#HUG YOUR CHILDREN VICTORIA

[divinequo]

(TW blatant and unfiltered dark and heavy discussion)

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Heavy, in every photo I've found of him, never wears a helmet or protective gear, he teases and hangs around incredibly dangerous and feral animals for "Fun" heavy had a knife potentially belonging to HIM to give to Dee to take photos with

I don't have any solid proof, but finding this detail has made me think..

what if heavy is actually $^!<!dal??

I stayed up practically all night last night and was watching one of the creators mf imagine videos (the theme was titanic) They said Victoria would be able to get by and to the rafts with pure force and using heavy as sympathy bait then they said she'd do the same with Dee and I just-

need everyone to look at this oml

[lee-laurent]

Done Trying - Luke Hughes

Summary: In which Luke falls for a girl who always seems to be hanging around the Devils, the issue she has a toddler with one of his teammates

There will be more parts!! Next part is the backstory of John and Tori! Part after that is a continuation of this part! Hope you guys enjoy!

content: unplanned pregnancy, fluff, angst, children (is that a warning??), past relationships, self confidence and body image issues, money struggles, oc x ex!john marino (this is throughout the story, but this is a luke fic!! she ends up with luke!!)

WC: 4.8k

notes: this idea came to me the other night while i was watching tiktoks lol, but i thought it would a fun fic to write. the poll i put out showed a pretty clear leader the whole time, but if you guys are interested in me doing any of the other pairings in the poll just let me know!! before writing this i have a feeling it's gonna be a long fic so enjoy!!

Luke Hughes was walking down the street to the cafe that Jack had recommended. He still didn't know many places in Newark, seeing as it was his rookie season, but his brother had been a huge help... for the most part. Jack had told him about his coffee shop that was usually pretty quiet, so he wouldn't have to worry about fans coming up to him. And it had become his safe haven over the last two weeks.

Victoria Wilson was also walking down the street in the direction of the cafe, but she wasn't alone. Her newly turned two-year-old was toddling besides her, having refused to get in his stroller when they were leaving their apartment. "No" was his favourite word at the moment and Tori thought it might drive her crazy. She was dropping him off at his dad's in a couple hours, so she decided that grabbing him a bagel and some juice for breakfast sounded like a great way to get out of the house.

"Riley! Stop!" she screeched, watching as her son started to run down the sidewalk in the direction of a tall boy, looking at his phone. She didn't reach him in time though, the little boy wrapping his arms around the man's legs.

"What the hell?" Luke muttered, staring down at the toddler gripping his leg.

"I am so sorry! He's really big into hugging right now. We're working on learning who we shouldn't hug," Tori rambled, attempting to pull Riley off the man.

"It's fine. Really. No worries. Come on, little dude. Go back with your sister," Luke smiled, making the girl blush.

"I- I'm his mom, but I'll take that as a compliment," she smiled, finally prying Riley away and picking him up. He squirmed her arms, screaming "no" like it was mantra.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed," Luke rubbed the back of his neck.

"It's all good. Let me buy you a coffee. Again, I'm so sorry. Terrible twos," she sighed, reaching into her purse for a pacifier. "Here bubba. Let's go get breakfast."

Riley finally calmed down, happily putting the pacifier in his mouth. Tori had been trying her best to ween him off his "binky" but his dad wasn't, so it wasn't really working all that well.

"You don't have to do that. He's just a kid."

"Please, I'd really like to," she smiled. Luke nodded, opening the door for the woman and her son.

Tori ordered a coffee for herself and Luke, as well as a bagel and apple juice for Riley. They sat at a small table, Riley on her lap and Luke across from her.

"I'm Tori, by the way. And this little devil is Riley."

"It's nice to meet you," Luke grinned, "I'm Luke."

"So, how long have you lived in Jersey?" she smiled, breaking off a bit of bagel for Riley. He had a habit of trying to shove things in his mouth and gagging every time. So Tori always broke his food up into little pieces.

"A month now. I, um, just moved here for my new job."

"That's exciting," she grinned, handing Riley more food.

"What about you?"

"We moved here two years ago. Riley's dad moves a lot for work and I like to be in the same city as him so they can spend time together."

Luke nodded. So she was single. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't admiring her. She was stunning. Pale skin covered in freckles, ginger hair that she'd curled into waves, and the prettiest blue eyes he'd ever seen. She giggled as Riley dropped bagel all over his shirt, attempting to wipe it away as best as a toddler could.

"You said Riley's two?"

"Yes! He just turned two in August!"

"My mom always said that's the hardest age," Luke tried his best to relate to the girl in front of him.

"Ha! She's right. He really likes saying 'no' right now. It's impossible to get him to do anything except play mini sticks."

Luke choked on his coffee, "As in hockey?"

"Oh, yeah. He, uh, we're big hockey fans in my house."

"Devils?"

"No. No offence if you're a Devils fan. But we're proud Penguins fans. Right, Riley?"

"Pen-guin," he giggled, clapping his cream cheese covered hands together.

"That's cool," he nodded, checking his phone. Jack had texted asking if he'd died on the way to get coffee. "I, um, it was really nice meeting you, but my brother's getting worried about me. I should go."

"No worries! It was lovely meeting you too. Say 'bye-bye', Riley."

"Bye-bye!"

"Bye, Riley. Um, I was wondering if I could get your number. We could do this again some time? It's totally fine if not. I just-"

"Of course, Luke. Here," she chuckled, taking his phone from him. Luke walked out of the coffee shop with a smile.

It was the first Family Skate of the season and Luke was happily yapping away with Jack and Nico, seeing as they were all single. Luke had been texting nonstop with Tori for the last two weeks, she was really busy taking care of Riley so they hadn't met up again yet. He had found out she was 24, from Pittsburgh, and had a degree in journalism. He hadn't told her what he did for a living, just saying athletics which she assumed meant personal training. He was laughing at a joke that his brother had made when a flash of red hair caught his eye.

He did a double take. Standing at the bench was Tori, holding an extremely excited looking Riley on her hip, tiny skates on his feet. They were both dressed in Devils jerseys. Tori pointed at someone on the ice and Riley clapped happily. John Marino skated over, grabbing Tori's hand to guide her onto the ice. Maybe she wasn't single like he assumed.

"What're you looking at, Rusty?" Jack knocked his shoulder.

"Huh? Nothing."

"Come on, let's go see Curtis."

Luke followed his brother, keeping an eye on John and the girl now holding his hand. It hurt a little, he really thought they were connecting. And she hadn't mentioned a boyfriend at all.

Tori had yet to notice Luke, smiling widely watching her son and his father interact. Even if she and John had broken up, they still held a mutual respect for each other, maybe even still loved one another.

"Do you like his jersey?" she asked, showing John the '6 Marino' on the back of their son's shirt.

"Wow! You look just like Daddy, bubba!"

"'Ike Dada!" Riley smiled.

"My mom got it for him for his birthday. He was really excited to show you."

"Well, I think it's awesome. Tell your mom 'thank you.'"

"Of course. I-" she stopped. Her eyes locked with a familiar pair across the ice. Luke? She furrowed her brow, handing the toddler over to his dad. "Here. Practice skating with him. I, uh, need to talk to someone."

"Oh, sure! Everything alright?"

"Yeah, yeah. Just fine," she mustered a smile as he pressed a kiss to her temple, skating off with Riley.

"Luke?" she approached him, a confused look on her face. Jack and Nico looked at each other before skating off to see John and Riley.

"Hi, Tori. I, uh, I didn't expect to see you here."

"Yeah. Me neither. You play for the Devils?"

"Um... yeah? It's my rookie season. I just- I didn't want you to like only want to talk to me cause I play in the NHL."

"I gave you those vibes?" she sassed, crossing her arms over her chest.

"No, no. That's not- You don't. I, uh, what're you doing here? I thought you were... single."

"I am. I would've stopped talking to you if I wasn't. Riley's dad also plays for the Devils."

Then it all fell into place for Luke. Moving from Pittsburgh, being Penguins fans, Riley's dad moving around for work, her being here.

"Johnny?"

"Yes. John invited us. I thought it would be fun for Riley."

"I'm sorry. I- I should've told you. Are- is this too weird now?"

"'This?' There isn't really a 'this' yet, Luke. We just met and I have a kid. But if you're asking if I'm going to stop talking to you. Then no. This isn't weird for me."

"Do you- d'you think John will be upset?"

"John? No. He just wants whatever is best for Riley. We broke up over a year ago."

"I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to pry. I-"

"Luke, it's fine. It was nice seeing you, but I should get back to my family."

"Right. See ya, Tori," Luke smiled, ignoring the pain in his chest at her words. John was her family. How was he supposed to beat that?

"You know Luke?" John asked as his ex-girlfriend skated up next to him.

"You remember that guy I met that Riley hugged?"

"The one from the coffee shop? Yeah, you said- oh my god! Was it Luke?"

"Yep," she popped the 'p' at the end of the word, "He didn't tell me he played hockey."

"Are you gonna cut things off?"

"There isn't really a 'thing' to cut off. We just text."

"Right. Well, don't let it stress you out."

"I won't. Don't worry. Anyway, how's Riley doing at skating?"

"Like a newborn deer. But he loves it, so..."

"Are you gonna be just like Dada?" she cooed, kissing her son's chubby cheek.

"'Ike Dada!"

"Yes! Just like Dada!"

Riley joined John in the locker room after, seeing as he was spending the night at his instead of going home with his mom. He sat in John's stall, kicking his feet back and forth. John had changed him into some tennis shoes instead of his skates.

"Hey, Riley!" Nico smiled, raising his hand over a high five.

"Cap!"

"Yes sir! That's gonna be you some day, huh?"

"Cap!"

Nico ruffled the boy's dark curls, walking back over to his stall. Jack also came over to see the little boy, but turned his attention to John after.

"Did ya know that Tori and Luke know each other?" he frowned.

"Huh? No, Tori told me today. Why?"

"Luke had been talking about this girl he met a couple weeks ago, had no idea it was Tori. I would've told him to back off."

"Back off? Tori and I aren't getting back together. That ship has long sailed."

"Really? I thought you still... loved her?"

"Of course I do. She's the mother of my child and for that I'll always love her. But she's made it very clear that we didn't work as more than friends. If she wants to see other people, I'm not going to stop her."

"Even if it's your own teammate?"

"Luke is the only guy on this team I'd let date my ex. Trust me."

"Damn. Maybe I was gonna shoot my shot."

"She'd reject you before you could even say hi," John smirked.

"Hungy! Hungy!" Riley chanted, pulling at John's sleeve.

"Okay, bud. One second, Jack," John reached into his backpack, pulling out a pouch and opening it for Riley. "There you go, bud. Eat slowly."

"O-tay."

"Anyway, Tori wouldn't be interested in you. She only likes guys with curly hair."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. We were together for four years. I know what her type is," he rolled his eyes. "Are we done here? I'd like to take my baby home."

Jack nodded, sulking back over to his stall.

"So... how're things with that Luke boy going?" Tori's best friend, Allison, asked. The two girls were sat on the sofa, an almost empty bottle of red wine in front of them, some horrible reality tv show on in the background.

"About that..."

"Oh no! Did he end up being a dick?"

"No, no. Nothing like that. He, um, he's teammates with John."

"He's what?! You're kidding me!"

"Nope. Saw him at family skate today."

"I thought you said he was an athletic trainer."

"He told me he did athletics. I just assumed he did like training for something. But nope, he's a rookie for the Devils."

"That's insane! Are you cutting him off? I thought you'd sworn off hockey players."

"I-"

"Victoria Jane Wilson! Do NOT tell me you're thinking about getting with this guy!"

"I... I'm not sure. He's really cute, Ally. Like the cutest guy I've seen in a while."

"Cuter than John?"

"Not sure anyone is cuter than John. My son is his carbon copy and he's the cutest ever."

"Speaking of Riley, do you think this Luke kid is ready to deal with a child in addition to you? He's how old? 20?"

"I know... I love Riley, but he's definitely made my dating pool smaller."

"Well, you'll have no way of knowing until you ask him on a date."

"You were just saying no more hockey boys! Make up your mind, Ally!"

"I know... but you haven't been on a date in like what..."

"Seven months."

"Seven months?! Text him right now!"

"Right now?"

"Right now!"

Maybe it was the copious amounts of wine that she'd consumed or the fact that she hadn't been on a date in seven months, but she reached for her phone and typed out a message.

I was wondering if you'd like to go on a proper date some time? Without any children with us

"Done!"

"Yay!!! This calls for more wine!"

The girls clinked their glasses together, giggling as they drank more.

Hey, Tori. I'd love that! Is Riley with John tomorrow? I'm free after 5.

"Oh my God! He said yes!!!"

"I knew he would, girl! You're stunning."

"I-"

"Don't give me that shit about your 'Mummy Tummy.' You carried a baby for 9 months of course you aren't going to look exactly the same as you did before. But trust me, you look fucking stunning. Now text him back!"

Ally was over for the second night in a row, except this time it wasn't girls' night. She was helping Tori get ready for her first date in almost a year.

"You have to wear something lowcut! Show off the goods," Ally smiled, pretending to squeeze some boobs in the air.

"They're not that impressive," Tori rolled her eyes, flicking through her shirts.

"Girl! Be confident! If I had tits like yours, I'd walk around in nothing but a bra!"

"Ally! Don't be crass!"

"What? Just telling the truth! We both know that Riley exists cause John loved your curves a little too much."

"Allison!" Tori gasped, although it was a tad bit dirty, she couldn't help but giggle. She pulled a white, flowy tank top out of her closet, holding it up to her body. "Thoughts?"

"That's the one! You'll look irresistible. Now! Let me do your makeup!" Ally clapped.

Tori did a once over in the mirror, smiling brightly. She wasn't usually very confident in her body, and that only got worse after having Riley. A ring filled the apartment as someone pressed her buzzer in the lobby. She pressed on the intercom button, "Come up!"

"I'll be here the whole time. Call if you need rescuing and I want all the details when you get back!" Ally smiled, plopping down on Tori's bed.

Luke rasied his fist, knocking on the wooden door. Tori wiped her hands on her jeans one last time, opening the door to reveal the boy. He was wearing a polo shirt that showed off his arms in the best way and a pair of khaki pants. It looked like he had attempted to tame his curls, but they just looked like they always did but wet.

"Wow, you... you look so pretty, Tori," he stuttered.

"Thank you. You also look really cute," she blushed. "Let me just grab my purse and then we can go. Come in."

Luke entered the apartment, taking in the decor. There was a small table in the corner covered in art supplies and a basket of toys next to it. On the sofa was a stuffed Winnie the Pooh and lots of plastic farm animals. Hanging on the wall was a colourful scribble with Riley's name printed at the bottom. It was clear to him that Riley was the most important thing in her life.

"Sorry, it's a bit messy. I usually clean when he's at John's, but I was... kinda nervous about tonight and forgot."

"You've got no reason to be nervous. I promise," Luke smiled.

God, his smile was cute. It was crooked, almost like a smirk and she wanted to see it every second of every day for the rest of her life.

"Shall we?"

"We shall."

The walk to the restaurant was full of jokes and laughs. Conversation between the two flowed so easily.

"You're joking! There's no way!"

"I'm not! He ripped Quinn's braces out!"

"That's insane!"

"Do you have any siblings?"

"No, no, I don't. Only child."

"How's that?"

"It was a bit lonely when I was a kid. But now I've got Riley so it's impossible to feel lonely."

