#He can just steal something and put it in his mail bag!

[teachyouhowtodothesponge]

could you draw what if Eddie was secretly a villain?

Ooooh! I like this ask!!

I can absolutely see Eddie making a great villain if he wasn't such a sweetheart! Not any major crimes, but probably a good thief! He already has the town believe he is kind, forgetful, and is clumsy. No one would suspect him! Not even Frank!

Extra doodles!

[noahsmuse]

adore you

✮ PAIRING: noah sebastian x reader

✮ SUMMARY: headcannons about how i think being in a relationship with noah would be like!!

୨୧ he’s a gentlemen first and foremost!!!! he holds your shopping bags, will literally RUN in front of you just so he can hold the door for you, pulls your seat out in restaurants and opens the car door for you when your getting inside and out of the car

୨୧ he notices everything new about you, did you re-dye that one part of your hair? he knew it immediately. he’s a very observant guy and always compliments how you look, saying that your hair, makeup, outfit etc. looks amazing especially if he can tell if your experimenting with new looks and products

୨୧ he remembers EVERYTHING about you, no matter whether good or bad. just like how he’ll poke fun at you whenever you trip over your own feet and claims you need to be wrapped up in bubble wrap. BUT he does remember things like what you usually order at different restaurants, what your favorite kind of drink is and exactly how you like it

୨୧ doing fashion shows for him after you get mail or come back from the mall!!!!! as soon as you’d walk through the door with your new clothes, he’s SAT. and ready for you to try on your new wardrobe, he thinks you look great in everything and is a VERY good hype-man

୨୧ since he’s off social media & doesn’t have his own, he makes it a point to follow you from the band account and also likes every single new post you make, sometimes will even leave silly little comments in relation to whatever you just posted….he’s REALLY down bad for you

-> because of the new found fame for the band and since he deleted his social media accounts, he 100% has a private instagram where he only follows you, the band & crew and some of his other close friends. he posts SO many photos of you and puts some on his story almost everyday, you also had to help him learn how to take good instagram photos. (he’s so proud whenever you actually post one of the photos he took)

୨୧ while him & the band create new music for their new albums, he absolutely loves it when you just sit in there with him. you don’t have to do a single thing but just sit there, he does like to hear your opinion on what you think about the new songs and if anything needs to be changed. sometimes you’re even part of the album, he mixes in your laughs and sometimes even your moans into the songs

୨୧ when he gets invited to/buys tickets concerts, you’re always the very first person that he asks if you wanna come with him (especially if he knows that a band or artist you both like is playing), and obviously you do?!?!

-> whenever you both are around big crowds, he’s got his hand on your back or holding your hand, guiding you through the big groups of people

୨୧ he loves to go on small little vacations/getaways in the little bit of time that he has off from touring and making music!!!!! especially because of how much time the both of you would be spending together, making memories and exploring somewhere new :)

୨୧ even though you’re more than welcome to steal any of his hoodies, he always saves you a hoodie/shirt from the online drops. and when you visit them on tour, you just HAVE to get a shirt from each tour (more than half of your entire closet is probably bad omens merch at this point)

-> and of course he loves when you style bad omens merch to match what you wear everyday, he also eventually lets you become one of the models for online merch drops (with some photos of you together which makes the fans go CRAZY)

୨୧ for arguments, i don’t think that you both would have very often. since the both of you have learned that if you sit down and have a genuine conversation about what things/topics that could cause conflicts can avoid those heated arguments

୨୧ the days when he gets back from tour, usually you both just order something or sometimes make a meal to eat with him and he LOVES to just lay down, share a blanket and cuddle you after being gone for so long while watching an anime you both like ♡

[amloveabledeathmo]

Kidnapped Kid-Kili, Fili, and Ori story idea

So we start with Bilbo on his return trip home from a walking journey. He hears shouting off the road but it doesn't sound like hobbits and he decides to investigate in case it's bandits or something that needs to be reported to the Rangers/Bounders.

As he gets closer he can make out what is being said and catches "Well I didn't know that the whole settlement was broke did I! At least we got paid some to take the kids but I say we cut our losses and just kill them and move on!" He hears a few choked sobs at that and spots three dwarf children then and a bit away two adult dwarves who are the ones shouting.

"Shut up! It's no good to scare them more like that! I think we can sell them, maybe at a mannish market." The two adult dwarves continue their argument and Bilbo creeps up to the kids.

"Come along now children lets get you out of here." He whispers as he helps them up and leads them away. He pulls out three extra travel cloaks, he packed heavy due to autumn chill and surprise rainstorms, and has them put the cloaks on. "Now if I tell you to curl up under your cloak on the ground okay?"

The three nod up at him. He leads them to the other side of the road and then past where they were camped. A good half an hour later of walking and he hears a cart approaching and has the kids hunker down while he backtracks some and starts rewalking on the road. The cart comes around the corner Bilbo almost cries in relief. "Hamfast!" he calls as the cart comes to a stop.

"Good to see you Mr. Bilbo, on yer way home?"

"Come on out kids it's just Hamfast, he's safe!" Bilbo calls and turns to Hamfast, "I don't suppose you would be willing to turn around and give us a ride back to Bag End? We really need to get somewhere safe."

Hamfast is of course confused by these dwarf children but agrees and they put them in the back of the cart and hand them a bag full of apples to snack on. As they travel Bilbo fills Hamfast in on what happened. Of course he is horrified, people stealing and then threatening to kill children is just barbaric, why he couldn't imagine how it would feel if that happened to him.

So Bilbo and the children are dropped off and Hamfast agrees to alert the Rangers and Bounders and tell all the hobbits he knows so nobody goes blabbing to strangers about Bilbo having dwarf children. The kids are just happy to be warm and provided with food. Ori tugs on Fili and whispers to him about writing letters home so someone can come get them. Fili asks Bilbo and Bilbo thinks it's a good plan.

The only dwarf who Ori knows the mailing place of is Balin, so they write their letters to their family but send them to Balin. A month or so later Bilbo, who now knows all about the boys in his care, was happily walking them home from the market when he spots a lot of dwarves on ponies and pulls the kids to a stop. He quickly gets in front of the kids and tells them to run and hide. About then the dwarves jump off the ponies and start racing towards Bilbo and the boys start screaming AMAD! DORI! UNCLE! and running towards the group.

Basically the whole company plus Dis have all come to find the kids. Bilbo is so relieved and the dwarves are very thankful and indeed shocked by his braveness and willingness to protect the boys. Thorin tries to figure out a way to pay him back but Bilbo declines, says all he wants is for the boys to be safe and maybe write him every once in a while and invites them all to stay at Bag End for the night. Bilbo, Fili, Kili, and Ori tell them all about what they heard and saw from and of the kidnappers.

They get a good bit of snow that night and the dwarves realize that if there is snow out in the Shire that their way home would probably be impassable already. Cue dwarves in the Shire. Fixing things, having a mild winter, eating enough, oh and of course Dis being the first to see how much Thorin and Bilbo like each other and doing her best to get them together.

Also Ori is part of the kidnap because he is Fili and Kili's best friend and Balin teaches them lessons and they were all together and the kidnappers didn't know how many kids they were supposed to take. No real idea of who ordered the kidnapping but just feels extra angsty for it to be paid for and not just idiots kidnapping the Heirs to the Throne and thinking they will get away alive.

[shockersalvage]

Salvage Showcase: Jutaro Akafuku

To end the year, for the minor novel side of things, we got the 'lightest' main antagonist in the Danganronpa series, yet one who acts as quite the foil for Makoto Naegi nonetheless: Jutaro Akafuku the villain of Makoto The Secret File: Makoto Naegi's Worst Day Ever!!

Credit to @drmedicsgamesurgery for the pic above and giving permission to use it! Jutaro lacks an official design, so in this instance he's being represented by the salaryman looking fella getting grappled by Tengan.

Fun fact: The salaryman design is actually Tokuichi Towa's beta look before UDG's story went through some major changes and de-badassifed Tokuichi into who he was now.

Summary

Jutaro's role in the story is straightforward. Jutato is a thief that's been blessed with good luck. However, Jutaro himself despises said luck and wants to prove he can do without such fortune. As such, he grew up to become a seasoned thief that makes intricate plans for his endeavors. However, in spite of this, he often gets into situations where good luck bails him out anyway.

One day, after stealing a load of gems from a jewelry store, Jutaro (posing as a businessman) wanted to make a getaway on a bus. However, Makoto Naegi (who wanted to return a phone to an old man he met), enters said bus and accidentally blows Jutaro's covers via ripping open the bag he used for his heist and spilling out his gems.

Thus, this leads to Jutaro holding the bus at knife point, and pressuring the driver to put the jewels back into another bag. It's then that the Old Man attacks Jutaro and tries to restrain him, but Makoto's luck makes it so that the bus winds up driving forward and winds up freeing Jutaro. Taking the bag with the jewels, Jutaro escapes the bus and steals a mail bike.

Unfortunately, for Jutaro, due to a stray juice can Makoto dropped earlier in the story, the bike topples over and explodes - knocking out the thief and getting the thief arrested in the process.

Jutaro is a calm, intelligent and crafty thief that, even when his plans go awry, he is usually able to work within such issues. Being a criminal, he also has no qualms in threatening people into doing what he says or just to save face, albeit much of his threats are (internally) just bluffs meant to install fear into people. He despises luck, including his own fortune, and believes the most laid out of plans triumph over chance - but is willing to admit that it does play a factor into his career, even if he hates it. His defeat by Makoto's misfortune was said to give Jutaro a new sense of fear towards the concept of luck.

Rundown

In the Secret File's theme of Luck and Agency, Jutaro is another twist on good luck being quite detrimental in the Danganronpa verse. Jutaro is essentially a less extreme, yet still notable, case in DR where a character's blessing or talent winds up being a hindrance to their development overall.

In this case, Jutaro's is a look into what happens when a person can never really 'lose' in life. No matter what Jutaro did, up until he met someone to counteract his own luck, everything works out for him. Essentially, meaning nothing he did would ever have any meaningful consequences as he always wins, even when he shouldn't. For a person who thrives on a challenge - the idea that no matter what you do, you'll be bailed out and never 'fail' is a curse. A curse that can lead to people resort to immoral and/or dangerous means just to feel something. In this case, Jutaro chose to be a thief and risk his life on complicated plans just to see if his own agency dwarfed, essentially, an inevitable result. Such a concept is not new to the series, and his character even reflects on the main antagonists and Masterminds of DR1 and 2, Junko and Izuru - both of whom suffered from a similar situation like Jutaro. Not in terms of luck, mind you, but similar in terms of their 'blessings' (intellect & talent compared to fortune) preventing them from enjoying life - and just as similar in that they went down dark paths to achieve stimulation. It's just Jutaro's limit is, thankfully, thievery instead of becoming a mass murderer XD

Of course, we can't go into analysis without discussing his role as a lucky foil to both Makoto and even Nagito (who does have a mention in this book). Jutaro serves as another anti-Makoto. Logical, yet is at the whims of good luck, while Makoto is more emotional and at the whims of bad luck. Jutaro is presented as coolheaded and competent in face of seemingly misfortune, while Makoto is left frustrated and even bumbling. They even compare in normalcy to each other, with Jutaro just being a typical thief against Makoto's typical student archetype. On the surface, it seems clear that Jutaro would have the better end of the deal - and usually he does. But, this is where the book's message comes in. Jutaro, while he acknowledges luck coming into play for him, actively disdains and fights against it by planning extensively and even when it does work out for him, it's begrudging acceptance at best. In contrast to Makoto who, while he is exasperated by his lot in life, thanks to the Old Man's advice, he is willing to just roll with it and accept it's just a 'thing' that happens -even trying to live with it in a way. Think of it like 'being grateful for what you have' sort of deal. Because Jutaro despised and took his luck for granted, it failed him when he needed it the most and in the most humiliating fashion, whilst with Makoto, his luck eventually did throw him a bone for his troubles by not only stopping Jutaro, but even getting accepted into HPA through such unlucky events.

Concerning Nagito, Jutaro can be considered the 'moderate' to his 'extreme' luck. Nagito's luck has him ping-ponging between extreme good and extreme bad all the time, in contrast to Jutaro's which is usually on 'moderately' good. Likewise, both are lucksters that, while frustrated with their talent, do accept and take advantage of it for their own endeavors - usually immoral. However, how they differ is also very clear: Nagito acts out with intent to gain a good, Hopeful, result at the expense of himself and the 'talentless'. Jutaro is purely self-serving and doing this out of means of proving his skill beyond fortune.

Personal Thoughts

Jutaro is a good antagonist for the short story, and I loved how he was a good foil luck-wise for Makoto!! He's not as radical as Nagito was, but he didn't need to be as he served his role as an anti-luckster well in his own right. I love the concept of someone with good luck just abusing it or, in his case, having good fortune in his corner to commit crimes. It's a great spin on things, and made for an enjoyable read. Kind of makes me wonder what it would be like if he had a cameo in DR3 or there another short story detailing his life during the Tragedy. Would be super fun!~

-

Anyways, this ends the last Showcase of 2024! I hope for all who reads these that they have been a fun read through! I'd be glad to continue this in 2025!!

[nerves-nebula]

Part Deux: featuring Mikey unlearning toxic traits

——

Mikey knew first. He and Donnie had walked into the city together. Donnie had eyed the duffle bag he was carrying curiously, but didn’t question. Donnie was the only one who knew Mikey was sneaking around the Hidden City putting up murals. In fact, Mikey knew for a fact that one of his murals was the background on Donnie’s phone screen. They hadn’t exactly spoken about it, but Donnie liked to take pictures of the murals he found that he knew were Mikey’s and send them to him, usually with silly emojis to show his appreciation for them.

Mikey loved those texts.

Mikey loved Donnie.

He knew it wasn’t exactly nice to have a favorite sibling, but he considered Donnie his favorite. Donnie understood the pressure of trying to get someone to recognize your skill. He felt like if he had his baby brother with him, they could do anything. They’d take the Hidden City by storm with their creativity and genius. One day Donnie was gonna be a famous inventor and he was going to be a famous artist and they’d be drowning in fan mail!

“K-keep yourself safe t-t-today, okay?” Donnie smiled at him.

“I’ll be fine!” Mikey laughed, “I got my badass ninja skills to keep me safe.”

The town center was busy today. Mikey pulled them to a more quiet section of street, putting himself between Donnie and anyone else. He held out his hand for a moment, just in case, but Donnie didn’t take it.

“Where you headed?” He asked.

“Library.”

“Nerd.” Mikey snickered, “They decided to crown you king of the books yet?”

Donnie rolled his eyes, but didn’t answer.

“Can I have a sip of your water?” He asked as they approached the library entrance, “I’m thirsty.”

Donnie clutched his water bottle to his chest, “N-no! You have y-your own.”

“Yeah, but it tastes better to steal yours!”

Mikey tried making a grab for it, giggling as he did.

He groaned when he felt Donnie’s knee come up, getting him in the side. It wasn’t anything too unusual, the four of them loved to roughhouse. He caught his breath easy, didn’t think anything of it, until he looked up and saw Donnie fleeing into the building proper.

He couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty.

He turned and started making his way back through the streets. The spot he’d chosen was across town from the library, so he wouldn’t be walking home with Donnie.

He chewed on his lip as he weaved through the crowds. He shouldn’t have joked like that. He knew Donnie was bad about germs and stuff, and he clearly wasn’t having the best mental health day given how much he’d retreated into himself. Plus, he’d run away so fast…

Maybe he should go back and apologize. His therapist said that the only way to move past a mistake was to first own up to the mistake.

Was it even a mistake? It’s not his fault Donnie-

No.

Halting that train of thought. They don’t think like that anymore. Donnie was allowed to feel the way he felt, even if it was different.

Right.

He’d been thinking on this for too long. It was obviously bothering him, so he should go and at least tell Donnie he was sorry for upsetting him.

He turned around and started his way back to the library. By now he was a decent ways away, but it was worth it to make sure Donnie was okay. After all, the creative ones had to stick together. If Donnie ended up actually being mad at him, he wouldn’t be in the right headspace for any kind of painting until it was resolved. No one fucked with his baby brother anymore, especially not Mikey himself.

He pushed into the library and signed in as a visitor. He fished his phone out of his duffle bag and left it at the bag drop-off, quickly texting Donnie to ask what section he was in.

He wandered towards the research section. They’d been here with him a couple times with him and it was always confusing. How was he supposed to find Donnie in this damn mess.

His phone pinged.

🧬Nerd Face🧬: I left something for you on your art desk at home. I love you, Mikey.

Oh, a gift! Fuck yeah, Donnie got them the coolest gifts.

He approached a desk, talking with a rabbit yokai about finding his sibling. Thankfully, the rabbit knew of Donnie and pointed him in the direction of Donnie’s favorite study spot.

He hurried that way, a bit of excitement building in him. Well, maybe he wouldn’t work on a mural today, but he could hang out with Donnie instead. Sure, it wasn’t always fun, but now he wanted to see his bro.

He spotted Donnie at a secluded desk, laying down in his chair, his arms pillowing his head. Did he fall asleep as soon as he got here? He didn’t even have a book with him.

“Yo, Don?” Mikey whispered as he approached, smiling, “You good, bro?”

Donnie didn’t reply.

His water bottle was knocked over on the floor, drained empty.

Mikey frowned. Donnie hated drinking anything other than water, and he was certain that water wasn’t bright pink.

“Donnie?” He reached over, shaking his brother’s arm.

Nothing.

Panic filled his chest.

He acted on instinct.

“Help!” He shouted, yelling at the top of his lungs, “Someone help! My brother- he- help!”

——

Breaking News: Fuckin Nerd Decides to Die with Books. Story at 11.

-Monster Anon

WAUGHHHHHHHH STOPPPP (positive)

Was it even a mistake? It’s not his fault Donnie-

This moment means so much to meeee you don’t get ittttt theres so many little things in this that kill me- the way they have each other saved in their phones- the little playful situation they have about Mikey’s art- GUHHHGGH

The fact that Donnie sent a text like “btw my suicide note is on ur desk” and Mikey was like “oh pog I love gifts!”

[sweetpenguincloud]

\A sprunki fan fiction, by ME!/

\(May the flowers BLOOM)/

*A owackx and vinera fan fic*

(This fan fiction contains: Mugging attempt, Slight angst, Some fluff, some mentions of hand holding, hand kissing, teasing towards the end and vinera being a flustered mess in general, lol)

(-*It was a warm, sunny day in sprunkly town, The morning birds were singing, everyone's mail was being delivered, Great air all around in general!*

*We pan our way over to vinera's house, she slowly wakes up from her long rest, She let's out a yawn, and stretches her arm's.*

Vinera: ... Man... Taking care of plants "really" does a number on me sometimes...

*She awkwardly says to herself...*

*She usually likes to buy plant seeds and trys to care of them, whether at day...or night...*

*Vinera gets out of her bed, and gets ready for the day, she doesn't really brush her "hair" because it's made out of vines, she brushes her teeth, then heads to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.*

*She just grabs a box of cereal, puts in some milk and heads to the couch, she eats some of it, but then... Her phone starts ringing, she jumps a bit and looks at the phone, she puts her bowl down to pick up the phone, to her surprise it was her friend pinki... She makes a serious expression, and answers it.*

Vinera: H-Hello? Pinki? Why'd you call this early in the morning??

*Vinera asks to pinki, confused*

Pinki: GURLLLL!!! Omg They literally have tote bags at this plant store!!! You should TOTS! come with me on a shopping trip!!!

*Pinki enthusiastically explains to vinera, pinki was always the type of person to get any/all of her friends to go or do any fun activities with her.*

Vinera: ... Wait... Do they really have those at that plant store?

*Vinera questions pinki*

Pinki: YESSS!!!

*Vinera stays silent for a moment... Then answers-*

Vinera: ... I'll be over there in ten seconds...

*Vinera then hangs up the phone, grabs her purse, and any important money she had and heads out the door to her local plant store.*

*After a bit of walking, vinera finally makes it to the local small plant store, were pinki was standing at, pinki sees vinera and waves at her enthusiastically, they both meet, and enter the planet store together.*

*They do a shopping montage or whatever, they have fun while talking with one another along the way.*

Vinera: Oh wow! They do have the tote bags here like you said!

*Vinera says as she finally finds where they have them.*

Pinki: Yesss!! EXACTLY WHAT I WAS SAYING!! we can just put our plant seeds into these bags, very easy salutation, no?

*Pinki giggles to herself, she and vinera where both having fun together.*

*Vinera smiles back at pinki, as they both continue walking on there little shopping adventure... Until vinera heard something from behind her, and turns her head around...*

*She didn't know a mysterious mugger was trying to rob her of her plant seeds.*

Mysterious mugger: OI BRUV!!! GIMME YO SEEDS!!!

*Both vinera, and pinki both jump, they were unaware that the mugger was gonna steal from them, the mugger had a British accent, and sounded very serious.*

Vinera: ... Y-... YOU'RE NOT GETTING ANY OF OUR SEEDS!!! YOU LEAVE US ALONE!!!

*Vinera shouts out of fear and shock*

Pinki: ... Y-Yeah!! Like what she said...!!!

*Pinki responds, now hiding behind vinera, for protection.*

*The mysterious mugger makes a very mad/serious expression on there face, and trys to lunge at the both of them, in a fit of rage.*

*The two girls scream in horror, and close there eyes... They both waited for them to get mugged... But there was no impact of the mugger lunging at them...*

*Vinera slowly opened her eyes and saw that the mugger got dragged back by another person...someone who looked familiar, he was threatening the mugger with loud words, which he had his fist over his head in his rage at the mugger.*

*He then looked back at the two women who the mugger was trying to attack... The two girls saw the both of them, and both ran as fast as they could out of the dangerous situation...*

*Both vinera and pinki both run out of the planet store, and both run all the way over to vinera's house, vinera and pinki both pant heavily, thank goodness they got of there in time.*

Vinera: ... Well... That certainly just happened... Never in my entire life have i experienced getting mugged...

Pinki: Y-Yeah... I'm sorry about that whole fiasco...

*Pinki apologies to vinera*

Vinera: Nah... It's fine as long as we're both ok, everything is good!

*Vinera smiles, she's happy though she and pinki had time to shop together "

Pinki: Oh! ... Yeah. Well I'm gonna go now! See you soon!

*pinki waves goodbye to vinera and walks off to her humble home, vinera waves back to pinki, as a goodbye and walks to the front door of her house with her tote bag full of plant seeds.*

*Vinera closes her door, and lays her back against the door, she throws her tote bag somewhere on the left side of the door, and covers her hand on her face, sweating some bullets on her forehead.*

*....Suddenly a loud knock comes from her door, she jumps out of shock, and bolts her head around to her door, she didn't know who it was, but was kind of curious... So she slightly opened the door...*

*To her surprise, she looked through the gap through the door to see, a rather large, tall figure... Her eyes looked up to see it was nun other then owackx himself.*

*Vineras eyes dilated a bit, then shook her head*

Vinera: ... AH! OWACKX!!! What are you doing here!?

*Vinera questions to him*

Owackx: ...I.. Uh... Wanted to come over... I-IF THAT'S FINE WITH YOU OF COURSE!!

*He awkwardly asks of her...He was always naturally like this, he's not very good at some social situations, but vinera helps him sometimes try and calm him down when she can.*

Vinera: ... Uh... Sure why not... I got nothing else to do now... So come on in...

*She opens the door and let's owackx in her house, they both settle on sitting on the couch, vinera sitting first, and owackx sitting himself second*

Vinera: ... Sooo... Why you wanted to come over?

*Vinera asks to owackx, genuinely curious on way he wanted to come over*

Owackx: ...Well... You know how you and a-another person where at the plant store... Right?

Vinera: ... Yeah?

*She says back while raising an eyebrow a bit*

Owackx: Well... I... I was... mmm.... I WAS THE ONE WHO SAVED YOU FROM THAT MUGGER!!!

*Owackx shouts in such bold and powerful words... Vinera looks at him in slight silence*

Vinera: .... Oh... Oh owackx...

*She starts to make a genuine, mournful smile and goes in for a hug, she let's out some crys a bit, she was so happy, yet was so scared of what happened today...*

*Owackx, jumped at the sudden hug she gave him... But his shocked almost cartoony expression turned into genuine concern..*

Owackx: ... H-Hey... -Vinera... It's ok... I took care of them... They won't hurt you or you're friend again...

