Pasta Alfredo (Keto Option) - Texanerin 

Make sure you use the gluten free flour option in this healthy alfredo recipe, and you'll have an easy use of the pasta in your pantry.

54. 3 Chicken Cutlets Recipes (Keto, Grain Free and Egg Free Options) - Healthy Taste of Life

These chicken cutlets are juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside and definite kid-pleaser.

55. Creamy Sweet Potato Lentil Soup (Vegan) - Happy Kitchen Rocks

Sweet potato, lentils and coconut milk are the three main ingredients for this easy vegan dinner.

56. Air Fryer Salmon Patties (Low Carb, Keto, Whole 30) - Recipes From a Pantry

Thanks to the air fryer, these salmon patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

57. Chicken Fajita Lettuce Wraps (Paleo, Grain Free, Specific Carbohydrate Diet) - Emma Eats and Explores

Thanks to the marinade, the chicken in these fajitas are super tender and you can add whatever toppings you're craving.

I Hope You Love These Easy Gluten Free Dinner Recipes for the Whole Family

Regardless of how chaotic our life might be, we still need to eat and easy gluten free dinner recipes like these can definitely make that “chore” feel a lot less taxing. And if you have a limited amount of ingredients in your pantry, fridge and freezer, I hope these simple recipes will also inspire you to get creative with what you have. Let me know in the comments what you’ve been eating lately or which of these 57 gluten free dinner recipes you’d like to try first! And stay safe, healthy and full of delicious gluten free food! via Blogger https://ift.tt/34wqRdP