They sat at a table, deciding to share a very large plate of seafood pasta.

"This is kind of a personal question, so you don't have to answer. But did you always want to be a mom?"

"That's not too personal, in my opinion. But yeah. When I found out I was pregnant though, I was really unsure. I was 22 and wanted to do so much more in my life first. But I can do most of those things even with Riley. And if I can't, John is there to watch him for me."

"That's a good way of looking at things. I, uh, I've never dated anyone with a kid."

Tori giggled, "I'm not surprised, Luke. But I'm not asking you to stay around if you don't want to."

They quickly moved on from talking about Riley, talking about their childhoods, favourite movies, and favourite foods.

"Secretariat? The horse movie?" she laughed.

"Don't laugh! It's a good movie!"

"I've never seen it."

"Well, I know what our next date is going to be," Luke's eyes widened as his brain caught up with his mouth, "If- If you want to go on another date. I, uh, I get if you don't want to. No pressure."

"Luke, I'd love to watch Secretariat with you," she smiled, reaching across the table to hold his hand. She ran her thumb over his knuckles, giving him a reassuring smile.

"I, uh, I'm free tomorrow. If that's not too soon."

"That should work. I just have to pick up Riley at 5, so it'll have to be in the afternoon."

"I'll make sure I'm up then."

"It's okay. I also sleep in on days Riley is with John."

Luke walked Tori up to her apartment, not wanting their night to end. They stood awkwardly in the doorway, looking at each other.

"I had a really good night," she smiled, looking down at her shoes.

"M- Me too. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Mhm."

"Can... Can I kiss you?"

"I don't normally kiss on the first date," she smirked.

"Oh, I'm so sorry."

"I'll make an exception for you."

Tori pushed herself up on her tip-toes, leaning in until their noses brushed. She let Luke take the final step, softly pressing their lips together. His were a bit chapped, but she didn't mind. Maybe her lip balm would rub off and help him out. They smiled, breaking the kiss.

"See you tomorrow," she waved goodbye, closing the door as he walked down the hall to the elevator.

"How was it?!" Ally screeched. Tori jumped, holding her hand to her chest.

"Holy shit! I forgot you were here!"

"Okay? How was it?!"

"So good! He's coming over tomorrow. Oh Lord, I have to clean!"

"He's coming over?! You're getting laid?!"

"No, God. Ally, it's our second date. I'm not sleeping with him."

"Why not?! When was the last time you had sex?"

"Um..."

"When did you and John sleep together?"

"Two months ago."

"I still can't believe you did that."

"He looked really hot playing with Riley. And we both hadn't slept with anyone in months. It was just... a mutual release."

Ally shook her head, "Whatever. Two months. You need some dick. And not your ex's."

"Why not? John's-"

"I don't want to hear about John's dick, Victoria."

"Your favourite person ever wouldn't exist without it," she shrugged.

"Riley's the only good thing that came from John. Anywho..."

"We're not sleeping together tomorrow. We're watching his favourite movie."

"Aww! That's so sweet! Look at you!! Finally moving on from Johnny Boy."

"I've been moved on for a while. I'm not sure the same can be said for him."

"He'll figure it out when he sees how happy you are with Luke!"

Tori giggled, "Time to clean up."

"I'll help... if we open a bottle of wine."

"Deal."

Tori was so nervous that she'd refolded the blanket on the back of the sofa at least six times now. She didn't really have company over except Ally and John. She wanted her apartment to look the best it ever had. All of Riley's toys were back in his toy bin and his room, she'd even cleaned the kitchen counter in case Luke went in there for something.

The intercom buzzed and Luke's voice broke through, "It's Luke. Hughes. Luke Hughes. Except I don't think you're expecting another Luke. But, I'm here."

Tori laughed, pressing the button to let him up. Less than a minute later there was a knock at her door. She took a deep breath, swining it open and smiling widely. Luke was in a Devils hoodie and some track pants. Luckily, she was dressed similarly.

"Welcome! I set up the living room for us."

"Perfect," Luke entered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. Tori sat on the sofa, Luke boldly sitting right next to her. Their thighs were touching and he had his arm stretched over the back of the leather sofa.

She couldn't help but admire his thighs. That was one thing she loved about hockey boys. Their thighs. It was probably her favourite feature when looking for a guy.

She clicked on Disney+, the app immediately playing Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

"Shit, sorry. Guess that's the last thing we were watching on here."

Luke just laughed, scooting closer to her (if that was possible). She relaxed, cuddling into his side. The movie started and Luke smiled down at her, pressing a kiss to her nose. She blushed, leaning up and connecting their lips in an actual kiss.

"No more kissing. You're going to distract me from the movie," Tori sassed, playfully pushing his face as he went in for another one.

"Fine," he pouted, turning his attention to the movie.

By the time the movie had ended, Tori was practically wrapped around Luke. A loud yawn escaped her.

"Was it that boring? That's my favourite movie we're talking about, Victoria," he feigned anger.

"It was sad. But I liked it. I need a nap though."

"Oh, I can go."

"No, come on. Your comfy," she grabbed his hand, leading him to her bedroom. Luke lay down next to her, allowing her to cuddle into his side, an arm thrown over his chest. She fell asleep almost immediately. He wasn't surprised though. He understood that Riley had been having a sleep regression and it was exhausting for John and Tori. He turned to look at the picture on her bedside table. It was her, Riley, and John at a beach. It looked recent, like it had just been taken over the off season. Tori was holding on of Riley's hands and John was holding the other. They looked like a happy, functional family. And it made Luke's brain run a mile a minute. How come her relationship with John hadn't worked out? Maybe she didn't commitment. Maybe she didn't want something serious. Maybe- A snore cut off his thoughts and he looked down at the sleeping figure in his arms. Why was he worried? She seemed happy. He just needed to not overthink it. Easier said than done.

Luke woke her up at 4:30, shaking her shoulder slightly. She slowly sat up, patting down her messy hair.

"What's up?" she mumbled.

"It's 4:30. I should probably go before John and Riley get here. I don't want to confuse anyone."

"Oh... okay. I, uh, sorry I fell asleep. I haven't had a full night of sleep in what feels like ages."

"You're fine, Tori. You coming to the game on Tuesday?"

"Yeah. I try to bring Riley to most home games. We just never stay long. He gets restless."

"See you then," he kissed her one last time.

"Mama!" Riley ran into Tori's arms.

"Hi, baby! Did you have fun at Dada's?"

"Yes! We 'ockey!"

"You played hockey! That's so fun! Let's get you some dinner!"

"Hungy!"

Tori smiled, standing up to talk to John.

"How was he?"

"You weren't kidding about the sleep. Couldn't get him down until 11 last night. And he was up at 3 and 5."

"Yeah, it's Hell. Did he stay in his cot?"

"Last night he slept in my bed. Night before he slept in his cot until 4."

"Did you use a pacifier?"

"I'm working on not. I know you said you want him to give it up. He used it last night because I could not calm him."

"That's fine. We're coming to the game Tuesday. Can't promise we'll stay after the first period though."

"All good. You wanna stay for dinner?"

"Nah, I'm going to Jack's. See you at the game."

"See you at the game."

John pressed a kiss to her hair, "Come say goodbye to Dada, Riley!"

"Buh-bye, Dada! 'Uv 'oo!"

"I love you too!"

Once the door was closed and locked for the night, Tori put Riley in his booster seat.

"How about mac and cheese?"

"Eese!"

"Let's do it! We're going to go see Dada play hockey in two days! Are you excited?"

"I 'uv 'ockey!"

"I know you do, baby! Mac and cheese time!"

Tori was exhausted Tuesday night as she entered the arena. Riley hadn't slept the last time night for more than 4 hours and was throwing tantrums all day because he was tired. He cried and cried for his dad. Tori eventually had to call John and have him come calm down Riley while she showered. She was on the brink of crying all day Tuesday and the stress of being at the game wasn't helping. But she'd promised John that Riley would be there at least for a little bit. She was chasing him around the family suite, trying to tire the little boy out. He'd started playing with some of the other kids and she finally had a moment to herself.

"Girl, you need a vacation," Reanne sighed, rubbing her friend's back.

"You're telling me. He's been so poorly behaved recently. I just... I'm considering have John move in until he gets over his sleep regression."

"Really?" Nicole gasped, "Are you sure?"

"I'm not sure what my other options are. Call my mom to come. But she hates flying. I'd ask John's parents, but they don't love me since the break up."

"Luke?"

"We've been on two dates! And he's a rookie. He needs his sleep."

"A nanny?"

"I have no money, girl. Child support is a saving grace at the moment."

"I'm sure John would-"

"I'm not asking my ex for money."

"Are you still working for that online newspaper?"

"Yeah, but the pay isn't the best ever. It works for us, but I can't afford a nanny."

"Well, if you need moral support when you talk to John about it, we're all here," one of the other wives smiled kindly.

After the game, John came over for a bit. Tori had texted him and asked for him to come so they could talk. So, now they were tensely sitting at the kitchen table.

"What's up, Tori?"

"I- I need to ask you something."

"Shoot."

"I, um, I need you to move back in for a bit. This... this isn't me asking to get back together. Please don't take it that way. I- I'm seeing Luke now. But Riley has been a lot to handle on my own right now. And I really need help."

"I- I could pay for a nanny. Or-"

"John. I'm asking you as his father not as my ex-boyfriend."

"Right. Um, yeah. I can do that. For how long?"

"Until he's over this sleep regression. We need to tag team it right now. It's too much for one person."

"Let me go to my place and grab some stuff. I'll be back in an hour. Can you set up the sofa for me?"

"Why? You can sleep in my room. It's closer to Riley's."

"Because we're not together?"

"John, I'm not uncomfortable if you aren't. Your the father of my child. It's not weird for me."

"Then it's fine with me. See you in an hour."

God, she hoped this didn't backfire.

[f0point5]

I think I have sent this same request some time ago but I still would like you to write something about Emilia and Max hanging out with Victoria’s children and maybe thinking about their own future kids. But really anything with Max and Emilia would be great!

I don’t think I’ve ever seen this one, but tumblr eats asks sometimes 🤷‍♀️ but it’s too cute so here you go! I am keeping these short but I hope you still enjoy it!

✨Set during summer break 2024✨

I’m having his baby (…) no, I’m not

You take a sip of your rosé as Victoria comes to stand beside you. You’re lurking in the doorway of the lounge, watching Max sitting on the couch with his baby niece in his arms. He’s bobbing her in a gentle motion, his hands looking huge around her tiny, swaddled body.

“God, I remember when we used to say our kids would get married,” Vic says beside you, and you laugh.

You did say that. As little kids you would wish to be sisters, and somehow the only way you could think to make that happen would be for your children to marry each other. Like in that Flintstones movie you used to love. You’d draw pictures of the two of you sitting on the porch of a large house, watching your children get married.

Now you wonder if your mums thought the same, during those summers in Italy, as they watched you all play. They swear now that they did, that the mother’s intuition told them you and Max were tied together by some invisible chord that chafed on both your wrists. “A mother always knows,” Sophie said to you when she saw you last, “you will know, too”.

“And now that would be illegal and dangerous for our grandkids,” you say, shaking your head. “Crazy,”

“I like it better this way,” Victoria says, putting her arm around your shoulder and squeezing you into a hug.

“Me, too,” you agree, your eyes fixed on Max and Hailey. He’s whispering to her in Dutch, her eyes fluttering closed every few seconds as she yawns in his face, which only makes him smile. He’s utterly mesmerised by her. And you’re mesmerised by him.

I swear I can actually feel my ovaries right now.

“He’s so good with kids,” Vic says. “Even with Jaye I remember he was so gentle,”

“Yeah,” you agree, only half hearing her as you take another sip.

“Gives you baby fever, huh?”

You choke on your wine. Was that Victoria or your subconscious talking?

Vic, are you in here? No, of course she’s not in here. She’s just being nosey. Act natural.

“Are you okay?” Max asks from the couch. You look over at him as you wipe your mouth, coughing once as you nod. Even as he looks at you in concern, he never stops the gentle bouncing motion of the baby in his arms.

You go to answer, but Vic beats you to it, blunt as ever. “I was just saying, you will be having one of your own soon, yeah?” She smiles, nodding at Hailey.

If Max is panicking as much as you, he doesn’t show it, just shrugging. “I mean, ye-“ You can feel your eyes widen, and he stops when he sees your face. He tries again. “May-“ he frowns at you, silently begging for help. “No?” You nod gently, and Max turns to Victoria. “No.”

She looks at you in mild disbelief. “No?”

“No,” you emphasise to both Verstappens.

You love them dearly but genetics are a crazy thing - they both share a chronic disregard for timing. They want it all, and they want it now, in any order, all order be damned.

“You’re not getting any younger,” Victoria says, nudging you.

“That is just rude,” you tell her, and she just smiles unapologetically.

“Oh, come on,” she implores, reaching up to wind her finger around a lock of your hair, “a little baby with Max’s eyes and your hair?”

“And both of our tempers,” you say with a chuckle. “Can you imagine that? Besides, we can barely make cereal, and you want us to raise a baby?”

You look at Max for support, but he’s no longer paying attention. He’s looking down at his niece like he’s holding water.

Maybe a baby can live on cereal, if her dad looks at her like that.

“I’m going to go put Hailey down for her nap,” Vic says, jerking you from your thoughts.

She goes over to take a sleepy Hailey from Max’s arms, and he looks loathe to let her go. She looks so much bigger when held by her mother, and her so much more fragile.

“When I get back, we can start on dinner. I’m going to make cereal,” Vic teases in a whisper, winking at you as she passes.

Max snorts with laughter, and you shoot Vic a glare as she starts to hum, shuffling her way out of the lounge towards the bedroom.

You join Max on the couch, falling onto it beside him with a heavy sigh.

“So glad I’m an only child,” you say, rolling your eyes. When Max doesn’t respond, you glance over at him to find him staring at his hands. You nudge him gently. “What?”

“You do,” he starts, leaning back as he turns to you. “Want kids, someday, don’t you?With me. I mean…you don’t think I’ll be, like…”

“No,” you answer quickly, when you understand what he’s getting at.

You silently curse yourself for that joke about tempers. For ever making him think that’s something you worry about. You know there’s a heaviness in Max, in both of you. You know that he is so much more than his father’s son. But you also know that the weight on his shoulders will keep him crooked until he can see that for himself. You hope knowing you see it will be enough for now.

“I want your baby, Max. Someday. There’s no one else I would ever do this with besides you and not just because I love you, but because I know you’ll be an amazing dad,” you tell him honestly, and even that small platitude seems to relax his shoulders. “But can we at least get to one year of baby making activities before we start painting a nursery?”

Max nods, letting out a husk of a laugh. “I’m shit at painting anyway,” he says, looking at you from under those eyelashes that you secretly envy.

Maybe she’ll inherit those, too.

“Free practice?” You offer with a smirk, holding your hand for his.

Max looks at your outstretched palm for a moment before taking your hand in his. “Free practice,” he agrees, using his grip on your hand to pull you forward so that your chest is pressed against his. “I’m looking forward to FP2 later,”

[russellbby]

Sometimes you just need your brother || Pt.1

Summary: in which max's little sister finally feels free from her home life and max is there to support her straight away.