*Owackx trys to do his best to comfort vinera... He trys to give her a light hug... Not too tight, but just enough to try and comfort her enough...*

*She's still crying, putting her face on owackx's shoulder... She could feel owackx's hug around her tiny figure... She felt it somewhat comforting in her moment of fragility.*

*Owackx trys to rub his hand in her hair... While giving her words of comfort for however long until she calms down... After awhile, she started to calm herself down... She was almost silent, still being in owackx's comforting hug.*

Owackx: ... You feeling any better now?

*Owackx asks, with rather such calmness In his voice... He doesn't do it often, but in situations like this, he genuinely wants to keep her safe and sound.*

*Vinera makes a sniffle out of her nose... And responses-*

Vinera: ... Yeah... I'm doing fine now..

*Owackx sighs in relief... He then brings his hand he was rubbing her hair with, and touches her face with his hand, to look at her straight into the eyes*

*She looked back at him, his hand on her face felt very comforting, she almost started blushing...*

Owackx: ... now aren't you a sight to behold... Y-Youre eyes are literally the most beautiful thing ever to exist...

*Owackx made a slight smile at her, still hugging her, but also rubbing his hand on her face*

*Vinera now felt her heart beat a bit fast now, She now started to feel her face get a bit flustered...*

Vinera: Oh... Well i... Hehhehe..

*She couldn't think of anything to say really, she really admired his thoughtful words.*

*Owackx slightly smirks, and moves his hand down her face, his hand now slowly tracing down to her hand, he brings up her hand, and gives it a light kiss on the palm of her hand.*

*Vinera was unbelievably speechless... Her face was now completely red... Him reaching his hand down to grab her hand, and to give it a light kiss... Was enough to make her REALLY flustered...*

Owackx: Mmm? You want more?

*He kind of hinted it like in a teasing way...*

Owackx: I'd be more then happy to see you happy...

*Owackx, smirked once again, and gave her hand more light kisses, his arm around her waste pulling her more into him.*

*Vinera, couldn't even speak, everything was happening so fast, her heart still kept beating for what she was feeling for him...*

*Owackx let out a tiny chuckle... He stopped kissing her hand, and moved his hand to her waist, and pulled her even more close to him, his tall, almost muscular figure looming over her, looking her in the face.*

Vinera: ... Hehe...

*She smirks a bit back at him...still couldn't say anything... But shes definitely feeling the love he was giving her.*

Owackx: Mmmm~ ... Such a pretty, beautiful face you have...

*He then leaned his head a bit closer to her ear, muttering such beautiful things to make her heart beat faster.*

Owackx: ... All i want is you... You know that...right~? I can t-tell you're heart is beating pretty fast...i could keep doing this...if you want, that is~

*His smirk still not leaving his face, kind of gave him a confidence boost.*

*Vinera was under a spell, from his voice alone, him wanting to be with her was what she wanted too, she never had experience being with someone who wants her to feel safe and comfortable.*

*Vinera trys to utter some words to make this situation better*

Vinera: ... Y-Yes... Please... Keep saying nice things to me...

*Owackx gave her a nod of approval, his little smirk still not leaving his face*

Owackx: ... If you insist... Let us get more comfortable then~?

*They both lay themselves down on the couch, and enjoyed there sweet time together.*

[The end]

[adultswim2021]

Xavier: Renegade Angel #13: “Free Range Manibalism” | March 13, 2009 - 12:15AM | S02E05

I’m sorry, but this one is simply too crazy. Xavier finds a restaurant that very snobbishly turns their noses up at his offer of meat. The meat in question is splattered stuff from roads. He is accused of being a bathroom user, and truly, he is. So, they throw him out and he encounters two bums, whom he convinces to pose as pigs so he can offer them to the restaurant. The restaurant’s whole deal is that they pamper their livestock until they pass away from natural causes. Then, and only then, are they turned into a nice meal.

From there it goes off into a direction that I’m not even that sure I can adequately summarize. So, I won’t. Like, no, really, the episode was great, and I laughed at it a bunch, but I genuinely felt like I missed a key word or something that would have explained, sorta, what was going on. 

The honest truth is, sometimes I just don’t want to write about Xavier. That’s because the show is just one incredible joke after the next, and I tend not to enjoy write-ups where all I do is list jokes I like. Here’s some I wrote down, to shut you up: Xavier’s belabored pun of “Heil-er Meatler”. The part where he distracts the sporting goods store (to steal footballs from, so he can sew up new pigskin for the hobos) by getting them to chant “sports” over and over. “Spreading like a mother’s legs on free peanut butter day”. There’s like, way more insane wordplay in this episode than most others, I think. 

This is a wild one, and I probably should have watched it twice before covering it here. Oh well! Merry Christmas, everyone!

MAIL BAG

I definitely took a couple days off so I could use the above screenshot on Christmas Day, and no other reason. Time to shine a spotlight on the man of the hour, Mr. Ho-Ho-Ho himself, Santa Claus:

I don’t think you’re nuts! By the time Delocated season 1 started airing, 30 Rock already had appearances from faces familiar to Late Night w Conan fans, like Brian Stack, Brian McCann, Andy Richter, ofc Jack McBrayer, Conan. i wondered too if they hoped to get those Conan fans who gave 30 Rock a chance bc of those cameos. Good theory!

Hey, thanks for that. 30 Rock was definitely a movement, and it's something we could all get behind.

hey man i dunno who told you that SH*T about robot chciken being canceled but creator-whos-not-seth-green just said in a interview two weeks back that its still going so get your hopes down

The funniest case scenario is that Seth Green is too mad about his monkies that he refuses to do the show, and they try to continue without him. He was probably running around the writers room doing nut taps and throwing Nickelodeon Gak on people so they couldn't write funny sketches ever. Maybe this made-up thing that I'm making up right now is just what the show needs.

Tommy Wiseau is an absolute nut job. Mike Lazzo was playing with matches letting that guy in the adult swim ecosystem. Wish he got burned, boyo.

True that!!! Tommy Wiseau is not "WISE" at all... he is a menace

If Santa could put on piece of Adult Swim swag in your holiday stocking this year what would you want it to be?

A new Space Ghost Volume 5 DVD. The second disc on my copy stopped working. I can't even sell it on eBay anymore! WAAAH! Also, the actual plastic case it came in got extremely brittle and it caved in when I tried to open it last time. It's just all the way fucked. I have a digital backup of it, at least. But, I prefer tactile sensations, and the crackle of the vinyl record.

Santa has just left my house. He left 10 presents and ate all four cookies we left him. I was telling my dog who sleeps in my room how great a deal that was. 10 presents for four cookies? My dog didn't seem to care but enjoyed all the attention he was getting. Welp, back to bed.

I'm glad Santa came. I have a question about dog ownership for you: do you have a dog door and do you ever go through it for fun? I feel like if I had a dog and a dog door I would be going in and out of that thing constantly.

If you got bit by the Santa Claus bug, what would you do? Merry Christmas from LA

Hey, thanks, cool to hear about the move. If I was bit by the Santa bug, I would be in heaven, and I hope that answers all of the Christmas Day questions for AdultSwim.Com (my blog).

[fkyumerica]

each area, circles on the map, to have their kids take care of their kids they left and the rest of them

how tall is she, how big is her head. She got to mate with all those giants then go giant. They made another big fucking everyone whore. Does she put her pussy on their hair too? Yea. Cupid area was they mated with the infants. Anyways. Kentucky ground. Wire. Blow it up.

is that carol. "my opponent" mama right im your mama. stfu and die.

she was running around at the neurologist office

cailigulaaaaaaaaaaa

she was taller than him

holy sht

and

cupid guard

chop off her legs

like in the mummy

holding onto a infant to fuck it

on her back

bent knees

hahahah robo

i googled legs chopped off the mummy

images

now jump

it was the group in the coliseum in the gladiator leading it, knew about it

the groups to kill

the rest was family didnt know or whoever went in it

wtf I wanna be that bitch again. him or her or who. the noroi guy. then full house after. her whole family to let out a bug. then bug houses the rest of the day. after. noam chomski.

uggghh

the water rape

to tko

gtfo

glenis

dead kennedy

yea we raped them

whole group on the ground

alive still

come back the next day begging

why why why

give me something

wtf

queer

make a punk concert

theyre in it

and push you down

wtf my ass

didnt have a kid

and

conceited

i know i got the biggest ass

good here too

alix said they used these

float

invincible

can do it again

cheat rob steal and fuck in your house

kids take it out of it

and if they hand me it i take it in and fucking mess up with it too new mom and dad in here whoa im new and come back and hit them

again

whaa

got the sex

good too

kids says the got the sex good too part

and we married hah take a picture

arm around the kid

her

too

dick

we can find the map to get her too (giant)

and all of it

see the blood man

after mating with 18 see his skull to crack. and they would number off. and his arms out after.

not knowing what any of it is

send it to mar ch again

it is march

once a year wtf go

rain

guitar

see the blood man

who

oo

ahhhhhhh

no fear

we live

so cute her

i do her

and terror

send cuer

wtf

85

one alert for sex

and they all fuck

heard it

kennedy

you and me

take her to, any leg surgery, i dunno i like it

and

went

to

march

i live this long

then sleep

come on

bed

a lot of the world that stayed was just short. and whoreing parties around the world you wanna go? mating was it.

theres the noroi kid

he had no eyes

and

the girl,, her head would go all the way back

isnt decapitated

like it was fabric or something cardboard cut out

and

a giant too

hwo to catch them

part of a litter, she was

her face was the ET

she was a giant

the grudge one

and kept inbreeding, for them to win

that was the point

have a kid throw it in the window

it is that big people go to it

they used the camera to edit their facess

of seecurity cameras

she only shows up when she is giving birth

or puts her son in her

it was her husband

any relative is

there were 44 of her with those faces

senritsu kaiki file kowasugi file 1 operation capture the slit they put face masks on them

it is like reverse bear trap

no shes alive

they will push in their molars to go in their eyes

they are shreks

they take a eye donation of a dead relative

i can draw it

cappa why

hahaha

i got my hair flower in the mail today

it is big

its so pretty i love it

now i gotta sew on the collar

and moddel it

shrek and fiona

she is as big as the garage next door

the neighbor will get them to leave

chris keeps saying no let them over

and thinks they are her kids

to attack me

for anything hahaha

her leader

no

what

well fuck your bear child

WTF was that

WTF was that

GIVE ME YOUR TRASH BAG

these guys did fk their moms

punch her head backwards

dad would drag her

and

shes knocked out

dead

i can fuck her

so her son would

and dad would hold her head and go oh no

so the whole area

would hop

and wtf i cant figure this out

woman didnt talk to her

or him

so they fucked as they wanted

anyone

and kids dump them on her she wants me to teach it

so they shit it out on her

and in too

rapists

abortion to in you

uma

make ghost noise

see i dont go back

make the noise for me to take my kid back

and shes my kid

go walk

hits her i dunno its her

her son would

for her to get raped by everyone

even cared

kids infants toddlers in their arms

sit it on her

flip it around its her

and the sons stay short she hits them on top of the head

she hits her son

and

the mom

and the dad

but super giant

dan and katie

her just born

grandparents

find her

and

again she gave birth 8 times

funny to her not to you, his mother is the one on the right or big boy raped him got him drunk or drugged him right before he said it

lied to a whole town

tommy lee

me and my whole family

the actor

and boomers was this

midget night

edit for grease

they took all the buildings

insane

huge skulls

midgets

clockwork

and

sun

wont be a dad them neither

and their moms

next to them huge too

or gay what is it

ewoks wasnt it

but hits them too to go giant

one on the ground

top of its head in

no cone head

wont set out cones either

wooo

planet of the apes said put it in the garbage, they arent even their word of the lord.

Wed 8:00 PM

they let out mass dope, empty right? the whole house

hole

you know you live young over 400 years

and the old men who fuck no face girls

and those guys to whoreing girls

haha joke

infant what

abortion

happened

fucked old men too wo ho ho hot

abandon house whoa.. uhhh

mmmm

they will just go in and fuck

and hey who wants to live here give her a play house

and school

yea amanda bye

shes et

and no face mask

they were c ommercials so no one moves south

or out

already our family did

i was nice once

to my state no

leaave

hell yea

and go to the map area where the land, have kids again, and float, and just leave wtf ever it flooded float to mee I feel my child make a church and it ended there, we found them, and news too woo hoo tubing the kids mated. Pregnant or not. I dunno leave it. The mummy guy said it. And movie get money go. Move in college area. Why build another one no one else moved in yet.

he brings over the kid after he fucks it

party fowl

it was alawys that if you party you cant bring it with you

oh and caught, oh and caught

tale of gregor, guys caught, suicidal, kill it too. marilyn manson

him hating everyone, is him. the whole time. curtis

im gay i can be your daughter- murder that obsessed italy, i am obsessed

gwen stefani/destiny- no im not you, yea she did it, hi

[brianyololau]

11/29/23

Dear Father,

The more I put myself in your shoes, the more disappointed I become.

I can tell you that I'm fine, that I'm over it, but I'm not.

I have yet to feel the full disappointment in you as my father, and the more I open this box, the more I am suffering. Yet, I feel this is something I must see through in order for me to see the truth.

You are trash. See, I am torn between two perspectives. The first is a father who loves his son, though he's not a committed father. The second is the man who has done a lot of wrong that is inexcusable.

You stole money from mom, didn't you?

Once, when I was a kid, she told me a check came home that belonged to her, tax rebate or something I don't remember. It went missing. She initially asked everyone in the household if anyone found the check. You didn't know anything about it.

Mom called the tax department to report it missing. The department told her they'll mail her a new check, but the event will have to go under investigation by the authorities. She warned the household that she's going to report it missing, and an investigation will occur once it happens. That's when you came clean: you stole the money.

I still can't fully understand why you would do that. What kind of a person steals from his wife? A wife whom you share a kid with? Are you that much of a scum bag to steal from your own partner? Are you FUCKING FORREAL?

How am I supposed to forgive that?

From my mother?

That's enough reason to drop you from my life.

Pathetic.

What're you even my father for?

You know, when I asked you what you did with the money after you and mom split the house, I wasn't expecting you to lie through your teeth and say you gave it all back to me through child support.

You literally stopped helping me financially the day after you found out I got a part time job out of high school. It's so ironic that I find it funny. Your reasoning? You wanna save up to put your daughters through karate and Chinese school. Let's see whether you're a man of your word or if you used your daughters as leverage to back out of supporting. Then, we'll really know what kind of a father you are.

 I remember you telling me you would still help pay for my college after I turned eighteen. I guess that was a lie as well. I understand if you’re tight on money. I can support myself, but what kind of a father never hangs out with his son? Most of the time, when you called, it was about money or business. The day I told you I found a part time job after high school, you were happy for me. The next day, you told me to come over to tell me you were no longer going to help me with money. It was a five minute conversation.

The more I see from your perspective, the more betrayal I feel. Not just abandoned, betrayal, since the day you left the house. Honestly, I don't even remember the day that you left. I don't even remember that you did. In fact, I had to learn about it from mom later on what happened and why I wasn't able to see you for a while.

It's like you ran away and decided to stop being a father. Apparently, you didn't contact me until the month right before the law stating you would lose custody of me if you did not contact me within six months.When you called, I was excited to hear from you, glad. I remember asking where you were.

Little did I know that in your mind, you had already taken a backseat in my life.

I don't even know why you came back. The judge made you pay child support. Don't make it seem like you did all of it because you wanted to.

Ever since that day, mom and I only had our family and each other, though I was too innocent to see it. We slept on a bed in the living room of Cau Long's house, 10 of us in that house. We had nothing. Mom worked tirelessly every day to provide a future for me, to get a second loan and buy back our home. She didn't have time to take me to or from school. Why didn't you offer any help? You disappeared for months. You didn't offer to help take me to school either. You left us alone.

That's right. You betrayed your son by abandoning your duties as a father. All of this didn't just appear out of nowhere. It started when I was just a child.

And let's not forget the time you were cheating on mom going on VietFun late at night to chat up girls. Yeah. I checked the history. You didn't do a very good job at hiding it. I even went on it myself when I was a kid for entertainment. Little did I know what all of this would mean until later on.

People say you start to recall your memories around four years old. It's interesting how I was about six during this time, and even then, I knew that what you were doing was wrong.

Mom's not a perfect person either. I'm sure she's done a lot of things to upset you, and I don't know your side of the story. I'd like to hear it, but I honestly don't know if I will believe you. I already think you're full of shit, and you've lost a lot of credibility for yourself as a father.

You know, growing up, I've always looked up to you. I don't know why. I just did. I used to always favor you in front of mom after you guys divorced. She asked me why, and I said because you're my dad. You're the man, so, I have to look up to you. She told me that's not fair, and now I see why. I don't wanna be like you. In fact, you inspire me to not be like you when I have kids.

24 years is a long time and so is 16. That's how long it's been since the divorce, and not once in those 16 years did you ever call me to go eat or hang out. I only spent time with you when I came over every other weekend because it was your legal responsibility.

Mom had to demand you to spend time with me after she found out I hung out by myself in your room while you left. Even then, you took me to the arcade at Nickel Nickel, and after the second or third time going, you left to take a call or to go do some work.

I saw you for a few days out of the month, and you left me all alone inside of an arcade.

What made you wanna be a father?

Surely, it wasn't to leave your kid alone in an arcade or to just let him sit in your room all day. Why do you even love me?

If you love me, then why were you busy for 24 years?

Why did you leave without contacting me for months?

Why did you go to Vietnam every year and come back like nothing happened?

Why did you start a new family without me?

Why have you called to say hi only once this year?

Why did you go behind my back to talk bad about me to your old coworker?

You went to Vietnam for months every year, got married, brought step mom to America, gave birth to two beautiful daughters, and now you've started a new family. And throughout that entire process, you were too busy for me?

You didn't even show up to my high school graduation. I told you over a week in advance. On the day of graduation, you called and told me you were too busy with work to make it. Even Shirley came. 

My father, who knew a week in advance, couldn't set aside a few hours to be there for his son's graduation. In retrospect, I wasn't even surprised when you called. My expectations of you being a father and present in my life were already set to rock bottom standards. Even a phone call to tell me you couldn't make it was good enough for me, but in the back of my mind, I knew it was a lousy excuse from you as a father. I didn’t wanna admit it.

Out of all the times you could've been there for me, you weren’t. In one of the most important moments where you could’ve showed up as my father, you chose work.

When I came over last week, I was going to invite you to my college graduation. I felt it was time for me to finally tell you what I've been wanting to tell you these past few years. Yet, after everything I told you, you still used the same excuse. You're really pathetic for that, and that's why I never invited you.

You couldn't show up to my high school graduation because of work. Now, you're telling me you didn’t have time for me the last 24 years because of work? Why would I invite you again after you gave me the same excuse? Do I look like I enjoy watching you disappoint me? I set my expectations for you as a father so low for 24 years, and even then, you failed them.

I was very close to never accepting you as a father again after I turned 21. I even talked to mom about it. She thinks my life is better off without you. She thinks I should put up a fake smile when I'm around you and pretend like I care.

I said fuck that. You deserve to hear it from me because I'm not putting up with you for the rest of my life.

Whether or not you’re still in my life would make no difference to me. Grandma raised me as a kid more than you did. That’s why I haven’t visited often because seeing you brings me feelings of disappointment. More than that. Spite.

The only reason why I lived with you every other weekend was because the judge made it your legal duty as a father.

I feel like you stopped being a full fledged father to me the day you left mom, and I don’t wanna hear you say “it’s her fault we’re like this” when you can’t take accountability for yourself. This is between me and you.

You left Vietnam every single year for months and would never call to check in on me. but one day you brought home a wife, told me to call her mom, and started a family. and your excuse to make time for me is you’re still too busy? You created a whole new family, but you were too busy for me in 24 years? This is not mom’s fault. it’s YOUR fault that you didn’t try. You’re pathetic and a sorry excuse of a father. I’m not apologizing for how I feel because unless you can give me a less sorry excuse of I’m busy, my judgment on you remains the same.

And if your excuse is still going to be that you're too busy, then I don't see the point in continuing this relationship any longer because I don't believe in your excuse. I don't even think you truly believe it yourself.

The reason why I am speaking to you. because I take accountability for my own life now, and I don’t need you to hold significance over it if you’re gonna teach me how to avoid being a father.

I'm done. I'm done wanting to hate. Just tell me if you wanna still be my father and heal this relationship. If not, then we can both agree that this is as far as our relationship will grow, and I'll have the peace of mind at night knowing I at least addressed this with you and gave you an opportunity to fix it. I don't need a half ass father in my life. I need a fully committed one. it’s better if you were not someone important in my life if you continue to be a half ass father. Now that we’re older, I can't change the past, but I'm willing to move forward with this and maybe salvage our relationship, but it’s up to you how you want to set the stage of this relationship moving forward.

The fact that you haven’t called or texted after I told you I couldn’t believe your excuse says a lot.

[thatorigamiguy]

Vacuum: "twas not I who facilitated my return, I was summoned by men who wished me to remove dust!

Ruby: "Remove dust? you steal men's souls!"

Vacuum: "Perhaps the same could be said of all cleaning implements"

Ruby: "Your words are as empty as your dust bag! Mankind ill needs a cleaning implement such as you!"

Vacuum: "What is a man? a sniveling pile of skin and dust! but enough! have at you!"

the Vacuum dramatically proclaimed, before a wine glass fell off of a nearby end table the the vacuum bumped into since no one was controlling it. this however did nothing to deter Ruby as she howled out a raging battle cry as she continued to shoot at the demon cleaning device. Nora could only look on, baffled as to why Ruby was talking to the vacuum before turning to Jaune with deadpan look.

Nora: "…Okay, seriously, what the fuck Jaune?"

Jaune: "Your mileage may vary on reactions, Nora."

Nora: "THAT IS NOT AN ANSWER AND YOU KNOW IT"

Nora screamed out in frustration, causing Jaune to sigh before giving her a serious look.

Jaune: "listen every faunas has a certain item that they are locked into eternal battle with for the salvation or damnation of every soul. It's just the way it has always been. And Ruby's just so happens to be vacuums, what can you do?"

Ruby: "DIE, DIE, DIE!"

Nora: "...Please tell me you're not serious right now."

Jaune: " As a heart attack. Hell I'm not free from it either! For me it's that damn courier huntsmen that comes around and delivers all of our mail and packages. I know that sneaky bastards is up to something, I can feel it in my veins!"

At this, Jaune's eyes narrows and he bares his fangs in a low growl as he begins muttering dark thoughts about that "dirty no good" courier huntsmen, while Ruby continued to shooting up the dorm. All while the vacuum continued it's loud shrieking as Ruby had still yet to put the damn thing out of commission. For her part, Nora found herself blankly staring into the void and unable to do anything about the insanity surrounding her

Nora: "…If this is what Ren has felt like for the past ten years then I owe him the biggest apology in the world. And a bottle of the strongest alcohol available."

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

Additions written between @noneatnonedotcom and I.

Vacuum

Nora: "Hey Jaune-Jaune?"

Jaune's dog ears perk up, and he looks up from the sword fencing book he was studying to look at Nora.

Dog Faunus Jaune: "What's up Nora?"

Nora: "So, I know you tend to get scared during major thunderstorms, but do you get upset when someone uses a vacuum? and I'm only asking out of genuine concern, I swear!"

Jaune snickers at Nora's nervous look, before giving her a reassuring smile.

F! Jaune: "I knew what you meant Nora, and I'm not offended."

At this, Jaune tilts his head to the left as he thinks her question over.

F!: Jaune: "Mmmh the vacuum huh? I don't have to much of an issue with it to be honest. Most Canine Faunus don't really either, at best we get annoyed at the constant humming but other than that we tune it out."

Nora: "Great! Because I'm getting ready to run one real quick since it's been a couple weeks and I just wanted to make sure you're okay with it!"

Jaune waved her off with a go ahead as he went back to his book. Nora quickly set the Vacuum up and as she stepped on the pedal it roared to life. It was at this moment that the door to their dorm room was blown off it's hinges as one Ruby Rose bursts in holding Crescent Rose in her hands with a death grip. He wolf ears were twitching, her silver eyes filled with fear and panic as she started shouting.

Wolf Faunus Ruby: "WHO HAS ACTIVATED THE DEVILS INSTRUMENT?! THE HUMMING! THE MADDENING HUMMING! THEY FILL THE AIR WITH THEIR INUMANE SHRIEKING! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP!"

