#I could see why they were so AMAZING and perfect!!

[finelinevogue]

request for harry since the hrought has gone far too long i fear. okay but have you seen the pap photos of dua lipa and callum turner at a restaurant or of them in paris and they look like they’re in a romcom? i just thought idea would be great 🫂

worth the wait

omg omg yes yes!!! thank you so much for sending this in eeekkk!!!

word count - 1.4k

pairing - harry styles x gf!reader

Is Harry Styles finally settling down with childhood friend Y/N L/N?

“What are you reading?”

Harry walked through the balcony doors and onto the small terrace where you were reading the morning newspaper.

The morning was beautiful.

You and Harry had woken up in the romantic city of Paris. Your hotel room was on a quaint Parisian street and was high up enough to see the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

The little balcony was only big enough to store a garden table and two chairs, along with a couple of decorative plant pots. It was the perfect place to have a slow morning with your boyfriend.

“The morning newspaper.” You said as you ate your way through a croissant. Your cappuccino was half drunk and your glass of orange juice nearly finished.

“The newspaper? They still make those?” Harry joked.

“Harry, love. You are so out of touch with the world.”

He carefully shoved your head away from him in retaliation for your teasing.

He smelt like coconut and something sweet after his shower. His hair was still a little damp on the top and his cheeks still rosy from the heat of the bathroom.

Harry took a pastry for himself and poured out his own coffee.

The hotel service was amazing here but the food was even better. Last night you’d gotten back late from having dinner out and you were both in the mood for ice-cream. So you ordered ice-cream and the next thing you knew there was a knock at the door with a porter delivering a build-your-own ice-cream sundae.

“So listen to this…”

Harry took a bite out of his pastry but looked at you to let you know he was listening.

“Harry Styles is finally settling down to childhood friend Y/N. After 10 years of being together will the city of love finally be where Styles pops the all-important question?” You read from the newspaper and showed him the pictures the paps had taken of you two from last night.

“Right.” Harry nodded.

You popped the newspaper onto the table and sat back against the chair with your cappuccino. You raised an eyebrow at Harry.

“So…?” You asked.

“So what?”

“The all-important question? You thinking about it?” You prompted.

“You know the answer to that.”

Yes, you did.

You and Harry constantly talked about the big future ‘what-if’s’. Would you get married? Are you having children? Where do you want to settle? All your late night talks consisted of these little questions that felt so big.

Getting married was of course one of them and it was something that you brought up more often now that you’d been together for a decade.

Neither of you had felt like you had to rush your relationship into the next stage until you were both ready. The timing had never been right with Harry’s ridiculously busy schedule, but now… Now you had all the time in the world and you wondered what might be next.

“Okay.”

That’s all you said and you both left it at that.

Which is why you had the shock of your life the next day.

<.><.><.>

“C’mon.” You laughed as you dragged Harry from the pavement and into the middle of the square.

The square was right beneath the Eiffel Tower, which was twinkling its lights every so often.

Loads of people had stopped to watch, clap along and even dance to this man that was playing the accordion. It was so very French.

Harry couldn’t say no to you of course.

You led him into the square and immediately started dancing with him. You stepped on his toes more times than you could count, and it was more of a swaying motion with some twirls rather than dancing.

It both made you laugh though.

You both kept smiling even when everyone banded together to form some formation and everyone started swapping dance partners. At one point Harry was dancing with an old man and you were dancing with a little girl.

Everyone cheered as the man finished playing.

It was late at night and the dancing had worn you out, but you still wanted a couple more moments to enjoy this happiness with Harry.

He led you to a set of steps that led down to a viewing platform for the Eiffel Tower. You sat near the top so you could see the twinkling lights of the city below. It was so beautiful.

The steps were wide enough for Harry to sit behind you on one, with you sitting between his legs against his chest. Harry’s arms draped over your shoulders to hold you close against him.

“That was so fun.” You were still laughing.

“I’m glad.” He kissed your cheek.

Harry hadn’t stopped smiling ever since you had started smiling, but that was usually the case.

“You feel inspired to make music like that?”

Harry laughed and you felt his body shake behind you, “I’ll never be half the musician that guy was.”

“Don’t be silly.” You pouter, turning to face him, “You’re the best musician I’ve ever heard.”

“You’re a little biased, my love. Hm?” He suggested.

You furrowed your eyebrows and shook your head in disagreement.

“You’re the best. End of.” You sealed your statement with a soft kiss to his lips, only quick because you and Harry were both super conscious about PDA. Not even just because of the paps, but more because you found overt displays of affection really cringe and awkward.

You turned back around to face the city.

Your hands went up to fiddle with Harry’s fingers. He had gotten into the style of taking off his rings recently, so his fingers were bare and bony.

“Y/N.”

“Mhm.”

“I have something to ask you.” Harry said, resting his chin on your shoulder so your cheeks were near each other. It was like he didn’t want anyone else catching wind of this conversation so he had to be as close as possible.

“Yeah? Oh, actually, if it’s anything to do with what to get me for Valentine’s day then no need. I’ve already added it to our Amazon basket, you just need to click buy.” You explained.

If Harry didn’t feel ready before then that comment of yours certainly sealed the deal.

“Will you marry me?”

Your head instantly shot around to face him, nearly taking him out in the process. Harry laughed when he saw the excitement on your face.

You just looked at him and locked eyes with his.

You wanted one final moment to look at him as you boyfriend before everything changed for the better.

Harry smiled at you apprehensively.

The city lights were reflecting in his eyes as he waited for your answer. He already knew - or at least hoped he knew - your answer, but hearing you say it was going to be even better.

You nodded your head softly before answering.

“Yeah.” You cleared your throat, “Yes! Yes! Of course. Yes I’ll marry you.”

You threw your arms around his neck in the twisted position you were sitting in. Harry chuckled against you as his whole body inflated with excitement and adoration over you saying yes. It was one thing to hear you talk about it hypothetically, but hearing it in the real moment was everything.

Your face buried into his neck and you left some kisses there, because you didn’t want to properly kiss him in the middle of Paris.

You untucked yourself after a minute or two.

“You finally asked.”

“Nearly ruined it yesterday morning when you were reading that ruddy newspaper.” Harry joked and you laughed in remembrance. You’d almost forgotten about that already, but now it would be part of the story.

“Did you always plan to ask me here?”

“Well you said you hated the dramatic proposals but you also didn’t want it to be just a passing comment. I thought Paris mixed with a quiet conversation would be kind of perfect?”

“It was. I mean it still is!”

“I love you. Thank you for being patient with me and waiting for me to ask.”

You’d had that conversation before as well. Harry was anxious that you’d grow tired of waiting for him and move on with someone else, but you would never. Could never. Your heart was always going to belong to his.

“You’ll always be worth the wait.”

“Likewise.”

You settled back into him, tucked against his body as you marvelled at the moment.

“We’re engaged.” You whispered, slightly in shock.

“I have a ring back at the hotel. Want to go get it?”

“No. Just a couple more minutes like this.”

Harry completely understood what you meant.

Both of your lives had been constant and rushed ever since the day you’d met, so when moments like this came along you both had learnt to appreciate to live in them a little longer. So you did.

[traveler-at-heart]

Doctor's In - Part 14

Summary: The universe (and some people) conspire to reunite you with Wanda.

“Y/N” Wanda says, and your heart beats faster.

“Hey. Hi. How…”

How are you? is such an idiotic question to ask. You clear your throat, running your fingers through your hair.

“What’s up?”

Ok, that’s worse.

“Sorry for bothering you, I wasn’t… I wasn’t thinking clearly. Tommy ran away…”

“Wait, he what? Hold on, I’ll call you when I’m at the airport”

“No, no” Wanda pleads, regretting her choice of words. “He’s safe. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you”

“Ok. Maybe lead with that next time?” you sigh, collapsing in the sofa.

Wanda laughs and it makes your heart swoon. And ache.

“You’re right, I’m so sorry. Like I said… I wondered if he might have been in touch with you or something and that’s why I called. But he’s safe now”

“I haven’t spoken to them since I left” you say in a small voice, and Wanda falls silent for a moment.

“They ask about you all the time”

“I think about them all the time”

And about you.

“Anyways. Sorry for scaring you and interrutpting”

“Just watching a movie” you say, knowing she’s referring to Natasha. Though you don’t owe her an explanation.

You both stay silent and you have to hold back tears.

“Uh, sorry about leaving my stuff. I could get someone to pick them up. I’m not going back to Westview until Carol’s wedding in April” you say.

“No, that’s fine. Don’t worry about it, leave them here and just come over when you’re in town” Wanda says, disappointed to hear that you don’t have any immediate plans to come back to Westview.

“Ok, thanks. I should…”

“I follow Jenny on instagram” Wanda says, clearly ignoring your attempt to end the conversation.

“Really?” you play dumb. “You know I don’t have social media, so we just text”

“She posted a picture of you. And your brother I assume?”

“Zach, yeah. She’s applying to NYU, so we had a weekend there. The usual, Broadway, baseball. It was fun”

“It looked like fun, yeah” Wanda nods, remembering how much joy it brought her to see you again.

You looked fine. A little tired, but the smile was there, maybe because your sister was hugging you close while your brother made a face.

Of course they’d love you, even if you hadn’t been in contact for years. You are amazing.

And Wanda fucked it up. She stares at the ring, still thinking about whether or not to tell you she found it.

“Y/N…”

There’s the distinct sound of a pager and you sigh.

“Great. I’m sorry, I have to go”

“I understand” Wanda says. “You take care of yourself now, ok?”

“Bye, Wanda”

You hang up, because you can’t stand the idea of saying goodbye to her. Is this really how it ends? A stupid phone conversation and you taking back boxes of clothes in a few months.

You wish you could call her back and tell her this is bullshit, she was an ass and so were you, but you can work through it.

But you don’t, because you’re scared of what she has to say.

So you leave for work, thinking about her voice, her laugh, her lips on your skin.

And how the memories are all that’s left of your life together.

—

Wanda stares at the phone. Just when she had gathered the courage to tell you about the ring, you hung up.

Maybe it was for the best.

What would you even say? That you planned on proposing and then Wanda ruined everything? Hurt you, destroyed your relationship beyond repair.

Knowing about the ring didn’t change things, not on your side.

Wanda sat on the porch, holding on to the ring box. She opens it again, amazed at how beautiful and perfect it is. It was obvious you had put so much thought into picking the right ring.

“Señor Scratchy!” Agatha calls for him, around the corner. “Why didn’t Rio give me a freakin fish instead? Hey, Wanda”

“Hi, Agatha. Your bunny again?”

“Yeah, he likes to escape. Heard you have one of those as well” she smiles, referring to Tommy.

“How did you…?”

“Oh, haven’t you heard” the woman keeps chatting as she looks around, hoping to spot the animal. “Your mom and I are besties. I was just with Mrs. Davies”

Of course.

“I think he’s right here” Wanda thinks she spots the bunny, moving forward. She tries to catch him with both hands, but ends up dropping the box, revealing the ring.

“Damn, that’s nice” Agatha whistles, picking it up and examining it. “Family heirloom?”

“No, not exactly” Wanda shakes her head, picking up the bunny and hugging him close to her chest.

Agatha sits next to her, still looking at the ring.

“So, she was proposing. Come on, it doesn’t take a genius to know” she says when Wanda gives her a look.

“God, I screwed up so bad” Wanda shakes her head. “She left for good and I won’t ever be able to fix this”

“Did she really?”

“What?”

“Leave? For good. Don’t you have all her clothes here? If she was done, she would have taken them out, changed her number, thrown the ring into the river” Agatha argues, placing the box down.

“I hurt her too much. She’ll never forgive me”

“Are we talking about the same Y/N? The one that brought medicine to that old lady down the street even if she was a homophobic demon?”

“Agatha, don’t speak ill of the dead” Wanda says, though Mrs. Miller was the worst person she ever met.

“Well, she’s in a warmer place now. But anyway! That’s not the point. You can stay here and cry all day or you can at least try. You’re assuming the worst and that’s what led you here, isn’t it?”

“Well…”

“Get your sorry ass from the floor and do something about it, Maximoff! Get the girl back” Agatha says, shaking Wanda by the shoulders.

“Ok, ok! I’ll think of something”

“Good girl. Now hand me back my bunny. We’re past our bedtime”

—

Darcy’s walking down the hallway when she gets a text from you.

Y/N: Out on a sidequest, call you later. Love ya

“Who does she think she is, deciding when I get to scold her?” she complains. The brunette is so busy typing out a response that she misses the man that almost crashes into her.

“So sorry. I’m looking for Chief Fury”

“Job interview?” she says, arching her eyebrow.