Makayla Verstappen (OC) x f1 grid

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

makaylaverstappen

Liked by maxverstappen1, danielricciardo and 123,828 others

makaylaverstappen: study & new friends🦈💗

view all 1,183 comments

user12 Prettyyy😍

user61 Sharks are your new friends ?!

user81 Future marine biologist here !!

user62 The aesthetic✨

maxverstappen1 If u die, it’s your own fault!

makaylaverstappen wow, thanks bro

maxverstappen1 welcome Mack :)

user15 I love their relationship🥰

user61 Max and Kayla >>

user29 🥰🥰

user33 Max💀😭

landonorris How are you not scared ??

makaylaverstappen Nothing to be scared about!

landonorris It’s sharks!!

user19 Lando😭

user44 The fact that she’s 16 and so many people wouldn’t want to do what she’s doing🤣

//

Everyone knows what Jos Verstappen was like treating Max Verstappen growing up. Everyone saw that Max didn’t see his mother Sophie and his sister Victoria much due to him always travelling around the world.

When they got divorce, Jos went off and got married again and had more children who became Max and Victoria’s step siblings.

Max couldn’t say he had a favourite siblings, but when it came to Makayla Verstappen, her and Max got very close despite the big age gap.

Makayla Verstappen is a 16 year old, she has all her focus on her studies to hopefully achieve her dream of becoming a marine biologist.

If her father let her, that is..

Jos’s relationship with Makayla wasn’t good, they both argued all the time just because of the career Makayla wanted to have wasn’t good enough according to him.

They were always having an argument, like right now.

“Why can’t you just accept it’s the career I want to have!” Makayla said. “It’s not good enough Makayla, what good in the world does a marine biologist do?” Jos shouted.

“Mhm I don’t know! Making fucking looking after the animals and the planet?” Makayla shouted at him, something that she never had to courage to ever do until now.

“Don’t you dare shout at me, you know what will happen if you do that again? You’ll be out of this house” Jos spat has her. “I don’t wanna be there anyways!” Makayla said.

“Go then, I won’t care you are always in your bedroom all day everyday anyways!” Jos replied. “So, this is what you are doing? Kicking out a 16 year old!” Makayla exclaimed.

“Yes” Jos replied as Makayla just stared at him as he walked into the kitchen. She slowly made her way up to her bedroom to start packing a suitcase. After a few hours she had everything packed.

She was finally free.

//

Something that Max Verstappen wasn’t expected was to see his 16 year old sister the other side of this door, with a suitcase and a sad look on her face.

“Mack, how’d you get here?” Max asked her softly as helped her into his apartment and pulled her into a hug. The girl could see quite a few drivers there so she buried her head into his chest.

“C’mon, talk to us we won’t be able to help you otherwise” Daniel said as he walked over to the two siblings. “He kicked me out..” Makayla mumbled and all the drivers faces fell.

All that Max felt was anger, why in the world would his father kick out his daughter who is only 16 years old? He pulled out of the hug and went to go find his phone.

“Max! Don’t do anything please!” Makayla said as he tried to go after him but she was pulled into a hug by Lando. “Let him calm down,” Lando whispered.

Daniel went after Max to try to calm him down, Makayla had been led towards to couch and started to have a small chat with the drivers.

“Wait! What happens if I get put into care?! I’m not a legal adult!” Makayla exclaimed as Max appeared back into the room and wrapped his arms around his sister.

“Everything is going to be alright, I’ll get it all sorted out I promise you..” Max told her as he left a kiss on her forehead.

[starbluekindo]

LOML (part 1)

synopsis: you and victoria are destined to meet, not to be together.

cw: victoria neuman × fem!reader, a little angust, traumatic past (quoted), red river (quoted), reader is a supe with necromancy, childhood love.

a/n: guys, this is my first time and english is not my official language, so...idk what i mean

and sorry for all the references to taylor swift's songs (ilv her ✊🏻😔😭)

part!2 part!3

victoria carried with her a not very extensive baggage of regrets, especially because all the decisions she made in the past were with her future in mind. but that doesn't mean it was a clean path.

among the few regrets that victoria carried with her, you were the one that hurt the most in her chest. you. not sameer or hughie... but you, the little child in red river who she had to leave behind when stan edgar gave her an opportunity for change.

"i'll come back for you." she promised with such certainty back then that even she was convinced of it. making promises and wiping away your tears, struggling to hold on as you broke down. "i always come back".

it's not that you weren't happy for her, you were... but something inside you knew that this time would be different, victoria wouldn't come back like the other times. "i wait for you." and yet you promised to wait for her, even though you knew it would be the last time.

you kept your promise.

victoria was unable to fulfill hers.

you were only a few years younger than victoria- well, for you it was nadia. you were an isolated child in red river and had a lot of problems with adoption since most people didn't want a child with the powers you had. the children called you death, but you weren't death, you communicated with it and saw things that no one else could see. no one wanted a child who spoke to the dead.

not someone with good intentions.

luckily for you, an elderly woman with no heirs adopted you as her granddaughter when you were seventeen - three years after nadia left. your benefactress left all her poses to you and gave you the best education money could buy - why? she wanted to communicate with her late lover, who never had the opportunity to say goodbye or declare her true love. it was a sad, beautiful tragedy, but it helped you to have the good living conditions you have today. it helped you become the professional you are today.

"cosmopolitan" you told the bartender your order. it was one of those annual charity events that the company you inherited held every year, full of people who pretended to care about some social cause. this year? something to do with polar bears.

you cared about charity, you really tried to help all causes even if it was doing the minimum. however, it became exhausting having to smile at everyone there and pretend to believe their well-intentioned statements.

"whisky. neat." god, you'd recognize that damn voice even in hell, your head turning quickly to find it. so many years have passed, you two had new identities, new lives and yet... victoria remained the same. "you look great”

"you too" your response was quick, suddenly you felt like a child again as you stared into her eyes, your heart racing and your hands starting to sweat.

"it's been a long time" you wanted to punch her, you wanted to hug her, kiss her, you wanted to cry because she didn't keep her promise, you... you wanted her back.

"yeah... quite" you simply agreed without knowing what to do. the bartender handed you your drinks, but victoria's focus was on you and your focus... god, you couldn't even stay focused on the conversation.

victoria brought the whiskey to her lips, feeling the alcohol burn down her throat as her eyes remained on you. for a time she swore she was a mirage, a dream, perhaps even her own mind playing tricks on her. but as soon as you took the stage and gave your opening speech, victoria knew it was you, even after years she would never forget the voice of the woman she loved.

"i'm so sorry"

"nadia- victoria."

you quickly corrected yourself. she was no longer nadia, she was victoria neuman, congresswoman and vice president-elect of the united states.

"please" her hand wrapped around yours in a firm but comforting grip that made your breath hitch and automatically remind you of the days you spent together at the orphanage, when you would sneak out of your bed whenever you had a nightmare and go to the her arms "give me a chance to... repair things between us."

damn big brown eyes. you've never been able to say 'no' to her before, not when she looked at you that way. it's just that you were too resentful to give in now.

"miss neuman" your voice was a little low, but managed to be firm "i don't think we have anything to repair. i-i have nothing to talk to you about"

"sweetheart..."

"no. not after all this time... i-i waited for you for 13 years, i stayed right where you left me while you moved on with your life. i kept my promise."

your words hit victoria squarely in the chest, it was as if her heart had been stabbed ten times. she saw the hurt in your eyes, she saw that you were hurt and she hated herself for that, she hated having made you suffer and most of all she hated herself for not keeping her promise.

"i'm here now" she was silently begging you to listen to her, you could see the guilt in her eyes and the silent desperation in her mind. "please”

a/n: guys I really tried 😭😭😭

maybe a part 2?

[passionwillow]

Brady Bunch

Thank you to the sweet anon that requested this! Domestic Deacon is my fave. ❤️ Enjoy!

Summary: You’ve been dating Deacon for a while, and you each have children of your own. He wants one big happy family.

"Honey, we're here!" Deacon's voice rang through your house, the patter of little feet and laughter following. A smile curled over your face, your daughter's squeal of excitement making you laugh as she ran down the hall, meeting Deacon's own kids with happy chatter.

You followed her down the hall into the kitchen, Deacon standing in your living room with his own smile. His soft blue sweater seemed to warm his brown eyes even more, and his dark jeans hugged his hips and thighs just right. He looked up and met your gaze, smile widening as he strode over and cupped your cheeks, pressing a soft kiss to your lips.

You'd been seeing Deacon for almost a year now. You met him on a case with the LAPD, and there was an instant connection between the both of you. His wife, Annie, had upped and left unexpectedly and he was still reeling from the loss when you met. Four kids to take care of, a job that took him away from home so often, he was struggling to say the least.

And you had your own daughter as well. Your ex boyfriend Anthony had left you well before you gave birth, and you were proud to say you raised Gabriella all on your own.

It wasn't long after you and Deacon started dating you introduced your kids, and Gabby fit right in with Deac's two sons Matthew and Samuel, and his daughters Lila and Victoria. He had been paying for a nanny to take care of the kids while he worked, but as you grew closer you happily babysat when your schedules lined up right.

It became routine at that point to meet at either his house or yours, the kids mingling and bonding, and you two having your own version of a date night. Deac was such a solid, steady presence in your life at this point, you weren't sure what you would do if he ever left. His steady reassurance and calm nature warmed your heart, and Gabby instantly adored him.

The way he treated your daughter sealed the deal with you. He never treated her any differently than his own kids, and was more than happy to participate in tea parties or games of hide and seek. And Gabby was instantly attached to his four little kids.

You pressed back with a happy hum, his hands sealing around your waist as he held you close. He pulled back and looked down at you with his warm brown eyes, his gaze looking over your own red sweater and jeans. "Is that my shirt?"

You glanced down at yourself with a grin and nodded, voice teasing as you took his hand and led him over to the couch. "It looked better on me." His chuckle followed you as you sat down on the couch, Deac glancing over his shoulder as the kids pulled out their toys from a basket in the corner. He sat down beside you and wrapped his arm around your shoulders, gently bringing you in closer.

You watched him with a smile as he watched the children play, his brown eyes warm and relaxed. More than you'd seen in a while, actually.

"They get along great, don't they? Like.. siblings." His words brought a tingle of happiness to your chest, and you nodded and leaned into him slightly, humming as the kids laughter filled the house. "They do. They really love each other."

Deac's hand rubbed your shoulder as he watched you, eyeing you carefully as he smiled and nodded. "It's a shame they don't get even more time together, y'know?" Your brows furrowed slightly as he studied him, his words seeming filled a double meaning. "Sure.. I'm sure they'd love that. What exactly are you getting at, babe?"

Deac cleared his throat and looked back to the children, hand moving to your hair and gently stroking it as he shifted closer, his voice softening as his gaze found yours. "What is we.. move in together? I could come here, or you move to my place, and... We make this a family. A real family."

Your eyes widened slightly at his words, your body going rigid as you slowly registered his words. You knew Deac had gotten over Annie, but after her sudden departure from his life, he'd always had a small wall up with you. A guard so he didn't get burned once more. But this.. This was a huge step, especially for him.

He sat up straighter and turned fully to face you, his brows furrowing as he watched you mull over his words. Waiting for you to refuse, or put up a wall and go quiet on him,

"You.. You really mean it? Move in and.. have a family together?" He relaxed as you finally spoke and smiled, nodding as he wrapped you up in his arms again. "Exactly. The kids adore one another and.. I adore you. I love you. And I'm ready to have you and Gabby in my life, completely."

Your eyes welled slightly at his soft words, and you didn't have to think twice before throwing your arms around his neck, hugging him tight. He laughed and happily hugged you tight, face nuzzling into your hair as he mumbled. "Is that a yes, sweetheart?" You laughed through your tears and nodded quickly, your face nuzzled into his neck as you choked out your words. "A million times yes, David."

He grinned and kissed your forehead, looking at you with the happiest expression you'd ever seen on him. You leaned up and pressed your lips to his, mumbling. "I love you, Deac." He kissed back happily and cupped your cheeks gently in his hands, pulling back and whispering. "I love you too."

The moment was suddenly broke up by a squeal of laughter, both of you jumping and looking to the children as they ran through the room and down the hallway. You both relaxed and grinned as you watched the kids - your kids - tear through the house and fill it with joy. Deac chuckled to himself and looked at you, hand stroking your head again. "It's like our own Brady Bunch."

[annaphoenix1994]

Uncle Johnny

Previous Chapter - Masterlist - Next Chapter

»»-------¤-------««

"Kiera? Are you feeling up for a visitor?" Eva smiled as she entered Kiera's room with her lunch while Simon stayed behind to help her feed the twins, obsessed with how amazing Kiera's body adapted to nurturing their children, although Kiera was slightly embarrassed for Simon to see her breastfeeding. 

"Is it dad?" She asked, a gleam of hope in her hazel eyes. 

"Not yet, sweetheart," Eva flashed a smile. "He'll be here this afternoon. He and Frankie had to take some calves to the expo center for a cattle sorting. He said he'll be here after he's done." 

"Who's the visitor if it's not dad, then?" She furrowed her brows. 

"Bloody hell," Simon grumbled from the chair next to her bed, rubbing his brows with his index finger and thumb as he slowly realized that he had vaguely mentioned to Soap that visiting hours were between noon and four o'clock. "I'll go get him." 

"He and Teeter are at the door, honey," Eva assured him. "I'll get it. I'm right here." 

Simon nodded, glancing over at Evie splayed on Kiera's chest as Jacob was swaddled in the nearby bassinet, his belly full from his morning feeding. 

"Look what I brought!" Johnny smiled, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he held up two boxes of kid's meals from McDonald's. "Figured they'd want some lunch!" 

"I hate to inform you that they won't eat actual food until nearly a year old," Simon grumbled, shaking his head, immediately feeling regret at the sight of Johnny's disappointment. "But thanks for the humor." 

"They really don't eat until they're six months?" 

"I tried to tell ye, baby," Teeter shook her head, smiling at Kiera as she approached her bedside, leaning over to gently try to hug her. "Look at ye, K. You look so beautiful and I ain't sayin' that in a lesbian way. Jus' a compliment." 

Kiera giggled, "I know what you mean. Thank you." 

"I ain't tryna cuss already. Don't want her to learn a bad word before she starts talkin' on her own," Teeter whispered, reaching up to rub the pad of her thumb against the band of Evie's newborn hat. "What's her name?" 

"Evie Victoria." 

"Surprised she didn't tell you already," Soap chimed in. "Simon told me first." 

"Technically, it was Price," Simon grumbled. "He said he was planning on coming to visit around Thanksgiving." 

Soap nodded, "So, Mr. Helicopter Dad, I'd like to see my nephew." He poked, taking a seat at the sofa that was in the room next to the window. 

Simon scoffed at Soap's title, irritated that he'd have to hand off his son to curious eyes, but he knew he could trust him to hold the infant at least. Besides, I do trust him with my life, wouldn't be any harm in trusting him with my son's, too. He slowly scooped Jacob into his chest, grinning at how he opened his eyes once he was settled in Simon's arms before he made his way to Soap on the sofa. "Keep him close to your chest." He ordered. 

"Copy that, L.T." Soap nodded, opening his arms as Simon slowly and carefully set Jacob into Soap's embrace. 

"Don't you dare drop him." 

"Not a chance." 

Soap's heartrate increased in nervousness as he held the infant close to his chest, admiring how Jacob's eyes fluttered open and closed, his tongue darting in and out of his mouth, forming a nearly perfect O. "He looks just like you, L.T." 