At her mad ramblings, Ruby began to wildly fire into the room as she tried to snuff out vacuum from the safety of the doorway. She nearly caught Nora with a stray round before Jaune had dive tackled her to the floor and they both crawled behind the kitchen counter. Nora peaked out over the counter in terror, before looking at Jaune with questioning look. Jaune met her look with an indifferent look and a shrug.

F! Jaune: ""I did says that 'most' Canine get annoyed at 'best."

F! Ruby: "DIE MONSTER, FOR YOU DON'T BELONG IN THIS WORLD!"

[skittlesfics]

I hear you wanna practice writing Steve Harrington and I am HERE TO HELP. Super vague and open ended but can you hit me with some cute domestic fluff of Steve and Reader baking together?

if y'all don't follow Mandy already, go read her fics literally right now. 832 words - Steve Harrington x Reader - Big himbo energy in this one

-

Two months into your relationship, and you had Steve Harrington completely wrapped around your finger, not that he’d ever admit it.

He was smitten, dropping everything for his girl, much to the chagrin of a certain group of young teens who liked to demand last minute rides to the arcade or the movie theater.

That was why, when you strolled into Family Video one day, smiling all big and blowing him a kiss from the door, he said absolutely when you asked if he wanted to come help you bake cookies that night.

It didn't matter that Steve Harrington had never baked a goddamn thing in his life, as Robin was quick to point out once you were gone again. Love conquers all, right? 

When he rang your doorbell and you answered wearing a pink frilly apron with white lace along the borders, he knew that he had made the right decision. Choosing you was always the right decision for Steve. He pulled you into a kiss that was perhaps too enthusiastic for a hello, but you didn't seem to mind, laughing into his mouth as your hands reached up to brace yourself on his broad shoulders.

"Miss me?" you teased as you pulled away, taking a step back so that he could move past you into the house.

"Every second, babe." He swooped in and pressed a kiss to your forehead before kicking off his shoes and letting you usher him into the kitchen. 

There was a part of Steve that, when you had said baking cookies, had expected you to pull out a plastic sleeve of refrigerated Pillsbury dough. He knew, of course, that some people baked things from flour but he'd never actually seen it first-hand.

He hesitated at the door frame to your kitchen as he caught sight of the mountain of ingredients, only stepping through the door when you bumped into him from behind. He played off his surprise, walking to the counter and reading off random ingredient bags.

"Cake flour. Bread Flour. Sea Salt. Kosher Salt. Babe, you sure we're making cookies here?" He teased, half serious. He had no idea there were different types of flour for different things, but he was pretty certain that bread and cake were not types of cookies.

You stuck your tongue out at him, reaching to pull the canister of sea salt from his hands. You were laughing, and that was all that mattered to Steve.

"Oh shut up, it's a recipe from the newspaper up in New York some fancy chef wrote. My uncle mailed it to me, so I figured I'd try it." You placed the salt back on the counter and then ducked around the corner to grab an apron for Steve. It was a red version of the one you were wearing, complete with massive pink hearts for pockets. He stared at it skeptically when you tossed it to him, glancing between you and the pockets with an expression that told you exactly what he thought of it.

"Just put it on, Stevie, it'll keep your clothes clean. Not like anyone but me will see." You urged. It was the 'Stevie' that did it. He feigned a reluctant sigh and slipped the apron on, tying it clumsily behind his back. It was too short and he looked like he was going to combust in his embarrassment, but Steve was so cute that you had to go and plant a kiss on his cheek. He chased you when you pulled away, stealing a kiss on the lips to pay for his embarrassment. 

"Okay, cookie time, let's do this." He declared when you moved away, serious expression lasting for only a moment before being replaced with something less confident, "How do we do this?"

Your first task for Steve was hauling your mother's heavy kitchenaid mixer from its spot in the bottom of the pantry. He could do that. Steve was good at moving heavy things around. The second task, though, was fitting the paddle attachment which he was... less successful at.

"You have to line up the notch with the hole on the attachment." You explained, laughing as you measured dry ingredients into a large bowl. Steve furrowed his brow, leaning over for a better view as he lined up the two parts the way you described. He succeeded, pushing the paddle up into the blender and then let go. The paddle fell immediately, clattering loudly in the metal bowl. 

"Your kitchen appliances hate me!" Steve huffed, throwing his hands up in frustration.

"Oh, Steve, you have to twist it after so it stays in." You dropped the teaspoon measure you were holding and hurried over to where Steve was standing. You grabbed the paddle attachment and slotted it in easily, turning so that it would be secure. 

You soothed Steve's ego with a sweet kiss, stepping close when he wrapped his arms around your waist. Maybe these cookies would be worth the fuss after all.

[idiotic21]

Mr and Mrs Hamato

Chapter 5 - Lost in the Mail

Previous All Stories

"My sons, what is it that's so important that I had to wake up from my beauty sleep?" asked the former martial arts actor.

"Hey, dad! Just hang on tight. You're gonna love her." Mikey beamed as he squished his dad in a hug. Leo and Raph entered the family hall with April and Cassandra trailing behind them.

Splinter flicked his tail with curiosity, "Hmm, are you hinting that finally one of my sons has found a ladyfriend?"

"I mean, with how long those two are taking, I'd say most likely pops," Raph said, sitting with a plop on the bean bag chair. Leo rolled his eyes around in disgust, "Hey, as much as I would like to poke fun at DonTron, I refuse to associate him with ... her".

Splinter shoved Mikey away with surprise, "Him? Purple? Donatello has a -". Right at that moment, Donnie and Sil decided to stroll in. The five people in the hall were either struck with sheer bewilderment or immense shock or experiencing both at the same time. 

"-A girlfriend?!" April and Splinter shouted at the same time. Cassandra was forced to spit out her hot coffee all over poor Leo's face. 

Sil and Donnie froze. "N-no no. You got it wrong. I am not his girlfriend." Sil explained, successfully hiding her blush, Donnie just nodded furiously, "Yeah.. yeah whatever she said." With all eyes on them, Sil and Donnie quickly parted ways. Sil went to sit beside Raph and Donnie sat between Splinter and Leo. Leo gave Sil a hard glare, growing protective over his twin. Mikey plopped down beside Sil and quietly mentioned who April and Cassandra are to which she thanked him.

Splinter however felt pride growing from within his furry chest and made the 'winky eyes' at his purple son, "I must say, Purple. I am surprised as I am proud that at least one of my sons has inherited my Lou Jitsu charm." The tiny rat man pulled Donnie in for a father-son hug. "We will go over the flirting step later so you can quickly make her my daughter-in-law"

Donnie sighed but didn't have the courage to deny anything. So naturally, Splinter took it as a good sign. April then shimmied towards Donnie, Cassandra draping herself across his back, "Dee, you did not tell me of your new girl." April started. 

Cassandra shook her head displeased, "That is unacceptable in the world of friendship. The girls must always find out about their friend's love life. How dare you not inform us of such a momentous occasion." April nodded in agreement, "You gotta introduce Cass and I properly later,"

Donnie sighed, "You do realize that this is not what we want to discuss today?" though he assured the girls of a proper introduction later.

"For once, Donnie's right. We have a situation on our hands so where in the yokai universe is Draxum?" Leo butted in the chatter and asked Splinter in a hushed tone. "He will be a little late my son. I suggest we start before him if the matter is as important as you say."

Leo nodded. "Alright, gather around everyone. I think today's topic is pretty clear. It's about her!" Splinter put his hand up like an excited teen about to ask a really stupid question but Leo cut him off immediately, "NO! No stop, no. It has nothing to do about any of us giving you grandkids."

Splinter scowled and put his hands down then gestured for Leo to continue. "This person right here is the thief we were pursuing yesterday," the red-eared slider pointed an accusatory finger toward Sil. Mummers broke out between Cassandra, April, and Splinter. "She managed to steal a meteorite from the museum of natural history and was about to get away. Thankfully, we stopped her just in time."

April gave Leo a confused look, "You called me all the way here for something urgent. How is stealing a meteorite that urgent?"

Leo smirked, "You see, April. She's not a regular human thief and that meteorite is not a regular meteorite. Our little thief claims that the meteorite has some fancy rare material that has something to do with yokai, mutants, and humans. Our thief herself has mystic powers"

Once he got the attention of his father and friend, the leader in blue continued to explain Sil's alias, nickname, and mystic powers. "How does a regular human have mystic powers? Are you part mutant?" Cassandra asked with interest.

Sil shrugged her shoulders, "I think so. I know I am human for obvious reasons but have no idea where the yokai or mutant part mix in" 

"I mean no offense but you're a thief, right? Correct me if I'm wrong, but you wouldn't be stealing this specific meteorite for just decor. Whatever property this space rock has could be most probably used for something scientific background, so in conclusion, someone with a high level of knowledge of human, yokai, and mutant biology would possibly burn everything on their part to get their hands on something priceless as this. Your buyer must be some crazy science dude. Right, Sil?" by the end of her crazy theory, April was at the edge of her seat, dripping bullets of sweat. Sil was astounded, "You theorized all that just now?"

Mikey patted Sil's shoulder with a kind smile, "Yeah, she's Donnie's best friend forever. Sticking around Donnie all the time would do that to you,"

"Also, she is a professional journalist in the making," declared Donnie as he proceeded to fist-bump his best bud.

Sil smiled softly and turned her attention to April. "I'm impressed, and yes. That is why I stole."

The curly-haired brunette cheered, "I'm crushing this thing, and thank you. You wouldn't be able to disclose whomever you're working for?." Sil gently shook her head, "Private and confidential, I'm afraid."

The noise and excitement in the room gradually died down as each person took in whatever information they could. Finally, Splinter decided to speak up. "Sil, this is very important news. I must ask, however, as a father and protector of my family. If you and your employer who would be most likely a yokai themselves, are working with something as powerful as the space rock, you would be on any bad person's capture list. Am I right?"

Sil eyed the rat man carefully. "That is true," she confirmed. "My employer is not the only one who would have use for such an artifact. Whoever knows of its properties will stop at nothing to get their hands on it. The components in that rock could solve thousands of unanswered questions about yokai, mutant and human life. We might have the missing link in the palms of our hands, the discovery of the millennia."

The turtles glanced at each other, seeming to catch on to the weight of the situation. "Has anyone else approached you to steal for them before your current employer?". Sil thought over Splinter's new inquiry for a moment. There was one other, but it was a long time ago. "Yes, there was but I refused."

"Why?" Splinter asked. "Ethical reasons and the fact that they were widely known to mishandle powerful items."

"Were they yokai or mutant?" Donnie asked. "They were yokai. It's best to forgo the details" Sil told him and turned to Splinter and Leo, "You are right that to think that there are bad people after this artifact. The first person who asked me constantly keep an eye on my being since I am known for making heists on important mystic artifacts. They have a deep network but remain very discrete and secretive."

Leo hummed thoughtfully before giving Sil his full attention, "Does said person spy on you?" he asked with a hint of worry. Sil nodded. "I even had run-ins with their spies. They mostly leave a word of threat to scare me back into working for them. Promising me huge sums of money and wealth and other fortunes."

"And you didn't accept it?" surprise washed over the leader's face.

"Nope. As I said, they had ethical issues. Massive ethical issues. Since I am human, I don't want to simply hand over my race to a potentially dangerous individual who poses a high chance of using whatever is in the space rock to destroy humanity." the girl replied in all honesty. Leo remained baffled. All this while, she could actually be a  good person?

Sil watched conflict race over Leonardo's face so she gracefully saved him from overthinking, "I know you're the leader, Leonardo. I also understand why you will remain skeptical of me, however, do not peg me for some cheap bastard who steals for her own benefit without thinking about the consequences others would face." Leo listened eagerly.

"I want answers desperately and in my search for what I am, I will carefully choose who to trust. I've known my employer for quite some time and their reason for the study is completely humane." Leo could see that Sil trusted her buyer. Still, he thought about the potential dangers this situation would bring if the rock fell into the wrong hands.

"How do I know you're not lying to me?" Leo started while his family watched him spew out questions of hows, ifs, and whats. "How do I know that this isn't an elaborate plan and some well-thought-out lie for us to let down our guard? What if you're working for the bad guys? How can you assure me that in any situation, my family would stay safe and away from danger?"

Sil ran the questions through her head once, twice, and thrice. All eyes were on her and waiting. Raph being the oldest and having a sense of leadership turned a serious stare. Splinter sitting straight up and his person demanding all respect and honesty. Donnie, Mikey, April, and Cassandra waited for her response. 

Sil saw that this family loved each other dearly and sought to protect each other to the very end of each other's breath. How she longed for a life like this. To make her point, she decided to stand up. Before speaking, her mind made a natural response to give Donatello, one of the turtles who has shown her much care aside from Raph and Mikey, a meaningful look, which he received as sincere and scared. 

Sil then stood straight and looked Leo and Splinter in their eyes, "I am not lying to you. How to prove that, I have no idea but I have no benefit in lying. If you really want to know about the bad guys, give them another day to sense the disappearance of my presence in the Hidden City. As soon as they realize my absence the city will be scattered with bounty hunters all in search of whatever price they place on my head. This of course means, that the longer I am here, the longer I am kept away from doing my job, the higher the risks of those goons hurting you and your family along the way."

The Silver Knight took a deep breath to steady herself and continued, "I am a criminal. I steal to make a living and survive and most of the time it gets me into many dangerous and life-threatening situations. This could very well be one."

She then braced herself to allow one part of her life's story to be exposed. Sometimes in delicate situations like these, one must compromise their vulnerability. "There was once a family of yokai who tried to help me recuperate after receiving some heavy injuries from a run-in with the goons. I was grateful and soon as I was healed, I left. A few weeks later I returned with some money to pay the family as gratitude. I-, their home had been reduced to ashes. I remember seeing their charred bodies, father, mother, and child. I learned a lesson to never let any innocent family help me ever again."

She felt a tear rising in her eyes but she quickly blinked them away. She watched Splinter, Leo and the others process the story for as long as they needed. From his seat, Hamato Yoshi observed his family in silence. His eyes then settled on Sil, who had her head held down with a look of shame and regret. With a small grunt, Splinter walked over to Sil, tapping her lightly on her knee to get her attention. "What you went through is horrible. No one should ever be forced to witness that. I understand the warning you give. Though I may not be a hundred percent certain of your innocence, I put a great amount of trust in you and believe your story." 

The thief gulped the formed lump in her throat and nodded. The Hamato father turned to his son in blue, asking in silence what he thought. Leo breathed calmly and met Sil's gaze, "For now, I think I can trust you."

Sil thanked him silently, watching as Leo approached her till he stopped about a foot away, "If you lie, I will gladly meet you at the end of my blade". The thief lowered her gaze slightly. Agreeing with what Leo demanded. "I understand," she confirmed.

Leo hummed, "I guess you need to stay with us for now. Until Donnie can properly analyze the rock, it is not leaving the lair."

"Also, we should let Draxum see it before we decide on anything else." Donnie approached his brother. "What about your employer? Won't he be searching for you too?" the purple turtle asked, and the blue turtle turned his own curious gaze toward Sil. 

"Uhm, Sil? Why do you have that weird look on your face?" Mikey asked, pushing his head between his brothers. Raph, Cassandra, April, and Splinter all huddled in to see what Mikey pointed out. Sil wore an expression between mild astonishment and shock. "Is she having a stroke, Purple?" Splinter asked from his perch on Raph's shoulder.

"I don't think that's a stroke Mikey," Cassandra told him while waving her hands in front of Sil's face. It was enough to wake Sil.

The thief shook her head, "Did you say, Draxum?" 

The brother's shared a look. "Uh, yeah."

Sil took in a deep breath. Maybe she just dreamed of them saying that name. Yeah, that could be it, right? Another Draxum. A doppelganger. 

"Hey, Sil? You feeling good? Your face is a little red," Leo gently placed his hand on her shoulder and turned to a slightly worried Donnie. Sil didn't even register is when Donnie's hand went to her forehead. "She doesn't have a fever," he then cupped her face and observed her pupils. His fingers drifted to her wrist where he gently pressed to find Sil's pulse. "Rapid pulse and dilated pupils," Donnie announced.

"She's panicking." Leo concluded, "But of what? The name?" Leo thought for a while, "Sil, is it about Draxum?"

Sil once again broke into a panic, but she managed to speak, "You guys mentioned Draxum?"

"Yes, we did," April worriedly replied. "Like the Draxum? Baron Draxum!" Sil urged, eyes blown wide. 

They were about to say yes when a loud booming voice rang in the hall. "Alright, what's with the meeting? I am missing my fancy breakfast, you know. Not to mention the terrible morning I had."

Sil tensed and froze. "Hide me!" she whisper yelled. Donnie instinctively placed Sil behind him while the others quickly turned towards Draxum with uncomfortable grins on their faces. "Why does it look like you're hiding something?" He questioned them. 

"We're not hiding anything!" squeaked Raph. The sweat drenching his mask said otherwise. "Then why do I smell your fear stink?" Draxum pressed. "Ahaha, my son just woke up from a nightmare about a demon puppet bunny. Nothing fishy going on here." Splinter laughed nervously.

Draxum squinted his eyes. He was making them very uncomfortable. "Whatever. I just hope this meeting is worth my time. I am expecting an important drop-off, a very special item, of immense value and power."

Sil tensed from behind Donnie and grabbed onto his shoulder out of fear. Donnie silently extended his hand to grasp hers, calming her a little. Sil prayed silently to whatever for the newcomer to stop talking. "If the item goes into the wrong hands, it could spell danger for both mystic and humankind." Draxum continued to rant.

Donnie sneakily reached his fingers to Sil's wrist and pressed on her pulse. Something began to click in the giant brain of his. Sil panicked at Draxum's name. Sil asked them if they were referring to the Draxum. Baron Draxum. When she heard Draxum's voice she asked to be hidden. 

"Oh, bummer. Lost in the mail huh? Maybe file a complaint?" Sil cursed and tugged on Mikey's mask tails to shut him up. Donnie felt her pulse quicken. 

"File a complaint? Clearly, you do not understand the weight of my problem. This item had to be retrieved with the most secrecy. Studying it would answer my questions about human and mystic-kind. Unfortunately, our communication got cut up yesterday so I think my thief ran into some trouble" 

Oh, shit. 

"Holy truffle mac and cheese!" 

Everyone in the room turned to look at Donnie, Leo sending him an 'I'm going to kill you if you rat us out, sign.' 

"Why do you look nervous, Donatello?" The purple genius flinced when Draxum called him out. With the intense stare from the older yokai, it was easy to drown out the panicked looks his family gave him. On the other hand, Donnie felt Sil tremble. He felt once again for her pulse. Everything cliked into place. Mr. Hamato figured out who Sil's employer was. 

"Answer me" 

Donnie slipped, "We are totally not hiding your possible thief from you and definitely not in any possession of any mystic meteorite!" 

"DONNIE!" Everyone shouted in disappointment. The softshell turtle chuckled nervously. "Whose legs are those? Who's standing behind you?" Draxum pointed to the obvious pair of legs hiding behind the purple turtle. 

With one giant step, Draxum pushed away the Hamato with his purple vines and lifted Donnie by the legs with another. 

"WHAT THE?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" 

The color on Sil's face drained a little. She offered a small wave and a weak grin. 

"Uh haha. Hey, Uncle Drax..."

Next

[duns-writes]

Paging @ubernoona and anyone else who likes good (mostly) soft Steddie fanfic...

This will be chapter 1 of my as-yet-untitled 1990s Steddie fic. I'm working on getting an AO3!

CWs: brief mentions of serious injury and injury rehabilitation; mentions of Chrissy's death; mentions of social isolation and Satanic Panic.

Chapter 1: Let Me Live

It's something he thought he'd never say.

Even with his usual optimism, even with his dumb belief in the light side of life, he'd always been convinced that he was one of life's punching bags. That he deserved all he got (except for the whole screaming-mob-bullshit).

But right here? Right now?

He can't believe his luck. Because Eddie Munson's life is...good. Real good. He has a job he loves, and a goddamn house, and a bike, and a moderately successful band. In the morning, or the evening, or whenever his shifts start, he ties back his hair, and puts on his scrubs, and goes to help. He gets to help, and the town just lets him.

It had taken another fucking year for him to graduate, and another for the town to stop seeing a demon every time they looked at him. There were still people who crossed the street, or hovered while he had his hands on their loved ones, but his name was clear. Had been since Hop and Joyce and Nancy had found out that Jason had 'really happened' to Chrissy...which was a total fucking lie, but one he was happy to keep up.

He'd used the little bit of hush money from the police department to put towards community college; he'd discovered that Ritalin helped him focus real good, in a happy accident, and he'd managed to claw his way back to a 2.9 GPA over the six months left. Math still fucking sucked, but he'd discovered a talent for biology and (ha) chemistry. Worked his way through in the factory alongside his uncle, and managed to get an associate's degree.

Dustin, at college for a social work degree, had needled him to apply for the next year and "do what you really wanna, Eddie! You got a chance, you can take it! Apply or I'll come and steal your goddamn D20s, you know I will-".

It had been the kick in the balls he needed, bossy little shit. He'd put in an application after a straight week of work around his clock-ons. Got a letter three weeks later, which started with the words, "We are delighted to offer you a place at interview..." and just about knocked him on his ass. Wayne had looked up at him and pulled him in to a bonecracking hug, and he'd sworn a tear had glistened in the corner of his eye.

He'd walked in in one of Hop's borrowed dress shirts and a pair of itchy suit pants (swiped from the miscellany box in the locker room). And a pair of brand fuck new boots, courtesy of Joyce.

God, that woman was a fucking miracle.

In the months of recovery after the Upside Down, Joyce had looked after him like she was his own mother. Which she sorta was now, he supposed. She'd held the handles of his wheelchair as he'd gotten walking again (when one of the Party wasn't there). She'd cooked him the more expensive, lighter things that his shredded stomach could handle, and waved Wayne away when he tried to pay her. His new clothes, all the things he liked, arrived at the trailer every Wednesday morning, freshly washed and ironed. She'd even recreated his battle vest with patches the twerps and mini-twerps had got by mail.

He'd taken to going for breakfast with her on a weekday morning once Jonathan had left for college, and El had him as an emergency number for any shit going down at parties. God, she was 17 now. 17, and he was 26.

...Fuck.

So he'd walked in to the interview for the nursing degree year, hair tied up and the back of his neck prickling. No rings, tatties covered, nervous as fuck. Hop had cornered him before the drive to Indianapolis and forcefully reminded him that he had an interview for a reason. Wayne had clapped him on the shoulder and mumbled 'Look smart, kid.'

He'd nearly thrown up while he was following the reception lady through the halls, and shifted on his feet as she opened the door.

The interviewers had smiled at him. Smiled at him, and called him Eddie, and said that his letter had sounded like he was 'one of life's helpers'. He'd gone shy, for fucksakes, not used to the compliment. They'd said they were looking for candidates with life experience, which (they joked gently) he had in spades. And then something had caught his eye.

The third interviewer had a blouse, with the sleeves rolled up. And a tattoo. Of the tab. For Master Of Puppets.

And he'd relaxed, just a little. The interview had gone so damn well they'd offered him a scholarship from their hardship fund.

It had been the first time anyone had said they really wanted him and he'd believed it.

So here he was. Eddie the metalhead, Eddie the DM, Eddie the son, the big brother, the ER nurse. Helping out and dispensing the right drugs for people and getting paid for it. More money that he'd ever seen in his life, and a tiny part of him that could say he was worth something.

(And a boyfriend. Fuck, a really cute boyfriend.)

[havethetimeofyourstyles]

in which you and harry steal each other’s stuff that eventually leads to more.

a/n: hi beauties! here is my fic for @stylesharrys​ 10k challenge! my picture of harry is the one above, enemies to lovers, and prompt is: ‘can you use your mouth for something other than talking?’ dedicated to my appreciation for great teachers & wanting to become one, but not happening lol

thank you to my girls @bopbopstyles​ & @harrystylescherry​ for beta reading <3

enjoy 23.4k (LONG AH) words of teacher!harry x teacher!reader, (kind of) enemies to lovers, angst, smut, plus a bit of twist in between!

TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK OF STEAL YOUR HEART! i’d love to hear your favorite moments and thoughts!

pls rb to share! <3

It was seven in the morning when you quickly sneaked over to the front desk where the cubbies for mail sat unbothered.

Call it a Monday ritual, where Nina would chuckle at your playfulness as you would take your fellow coworker’s mail and put it someplace else as said coworker would take something of yours and do the same.