“Yes, for Head of Trauma”

“Right. Well, I’m sorry that no one told you before, but that position’s been taken. Better luck next time…” she dismisses the man, the way she’s been tricking the few people who have been meeting the chief.

Darcy’s always looking for a way to sabotage the interviews, either by lying and saying the position’s closed or by feeding them false information. Like Fury likes to be greeted with two kisses, one on each cheek.

That was a fun day.

The man walks away, and she’s about to reply to you when someone calls her from the corner.

“Psss”

Darcy looks around, her eyes meeting Rio’s. This is gonna be interesting.

“What’s up, girl?”

“I know someone who is looking to form an alliance… to bring Y/N back” she whispers, and then smiles like a psycho. “She wants to speak to you”

“If it’s Wanda…”

“Nope. Do you agree to a meeting? I’ll set it up”

Darcy thinks about it for a second, considering if it’s worth it. She should at least get to know her potential ally.

“Fine. But I’m not meeting them in a dark alley”

“I’ll arrange it”

Darcy is about to change her mind when Chief Fury calls for her. In the split second it takes her to look back at her boss, Rio has completely vanished.

“You wouldn’t happen to have seen a doctor that was coming for an interview?”

“No, and boy, look at the time, it’s appy hour at Stark Hospital!” she glances at her wrist watch. “See ya around, boss!”

“You can’t keep sending them home, Lewis! We need a new Head of Trauma” Fury says.

“Totally, good luck with that!”

—

“Ready?”

“No” you say, refusing to leave the dressing room. You see Darcy typing but then her text is never sent. She’s probably working.

Which is what you’d rather be doing instead of trying on dresses.

“Come out now” Natasha commands, and her tone leaves little room for argument.

“Fine”

You stumble awkwardly out of the changing room, not used to wearing dresses.

“I look stupid” you complain, and Natasha supresses a laugh. “I’m not going!”

That makes her jump.

“You look fine!”

“It’s not my style. And why are you picking out dresses for me?”

“Because I already have mine, and I know what will match” Natasha explains, handing you another one. “Try this one”

Before you can protest, Yelena jumps out, admiring herself on the mirror.

“My boobs look great in this!”

“Yeah, they do” you nod, which earns you a slap on the arm by Natasha. “Hey, I’m just being supportive. Unlike that bra she’s wearing”

“I’m not wearing a bra. I think it will look better that way” she comments.

“No, you just want to piss off mother” Natasha says, leaning against the wall. She waits until you step out to help pull your zipper up. “See? You clean up nice”

“I still don’t like it” you mutter. “I’m a pants kinda gal through and through”

Yelena has settled on her dress, which makes you feel pressured to pick something. So you just let Natasha decide and walk with her to the register.

“I’m paying for it”

“Nu-uh”

“You’re going as a favor to me”

“It’s an open bar, you will regret inviting me”

You try to reach for her hand and drop her credit card, but she’s faster. And infuriating. The struggle makes you lose your footing, dropping to the floor.

“You’re both idiots” Yelena steps over you to pay for her clothes.

As Natasha helps you up, you look at a shop across the street.

“Wow, those are pretty cool”

“Huh…” Natasha looks you up and down, evaluating the possibilities. “Leave that dress. We’re finding something else”

—

Wanda’s looking at her phone again. Ekaterina and Pietro share a look, knowing something’s up.

Everyone’s home today, even if it’s a school day. Considering everything that happened yesterday, Wanda thought it might be a good idea to let the kids stay, watch movies and have some family time.

Though she still has to go to a meeting with Laura. The book is getting published soon and there are events they have to plan, like readings at bookshops or libraries.

It was Wanda’s favorite part about releasing a new book. And the worst thing is she was looking forward to having you by her side, to share all the things that happen while doing it.

“Gotta go meet Laura. I won’t be long” she announces, and is pleasantly surprised when the twins rush to hug her goodbye. “Let’s all go out for dinner, what do you guys think?”

“Yeah, sounds fun” Tommy says, going back to the couch where he’s playing videogames with Pietro.

Before starting her drive, she breathes deeply and decides to just pull the plug. So, she sents you a message and hopes you’ll answer.

Wanda has to remind herself that you’re probably busy and that’s why there’s no reply when she parks outside of her friend’s office.

“Hey, how are you doing?” Laura goes straight to hug her. “I’m happy Tommy’s ok”

“Yeah, we’re all good. Just hoping things get better soon”

“Of course. Honestly, we don’t have to talk about the promo tour today, you should go home and spend time with them, Wanda”

“No, that’s fine. I could use the distraction” she nods, pulling out her laptop.

For the next hour, they go over the calendar, deciding which events will take priority. It’s a month and a half away, but Wanda knows time flies when you have to meet a deadline.

“There’s one last thing” Laura says, trying to sound normal. “And listen, just give it some thought, ok?”

“What is it?”

“You know Wendy Lawson, right?”

“The legendary author? Of course I do. Who doesn’t?”

“She’s working on a new book, and she asked specifically about you to illustrate it” Laura says, with a very distinct lack of enthusiasm.

“Ok, that’s amazing! That’s every artist’s dream. Why are you making it sound like a bad thing?” Wanda says, confused.

“Well, here’s the thing. She doesn’t want to just do everything over video calls or anything else. Wendy is asking for you to go back and forth to review designs in person. And it’s right before the tour, so… it’s gonna be a hassle”

Wanda realises a second later that Wendy Lawson is currently living in Boston.

“I’ll do it” she says, her mind racing with ideas.

She could go and look for you, try to talk face to face. Fix everything, or at the very least try.

This seems like more than a coincidence.

It’s meant to be.

“Really? What about the kids?”

“Well, it doesn’t look like my mother is planning on leaving anytime soon. And seeing as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity…”

“Yeah, it is. Alright, then let’s set up a meeting with her team. I do think you have to speak with her editor first, but they’ll be happy to fly you to Boston” Laura says, shocked that it took no effort to convince Wanda. This really was a great opportunity, but all things considered, she was expecting a very firm no on her friend’s side.

“Great” Wanda says, putting her things away. “It’s settled then”

She feels very optimistic once she gets in the car.

It’s even better when you finally reply to her text.

The music’s loud as she drives home, but for the first time it isn’t to keep her from thinking about you. It’s just because she’s happy.

—

Darcy’s not sure this is a good idea.

She’s sitting at the diner like Rio told her, with her back to the door.

“Whatever you do, don’t look at the people coming in. They want to remain in the shadows” Rio had said with a somber expression.

Maybe it was all a prank.

But still, she hears the door open and close, and then someone is sitting on the booth behind her, and she’s back to back with her mysterious ally.

“Doctor Darcy Lewis?” a woman says.

“Yes” Darcy frowns. “Who am I speaking to?”

“That is not important, Doctor Lewis. What’s important is that we share a common goal”

“Bring Y/N back”

“With Wanda” the mystery woman adds.

“Now wait a minute!” Darcy snaps, ignoring the warning of not looking at the woman. “Nu-uh. I don’t give a damn if she gets back with Wanda. In fact, I don’t think she deserves her, not after all the shitty things she said to my friend”

“Love is complicated, Doctor”

“Is it now, Mrs. Maximoff?” Darcy glares.

The woman sighs, moving to Darcy’s booth and sitting in front of her.

“How did you know?”

“Gut feeling. Plus you have the same eyes” the brunette crosses her arms, ready to continue arguing. “Like I said, I want my friend back because this is where she belongs. Whatever the deal is between her and Wanda is none of my concern. Especially because she’s the reason Y/N left in the first place”

“And you don’t think they can fix it?” the woman asks. It sounds like she really wants to know, considering Darcy is your best friend and knows you better than anyone.

And truth is, you were really happy with Wanda. It felt like you had found a place in the world, with a family that loved you.

“Maybe. I know Y/N still loves Wanda. That’s why she ran away. She was probably scared to ask Wanda to work it out and have her slam the door in her face”

“Yes, well, my daughter isn’t particularly good at dealing with rejection either” Ekaterina sighs.

“Fine. If it means I get my best friend back I can work with you. But I won’t put in a good word for Wanda unless I’m convinced she’ll do better”

“That’s fair”

“So, let’s get some food. Seems like we have a lot of planning to do” Darcy says, smiling at the other woman.

—

It’s all moving surprisingly fast. As in, Wanda already has a flight booked for Friday, returning early Saturday.

Her mother takes the news surprisingly well.

“Mama, if it’s too much work I’m sure I can get a babysitter…”

“A stranger to look after my boys!” Ekaterina sighs, exasperated. “I’m not that old, malyshka. I can handle it for two days”

“Alright, if you’re sure…”

“Yes. Now I have to take my daily walk. Come, little dog” she calls for Sparky, who is eager to get out of the house.

There’s a reason behind it, though. She needs to call her secret ally and update her on the news.

“Darcy here” the brunette greets. “I know you’re calling to scold me, but I haven’t been able to convince her to come back for Carol’s fake bridal shower”

“That won’t be necessary. Wanda’s going to Boston”

“Damn, you’re good. How did you get her to do it?” Darcy says.

“Oh, the universe works in mysterious ways. It’s actually something about work but it might be a good chance for them to meet. Can you find out what Y/N is doing this week? I’ll try to convince Wanda to meet her”

“Wait, when did you say she was going to Boston?”

“Oh… you heard already” Kate Bishop comes out of nowhere. “I-I’m sorry, I meant to tell you sooner, and it’s only going to be a week, I promise I’ll come back”

“Bishop, what are you babbling about?” Darcy interrupts, frowning. She’s definitely not as patient as you were with the resident.

“I thought you knew about me going to Boston for a few days. Just to observe the kidney transplant. Yelena invited me”

“Ok, hold on. Ekaterina, we have someone on the inside”

“Inside of what? You Americans and your vulgar…”

“Gotta call you back” Darcy hangs up, pulling Kate along. “Ok, tell me everything you’re supposed to do. If you want Y/N back to teaching you, you have to agree to be our doble agent”

“Our?”

“That’s not important” Darcy dismisses her question. “Now speak”

—

Wanda: Do you have a moment to chat?

Y/N: Hey, I’m going to join a surgery. Can call in a few hours.

Y/N: Everything ok?

Wanda has been texting you here and there to ask about small stuff. It’s always something related to things you were in charge of, like Sparky’s vet appointments or her car’s maintenance.

If it makes her life easier, you’re more than happy to help. It’s the least you could do.

Except today. She texted early and you honestly didn’t check your phone. Now calls aren’t coming through either.

“Hey, Kate” you greet at the front desk, still looking at your phone. “Checked my post ops yet? There’s this guy in room 1045 that I need to…”

Wait a damn minute.

You finally look up.

“Hi” your former resident greets with a smile and you finally snap out of it.

This is Boston. Kate doesn’t work here.

“What are you… is Darcy here?” you look around, knowing your friend is capable of kidnapping you if that’s what it takes.

“No, I’m here because Yelena invited me to see the kidney transplant” she rushes to explain. “Also, hi Doctor Y/L/N. It’s good to see you”

“Call me Y/L, I’m not your superior anymore. And yeah, right back at you” you smile at her. You’re about to say goodbye as you have some patients to check still but she speaks again.

“We all miss you. Barnes and Doctor Lewis fight all the time”

“That sounds about right. I miss everyone too” you admit with a sad smile. “Anyway, gotta check on post ops. See you there”

It’s a little freaky, to see Kate in the midde of a hospital that is not Stark. Like you’re having deja vu or something. It almost feels like you’ll run into Darcy next, or get a surprise visit from Wanda to drop off some cookies.

Stop it.

You need to focus. All eyes are on the hospital for the next few days as they’ll perform the second xenotransplant. It’s amazing, really. A genetically-edited pig kidney into a living recipient.

And although you’re not in the surgical team, you are allowed in the OR to observe and help.

“You’ll never believe who I ran into” you say when you spot Natasha. “Kate. She said Yelena invited her”

“Huh. Do you think that she’s also her date to the gala?” Natasha frowns. In that precise moment, Yelena walks by, making you both turn to look at her. Without saying anything, you run after her, Natasha close behind.

You manage to catch up, blocking her path and making sure Natasha doesn’t let her escape either.

“I don’t have time to play games”

“Is it because you’re little girlfriend is already here?” you mock.

“What?”

“Kate Bishop” Natasha clarifies.

“That is not… you don’t even know what… сука! Both of you” Yelena blushes. Natasha and you laugh at her expression, and she uses the distraction to walk around you. She makes sure you get to see her flipping you off before disappearing around the corner.

“Are you ready?” Natasha asks, turning her attention towards you.