"Who else was he going to look like?" He scoffed, standing over Johnny and watching his every move, making the environment tense between them - like a dog standing off at another, waiting for one threatening move to provoke an attack. 

"Simon," Kiera said to him, breaking the tension. He looked back at her, knowing what she was going to say before she even said it, judging by the arch of her brow and worried expression. "He's not going to drop him, babe, you don't have to stand over top of him." 

"I'm not-"

"You look like you're ready to snatch him up the second you feel like he's not holding him right." 

He sighed, stepping back to make his way back to the chair that was next to Kiera's bed, ignoring the triumphant chuckles that left Soap's mouth, hating how obsessed Soap looked at the infant in his arms, as if he was able to claim Jacob as his own if given the chance. Kiera giggled at Simon's glare, admiring how protective he was over his children. I already know Soap won't have a chance to hold our daughter, she mused. "Looks like L.T. did a copy and paste with you, huh lad? What he doesn't know is that you're going to be sporting a mohawk just like your old uncle Johnny," He spoke to the infant, curling his index finger against his button nose. "I'm sorry you can't enjoy the chicken nuggets I brought you yet, but you will. Your mum got me hooked on 'em." 

"Baby, he ain't gonna talk back to you," Teeter poked as she took a seat next to Soap, leaning against him as she looked at the infant in his arms. "He looks just like you, Simon, 'cept he's awful pretty. No offense-"

"None taken." Simon shook his head, impatiently shaking his right leg from the chair, tapping his foot rapidly against the floor, instantly stopping once Kiera's left hand rested on the top of his thigh, calming him down as she took notice of his anxious tremble. He looked down at the diamond ring on her finger, smirking as he grasped her hand with his, bringing her knuckles to his lips to press a kiss there, rubbing the top of her fingers with his thumb - just like he always did. 

He looked over to Evie, sleeping soundly against Kiera's chest, unable to take his eyes from the perfection of their daughter as well as the natural glow that radiated from Kiera's skin. I don't think I'll ever grow out of this obsession for you, love. 

"Sleepin' like a rock, yeah?" He chuckled, nodding his head towards Evie. 

"About time," She nodded, her tone low. "She was restless all night and barely didn't latch this morning. I was worried." 

"I know, love. How're you feeling?" 

"Sore. My boobs hurt more than anything," She sighed. "Takes away the pain from my incision, at least." 

"I wish there was something I could say that will help you with that, but I can't relate to it," He frowned. "But I'm sure I can ask about ways to help?" 

"Mom gave me some advice," She giggled. "But I know you'll do your research just like you always did since I was pregnant." 

He chuckled, placing another kiss to her knuckles before his gaze flickered back over to Soap, seeing that he had switched the primary arm that nestled under Jacob to the other, keeping his gaze - glare - on the Sergeant, waiting for him to give Simon a reason to take Jacob back from Soap's grasp. "Stop glaring at him, babe, he's fine." Kiera reassured him, squeezing his hand gently as she again took notice of his anxiousness. 

"I'm not glaring-"

"I know that look. Seen it many times and I'm sure Johnny has, too. Jacob is perfectly fine. He's not crying and he's not restless. He's sleeping." 

"Yeah, looking at me like I was one of those Shadows, L.T."  

"You wouldn't have been in this room if I look at you like one of them." 

"I know," He chuckled. "I think he likes me." 

"He doesn't know who you are." 

"He will. He's already peered up at me with those little grey eyes. He's getting a glimpse of his uncle so he'll be able to pick me out of a crowd." 

"Fuckin' hell," Simon whispered, shaking his head, hating how Soap knew exactly how to push his buttons. "How long are you wanting to hold him?" 

"Shh, he's sleeping, L.T. Wouldn't want to wake him with your banter." 

Simon subtly pursed his lips, sighing as he sat back against the chair, refraining from another harsh comment towards his former comrade. He's your brother, you stupid bloke. Stop being so mean.  

Kiera giggled at Simon's protective behavior, admiring how protective he was naturally, but also frowning at how he always went by the code of be careful who you trust, people you know can hurt you the most, afraid to let go of the past as he was terrified of losing the ones he cared about. 

Including Johnny.

As much as he hated to admit it, he loved how Johnny stood by him even though Simon would desperately try to push him away - to keep a fine line between friends and teammates, knowing it would hurt twice as much to lose Johnny on the battlefield as a friend, knowing he'd grieve the loss as something more than losing another comrade. 

Suddenly, Kiera's hand left Simon's grasp to trace her fingers over Evie's head, startled at how she began to make soft noises and curl her small hand against her cheek, her little nostrils flaring before a weak sneeze could be heard, making both Kiera and Simon chuckle. "Sounds like she's got a strong pair of lungs." Soap commented from across the room, he too chuckling at the sound. Absolutely adorable, little lass. 

"She's definitely wide awake now," Kiera smiled, pressing her lips against Evie's forehead as the newborn's eyes fluttered open, holding a blank stare with Simon as he looked at her in awe. She's so beautiful. I don't want her to grow up. "I just hope she doesn't fuss like she did last night." 

"I don't think she will, love," He assured her. "Want me to hold her while you eat your lunch?" 

"You don't have to-"

"I want to. You need to eat something." 

She nodded, smiling as Simon stood to his feet to gently grasp the baby and bring her to his chest, sitting back down in the chair slowly as Kiera's mom approached Kiera's bedside to place the lunch she had brought on the table, using the remote on the bed to bring her to an incline. "Is that okay, sweetheart?" Eva asked with a smile. 

"Just fine," She smiled. "What's on the menu for today?" 

"A surprise. I brought you a sandwich from your favorite cafe. Figured you were tired of the hospital food by now." 

"Let me guess: the cafe of mom?" She giggled, hoping that her guess was accurate. 

"That's right!" Eva giggled, opening the sandwich wrap to reveal the homemade egg salad Kiera had loved, especially during her pregnancy. "And I brought you some Doritos to go along with it. Figured you'd like the touch." 

"Thank you, momma," She smiled, accepting the loving kiss Eva had pressed to her forehead. "And of course your lunch wouldn't be complete without your favorite drink." 

"Mom of the year," Kiera sighed with a giggle, accepting the can of Dr. Pepper. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Simon? Do you want to eat the lunch I made for you?" 

"Not yet but thank you." 

"Just let me know when you're hungry and I'll warm it up for you." 

He furrowed his brows, "Warm it up?" 

"I made you some French Onion Soup, honey. I heard through the grapevine that you weren't a fan of egg salad, so I figured I'd make something you liked." She smiled. 

I can see where Kiera gets her observations skills from, Simon thought. "I hope you don't think I don't like your egg salad, I've just never had it before-" 

"Sweetheart, it's okay if you don't like it," She giggled. "You're human and have every right to not like things, especially food. Just like I'm not too keen on your preferred tea." She poked. 

"You're not the only one..." Soap commented, his finger now clutched with Jacob's little hand as he had finally fallen back to sleep in Soap's warm embrace. "The bloke drinks it sizzling hot. No wonder is voice is so deep." 

"Just like what grown man drinks his coffee cold?" Simon retorted, unable to admit his jealousy towards Soap as he was the first one Jacob had latched his fingers around, Simon wishing that he was the first one to experience his son's first grasp. 

"Nothing wrong with drinking cold coffee, mate." 

"Just like there ain't nothing wrong with a little bit of sugar in tea to make it sweet." Eva poked, amused at Simon's embarrassment for his preference in tea. 

"Babe, just know that if they don't pick on you, it means they don't like you." Kiera giggled. 

"American welcome, yeah? Can't beat it." 

"When can I hold the other one?" Soap asked, rolling his shoulders back. 

"Not a chance, mate." Simon scolded. 

"Why not?" 

"I'm being too lenient with you holding him, but my daughter is where I draw the line."

Soap scoffed playfully, "Why not? Afraid she'll prefer Uncle Johnny over her own da?" 

"No," He huffed. "Be lucky considering I even let you hold him." 

"You would've anyway," Soap smirked. "Because I would've annoyed you until you let me." 

"I'm quite good at ignoring you, Johnny." 

"But I know when Kiera would've told you to let me hold him, you would've done it," He continued to poke, knowing he was right judging by the lack of Simon's response. "But hey, I'm quite good at this, eh, L.T.? I look like a pro at this father thing." 

"I've seen better." 

"Who?" 

"Me." 

"Do they always bicker like this?" Eva whispered to Kiera, watching her nod in agreement. 

"All the time." 

"If I didn't know any better, I would've assumed they were a couple." Eva giggled. 

"Bloody fuckin' hell," Simon grumbled, hating how they were always being playfully accused of being a couple. "I'd have to lower my standards."

"Harsh," Soap laughed. "Always so harsh towards your battle buddy, L.T." 

"You deserve it." 

"I'll take that as in an I love you. It's alright, Simon, just say you like me. You've said it before." 

"No I haven't." 

"When I was stranded in Las Almas, you said you liked me alive." 

"Yeah, would hate for Teeter to have welcomed you home in a box." 

"I didn't know Teeter then, L.T." 

Simon didn't have a response, unaware that his lack of an answer was more fuel to the fire of Soap's love of aggravating him. "That's what I thought." 

[hyperblue]

There are only a few of them, there are only five photos, there are a lot of videos, Cora shot them at all stages of pregnancy. She clearly wanted to do more, but she just didn't have the time.

The first video is laconically signed: "Forgive me." Cora had just made her decision, Cora had just decided how she would implement it, Cora realized that this was the only way to create something viable.

She was sitting in front of the camera in a simple blue dress with long sleeves, her already grown hair was pinned up. Her eyes were red and her voice was trembling, she was trembling slightly, Kon could tell without even listening to her heartbeat that it was pounding like a hammer.

She explained the situation and explained that she was trying to create a real clone using only the DNA of Kon, but all attempts turned out to be futile and fruitless, she thought to stop, honestly tried.. But she's in too much pain. She knows that she is acting selfishly and terribly, knows that Kon would most likely hate her, would say that she is turning into Victoria Luther... But she loves too much.

She cries and asks for forgiveness from both Kon and their unborn child. The video ends here. In chronological order, it is followed by the first photo - Cora in one big T-shirt sat on the side of the bathtub with her eyes closed, her head bowed, her hair grown and thicker due to hormones gently fell down. She held her hand lovingly on her stomach. The embryo implantation was successful.

The following videos are dedicated only to their child - Cora talks a lot, describes how her pregnancy is going, what she feels, which symptoms are more intense and which are weak, laughs at the fact that she eats too much mint ice cream and is obsessed with pizza, the bath relaxes her and helps her fall asleep, she already writes names in a special notebook.

The second photo is of Cora lying on the bed and hugging her newly appeared stomach, her lips gently parted, she is talking to a child. The third photo shows her leaning back against the kitchen countertop and eating steaming beef soup with both cheeks.

In the fourth photo, Cora was sorting out children's clothes - cute tiny jumpsuits, small shirts, cozy pants and touching hats with socks.

In the last photo, she was depicted immediately after giving birth, only her heads and shoulders peeked through the sides of the bathroom and the small top of the baby was pressed against her.

thank you anon i owe you my life anon. your writing is amazing, and i love certain scenes you picked to have photos of

inhaling your au like it's oxygen

[the-lancasters]

Royal Simblr Fashion Worldbuilding

Thanks @armoricaroyalty for putting out this list of prompts! I haven't posted much recently but I'm still here, thinking about my sims ✌

Does your royal family have a dress code? Are there codified internal rules for how your royals are expected to dress, or is it an unspoken set of expectations?

Yes - an un-written set of expectations of modesty, dignity, "class" etc. Designed in theory to reflect the values of the family/institution by generations gone by.

If your royals have a dress code, who sets it? How is it enforced? Does it ever change?

Set by the monarch and often enforced mostly by the Queen but George as always is in control in the background (Illyria has not yet had a women on the throne 😬). The way it is enforced would be along the lines of passive aggressive language and being shamed into it I guess? For someone like Margaret, born into in, the style expectations are drilled in from birth when Elizabeth would have had control over everything her children wear. Margaret would have carried that on when she started to have a say in what she wears - but is now pushing the envelope in more of the her private dressing. It was a deliberate choice to change her wardrobe to reflect her disillusionment with the system and her unhappiness. However her official wardrobe does not go as far.

For Victoria, who married in, there would have been at some point a subtle style guidance from the Queen. It probably would have taken the form of a conversation about expectations over tea or something.

If members are seen to be straying from the dress code, enforcement would first come in the form of and meeting to "please explain" and then "please make steps to correct". If it continued, using threats of cutting their clothing budget would follow or any other sanctions that were in the power of George to do.

Are any of your royals considered style icons? What impact does their wardrobe have on trends within your country?

Not really - I explored a little some of the backlash to Victorias first attempts at style but haven't positioned any of them a style icons. Currently it would be of a situation where they would only get attention by doing the wrong thing rather than the right?

The closest would be Margaret, but I haven't really developed it at all.

Are your royals expected to dress modestly? How do they define 'modest?'

Yes - defined as higher necklines, just above the knee being the highest allowed hemline, and in certain situations, covered shoulders/upper arms. Super figure-hugging dresses would be best to be avoided.

Do your royals wear trendy clothes or are they expected to dress conservatively or in an old-fashioned way?

Conservative is the expectation, kind of in line with the above. It doesn't necessarily mean that trendy is off the table, but the modesty stuff naturally aligns with it. That being said, now that Alex is part of the family, I want to play with her wardrobe and make it distinct from Victoria - as it could easily become indistinguishable. I want to make Alexandra the "trendy" one. She has to play within the rules but I want her to put her own twist on it.

Are your royals allowed to be experimental or "alt" in the way they dress?

Only if it still fits within the already understood expectations. So..... not really.

Are your royals expected to dress in a gender-conforming way?

Yes. Not much more to it really 😕

How much autonomy do your royals have in deciding what to wear?

I mean they have autonomy over the specific items - for instance no one is approving every clothing item that people wear. Everyone organises the purchasing of their own wardrobe. Elziabeth might send items to various members of the family with the expectation that they should wear them at some event.

How do your royals pay for their wardrobes? If their clothes are paid for with public money, how does the general public feel about that?

While I haven't worked out all the details of how the Royals are funded in general, it would be something along the lines of what happens with the BRF - most of their funding comes through arrangements with the government treasury and then private wealth and land holdings. All the royal purse strings are held by the King and he approves the budgets for a lot of things to do with his family members.

For example, for Margaret - she is classified as a "working royal" and therefore is given a budget by the King. It covers her staff, office, and for her official clothing. There is also a section of that budget that supports her living expenses, things relating to her home, decorating, food, and clothing not related to work, make up, beauty etc. This budget given by her father is her main source of wealth. She also received inheritance money from from her grandmother which has been managed and invested to grow over time. If there was something over the top of that needed, she could ask her father for the money.

At the moment, a lot of the specifics are not in the public arena. Most Illyrians are just vaugely aware that it is public money, but the royals have mostly high approval ratings and people still think they get value from the royals, so feel their public money is worth it. Of course there are people who think that more attention should be paid to how the Royal exactly use the money, but its not in the majority, and does not reach the front pages (George makes sure of it)

Do your royals have their clothes custom-made? Do they wear designer clothes? Do they shop at normal stores and wear "accessible" brands?

A mix - things are often custom made for big or significant events. They don't often shop at normal clothes store but if they do, its not in person its through their assistants and its more for their personal wardrobe. They want to be aspirational, and represent a certain picture of a family, and of a way of life.