Every Wednesday, he would take your bottle of milk from your own personal mini fridge and place it in different refrigerators throughout the building, leaving you to wander around to fifteen different classrooms as you raided their fridges and embarrassingly apologize for being in their business. But they would laugh it off knowing you and Harry always played games like that.

You could use different milk for your coffee that other teachers have, but since you’re lactose intolerant, you’d rather not, especially during work.

And today was no different for you. Every Monday, you would steal Harry’s mail from his mailbox and place it somewhere else; whether it’d be in your classroom or someone else’s classroom—sometimes you would even put it in other people’s mailboxes.

It may be immature of you both to be messing around in a school environment where you’re both teaching third graders how to behave and be nice to one another, but after working alongside Harry for six years, there was bound to be some kind of way to keep the workplace fun and light, but also remain somewhat professional.

But stealing each other’s belongings had begun a year after both of you started working at the school because after you two had met, things were a bit rocky, and somewhat still rocky as of now. You remembered the day so clearly when you accidentally stumbled upon his classroom.

You were nervous for your official first day because it was the first time you would have a class to yourself. You were rather proud of your achievements as you now had your own classroom at twenty-four. It was a different feeling when it was your own; when you were a TA for the high school down the street, but you rarely got to do any teaching because Miss Landson would never miss out on a day of teaching, so you were only really limited to grading papers and helping her students if they went up to you and asked. But you had no experience teaching in front of a whole class.

To say the least, you were nervous.

You had walked into your classroom to find it already decorated, and you assumed it was from the teacher prior who had just retired and didn’t take all of her decorations down. And although you brought many of your own decorations to put up, you didn’t mind it. It was nice to start off your first day not looking at empty walls, as they were filled with all sorts of decorative stars and colorful fliers.

Hesitantly, you took a seat in the comfy and cushioned chair, putting your bag down right beside the legs of the table, and spun around slowly as you tried to ease your nerves. Once you had fully spun around and made your way back to the correct position in front of the desk, you abruptly stopped spinning as you noticed a man standing in front of you with his arms crossed.

“What are you doing?” He had said with his brows furrowed. You looked at him as if you were a deer in headlights, feeling like you got caught doing something bad.

“I, uh…just getting a feel for the chair?” You sat up straighter, realizing that was such a bad and stupid answer.

“And why are you doing that in my classroom?” Your eyes widened at that, making you immediately stand up from his chair.

“I-I’m so sorry. I must’ve gone to the wrong classroom,” you hurriedly opened your folder that contained a copy of your contract, school rules, a map of the school, and the room number that you were supposed to be in.

“You must be the new teacher, correct?” He asked as he raised his brows, but still looked at you as if he was scolding you.

“Yeah, that’s me,” you said with a chuckle, hoping to try and lighten the mood as your face had reddened. Harry only nodded, and you felt his stare intimidate you, so you quickly gathered your belongings and walked around the desk. “Uh, nice to meet you,” you took your hand out as you told him your name, and you felt him hesitantly reach for it. But nonetheless, he shook it, and his heavy ring covered hand met your delicate two ringed one.

“You too. I’m Mr. Harry Styles,” he introduced himself.

Once he had said his name, chills had immediately risen onto your skin as he looked at you so intently. You couldn’t deny that he was incredibly handsome, green eyes piercing into yours, and most likely a year or two older than you, based on how well dressed he was. Everything about him had made you swoon for him.

But that had quickly changed later in that school year of your first year teaching.

It was January, after the Christmas break, when you noticed that some of your things in your classroom had gone missing. Just some basic school supplies such as your gold stapler and all of your expo markers were not in your classroom. You thought that it was impossible your students had taken them because they were in your class when you had left the last day you had gone on break.

It wasn’t until you were helping out with the rest of the staff, putting up decorations for Valentine’s Day when you noticed a certain someone had your gold stapler in his hand as he stapled heart shaped cutouts onto the bulletin board.

“Mr. Styles!”

“Oh, hello there. How are you on this fine Thursday afternoon? Did you know that one of my students-”

“You took my stapler!” You said, and he looked at you confusingly, so you looked at his hand so he would know what you were talking about.

“This is my stapler,” he held it up.

“I don’t think so because my gold stapler was taken from my class and now it’s gone, and I know you don’t have a gold-”

“Snooping in my classroom, are you now, Miss?” He said, interrupting you and a clearly amused look on his face.

“Uh, no, but-”

“Then how would you know I don’t have a gold stapler?”

“I-I…don’t,” you said softly because you really didn’t know as you were assuming.

“Then it’s settled. You must’ve misplaced your stapler,” he told you as he continued stapling decorations to the wall. You huffed as you had walked away, continuing what you were doing.

It wasn’t until a week later, your gold stapler had magically appeared on your desk when you walked into your classroom, and you noticed that a red stapler was on Harry’s desk, when you had buddy classroom meetups, and not in fact, a gold one. And you knew it was him, but decided not to confront him about it as you carried on with your day, happily using your stapler.

So, from that year, fast forward to five years later, taking each other’s things had continued on. Taking his mail and your milk had only started last year, and it’s been fun as you both found new hiding spots and watched each other lose your minds when trying to find them. It was nothing serious, really, and neither of you made an effort to stop.

“Where are you going to put it this time?” Nina asked, amused. You pursed your lip, thinking as you gathered all of his mail in your hands.

“Hmm. I was thinking under my refrigerator, but-”

“What do we have here?” A voice you recognized as Harry said as he snuck up on you, causing you to squeal and jump, making you drop his mail. “Think you dropped something, or is that my mail?” He said as he looked down at the dropped mail.

“Son of a bitch. What are you doing here so early?” You rolled your eyes as you bent down to pick up his mail. He usually arrived at the school around 7:30, and school started at eight.

If it were any other day when you weren’t his annoying coworker and fellow class buddy, he would’ve loved the sight below him, but he had to remind himself to snap out of his thoughts and get it together.

“Now, we are in a workplace where there are children around. Don’t be using that kind of language,” he teased, but proceeded to answer your question. “But I had to print some of the worksheets that I forgot to do on Friday, so here I am. And you know the printer, always getting jammed when you print too many.”

“Seems pretty irresponsible to me if you forgot on Friday,” you turned your head towards Nina as you chuckled, but only found her eyes dreamily staring at Harry, which caused you to roll your eyes. But you didn’t blame her; he was very attractive, but the fact that you both are always messing and annoying one another didn’t completely make your heart swoon for him.

“Says you; the one who gave them a worksheet that was supposed to be for the month later,” he said back. Your jaw slightly dropped, impressed that he still remembered that considering that that happened your first year at the school.

“Ugh, whatever,” you scoffed as you crossed your arms, mail still in your hands. Harry chuckled as he looked at his mail underneath your arms, so he went to grab them, causing you to uncross your arms.

“Think this is mine. Thanks for grabbing them for me,” he said sarcastically, and you sighed, bummed that you weren’t able to do your morning ritual by hiding his mail and watching him struggle while finding it.

You watched him walk away as he flicked through his mail, and as you were about to follow him because your classroom is right next to his, he turned around and stopped walking to look up at you.

“By the way, you look nice today,” he said, looking you up and down in a non-creepy way, before walking away to his classroom.

You slightly raised your brows as you were taken off guard by the compliment, but a tint of pink had creeped up your cheeks as they began to warm up. Turning around to look at Nina if she heard the same thing you did, she was already looking at you with a blushing and giddy smile as you whispered to her, “did he just say that?” To which you earned an immediate nod of her head.

With your lips curled into your mouth, you walked back to your classroom, to get on with the day as you tried not to gush over the words of the curly headed teacher next door.

The rest of the week passed by quickly, and per Harry’s ritual, he moved your milk on Wednesday from your fridge to his fridge.

You had never thought about looking through his fridge since he would be quite obvious with knowing that it was in his room, but once you were getting cranky after looking through everyone's mini fridge and the lack of coffee, you had marched in his classroom and told him you gave up. And he chuckled, getting up from his desk as he walked over to his fridge before opening it and giving your container of milk. You took the milk, shaking your head as you walked back to your classroom as Harry followed.

“You know, I think we’re going to have to find something else to hide because I’m running out of places to stash your stuff in before they rot because you’ve been taking forever to find them lately,” he teased as he leaned against one of your student’s desks.

You rolled your eyes, pouring a splash of milk in your coffee. “I’m not taking forever,” you denied.

“Yeah, you are and you know it.”

You gave up arguing, silently agreeing. “Alright, you can pick something else, but I’m going to still do your mail. It’s fun searching through your monthly catalogs,” you said with a chuckle, and he dramatically gasped.

“It’s illegal to look through someone else’s mail!”

“Please. Like you don’t look through mine?” You said as you sipped your coffee, looking at him with testing eyes, and he was caught red-handed.

One day, you were walking to the cubbies and once you got there, you caught Harry sneaking a peek at one of your fashion magazines that you subscribed to. And since you have enough subscriptions that are being mailed to your home, you decided to mail some of them to the school.

“To be fair, it fell out of your mailbox. I was just simply putting it back,” he explained, and you smirked as you told him okay with a testing look.

The next week, there was a meeting with the rest of the staff after school was out of session in the multipurpose room. You took a seat next to Stephanie, or Mrs. Bale, as Harry sat in the row in front of you on the end with Mr. Ken. He was a bit older than Harry, already had that salt and pepper kind of hair and you thought he pulled it off really well, but he was already attractive to begin with.

“Thank you, everyone, for sticking around to attend this meeting. It’s Friday and I know everyone wants to go home, so I’ll keep it short,” Mrs. Morgan started, “So in one week on Saturday, there is a very special anniversary coming up, and that is the school’s 40th anniversary!” She said excitedly as she clapped her hands.

There was small chatter as everyone let out ‘ooh’s’ and ‘ahh’s’, saying how that’s exciting and a big milestone.

“And we would like to do something to celebrate that—nothing huge, but I’ve already coordinated with a hotel to let us rent out their conference room for next week, and I’ve also hired an event coordinator to grab some decorations. But as for helping set up, I need everyone’s help for rearranging that.” Everyone nodded, not thrilled with the fact that they had to help out with organizing this event. “Just maybe if you can take the time of your busy lives and exhausting job, if some of you can, that would be great.”

Mrs. Morgan then started talking about what would be served, and to sign up if any of the staff were vegan or vegetarian. She also talked about games and photo booths, and expected everyone to participate and be a good sport because it would be a lot of fun when there are more people involved in the activities.

“Also, it is formal wear because the conference hall is a very luxury hotel that overlooks the coast. And besides, you get to dress up, so that’s always fun!” She said cheerfully as she was clearly very excited for the event.

The meeting didn’t go past twenty five minutes as people mainly chatted or asked questions on the location and capacity.

“Alright, everyone is free to go. If you’d like to sign up to help your dear principle set up for next Friday, please sign this clipboard right here.” She waved the clipboard in the air and set it down on the stage as the staff and teachers got up, and headed out of the multipurpose room and some stayed back to ask questions or sign the clipboard.

You stood up from your chair as you gathered your purse and backpack where you keep various folders of your student’s class work, homework, quizzes and tests.

“Gotta get to the kiddos, finally,” Stephanie said as she began to walk, and noticed that you weren’t following. “You coming?” She asked as she turned around.

“I’m just going to sign up for next Friday. I’ll see you on Monday,” you bid her goodbye.

“Oh, you’re an angel for wanting to help out. I’ll see you next week!” She said her goodbyes as she walked out of the room, and you walked towards the stage to sign your name up for setting up the event as well as writing your name down on the list of vegetarians, although you are pescatarian.

You scanned the list to see if there were any teachers you were close with signed up, but so far not many you really know personally, just the occasional hello and how are you. There were only about three people who signed up so far, including you, and you hoped that more people who write their name down and you also hoped the conference hall wasn’t that big because there were only three people helping out, then it would probably take a while to decorate and set everything up.

As you put the clipboard back down onto the edge of the wooden stage before taking one last glance at it, you turn around to be met with a hard chest, causing you to halt back slightly, and soft grunt coming out of your mouth.

Harry was staring right at you as you looked up, you gave him a look as you wondered why he was in your way and standing behind you so closely.

“Watch it, Mr. Styles,” you said, trying to pass by him, but he shifted towards the right as you took a step to your left, making you both face to face again.

“You were the one who bumped into me, Miss,” he said back with a smirk on your face.

You simply rolled your eyes, exhaustion taking over your mind as you’d rather not bicker with him at the moment. He noticed your tiredness, and kept his mouth shut and his games to himself as he let you walk by him. He picked up the clipboard, glancing down at it as he saw your name written down on the third line.

He felt a bit bad that only three people signed up to help out next Friday, especially considering the first two people were Kyle and Saya (Mr. and Mrs. Terrance) who both are way older, and it would be dangerous for them to lift anything heavy. Plus, he probably knew that you would take care of everything if they couldn’t lift anything, but he didn’t want all the work to be unloaded on you, so he decided to grab the pen and write his name down. He also signed his name on the vegetarian list as well.

Once he turned back around, you were already gone, so he lugged his black leather briefcase with him to the parking lot where he saw you walking towards your car. He snuck up behind you, making you squeal and gasp.

“You need to stop sneaking up on me,” you said as you caught your breath and fished for your keys in your purse.

“Thought you liked it?” He asked sarcastically, and you scoffed.

“Aww, annoying,” you stated.

“Aww, you too,” he said right back in the same tone as you, making you playfully roll your eyes, making a small chuckle fall from your lips.

“What do you want, Harry?”

“Just wanted to say that we’re on the event committee for setting up next Friday,” he said, and you raised your brows.

“Oh, goodie. More moments where you get to mess with me,” you told him in an unexcited tone as you gave him a look that told him you found him annoying.

“Please, you like when I tease you,” he said in a more low tone; his voice was deep as shivers ran down your spine.

His words had come out naturally, and his eyes slightly widened at what just came out of his mouth, hoping you didn’t take it the wrong way because it can be taken differently. And you didn’t miss what he said, especially how he said it.

You hadn’t noticed the position you were both standing in and if someone were to walk by, they would definitely have some eyes on you; your back was against the trunk of your car as he stood quite close as he looked down at you while you looked up. It was like you were back to the day you first met him when you stumbled into the wrong classroom and he stared you down until you got up out of your chair. But this time, he was much closer and it seemed like he was definitely not annoyed at you.

And the slightest bit of sweat had run down your neck as you felt hot under his gazing green eyes and the bit of sun was shining right down on you both. You felt a bit nervous under his stare as it can come off quite intimidating, but through the years of knowing Harry, you knew how to bite back.

“That’s too bad though, isn’t it?” You asked, and he raised his brows. “That you would never know if I liked being teased or not.”

With that, you didn’t even wait to hear his response as you shifted to the side, turning around to walk to the driver’s side. He opened his mouth, but nothing seemed to come out of it as he was shocked to hear your words.

A smirk was present on your face as you chuckled a bit from his reaction before you said, “I’ll see you next week, Mr. Styles.”

The weekend flew by with the slightest bit of drizzle, but luckily, Monday came in with sunshine. You were able to steal Harry’s mail successfully and hide it in the cabinets of the lounge room, but you were disappointed because he found it within ten minutes, and probably because you made the dumb mistake to put it where all the sugar is, so that was your fault. 

On Wednesday, you were surprised to see your milk in your fridge until you remembered Harry telling you that he was probably going to steal something else of yours that doesn’t require your milk spoiling. So, you skeptically searched your room as you tried to find something that was obvious that he stole, but you saw everything in place and nothing that you knew was taken. 

With a confusing expression on your face, you continued on with your day. 

It wasn’t until after lunch when you noticed something was different when you sat in your chair. Looking around, you felt like something was off when you leaned back. Your students were chatting as the movement of the chairs slid against the floor. You gave them about ten minutes to get situated because you weren’t one of those teachers who didn’t allow your students to use the restroom after lunch because they “should’ve gone at lunch.” 

So, you sat there wondering what felt so off about sitting down as you had five more minutes left until you had to teach. But once you figured it out, you gasped, telling your students that you would be back in three minutes and that you were going next door. 

Luckily the setup of the inside of the school is one large room with big divider walls for each classroom, so you didn’t have to go outside and you could practically hear other classrooms as well. 

Stomping over to Harry’s classroom, you walked in and he was sitting on his chair with a smirk on his face as he had his hands on the back of his head, telling his students to take out a math worksheet. He had heard you tell your class that you were leaving for just a few minutes, and he immediately knew that you were headed to his class. As you walked over to his desk, he turned towards you with a sly grin. 

“Oh, hello there. To what do I owe this pleasure of you visiting me?” He said in a very obvious tone, knowing that he’s done something. 

You took a deep breath, “You stole my footrest.” He slightly turned his head to the side as if he didn’t know what you were talking about. “You know, the one under my desk?” You clarified, and he opened his mouth as he realized what footrest you meant. “Where is it?” You really didn’t want to disrupt everyone’s class looking for it, so you just asked him. 

“Hmm, I’m not sure,” he said, and he was really getting on your nerves.

You didn’t want to put up with him, so you didn’t answer back as you took a look around his room until you noticed that he was way too comfortable in his chair. Looking at him weirdly, you walked around the desk to where he was sitting to find his sock covered feet resting on your footrest. 

“Ugh, Harry!” You slightly pushed his chair, causing it to roll to the side a bit. 

“Isn’t this what you do? Take your shoes off when the class is working?” 

“Yeah, doesn’t mean you get to do it too,”  you said before you bent down and roughly pushed his feet off, grabbing your footrest. 

“Woah, if you wanted to get under my desk, you should’ve just said so,” he said with a smirk. You rolled your eyes as you scoffed, quickly getting back up and backing away from his desk.

“Shut the fuck up,” you said quietly for only him to hear as his students were distracted doing their classwork. 

“Language. See you Friday night, by the way,” he said before you made your way out of his classroom and towards yours. 

It was only Wednesday, and you thought the days couldn’t go by any slower. 

Friday rolled around, and you already knew it was going to be the longest day of the week. 

With work, and staying two hours after to wait and head to the venue to help, you already knew you were going to crash easily once you got home. And on top of it, Harry was going to be there as well, so you kept the interactions with him limited during work hours because you simply just did not want to put up with when you had a long day ahead of you. 

It wasn’t like you hated him--because you really didn’t. You tolerated and are civil with each other, and you’ve never gotten a chance to get to know him because all you two do is steal each other’s things. Besides, you really had no reason to hate him because you do the same thing to him. 

Luckily, he sensed that you didn’t really want to talk to him, so he knew to not bother you. He figured that you were having a long week, and he made it worse by stealing your footrest on Wednesday and to make matters even more worse, he bickered with you and made innuendos that you didn’t appreciate. So, ultimately he felt a bit bad for that and left you alone. 

Work seemed to go by pretty quickly, and you were already on your way to the venue; the time reading 4:30 p.m, and you hoped setting everything up didn’t take long. Did you regret signing up? Maybe as exhaustion took over you as you drove. But you know that you wouldn’t later on once you had finished decorating. Plus, you felt bad that there were only two people who signed up before you. 

The venue was about thirty minutes away from the school, and when you walked in, the conference hall was completely empty besides the uncovered tables and chairs, but luckily, it wasn’t a huge room. But there were no decorations yet or centerpieces, and you felt like it was going to take a while. Harry arrived right when you did along with Kyle and Saya. 

Mrs. Morgan had assigned you all different jobs so the work would be faster and everyone would finally go home. You were assigned to draping curtains in the entrance and on the window. Harry was in charge of carrying tables and boxes in and out of the storage room of the hotel. Kyle and Saya were placing table cloths on the tables and seat covers, along with placing centerpieces. 

Everyone was working hard for about an hour, and you were on a ladder, reaching for the top of the door frame to hang one side of the curtain. Thankfully, you decided to switch your mules from work to sneakers because you probably wouldn’t have worked as fast as you were. 

Kyle and Saya followed the hotel manager to a different storage closet to get more table cloths for the food table as Harry was still carrying chairs into the room. But you were having trouble draping the sheer curtain over the curtain rod. 

You were completely alone in the room as sweat dripped down your back from how hard and fast you’ve been working until Harry came into the room with his sleeves rolled up as he carried four chairs that were stacked on one another. You hadn’t seen him come in as you were still trying to hook the curtain, and you always didn’t realize the ladder was slowly closing in as you kept moving around. And Harry quickly put the chairs down, rushing over to you as he saw the ladder tipping and you were still working. 

Everything seemed to happen in slow motion as the ladder completely tipped over, causing you to fall off the ladder. You thought you were going to be met with the hard ground, but instead you were being caught in someone’s arms as you two hit the ground. Grunts came out of both of your mouths from the impact of the fall. Luckily, the ladder fell sideways rather on the both of you because that would have been a painful mess. 

“Oh my god,” you groaned, looking over and seeing Harry lying flat on his back with his eyes closed and one of his hands on his back. “Holy shit. Are you okay?!” 

Harry moved on his side to put pressure on his back as he was in a bit of a fetal position. Your body was sat against his as your back was against his stomach. 

“Fuck, that hurts,” he groaned out. 

“Harry, let me see if I can get some ice,” you were about to get up when he placed his available hand on your knee, stopping you from his touch. 

“No, don’t leave. Just…need a minute,” he said softly as his eyes were still closed. You nodded, staying in your seated position against him as you took your hand and rubbed his back. It was quite sweet, considering how you both normally acted towards each other, but you felt really bad that he was the one that had to take the pain. 

After a few minutes, he opened his eyes, looking up at the ceiling and remembering where he was. He sat up on his elbows, and you stood up to help him up. 

“You sure you’re okay?” You asked cautiously, not wanting him to collapse on you. 

“Yeah. Just a bit sore, but it’ll go away. Feel like I’m old and got a bad back now,” he tried to joke, hopefully lightening up the situation, making it humorous. But you were still worried as you held onto his arm to hold him up just in case. 

You scoffed amusingly, “Please. You’re thirty years old. You’re not gonna feel that until you’re maybe fifty.” Harry chuckled, telling you that you were right before you let go of his arm. “By the way, thank you for catching me. I didn’t even notice the ladder tipping over until it fully did. But I, uh, feel really bad that you had to take the fall,” you said, scratching your neck. 

“Eh, don’t worry about it. This pain will be temporary,” he brushed it off before taking a seat on one of the chairs for a moment to relax and not immediately go back to a strenuous task. 

“Let me know if you need anything, okay?” You said before walking away slowly, and he nodded. 

You two hadn’t been so nice or caring for each other like this, so it was definitely a new approach to it. But you didn’t mind it. Playing games with each other was fun, but you wished you had that sort of friendship where you could talk to him and not banter or bicker like a married couple because you think he was a genuinely cool and nice person, even though he really got annoying sometimes. Guess you just attracted annoying people, then. 

You took another glance at yourself in the rearview mirror to make sure your makeup and hair was okay before you got out of your car. You stood still next to your car, trying to see your reflection from the window as you fixed the top of your dress. A blush colored cami dress was looking amazing on your body with the straps crossing each other on the back with a slit on the side. You wore nude heels and dangly diamond earrings to accessorize. With your hair pulled back into a low bun, you thought you looked very nice--beautiful even. 

There weren’t many times when you got to dress up for the fun of it nor does your job require you to go full glam when going into work. But you think some of your students will love seeing you dress all pretty because they would always compliment you on your outfits. 

You walked in just on time, not wanting to be too early when no one is there or too late, but the perfect time. There were a decent amount of people already as the room was filled with teachers, staff, and some people from the school district; all celebrating the anniversary of the school. Everyone was dressed gorgeously--like you, probably having a blast wearing fancy clothes that was hanging from a hanger, waiting to be worn. 

The place looked great, and you were really happy with how everything turned out. The lights were dimmed a tad bit as LED lights were pointed towards the wall as music played softly through the speakers. 

Stephanie found you once you walked in as she took you to the bar because luckily, tonight’s event was an open bar, all thanks to Mrs. Morgan. 

“You look bangin’! That color is amazing on you,” Stephanie complimented as she hyped you up. She was practically the only person you’ve gotten really close with when you started teaching. While you were somewhat close to the other teachers, you and Stephanie hung out outside of school and gossiped your hearts away. 

“Please, you’re too kind, but thank you. You look great as well,” you said back after you did a little turn for her, causing you both to laugh as you sipped your mojito. 

You two chatted for a bit as she asked about setting everything up last night, and you told her about the incident between you and Harry. 

“See, I knew you would fall for him,” she said, making a pun out of it. 

“Ha ha, very funny. I really did feel bad for him though.” A slight frown pulled onto your face and Stephanie chuckled before you saw her brows raised. 