“Yeah. I’m just observing, never been to one”

“I meant the gala”

“Oh, that. I’ve never been to one of those either”

“Just eat, drink, laugh” Natasha eases your nerves. “Mother is the only one giving a speech. She wants to let everyone know we’re doing another transplant”

“Wait, but why would she schedule the surgery after the gala? Is it because post op is a lot of work?”

“You know the rejection risk is higher with genetically altered organs” Natasha explains. “If the gala happens before the surgery, she can just mention we are doing it. Now, if it goes wrong, it won’t be part of the speech”

“Oh, ok”

“It’s all politics” she says, understanding you’re career has never been about that.

“Well, I’ll see you in the penthouse? Don’t know if the lovebirds are riding with us”

“Seven thirty” Natasha nods, leaving to check on some patients.

The sound of your phone makes you turn back, but it’s not Wanda.

“Hey, Darcy. Guess who’s in Boston?”

“Hey, pal. Oh, do tell” the brunette asks, curious if Ekaterina convinced Wanda to let you know about her travel plans.

“Kate. Yelena invited her to this gala the Romanoffs are planning. It was so crazy running into her in the front desk. For a moment I thought I went back in time”

“Oh. Yeah, Kate” Darcy sounds disappointed, which is weird. “She took some days off but I had no idea that was her plan” she lies.

“Well, I’m sure she didn’t want anyone to think I was convincing her to leave Stark Hospital”

“So, a gala!” Darcy changes the subject. “Sounds fun. Are you going?”

“Yeah. There’s an open bar”

“And are you bringing a date?”

“Well, I am the date. I’m Natasha’s plus one” you explain, and there’s an awkward pause on the other side of the line. “Uh, Darcy?”

Damn it, damn it.

Darcy already knew about the gala. It was so easy to make Kate crack under the slightest pressure.

But her plan was to make Wanda reach out today and you’d ask her to be your date. You being Natasha’s date is not gonna work out.

“Yeah, I just… so what are you doing the day after the gala?”

“Kidney transplant. I mean, not doing it. But just watching and assisting for a bit”

For fuck’s sake, would you even have a spare moment to meet Wanda?

This might be the only chance she’d get, considering it wouldn’t be certain she’d be getting the job.

“Ok, well. Have fun doing everything. Sounds like you’re booked and busy”

“Yeah. I’ll tell you how it goes. Bye, Darcy”

As soon as you hang up, Darcy calls Wanda’s mother.

“We need to delay the operation contact zero for one day”

“I’ll call my insider” the woman answers criptically.

“You scare me, Ekaterina” Darcy says, questioning if the woman is some sort of retired spy. When she hears the older woman laugh and hang up, she’s 99% convinced that’s the case.

—

“What do you mean, if I can keep her occupied for the entire day? Laura, I’m pregnant!”

“Lily, I know…”

“So pregnant, that if I so much as sneeze, I’m positive this baby will just pop out!”

“That’s not how it works, thankfully. Trust me, I know”

“Laura…” the woman pinches the bridge of her nose.

Should have taken maternity leave sooner.

“Look, I get it. It’s complicated, but I promise you, if you listen to me, Wanda will sign the deal and go back and forth between Boston and Westview”

Thing is, Lily really needs this. If her boss finally finds an illustrator that can live up to her expectations, then she can take her leave and not be bothered by work in the upcoming 12 weeks.

“Ok, fine. I’ll figure something out”

“Thank you, I owe you big time”

“Uh-hu. Yeah, you do, Mrs. Barton”

“Oh, and try to keep her away from her phone”

“Anything else? Oh, gotta go”

Wanda Maximoff comes out of the arrival’s section in the airport, looking around. Lily waves her hand, and the redhead walks towards her with a smile.

“Hello, you must be Lily…” she goes to shake her hand, but the other woman pulls her in for a hug.

“Sorry about the baby bump, he wants to say hi as well”

“No, no worries at all. How far along?”

“Well, 39 weeks which means I’m ready to pop any day now! That also means we get a driver to take us anywhere you want. So get in the car and prepare for a very busy day, Wanda”

“Oh, my phone is in my bag…” Wanda says as Lily throws it in the trunk.

“No worries, Laura has my number. If anyone needs to reach you she can text or call” the woman insists, hoping Wanda doesn’t push it.

Of course, she doesn’t as she wants to make a good impression on her potential employers.

“Let’s start with the Paul Revere house, shall we?”

—

You look at yourself in the mirror for the tenth time. When was the last time you dressed fancy?

Even if it’s tailored to perfection, you’re still making sure the red suit is looking fine, adjusting the white shirt underneath the jacket.

Though you don’t know what Natasha’s wearing, she promised you’d match.

And she’s right, because when she knocks on your door and you open it, she’s wearing a black and red sequenced dress. It’s a mermaid cut that favors her figure.

“Shall we get going?” she says when you keep staring.

“Yes, of course. Don’t laugh at me” you add when you spot a faint smile on her face.

“I already told you, it’s fun to see you flustered”

“Mhm. Are the lovebirds joining us?”

“I think they’ll be arriving separately. It’s not like prom where we all ride a limo”

“Well, I didn’t go to prom, and if I had, it certainly wouldn’t have been on a limo” you say, making Natasha laugh.

She drives you to the gala, as you have no idea where it’s all happening. A man approaches to open your door and help you out.

“Fancy” you comment when a valet takes Natasha’s car. “And I’m surprised you let anyone else drive that thing”

“They already know how much it costs” she comments.

If you think a man opening the car door is fancy, then what the hell is the thing waiting inside? There’s a chandelier, a string quartet, servers dressed to the nines and the best part, an open bar with all the things you could dream of drinking.

“Hey, where are you dragging me?”

“We have to say hello first” Natasha says through her teeth. “You’ll get drunk later, trust me”

The woman drags you to a table where Melina is chatting with two men, and they introduce themselves. The names don’t ring any bells, but apparently they are congressmen.

“A pleasure” you say, hoping the small talk can end soon.

“Is this your first gala? I don’t recall seeing you before”

“Yes, I’m working as Head of Trauma at Romanoff Medical Center until they can find someone to stay for good” you explain.

“Why not stay here? Is there somewhere else you might want to go?”

“I’m not sure. Coming to Boston was never in my plans but here I am. I guess I’m just living one day at a time” you say with a fake smile. Natasha picks up on your discomfort, ending the conversation and excusing the both of you.

She goes around the room to introduce you to other people, but when Yelena finally arrives you walk up to meet her.

“Took your sweet time” Natasha scolds her.

“We got caught up… in something” Yelena explains as Kate joins her. You notice she’s wearing an all black suit, which is a stark contrast to Yelena’s golden, low cut dress.

“Oh, looks like you have a hickey there” you point at a spot in Yelena’s neck, her hand flying to cover it.

“I told you not to…” she glares at Kate, and you laugh.

“She didn’t. But now we know you both were getting nasty”

Natasha laughs as well. Yelena is about to curse at you, when her mother interrupts her.

“Behave” she warns. “Hello, I am Yelena’s mother”

“Kate Bishop” the girl introduces herself, and Melina arches an eyebrow.

“Bishop, as in Bishop Security?”

“Yes, that would be correct” Kate says, visibly awkward.

“Well, I’d love to catch up with your mother. Had I known you’d be here, I would have invited her as well. Next time” Melina nods, leaving as someone calls for her a moment later.

“So, am I the only one who isn’t some sort of nepo baby?” you throw the question in the air, making the Romanoffs roll their eyes.

“I’ll find our seats”

Yelena leaves too, but Kate stays behind, sitting next to you at the bar.

“So…”

“Whisky neat” you ask the bartender as he walks by.

“When are you returning to Westview?” Kate says.

“Make it a doble” you add, sighing. The brunette doesn’t take the hint, though.

“You are returning to Westview, right? Doctor Lewis mentioned your contract is only for three months…”

“Yeah, but I quit. And I doubt Fury will want to hire me again. I was a jerk that left without any notice, all because I couldn’t handle my break up” you mutter against the glass, sipping.

But Kate’s always been curious, questioning everything. It’s what makes her a great student, but right now? She’s a pain in your ass.

“So, what are you doing when the contract…?”

“Jesus, Kate. I don’t know. I try not to plan ahead ever since I bought a ring and fucked up my entire relationship. I had expectations about the future and now I can barely leave my bed. So, when my contract’s done I’ll decide what to do next”

“Right, I’m sorry”

“Kate, come sit” Yelena calls for her, her tone gentle. You look up, meeting hazel eyes that are glaring at you. But you decide to ignore Yelena and keep drinking.

The bartender sneaks out to smoke every ten minutes. Though this last break has been longer and you are in desperate need for more alcohol.

Another woman walks up to the bar, looking around.

“Ugh, I’ll do it myself. What can I get you?” you give up, walking behind the bar. You nod as you listen to the woman ask for a gin tonic. Between sips of your own drink, you pour gin over the ice, add tonic water and lime juice.

“Delicious!” the woman says. “Are you a bartender as well?”

“No, I’m a surgeon, which is why that lemon wedge is so perfectly cut” you joke, raising your glass to clink it against hers. “I’m Y/N”

“Valkyrie” the woman introduces herself. “Which hospital?”

“Stark Hospital” you answer out of habit. Then you shake your head, and clear your throat. “Sorry, meant to say I was at Stark, now I’m at RMC”

“So you must know Maria”

“Rambeau? Yeah, she’s great. I’m actually going to be her fiancee’s bridesmaid” you say, smiling.

“Glad to hear they were able to fix things. I was sad to see her go from the program, though, it was great to have such an experienced Peeds surgeon” she sighs.

“Wait. You’re on Doctor’s Without Borders?”

“Yes, I coordinate international programs. Why? You interested?” the woman smiles.

“Well… my contract is temporary. And I’ve always wanted to do that, but never really had the time or means”

After med school, it took a while for you to settle and pay off your student debt, so even participating in something like that felt like a bit of a luxurious career detour that you couldn’t afford.

But now, with all the money you’re earning -and saving on rent- it could very well be the next step in your career.

“You don’t have to answer right away. Here’s my card” Val says. “Remind me your specialty”

“Trauma”

“Never mind, you’re coming on the next flight with me” she jokes and you laugh.

Someone else calls for her and Val raises her glass, grateful for the drink. As you wave goodbye, you notice yours is painfully empty.

“Can I get some tequila, please?” you ask the bartender, who is finally back. However, Natasha comes out of nowhere, speaking over you.

“She’ll have water or coffee”

“Hey! Are you this controlling with all your dates?”

“Only when I find out my mother wants to put you on the spot in the middle of her speech” she whispers, which makes your eyes widen. “You’re too drunk to be coherent, so better sober up, now”

“What does she even want me to say?” you whisper yell as Natasha takes you to the table.

“That we’re a Level 1 Trauma Center and will continue to be one with your work”

“I’m not staying…”

“She’s hoping that putting you on the spot will awaken some sense of duty. Don’t expect it to make sense” Natasha mutters, sitting next to you.

Kate is to your left, chatting with Yelena, tensing when you sit down next to her.

Melina walks up to the small stage, and people clap as she prepares for her speech.

“Hey, about before…” you lean towards Kate, trying to apologize. Yelena shushes you and you glare. “I’m still your boss, Belova”

“Not tonight” she says, pulling Kate by the hand so she turns to the stage, her back to you.

“Evening’s going great” you grumble next to Natasha.

“I see why you only leave the penthouse to go clubbing”

But you can’t say anyhting as Melina begins her speech, thanking every big donor of the Romanoff foundation, NGOs working to bring awareness about certain diseases and the hospital staff, of course.

“It’s an exciting time for us. We are gearing up to do the second xenotransplant of a genetically altered kidney” Melina pauses when people clap again. “We’re also advancing and innovating in the ER, and as some of you may already know, we have a new…”

“I’m gonna throw up” you complain, hating whenever there’s attention drawn to you.

“Just clap and smile along”

“I’m seriously gonna throw up” you say, regretting the amount of alcohol you drank.

And just as Melina is about to say your name and point towards you, a man walks in the room, shouting.

“Is there a doctor here? We have an emergency!”

—

Wanda’s had quite the day. She’s now barely making it to the hotel, Lily waddling next to her.

“Oh, looks like there’s a fancy gala happening” she points out as they walk across the lobby.

Wanda doesn’t pay attention to that, finally able to check her messages.

The last one was of you saying you’d be out for the evening but that Wanda could call anytime if she needed something.

Honestly, she can’t wait to go up to her room and call you.

Unless…

Did you mean you were out on a date?

Wanda’s still trying to figure out the meaning behind the message when Lily, who was speaking to the receptionist to confirm Wanda’s reservation, laughs nervously.