How do your royals use clothes to signal class status? Do they practice conspicuous consumption, or do they dress in an understated way to signal that they're above wealth?

Everything about Royalty is symbolic, especially their clothes. Their clothing signals their wealth and class and its a part of their values. They have access to the best of the best and they are not afraid to show it.

Do your royals have relationships with the designers of their clothes? Do they have any favorites? Do they borrow clothes from designers? Attend fashion shows? Accept "freebies?"

Margaret is the most "fashion-y" and I have shown her attending fashion shows, being the patron of Fashion Week etc. She loves it and would 100% get freebies more than borrowing, but its not very publicised, most people assume that she buys things. She doesn't focus on one or two designers, she likes trying all sorts of high fashion designers.

Elizabeth was the former Fashion week patron, but it was focused more on supporting the industry rather than having fun and seeing the new designs. She has established relationships with a handful of trusted, established and successful fashion houses that have dressed her for most of her time as Queen.

Victoria falls more into the vein of Elizabeth, carefully considering who she is wearing. She would 100% accept freebies, she considers it a normal park of the job - and like Margaret, it isn't well publicised or reported on.

Do your royals ever re-wear outfits? Is this normal for them, or do re-wears drive commentary? What do they do with all the clothes they'll never re-wear?

Yes they do - mostly because I find items that I just like too much to only use once 😂

It is my headcannon that Margaret meticulously organises and stores all of her clothing, and hardly ever throws or gives anything away. She also keeps records of what she has worn to each event to conciously avoid a lot of re-wears (mostly coordinated by her private secretary now, but she started it and drives it)

Victoria is less fussy - she will re-wear items and will often give away clothes to people she knows, her sister-in-law, Sarah etc. It makes her feel magnanimous lol

How much jewelry does your royal family own? When do they wear it? Are there any rules (formal or informal) about colored stones?

A lot - because I am personally a magpie, and jewelry lover 😍 I have a document where I have assigned certain items to certain members as "owned" by them and then I have figured out what is owned by their family foundation and sits in pool that Elizabeth can lend out.

Jewelry is for always, but more restrained during the day.

The Lancaster family has an association with emeralds - they have many fine examples in their collections and they have been used for generations. It doesn't mean they don't wear other coloured stones, but emeralds are preferred.

Are there any non-jewelry garments that have been passed down by the royal family? (i.e., a bridal veil, a Christening gown)

Most of what has been passed down are tiaras and jewelry so far. But I wouldn't rule it out.

Does your country have folk costumes or traditional dress? Who wears traditional clothes and on what occasions?

I wish Illyria was that cool and interesting 😒

What kinds of textiles are produced in your country?

Most of the industries I've identified is forestry and farming - I'm not sure about textiles but wool would naturally come through farming sheep which they have a lot of.

How do royal children dress? Are there any clothing that children have to "graduate" into? (for example: British princes have traditionally worn shorts and knee socks during official appearances until they're 9 or 10, when they begin wearing longer pants.)

I don't currently have any royal children (sad) so I haven't yet done much thinking on this point. The only thing i've thought about really is graduating into tiaras after their 18th birthday and receiving/wearing royal Honours. While there isn't really an tiara equivalent, the closest would probably be wearing proper white tie dress for the first time

Are there any differences between how your royals dress while on duty and how they dress in their private lives?

100% - I take a lot of care to differentiate between on and off duty fashion though mostly with the Charles/Victoria generation. George and Elizabeth are slightly more consistent with their dressing which I see as both a generational thing and a King and Queen thing. When Charles and Victoria become King and Queen, their private style will change too.

In their private lives you would see t-shirts, jeans, shorts etc. Margaret wears more revealing clothes when shes out with Laurel, and Robert and Charles wear shorts and t-shirts.

What do your royals wear for special occasions like weddings and funerals?

Currently weddings are a white-tie affair for senior royals/those high up in the line of succession. That means Gowns, royal orders and medals, Tiaras, and white gloves.

Funerals - I haven't really done many funerals so the only thing I did was black. I'd actually love to incorporate some kind of veil into the tradition but 🤷‍♀️ good veils are hard to find.

What kinds of political messages do your royals send through their clothes? Are they expected to wear clothes from designers from their own country? When they travel overseas, do they wear designers from their host country?

They are expected to fly the flag for Illyria pretty much at all times - even on royal tours - to wear designers from other countries is rare and therefore makes a big impact so it is saved for special occasions. Messages are supposed to be non- political but I absolutely love the idea that Queen Elizabeth made signals through her brooch collection (and find it hilarious) so I would love my sims to do similar things. Restricted by convention, but finding sneaky ways to signal.

[nicohischierz]

dad every day, coach on sunday: nolan moyle au

all credit to @power2myheart and her suggestion that nolan looks like a real estate agent 

tani speaks: also this is an au and like if the teams and things don’t make sense just ignore it and pretend it does 

“alex-james moyle, if you don’t come downstairs right now we’re going to be late!“ nolan yelled for his son. your husband was the coach of your children’s bantam team. 

you helped your daughter load her bags into the car as your son ran out the door. nolan locked your front door and made his way to the car as you got in the passenger seat. 

“you know AJ, back in michigan if any of the boys were late they had to find their own way to the rink,” nolan recalled. your son rolled his eyes as you prepared for the chaos of the rink. 

once your family reached the rink, nolan gave you a kiss before heading off to get things ready for the game. your daughter, nicole, gave you a small hug before heading off to the locker room and your son just waved before walking with his friends. 

“y/n!” you heard your name being called and turned to find nick blankenburg. nick gave you a hug and the two of you made your way to your seats by the glass. 

after nick graduated from michigan, he had gone to play for the columbus blue jackets whilst nolan stayed to get his real estate certificate. it was in your senior year that you fell pregnant with AJ. 

“hey blanks, is KJ coming as well?” you asked. it was tradition for nolan’s old teammates to come watch the first game of the season if they could. nick nodded “he and owen are on the way. i’m pretty sure briss is coming with bords and luca,” he added. 

you smiled at him and nodded turning your attention to the ice. you watched as your children warmed up together and watched as nolan adjusted his tie. “has AJ been practicing the tricks i taught him?” kent asked as he and owen sat next to you. 

owen came around and gave you a hug before urging kent to do the same thing. “of course he has, he wants to be just like his uncle kent,” you answered. owen explained that victoria couldn’t come because his daughter was unwell. 

“the party has arrived!” brendan announced. trailing after him was bords, luca, mackie, mark and eddy. “duker and luke are in the parking lot. mini duker and mini hughes had a little bit of a shoving match,” mark explained. 

it was clear to everyone in the group that luke’s son had the biggest crush on dylan’s daughter. but the two fathers would always deny the statement. luke’s son would do anything for duker’s daughter and she would get mad at him for helping her. 

only once the game had started did dylan and luke come in with their children. dylan’s wife was pregnant with their second child and luke’s wife was working on another movie. 

“woah is that little nicole? she’s really fast,” the boys mumbled as your daughter skated up the ice. “come on nicole.”  “go mini moyle!” “go nikki!” your group cheered as nicole neared the net. 

however, just as she was about the put the puck past the goalie one of the players from the opposing team checked her hard into the goal post squashing her shoulder in the process. 

you watched as the same guy said something to your daughter as she cradled her arm in pain. your son was there in minutes shoving the guy away from his sister. AJ was never one to start a fight and win so when he dropped his gloves you knew this was going to be terrible. 

“oh shit, AJ can fight,” brendan mumbled as everyone watched your son punch the guy. the referees were quick to break up the fight before anyone could land another punch. 

the game ended with your children’s team winning and your son going to the box three times. nicole had joined you and the others in the stand after the first period she sat next to layla and enzo. 

“hey nikki, how’s the arm?” nick asked your daughter. the group of you were waiting for nolan and AJ to join you for lunch. nicole didn’t look up from her phone as she shrugged “it’s okay uncle nick,” 

when mark saw AJ he started clapping “look at my favourite nephew. he’s coming after my penalty minutes record,” he teased. AJ shook his head as he sat next to enzo giving the younger boy a fist bump. 

nolan gave you a kiss before sitting next to you. “i think i might revoke mark’s visiting rights if AJ turns out like him,” nolan remarked. the boys laughed and continued talking amongst each other. ethan’s fiancee had joined you guys for lunch and the two of you were sat next to the children. 

“nini, i swear if you don’t tell andrew what his cousin did i’ll tell him myself,” AJ announced out loud. everyone stopped their conversations and looked to your children. “who’s andrew?” nolan asked. 

nicole glared at her brother before replying “no one dad. it doesn’t matter because nothing is happening,” 

nolan gave nicole his dad stare but your daughter just turned to you. “mom,” she pleaded. “andrew larkin. he’s in nicole’s year and they’re just friends alex-james so don’t try starting things,” you warned. 

“his cousin is the player that hit me. but he was trying to apologise before mr hot-head punched him,” she spat. when nolan realised who the kid was his face paled before he turned to his son “AJ i love you, but i cannot believe you punched my clients child. i have to see his dad tomorrow dude,” nolan groaned. 

your son shrugged and continued eating his pizza as nicole returned to typing on her phone. the boys teased nolan about his meeting tomorrow until nick put a stop to it. no matter what happened captain nick always had to interfere. 

ethan’s fiancee smiled over at you “i think it’s that time of year where we all go on a girls trip,” she suggested. 

[gulnarsultan]

Yandere Carlos (genderbend Catherine) with a new Wife but he keep the reader as his Mistress how will Carlos treat the reader now as she his mistress now

Will Carlos Start to act like king Henry the 8 toward the reader like how Henry threatening Jane Seymour into submission by saying do you want to end up like the late Queen who got beheaded

Did King Carlos have his newly married Queen executed? For Henry to carry out the threat he made, the new Queen must be executed. I think you're just trying to say that he's threatening to keep the reader in line. I hope I understood correctly.

Reader and King Carlos have five children.

Prince Ferdinand

Prince Lorenzo

Princess Carlota

Prince Alfonso

Princess Victoria

But even after the divorce, you will continue to have children together. And you have no say in this matter. You think you're going to go back to your own country after your divorce. However, you are very wrong. After your divorce and the new Queen arrives at the Palace, you are making preparations to return to your home country. When you say this to King Carlos, you get a harsh reaction. You learn from your bridesmaids in the morning that King Carlos has made you his mistress. You nervously go to King Carlos' study. King Carlos is sending everyone in the room.

"How can you do that ?"

"You will not leave my side. We will continue to live as a family, as it was before."

"No. I am a widow now. You are not my husband. I will return to my country."

You nervously go towards the door to leave the room.

"If your country and your people are important to you, you will not step out of this room. You know very well that I have always had a guilty conscience because we had to divorce. You will always my wife. You are my only Queen."

King Carlos hugs you from behind. You burst into tears as you realize that you cannot escape the golden cage where King Carlos has imprisoned you.

There will be no change in King Carlos' behavior towards you. You are the only true wife and Queen for him. The new Queen is doomed to a truly bad and unhappy marriage. Carlos will continue to make heirs with you. He will not father any children the new Queen will bear.

[idontplaytrack]

can you write an aj fic, college au, when r bring her home for the holidays but her parents arent approving of it…and the end can be like r’s cousins or siblings taking r and aj out to a gay bar or something, a mostly happy ending

✧ It’s Not Christmas Without You

AJ Campos x fem! reader

Warnings: coarse language, homophobia, quarrelling, underage drinking mentions, sexual assault mentions

In which reader’s parents do not approve of their relationship so the siblings and cousins make their holidays better by taking them out instead

“So they know I’m coming?”

“Yeah, I told them I was bringing my partner home.”

“They probably think I’m a guy.”

“Yeah, but screw it. If they kick me out, we still have a place to go, baby.” You told her, “We’ll be fine.”

And to be completely honest, you and AJ had discussed this. This visit back home for the holidays was out of courtesy. No matter how they reacted, you’d still be telling them that you’d be moving out. But if they didn’t approve, you’d never be coming home again, ever. You weren’t going to give your parents the upper hand and satisfaction of kicking you out. Never.

Your sister was picking you and AJ up from the airport. And for a little bit of a background on your family, you were the youngest of three. Your older brother, Theo and older sister Patricia were well into their twenties, both married. Patricia had two children— your darling niece and nephew, Aurora and Austin. As for Theo, he’d just gotten hitched on halloween with his boyfriend. That’d be Robin. Wanna make a guess which one of your siblings had a better relationship with your parents?

Patricia did. They were only okay with Theo having a boyfriend (at the time) because he was bi. So to them, that meant that he’d still be able to start a family if he wanted. Boy, did Theo shut them down so quickly. But they were still in denial. So far, Theo was the only one in your family that you were out to. You figured that only he truly understood your fear. But in a matter of minutes, Patricia would know as well.

“y/n!”

Immediately, you spotted Patricia thanks to her distinctive voice over buzzing chatter of the swarm of people in the arrival hall. You rushed up to her, still holding onto AJ’s hand. “Hi, Trishy.” You hugged her back.

“Let me guess, AJ?”

“That’s me.” AJ chuckles lightly, “Were you expecting a guy too?”

“Not exactly.” Your sister admits, “Let me help you with your bag.”

“Explain.” You gasped, looking at her with wide eyes.

“I just don’t really care who you’re dating unless they treat you right. I wasn’t expecting anybody specific.”

“Oh.” You nodded, “Thanks?”

“Let’s go, Theo’s waiting in the car. And your precious niece and nephew are waiting at home.”

Getting into your sister’s car, you sat in the middle seat between AJ and Theo. “Good to finally meet ya and put a face to your name.” Theo commented, “She’s very secretive, this one.”

AJ chuckles. “She had her reasons, which I get. But I have nothing to hide, ask me whatever you want.”

“Oh, no, no.” Theo laughed similarly, “I trust you. She’s happy, she’s safe, she’s clearly so loved by you. I’m not the least bit worried.”

“I am,” You stared at him, “Mom and Dad are one hundred percent expecting AJ to be a guy,”

“Well…she can look the part.” Theo jokes. AJ snorted, “We’ll just leave the bags in your car because we’re almost certain they’ll want her outta there. We’re planning to leave either way. I’m not bi, so they will definitely go off on me.”

“Honey.” Patricia turned her head to look over her shoulder, “We got you. We get it— courtesy visit. Because they’ve been asking and asking, and asking. You’d think after two years of you not coming home, they’d at least start to get the hint, noooo, they’ve been painfully oblivious.”

————

“We’re home.” Theo announces, letting out an inevitable sigh. Aurora and Austin dropped their toys and ran over first, tackling you with a hug. AJ? She stood right behind you. “Hi, auntieeeee.” They squealed. “Hey, goofballs. Wow you guys are so tall.”

They giggle happily. “I’m taller.” Aurora grins.

“Sure are, sweetie.” You chuckle, ruffling with her hair.

“Who is this?” The seven year old girl asked.

“I’m AJ,” She smiled.

“You’re really pretty.” Aurora says. “Are you y/n’s friend?”

“Uh, girlfriend.” You answered honestly.

“Oh. Hello, AJ!” The kid shrugged, pulling Austin away to go play again.

And then, your parents. “Girlfriend, Rory, don’t be silly. I’m sure your aunt’s just kidding.”

“Kidding for what?” You asked, almost a little too harshly.

Your mother’s mouth hung open, “You…watch your mouth.”