“Ah, speak of the devil,” she said, and you turned around to find Harry in a lovely double-breasted cream colored suit and a light blue shirt under it. You try not to ogle him too much because you know that he’ll catch on and tease you about you checking him out, so you look at him quickly to find him already staring at you. 

“Evening, ladies. Already talking about me?” He smiled as his dimples popped out, making you swoon for him a tad bit more tonight, but you quickly snapped out of your thoughts.

“She was telling me about your little incident yesterday,” Stephanie said, and Harry nodded. 

“Yeah, how are you by the way? Are you still doing okay?” You asked, placing your hand on his arm before quickly pulling it away as you realized that you hadn’t asked him if he could be touched, but he smiled softly as you at the action. 

“I am, thanks for asking. I took some pain reliever medication and iced my back, so I’m fine. Just a bit sore, but all good,” he reassured, and you simply nodded, glad to hear that he was somewhat better than he looked yesterday. “I’ll be around. Gotta mingle and whatnot,” Harry said before walking away. 

After an hour of mingling and eating dinner, you were sat with Stephanie at a circle table along with Harry, Penelope or Miss Nguyen, and three other teachers who were in a deep discussion over wine. Going against your liking, Penelope was being a little too flirty with Harry, and you had no idea where this tinge of jealousy came from. You were hoping to sit next to him and Stephanie, but your plate was moved to the seat over as you went to get napkins. So now, you were on the left of Penelope instead of Harry. 

You saw her touch his arm as you did when you first arrived, but this time, she didn’t pull her arm away, and you thought he might’ve liked her arm there. With sneaking glances at the two of them as Stephanie watched some of the staff play the activities, you took a deep breath and stood up from your chair. 

“I’m going out to get some air,” you told Stephanie, not looking back to look at Harry rather wondering if he was watching you as you walked out. 

You took a step outside through the side doors of the venue that led to a balcony of the hotel. The hotel was on a hill overlooking the coast, and the sun was at its peak of saying goodbye for the day. The golden light illuminated everything around you as you felt calm, watching the sunset as you leaned against the railing before undoing your bun and letting your hair fall free. 

“Hey,” a voice from behind you said, and you quickly turned around and saw Harry standing a few feet away from you with one hand in his pocket while the other was holding a drink. 

“Hi,” you said back, turning back to the coast as Harry walked to stand beside you, watching the sunset as well. 

“S’pretty, innit?” 

“Yeah, it really is,” you responded, not turning your head to look at him, but being captivated by how the view in front of you looks. 

“You look amazing, by the way,” he complimented, and you blushed. Hard. You turned your head towards him as you caught him eyeing you up and down, and you felt intimidated. 

“You look great as well. I love your suit,” you said, hopefully to cover up your nerves. He said a thank you to you, and you turned your head back to the view as Harry continued looking at you. 

And you didn’t notice Harry looking at you the entire time as you watched the sunset. You didn’t know how entirely gorgeous you looked as the gold light was being melted onto your skin, making you look more beautiful than you already are. You also didn't know that Harry couldn’t simply stop staring at you because he was taken back and practically speechless with how the slightest bit of wind that was blowing the right way, which made your hair flow perfectly. You were the epitome of beauty, he thought, and he captured a mental picture to remember you in this moment because it was surely his favorite. 

“My ex never really liked watching the sunset,” you suddenly said, and Harry looked over at you. “I’m sorry. That was really random.” 

“No, no. It’s okay. You can talk about anything,” he encouraged. 

“Well, he never really liked watching the sunset with me. Always said that it was a waste of time and it was boring, but I don’t think so.” 

“It’s really not boring at all,” he said. 

“Yeah, I agree. But people have their own opinions. The earth deserves to be watched over.” You looked straight into the sun as it wasn’t bright enough to blind you anymore as you watched it turn into an orange tone. 

“Why did you two break up, if you don’t mind me asking?” 

“We just fell out of love with each other. We were together for three years, and the last few months of our relationship, there wasn’t any love. He stopped taking me out on dates, and when I asked if he wanted to go out, he always said he was busy. I believe he never cheated on me, but he just wasn’t in love with me anymore, and I can say the same for him—I wasn’t in love with him anymore. So, we had a mature talk and figured it was best to part ways,” you explained. 

“And are you happier because of the breakup?” 

“Much happier,” you simply said, and it was the end of that conversation. 

You didn’t know why you were telling Harry about your past relationships, but there was just something about the sunset where you could be your most vulnerable self. 

After a few moments of admiring the earth and its wondrous ways, Harry spoke. 

“Do you mind doing me a favor?” He asked. 

“What’s that?” You turned your head to look at him as you asked. 

“Do you, uh, mind taking a picture of me?” He asked nervously, not knowing how you were going to react to a random question. Your brows raised as you nodded slowly. You didn’t expect him to be the type to be in front of cameras or want his picture taken, but you did it for him anyways. 

“Oh yeah, of course,” you said, and his face perked up as he smiled softly. Harry took his phone out of his pocket and opened the camera icon before handing it to you. You took several pictures of him so he would have options to choose from, but he was standing completely still as he looked into the camera. “Maybe, like…move around?” 

“What d’ya mean?” 

“I don’t know, like give me some different poses,” you said, and a soft ‘oh’ came out of his mouth before he started to stand differently, occasionally giving you a smile. 

You tried hiding your face behind his phone as you looked at him through the screen, snapping at every chance you think that’ll be a great photo turnout. But you already know that either way, the photos will come out great no matter what. 

After a few more clicks, you smiled and gave his phone back to him as you stood there, watching him scroll through the photos before typing on his phone rather quickly right after. You thought if he was sending them to someone or sending them in general, and you wondered if it was a significant other. 

Trying not to look into it too much, you turned around towards the doors, and asked him, “Do you want to head back?” He looked up from his phone, putting it away. 

“Oh, yeah. Sure,” he followed you through the doors and towards the room where everyone was dancing on the dance floor. Harry had immediately parted ways with you as you saw him walk towards the bar while Stephanie dragged you on the dance floor. 

You kept the going down and throwing it back very minimal as these were the people you worked with, and only stepped side to side, swaying your hips just a tad bit. 

Harry, on the other hand, had already downed three tequila shots within six minutes, and including the drinks he had before he went outside with you, he was pretty buzzed. He watched you dance with Stephanie, and chuckled at how you were restraining yourself. He thought you were adorable. The whirling thoughts of his mind when he watched you take his picture was stuck in his head. Head to toe was splashed in the golden light giving you the most goddess-like look as a slight smirk was plastered on your face as you took his picture. Yeah, you were the most beautiful person he’s ever seen. 

It was a strange feeling to feel like this when it's been years of plotting against each other, and he hadn’t felt like this in a long while. The thumping of his heart had told him that he was falling. Just the mere vision of looking at you had made a butterfly in his stomach appear. You just had that effect on him. And it wasn’t like he was complaining, but he was definitely terrified of that feeling. 

So, that’s why he’s had three, now four, shots of straight tequila to ease his nerves and calm his mind as he watched you on the dance floor with a fifth shot in his hand. 

The music had turned into a much slower one, and the staff that brought their staff or significant other had taken over the dance floor as you walked back to the table to sit down. Stephanie brought her husband, who she immediately dragged to the dance floor, and you watched them smile and look at each other with hearts in their eyes as they swayed. You smiled, observing their faces and how in love they looked, somewhat wishing you had that as well. You hadn’t had a serious relationship in a long while--the last one being before you started teaching. 

You felt a tap on your shoulder and turned around to find Harry smiling down at you with his hand out. 

“Would you like to dance?” He asked. You didn’t immediately grab his hand nor did you say anything; you just looked up at him in shock that he asked you. But after a few seconds, you grabbed his hand and nodded as he led you to the dance floor. 

Once you two were facing each other, you hesitantly wrapped your arms around his shoulder as he wrapped his around his waist. His hold wasn’t too high or too low, but it was placed on the right spot for you to feel comfortable, and you appreciated that. 

As you two swayed to the soft classical piano ballad music, your eyes were elsewhere; looking at the other people dancing and the people sitting to find that no one was watching you both and that didn’t matter. So, you trained your eyes towards Harry, and of course, he was already looking at you. Being under his stare was something you were somewhat used to, but when it comes down to it, it made nerves along with the flutter of your heart appear. It was as if he was looking deep into your soul, trying to figure something out, and it remains once he’s found what he’s looking for. 

“I was surprised you asked me to dance,” you said suddenly. You felt him pull you a bit closer, so your stomachs are pressing against one another, but not your chests, and your face was very close to his, making butterflies in your stomach present as you wondered if he had the same feeling. 

“Why’re so surprised?” He genuinely asked as he swayed you both in a slow circle. 

“Thought you might’ve asked Penelope to dance.” 

“Why’s that?” His brow crinkled, wondering what brought these questions to mind. 

“I mean, you were awfully close to her during dinner,” you said honestly, and Harry let out a chuckle, which you didn’t find amusing like you usually did. “What’s so funny?” 

“Are you jealous?” His face inched closer to you, and you could smell the alcohol on his tongue. With how fast he was downing those shots, it was slowly starting to kick in. 

“I’m not jealous. It was just an observation,” you said. 

“No, I think you’re jealous. Didn’t like seeing me give another teacher attention, huh? Just wanted to give it all to you, is that it?” He asked with a hushed tone in his voice. You opened your mouth to say something, but nothing came out. He was full on teasing you as you tried to ignore the arousal that was forming inside of you. 

“I’m not, okay? I was just genuinely wondering because you know, you think I’m annoying and whatnot, so I was surprised you asked me to dance,” you tried brushing it off, and Harry scoffed shaking his head. 

“You’re saying a load of bullshit right now, and you don’t even know how I feel. Can you use your mouth for something other than talking?” The words had come out like rapid fire, and he is fully blaming it on the alcohol because he would never say something like that sober. And you know he wouldn’t say something like that to you, so you found it humorous as you were a bit shocked you heard those words come out of his mouth. You looked at him with your brows raised and your jaw slightly open as it somewhat curved into a smile as you tried not to laugh. Harry hadn’t said anything else, neither had you, but you did give him a shoulder shrug as if it was telling him ‘we’ll see.’ 

The song had ended, and you and Harry made your way off the dance floor and to the table. It was nearing 8:30, which means the party was almost over in thirty minutes. So, you decided to leave a bit early to grab some dessert on your way home since you didn’t really like the selection at the party. 

“Think I’m gonna head home now,” you told Stephanie who made her way to the table. 

“Aww, okay. We’re gonna head out soon too. But drive safe and I’ll see you on Monday.” You two hugged each other, telling each other that you both had fun tonight before grabbing your clutch. 

“Uh, I’ll see you on Monday,” you told Harry. 

“I’ll walk out with you. I’m heading home as well,” he said, and you nodded your head as he took a last sip of his drink before you two headed outside of the hotel. 

The air was chilly as the sound of the coast was heard under the starry night that was above. You shivered slightly, turning to Harry as he was taking his suit jacket off and holding it out for you to wear it. 

“Oh, it’s okay,” you waved off. 

“Please, I insist,” he said, and you nodded before turning around, facing your back towards him as he slipped his cream colored suit jacket on your shoulders. 

The piece of clothing was warm and smelled like his usual tobacco vanille. As you were wearing it, you felt a sense of comfort, like Harry himself was hugging you, and you cherished the feeling of it, even if it wasn’t the real thing. 

“I’m parked over here. I can drive you-” you pointed to the left of the parking lot. 

“Oh no, it’s okay. I took an Uber anyway. Just gonna wait here for a few,” he said as he pulled his phone out of his pocket, blinking a few times from the bright screen. He was clearly buzzed, and couldn’t really think straight, so you took his phone out of his hands. 

“Let me drive you home. It’ll give me a piece of mind, yeah?” You offered, and by the look of your face, you were persistent, so he nodded, following you to your car. 

You started driving down the hill and onto the main street before you said, “Is it okay if I stop by the Sweet Treats before I drop you off?” You asked, referring to the dessert place about two miles away from your place. 

“Yeah, of course. S’bit early, so you can go wherever,” he replied as he leaned his head on the shoulder of the seat, clearly a bit sleepy. You let out a chuckle as you continued driving as Harry drifted to sleep. 

When Harry woke up, he looked around out the windows and found himself alone in the car until he saw you quickly walking towards your car with his suit jacket still around you. And all he could think was how great you look in his clothes. 

“Ah, you’re awake. I got you a cupcake and two cookies. Didn’t know what kind of flavor you like, so I just guessed and got you chocolate,” you said once you got in the car and handed him his box of sweets. 

“Oh, thank you. That’s very kind of you,” he smiles as he opened the box, and the sweetness of the desserts filled his nose. 

“Now, I’m going to need directions to your place,” you said as you started the car. 

Harry navigated you to his house, telling you to turn right here and turn left there. But you needed to make sure, asking him, “Wait, right here?” 

“Yeah, here,” he chuckled, playfully rolling his eyes as you were driving slow so you don’t miss the turn. And luckily, there were no cars behind you. 

Once you finally parked in front of his house, you noticed that he didn’t leave that far from you because you’ve been in this neighborhood before as your cousin lives a few houses down; it was probably a five minute drive to your place. 

“Thank you for the ride, and the dessert,” he said, turning his head towards you, and making no effort to get out of the car yet. 

“You’re welcome. Couldn’t let you be in an Uber while intoxicated--just doesn’t sit well with me,” you said honestly. Harry nodded, telling you that he appreciated it as he looked at you deeply.

“Also, about what I said when we were dancing--I’m sorry about that. That was out of line of me,” he apologized, feeling quite embarrassed from his words, and knowing that he was going to think about what he said and beat himself up over it after you leave. 

You let out a breathy chuckle, “No worries. It was quite funny. But maybe I could use my mouth for something other than talking.”

“W-What?” He gulped nervously, slightly turned on from your teasing. 

“Maybe one day you’ll find out,” you said with a sly smirk on your face as you watched Harry scratch his neck and run his hand through his hair nervously. “Goodnight, Harry,” you bid him goodbye, and that was his cue to get out of your car already. It wasn’t like you wanted to kick him out, but you wanted him to think about your words for the night. 

And since it was still too early to go to sleep, maybe you’ll think about his words to.

It was Monday, a month later after the anniversary party, and you had Harry’s mail in your hand as you decided to stuff it into your filing cabinets that hold future worksheets and your students’ progress. 

It wasn’t until lunch when you were having the pasta you made the night prior as you watched a fashion competition on Netflix when you saw Harry stomp into your room. 

“Where’s my mail?” He asked immediately, not bothering to say hi to you. 

Ever since the party, your moods had changed towards each other. Of course, you both still messed with each other and annoyed one another, but the mood and energy between you two was different. And you didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing. 

“Gotta find it, Mr. Styles,” you said as you took a bite of your food as you eyed him. You could tell he was beginning to get frustrated with you, but you didn’t see a reason to stop because it’s the same way with you when he hides your stuff. 

“Just hand it over. I’m not in the mood to put up with this right now,” he rolled his eyes as he huffed. 

“Now, those aren’t the rules. You made me find it until you just laughed and pointed at me, so now you have to-” 

“I swear to god, just give me my damn mail!” He said in a loud tone, not technically yelling, but enough for you to stop talking and finally notice how angry he looked. “Fuck, just give me my fuckin’ mail, so I could get out of here,” he added, waiting for you to make an effort to give him his mail, but you were too in shock by his words and tone that you didn’t move. “Well?” He said, arms crossed, and you snapped out of your thoughts and got up, walking over to your filing cabinet. 

Once you handed him his mail, he immediately snatched it, flipping through it as he walked out of your classroom with no thank you, and you swore that you heard him mutter ‘fuckin’ annoying’ as he walked out causing your stomach to drop. 

You sat back down in your chair, pushing your glass container away and turned off your phone as you took deep breaths, trying not to make a big deal out of it. But of course it was a big deal to you. You had thought that your relationship with Harry was doing okay, and you weren’t at each other’s throats, but that hope had all washed away within a minute as he raised his voice with you as if you were a little kid. 

Normally, you wouldn’t take bullshit like that, but this one seemed to hit differently as your eyes started to tear up and your hands started to shake. You got up from your seat, fast walking to the staff restroom before you let it all out. Your tears made its way down your face as you covered your mouth as muffled sobs echoed through the tiled walls. 

A week later, you headed straight to your classroom, deciding that you weren’t going to move Harry’s mail around. 

There was an awkward tension between you two, and Harry’s at fault for it. He knew that he shouldn’t have raised his tone at you because it was completely unnecessary, and he knew better than that. He ultimately felt really bad for talking to you like that, and he didn’t even say please in a calm manner, which he should have. 

Last Monday when he got back to his desk, he immediately knew that he was wrong for how he spoke, so he had gotten up and walked back to your classroom, only to find you already headed for the staff restroom. And he hoped you weren’t crying, but he had a feeling you were. 

After that day, he had gone into your room to try and apologize the entire week, but you would either be talking to a student or avoiding him as you saw him enter your classroom, so you exited, saying an excuse just to be out of his presence. He frowned as he watched you walk away, but it was very understandable and he didn’t blame you whatsoever. 

Now, after a week of pondering what to say to you, Harry walked over to his mailbox to see all of the envelopes in his box. With a small frown, he turned towards Nina who was watching him, and he saw her shrug as she continued doing her work. He walked to your classroom to find you on your laptop, round tortoise framed glasses sat on your nose, and he thought you looked absolutely adorable. Sitting on the side of one of the students’ desks in the front row, you didn’t even bother to look up at him. 

“Hey,” he said. “Can we talk?” 

“About what?” You asked, still not looking at him, but obviously knowing what he wanted to talk about. 

“Please, look at me?” He pleaded, and he saw you take a deep breath in, taking your glasses off before looking at him. “I-I’m sorry. For last week. It was so unnecessary to talk to you like that and I regret it so much. You didn’t deserve that at all.” 

You nodded, “You’re right. I didn’t deserve it. But can you explain to me why you talked to me like that?” 

“I was waiting on something from my cousin back home. He had sent me some stickers that he made for the class, and I really wanted to give my students them already. And when I couldn’t find my mail, I got frustrated and annoyed, and I took it out on you, which I shouldn’t have,” Harry explained, and your face remained neutral. 

“You know, I would’ve eventually given it to you if you would’ve asked nicely, but you raised your voice and called me annoying when this is the kind of game we play. And it’s not an excuse to talk to me the way you did,” you said sternly, but also calmly. Harry felt like he was a kid getting lectured, which he thought this is probably how you looked like when your students got in trouble, and he thought that it was great how you’re so calm. 

“Yeah, it’s no excuse whatsoever. I feel really bad, and I’m really sorry,” he offered a small but sad smile as you looked him in the eyes to see if he meant it, and thankfully, you didn’t find a spec of lie. 

“I forgive you,” you said, and Harry lets out a deep breath. “But that doesn’t mean you go around talking to me or anyone like that ever again when they don’t deserve it,” you added. 

“Yeah, of course. It was just that moment, and I’m sorry it was you. But thank you for forgiving me,” he beamed gratefully and you nodded. “But just know that I think you’re more than annoying,” he confessed suddenly. 

“Do you?” You asked calmly, but on the inside, your heart was racing. 

“Yeah, way more than annoying. I mean I’ve known you for years, and I see you everyday. And I can’t believe this is the time when I’m about to confess this right now, but…” he took a deep breath before saying, “I like you. I really do.” Harry pursed his lips as you were looking at him with a shock expression, but your eyes were saying something else. 

They were almost telling him that you were happy to hear those words, but you didn't expect it and it was shocking to hear because of how sudden and how things escalated so quickly, but there was a hint of sparkle in your eyes, and for that, he remained hopeful. 

“You, uh, you like me?” You asked, wanting to make sure you’re not dreaming, but also wanting to hear it again. 

“I do. I like you. And I know it’s crazy to say it because the way we acted and treated each other seemed otherwise, but lately I’ve just been thinking about you nonstop and it’s driving me crazy,” he said with a small smile, still remaining hopeful.

“Harry-” 

“I totally understand if you don’t feel the same way,” he interrupted. “Because I mean who would like someone that messes and bickers with you every chance they get. But maybe that was the reason why I did it.” 

“What do you mean?” You asked curiously. 

“I guess… when I first met you, I thought you were way out of my league. And I know I put this front up to seem like I’m intimidating, but I’m not! I was actually intimidated by you,” he said honestly, and your eyes widened because you thought it was insane that this handsome man in front of you was intimidated by you. “And I kind of just wanted a reason for you to talk to me and see if we had this bond, and for some reason, I did a childish thing and stole your stapler-” 

“I knew it! You kept insisting that it was yours, but all of sudden ‘yours’ was gone and mine suddenly appeared,” you said excitedly causing him to laugh, which of course, made you join him as well. 

“Yeah, it was kind of immature, wasn’t it? But you started taking my things as well, and I was happy with that because at least we were interacting and talking y’know?” You nodded with a smile on your face. “And I may have acted cocky and whatnot, but I was just scared. I haven’t felt like this in a while, so I hid my feelings, and I couldn’t even believe myself when I confessed that I liked you, but I just needed to say it.”

“Harry, you know you should’ve just told me. But I get where you’re coming from. I was actually really intimidated by you, and I couldn’t believe I walked into the wrong classroom and practically trespassed,” you chuckled at the memory that was so long ago, but it was still so fresh in your mind. 

“It’s okay. You can trespass any time,” he joked. 

“But as time went by, I tried to deny my feelings for you, and then we started talking and it was less banter and more teasing, I knew I couldn’t push it away, so I accepted it,” you said, and he nodded his head with a look as if he’s trying to figure something out. 

“So, what you’re saying is…” he said, wanting to hear the full thing loud and clear. 

You laughed before you said, “I like you too, Harry.” 

The brightest smile was plastered on Harry’s face; dimples popping out with the crinkle by his eye present. You’d never thought you’d be the reason Harry would smile like that, let alone at you, but you weren’t complaining at all. His smile was contagious as you both let out giddy giggles, matching each other’s beaming grins. It was also beautiful as his cheeks had a tint of pink to it while running his finger on the tip of his nose, trying to hide his happiness. 

Suddenly, there was a knock on your door, turning both of your attentions to it, and Harry went to answer it since he was closer. When he opened the door, he found a small boy at your classroom doorstep, and you got up, walking over to your student. 

“Dawson? What’s up, buddy? Why’re you here so early?” You bent down as you talked to him, and you noticed that he had a sad frown on his face. “Are you okay?” 

“My mom dropped me off here early, so I’m here,” he said sadly, looking down at the floor. School started in about forty five minutes, which was usually too early to drop kids off as parents started dropping them off about twenty minutes before school. 

“Okay, that’s completely fine. Come in, yeah?” You stood on your feet, and moved out of the way to let him inside of the classroom. 

“I was wondering if I could talk to you?” He said once he put his backpack on his assigned chair. “You said that we could talk to you about anything, right?” 

“Yes, of course. Anything you like,” you said, reassuring him with a smile, and he nodded. 

“I’m going to head back to my classroom,” Harry said, and you nodded before Dawson spoke up. 

“No, wait!” He called out, and Harry stopped walking, giving your student his full attention. Dawson turned to you and asked, “Can Mr. Styles stay? He’s really nice when we have our buddy classroom days.”

You smiled at the young boy, “Of course he can--that is, if he can. Anything to make you comfortable.” 

“I’d be happy to stay for you, Dawson,” Harry offered him a smile as you walked over to the table in the back of the classroom that’s used for group work and teacher-students discussions. 

You sat at the octagon table, Dawson sitting on your right and Harry sitting on your left. You had completely turned your body towards Dawson as your back was facing Harry. 

“Dawson, since this is the first time we are speaking to each other one on one,” you turned around towards Harry, and softly grinned, and you turned back towards Dawson. “Well, two on one. But just know that whatever you say will stay between the three of us, and it will not leave this classroom, okay?” 

“Okay,” Dawson said softly. 

“Now, what’s on your mind?” 

Dawson began to tell you and Harry about how he feels neglected by his mother because of the reason that she’s starting to drop him off earlier than normal and not coming home until later as his aunt picks him up. He then told you two that he just feels a bit sad that he never gets to see his mom that much anymore, and how his father is rarely around, so he was quite torn. 

You felt your heart sink as you listened to him, making sure to not interrupt him as you and Harry listened to his words intently. 

“Okay, I’m done,” Dawson said, eyes a bit swollen from the tears that had fallen out of his eyes, and Harry got up to grab him a tissue box. 