“Well, looks like my water just broke”

“What did you just say?” Wanda snaps out of it, looking at Lily’s feet. “Well, ok, calm down. It’s gonna be fine. Can we get some help here?”

“What’s wrong?” the concierge asks, but catches on a second later when Lily sits on the floor, breathing heavily. “Oh, crap. Let’s just…”

For some weird reason, he runs to the other room where the fancy event is happening, shouting that they need a doctor.

Half the room turns to look at him and at least an entire table stands up.

“What kind of emergency?”

“A woman’s in labor”

“Ok, show me. Excuse me, ER doctor coming through”

Wanda’s so focused on helping Lily breath, that she doesn’t fully notice what’s happening or rather, who kneels beside her until she hears your voice.

“Hi, I’m Doctor Y/L/N. What’s your name?”

You’re completely immersed in your work, removing your jacket and pulling up the sleeves of your shirt to move around freely.

“Lily. I’m 39 weeks pregnant, should I push?”

“No, no! Absolutely not!” you rush to say, “Let’s call an ambulance, please?”

As you look around the room, seeing who will do as you ask, you finally notice someone who is kneeling next to you. Must be a friend of the woman.

You turn to ask if there’s anyone you should call when you meet those beautiful, green eyes. Ones you’d recognise anywhere.

“Wanda?”

“Hey”

Hey? Seriously?

A whole month thinking about you every second of every god damn day and the best Wanda can do is say hey

Are you fucking kidding me, Maximoff.

“Do you need help?”

“I’m here, I’m her resident”

Even if Yelena and Kate are… whatever they are, they’re still going to compete over getting some cases.

“Check her pulse and time contractions, if there are any” you tell them both, standing up and dragging Wanda with you. “I’m very confused right now. Are the kids ok? Why are you here?”

“It’s kind of a long story… and I, that’s why I texted earlier, but then the day got crazy and you told me you were on a date”

“Not a date” Natasha clarifies, appearing behind you. “Ambulance is here, the hospital’s been alerted. You should ride with them, get out of the speech while you can”

“Thanks” you nod, seeing the EMTs pull over. You turn to Wanda. “Are you coming with her?”

“No, Wanda, stay and get some rest, I made you walk around the city all day” Lily pleads.

“Are you crazy? No one should be doing this alone. I’m coming with you until your boyfriend gets to the hospital” Wanda decides, jumping on the back of the ambulance with Lily and you.

Yelena and Kate scramble to their feet, trying to get on the vehicle as well.

“Ok, it’s a little crowded in here, plus this is your family’s gala and Bishop, you are Yelena’s date. No one else goes”

“Fine” they mutter, disappointed.

The ride to the hospital is silent except for the machines monitoring Lily’s blood pressure. You’re keeping an eye on that, while checking on her heartbeat, using a stethoscope that you found in the ambulance.

“I forgot how good you are at that” Wanda says when your eyes meet again.

“At what? Checking a heartbeat?”

“Handling toddlers”

She’s talking about Yelena and Kate, which makes you laugh.

“Well, Billy and Tommy behave a hell of a lot better than those two back there”

“Not lately” Wanda sighs.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to mess everything up so badly, Wanda” you regret, leaning back.

“Am I missing something? You two know each other?” Lily says, pointing at Wanda and then at you. “Is that why Laura asked me to keep you busy this entire day?”

“She what?”

“We dated” you offer as an explanation, smiling at the woman in the stretcher.

“How long ago? Because you are still giving each other some major heart eyes”

It’s clear that the mild sedative is making the woman spill her every thought.

“Until a month ago”

“Well, whichever one of you screwed up, better get their act together because you’re clearly not over each other” Lily says.

“It was my fault” Wanda says at the same time as you. You both look at each other and you give her a small smile.

“I beg to differ, Miss Maximoff. It was me who got it all wrong”

“Not just you. I messed up real bad” Wanda says, leaning forward.

You’re about to say something else when the ambulance stops, and the doors open. You excuse yourself, giving the nurses and doctors a summary of the patient, walking next to Lily’s stretcher.

“I’ll come find you once she’s settled in a room” you promise Wanda.

She nods, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. What are the odds?

Which also brings her back to what Lily said. Why did Laura want her busy for the entire day?

There’s only one way to find out.

“Hey, how did it go today?” her friend picks up the phone, though it sounds like there’s an echo.

“Am I on speaker?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m cooking dinner” Laura lies.

“Are there children around?”

“No, why…”

“Ok, then what the fuck is going on, Laura?”

Somebody else whistles, and Wanda hears Pietro’s voice.

“Looks like you ladies got caught”

“Why are you there? Who else is around? Somebody better tell me what the hell is going on right now…”

“Give that to me” Darcy says, pushing Laura out of the way. “Hi, nice speaking to you, Maximoff. It’s just me, Laura, your mother and Pietro. Listen, we’ve been busting our asses for you to meet at the right time and find a way to make up with Y/N so I get my best friend back. So don’t fuck it up now, ok?”

“You’re not helping!” Laura protests. “Wanda, what do you mean? What happened today?”

“The minute I landed, Lily drove me around the entire city without a break. Did you manipulate a very pregnant woman to keep me busy and away from Y/N for the day?”

“Well, yeah. She was going with Natasha to the gala and I didn’t want you pulling one of your stunts again, not after getting so far along the plan” Darcy bites back.

“Great, so I crashed her date with Natasha with a woman giving birth. What a loser” Wanda massages her temples.

“Did you just say Lily was givig birth?” Laura says. “Oh, my God! Do you think it was my fault?”

“That’s a possibility, I’m not gonna lie to you” Darcy admits, taking the phone back. “Listen. Work it out with Y/N. Talk, fight, have angry sex, whatever it takes. I need my friend back, and you better grovel on the floor to beg for her forgiveness”

“I want to speak to my mother. Privately” Wanda ignores Darcy, knowing who’s really behind all of this.

“Hello, malyshka” Ekaterina greets, removing the speaker and walking away from Wanda’s kitchen, into the living room. Darcy and Laura put their ears against the door, trying to listen.

Pietro just laughs, shaking his head.

“Mama, you had no right…”

“Wanda? Lily’s in a room now” you call for her.

“This conversation isn’t over” she warns her mother, hanging up. “You wouldn’t believe what I just learned…”

Wanda’s looking down at her phone as she walks towards you, that adorable frown that she makes whenever something upsets her.

She keeps talking, but you’re looking at her lips, remembering how much you love kissing her.

Wanda notices, and she stops talking, but leans forward.

Her lips are so close, and then you hear the worst sound in the world.

“Doctor Y/L/N, your patient is… oooh”

To your missfortune, Ed interrupts you in that precise moment.

Of all people, it had to be the circus clown.

“Get lost, will ya?”

Wanda slaps your arm, but she has no idea how annoying the kid can be.

“She was asking for a Wanda, which I believe might be you…” he points to her.

“Come on” you guide her to Lily’s room. As you walk next to Wanda, you place your hands in your pockets, trying to hold back on reaching out to touch her.

You have no idea why she’s here, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter, does it? It was all said and done between you two. If you kiss her, you’ll go back to square one.

“Hey!” Lily greets as soon as you open the door for Wanda. There’s another woman standing next to the bed. She has short, grey hair and a kind smile.

“Wanda! Thank you so much for being there for Lily. I told her she should have been on maternity leave sooner”

“I wanted to find you the perfect artist” Lily sighs, adjusting herself on the bed.

“Doctor, thank you so much for helping Lily” the woman says. You have no idea what’s going on, or why she’s so happy to talk to Wanda.

What you do know is that it’s none of your business.

“Just doing my job. OBGYN will take it from here, as it looks like you’ll have to wait a bit before you’re ready to give birth”

“Your boyfriend’s on the way, right?” the woman asks Lily, and she nods. “We’ll keep you company for a bit, and once he’s here, we could go get something to eat. What do you think, Wanda?”

“Oh, I was…”

But when Wanda looks back, you’re already closing the door.

“Everything ok?” Wendy insists.

“Yeah, everything’s fine”

—

Wanda got the job.

It was hers.

Wendy Lawson was way cooler in person, and didn’t have a problem when Wanda was only half present during their conversation over dinner.

She thought the younger woman was just tired.

And now, back in her room, Wanda finally gets to rest and shower. You’re all she can think about.

It’s one thing to see you in an Instagram post, and another one to be right in front of you.

You seem healthy and happy. Even fitter, your hair longer and a bit of a stronger built. You must spend a lot of time at the gym.

But it’s you, the same smile, those kind eyes and the quiet confidence while you treat patients.

Honestly, Wanda’s very disappointed with herself. She was hoping to have a big speech ready, explain why she was in Boston. Grovel and beg for forgiveness, just like Darcy said.

All she got was an ambulance ride and a quick conversation in a hospital hallway.

As she wears one of your hoodies, and changes into a pair of yoga pants, her phone rings.

“I believe we have a pending conversation” her mother says. She’s not afraid of confrontation, never has been.

“Mama, this is my life. You have no right to…”

“Did I tell you I almost didn’t marry your father?” Ekaterina interrupts her daughter. Wanda stays silent, and the woman takes that as a sign to continue. “Your uncle Arvydas told me about a chance to move to England, work as a nanny for an embassador. I’d rather stay in Sokovia and be with your father, but everyone was telling me what to do or what was better for me. And you know what your father said?”

“No”

“He said I want to marry you. I’ll be at the church on the day we planned and I’ll be waiting. The life with you is the one I want. Now you make a choice, but be sure it’s the one you want for yourself, not what others are telling you to do. And whatever that choice is, I will respect it”

“Yeah, that sounds like something Papa would say”

“My darling, you need to follow your heart. At least get some closure if this is really over. But if she’s really the one you want… fight for her”

“I don’t even know where to begin” Wanda sighs.

“Just find her, the rest will come along”

“Give the boys a kiss for me?”

“One for each” her mother promises, hanging up.

It’s not too late, as Wanda saw some people still at the salon.

She walks out of her room, straight to where the gala is happening.

“Excuse me, could I see your invitation?” a man stops her.

“Oh, I… I don’t have any. I just need to talk to someone inside. It will only take a minute”

“I’m afraid I can’t let you…”

“It’s alright” Natasha says, appearing behind Wanda. “She can come inside, I know her”

The man at the door nods, allowing Wanda to pass.

“She’s over there” Natasha points at you, leaning against the bar and drinking from a glass full of whisky. “Will regret those last few drinks tomorrow morning”

“Thank you” Wanda says, nodding towards Natasha. She’s still not sure how she feels about you and the Russian working together.

But it’s none of her business what you do with other people.

“Hey, Y/N”

You do a doble take, wondering if you’re way too drunk and imagining Wanda’s in front of you.

“Hey, hi. How’s Lily?”

“Good. Her boyfriend was there, they were calling family. Preparing for everything”

“Sounds nice”

“Could we talk?” Wanda asks, before she loses her nerve. “Unless you’re busy”

“No, that’s fine” you down the last of your drink and stand up from the stool. “Let’s go”

Wanda decides it would be nice to get a capuccino from a coffee place nearby. You walk with her, noticing she is definitely not wearing the appropriate coat for this weather.

“Here” you offer yours.

“No, I don’t want you getting sick”

“It’s to protect my hoodie, obviously” you joke and she finally accepts it.

“Remember Wendy Lawson?” Wanda asks.

“The author? Yes, the one who went to give a talk to your school and make you consider writing for the first time”

Of course you remember.

“Well, it’s the woman that was standing right there in the middle of Lily’s room. And she offered me a job to illustrate her new book”

“Hey, that’s huge, congratulations” you say as you open the door to the coffee shop, noticing how warmer and nicer it is inside. You order a hot cocoa, while Wanda gets her own coffee.

“I’ll just have to travel back and forth for a bit”

“But the kids…”

“My mother is in town” Wanda clarifies. There’s so much to tell you, but you’re here, walking next to her, offering your coat and smiling at Wanda. Everything’s a mess in her head.

“So that’s why you are not in town” you joke. “I do hope things are better between you two”

“Well, it’s been a whole thing. But listen, that job is not the only reason I came to Boston” Wanda admits once you’re walking back to the hotel. “I wanted to speak to you”

“Oh, right” you say, scared that she’s here to hand over your stuff and make sure you never have to see each other again.