“Watch my mouth?” You wanted to scoff so badly, “I’ve graduated from college this year. I don’t need to be treated like a child.”

“This is AJ?” Your dad chimed in.

“Oh, yeah. This is AJ and she’s great.” Theo spoke on your behalf, sensing your anger building up to a close peak.

“So are you bisexual too, like Theo?”

“No, Mom.” You stated, “I’m a lesbian,”

“Oh, God. What have I done?”

You were so ready to leave. It was clear AJ was thinking the same thing. “Nothing. You have done nothing. I have always been this way— nothing has changed and nothing needs to change. Why does it matter to you that I’m in love with a woman?”

“Mommy, why are you all mad at auntie? She didn’t do anything wrong.” Aurora appeared again. Shit, you’d forgotten in the moment that the kids were around. You should’ve just turned and left with AJ.

“Baby, come over here. Let’s get back to our movie, hm?” Ezra, her dad, came up to the foyer soon enough.

“No, gramma’s mad at auntie y/n. That’s not nice of her.”

“I’m gonna go, baby. But I’m okay, I promise.”

“Aw.” The kid sulked. “Whyyy.”

“Aurora, they need to talk— let’s let them finish talking first, okay?”

“Ezra, there’s no use talking to them. They’re so stuck in their narrow minds that only what they think, is correct. We’re leaving after we hand the gifts over to the kids.”

“Okay, dinner’s canceled.” Your mom announces.

“Way ahead of you.” Patricia looks up from her phone. “This family hasn’t felt like a family in years. It’s ridiculous that a child knows better than you two do. Ezra, let’s go. We’re moving the dinner to ours— I’ve already texted the rest of them. You two can stuff yourselves for all I care. y/n’s being very kind to come back here when she’s made it pretty clear she doesn’t want to be back here several years ago.”

Not wanting to escalate the situation, all of you left. You sat in Theo’s car with AJ. While Patricia, Ezra and the kids were in their own. With that, the bunch of you were on your way to Patricia and Ezra’s house. “y/n, AJ. The guesthouse is all yours. Make yourselves at home.” Ezra told you both while Patricia got the kids settled and freshened up.

“Wow, thanks.” You replied, then made your way over to the guesthouse through the backyard.

“Rest of the family’s coming by at 8. We have a few hours, so you guys just…chill.” Patricia eventually poked her head into the front doorway of the guesthouse. You hear Aurora and Austin playing in the pool, squealing.

“Well, can we help any way at all?”

“AJ, relax.” Patricia laughs, “I got this, you two just do whatever you want. Let me worry about the cooking.”

“You wanna go for a swim, then?” You glanced at AJ to ask.

“Sure.” AJ beamed, “Let’s do it.”

The moment you and AJ got inside the pool, Austin sprayed you with the water gun, then AJ became the target. Eventually, it became a little bit of a fight. You let the kids win, just because. They’re kids. It was just a game, everyone had fun. After an hour or so, Aurora and Austin wanted to get back inside so Ezra took them, leaving you and AJ alone.

“Are you okay?” AJ asks, pushing herself up to sit down on the edge of the pool.

“What? Yeah, I am.”

“No, I mean, really.” AJ continues.

“Babe, come on. It’s Christmas eve— I don’t want to talk about it.”

She looks at you, you look at her. AJ wasn’t going to give it up. “I don’t wanna talk about it here.” You stood up and led her back into the guesthouse.

“Me and my parents were very close. Until— okay, remember in high school, junior year? After my volleyball team won a big game.”

“Yeah.” She nods, sitting right before you, “Right before summer.”

“That night, we all got wasted at the hotel and some guy ended up…I dunno. Touching me while I was pretty much blacked out. I woke up to him hovering over me, kissing my neck and just— it was horrifying to have that be the first thing I saw and felt after getting sober from the drinking.”

AJ’s facial expression was indistinguishable, but you continue. “I didn’t known who to tell, so I ended up telling my Mom. Who, told my Dad without my permission. Then, the police showed up at the door, it was a whole mess that week. I know who did it— I always have. The memory started coming back and I knew that guy. But he got away with it. He pleaded not guilty, went to trial. I lost. My parents blamed me for drinking and getting myself into trouble. Since then, everything just kinda spiralled. At the time, Theo and Trish were the only two people in my corner. No one else knew what happened. They’re really just unrelated matters but since that happened, they changed. My parents simply hated me, it’s like they’re disgusted by me. But the drifting apart was pretty gradual so I got used to it. I just hate that they’re that way towards me even though I look at it from their point of view and I get it. But it’s been weighing on my mind, and you deserve to know.”

“Was that why you lived with them senior year?”

“Oh, yeah. Theo already started working and Trish was a senior in college. With both their incomes, they took me out of our parents’ home and let me live with them.” You explained, “It was so much more complicated in my head, but now that that’s out of the way…I just need a few days to forget about that. Work through that, you know? It’s not use being all upset about it now. I don’t want to be caring so much about them that I let them affect my mood when clearly, they couldn’t care less about me.”

“That is just…terrible of them to practically wash their hands off you.” AJ scoffs.

“Baby, don’t get yourself all angry over those two. There’s no point. Let’s just focus on ourselves and those that actually do care.”

“You’re right.” She smooches you on the cheek. “You’ve come a long way and done a lot of work. I’m very proud of you for that. Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me that. It’s not an easy thing at all to be sharing.”

You cracked a smile. “Thanks, baby.”

————

Seeing some of your family members clicking with AJ so well, so quickly, it seriously made you so happy— the relief you felt was impeccable. “AJ, will you read me a bedtime story?” Aurora comes running up to AJ— and you.

“Sweetie, they’re watching a movie—”

“It’s alright, Trish.” You assured.

You and AJ shared a look before she smiled and agreed. “Yay!” Aurora exclaimed and dragged the two of you by the hand upstairs to her bedroom.

“Good night, sweetie!” Patricia laughs, as did Ezra.

“Night, Mommy. Night, Daddy!”

A good twenty minutes later, Aurora reluctantly agreed to finally sleep. You walked back downstairs with AJ and were met with Theo immediately suggesting that the few of you should go out for the night. “Come on. We’ve been keeping it PG for the whole evening. Let’s go party it up.” Theo laughs.

“Hey, don’t need to look at me. You guys are adults. No curfew over here.” Patricia bit back a laugh, “Go. Have fun.”

“Alright, alright.” You gave in. Theo cheered quietly, gesturing for his husband Dylan to join you all and leave the house.

The destination? A gay bar. Ever since that night in high school, you were very careful around alcohol. So much so that you flat out didn’t drink alcohol in chaotic settings like these. Not all of them knew why, but they didn’t force you— you had two glasses and that was it.

“Which one of you people wants to take the mic tonight, party people?”

“Let’s go do that. Let’s sing.” You grabbed AJ by the arm, causing her to look at you, laughing.

“Sure.” AJ giggles, looking over to the guys.

“y/n, you know I cannot sing.” Your brother pointed at you, “Dylan— you can.”

“Hell yeah.” Dylan agrees and hopped off the stool, heading for the stage with you and AJ.

“Alright, alright! Here we go. First daring ones of the evening. Dylan, AJ and y/n singing ‘It’s Not Christmas Without You’, everyone!”

“So if you feel it comin'

On this special day

Just trust your heart

'Cause I can't wait to hear you say

That it's Christmas

And the start of something new

Well, it's Christmas

And I hope you'll feel it too

Everyone together, sing

Silver bells and golden rings

But all of it means nothing

Without you

No, no no

It's not Christmas (Christmas)

Without you, you, you

It's not Christmas

Without you, you, you

It's not Christmas

Without you, you, you

It's not Christmas without you”

🏷️ Tag list:

@ashecampos @auliisflower @cheesysoup-arlo @frogs00 @reneeswif3 @ludoesartnstuffs @pda128

[melishade]

Attack on Prime New Age Anthology: Reunions

Main Story

Catching Up

Catching Up Part 2

Released from Quarantine

People are reunited with loved ones.

Colt and Gabi were led to a new room by Nurse Darby, who they later learned to be Jack's mom. They were all wearing face masks that she had described as protection against unseen viruses. When she opened the door, both gasped to see Falco resting peacefully on a hospital bed. There were tubes in his nose to help him breathe, a heart monitor tracking his heart rate, and a needle in his arm connected to an IV.

"Falco!" Colt cried out as he ran over to his brother. He hugged him close, letting the tears fall down his face and hit his brother's cheeks.

"Will he wake up?" Gabi asked June.

"It's hard to say," June confessed, "He's been in a coma with no medical treatment. We're monitoring his condition as best as we can, and we're hoping that it'll be enough."

"...I did this," Gabi mumbled to herself.

"No. This isn't your fault." June kneeled down and placed her hands on Gabi's shoulders.

"But it's true." Gabi felt tears sting her eyes, "I-!....I stormed Wheeljack's ship in rage and Falco begged him not to go. He followed me as I tried to kill people onboard. And the bullet ricochet and hit him." Gabi covered her eyes as the tears began to fall. "I might as well have killed him, and the last thing he'll remember is that I told him he was a bad friend."

June genuinely didn't know what to say to that. How could she? A child was confessing to all of these things? How was she supposed to comfort that? June took a deep breath and centered herself.

"Listen, Gabi," June began, "Right now...don't focus on that. Focus on doing what you can for Falco and Colt, okay?"

Gabi nodded solemnly as she wiped her tears.

"Why don't I get you guys from fresh face masks and some hot cocoa?" June suggested as she stood up, "You can stay here as long as you want. We'll be sure to bring you food. Okay?"

"Okay," Gabi mumbled. June then stood up and pushed Gabi forward so that she could be with the two brothers. June then exited the room and shut the door behind her before leaning against it. She let out a long exhale, rubbing her eyes with her hands before recollecting herself and walking away from the room. Her focus was healing the sick. That's what she needed to focus on right now.

===

"They're in here." Fowler opened the door for Willy, and Willy's heart stopped at the sight of his wife and children sitting and eating in a room together. They were wearing clothing so vastly different from their own world. They looked nothing like royalty. They looked like civilians.

Willy saw his wife, Victoria, turn her head and gasp at the gasp of Willy standing at the door. She stood up, and Willy couldn't help but think that it was weird to see her wife in pants.

"Willy!" Victoria started to cry.

"Daddy!" his children cried out with joy and relief as they ran up to him and clung to his legs. Willy couldn't help but fall to his knees and hold them all close to his chest.

"Dad!" Fine cried out as she hugged him so tight, "Dad, you're alive!"

"Yes, I'm alive!" Willy sobbed, "I'm here!"

Victoria finally kneeled down and grabbed Willy's face before kissing him dead on the lips. Willy reciprocated in kind before releasing his wife and wiping away her tears.

"I thought I'd lose you," Victoria confessed.

"I'm here, and I'm never going away again," Willy swore, "I promise."

Fowler smiled slightly as the family was finally reunited before he shut the door to give them some privacy. He turned his attention to Kenshin, who merely crossed his arms and stared down at the floor with bitterness.

"You alright?" Fowler asked.

"...I'm bitter," Kenshin confessed.

Fowler placed a hand on Kenshin's shoulders in comfort. "It'll be okay, son."

Kenshin shook his head. "It's never going to be okay."

====

Erwin watched with apprehension at the mess that was Hanji's new quarantine area. Papers were strung all over the walls by magnets, strings, and tape. Torn paper was scattered all over the floor. The table they were given was such a mess, stained with pen smudges and food. But Hanji didn't even notice him as they were deep in thought and pacing around the room.

"And they've been at this for how long?" Erwin asked General Bryce.

"They haven't slept in a few days. Maybe a week," Bryce explained, "That shouldn't be physically possible; it's going to be detrimental to their health. Despite the fact that we've been getting good information from them, we need them alive to actually depict the madness on the wall right now."

Erwin stared at the cluttered wall as a realization dawned on him. "This isn't madness. It's grief."

"What?" Bryce was confused as Erwin stepped forward and knocked on the glass with his flesh hand. Hanji raised their head and gasped with excitement.

"Erwin!" Hanji's body slammed against the glass directly in front of Erwin, "It's good to see you in the flesh! God, I have so much I want to talk about! This place is so advanced!" Hanji started cackling, but Erwin kept calm and pressed his palm against the glass.

"I'm sure there's a lot you want to talk about," Erwin began, "But I think it'd be better for you to rest."

"Nope!" Hanji pushed themselves away from the wall, "I have too much to decipher and reprogram! I have to draw up the blueprints! This is no doubt the consequences of me not asking my questions to him, but that's okay! The fun of science is the discovery!"

"Hanji, you've been awake for a while now," Erwin reminded, "That's not good for you."

"Nothing is ever truly good for you!" Hanji retorted, but Erwin noticed they were now trying to force a smile.

"You need a break," Erwin declared, "You need to actually sleep before you come back to this."

"No thank you!" Hanji snatched the taser from the table, "I want to show you how this works instead!"

"Hanji, you're not being productive," Erwin proclaimed before looking down at the tattered sheets of paper on the floor, "You're out of control, and your writing becomes messier when you can't process your thoughts."

"You don't know that! I mean you haven't been commander for the past four years, and the military is effectively dismantled! You can't order me at all!" Hanji snapped at him.

"I'm telling you as a friend," Erwin declared, "I don't want to see you collapse and end up in the hospital again...and neither does Levi. Not when he walks up."

Hanji turned away from Erwin and rubbed their arm. "...That's a low blow, even for you."

"I know," Erwin agreed, "But we're already experiencing enough chaos right now, and I need you in top shape to help deal with it."

"...Erwin, I don't want to stop," Hanji confessed, "I'm afraid to shut my eyes and this is all a dream. That...I'm back there...or I'm dead...and the titans and Eren-!"

"I'm right here," Erwin swore, "I'm not going anywhere."

Hanji rubbed their cheeks in defeat and frustration. "I don't think I can sleep."

"We can get you melatonin. That should be able to help you sleep," Bryce informed.

"Never heard of it," Hanji called out.

"It will help, but we're only going to give you a few," Bryce explained.

"Right. Too many of anything can be bad," Hanji remarked as Bryce walked out of the room, "Thank you Bryce. And sorry for making that guy cry!"

Hanji noticed Erwin sitting down against the glass and raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What are you doing?"

"I told you I'm staying," Erwin reminded.

"Levi needs you more than me," Hanji retorted.

"Levi has medical professionals checking him," Erwin stated, "You're making people cry and refuse to calm down. I think you need me right now more than Levi does."

Hanji didn't reply to that as they sat down and rested against the glass behind Erwin. "Okay. You win."

"It was never about winning," Erwin reminded.

===

Sasha could only stare solemnly at the closed casket that supposedly held Connie's body inside. Behind her, stood Armin, Historia, Onyankopon, Jack, and Rafael.

"Can't I open it to see him?" Sasha asked.

"He's been dead over a month at this point," Jack answered, "It's not going to be good for your physical or mental health."

"Connie died in my arms with a gaping hole in his abdomen," Sasha snapped at him, "How much more traumatized can I get?!"

"Sasha," Armin warned her.

Sasha didn't reply to Armin's preparation of a scolding and turned back to the coffin. "This is such bullshit."

"He was your friend," Rafael spoke up, "You have the right to bury him wherever you want when you go back home."

"I'm burying him in his hometown," Sasha declared.

"...we can make it a memorial sight," Historia proclaimed as she walked up and placed a hand on Sasha's shoulder, "To honor those that were killed during Marley's attack on Wall Rose."