“Dawson,” you started, “I’m sorry you have to go through that. Have you told your mom how you felt?” He shook his head as aggressively wiped his face with the tissue. 

“Never see her anymore.” 

“What about when she drops you off at school?” 

“I’m always eating breakfast in the car, so I never get a chance to,” he placed his elbow on the table as he leaned his face against his hand, while the other hand traced the outline of the polished wood. 

“What about your aunt? Have you told her anything?” Harry pitches in, and you slightly turn your head towards him, gratefully he’s being involved. 

Dawson’s face changed to a much lighter one as if he had a realization to what Harry had said. 

“Oh, I-I haven’t told her anything.” 

“Maybe if you’re comfortable, you can talk to her when she picks you up, and I’m sure she’ll tell your mom if you’re not comfortable doing so,” Harry said, and Dawson nodded in agreement. 

“I want you to know that, your mother not being there for you at the moment or your father not being in the picture does not have to do with you. Don’t think that it has to do with you, okay? You’re good enough and you’re an amazing person that I’m so lucky to have you in my class,” you said, emphasizing your words so it was stuck in his mind. 

“You’re a great student, and my class and I are happy we’re that we’re classroom buddies,” Harry adds with a bright and reassuring smile on his face that lightened the mood, and added a smile on Dawson’s face as well. 

“C-Can I give you two a hug?” Dawson asked, standing up from his chair. 

“Of course, come here,” you scooted your chair back, opening your arms as you welcomed him into your arms. 

You knew that he really needed this hug by how tight he was hugging you, but you didn’t mind, glad to comfort him for as long as he needed as you rubbed his back as he buried his face into your shoulder. Once he let go, you rubbed his shoulders for good measure before he walked around you and over to Harry. 

Harry widely opened his arms before Dawson placed himself between them as they both gave each other big hugs. You heard Harry whisper how proud he was of the boy in his arms, and your heart swooned at the sight, making you blush and practically have hearts in your eyes as you witnessed their moment. 

There was a moment when Harry looked up from Dawson’s shoulder to look at you. A hint of gleam sparkled in both of your eyes as you looked at each other. Although you’ve just confessed your feelings for each other, you knew that this was going to be completely special. 

You were sitting on the small couch that was in the back corner of the room. You were quite proud of this area of your classroom as you wanted to make it a comfortable place for your students to read or take a break at as you decorated it with a cream colored couch, a floral rug, and hung fairy lights along the wall. 

Sometimes you would take a seat on the couch during lunch when you were getting tired of sitting on your chair where your desk was, so it was a nice change up. 

With your container filled with your lunch on your lap as you looked down at your laptop, sat beside you and earphones in your ears, you saw Harry walk in with his lunch in his hands, a beaming grin on his face once he saw how comfy you looked. 

“Hey,” he greeted, taking a seat next to you on the couch. He completely turned his body towards you with his arm on the back of the couch as you did as well. 

“Hi,” you said with a smile. “What’s for lunch?” 

“Salmon with some veggies. I made it last night,” he said proudly, and you looked at his meal and ooh’ed. “Try some?” 

“Course I will. But you also just want me to boost your ego even more because I’m sure it’s good,” you teased. 

“Maybe. Open up f’me, yeah?” He said, cutting a piece of salmon and sticking a piece of green bean on his fork before bringing the fork up to your mouth. 

You tried not to think of his words so literally as there have been many times he would talk as if he was in the bedroom, not that you know anything about what he’s like in the sheets nor how you know his lips feel against yours. But you’re not complaining about his word choices; they do get you a bit turned on, but you simply couldn’t do anything about it. 

With your mouth open, he fed you a bite of his lunch and a ‘mm’ was heard from you as you chewed. 

“Wow, that’s really good,” you complimented the chef as you wiped your mouth with a napkin. 

“Well, thank you very much, darling,” he said, and you blushed. 

It’s been a month since you and Harry have known how you two feel about each other, and it was full of two days out of the week, eating lunch together. He had stumbled into your classroom one day, and asked if you wanted to have lunch together, and you said yes. So, lunch dates stuck, whether it’d be your classroom or his because he also has a comfy corner in his classroom with a record player next to the couch. When you two didn’t feel like staying inside, you would grab a bite to eat together. It also definitely made finding a place to eat much easier since you two found out you were both pescatarians. 

The mood is definitely different with each other as you two have slowly gotten to know one another as you tell each other about your childhood, past stories, interests, etc. You already knew that he was such a kind person, despite the bickering, but truly talking to him had confirmed your assumptions. 

Within the month had also made you earn a pet name from him. From your past relationships, you were always called babe (along with some nicknames from inside jokes), which in all honesty, you never really liked; it was a generic pet name from a significant other and it was an okay pet name. But hearing the word name ‘darling,’ especially from Harry, it was like butter. The name rolled off of his tongue, and you caved in as you continuously looked at his lips right after, wanting him to call you that multiple times. 

“I know my lunch isn’t all that interesting to feed you, but we can share a pie I made earlier this week if you’d like?” You said, looking down at your food as you only had a sandwich with avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce. 

“Sounds good,” he smiled before taking another bite of his delicious lunch. 

After a few minutes of talking about funny stories that happened during class and upcoming assignments, you changed the subject and nervously asked him a question that has been on your mind. 

“So, I was wondering…” you started, but trailed off as nerves crept up your skin. 

“That’s always interesting,” he teased. 

“Say, how about we go on a date? Like a real and official date?” You looked at him with hopeful eyes, and you saw a smirk slowly spreading onto his face as he blushed a bit. 

“Are you asking me out?” He was completely flattered and loved how you made the effort to ask him because he’s been thinking about it for an entire month, but was too nervous to do so. 

“Answer the question,” you chuckled. 

“I’m so flattered you're asking me. Y’know, really boosts my ego, let me tell you,” he stalled as he laughed, and you playfully rolled your eyes. 

When you had thought he was a kind guy, despite the bickering and being annoying with one another, the annoying Harry was still there. 

“Let me deflate your ego then, and take it back,” you joked, and his face immediately went down. His beaming smile as he teased and joked was gone and was replaced by a frown. 

“Hey, no. Don’t take it back. I was just messing with you,” he said softly, making you giggle from the change of moods he just went through. 

“Then answer the question, you big baby.” 

“Would love to go on a date with you. Of course I would,” he finally answered, and his smile, once again, was present. He reached over to hold your hand as his thumb caressed your skin. “I’ve been wanting to ask you since last month, but it was always a bad time or I would get nervous and come into your room to ask you a completely different question.” 

“Aww, that’s sweet. No need to be nervous anymore. But now I’m noticing that those days you came into my classroom, you always acted strange, but I brushed it off since this is so new and fresh still,” you explain, and he let out a breathy chuckle. 

“Yeah, those were the times when I was supposed to ask you on a date. But I’m glad you asked me, and I would absolutely love to go,” he smiled, still hand in hand with you. 

“I’m happy you said yes. I was wondering if you’d like to come over? I’ve been dying to try this new recipe out. It’s a Thai Coconut Curry rice, and I got it off YouTube, and I was watching it late at night and just wanted to make-” you paused, noticing Harry looking at you funny, but he was really just admiring how you’re just adorable when you ramble about things you’re passionate about. “I mean, if you think it’s too soon, I can look for a restaurant if-” 

Your idea of inviting him over had immediately been thrown out the window because he was looking at you funny, and was probably thinking that it was definitely too soon to be at each other’s houses, which you now see. But you didn’t know Harry was just simply adoring the way you talk. 

“No, no. I’d love to come over if you’d still have me. And I’d love to try that dish out,” he reassured you. 

“Really? It’s not too soon?” You asked, wanting to make sure he was okay with it. 

“Yes, I’m sure. And there’s no real timeline in how people should do things when they’re in a relationship. So, we’re going at whatever pace we both want,” he said, and you took in his words, thinking he was completely right. 

For the rest of your lunch breaks, you both scheduled a date and time, which was going to be this Saturday at 7 p.m, and as you suggested that time and day, you watched Harry look up as if he was thinking if he was available that day before he agreed to those suggestions. 

This was going to be the first date you’ve had in a long while, but you were excited knowing that it was with Harry.

It was a brutal four days of waiting for date night to finally arrive, and you’ve never been so happy until Saturday. 

You had barely gotten any sleep due to your thoughts racing on what to talk to him about and what you should wear, but you managed to get about seven hours of sleep, which was really well considering how late you stayed up. 

Saturday morning, you decided to wake up at eight a.m to go on a run. You had so much energy inside of you, despite waking up, and you needed to let it all out of you so you’re not too overly excited. So, you thought a good run would exhaust you for a few hours. 

You ran around your neighborhood and on the main road for a good two hours. You just had so many things on your mind that you were thinking that you lost track of time as your legs continued on as you were in a daze. 

It was a beautiful day. Although there were a bit of clouds, the sun was out and shining. Thankfully, not at a brutal temperature where you couldn’t go out for a run. But it was the perfect weather for the morning. 

You got back to your house at around 10 a.m, immediately heading for the kitchen for a glass of water. The  coldness streamed down your throat, making you sigh in relief as exhaustion took over you. With tiredness settling over you, you knew that you needed to shower before anything else as sweat was dripping down your back, making your shirt stick to your skin, so you made your way to the shower, stripping down as the warm water hit your skin as you washed off your morning run. 

By 12 p.m, you had lunch and caught up on some grading; being very proud and impressed all your students did really well on the assigned homework. After grading papers, you decided to take a quick nap before you had to go out and get some groceries for tonight’s dinner, and the last thing on your mind before you were lulled into sleep from your run, was how a particular man you were excited to see at night. 

Once you’ve woken up and gotten groceries, buying plenty of spices, veggies, and a Thai curry paste, it was 4 p.m, making you right on time with the schedule you had in your head. You started chopping the veggies before you sautéed them to a beautiful golden brown as the sizzle of the pan brought music to your ears. 

You had a show playing in the midst of cooking that you’ve watched two hour long shows that you didn’t realize the time was now six p.m, meaning you’d have to get ready. As you walked to your room, you heard the splatter of liquid hitting the ground outside, so you looked out your window, seeing the sky had turned grey as rain fell down. 

Quickly, you grabbed your phone, opening your message up with Harry before you typed: (bold) started raining hard just now! Be safe when driving, and see you soon! You hit send before opening up Spotify, playing ABBA to hype yourself up as you sang along while getting ready. 

You opted for a minimalistic makeup look since you were just at home, and a pair of black cropped flared trousers with a nice white blouse. You looked yourself in the mirror and felt satisfied with your look, giving yourself a smile before you took a deep breath as nerves were catching up to you. Checking your phone, the time read 6:55 and no text back from Harry, which you assumed he was getting ready or on his way. 

Keeping yourself busy, you checked on the dish you were making that was on low heat as it simmered, and wiping down the counter and fixing the throw pillows are your couch. Your tasks didn’t take that long, about seven minutes in total, as it had already passed 7 p.m. 

He would arrive any minute, you thought. 

But you thought wrong. 

You had waited thirty minutes before you sent him another text asking if he was on his way, but later on you got nothing. Worriedly, you tried not to let your mind think the worst, but it was difficult not to because he wasn’t answering his phone whatsoever and the weather was horrible. 

As you waited another hour and a half with a glass of wine sitting in front of you, you were starting to get angry. How could he stand you up and not call you? You had thought you two were doing really well, and he seemed to want to go on a date with you, so why would he change his mind so quickly? 

It was 9 p.m when you decided to call it a night a bit earlier than you planned, so you placed the food you made in a container and washed the pot before grabbing the plates and utensils you placed on the dining table, and putting them away. The entire time, you were silent as disappointment and an upsetting feeling hit you. You really tried not to cry as you did your normal skin care routine as if it was a normal night, but it wasn’t. 

But when your head hit your pillows, the disappointment had settled, making you release your tears, hating that you’re going to bed feeling the complete opposite as you did when you woke up, 

The night was slow as you watched the night from your bed, looking out at the window. It was most likely slow because you couldn’t sleep—only getting about three hours of sleep as you were woken up by the sun at six a.m. 

It wasn’t until about nine when you decided to get out of bed to start the day. You didn’t really have anything planned, but if you were to stay in bed, then you would continue being sad that your date didn’t show up. 

You were waiting for your coffee to brew when you heard your doorbell go off, grabbing your attention as you looked towards your door. You then looked down, noticing that you were wearing a flowy shirt with your pajama pants. Shrugging to yourself, you decided to walk to the door, not caring who’s behind it as you think that it may be your sister or cousin stopping by in the morning as they sometimes did. 

But you were completely wrong. 

It was the person who was supposed to be at your house last night just as he’s stood on your doorstep, but it’s the morning after, which doesn’t make it any better. 

You scoffed, shaking your head as if you couldn’t believe it. 

“You’re a bit late to dinner, don’t you think?” You immediately tell him as your words came out as an obvious tone. 

Harry expected those kinds of words to come out of you once you opened the door. He knew that you had just woken up, and it wasn’t smart that you were already in such a bad mood. Looking down at your pajama outfit, he tried not to let himself get too distracted by the way your nipples hardened under your white shirt that poked out due to the warmth of your house colliding with the coldness that is the outside. 

“I can explain-”

“Seems like you’re always explaining, huh?” You stressed, huffing as you were closing the door, but he quickly placed his hand on it, stopping it from closing him out. 

“No, please! I swear I have a good reason,” he pleaded. You looked him in the eye, and saw a hint of sadness, like he really just needed to explain it to you. 

“Y’know if you didn’t want to go out with me, you could’ve just told me that. Didn’t need to stand me up and have me wait for hours with a home cooked meal,” you opened the door a bit wider, but not moving so you could let him in. Instead, you crossed your arms as he stood at your doorstep. 

“I’m sorry. I did want to go out with you. But there was something I needed to do,” he said softly, looking down. 

“And you couldn’t even think to call me?” 

“I know I should’ve. I feel horrible, but my daughter needed my help, so I just couldn’t,” he confessed. Harry was really holding that in for a while, and he sighed in relief once he said the word. He noticed your change of face as it softens; you were taken back, and part of you was shocked because of how off guard that was. 

“D-Daughter?” 

“Yeah. I have a six year old daughter. She’s in the first grade with Mrs. Monet,” he confirmed with a small nod. He was really nervous telling you as his hands shook and his heart pounded, not knowing how you would take his news. 

“How did I not know this?” You said, more to yourself than asking Harry. 

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I just…I didn’t know how you would take it, so I refrained from telling you,” he apologized. And he did notice that it was like he was apologizing to you a lot (the other time was from when he raised his voice at you); it wasn’t like he had trouble expressing his words or needs to say something, he just needed a minute to gather his thoughts and wait for how other people react to what he has to say. 

“Harry, I teach the third grade where I absolutely adore my students, so I should love kids in general. I’m gonna take the news well,” you said more lightly, and your words made Harry’s shoulders drop as he relaxed a bit more. “What’s her name?” You asked as your anger with him had completely flew out the door, excited to hear all about her. 

“Her name is Bella Anne,” he smiled as he looked down. You wondered why he was always looking down as if he was a shy kid, but you brushed it off until he spoke again. “I know it’s a lot to take in and I still have to explain what happened, and it may be too soon to others, but again, we’re on our own timeline…” 

“What are you trying to say?” You asked curiously. 

“Would you like to meet her?” He asked nervously, and a big smile was placed on your face as you excitedly nodded your head and said yes. “So, would right now be too soon?” 

Your eyes widened, “Like right now?” 

“Yeah, she’s actually right here,” Harry looked down and averted his eyes slightly towards the side, right next to the door frame as he brought his hand out. And that was when you knew why he was always looking down so subtly. 

The little girl wearing blue denim overalls, a white t-shirt with a tan coat over along with some white sneakers, held her father’s hand as she looked up at you with her green eyes; the same as Harry’s. Your eyes immediately sparkle as you look at her, bending down so you’re eye level with her. 

“Hi, Bella. It’s nice to meet you,” you smiled at her as you greeted her. She shyly smiled as she waved at you before looking up at Harry causing you to look up at him as well to see what he had to say. 

“Go on, bub. Ask her what you wanted to ask,” he shook her hand in encouragement as Bella looked back at you. 

“Have you had breakfast?” Bella finally spoke, and your heart flutters at how cute you think her voice is. 

“I actually haven’t had breakfast yet. Why do you ask?” 

“Because we brought breakfast for you!” She let go of Harry’s hand before she bent down to pick up the paper bag, smiling as she held as much as she could up. You gasped, placing your hand on your cheek from the thoughtful gesture. 

“Well, I’ll only eat the food on one condition,” you proposed. Bella’s face dropped as she waited for you to tell her what that condition was, glancing up at Harry quickly before looking back at you. “You two have to join me for breakfast.” 

With that, her face lifted once again as she beamed at you and quickly said an okay. You opened the door and moved out of the way so Harry and Bella could walk in. Bella skipped into your house with no hesitation as Harry called out for her, but you told him that it was okay. 

“You didn’t need to do this,” he told you, feeling bad that he hasn’t even told you the full story of what had happened last night, and you being the angel that you are, openly invited both of them into your house when you had every right to slam the door in his face. 

“Don’t worry about it. We’ll talk later, but for now, let’s eat? I got coffee ready,” you said, brushing it off, and he nodded, still knowing that the conversation needed to happen. 

He followed you to the dining table where Bella had already taken the food out of the bag. She sat there proud of her contribution, and Harry said ‘good job’ and ‘thank you’ to her as he always did when she helped set the table. You got three plates from the cabinet and utensils from the drawer; the same ones you set from last night, but this time, with a plus one. 

You and Harry opened the containers of food as there were various breakfast dishes for the three of you to share. 

“So, Bella. What’s your favorite movie?” You asked, wanting to get to know her better. 

“I like Mamma Mia! That’s one of my favorite movies, but the next one would have to be The Princess and the Frog!” 

You gasped, “Mamma Mia is my favorite movie too! And The Princess and the Frog is an excellent choice.” Bella nodded, agreeing with you. 

Harry watched the two of you interact; talking about all of your interests and dislikes, most Harry already knew about, so he sat back and ate as he thought the sight before him was the most precious thing he’s witnessed. He’s noticed Bella’s eyes gleam as she talked her heart out, and how you gave her your full attention when she did. And he thought that the interaction and connection was so important to him when he introduced a potential love interest to his daughter. The bond between you and Bella wasn’t like anything he had seen before, and he was grateful it was with you. 

After an hour of talking at the table, Harry told Bella it was okay if she wanted to play on her iPad for a bit, and she nodded her head before asking you if it was okay. 

“Of course you can, sweet,” you said, giggling a bit because she felt the need to ask you, but you thought it was sweet; the pet name completely slipped out as if it were natural for you to say it, but you think it really suits her, and by the way her eyes lit up when you called her that, you think she likes it as well. 

Bella opened her backpack, grabbed her iPad out, before walking to Harry, whispering to him. 

“Go on and ask her,” he said to her before she walked around the table to you. 

“Do you think I can get the WiFi password please?” She asked politely, smiling to yourself as kids nowadays know so much of technology from a very young age. 

“Of course,” you said before she unlocked her iPad. 

You noticed her wallpaper, all too familiar because you were the one who took the picture. It was a picture of Harry in front of the sunset with his mouth open as he smiled with his two hands up, throwing peace signs at the camera. 

“I like how you put your wallpaper as your daddy,” you complimented, looking up at Harry as he blushed. 

“Me too! He went to this party type of thing, and I told him to take a picture in front of the beach!” She beamed. 

“Yeah, bub. She was there,” Harry pitched in. 

Bella suddenly gasped loudly, “Are you the pretty teacher that took his picture and bought us cupcakes?!” She asked excitedly. 

“Oh, uh, yeah. That would be me,” you said as you nervously chuckled. 

“Thank you! Those cupcakes were so good!” She thanked you, remembering how good those cupcakes tasted, and you told her that you were glad that you liked them. 

After you typed in your WiFi password, you told Bella that she could sit on the couch in the living area. 

“Twenty minutes, okay?” Harry called out as she walked away. 

“Okay!” Her soft voice yelled back as she took a seat on the couch. 

Your head turned towards Harry as he turned to you as well. Both of you had a moment of silence as you two looked at each with a soft and admiring look. Things were way different now as you now know Harry has a daughter, but in all honesty, you don’t mind it whatsoever. You’ve managed to adore that little girl in a matter of an hour and a half, and you think she’s the most beautiful little girl ever. 

“So the pretty teacher, huh? I liked her wallpaper,” you said with a mischievous grin, and Harry snickered. 

“Yeah, I kind of underexaggerated--should���ve said ‘the gorgeous teacher that I like who took the wallpaper,’” he flirted, and you raised your brows as you blushed, thinking that was incredibly smooth of him. After a minute of thinking how to go about this conversation, you spoke up.

“Do you want to tell me about last night?” You asked, and Harry nodded. 

“Bella was a bit in a bad mood from the morning she woke up. Couldn’t really do anything to please her, so I was pretty frustrated because she couldn’t really explain what was happening to her, just threw a tantrum while holding her head, and then I figured out that she had a headache, and that’s no fun,” he explained, and you nodded as he said so. “It was literally hours of crying nonstop for hours. The only time she stopped crying was when I gave her something to eat,” he chuckled. 

“Everyone stops being pouty after some food,” you joked. 

“She did for a bit, but then it was right back to crying. My mum came over because she was supposed to watch her while I was with you, and usually her Nan would cheer her up, but not this time. After a few hours of trying to comfort her, she started becoming clingy, and when I would leave her side, she would just start crying. By this point, I was just exhausted, so I held her as she slept, which then resulted in me sleeping, also thinking I would wake up just in time, but waking up at midnight.” 

The look on his face was a disappointing one as he couldn’t believe he missed the first official date, and if you were to forgive him, he’d make it up to you with every date you would give him. 

“I understand, H. I can imagine being a single parent is hard. At least, I hope you’re single,” you tried lightening up the moods. 

“Yeah, definitely single,” he confirmed with a smirk.

“Well, maybe not for long,” you teased at the fact of becoming his girlfriend sooner or later, and his heart started to race. 

“Oh yeah?” He smirked. “Is that what you’re thinking?” 

“Yeah. Are you?” 

“I’ve been thinking about it, darling,” he responded honestly, glad to know you’re on the same page. 

He could possibly ask right now, knowing you feel the same way about him as he does you, but with not showing up for the date and practically throwing having a daughter at you, it wasn’t the right time. He wanted it to be special, not during a time when he was explaining why he screwed up. 

“Good. I’m happy we’re thinking the same thing.” 

“Me too.” 

There was a moment of quietness between you two, and the only thing that was heard was Bella’s game that she was playing on her iPad and the thumping of both of your hearts. Harry checked the time on his phone, realizing that he had to leave. 

“What are your plans for today?” He asked. 

“Just clean up around here, and perhaps go to the farmers market before they close.” 

“Sounds lovely. The weather’s nice after all that raining last night,” he said, and you agreed. “I’m really sorry I wasn’t here though.” 

“Harry, stop apologizing. Bella’s your priority and I totally understand.” He sighed deeply before nodding his head. 

“Say, how about this: bring me that lovely dish you cooked yesterday for lunch tomorrow because I would love to try it, and this time, you come over to my house on Saturday for our date? I’ll cook you dinner,” he suggested. 

The corners of your lips perked up as you nodded, “I’d like that.” 

“Great. But we’ve got to go to my sister’s house right now. Can I help you with the dishes really quick before we leave?” Your face softened even more, thinking of how kind and helpful he is. 

“No, I got it from here. Thank you, though.” 

You and Harry got up as he called out for Bella, telling her that it was time to leave. Harry helped put her coat on as he muttered something to her. Bella walked over to you, and you bent down as you smiled at her. 

“Thank you for letting us have breakfast with you and letting us into your home,” she opened her arms, and your heart fluttered as you opened your arms as well, taking each other in for a hug. 

“It’s so great to have you both. You’re welcomed here anytime,” you said against her ear, and Bella hugged you tighter and you rubbed her small back. 

After you two let go of each other, you walked them to the door, a bit sad that they had to leave, but you’re reminded that you’ll see Harry tomorrow and hopefully Bella around school. 

“I’ll see you two soon. Drive safe, yeah?” You told Harry, and he nodded. 

“Always do. I’ll text you?” You nodded, reaching up to give him a hug. 

It was a quick hug that only lasted about five seconds, which was way too quick for your liking, but when you two let go, Harry pressed his lips against your cheek, and that totally made up for it. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he smiled, and nothing came out of mouth, so you nodded instead and waved at the two. 