“Y/N, this last month has been… so bad for me. I can’t stop thinking about you, about those horrible things I said. About how I punished you beyond reason for something that wasn’t your fault. I was angry and instead of processing it, I let it out in childish ways to hurt you. Because I thought it was a way to get even”

“Wanda, you weren’t the only one that screwed up. I didn’t set boundaries with Nat. And then made you feel insane when you pointed it out” you sigh, looking at your feet. “I don’t know. Maybe we should have given this a bit of a break after that, instead of rushing back to the same routine, pretending nothing hapened”

“Well, now we had a break. An entire month to think about it, and I thought about it, even when I tried not to. Y/N, I love you. And I want… I want our future together”

You sigh, thinking about it.

Isn’t this exactly what you wanted? Getting Wanda back.

But you made the same mistake last time. You simply said you were sorry and jumped back in.

“Do you ever think we rushed things?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean we kinda started dating, and I spent every moment in your house because I lived across the street. And then coparenting. I love the kids but I hate myself for hurting them when we broke up”

“So…” Wanda stops outside the hotel, looking at you. She can’t read you right now; all the things you said so far make sense, but they could be arguments to either work on your relationship or call it quits.

“So… let’s date. For a bit” you decide. “Because if we go back to how everything was, and the twins get their hopes up…”

If I get my hopes up.

“That makes sense” Wanda nods.

“But there’s one thing you should know. I work with Natasha and live in the same building as her. I’m not saying we’re best friends or spend every moment together, but we’re in the same room a lot of times”

“I get it. And I appreciate the heads up”

“Alright then. Let's take it slow, then” you nod, walking towards her. “You should head back inside and get some rest”

“What about you?”

“I’ll take a cab home”

“My room’s big enough…”

You interrupt Wanda with a small laugh, walking so close that your lips are inches apart.

“I said slow, Miss Maximoff”

“Since when are you immune to my puppy eyes?” Wanda huffs, crossing her arms.

“I’m not” you shake your head. "Which is why you should really go inside. Now”

Wanda’s eyes travel to your lips and you lean forward, until… you kiss the corner of her mouth.

“Trust me, it will be worth the wait” you smile against her temple.

“Goodnight, Y/N”

“Night, Wands”

[irenespring]

House: So I wake up every morning with a big smile on my face to greet the exciting new day. I take my morning vitamin and eat a healthy breakfast. I go to work on time. I follow my boss' instructions because I had a normal relationship with my parents who treated me amazingly. I make sure to pick up some donuts for my best friend Jimmy, with whom I share the perfect platonic male bond. Then I do normal medicine that any idiot---I mean esteemed fellow doctor---could do. I never feel the need to prove anything to anyone because I think I'm great and I think everyone else is great and the world as a whole is great. Life is just amazing. I never feel consumed by misery like I'm sure all the other losers---people---who come to see you do...

Wilson: Well, I mean, I do what most people do. I always make sure I wake up early, you know, so I have time to do the thing where you look in the mirror for like forty five minutes to remember why you're getting up at all, why it's important to be alive and everything. Sometimes I can even do it in a half hour. I don't usually eat breakfast, it's more important that I be at work early for my patients. That's what you're supposed to do, right? Be generous with yourself? Most of the time I barely feel like I'm a real person at all. Anyway, so I do my morning rounds after I get coffee, and then I spend time with House. And he is never wearing a lab coat. He looks good anyway though. With his eyes he could wear anything. He's my best friend. I've never understood why my wives were jealous of our relationship...

House and Wilson tricking each other into going to therapy by turning it into a competition to prove which one of them is the most normal and well-adjusted

[00valentina-writes00]

can we get drunk texts from Abby?

♡♥︎Drunk texts from Abby♥︎♡

Two more drafts to go

Abby (1:12 AM):

hey, i swear if i see one more guy wearing a stupid bandana and pretending like he knows how to fight i’m gonna lose it

Abby (1:15 AM):

also i think i broke a chair… it just kinda collapsed under me… but i’m fine. it was a weak chair

Abby (1:17 AM):

im a fcking goddess of strength who can’t sit on a chair without it failing me. why does everything hate me??

Abby (1:20 AM):

oh and i may or may not have knocked a few things over, but don’t worry i’ll fix it… tomorrow. or later. probably

Abby (1:23 AM):

btw… i miss you and i want to punch something. i think i’m ready to fight another chair if it insults me again

Abby (1:26 AM):

how are you doing? besides being perfect and wonderful as always. no pressure. just wondering

You (1:27 AM):

You’re fighting chairs now, huh? You do have that whole “goddess of strength” thing going for you. But please stop breaking stuff, I’ll have to come down there and fix it all. Also, I’m perfect? Come on, I’m just trying to keep it together while you fight furniture.

Abby (1:30 AM):

you’re perfect. i can’t fight it. i swear i could punch a wall right now and it’d still be worth it for you

Abby (1:32 AM):

you’re amazing. i’m amazing. i’m so strong. i could bench press 10 chairs if i wanted to

Abby (1:34 AM):

i wish you were here. i could use some help with my “powerful chair smashing.” you’d be a great support

Abby (1:37 AM):

ok im not gonna lie, im a lil tipsy and honestly im starting to think this chair was asking for it. and my poor hands… they’re so strong and yet so delicate…

————————————————————————

Abby (1:45 AM):

wait i need 2 tell u somthin

Abby (1:47 AM):

i was thinkin about ur boobs. like… god i am never gonna get over them. seriously. like they’re gods. i think about them all the time. they just—they just r there and they r soooo perfect

Abby (1:50 AM):

i wanna hold them. like. not in a weird way just… god

Abby (1:53 AM):

ur boobs could solve world peace if they wanted to. they are the key to EVERYTHING. i can’t… i’m just thinking about them now and i need to get my life together

Abby (1:55 AM):

but like, pls don’t get mad, okay? it’s just… they’re so soft and perfect and… i swear ur boobs are the 8th wonder of the world, i’m not even joking

You (1:58 AM):

Haha, you’re really something when you’re tipsy, huh? You’re not wrong though, I’m definitely the 8th wonder of the world. But hey, no need to make me blush… or maybe, go on… keep talking about my perfect boobs, I’m listening.

Abby (2:02 AM):

no no no u don’t get it. i could just… touch them all day and not get bored, like, if i could i would just have them in my face all the time, just, ughhhh

Abby (2:05 AM):

im serious tho, like, ur boobs make me feel things. good things. like, i could worship them like… idk some kind of goddess ritual

Abby (2:07 AM):

okokok, forget i said that. it’s the alcohol talking. but still. boobs. gods. u get it right?

————————————————————————

Abby (2:13 AM):

wtf are you doing in my number?? i have a girlfriend, what the fuck

Abby (2:15 AM):

who the hell is texting me right now? i swear to god, i have a girlfriend. like, how are you in my phone, this is weird

Abby (2:17 AM):

wait—wait, WAIT. oh my god… i’m so stupid…

Abby (2:20 AM):

its YOU. how could i be this dumb right now, i’m so sorry, babe. im all over the place

————————————————————————

Abby (2:42 AM):

Ugh i hate this. why am i so drunk. plz come over and help me get my life together, i can’t even walk straight

Abby (2:45 AM):

Wait I’m so sorry i was thinking about your boobs again but like they r just… they deserve a parade or something

Abby (2:47 AM):

Like how do they even do that? they just… sit there and look perfect. HOW DO THEY DO THAT. r they magic??

Abby (2:50 AM):

Also, who taught me how to drink, i need a refund, this is a mess

Abby (2:52 AM):

Like i was just trying to chill and now my life is falling apart over a chair and your boobs and this alcohol

Abby (2:54 AM):

also i might’ve eaten a whole bag of chips and i’m mad about it. like I shouldn’t have done that

Abby (2:56 AM):

NO but listen!! pls come over and make sure i don’t fall over and die from bad chair karma

You (2:58 AM):

I’ll be over in a bit to save you from yourself. But really, the chair?? What’s going on in your world over there?

Abby (3:01 AM):

The chair just… it just attacked me, okay??

Abby (3:03 AM):

I was trying to sit down like a normal person and the damn thing just tipped over like it had a vendetta against me

Abby (3:05 AM):

idk who hurt me more, the chair or the alcohol. maybe ur boobs, tho… I think they could take me out too if they wanted

————————————————————————

[your-sleeparalysisdem0n]

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩Thinking about how Mydei would just stand there staring at you, forming all kinds of scenarios in his head about courting you and sweeping you off your feet- only to realize has no clue how to do so.

Mydei, secretly jumping at any chance to help you out with something, only to fail embarrassingly because of his rapid heartbeat and flushed face. Did you notice how flushed his cheeks were? Hopefully not. He prays to any titan listening that you don't see him in such a state.

Mydei, who tries to be your hero in any situation. You're lonely and need company? He's already running towards you. Your arms hurt from carrying your luggage all day? Poof! Your stuff has disappeared right into his arms! You can't reach the top shelf to get the book you want? No worries! He, your savior, will get it for you!

Mydei, who stretches his toned, muscular arms while reaching for your book in order to impress you- acting all nonchalant and pretending like he doesn't care, only to malfunction the moment your soft skin ever-so-slightly brushes against his. His tall, sturdy frame going rigid as you turn to stare up at him with those big, doe eyes of yours, asking him why he suddenly stopped. Heart beating erratically at your close proximity while trying to keep an unaffected poker face with his entire being.

Mydei, who turns around abruptly so you can't see his face- now redder than the fresh pomegranate juice he likes to drink. Leaving you bewildered as he whirls around and quickly walks away from you. Taking your precious book with him in the process. "Mydei, where are you going-" you say, but are unable to finish your sentence as his broad figure disappears around the corner.

Mydei, who sits on his bed, soft sheets on the floor and his room a mess. As the Chrysos heir nearly bangs his head on a nearby wall from the frustration of being completely immobile in your presence. He wants to compliment you on your hair today? The words die before he can even think of them. He wants to converse in idle chatter with you? Too bad! The prince's tongue gets messed up in a constrictor's knot. He wants to confess to you about his undying feelings and get on his knees for you? His legs are already leading him the other way, and he takes a sudden interest in that flower pot over there. What a pretty flower pot, isn't it? Not as pretty as you though. You with your lush lips and perfect skin- annnddd, he's gone now.

Unfortunately for both of you, he could never bring himself to say that. For in your presence, the almighty warrior, the Duke of battle, the fearsome Mydeimos, turns into a brain-dead schoolboy unable to speak- and worst of all, you have no idea of the fool you turned him into.

A/N: how's that for a second fic? I had so much fun writing this lmao. Divider by @cafekitsune! You make the most amazing graphics <33 Ty for reading! Who knows, maybe I'll do a part 2!

Do not plagiarize, steal, or repost my work without permission. © All rights reserved

[kooffeecup]

POCKETS OF STARLIGHT - valentine special!

Your soft boyfriend bakes amazing fortune cookies with love notes inside.

genre : fluff fluffff

Pairing : soft baby boy jk! x reader.

Very short and cute

banner by me @kooffeecup

The scent of rosemary and burnt crust greeted You as you stepped into the apartment, your keys jingling softly in the quiet. The lights were dimmed, replaced by the flicker of tea candles scattered across the kitchen counter—and there, in the center of it all, stood Jungkook.

He was wearing the apron you’d bought him as a joke last Christmas—bright pink with “Kiss the Chef” embroidered in looping cursive his sleeves rolled up to reveal faint flour smudges along his forearms. A lasagna sat half-sliced on the stove, its edges charred but the center oozing cheese.

“You… cooked?” You breathed, unable to hide your grin.

Jungkook’s ears reddened. “Tried to,” he mumbled, twisting a dishcloth between his hands. “The recipe said it was ‘foolproof,’ but I think I—oh.”

You crossed the room before he could finish, cupping his face and pressing a lingering kiss to the corner of his mouth. He stilled, then leaned into your touch, his shoulders relaxing.

“It’s perfect,” you said, thumbing away a smudge of tomato sauce on his cheek.

“Liar,” he whispered, but his eyes crinkled, pleased.

Dinner was eaten cross-legged on the living room floor, where Jungkook had built a makeshift fortress of blankets and fairy lights. The lasagna was, objectively, a disaster—undercooked in some layers, volcanic in others—but You devoured every bite, laughing as Jungkook sheepishly picked blackened noodles off his plate.

“I have dessert,” he announced suddenly, scrambling to his feet. He returned with a lumpy mason jar clutched in his hands, filled with what looked like…

“Fortunes?” You tilted her head.

“Fortunate cookies,” he corrected, cheeks puffing. “I wrote notes inside. For you.” His voice softened. “Just… things I’ve wanted to say but… couldn’t figure out how.”

Your chest tightened. Carefully, you cracked open a cookie. The slip inside read: “Your laugh on rainy days > all my playlists.”

Another, “I stole your shampoo last week. Smells like home.”

Another, “Wish I could paint the way you look when you sleep. But I’d need more colors.”