"...That does sound nice," Sasha agreed.

"It better be nice," A voice spoke up. Everyone snapped their heads to see Jean getting wheeled into the morgue by Miko, wearing a hospital gown and a bandaged stump where his leg used to be.

"Miko, you didn't-!"

"I asked your mom!" Miko rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"Thanks again for bringing me here," Jean said to her.

"No problem, man." Miko patted his shoulder before Jean wheeled himself over to Connie's casket. He stared at the box solemnly before turning his attention to Sasha. "How are you feeling?"

"Like shit," Sasha mumbled.

Jean sighed to himself. "At least we know he's in a better place along with his family."

"...I still want him here," Sasha confessed.

"...Me too," Jean admitted before he noticed something, "Wait, where's Mikasa?"

"We...we don't know," Armin confessed.

"What do you mean you don't know?!" Jean turned to Armin, "Wasn't she there during the final battle?!"

"Yes, we were right next to each other, and then I went to check on Megatron-!"

"Stupid decision really," Rafael interjected.

"And then when I went back to check on her, she was gone and she abandoned her 3D gear!" Armin explained.

"You didn't see where she went?! She couldn't have gotten far when you were taken!" Jean retorted.

"Look, Jean, everything was just so chaotic, and I just lost track! I didn't think that she'd leave," Armin lamented.

"Well, like we promised, we're going to help you find her," Jack proclaimed, "It'll be like finding a needle in a haystack, but we gotta start somewhere."

"Maybe she didn't ditch her communicator," Rafael theorized, "If she kept it in, we might be able to pinpoint her location. If not-!"

"We'll be back to square one," Miko concluded.

“We can go back to the sight of the final battle and retrace her steps,” Jack suggested.

“And track what?! A good portion of the area was trampled by giant, skinless feet!” Miko exclaimed.

“We’ll figure it out,” Jack declared, “That’s our job.”

“Can you guys help with the burial?” Sasha asked.

“We’ll help with that too,” Jack reassured, “Why don’t we create a game plan first? There’s going to be things demanded of us pretty soon and we need to find a way to tackle them all. If we plan it out, it’ll be easier to handle.”

“Sounds good.” Miko held out a clenched fist towards Jack, and Jack bumped his fist to hers. Rafael joined the two of them before all three turned to the 104th.

“Sound like a good game plan?” Miko asked them.

“Um…” Armin trailed off. Historia was the first to step forward and bump her fist with the others. Armin decided to join Historia, followed by Sasha, who wheeled Jean over so that he could join the act of cooperation.

“Alright. Let’s do this,” Jack grinned.

(New Age anthology is close to wrapping up. The last part with be about Mikasa, but the few before them will address a few additional loose ends before going back to the main story.)

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

105 of 2025

When was the last time you climbed over a fence?

When I was younger and still had a good hand.

Does your pet wear a collar?

Victoria used to wear a collar with a green bell. Susie never did.

What is the first thing on your Christmas Wishlist?

It's past Christmas already.

What would you do if your mom/dad saw a hickey on you?

Mum would freak out, dad would laugh.

What goal are you working on this month?

Reading more books.

What could you say is your biggest time waster?

Watching TV. Definitely.

When was the last time that you were asked out somewhere, and you declined?

When some stranger invited me to his house. You just don't do it in Belgium. It's not in our nature to invite strangers.

If you’re listening to music, name a lyric from the song.

"I made a god out of blood Not superiority I killed the king of deceit Wake me up in anarchy"

Are you a sound sleeper?

I'm a light sleeper. I almost always remember my dreams and it's pretty easy to wake me up.

In your opinion, which is more attractive, nice biceps or washboard abs?

Nah. I'm not into muscular bodies.

How do you feel about bands that use pyrotechnics in live concerts?

Whatever, to each their own.

Why do you hate your ex?

I don't hate anyone.

Does anybody hate you?

It's likely, but I just truly genuinely don't give a crap.

Trust issues?

Always.

If you were pregnant, who would you tell first?

Have you ever heard of any case of a pregnant AMAB person? We're not that advanced yet.

Do you think that you’re good enough for the one you like?

Yea. He chose me, after all.

Did you speak to your father today?

I sent him a message.

What is your father’s middle name?

He doesn't have a middle name.

When was the last time you had alcohol?

Probably two years ago.

Last person of the opposite sex you gave a hug to?

Jasmine.

Have you ever met anyone who claimed to be a witch?

Yes, in a shop. She was Wiccan, if I remember well.

What’s the weirdest thing in your body that you can crack?

I can crack and dislocate everything, even my hips.

Do you know anyone with asthma?

Not in person, unless I'm unaware of something.

Have you ever been involved in a custody battle before?

No, thankfully.

Who was the best kisser you’ve ever dated?

I don't care about kissing.

Have any of your siblings ever had a crush on your significant other?

I don't think so.

Are your siblings nice the majority of the time?

Always.

Any other names your parents planned to give you?

My dad wanted to name me Joris, and I wouldn't mind. If I was a girl, I would be Julie, Rosalie or Natalie. Ultimately, the name Julie was given to my sister.

Are you healthy?

I'm physically disabled and I have a neurological disorder and a genetic connective tissue disorder that causes a lot of symptoms, including vision problems. I wouldn't call it "healthy".

Number of jeans in your closet?

I didn't count them.

Rihanna or Lady GaGa?

Gaga proved recently that she can sing indeed, so let's go with her. On the other side, I admire Rihanna for protecting the privacy of her kids. Not like some celebrities who sell photos of other children to glossy magazines.

Which was the last book that really captivated you?

Nala's World. It's that book about bike traveller who found a kitten in Bosnia and adopter her, and since then, she's his company in every travel. I'm really waiting for a second part.

Do you prefer nail polish with sparkles in it, or matte colors?

I don't really care about nail polish.

Have you ever had a teacher you got really close with?

Nah, I don't think so.

Can you actually picture yourself getting married/having kids, or is that something that seems too distant in the future to imagine?

I'm married already. I hav a stepson, that's enough for me.

When’s the last time you spent time with your cousins?

Last year, we met up in summer.

What’s your younger sibling’s name?

Julie.

Do you have an idea of what kind of profession you’d like to have?

I already have a profession of my dreams, 10 years and counting. I've always wanted to have something to do with trains.

Do you ever pick up your house phone?

We don't have a landline.

Is your sister a slut?

Lol what a question. No, she's not. Actually the opposite.

Do you ever think about what went wrong in your first relationship?

The person was wrong, period.

If you had to get a piercing (not ears) what would you get?

I already have enough piercings for my liking, but I would love to have some microdermals, if it counts.

If you could sleep with one famous person, who would it be?

No one, ew.

If you woke up naked next to the last person you texted what would you say?

Jesus fucking Christ. I texted my dad, ffs.

Ever been kissed under fireworks?

Probably, but I never paid much attention to it.

How would you react if a doctor told you that you were infertile?

I would be over the moon happy. I already suspect it, though.

Do you get along with your best friend’s parents?

I don't know his parents, they're deceased.

Have you ever been in a relationship where you didn’t get along with the person’s parents?

No.

How many people of the opposite sex have you said “I love you” to?

My mum, my sister, some of my friends. That's it.

The person you fell the hardest for says they never felt anything for you. What do you say?

I don't think I've ever been in a situation where I would "fall for someone hard". At least not in romantic sense.

Who was the last person to tell you that they find you attractive?

Hahaha lol. Good joke.

What was the last compliment you paid to someone of the opposite sex?

I just said she was pretty. That's it.

How often do you listen to music?

Every single day.

Have you ever wanted your significant other to get rid of a friend?

Lol no. It's toxic.

Is the person you last texted single?

No, he's my dad and he's married to my mum.

Have you ever seen the last person you kissed without their shirt on?

Would be strange if I didn't see my own spouse naked, right?

Is the last person you kissed mad at you?

No, but he always finds the reason to complain.

Has the person you like ever made you upset?

Many times lol. It's in his nature.

Scenario: If you were getting unwanted attention by some creeper, would the person you like stand up for you?

Most likely. I hope so.

Does the person you like, know that you like them?

Of course. We're married.

When angry, do you get loud or quiet?

Rather quiet. I tend to ignore everyone then.

Have you ever been in a secret relationship?

I think so, only my sister knew.

Have you ever danced in front of your mirror naked?

Pff no. I don't like my reflection at all, let alone naked. I don't dance either.

Are your grandparents still alive?

No, they're not.

Ever been in a car accident?

Yeah, but nothing serious.

If you got married to the last person you kissed would you be happy?

It already happened a few years ago.

Do you like any of Justin Bieber’s songs?

Nah. I'm not interested in him.

Do you believe saving your virginity for marriage or no?

To each their own. I don't judge.

When you were a kid, did you ever like Barney?

What is Barney?

When was the last time you kissed someone?

Today morning.

What’s the capital of wherever you live?

Brussels.

Did you have any beer this past week?

No, but I miss beer so much.

Have you ever had champagne? Did you like it?

Yeah, I did. I love it, but real champagne is not that cheap.

Do you like to cuddle?

Nah. I really have to be in a mood for it.

Do you think you’ve changed over the past year?

Yea, hopefully for better.

[fanfic-obsessed]

Heir to Murder she Wrote

Well, @shitty-conspiracies-i-invented , if you insist

It seemed surreal, Grady thought as little Frankie, to Grady he would always be little Frankie no matter that he was in his 30’s now, drove the car through the center of Cabot Cove.  Through the closed window Grady could smell the docks with its combination of salt water and fish. It felt like nothing and everything had changed. 

It had been a decade since Grady last came to Cabot Cove, since Seth Hazelett’s funeral. Though his Aunt Jess came to visit after that, it felt odd to visit the town itself. So much of the energy of the town seemed bound up in his Aunt Jess and her friendship with Seth.  After his death, something felt like it was missing. 

Frank pulled up to the house that had been his Aunt Jess’s for as long as Grady could remember.  Grady got out of the car, but could not take another step, peering up at the house.

Donna settled against him, their hands clasped together. “It will be ok, I promise”

Grady gave a nod that felt shaky, “I know, I know. It’s just…”

“Aunt Jess” Donna finished softly.

“Aunt Jess. I suppose I just thought she would always be…here” he waved his hand to indicate both the house and his own life. 

Donna sighed, “I know”

The sound of a car engine broke the moment. Frank drove off, to stay with his husband and the children until the funeral tomorrow. Frank had driven them up early, both so they could start to go through Aunt Jess’s things and because Frank’s car was not quite big enough for everyone to drive up at once. So Mike, Frank's husband, and their four kids got a hotel in Augusta while Frank drove Grady and Donna to Cabot Cove.  

An inner ear problem that Grady had developed in his fifties caused dizzy spells that were just severe and frequent enough that he could not drive any longer. Donna let her license lapse after they bought a Condo in Manhattan, as there was no need to drive. 

The couple walked up the path. Grady braced himself for the eerie silence of a house that should have been full with a single person. 

But silence is not what he found. Instead there was a low level chatter coming from the kitchen.  

Grady drifted through the living room to the entrance of the kitchen. At the table were several people, chief among them…

“Mort?” Grady asked, taking in the former shariff, now almost twenty years retired. 

The man had grown even frailer than the last time Aunt Jess had shown them pictures of her friends in Cabot cove, which had been pictures of Eve Simpson’s final birthday party in 2018. But his eyes were still bright and his smile still infectious. His tone was still warm when he spoke,  “Grady. Donna”

Mort made no effort to stand to greet them. Aunt Jess had said he had never quite regained the strength in his legs after a bout of COVID early on in the Pandemic that had left him comatose for almost six months. 

Adele, however, nearly jumped to her seat to pull them both into a bone crushing hug. It did not matter that she was pushing ninety, she was still as strong as ever.  “Oh you poor dears, I knew. I just knew we had to be here when you arrived. I hope you don’t mind that we let ourselves in. Victoria said she didn’t but… it was your aunt as well.”

Donna was already patting on Adele’s back. Grady could see the smitten look that Mort sent toward Adele and warmth pushed itself past the grief that Grady had been carrying since he got the news. It was a beautiful thing, to see Mort still so in love with his wife after all these years.  

As Adele let them go, Grady turned to the other woman in the room, “Hi Vicky.”

Victoria was one of Grady's cousins by marriage.  Grady was Frank Fletcher's nephew while Victoria was one of Jessica Fletcher's many nieces. Vicky looked like she had been crying, and also like she had not slept in some time. It was hard to tell how much of that was from Aunt Jess. Grady knew from the few reunions he had gone to that Vicky had never really recovered from her husband Howard’s death in 2011. 

Vicky nodded but didn’t speak, she had grown very quiet after Howard’s death. 

Donna began moving around the kitchen, tidying it in a nervous but familiar habit.

Grady turned back to Adele, “You and Mort are always welcome here,” he considered the words, “Well I suppose if we sell the house, or Frank decides to move in, you should check with owners, of course. Not that we are planning on selling it, or could sell it. We don’t know who Aunt Jess left it to after all. I mean…”

Mort chuckled, “We get what you mean. Thank you.”

Adele looked like she was resisting drawing them close again, “After the funeral tomorrow, we’ll come back and help go through Jessica’s papers. We got a notice saying that the Will will be read at the end of next week?”

Donna nodded even as she finally sat down on the far side of the table with a little huff of air, “Oh, yes. Aunt Jess’s lawyer is coming up from Boston as executor. She was a recommendation from a friend of Jessica’s.”

“Aunt Jess was worried that her death would bring out all kinds of crazies” Grady interjected, not wanting anyone to think Aunt Jess didn’t trust them, “so she wanted someone involved who would be a step removed as the executor”

XXX

The funeral was a sunny affair. More than one neighbor spoke of God celebrating as He welcomed an angel home.  Grady knew many but not all of the faces surrounding Aunt Jess’s coffin, but he had no doubt that each had their lives touched by Aunt Jess; whether they wanted to or not. 

One face stuck out but it took several long minutes for Grady to place why. It was familiar, but from the haze of childhood. In addition the man’s features were sharper  and his eyes a touch colder. 

“Harry Pierce?” Grady asked, voice pitched low so as not to make a scene. 

The man turned to look, giving a wide shark's grin at the sight of Grady. “Grady.” Harry made an aborted movement as if to give Grady a hug, but stopped when Grady jerked back just a bit. “It has been too long, ya hear. Sad that this is the occasion, though.”

“Harry? I thought…Well Aunt Jess said had been…”

Harry shrugged with a short laugh “Sent to jail, yeah. I was released about ten years ago, paroled. It was only a few days ago that I was allowed to come back to Cabot Cove, you see.”

Grady felt his face twist, “So you came for Aunt Jess’s funeral?”

Harry’s face dropped into a glare, “She was my friend.”

Grady’s confusion deepened, “Who sent you to prison.”

Harry waved his hand as if to brush off the words, “I did kill two people and tried to kill Jessica, I can’t blame her for that. I was out of control. It was good to see you again, Grady.”

Grady watched as Harry wandered off into the crowd. 

“Jessica always did know the strangest people.” A voice to Grady’s right made him jump.  The man who spoke was older with a shock of white hair and a British accent. 

Grady was saved from thinking up a reply by Donna stepping next to him and holding her hand out to the man. “I’m Donna, Grady’s wife. And you are?”