You watched them get into the car and drive off down the street, far enough where you couldn’t see them, so you watched back into your house and closed the door, placing your palm on your cheek as you felt the warmness of your skin heat up from the softness of his lips. And you hoped that you would get to feel his lips again.

Meanwhile as Harry was driving towards Gemma’s house, Fleetwood Mac was playing through the bluetooth of his phone until Bella spoke up, causing him to lower down the volume. 

“I really liked her,” she said. 

Harry smiled, agreeing with her, “Yeah, me too, bub.” 

“You’re right--she is pretty,” she confirmed, and Harry chuckled. 

“Very pretty.” 

“I hope I have her as my teacher when I get to the third grade.” Harry gasped, looking into the rear view mirror. 

“What?! You don’t want me to be your teacher?” Harry asked her, but knowing that his own daughter can’t be in his class, according to the rules and policy of the school. 

“I mean, maybe. But we might get annoyed with each other,” she stated, and Harry definitely agrees with her, but also loves how she’s not afraid of speaking her mind. “I hope I see her again soon,” Bella said, looking out the window as if she was in a dramatic movie. 

“You will, bub, you will.” 

And he meant what he said because Harry plans on keeping you around for a very long time. 

It was Friday after school when you heard someone say ‘knock knock’ from the entrance of your classroom. You looked up from your laptop to find Harry peeking his head out into the door frame. 

“Hi! Come in,” you said, standing up and taking your glasses off. Harry fully stands up straight, walking into your classroom. You walked towards him until a small figure that is Bella who is running straight towards you, excitedly. 

“Oh, hi sweet!” 

“Hi!” 

“We were just about to leave, but figured we could stop by and say hi--or goodbye since we’re leaving,” Harry chuckled. 

“Aw, that’s so sweet of you two. Well, I’m glad you two stopped by. I’m probably staying here for another hour or so,” you said, and you think that was probably the reason you also never knew Harry had a daughter because you two never leave at the same time. 

“I also wanted to give you these,” Bella chirped, grabbing the box of cookies from Harry’s hands before giving them to you. “We made you these last night!” 

“Wow, thank you so much. I’ll be sure to have some after I have dinner, but I just know they’re really good.” Bella nodded her head in joy. 

“I heard you’re coming over tomorrow. I’m sad I won’t be there because I’ll be with Aunt Gem,” she frowned slightly. 

“Yeah, I will be. But how about this: next weekend, with your dad’s permission and if you two aren’t busy that weekend, we can go to the park? Have a little picnic there and play some games?” You suggested that idea to her, and she immediately said yes. 

“I’m definitely up for that plan,” Harry said, smiling from ear to ear as Bella jumped eagerly. “But for now, we really do have to go.” 

You hugged Bella once more, telling her you couldn’t wait for your picnic together before hugging Harry as well. You became flustered as you remembered the time he kissed you on the cheek. And it happened again--every time you two had lunch together, he kissed your cheek hello and goodbye, and you blushed every time. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” 

“Tomorrow,” you confirmed. 

And you couldn’t wait for the evening.

As you knocked on Harry’s door, you were filled with nerves. 

The night was a bit cold out, so you wore a pair of black jeans, topped with a red leopard top, and some three inch black booties, and of course, a black coat for outside. In your hands, you held two bottles of Chardonnay--a wine that is paired well with seafood. And although you don’t know what he’s cooking up, you do know you two are pescatarians, so it saves you from roaming down the wine aisle. 

“You look absolutely gorgeous,” he complimented once he opened the door as he looked up and down at you. Harry was wearing a light blue vertical pinstripe button down with cream colored pants. His sleeves were rolled up, and his hair was pinned back with a clip. “Oh, sorry,” he said once he felt his clip that was still in his hair. 

“No, don’t be sorry. You look really handsome,” you complimented back. 

“Thank you. Come in,” he moved to the side of the door, stepping out of the way so you could walk in. 

The Styles’ residence was a very cozy and welcoming home. You had already felt welcomed by the presence of Harry, but his home just made you feel even more welcomed and loving. It was the perfect size, not too big where it looks empty, but not too small so Bella can still run around. There were pictures hung up on the walls, a fireplace, and neutral colored furniture that complimented Prussian colored walls. 

He led you to the kitchen, and you thought the kitchen was lovely as well with white cabinets and potted plants along the backsplash of the kitchen, which you assumed they were fresh herbs. 

“So, I made some seasoned shrimp, and bought some ingredients that I’ve chopped up already for some shrimp tacos? We can do our own if you’d like,” he said proudly. 

“I’d love that. Do you need help with anything?” 

“Yeah, if you don’t mind?” You shook your head. “Do you mind grabbing the toppings in the fridge? They’re all in bowls.”

You made your way over to his silver refrigerator and took out all the bowls you saw, placing all of them on the counter in a line. Harry turned the stove off before grabbing two plates from the cabinet on the side of the stove, and handed one to you. 

“So, these are raw tortillas, which I’ve already cooked and placed on the pan, so it’s really good.” 

“Everything smells amazing. I can’t wait,” you smiled at him. 

Impulsively, Harry leaned forward and placed his lips on your forehead as a thank you. Not really knowing he did it until he pulled back, you beamed at him, thinking the gesture was sweet and made your heart pound. 

You and Harry assembled your shrimp tacos together, giggling when you both would reach for something at the same time, causing your hands to touch before one of you pulls back shyly. After, you followed Harry to the dining table, and it was a beautiful grey wood table with cream colored cushioned chairs. And you came to the conclusion that everything about Harry’s house was beautiful, including Harry and Bella. 

“Thank you for coming,” he said before taking a bite of his taco. 

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?” You asked, and he gave you a sad look before you realized what he meant. “Harry, we’re passed that. It was one time, and you had to take care of your daughter. Yeah, I was angry when I was waiting for you, but only because I didn’t know what was going on. But I’m not mad anymore. Please, don’t beat yourself up with that.” 

“Yeah, you’re right. I still feel bad about making you wait,” he frowned. 

“Don’t. I’d wait for you if I have to,” you said, your words coming out as a double meaning to it. 

As you and Harry ate, you complimented him again on the food as you both drank a glass of wine. 

“Tell me about your family?” Harry asked. 

“Hmm. Well, my parents are divorced. They have been since I was sixteen, but they still have a really great relationship with one another. They see each other occasionally, not often. But I have a younger brother; he’s two years younger than me and he works at a magazine company in the marketing department. My dad is in the construction business, and my mom is a pharmacist. Not really much to tell, we were--are a great family,” you told him, smiling to yourself as you remember how lucky you are to have the family that you have. 

“Do you see them often?” 

“Not as much as I should,” you replied honestly. Your family lives about ten hours away from you by car, which does not cooperate with the school schedule. But you do see them on holidays and whatnot. “Can I ask you a question now?” Harry nodded nervously. 

“What’s your relationship like with Bella’s mom?” 

“Uh, well…we were together for the last two years of uni. We moved in together during those two years, and everything was great until she got pregnant. She kept saying that her life was over, but I kept telling her that everything was going to be alright. It was pretty rocky from then. When she had Bella, I immediately fell in love with my baby. She was this precious little thing in my arms, and I was committed, y’know? But she didn’t feel the same way. She was having trouble bonding with her, and I told her that that sometimes happened and she shouldn’t give up, but one day, she told me that she was over everything. That she’s in the peak of her career and that she’d rather travel. Of course, that turned into an argument, but at the end of the day, that was her choice, so I didn’t bother anymore.” 

“Does she still see Bella?” You asked hesitantly, and Harry can sense it. 

“Maybe once a month? If not, then every other month. But they only see each other for about an hour, and that’s about it,” Harry said, and you nodded, not saying anything. “If you’re wondering, I don’t love her anymore, like, I’m completely over her. Just because she’s Bella’s biological mother, that doesn’t mean I love her,” he said, wanting to make sure you knew. 

You chuckled softly at his assertiveness, “I know you don’t love her. You’re a wonderful father to Bella.” 

“I try,” he said shyly. 

“And that’s all that matters. She completely loves you and she looks up to you,” you told him honestly from what you observed. Harry doesn’t say anything but take in your words, and his heart flutters from it because everyone needs a bit of encouragement; it helps them keep going and to not give up. 

There were no words that fell between either of your lips as there was no need for it; just the unspoken connection that you two shared as you stared at each other so intently, silently sharing a bond with one another that will mean something so deeply to you hearts. A blush settled on both of your cheeks, and it definitely wasn’t the wine because it was so much stronger; Harry had that kind of affect. 

Harry placed his arms on the table, slightly leaning in. You did the same, and your faces were inches away. His hand reached up to brush your hair behind your ear before placing his palm on your cheek, your skin immediately heating up. As he looked at you, his thumb brushed your cheek and it was the most soothing and innocent action anyone has ever done to you, and it made goosebumps on your skin rise. 

“Can I ask you something?” Harry asked. 

“Anything,” you said softly. 

In a moment of weakness where you would let this man do anything to you, you felt strong and powerful. You felt confident and beautiful. And you think that is so important in seeking a partner because they should make you feel like that even with the simple act of staring. 

“Can I kiss you?” 

“Please do.” 

Harry smirked, glancing down at your lips before looking back up at your eyes--something he’s accustomed to doing to you, and you noticed every time. 

He placed his forehead against yours, nose touching as your lips were just a small movement apart. Harry’s hand moved closer to your mouth as he took his thumb and placed it on your bottom lip, pulling it down slightly. You were breathing deeply as you didn’t expect him to do that, but you were nonetheless turned on by it. 

And when he went to caress your cheek again, he finally leaned forward and kissed you. 

It was like everything you imagined. Through the years of tension that was building up, stealing each other’s belongings, the bickering, the days of daydreaming in class of how his lips would feel against yours, and all those nights imagining his lips against your skin—it all came down to something so explosive but marvelous at the same time. 

The taste of Chardonnay adding to his own was something so sweet as his tongue brushed against yours as you grabbed the back of his neck to bring him in closer. Your lips molded together as if it were one, and there was no hint of rushing it even further. It was sweet and slow, taking in one another’s feel as the spark between you two heightened and bursted. 

Once you two pulled back, and the appearance of swollen lips and being breathless, you two looked at each other and giggled, finally relieved that happened. 

“Not sure if this is too soon, considering this our first date, but will you be my girlfriend?” He asked nervously, and your kissed lips turned up, smiling brightly at him. 

“So, when you meant soon, that meant the next week, huh?” You teased, not completely answering his questions straight away. 

“Precisely,” he chuckled, knee shaking under the table. 

“But I thought you’d never ask sooner, so yes. I will be your girlfriend.” Beaming, you held his hand as you said so, and Harry’s face dropped. 

“Really? You’re not messing with me, right?” He said shockingly. 

“Of course I will! How could I say no?” You placed your hands on the sides of his face and caressed your thumb, meeting your pointer finger as you pinched his cheek ever so gently in a comforting way, and not childish one. And Harry finds it sweet and it might be one of his favorite things if you keep doing it. 

Harry took your lips in with his again, knowing he won’t get used to the feeling of having your lips on his. It was a surreal feeling that he’s been wanting to happen for a very long time, and he’s talking about years, way before he even confessed his feelings. 

After a few minutes of kissing and getting used to each other’s soft lips, Harry suggested moving to the living area. So, you two cleaned up after much declining from Harry as he rejected your help, but you helped him anyway. 

Taking a seat on his couch as you waited for Harry to open the wine in the kitchen, you took a look around the living room. It was very warm and comforting; it made you feel safe. From the moment you stepped into his home, it had that sort of feel of security, like you were being wrapped up in a warm hug of love and safeness. And you absolutely loved it.

Harry finally joined you, taking a seat next to you as he poured more wine into both of your glasses—you two having the same amount. 

“What’s your family like?” You asked, only knowing the basics of them. 

“Well, as you know, I’ve got a sister; grew up with her and my mum. My parents got a divorce when I was seven, and it was a bit weird. I was young at the time, so I didn’t really know how to deal with it, but luckily mum always told me that it didn’t have to do with Gem or me,” Harry remembered that day so vividly as him and Gemma were sat on the couch of their childhood home as his mum and dad was in front of them. 

“Did you still see your dad?” You asked. 

“Yeah, we did all the time. I still do see him to this day. He was always an amazing father; never left us worrying. He’s an amazing granddad to Bella, and I really love their relationship.” 

“That’s amazing,” you smiled fondly at him, and Harry agreed. 

For the next hours, you cuddled up to Harry as you both talked about anything and everything as you two were a bit tipsy off your friend called Chardonnay, and off one another as the kisses hadn’t stopped. You hadn’t realized you were talking for so long that it was almost midnight, and you suggested you call it a night to get out of his hair. 

“Wait, how about you stay the night?” He suggested instead. 

“I shouldn’t,” you had sobered up during the last hours as you told him you’d pass on another glass of wine, to which he stopped drinking as well. 

“No, please. I insist. I know that you’re a bit sober, but I don’t want you driving like this anyways,” his hand met your forearm, rubbing it slightly as a way to convince you, and the mere touch is enough for you to say yes. 

“Okay,” you complied, nodded your head. Harry smiled, grabbing your hand as he led you to his room. 

Walking into his closet, he told you to pick anything you’d like to wear as he went to change into a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, but hoping you’d be okay with him sleeping shirtless. 

You opted for one of his band tees and one of his a pair of shorts that were actually pretty short on you, so you were eager to see what it would look like on Harry. You met him in his restroom as he handed you a toothbrush and a makeup wipes, telling you that Bella liked to do makeup on him sometimes, so he bought wipes for it, and you told him that the next time she does it, to invite you over. 

Once you and Harry got ready for bed, you had felt like you were intruding, but he reminded you that you weren’t and that if you wanted to sleep in the guest bedroom that he would be okay with that. But you wanted to spend the night with him, so you climbed into bed with him, the worries about things being ‘too soon’ or ‘too quick’ flew out the window as you both were on your own timeline of your relationship. 

Harry pulled you into his bare tattoo chest, and luckily you were totally okay with him sleeping without a shirt on. You were amazed with his inked body, thinking how beautiful it is and wanting to look at every single detail of art that’s permanently on him. He kissed your forehead as you two made light conversation before your eyes dropped and slowly closed. 

You were in his arms, sharing a bed with him for the first time on the night of your first official date where he asked you to be his girlfriend and your first kiss with him. 

Everything had happened so fast, but with the warmth of his arms around you, feeling ultimate safety, it felt so right. 

The next morning arrived and Harry already knew that the night prior was the best sleep he’s ever had. 

He had been sleeping well, but he didn’t know what sleeping with you felt like until last night, and he loved every bit of it, even though he only had memory of the moment before falling asleep and waking up to you. 

The hold on his girlfriend’s arms became tighter as he woke up from the morning light that was peeking through the shutters. It was a quiet Sunday morning; no one in a rush to get anyone as it was everyone’s day to sleep in. 

The position you both were in as you cuddled was an interesting one. Harry had woken up to you both facing each other as Harry's arm was under your neck and your arm on his waist. But what was different was that his thigh was between your legs, squeezed together by them. 

He didn’t want to move because that’ll wake you up, he’s sure. So, he laid still, brushing off the hairs on your face as he watched you peacefully sleep. You were quite adorable as you slept, even though there was a bit of dried up drool on the corner of your mouth. But still adorable. 

After a few moments of laying there, his eyes were slowly starting to close as the silence took over, making him sleepy again. But after a minute of having his eyes closed, movement from you had startled him awake again. 

You were still sleeping, and your position hadn’t changed, only the movement of your hips slightly grinding down on his thigh in your sleep had left him wide awake. He thought it was a mere coincidence of you jolting, but as you continued to do it, he knew that you were having some sort of dream. And he hoped it was about him. 

Harry had been semi hard since waking up, but he felt himself start to grow harder in his pants as you let out quiet whimpers. He leaned forward, pressing a small kiss to your lips before kissing around your entire face in order to wake you up, thinking he could get used to this. 

You stirred, but your hips didn’t stop, and Harry continued to kiss your face until you opened your eyes and yours locked with his as you started back a tad bit, looking at him. 

“Morning, darling,” he greeted, bringing you back into him. There was a bit of a smirk on his face, and your eyes widened, remembering the dream you just had before you woke up. The familiar heat between your legs that made its appearance every time you had a glass or two was being relieved by Harry’s thigh. 

“Oh, god. I’m so sorry,” you said, moving back to push his leg out from between yours, but he pulled you back in, placing his leg between yours again. 

“No, no. C’mere. Don’t be sorry. Were you dreamin’?” He asked, voice deep and raspy from the slumber. And it only added to your arousal as you felt very wet inside of your panties. 

“Uh, yeah. I was,” you replied, rubbing your eyes with the back of your hand as you stretched, hoping to hide away the embarrassment you’re feeling. 

“What about?” He consulted with a smirk on his face. You still had your eyes covered, but you know him all too well to know that he has a mischievous grin on his face, and you know yourself all too well to know that you’re red. Harry grabbed your wrists gently, pulling your arms. “C’mon, don’t hide from me please.” Once he held your arms down, you opened your eyes, meeting his gaze once again. “Wanna tell me about your dream?” 

“It’s embarrassing,” you muttered. 

“M’sure it’s not. I’ll tell you something ‘embarrassing’ if you tell me,” he emphasized ‘embarrassing’ as a sarcastic tone because he knows that it’s not really anything to be ashamed of. 

After a few moments of thinking, wondering if Harry would laugh at you, you huffed as you told him. “Every time I have a few drinks, I tend to have some sex dreams.” 

“Yeah?” He smirked. “What was your dream this time?” He asked curiously, but the look on his face tells you that he already knows and just wants you to say it. 

Figuring that you’ve already confessed that you had a wet dream, you told him honestly. “It was about you.”

Harry’s brows raised at that, shifting closer to you before he briefly kissed your cheek. He hadn’t said anything, and it’s driving you insane because here he was, telling you to tell him, and once you did, not a word out of his mouth. 

“Are you not going to say anything?” Your brows furrowed. 

“How about you tell me all about your dream?” He suggested, and the crease on your brow flattened. 

“W-What?” 

“Yeah. Then maybe after, we can make those dreams into a reality.” 

There was no stutter in his words. No lie in what he said. He had this raging hard on below him, and he knows that you’re probably wet already, so why not help each other out? After all, you two are together. 

“How does that sound?” He asked when you hadn’t said anything, dipping his head down to kiss your neck. “Do you want that? Because it’s okay if you don’t. Although, I’d still like to hear about your dream-”

“No, no! I want that. I want that so bad, please,” you pleaded, eyes looking into him so innocently when your dreams were about him railing you. 

“Do tell then, darling,” he gave you a kiss to your lips before, pulling back too quickly, so you pulled him by the neck, reconnecting your lips again. 

Unlike last night’s kisses, this one was eager and rushed, knowing it’ll lead to way more. Your tongues met, and Harry grabbed the back of your thigh, squeezing the flesh, making you hiss out. 

“So we were actually in the position,” you started your storytelling. “We kissed for a while,” Harry pecked your lips again, making you chuckle. “It felt nice, like I felt it through my dreams.” 

“Maybe that’s because I was actually kissing you,” he pitched in. 

“Maybe. And I really liked it.”

“Tell me more,” he hands roamed against your arm that was resting on his waist, and you could already feel the chills from his touch rise on your skin. 

“Your hand sneaked down to my panties, and you teased me a bit, not putting your hand inside of them right away.” 

“Like this?” As you said so, his hand trailed down your torso, slightly pulling your (his) shirt up to reveal a bit of your stomach as he raked his finger down your skin and to the hem of your shorts, dragging his nail along the hem. 

“Yeah, like that,” you confirmed as butterflies settled into your stomach. “Then you took my pants off, and you touched me very slowly.” 

“Can I take this off?” He asked, and you breathed out a ‘yes’ before he pushed the shorts down and you kicked them off your legs. You were wearing red lace panties, just like the top you were wearing, and he admired them for a quick second before taking them off. 

“Can I touch you?” You asked suddenly as you were half bare in front of him. 

“Is that part of your dream?” 

You shook your head, “no, but I really want to touch you, if you’d let me?” 

“Please do. I want you to touch me,” he gave you his consent, and you placed the palm of your hand on top of his clothed crotch, feeling him out as his hands roamed your thighs, Harry softly moaning from your touch. 

“Take this off, yeah?” You referred to his boxers, and he briskly took them off, kicking them on the floor. You looked down at him, impressed by his size, but did do well with your wet core as he still hadn’t touched you yet. “Next, you rubbed my clit for a while as you kissed me.” 

His fingers finally met your clit, and he rubbed as the wetness from your arousal had lubricated his fingers. He lifted your shirt up, and you slightly sat up for a moment to take off the material, finally fully bare for him, and the sight in front of him was to die for. 

“God, you’re so fuckin’ beautiful,” he said, fingers still rubbing you and his mouth immediately going on your breasts, kissing the skin and sucking on your nipples. You moaned out at both of the feelings of his hands and mouth on you. 

Suddenly you felt his finger dip into your wet hole, plunging them in and out of you as he curled his fingers up, hitting that soft spot of your upper walls. 

“Oh my, fuck,” you moaned out as Harry continued to kiss your tits. 

“You like that?” 

“Mhm. So good,” you felt as if you were about to come on his finger, but you held back, edging yourself and wanting the feeling to last longer. 

You looked down at his cock as it stood straight up and looked quite painful, but Harry didn’t show it; only focusing on your pleasure and getting you off. But you cared, so you licked your hand, and grabbed his cock, pumping it slowly. Harry hadn’t expected you to do that as he groaned, throwing his head back, exposing his neck, so you leaned forward, kissing and sucking on the skin of his collarbone; not wanting to go too high up because he does have a daughter.

“Like that, darling,” he moaned out while you were pumping your hand around the tip, learning that was probably his most sensitive spot. 

The thrusting of his fingers hadn’t stopped as well, alternating between fingering you and rubbing your clit as you started to grind against his hand. 

“Do you wanna fuck me?” You asked straightforwardly, slowing down your movements as did he. “It was part of my dream,” you added. 

“Y’know, you can just ask me to fuck you. Don’t have to say it was in your dream,” he smirked. 

“True, but it really was in my dream. That’s why I was practically humping your leg,” you chuckled. “It’s okay if it’s too soon, I’m close anyways.” 

“Yeah? Let me fuck with you then. Been wanting to feel you,” he smiled before turning around to grab a condom. He turned back around at you, his smile no longer there. 

“What’s wrong?” 

“I don’t have a condom.”

“Oh,” you said, trying to think if you had one in your purse. 

“I haven’t had sex in about two years, so I don’t have any.” 

“Yeah, I don’t think I have one either.” Neither of you said anything, trying to see how to resolve this situation. Harry could possibly go to the store quickly and get one, but you had a better idea. “We can go without one? I mean I’m clean. I have an IUD. I haven’t had sex in about a year, and I recently got tested and I’m clean,” you stated, and Harry nodded. 

“Okay. I got tested about a month or two ago, and I’m clean as well,” he told you, not giving you a straight answer. 

“So, yeah?” 

“Yeah.” 

With that, he crashed his lips onto yours, gladly taking in the softness of them. You moaned against his lips as he grabbed your ass, pulling your body closer to his while squeezing. His hand made his way back to your clit, rubbing it relentlessly, causing you to whimper from the sensitivity, and you physically pulled his hand out from between your legs and looked him in the eye.

“Fuck me already,” you demanded. 

“Alright, alright. So bossy,” he teased, and you rolled your eyes. 

Your chests were pressed together as there was no change in position, just the two of you on your sides, facing each other. Harry reached between you, grabbing a hold of his cock before running the tip up and down your slit, collecting your wetness to coat it. You slightly bucked your hips, urging him to put himself inside of you already, and he chuckled at your eagerness, but obliged as he slowly pushed into you. 

The position was definitely different than what you were used to, but he was so deep into you that you felt him everywhere. You both groaned out, sighing in relief that you two finally made it this far. Harry started to thrust into you, grabbing your leg, placing it high on his hip, practically on the side of his stomach as he fucked you. 

“Holy fuck, yes. That feels so good,” you screamed out as you placed your hand on the side of his face. 

“So fuckin’ tight for me, yeah? Love the way I’m fuckin’ you?” He asked before taking in your lips with his quickly, and pulling away so you could answer him. 

“Mhm. So big. Just like that,” you said, feeling him every time he hit that lovely spot inside of you, making you moan loudly. 