By the fifth note, your vision blurred. Jungkook watched you, knees drawn to his chest, gnawing his thumbnail until you reached for his hand.

“Baby,” youbwhispered, “this is the sweetest thing anyone’s ever—”

“There’s more,” he interjected, suddenly urgent. From beneath the couch, he pulled a small wooden box, its surface sanded smooth and stained the deep blue of twilight. Inside lay a cluster of folded paper stars.

“Open one,” he urged, voice shaky.

You unfolded a star to find a date scribbled inside: 10/22. First time we danced in the kitchen. You were barefoot. I stepped on your toes twice. You said it didn’t hurt. It did. I saw you limp.

Another, 3/14. You cried during that dog documentary. I wanted to hug you but didn’t. Regret it every day.

The last star, Today. I love you. I love you. I love you.

When you looked up, Jungkook’s eyes were glistening, his lips pressed into a wobbly line. Without a word, you tugged him into your lap, his back against your chest, and wrapped your arms around him. He shuddered, melting into your embrace, his fingers interlacing with yours.

“Why the stars?” you asked, nose buried in his hair.

“So you’d always have constellations,” he murmured. “Even on nights the sky’s too dark to see them.”

You stayed like that for hours, trading stories mapped by paper and ink, until the candles burned low. When You finally fetched your gift—a hand-bound book of poems she’d written, each one a vignette of their quietest moments—Jungkook traced the words with reverent fingers, pausing at the entry titled “Him, in the Half-Light.”

“You see me,” he said quietly.

“Always,” you replied.

Later, as they lay tangled in blankets, Jungkook’s head resting over your heartbeat, You realized he’d slipped something into your palm—a final fortune, unfurled to reveal a single request:

“Let me be yours forever?”

Your answer was a kiss, slow and syrup-sweet, and the way his shy hands finally, finally learned the shape of your without trembling.

[urautismdiagnosis]

Dashi Design (and her lore for my au)

DASHIIIIIII she has my life eeee

Dashi is my go getter queen, also the headshot of her is her correct hair texture its just that the total body art is a bit older but yeh :>

Dashi lore for my au under the cut

ONTO THE LORE FOR DASHI IN MY AU 🎉🎉🎉

First of all, let's take a little look at her interests- surfing, photography, going out to cave dive for those photos-

And she does all of this stuff, that alot of people might only do as hobbies, to the max!

Whenever she has any interest she always goes as high as she possibly can-

Her family is kinda rich, like "we have rich person hobbies and have expensive vacations every year 💅" kind of rich. Hence why she was able to get so much support for all her interests at a young age, whether it be surfing or photography competitions and so on.

Anyways she's also got an older brother, (I've named him Dan btw) and he's the eldest

See the thing about him and dashi is that they used to be super close as kids yk? He was the oldest sibgling and big brother and both he and dashi were both similar in alot of ways! They were both super competitive and determined to reach their goals, he also was the one who got her into surfing and taught her a ton of stuff!

They were close kinda like how dashi and koshi are...

The thing is though a big part of his identity was being the golden child and amazing big brother and perfect high achiever son, so when dashi started getting older and developing her like.. whole seperate interests and identity that her brother...

Well they started clashing alot, because well she couldn't play the "little sister" that he could teach so everyone could admire how amazing he was, instead she was having her own achievements that he couldn't have any credit in.

He was the kind of older brother who... well choose to be kinda patronizing to make themselves more masculine and popular... and at a certain point it went from "aw big brother helping teach his lil sister!" To " ur actually talking down on me and I hate that, and whenever i try to bring it up you act like I'm a 5 year old when I'm not. Also I dont need ur bad advice on this, I know what I'm doing and ur just acting like a pro in something u don't know anything about"

Alot of his identity and self worth comes from bragging about *his* achievements

The undermining of her own achievements didn't even just come from him either, alot of her passions and skills were just seen as hobbies for fun and not real jobs. Its why she ended up as primarily a computer specialist, she worked as a meteorologist actually! She would use those advanced machines and systems to track and decipher weather, and even was a co-pilot for the weather researchers... but her parents just kinda saw it as her just "being a weather girl"

Her parents are genuinely very kind and caring, nuturing her interests and always trying to be there for her emotional needs but, but they're very out of touch. The type of people to just... not understand why saying a certain phrase *actually is kinda specist* or *why photography actually matters to helping climate change* or *hey actually you can't just try to feed wild animals food even if they act cute cuz it'll hurt them and no it actually IS really bad for a variety of reasons and-*

That sorta thing...

They do genuinely love and try to support her tho, they just... wanted her to get a real job so she could have a good life :/ they're genuie ly nice folks who love to help people out tho

Regardless though,dashi still wanted to fulfill her passions and dreams and needs,and then she learned about the octonauts

at the time thr octonauts were a VERY experimental and risky organization, but she did research and genuinely believed and wanted to be part of what could possibly be a revolutionary organization for rescue, research, exploration, and conservation-

So she applied in secret.

The thing is though, Dan had found out. Their relationship at the time was strained at best but they were still siblings. But then he snitched.

her parents. Freaked. Out

To say they were concerned about their daughter going out to just- possibly- "die in the middle of the ocean!" Or "be stuck and trapped with strangers in the middle of the ocean!" Or "struggle to ever settle down because you're in the middle of the ocean!" Or "get stranded on an island in the middle of the ocean!" Or "get eaten by a whale and cry because u weren't ever able to get back with ur ex u sarcastically said ud get back with because we kept talking about how amazing he was and how we thought ud get married and how sad that made us and then you'd die in a whale in the middle of the ocean!" Or whatever 🙄

Like girl did get swallowed by a whale but it was chill yall need to calm down 💅 like so what if siphonphores tried to eat her once or if the octopods crashed or nearly crashed several times? Like she handled it yall need to have some faith in ur daughter smh

Anyways needless to say they made the process SO HARD esp since Dan STOLE HER LAPTOP WITH HER FILES because he was "woRriEd foR hIs baby SiStEr trYiNg tO ruuN AwAy🥺🥺🥺" She is a grown woman btw and a highly renowned professional in her career.

anyways she managed to join thr octonauts anyways and her parents did chill at least half a year later once they realized she wasn't gonna die in the ocean and that she was fine not "settling down" for a while, they still DONT understand it but like they were just worried their daughter was going crazy and running away (THANKS FOR ADDING A BUNCH OF DRAMATIC LIES TO CHANGE THE STORY DAN)

Anyways she and Dan don't talk anymore, if u ask either of them about it "they just drifted apart", koshi doesn't really know what all the drama that happened was tbh :/ she just remembered them fighting over a laptop and figures they never really got along 😐👍

Anyways dashi makes it a point to never make koshi feel the way dan made her feel

Also dan ended up becoming a lawyer for businesses if u were interested :/

Dashis parents sound pretty bad here and they def aren't perfect, but they're usually just uninformed and they genuinely do have a "we should help everyone in our community ^v^ " mindset and taught dashi alot about self confidence and etc

If u made it this far then congrats!

Btw she didn't start out as a scientist when she joined the octonauts,its actually something that she added to her skillsets and shellington supported her thru it

I'll have to make a dashington post soon lol and also tall about her relationships with the rest of the octonauts crew

She and peso were the last two octonauts to join

[odileeclipse]

https://www.tumblr.com/odileeclipse/775661126176391168/choosing-her-pure-vanilla-x-reader-angst-i-wanted?source=share

This is amazing! Also now I can't stop thinking about an alternate version...sorta an angst to comfort version...

Imagine y/n just wanting to see him happy and sees that he is happier with white lily than with themselves so y/n breaks their own heart and watches him go off with white lily...then, after whatever events you wanna guess this happens after, pure vanilla realizes y/n loved him but had done something out of love for him...let him go...because of that old saying 'if you love something, let it go.'

And for the comfort part...can go bitter sweet or sweet. Bitter sweet is where he thanks y/n and hugs them...Still friend zone but now appreciates them more. Sweet would be...him finally choosing y/n, recognizing their sacrifices and how much they loved him!

Has it always been you?

pt 1 is linked here

Pure Vanilla x Reader Part 2 (Angst to comfort) (A/N at the end)

How could you say no to the one you loved. If he needed you on the sideline for moral support, then that’s exactly where you’d be. “White lily cookie, I know we’ve been friends for so long, and we’ve shared so many secrets” Pure Vanilla started off, with nothing but sincerity a raw emotion you wanted to keep for yourself. “If you would make me the happiest cookie alive, it would mean the world to me, White lily, I selfishly ask you to be mine, for now and for as long as forever lasts” You felt tears stream down your face watching helplessly feeling, wishing maybe that in another universe those words would be meant for you. White lily stared back into his eyes. Her eyes also welled up with tears but unlike you they truly were out of happiness. “Pure Vanilla…I feel the same way. Nobody has ever believed in me the way you have, and whether you had asked me now or years from now the answer would always be yes.” She was so soft spoken, and eloquent perhaps that’s what you were missing. You questioned Pure Vanilla’s kindness why would he have you witness something that would break your heart a thousand times over. Perhaps your patient nature disguised your true feelings and intentions. “I-I’m so happy for you guys, I’m so glad I was here to witness my greatest and dearest friends that I” You paused for a moment to wipe your tears and to calm your bated breath. “That I truly love” You watched them smile pure vanilla being the first to speak up. “(y/n) cookie, I couldn’t have done this without you, white lily, I hope you know no matter what happens, from now on you won’t have to walk alone.” 

As much as you hated to admit it, they were perfect for each other. You felt resignation was better, after all what was there to fight for. The prize has been claimed and your heart has had enough of this. Whatever this is. “Pure Vanilla cookie, White lily cookie, I’ll be taking my leave, a kingdom doesn’t rule itself” You said laughing off the hurt, of course you knew your kingdom would be fine but any excuse to leave was necessary. You looked at him longingly but left with a smile before any more words could be exchanged. You spent the day walking through the vanilla kingdom but the kingdom only served as a reminder of who you were missing. You sat in front of a garden of orchids, they were always your favorite flower. At first it was just because, but once pure vanilla entered the picture the smell of orchids followed him. It was an even bigger reason to love them. As you touched the yellow petals you let yourself smile. “He’s happy, that’s enough for me…I do wonder as an orchid do you wish you could see the world in its limitless glory?” you said to the orchids, not rushing to do anything else but enjoy them. If any cookie saw you they’d think you crazy. “It’s time for me…I'm a ruler, a successful one, and I did it all without him.” Though hurt you knew that what’s meant for you would find you, and anything that didn’t belong to you wouldn’t be yours. You could live with that. “Goodbye orchids, grow big and tall because you don’t know what comes tomorrow” Feeling that bittersweet feeling, love for your friends at your own expense. But if they had found each other there’s hope for you too. You returned to your kingdom by carriage, it was a bumpy road.

But no road is without its challenges, and with every day you began to embrace yourself more and more. Healing from a love you wanted was hard. But the kindness of your people helped you through it. Patience really was a virtue, your soul jam was the only proof of it. In the shape of an hourglass. The passage of time was the only thing you needed. As the days went by, weeks turned into months. Nightfall came on fast as you were getting ready to rest, when frantic knocking on your personal chambers doors alarmed you. “(y/n) cookie! Let me in I need your help” the familiar voice, usually soft spoken, was now pleading for your help. You opened the door carefully and were enveloped in the smell of lilies. A scent you would never grow tired of. You did have to pry her arms away after all the matter seemed urgent. “Well what can I do for you? I didn’t get a letter concerning your arrival?” You said skeptically wondering if perhaps you missed it. “No, there was no letter. I needed this to be as private as possible.”