The man was staring at the coffin that would shortly be lowered into Aunt Jess’s grave. “Michael is as good a name as any. Certainly what Jessica knew me as.” When Michael looked up at Grady, there was something melancholy in his eyes, something tired. “You’re aunt was one of a kind. I owe her more than a few. You ever need anything, use this information to reach out.” Michael gave Grady a pure white business card with only a phone number and an email. 

XXX

The memorial after the burial was held in the community center. Dixon’s diner offered to cater for free, in memory of Grady’s Aunt Jess. It was set up and run by members of the local congregation, lead by Bonnie Hastings, so that Aunt Jess’s variety of family did not have to think about the guests. 

Grady drifted through the room with Donna at his side. Frank, Mike, and the kids had spread in a different direction. Everywhere he could hear snippets of stories, all about his Aunt Jess. The times where she helped solve a mystery. The times where she stuck her nose in, and somehow fixed everything.  Even a few times where her need to know and impressive memory caused the problems that she would then solve.

Grady heard Debbie Dixon, Bo Dixon’s granddaughter and the current owner of Dixon’s diner, say that she was going to grab more plastic cups. Then mere moments later she screamed loud enough to rattle the windows. 

Grady was close enough that he was one of the first to reach her, in spite of the mild persistent ache to his hips from all those years sitting at a desk.  The door to a walk-in storage closet was halfway open, an older woman toppled into an uncomfortable looking slump half way through the door, her arm caught on the handle of the door. Her face was barely visible, but there was a long scar that wound across her scalp. It was clear from where Grady was standing that the woman was dead. 

Someone from behind Grady gasped and a female voice said “That’s Wanda Andrews.”

The name meant nothing to Grady, but a murmur went through the crowd behind him.  As he stared at the body the only thing that he could say was “Who brought a corpse to my Aunt Jess’s funeral.”

Mort, who had been pushed in his wheelchair through the crowds by Adele, shrugged “Seems sort of appropriate, though.”

XXX

The newest Sheriff of Cabot Cove, third of that title since Mort Metzger retired, was a woman by the name of Marigold Feeney, former deputy to Amos Tupper. The six months she had spent as part of Cabot Cove Sheriff’s department had, if the rumors Aunt Jess had heard, prepared her for every possible scenario in every other police department she had ever worked.  Sheriff Feeney’s return just over a year before had been a homecoming and a welcome one. The citizens of Cabot Cove could get very twitchy if their Sheriff was too much of an ‘outsider’.

It was always obvious who understood Cabot Cove in the way that only a resident could.  Grady could even see it in little Frankie, who had never lived in the town, and his family. Donna got it better than most, had always understood the part of Grady that also belonged to Cabot Cove; but even with her, there had even been a few instances where Donna had not understood, though she had never been judgemental. 

Sheriff Feeney understood Cabot Cove. This was clear in how she stopped carefully to speak to Bonnie Hastings, who then began to direct people toward the deputies with all the efficiency of a general at war, before making her way over to where the body was still slumped over. Grady would bet that the Sheriff would have checked in with Mort as well, had he been anywhere but next to the body, talking to Debbie Dixon.

“Mr. Fletcher” Grady looked up at the Sheriff, “I’m Sheriff Marigold Feeny. My condolences on the death of your aunt.” She shook his hand with a short professional motion. 

“Good afternoon, Sheriff. Thank you”

The niceties complete, the Sheriff stepped up next to Mort to take Debbie’s statement. 

The residents of Cabot Cove fell into the same pattern they always did when another body dropped. Statements were taken with the efficiency that only comes from experience.  Those from out of town, with the exception of extended Fletcher/McGill family, stared between the body and the nonchalant residents with no small amount of horror. 

As Grady waited to give his statement, he found his eyes following one out of towner in particular. A thin woman around his age with dark curly gray hair and dark eyes.  Grady couldn’t figure out why this woman was sticking out to him, she was not behaving oddly for what was going on. 

Grady moved over to her. Determined to figure out what about her had caught his attention, of all the people here.  “That was quite a surprise.”

The woman glanced at him, “It certainly was.” Her voice was high and soft. 

Grady held out his hand to shake, “I’m Grady Fletcher, Jessica’s nephew. Well, one of them.”

The woman clasped his hand for a moment, “I’m Amy Wainright, I moved to Cabot Cove about six years after you moved to New York, but have been away for some time. When I heard that Jessica Fletcher had, well…I couldn’t believe it.”

Grady nodded along, “Yeah, I think most of us thought she would be around forever.”

They chatted for a few more minutes, before Amy was pulled away to give her statement.  It would not be until Grady was getting ready for bed that night that it occurred to him why she drew his attention. Her eyes were too calm; the wrong kind of calm. It was not the nonchalance of the residents of Cabot Cove, there were only so many dead bodies that could drop in a year before they became just a part of the routine and Cabot Cove tended to pass that point in February every year. The high death rate, with an unusually high murder rate actually helped the tourist trade of the town, as morbid as it sounds. Researchers also tended to come in droves to try and figure out Cabot Cove, but almost always left after a few months, defeated; or became a permanent resident and put their research aside. 

Grady always figured they were asking the wrong questions. 

XXX

Four days after the funeral Grady got a call from Beatrice Malloy, Ideal Malloy's great niece, and a desk clerk at the Sheriff station. 

“Sorry for bothering you, Mr. Fletcher. But Harry Pierce asked me to call you.”

Grady, Donna, Mort, and Adele had been going through Aunt Jess’s papers in preparation for the Will reading. “Harry Pierce?”

Beatrice clicked her tongue, sounding apologetic, “Yes, he was arrested early this morning. Charged with Wanda Andrews murder. He called for a lawyer, but asked to talk to you as well.”

Grady bit his lips and thought if he was really up to dealing with whatever this was. Except he was much more like his Aunt Jess than he thought, because he had a burning curiosity to find out what was going on. 

Adele was kind enough to drive him to the Sheriff station while Mort and Donna continued to sort through paperwork and items.  She decided she would remain in the car, as being in the station without Mort was strange to her. 

Beatrice looked up with a smile as he entered, “Mr. Fletcher. Thank you for coming.”

Grady shrugged, “I was curious.”

He let himself be led to the cells that were still mostly used as a drunk tank, no matter the murder statistics and near perfect solve rate, to where Harry Pierce was being held. The man was still all long, thin limbs near knotted together with anxious energy. 

Harry’s head shot up as soon as Grady came through the doors and the look of relief on his face was uncomfortable for Grady to look at, “Grady. Thank goodness.”

“Harry, why did you call for me?” Grady asked.

“I didn’t kill that woman, I swear. You’ve got to help me.” 

Grady found himself shaking his head a bit, “Help you, Harry? How would I…?”

Harry surged toward the bars of the cell, “Please. You’ve got your aunt’s smarts, right? Surely you can solve this.”

“I’d be willing to let you give it a look” a voice from the door rang out. It was Sheriff Feeny. “It just don’t feel right, solving this without a Fletcher present.”

Grady frowned at her, “Are you sure?”

The sheriff shrugged with a good natured smile, “Pierce is right, we all know you picked up your aunt's talent. Folks around here will get mighty antsy if I don't get at least a second opinion from you. And I like to get a jump on things”

“I suppose I could take a look.” Grady said slowly. 

Harry cheered in the background. 

XXX

“It was the notes Aunt Jess kept from her research for ‘The Killer Called Collect’ that reminded me. One of her early revisions cut out fingerprints as a false clue, the killer using someone else's fingerprints to cover up their own.” 

Amy Wainwright was snarling from where she was being read her rights. No one was paying attention since she had admitted to the crime, then promptly realized her mistake. 

Grady shrugged a little bashfully, “After we realized that Harry’s hair had been planted, I remembered I had seen Ms. Wainwright around Harry before the funeral. I just didn’t realize who either of them were.” 

Mort shook his head, “There had to be more than that, there were tons of people around. It could have been any of them.”

Grady smiled as he pulled Donna closer, “Once you remembered the Andrews case and I looked at the reports, it just clicked. Remember the two tone cord around Wanda’s neck? Red and Green, referencing Wanda’s color blindness and the mistake that made the case Aunt Jess’s problem the first time around. Once I had made the connection, suddenly Amy’s behavior once we found the body made sense. It all fits.”

 Mort was looking at him strangely, his eyes shiny. “You have no idea how much you seem like your aunt right now.” He said softly. 

The words stole Grady’s breath.  All at once it did not matter that he was a nephew by marriage.  His connection to the woman who had been a second mother never felt stronger. 

It seemed as if everything would be ok.

[super-unpredictable98]

Can you pleasee do a fic like 18 years after when their daughter brings home her bf for dinner who has the whole bad boy vibe and their whole interaction?

(klaus,vicki)

Meet The Parents | The Umbrella Academy AU

Pairing: Klaus x Vicky (OC - The Eighth Child’ Verse)

Word Count: 1,3 k

Warning: Strong language, mention of drugs

a/n: Thank you so much for your request, I had a lot of fun with it. I hope you like it, I really love writing Dad Klaus lol also I'm still working on requests so just keep an eye out everyone.

(Masterlist)

"Hello, Liebchen..." Klaus walked out of the bedroom following the smell of fresh bread and seasonings for the marinara sauce.

Even though he was 52, he still dressed pretty much like he always had. He wore a shimmery see-through crop top and the tiniest underwear, glitter from the party they attended the night before still covering his eyes, cheeks, and (somewhat gray) curls. Ah, the advantages of being empty-nesters...

Ever since Fortune left to go to college about 45 minutes away, Klaus and Vicky had been living like they did in their early 20s. Parties, weed, drinks, junk food, lots and lots of sex. No one understood how they got the energy, but they did. 

"Good morning, sleeping beauty! This has to be a new record, you slept for half a day," Victoria teased. "Hungry?" 

"Oh yeah, I'm definitely hungry," Klaus embraced her from behind and slid his hands up to feel up her chest. "You look even sexier now that I'm sober." 

"Thanks, but I don't think we'll have time for that now, Klausie," she laughed. 

"What? Why?" He pouted. 

"You forgot? Fortune is coming for dinner, honey, she's bringing her new boyfriend." 

Klaus' demeanor immediately went sour, it was the first time their daughter was bringing a boy for them to meet and he was sure he would hate anyone she introduced. Not because he'd necessarily be an asshole, but obviously because no one in the world can ever be good enough for his Fortune. 

In an effort to be as different as possible from his own father, he became the most doting dad he possibly could. It was a miracle his daughter turned out so sweet and grounded after how spoiled she was. 

"I know I promised to be cool about this dating thing, but..." 

"I know," Vicky stirred the sauce carefully while giving her husband a sympathetic look. "You never thought you'd be square and get jealous of your little girl, but there you are. Don't worry, Tunnie has a good head on her shoulders and good taste. She knows what a good man looks like, we raised her well."

He nodded, trying to blindly trust his wife, as more often than not, she was right. What's the worst that could happen? She was only 18, it's not like she could get pregnant... or marry way too young... or join a cult with this guy like several people did when Destiny's Children was around. Well, shit.

About an hour later the doorbell rang, Klaus had already showered and put on some less slutty clothes, so he ran to open the door while Victoria set the table. 

"My Tunnie!" He pulled his daughter into his arms and squeezed her as if it was the first time they saw each other in years (it had been a week). "I missed you so much, is your throat better? Did the medicine help?"

"Yeah, Dad, I'm fine. I missed you too," Fortune chuckled, already used to the overprotection. 

"Oh, check it out! I love it," he took her arm to get a better look at her new tattoo of the moon. "Uncle Luther is gonna love it!" He joked, completely ignoring the boy waiting by the door as well. 

"Thanks," she smiled, pulling her boyfriend closer as her mom joined. "Dad, this is Jax. Jax this is my father, Klaus, and my mother, Victoria." 

"Hey," was all he said.

"So nice to meet you," Vicky went in for a hug despite being a little hesitant. He didn't seem like the type of guy her daughter would be interested in. 

The boy was tall and muscular, his arms were covered in tattoos, his long hair was shaped a little bit like a mullet and messy, he had a dangling earring, wore a spike necklace, and a leather jacket. From what they could count, he had two more piercings (on his eyebrow and his tongue).

"Jax? Like a dog?" Klaus laughed. "Come on in, dinner is ready."

An awkward silence engulfed the entire family while everyone got themselves some pasta and garlic bread. As a former horrible influence, Klaus could recognize one when he saw it, and he didn't like it one bit.

"So, what are you studying, Jax?" Victoria finally asked. She had to admit despite not being the sort of man she would've gone for back in her day, he was very handsome. 

"I'm in nursing school," he answered. "My mom was a nurse in Japan before we moved to America." 

Klaus nearly choked, a nurse? Really? That guy looked like he would punch someone in the face for asking him the time. 

"Oh, you're Japanese? Where are you from? My husband and I did a ton of missions- works there," Victoria smiled.

"Osaka." 

"Wow! That's amazing, we loved hanging around Dotonbori. Right, Klausie?"

"Um? Yeah, yeah, really cool place," Klaus nodded, trying not to let his thoughts wander too much. 

"Jax is also in a band, he plays the drums," Fortune added. "He helps at the animal shelter on the weekends and volunteers at the nursing home every Monday." 

"Good one," her father snorted before he could stop himself. 

"What do you mean, Dad?" 

"Oh come on, are we just gonna pretend like Asian James Dean looks like someone who likes to volunteer!" 

"Klaus!" Victoria scolded. "What did I tell you? You were never like this, you were never one to judge appearances, what's going on?" 

"Yeah, Dad, you always told me you can never judge a book by its cover when my classmates would tease me saying you're gay!" Fortune exclaimed. 

Meanwhile, poor Jax sunk in his seat wanting nothing more than to disappear. He was scared something like that was gonna happen and he really liked Fortune.

"I know, but- but you're my daughter! And he's bad news!" Klaus cried irrationally. "I know how that sounds, Vicky. I know I'm bad news too, but in a different way!"

"Klausie, you were the most promiscuous teenager I've ever met, you broke every law I can think of, you used every substance under the sun, and you were a cult leader involved in a tax fraud scandal!" Victoria scoffed. 

"Alright, yeah, that's true... but in my defense, it was the '60s, cults were all the rage!"

"Dad, you have nothing to worry about. Yeah, he's kinda intimidating at first, but he's a huge softie, he's just shy," Fortune said, taking her boyfriend's arm. 

"I- I wanted to leave a good first impression," Jax admitted. "But when I'm nervous, I shut down a bit."

Klaus suddenly felt like shit seeing the kid looking so scared. He never had that experience to meet Victoria's parents, he couldn't imagine how scared he would be, how horrible he would feel if they treated him like he treated Jax.

"You know what? Let's give it another shot, you seem decent enough. I'm Klaus, nice to meet you," he offered his tattooed hand. 

"Jax Hayashi, nice to meet you too," the boy smiled, grateful for the second chance. 

"Tell me in thirty seconds why you deserve to date my Fortune," he teased.

"I work hard, I always try to better myself, I cook, I'm good with kids and animals, I like to make her laugh, and... and I love her, she's the most amazing and most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my life." 

Victoria grabbed her husband's arm, her heart tight with emotion. Just like him, Jax was good and sweet, just underneath a little bit of a weird surface. Fortune smiled, knowing her dad would come around after all.

"She really is, isn't she? Not to brag, but I helped making her," Klaus chuckled. "Fun fact, did you know Fortune here was actually conceived in 1963 right before the assassination of JFK?"

Tag List: @elliethesuperfruitlover @seanfalco @salvador-daley @firstpersonnarrator