“M’not gonna last,” he said, chest heaving deeply as continued thrusting. There was so much foreplay that happened before the fucking that he could’ve came with your gentle touch of your hand wrapped around his cock, and also because he hasn’t gotten a single bit of action in two years. 

“Me neither,” you agreed, bouncing the way you can as you met his thrusts. Harry’s tongue met one of your nipples as you continued your movements, trying to get both of you on edge of an orgasm. 

“Tell me what you need. Let me get you there,” he said, wanting to help you out. 

“Play with my clit,” you breathed out, and his hand immediately went in between you to rub your sensitive button. Once you felt his fingers on you, it didn’t take you long to reach your peak. “Oh... shit, H,” you let out, voice shaky as your orgasm surged through you, whimpering his name out into the air, not ashamed with how loud you were being, 

Harry took place of you, pounding into you as you rode your high. “There you go. That’s it, darling. Look so pretty cummin’ for me.” With sloppy thrusts, his orgasm rushed through him, finally releasing inside of you as groans came out and he smashed his face on the pillow. Moans of your name was practically all he knew as they came out muffled from the pillow. 

You pulled him into your chest to calm down from his high, and the hot and deep breaths against your skin made you warm up as you scratch his curly hair lightly. 

After a moment of being in each other’s arms, you felt his lips press against your collarbones, sucking the skin lightly. His head moved up to your neck, only kissing it as he knows not to leave love bites there because of work. 

He pulled his head back, laying his head next to you against the pillow as he lazily smiled, looking so fucked out as do you. You moved to cuddle into his side as he gladly took you into his arms. 

“That was amazing,” you said. 

“Really, really good,” he agreed. “Did I do your dream justice?” 

You giggled, completely forgetting that you started out telling him about your dream.

“Way better actually.” 

“Can’t believe you’re my girlfriend now,” an overwhelming feeling hits him as his face is in disbelief. 

“I can’t either. Do you think Bella would be happy?” You worriedly asked, hoping the little six year old, that you’ve grown to adore, would love to have you around often. 

“Please. She would be ecstatic. She loves you so much already. But how about we don’t tell her yet? Just have you around, so she could get used to you, and then we’ll tell her?” He suggested. 

“That’s actually a really great idea. I wanna make sure she likes me fully enough to tell her,” you said, and Harry nods his head, chuckling as you’re still not convinced Bella loves you already. 

“Can you believe after five years, we’re in this position?” 

You smiled fondly at the fact; you really couldn’t believe it nor would have guessed you would end up like this with Harry. But you knew all this time that he was a genuine person, and if he truly hated you from the beginning he wouldn’t have talked to you at all throughout the years. 

“It’s crazy, but I’m so happy,” you smiled at him, eyes gleaming with happiness as you placed your hand on his stubbled cheek.

“Me too. Does that mean you’re gonna stop stealing my mail?” He joked, making you laugh loudly; the voice echoing the room. He smiled at you as he watched you laugh, realizing that might be his one favorite sounds right next to you moaning his name. 

“Nah, I’m still gonna take your mail. But think I stole something else.” 

“What’s that?” 

“Well, I did steal your heart, right?” Harry blushed, a crimson red settling on his cheeks, and you gently pinched his cheek as you did the night prior. And he was right, he loved when you did that. 

“Who knew you would be cheesy,” he teased, and you playfully slapped his chest. “But yeah, you completely stole my heart.” You smiled, cuddling more into his che

As you two laid on his bed in each other’s arms, there was a comfortable feeling that you two felt, knowing that this has possibly got to be the most safe you both have ever felt. 

And as your chests pounded in sync, you thought that he had stolen your heart too, and you wouldn’t mind if he kept it. 

hope you loved it as much as i loved writing it! 

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[ohheyitsokay]

strike

part 3 of the ‘hey batter batter’ series

pairing: Francisco Morales (Frankie, Catfish) x reader

wordcount: 2k

warnings: extremely mild mentions of sex, unwanted advances that don’t get far (not by Frankie)

summary: it’s a Triple Frontier baseball au - trust me, you don’t need to know anything about baseball.

In this chapter, we learn that a ‘strike’ is when a batter misses the ball when he swings, even though he shouldn’t have. And some strikes don’t just happen during baseball.

>>

“Jimbo, I'm here!” You called as you kicked the door closed behind you, arms heavy with grocery bags. Your grandfather would be in the living room, no doubt impatiently waiting for you to unload so you could watch the baseball game together. It was a few states away, which meant the two of you could enjoy evening on the couch with affordable snacks and air conditioning. Games in person were more exciting, but climbing all those stairs wasn’t great for his knees, and it was nice to chat with him without the roar of the crowds.

There was a faint squeak to his favorite rocker, and you unloaded half the bags onto the coffee table – his favorite treats – before tossing the rest haphazardly into their places in his little kitchen. You raced the commercials, listening to the final advertisements with one ear as you hurried to get yourself settled, even though he was always happy to chat with you during the game. For these times with him, you hated to miss even a moment. The chair to the left of his was yours, newer and softer and it would have been the perfect evening, eating and catching up with your favorite man.

Except this was the first real opportunity for him to grill you about your unexpected lunch with his heroes. 

There had been laughter in his voice when you had tried to call him afterwards, and he had told you he would wait to hear the story. To him, even over the phone you couldn’t hide how flustered you were, just moments after Francesco’s eyes had been in yours. All things considered, he had been more than patient, so as you fidgeted and you kept your eyes on the screen, you told him what had happened as casually as you could.

It was the top of the first inning – the very beginning of the game, and his boys were mostly crowded into the dugout. Their fingers were grabbing fistfuls of sunflower seeds or pulling on batting gloves or hanging on the wire, watching as Will walked up to bat. There was a fun country song playing, and it was surreal, thinking it had just been a few days since he had tossed a chunk of fried food into the air and his brother had caught it in his mouth. James thoroughly enjoyed you story, laughing and for once not lecturing you about leaving them alone to live their lives. He seemed approving, proud of you for taking a change, and proud that the boys from his favorite team did his favorite granddaughter well. You answered this questions and indulged his excitement over the little things, trying not to reveal too much of your own daydream fodder. Thinking of Francisco’s eyes as he laughed at the Miller boys, you grabbed a pillow to give your hands something to hold onto, to ground yourself.

The camera panned over to Tom adjusting his cap and without thinking you winced. When you realized that James had caught the movement, you winced again.

You had to explain, then, the biggest detail that you had glossed over – the only one that would disappoint your grandfather. The outfielder had looked at you with confidence and hunger in his eyes. His fingers on your hand left cool, invisible lines, slimy like residue of the stadium cup holders.

James listened with sad eyes, before he was reaching over, gently squeezing your hand, and asking about Will’s family in town to find out if he knew a relative. It was kindness - changing the topic, rewarming the memory as he coaxed out more details of their interactions with you and each other, making you blush and laugh and smile.

The discomfort that had been lodged in your heart regarding the athlete  lessened as you remembered that they were all human. It had been clear the other players respected him, maybe even looked up to him, and that had to be good for something. Even though it had just been a lunch, a single moment in time, the assessments of a group of open hearted baseball players already held weight on your opinion.

As you began to tell James about a joke Santiagio had told, you noticed that Tom’s turn had come and gone, and he had struck out.

-

Every professional sports group had a second team, full of people who pushed papers and cleaned locker rooms and handled press conferences. One of these people was a woman who was in charge of sorting through and organizing special fan appearances.

Flipping through applications and mail, she would have hardly noticed the broad shoulders and hazel eyes of the man who entered, had he not kissed her breathless the night before.

For all they were on and off and she knew he was a player in all senses of the word, she couldn’t help but stand, and let his hands find her hips as he pressed into her.

“Hi, Tom,” she whispered, already dazed and adoring as his beard scraped at her neck, warm and insistent.

“Hey, babe,” he returned, absentmindedly, squeezing her hips before pulling away. There was something about his eyes, the way he held his head, like his shoulders were comfortable bearing the weight of others, like he’d prefer it that way, that made him seem like a natural born leader.

She knew him better. He had the crowds and the rookies and the managers and even his brothers on the team wrapped around his fingers - the perfect mentorship allusion, but she knew. There was another side to him, a darker side, filled to the brim with pride and arrogance and power. Of all the men who flashed smiles as they shook hands and carried kids on their shoulders for photos – he was the one who preened the most. There was a hunger in his eyes, even greater than when he’d love her, when a chance came for him to do an extra interview, put some senior input in, or take a newbie to his first after party.

Still, she loved him. Too much, maybe, but her mind whispered not enough, and she hungrily took what ever he would give her. There were always flowers and jewelry and coveted high-status sex in his apologies, anyway, and she knew he’d always come back to her, eventually. She knew better than to guess.

“What can I do for you?” she asked, star stuck in spite of it all, but knowing there must be something. His “cousin” had stocks in the team, or a certain string needed to be pulled. There was always something. 

When he asked for the number of a girl from a few weeks ago, there was an all-too-familiar twist in her gut.

“Tom, you know that information is confidential,” she whined, masking her fear, turning back towards her desk. It was infuriating how disarming, intoxicating, and how solid he felt behind her, how smooth his words felt on the shell of her ear.

“It’s for Benny, babe, he’s got it bad for her,” it was a lie, but she didn’t know it, and the knot in her stomach loosened a little. His hand slipped under her blouse and it came undone, submitting entirely to the façade.

“Let me help the little guy out.” For all his charisma, she wanted desperately to believe he was sincere, so she did. Her hands started steady as she opened a thick binder and began flipping through the glossy dividers. She moved as slow as she could, hopelessly savoring his touch, knowing when it was gone, the unpleasant feelings would be just as strong.

But it didn’t take long to find you number and hand it over, and exchange more heated kisses and half promises before he slipped out.

The woman settled in her chair again, fingers tracing the letters of your name, the knot reforming below her breastbone. She reached for her phone, telling herself it was a courtesy, to give you a heads up.

-

When a player was about to steal second base, you always wondered if Santiago Garcia could tell, without even looking. If he could feel it in his bones, or if the hairs on the back his neck rose, against his sweat.

If he could, that was exactly how you would feel now, walking into the bar to see only Tom Davis waiting for you. The building was dim, strategically chosen by Will, allegedly, so they could drink in peace. As before however, there was no hiding the silhouette of a man like him, not when he was oozing confidence like sap from a tree.  

When he had called you, it had been so shocking you had agreed without thinking. It was surreal, but like following a trail of candy through a forest, not at all like the knights in shining armor of before.

He swung his arm around, cocky smile across his face, and you shook his hand.

There could not have been a more awkward boundary made, but he laughed it off as you considered turning tail and running. It was ridiculous, but you couldn’t help how guarded you felt alone with him, so you turned to the polished woof of the bar and ordered a lemonade. It would buy you time, anyway, to reassess. 

You had always thought of baseball players as beer guys, but he had a short glass of something gold and expensive, as if he were trying to prove a point. Slipping onto the stool next to him, you set your bag in between you like a wall. He was broad and he pulled close, making you almost press against his side, giving you the opportunity to realize his skin almost cold. Slow sips reminded you that there was no basis for your feelings, and you were the one being strange. 

It wasn’t bad, talking to him. You chided yourself internally, thinking you made unfair assumptions. Really, he was a nice guy. He talked highly of his friends, even defending their lateness, taking the blame for the mix-up. It felt like one of those interviews your grandfather would watch sometimes, the way he could go on about himself and somehow tell you nothing at all. Fighting your instincts to give short, guarded answers, you found yourself sharing about your life more than you expected. Not a lot, but not nothing either.

It was awkward and nice, not unlike a first date and when his large hand covered yours, it didn’t feel half as slimy as before.

A spider’s web was feather-light, so subtle it was almost impossible to feel until it was too late.

His eyes were sharp and deep and certain as he shifted closer, and you felt dazed, despite all the alcohol you hadn’t consumed.

When he leaned in, though, a thought struck you. With his deep hazel eyes, the perfect beard, and tanned skin, he looked like a prince. Not our prince, though, it was just someone else’s fairytale.

Clarity and your own confidence warmed you like a jacket one rainy day, and you touched Tom’s cheek, holding his face at enough of a distance. You shed the web before it stuck and something flickered in his eyes – doubt, maybe, or something like fear, as you spoke the most prominent thought on your mind. 

“What about Molly?”

-

When he heard you, again speaking words that weren't meant for his ears, warm pride shot through his chest.

That’s my girl.

Of course you weren’t, but it felt like you were.

You turned to him like you knew he was there, hand leaving Tom’s stunned face to wave at the grinning catcher.

Frankie had been at war with himself across the bar as he looked towards the two of you, heart wrenching. He had seen from the far side the room first how close you were to the other man. It was unreasonably terrifying to see that you weren't immune, to see you consider his friend. Then he saw how non responsive you’d become to Redfly, how politely you regarded him as he lathered on the charm. By the time he reached the two of you, he found you fully awake, handling it yourself.

When the woman had called you, her voice had betrayed something. It was formal conversation, just admitting she had shared your contact information, and disclosing that it was Tom, and he’d made it clear you guys were friends. Her tone, however, told you she was territorial and jealous, but also desperate, longing. It felt right to get out of the way – that’s what you and she wanted and you sort of thought that’s actually what he wanted, too. He was moving away from you, still processing, trying to play off the moment, and even more than pity, you felt a touch sad for them.

Still, you were impressed you were able to manage yourself. It was the same confidence that had filled you when you stood up for James, a confidence that came from a feeling that whispered something good was coming, something well worth the boldness.

When you felt a warm presence at your side, you felt even more sure. It felt wonderful, the way Francisco was looking at you. It was too early to read into it, but you were sure you wanted him to look at you like that again - like you were capable of telling mountains to move.

You smiled up at him, relieved, and he couldn’t help but beam back, wanting to hug you. He wasn’t feeling quite brave enough yet, but there was a resolve settling in his heart. There was no way he was going to leave your side tonight. 

The other guys came quickly. Each of them was excited to see you again, and you pretended not to notice them shooting confused glances at Redfly when he slipped outside to spit on the ground and stare at the sky. 

It didn’t take long for him to rejoin you, anyway, and his shoulders seemed lighter, his eyes just a little more thoughtful. 

The group as a whole accepted you into their fold like they needed you, like each one of them had missed you when you were gone, like you missed them, like you belonged there from the start.

You had no idea how long the daydream would last, but in that moment it didn’t feel like it mattered at all. Collecting stories for James even faded as a priority as you just enjoyed the feeling of the glass in your hands, the laughter in the air, and teasing the men like they were just boys. Even after the last half hour, it was easy to trust Will’s sincere tone, and Ben’s eager blue eyes. The others were grounded at your side, steady and comforting - you felt yourself open like a flower to the sun. 

There was something about the shape of the catcher at your side, safe and warm, like his presence was reaching for yours, aching with yours. Through the stories and the jokes you relished it, and his eyes made it clear that you weren’t alone. And even though the universe made it abundantly clear that you had no idea what would happen next, you didn’t feel any need to hurry. Fate seemed to know what she was doing.

In the darkness of the bar, only Santiago’s eyes saw Frankie’s hand find the small of your back.

<<

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[ckbookish]

BATMAN BINGO MASTER POST 2020

1 "I thought you were dead.": I Still See Your Ghost 

Today was just not Dick's day. First he overslept his alarm and was late to work. Amy had been less than impressed at his tardiness... Then He had bungled what should have been an easy take town... But the straw that broke the camel's back was Tim. Dick had forgotten to call Tim. 

2 Friendly fire: Fratricide 

Jason was pissed. No, Jason was enraged. Yeah, he was enraged at the whole mess his family-- if that’s even what they were to each other anymore-- had gotten him in. It was meant to be a simple night. Break in. Torch the drugs. Maybe shoot a couple of people and go home. But no, Batman heard about his plans and decided that arson was too extreme. “Someone could get hurt.” Well someone had gotten hurt, a lot of someones. 

3 Hypothermia: Weekend Commute 

Dick Grayson makes his way home during the first snow fall of the year, when he finds himself confused and cold, miles from home.

Chapter two Bruce's perspective.

4 Superman: Bringer of the Dawn

The Aftermath of when the Joker shoots Dick.

or

Where do you go when your family tells you to get out?

5 Shot: The Gratitude Trap

Bruce finds himself in the dark, a place he never thought he would be when it came to Clark Kent and Dick Grayson. Yet here he is digging for answers, because he is too scared to pick up the phone and call. 

6 Two-face: The Better Choice 

How do you reconcile the man who was once your friend with the monster he has become? Bruce reflects on how the man he once called his best friend changed. How could the man who helped him foster Dick, hold that baseball bat? 

7 Drowning: Omori’s Law

Deep in the sewer's under Gotham, Batman is trapped. There is no back up, no Robin. He is faced with the single truth that he tried to teach each of his partners... You have to save yourself. 

  8 Found Family: A Restoration from a Resilient Heart

Dick just wants to not be alone with the shadows in the house. Bruce doesn't realize he has lived with them for far to long, and maybe he doesn't have to anymore.

9 Adoption: The Irrefutable Truth

When he reached the reception, he found himself looking around a fairly empty room. There were a few call girls in the corner filling out forms, an older woman holding a dog, a kid that looked about twelve and a middle aged man who looked like he was ready to cry. He knew no one. Dick was about to turn around and head back to his desk when the on duty officer called out to him. Officer O’Conner was one of his fellow rookies, he had a thick accent. Dick thought he might be from Louisiana. “Grayson! Why didn’t you say your brother was coming to see you?” Dick looked at him with his mouth slightly open. There was no way he heard that right. “My what?” 

10 Bruises: Mr. Wayne

Tim is new to this. He's only been Robin for a little over six months. It was going well. But now he was going to be fired. Batman wouldn't want a partner who got caught at school with a black eye. Would he?

11 Bruce is dead: You Have One Saved Message 

Gotham gossip columns spread lies and smear good people's names. But yet Damian can't help but think maybe this mornings article was true.  That despite all his claims of being the true son of Bruce Wayne, he was in fact the only unwanted one.

12 CPR: Vital Signs 

Robin wakes to find him and Batman in an exploded factory. With Batman injured and the building burning around them, Dick struggles to get them both to safety.   

13 Dad:  Storge 

Bruce could have sworn his spirit had left him momentarily.  The sudden hollowness that filled him couldn’t be explained in any other way. 

 “Your dad must have his hands full with you.”  Elizabeth Ribbons leaned forward and patted Dick’s shoulder, as he reached for yet another slice of cheesecake from a passing waiter’s tray.  

Bruce fixed his eyes on the ice sculpture that hid him from view.  It suddenly seemed like the most interesting design in the world.  The soft lines of the ice on the otherwise insignificant over sized swan seemed like a lead shield...  Because Dick would read it easily in his expression. He wanted to be Dick’s dad.  But he wasn’t. 

14 Stealing the Batmobile: T-Minus Six Hours

Some days Tim is sure that he’s gonna be killed. Usually it’s some luck shot or near miss that made his life flash before his eyes. Not today though. Today he was positive Bruce was going to kill him. Yes, today was the day that Timothy Jackson Drake was going to be put down. He’s not sure that even Nightwing could save him. He was going to go down in history as the first sidekick to be murdered by their mentor. Because the Batmobile was definitely not where he’d parked it.

15 Wayne Enterprises: Amidst the Absence of Meaning 

Bruce is worried. He's running on less than three hours of sleep, and way too many cups of coffee. He had messed up. That much was obvious. The question was would Dick forgive him?

A gruesome night on patrol bleeds into Bruce's work day and now all he can wonder is if this is the thing that will push Dick over the edge? Had he finally seen to much pain?

16 Ransom: Sum of My Worth

The ring of the phone seemed to echo through the manor’s still too quiet long, winding halls, and everyone present collectively held their breath. Bruce lunged for the phone.   

17 Secret Injury: Hiding in Pain Sight

“What?” Dick asked sharper than he meant to. He was tired.

“Nothing.” Tim said with a small smirk. “Heavy is the head.”

Dick closed his eyes, glad that Tim couldn’t see them. He was so sick of this. Tim, Jason, Damian and Cass all didn’t think he was good enough, well Cass hadn’t said that, but Dick could read her. They didn’t think he was up to the job. Well they didn’t need to tell him that. He knew it.

18 Superboy: An Interlude in Breathing 

Tim looked out over the water in a daze. Bruce and Dick had gone somewhere below deck and he was alone. Well there were strangers on the ship mingling and talking excitedly--but Tim gave them no notice. Instead he watched the water lap up against the hull and crash down back to meet the dark, cold waters. They were far enough out that he could no longer see the shore. It was just endless expenses of sea and sky. Something tickled his neck and he started, only to realize he had been crying. It was only a tear slipping under his collar.

The days after the battle of Infinite Crisis

19 Betrayed: Smother

She took another drag of the cigarette, letting the smoke roll in her lungs for a long moment before allowing it hiss out between her teeth. The screams from the warehouse weren’t completely muffled by the distance, or the walls. Perhaps she was only imagining them. But then, sounds like that, she didn’t think she could dream up. She jumped after a particularly high pitched yelp. “Get a grip.” She dropped the cigarette and pulled out another. Her hand shook as she lit it. “It’s just some random kid. He’s not--” She bit back a sob. She didn’t deserve to cry. She had no right to tears, not when it was her fault.   

20 Crowbar: Breaklights

The mail fell to the ground and the paper smacked the tiles hard.  The sound in reality couldn’t have been all that loud, but it seemed to echo around the entryway.  Bruce didn’t look at the dropped bills and the invitation to a fundraiser for the new Gotham women’s shelter.  He was too fixated on the small stamp with the queen of England's head on it.  Wolverhampton.  

The large envelope was far heavier then it should have been.  Bruce could feel bile crawling up his throat.  

He had forgotten.

21 Deathstroke: Debts and Dues

There were some things that were never pleasant, getting caught in the snow without socks, losing your keys, and not being able to remember the name of a song. Having a gun pointed at your chest, Dick felt, qualified as extremely unpleasant. He stood stock still. The barrel of the gun was still hot, it burned slightly as it dug into his sternum. Even with his uniform he could still feel the heat left over from previous rounds fired. He didn’t flinch. He couldn’t flinch. “Move.” “You know I can’t.” Dick wondered if Slade had the guts to do it.   

22 Mission Gone Wrong: Murmur in the Quiet Hours

Superman? Clark froze. He knew that voice. But-- he had never heard it sounding so sad. Was that-- no. Clark dove for his phone, still on the counter from when he got home last night. The screen was black. Dead. Clark swore and dropped it. He was in his coat and shoes before it hit the counter top.   

23 Kidnapped:  Chum 

Dick trumped through the leaves, stopping his feet roughly. He relished the sound of the crunch beneath his shoes as he tread on the brown, dead leaves before him. He felt rather justified in his satisfaction. After all the world had taken so much from him, why wouldn’t he do his best to crush it in return. The woods were cool and as he went deeper into them they grew darker. The sun had long set, and the sky was quickly vanishing as the trees grew thicker. Wayne Manor was far behind him. He was never going back. He hated those pristine walls, those old floor boards. He hated the quiet. He hated the stuffy furniture and the rules and the vases and pictures. He hated his new guardian and that… that… Dick couldn’t remember what Alfred was called, but he hated it. The bag on his back felt heavy. It had everything Dick owned in it. Well and a toothbrush that Alfred had given him. But he didn’t think that was really stealing. 

24 Riddler: Seeking Silence on Shortwaves

Normally Dick would be happy to listen to Tim talk. In fact, Dick thought it was one of his favorite sounds in the world. Tim rarely allowed himself to be excited about things. Hearing him speak so freely and openly to Bruce and him about his plans was refreshing. Dick only wished it wouldn’t be at the cost of his life.

Batman hadn't always been so strict about talking unnecessarily over comms. When it was just two of them it hadn't mattered, their walkie talkie system had always worked. But now that Nightwing and Robin were in Gotham, it seems insane that they never realized: if only one person can talk over the radio at a time... how could they call for help?

25 Mr. Freeze: Glimpsing the Sun While Trapped in the Rime

He almost called Bruce between his fourth and fifth class. He pulled his phone out, leaning against his locker, and half dialed his number when a warm hand fell on his shoulder. “Hey.” Dick spun around and blinked back black spots as his body protested the sudden movement. A blaze of red hair filled his vision and Dick felt a small fire build in his chest. His face split into a wide smile.

After a run in with Mr. Freeze Dick finds himself feeling odd at school, but he can't go home, not when Barbara's asked him to drive her to Betty's party after school.