“Is this why you show up in the middle of the night? Your plan already sounds defective, what if I had been asleep or worse what if someone thought you an intruder. You need to be careful, take your time” Pure lily sighed out. “Patience is the only thing I can’t afford right now, it’s why I came seeking you. You're the only one who ever has enough of it.” You looked at her quizzically. “You’re starting to scare me you sound awfully-” you stopped yourself mid sentence sensing the atmosphere had no space for jokes. “Well what’s wrong, how can I help?” You said urging her to share her troubles. “Pure Vanilla and I…I love him I do, but I want answers. He has a kingdom to rule, people to heal and care for. It won’t work out.” White lily looked at you for answers searching through your features for clues. “(y/n) cookie, I know you loved him too. So I ask of you, as a friend, as someone dear to your heart. Take care of him in my place won’t you?” You stared wide-eyed. “No…No! I can’t do this how could I- you, you both belong together freedom always follows the truth” It wasn't that you didn’t want this, you did but to get it handed in this way wasn’t something you wanted. “Truth seeks structure and clarity, but freedom, freedom thrives on limitlessness and change. I can’t stay, I need to know our purpose.” You saw her face contort into one of pain. “S-so if you love me and Pure Vanilla, take care of him” She embraced me seeking comfort, that’s something you would never deny to a friend. “If you won’t do it for me do it for him” she said through sobs as you rubbed her back in circular motions, a feeble attempt to tend to her broken heart. “Does he know?” you said in a hushed tone. “No, that's your job” your job? She couldn’t be serious could she? You gave it all up, a future with him and it was all for nothing? Your emotions stirred starting off as a soft dance, becoming a battlefield. “My job? White lily, you can’t be serious. You can’t just run off, that's not how this works, you can't be unfair to me. Not like you’ve always been unfair to me, you had him first and I let you because I was the ‘bigger person’ I resigned my feelings all for nothing? You’re both so unfair” you said in disbelief, your words came out sharper than intended but you weren’t upset with anyone because it isn't anyone’s fault things turned out this way. “I’ll do it” your voice with the smallest tinge of regret. Regret because you didn’t want to be the one that broke his heart. It just wasn't your burden to bear. But White lily was your friend, someone you also held dear and for her you were doing this. You could put your sentiments aside for her. It was the least you could do, after all she was a stellar scholar back then always helping you, in a morbid way the academy being in ruins served to help you, your grades were never stellar and you actually stayed in the class. “I can’t stay any longer, he’ll come looking for your help I know it. I wasn’t here okay?” You nodded sighing out. “Okay hurry on out I’ll ask a guard to accompany you at least till you’re out of my kingdom…it’s the least you could do.” She nodded as you asked a guard to accompany her. You watched from afar as her figure only got smaller. Until she was nothing. Quickly you lit up sugar candles to conceal the penetrating scent of white lilies that could give your lie away. 

It wasn’t long before you got a letter informing you Pure Vanilla cookie was on his way. You wondered how long it had been since you last saw him. Months of course but you didn’t wish to see him now. You loved him but you would be the one to hurt him, maybe you could put it off for some time. Not worry about him. So you headed towards your garden, a large greenhouse full of orchids and white lilies, representing the friends you held dear in your heart. It wasn’t long before a guard knocked on the door “Virtue of Patience, you have a visitor” it’s what everyone in the kingdom called you, you were hard to anger in the beginning the kingdom had a rough start building itself but you never once got angry. Insisting time would run its passage. “Who? If it’s not Pure Vanilla please turn them away I’m in no shape for visitors” You said firmly after all you wouldn’t want anyone to see you when you’re worried sick. “(y/n) cookie, I’ve come needing your help, forgive me. I wish we would meet in better circumstances but as you know, White lily has gone missing. She just disappeared one day. I came in hopes you’d know something” That melodious voice greeted your ears, even when frantic it made your heart skip a beat. You turned to see that familiar serene face. “You should breathe, I wouldn’t want you to pass out on me” your heart stirred conflicted. Knowing the words you’d have to utter. Could you lie to him? “(y/n) cookie, have you seen her?” confronted with the question made you freeze. “I’m sorry I haven’t. I’ll send out search parties if it would make you feel better” You said hoping your nerves wouldn’t give away the truth. But knowing he held the light of truth made you question how you’d fool the truth. Pure Vanilla cupped your face hoping to find answers knowing something was awry. However this only made uncomfortable heat rise to your cheeks. “H-Hey you can’t just do that to me you know” you said nervously prying his hands off gently turning your back to him. “Pure Vanilla you shouldn’t do that for other reasons too, someone might see and call you unloyal.” Silence. That was odd you turned to him, tears leaking from his closed eyes. Frantically you wiped away his tears. “Hey don’t cry, it’s okay I’m here for you, always” You whispered as you embraced him. “Don’t lie to me about what you know (y/n) cookie. I’ve known you so long I can tell when you lie.” He said sniffling. “What gave it away?” You whispered. “You always furrow your brow and if you’re feeling especially guilty” he grabbed our hand and opened up the hand curled into a fist. “You’ll curl your fists” he said softly. “I didn’t think you’d pay attention to me” you said with an ounce of disbelief. “You’re my beloved friend, first friend who illuminated my path and taught me to be kind to myself” he said in that soft voice the one reserved for you.

“Pure Vanilla promise me you wont be mad?” You didn’t know when his tears stopped but the only sign of them were the soggy streaks on his cheeks. “I promise I could never be angry with you. You’re my soothing light.” You shook your head. “You shouldn’t say things like that, people will get the wrong idea. And okay I’ll tell you what really happened but please don’t blame her. I promise you she, she’s just I don't even know anymore. White lily came to me frantic, she said something about seeking the truth.” You sighed out. “Pure Vanilla I plead to you and this time please listen to me, don’t go. Stop where you are, you're a king, a beacon of hope. A-And someone I love and hold dear to my heart. White lily told me it’s not working out, and that she can’t settle down.” In the flurry of emotions you rambled off the burden sharing it with him like you’d always done. Pure Vanilla sighed. “I felt this would happen, but you my dear light would never leave me right?” He was looking to you for comfort even if the logical part of your brain felt this was wrong, you were basically taking her beloved. And for the first time you were impatient as you embraced him. “Never would I leave you, you’re my sanctuary” You said in the hopes you could selfishly convince him to stay. “(y/n) cookie, during the 12 trials of the sugar free road, I feel ashamed but I continued in the hopes to see you again.” You looked at him confused. “Why me?”

“Because you left abruptly I thought you had found another. I love white lily. She's a dear friend to me, but how could I forget my light. When you left I had thought perhaps there was no more room for me. I mean how could I ask you for myself, I thought it selfish.” He looked at you the same way he looked at you before white lily, back then when it was just you and him. You are the light and him your sanctuary. “I’m sorry, I know you sacrificed your love and happiness for mine, I’ll spend the rest of my days repaying you.” He said his voice was compassionate, full of that love. Those eyes that knew everything about you, what made you cry or laugh. He was a vault full of your secrets. To be loved is to be known. “How could you do that to yourself?” He said, cupping your face. “My dearest light, if you love fight for it, I would have fought for a chance with you a million times over. Throw away rationality for you, why didn’t you fight?” His voice was earnest and searching. You whimpered attempting to hold back the tears, perhaps it was because of how sudden White lily’s disappearance was or because you had what you always wanted. It was in the palm of your hand for you to keep or destroy. Isn’t this what you wanted? “I wanted you to be happy, shouldn’t I let things go if I love them? And I loved you so much.” You said, biting back tears. He embraced your entire being the hug felt like your souls were connected on the same wavelength.

You broke down in tears. “I always loved you” you said and he only pulled you closer. “My dearest, I’d give up my soul jam for you.” parting from you he pushed back the strands of hair that adorned your face and kissed your temple. “I have spent my days bringing warmth and healing to others, but in your presence, I have found a warmth of my own…a light I never knew I needed. You are my solace and my quiet joy. If you would have me, I would walk beside you always” You couldn’t express anything into words, grabbed him by the collar, your lips meeting in a slow lingering embrace, kissing like a whispered confession, slow and deliberate. Taking him by surprise as he opened those beautiful heterochromic eyes. Your lips hovered a breath apart, the air charged with longing and words left unspoken.

A/N This is my apology for breaking everyone's heart <3 The long-awaited sequel due to popular demand I got to this request first but trust I am working on my other requests!!! If you have any requests, send them my way!!! ALSO NOT PROOF READ ANY GRAMMAR ERRORS PLS IGNORE <3 I hope you guys enjoyed!!!

*feeds you writing meal*

[thecheshireprincess]

The Game Itself

Chapter I: The Game Before the Game

A Chishiya x childhood best friend reader (Niragi's sister!) fic

Content Warning: Mentions of an abusive father, curse words, reader having somewhat low self-esteem and likely PTSD, Niragi is in here and he is NOT a menace; super soft actually

You wanted to cry, staring down at another barely passing mark in physiology. You've always been an amazing student. School was one thing in your life that came easy! Why was this particular class proving to be so challenging? If you couldn't even pass this class, how could you possibly hope to become a doctor in the next few years? You huff in annoyance with yourself and stuff the paper in your leather school bag.

If you were honest with yourself, you really didn't need this added to your plate today. You had slept fitfully all night, waking up with tears staining your face multiple times from the nightmares that had recently returned. You didn't dare wake up your older brother anymore, seeking comfort. You were going to be 20 soon - it was time to act like an adult. So needless to say, you are exhausted.

You drop your tired eyes to the desk in front of you, eyes tracing along a jagged crack in the laminate. You are aware of the probing stares of your blonde friend sat next to you, but choose to ignore him. You weren't in the mood to look at his likely smug face right now, knowing he'd probably gotten a perfect score. You scoffed in your head at this thought - at how perfect your best friend was.

At how perfect you'd never be.

You vaguely listened as your professor droned on with his lecture for the day, copying down notes from the whiteboard like a zombie and anxiously twisting your gold studded earring in your left ear. Every little thing was tipping your mood further and further into the red - the sound of the clock ticking, the squeaking of the dry erase marker on the board, even the nervous leg tapping of the student in front of you. Your blood was nearing a boiling point, and you gave up pretending to pay attention. Overstimulated, you quietly packed up your notebooks and pens early.

Chishiya could see that you were agitated, dark circles under your eyes, but knew there was nothing he could do to change it once you'd gotten to this point. He knew you had gotten no sleep, having spoken with you very briefly about last night before class started. Now, you'd probably gotten a less than satisfactory mark on the exam; you took those things very personally due to your upbringing. He'd have to help you study for the next test, motivating you to do so with snacks. The corners of his lips quirked up fondly, thinking about how you'd do pretty much anything for a treat.

When your professor finally, mercifully, dismisses you, you grab your already packed bag, pull your hood over your head, and bolt out the door. Despite having another class AND your daily library session with Chishiya still to go, you walk briskly, basically running straight home.

Your legs feel like jelly by the time you make it to the 3rd floor of the multi-story building, now dragging your school bag through the hallway and hoping the neighbors don't see you. You are definitely not in the mood for making small talk with Himari about her 19 cats and counting, nor with Ami about how you really should get to know and go out with her son.

Finally reaching your door, you yank on the brass handle, pulling it open and letting the comforting feeling of home wash over you. Unbelievably tired, you immediately fall to the floor, throwing your head back against the hard wood to catch your breath.

It hits you that the door had been unlocked, indicating that your brother was home. It wasn't like you hadn't expected that, he works from home, so of course he's here. And of course you would have to face him, but maybe not right away. You just need a little bit of time to decompress.

You focus hard, listening for movement in the house, knowing he is probably in his office. You stand up from your respite on the floor as quietly as possible, pulling your shoes off as you do. You gather your things, hold your breath, and sprint up the stairs to your room, hoping you were quiet enough not to alert Niragi to your presence.

You felt a surge of adrenaline course through you, reminding you of the way you'd always sneak out late at night with Chishiya when you were younger. Even in your bad mood, this memory brings a smile to your face.

Reaching your destination, you're greeted by the familiar and relaxing scent of chamomile and sandalwood. You close your door as quietly as you can, mentally cheering when it clicks closed almost without sound. You're free now to flop face first onto your fluffy duvet cover, which you do, exhaling heavily. You scramble to the top of your bed, pulling the sheets and duvet down to climb in, lying your head on the silky pillow.

Just as you've started to let your problems of the day melt away and your eyes are about to flutter closed, you're startled by a knock on your door. You acknowledge your brother's presence with a groan - damn it. Not so sneaky after all, then. You lay there breathlessly, thinking that he might go away if you ignore him. You hear him sigh and slowly twist the knob, peeking around the door to find you facing away from him in your bed.

You can feel his concerned gaze studying your form without lifting your head, but say nothing. You know he's got his left eyebrow raised and is wondering why you're home so early. You decide to pretend to sleep, but obviously know that won't fly with him.

Niragi is not like some oblivious parent from 90s television that can be easily manipulated into leaving their kids alone with an excuse here and an excuse there. No, Niragi is well practiced with you and your special brand of trouble. Your brother basically raised you your entire life but had really stepped up the last 8 years, having been granted custody of you when you were just 11 years old. Because of that, your bond was very different from other sibling duos, and honestly, there was no one that knew you better.

"Are you not feeling well?" He finally asks, realizing you weren't about to offer any information, and sitting down on the edge of your bed.

"No," you mumble quietly into the pillow, because although you weren't sick, you definitely didn't feel good. You feel the bed shift under Niragi's weight as he moves to put a cool hand against your forehead. You want to roll your eyes at the absurdity of it all - you're almost 20 years old and your brother is still trying to test you for a fever like you're 10. You can't find it within you to complain, though, allowing yourself to melt a little into his touch.

"You do feel a little warm," he admits, "but that's not the problem, is it?" And just why the hell is he so smart? You never get away with keeping anything from him. Apparently you couldn't even sneak into the house without him finding out.

"I'm tired and I just wanted to take a nap in my room, am I not allowed?" You snap in annoyance, pushing his arm away from you and rolling onto your back.

"Of course you're allowed, but you never do" Niragi responds to your tantrum calmly, "if you're home this early, you're either sick or something is bothering you. You're supposed to be in class right now, yes?"

You chew the inside of your cheek, feeling absolutely trapped. He studies your face a little longer, likely trying to read your mind - something he is shockingly good at. Instead, he moves to lay down on his back, mirroring your position. He doesn't say anything more, just waits patiently. After a minute or two of silence, he offers his left hand out to you. A peace offering, an offering for physical contact if you wanted it. Given your family history, Niragi was always cautious about physical contact with you, though you rarely turned it down anymore.

You feel your resolve cracking, stuck between wanting to be an adult and deal with your own problems and wanting your brother to fix them all for you. You couldn't care less when your inner child wins, finally sobbing and throwing yourself into Niragi's chest.

Adulting be damned.

He wraps his arms around you tight, hardly surprised by your emotional outburst. Though you'd like to think you have a solid poker face, you had truly always been emotional and Niragi didn't blame you. Your childhood had been tumultuous at best, that would unfortunately always be a part of you.

"IalmostfailedanotherphysiologyexamandIdidn'twannatellyoubecauseIdidn'twannadisappointyou" you wail, speaking as fast as you could into his chest, wanting to get it over with.

He brushes his fingers through your hair soothingly, the way he always has when you've been upset. "Why would I be disappointed in you? ALMOST failing? One test, one class?" He asks, confused, pulling you tighter against him as he feels your body shaking.

"I failed a test once in elementary school, remember?" you hiccuped, "Dad was so mad. So violent, I promised myself I'd never fail again."

Niragi understands now, sitting up and pulling you with him. "Koko, I'm not Dad. I will never be like him. If you're having trouble with a class, I want to help you, but I'm not mad or disappointed" he coos, using your childhood nickname to help calm you.

You and Niragi sit like that for a while as you will yourself to calm down. Tears are no longer flowing, and your embarrassing hiccuping has subdued.

"You didn't sleep well last night, I can see it in your eyes. You're having the nightmares again?" your brother questions you. You nod your head once, and he sighs a truly tired sigh. "Why didn't you come get me?" He implores.

You think for a while before responding, "I'm an adult. It's time to fight my own battles," you whisper sadly. Niragi stares down at you perplexed once again, "did you think that when you turn into an adult, you just magically stop needing people to be there for you? Because that's just stupid." You pause for a minute, taking in what he told you. You wanted to discuss the things that had been weighing on your mind since the early hours this morning, but you felt hesitant. Niragi squeezes your hand, encouraging you to let your thoughts out.

You let out a shaky breath, "I'm afraid that he's going to actually do it. I'm not in high school anymore, he has easier access to me. What if he finds out my class schedule, or comes to the hospital when I'm interning? What if he decides to kidnap me and take me somewhere really far away? No one will ever find me."

You brother listens deligently, not disagreeing with you because you were right; things had changed from when you were just a kid in school. The thought made his heart leap into his throat too, but he tamped it down, finally deciding on an appropriate response. Once again, Niragi pulls your head up to look at him.

"There is nowhere you can be taken that I won't find you, I promise."

♤ ♡ ◇ ♧

"I'm never going to pass physiology" you grumble in exasperation, throwing your head dramatically down on your book and slamming shut the notebook you'd been working in. It was the next day, and you'd actually gotten decent rest the night before. You'd thought maybe physiology would magically be easier too, but you were dead wrong on that front. 

Chishiya makes no move to acknowledge your outburst, aside from raising one eyebrow from behind his own textbook. He's sitting across the oak table from you, studying for a class that the two of you don't share.

You sigh loudly again, having not received the response you wanted from your friend. Chishiya narrowed his cat-like eyes at your dejected form and nearly laughed, "seeking attention, are we?"

"Can't you just do it for me, Shiya? Please . . . You're smarter!" This time he does let out a low chuckle, to your great dismay.

"That's hardly true, and you know it. You're just being lazy" The boy corrects you and then takes a beat, "but I will help you."

You turn your head to the side, just enough to peek one eye up from where you're laying on your book to look suspiciously up at him, "you really will?"

He smirks, snapping his textbook closed. "Yes, and I would normally tease you about it longer, but Niragi told me this was a sensitive subject."

You gape at him for a minute, "huh? you guys just have secret meetings about me then?" You question him in surprise.

The corners of Chishiya's lips tilt upward, "something like that . . . it takes a team to keep someone like you safe and happy," he says with a smug look on his face. Your jaw drops at his words in offense until he waves you off.

"Anyway, let's set you a reward for reaching your goal" he says, directing your attention back to the work at hand. "We'll go to the cafe in Shibuya at 6 PM, but your homework needs to be finished AND correct. If you can do that, I'll buy you dinner" He grins a Cheshire grin before re-opening the notebook you had slammed shut in frustration.

You nod silently in agreement, feeling more motivated now that Chishiya was going to help you pass your class AND get you delicious food as a reward. He was your best friend for a reason, and you were definitely going to keep him.

Your stomach drops, though, seeing the time is already approaching 3 PM. 3 hours won't be enough time to finish this homework. You groan loudly again, this time catching the unwanted attention of the librarian, who shushes you angrily, sending daggers at your form. She never liked you, too much fun for her, you supposed.

Chishiya's eyes sparkle in amusement, "so it'll be a bit of a timed challenge, then" he whispers, "you've always enjoyed playing games, Koko. So let's play."

He's right, you have to agree. You DO enjoy playing games, but only if you're going to win. You steel your mind into focus, preparing to crush the homework as though you were on a game show about to win money. You narrow your eyes as Chishiya sets the first question in front of you, ready to play.

♤ ♡ ◇ ♧

[6:04 PM]

You and Chishiya run down the busy sidewalk, laughing and narrowly dodging other pedestrians, racing each other like you had when you were little. Finally, the brightly colored sign of your favorite cafe comes into view. You glance back at your friend, noticing he was lagging behind quite a bit. You surge forward to win the race, happy to win yet another game today.

Chishiya glares at you as you gloat, "you only won because it was a physical challenge. You know those aren't my strong suit."

You roll your eyes at the sore loser, and push the metal door to the cafe open, waltzing in triumphantly.

Chishiya led you to the neon blue booth against the window, the one with the picture of the fat tabby cat that you always sat in when you came here. The memories flooded your mind, making you smile at all the time you had spent here together. The boy notices your smile, the corners of his own lips lifting slightly, too. "You're in a much better mood today. I was worried about you yesterday," he admits.

Your gaze snaps up from the laminated menu you were holding, in shock. "You were? Since when do you worry? I didn't know you could," you joke. Chishiya, though your best friend in the whole world, was usually far too arrogant and self-centered to worry about others.

He scoffed, "I'm not a robot, you know. I do have feelings in here . . . Somewhere."

Now you laughed loudly, your friend's funny response taking you by surprise. You'd never really taken the time to appreciate how much Chishiya made you laugh, or even how often he puts in the effort to make you smile. You looked up again, this time meeting his eyes instantly. His gaze on you was different this time - more tender, vulnerable.

"I love when you laugh like that for me," he whispered, not taking his eyes off of you. Your eyes widened, and your breath hitched in your throat. You suddenly felt like you were floating - what was happening? The atmosphere around the two of you had shifted into something akin to tension, but it wasn't a bad thing. No, in fact, you liked the way it made you feel.

Had you ever noticed how pretty his chestnut colored eyes were? Something inside of you told you that you needed to tell him immediately. You were just about to open your mouth to do so when bright lights flashed from outside the window to your left, pulling your attention from your friend.

"Are those . . . Fireworks? Before sundown?" You question breathlessly, tilting your head in confusion. Your bubble of intimacy popped in an instant. Chishiya broke his gaze from your face to follow your line of sight, looking as puzzled as you felt.

You stay frozen in awe for a second or two before moving to grab your phone to text Niragi. He was getting dinner in Shibuya, too, with some coworkers. You wanted to know if he was seeing what you were seeing. You tilt your head questioningly as you look at your phone, completely dead. You knew you had been charging it the entire time you were at the library, so it should have power.

"Shiya, my phone's dead . . .  How is that possible?!" You questioned the boy across from you, distractedly trying to get it to turn on.

Standing up slowly from the booth, and staring at the space behind you, Chishiya responds "I think that's the least of our concerns right now, Koko" as he stares at the dark and now completely empty cafe.

You glance slowly up at him in concern before jumping at the sight now before you. The cafe had been brightly lit and filled with patrons not 2 minutes ago. Where had everyone gone?

You grabbed Chishiya's hand in fear, him pulling you up out of your seat and close to his body as you both began to look around.

You briefly wonder if you're being pranked. Could it be a flash mob situation? Someone famous making a Tik Tok? Or even some kind of game?

If this was a game, you weren't sure you appreciated being thrown into the middle of it without being told the rules.

♤ ♡ ◇ ♧

A/N: I wanted to give Reader a nickname so it was easier for Chishiya and Niragi to address her directly. For a fun fact, Koko is my family's nickname for ME, so I am giving it now to you all 🥰 Buckle in, guys. We're just getting started ✨️

[trustinsturniolos]

𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘺

┈➤ 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴.

pairings : chris x reader

warnings/contains : smut , strong language , lowercase intended , not proofread , oral (m!receiving) , i think that's all (lmk if not !)

a/n : i know this is late, i wanted to write something for valentines day but haven't had any ideas ! this was only meant to be short, but i got carried away.

wc : 18k (sorry bae.)

part one of two, your gift to chris.

| 00

it's valentines day.

chris had spoilt you the whole day, like he always does. chris always came over to yours for valentines day, so you two could have some peace and privacy to do anything you both wanted to.

| 01

from the moment he woke up, chris already had a plan on how to spoil you, and he executed it immediately.

you groaned groggily as you began to stir, waking up -- much to your dismay. you slowly turned to face chris, wanting to know if he was awake yet. but as you turned, you couldn't see chris. just the crinkled be sheets from where he was comfortably sleeping previously, the covers on his side pulled back slightly.

you roughly rubbed your eyes, thinking you were just tired and that chris was still there.

but as you looked again, the bed was still empty.

chris never got up before you, he'd always wait for you to wake up or sometimes he'd be so tired he'd still be asleep.

confusion filled your curious mind as you tried to determine reasons as to why he wasn't there, but none of them made sense.

you glanced over to the bathroom, smiling softly at yourself as you realise he's probably just in the bathroom, and you're slightly overthinking things. your face dropped again. he wasn't.

where could he be?

he wouldn't have gone to the shops, he wouldn't have gone back to his brothers yet, so where is he?

just as you're about to tiredly drag yourself out of bed, the door creaks open quietly.

chris enters the room quietly to make sure he didn't disturb you in case you were still asleep, carrying a wooden tray with a plate full of food on, and a drink dangerously balancing next to the plate, wobbling, threatening to tip over and spill.

"chris? where were you?" your voice was soft, quiet, croaky and hoarse from just waking up. you noticed the tray and curiously

sat up to see what was on it.

“went to make you breakfast. you can’t judge my cooking skills, i tried.” he smiled sweetly, happily walking over to the bed, clearly proud of his cooking, despite his unusual attempt to act humble about it.

the food was perfectly placed on the plate. it was clear how much effort he’d put into it to make it as perfect as he could for you. it smelt incredible, like it was cooked by a professional chef.

“thank you, baby. it looks and smells amazing.” you cooed gratefully, placing a soft, warm, appreciative kiss to his cheek as he bent down to place the tray on your lap. 

“anything for you, ma.”

| 02

chris had firmly demanded you let him take you on a date. 

and here you are; dressing up while chris’ over with matt and nick, who were most likely tying his tie for him.

you straightened out any crinkles in your beautiful black dress, checking yourself out in the mirror to check you looked perfect before walking into your bedroom. You picked up your favourite perfume, spraying it a couple times on your outfit, hair and wrists, then spreading the remaining perfume on your wrists along the sides of your neck.

you heard a buzz coming from your phone. the message was from chris. it read; ‘leaving now. be there soon’. 

excitement rushed through your veins as you eagerly awaited chris’ arrival.

not too long later, you heard a knock at your front door. you rushed downstairs to let chris in. smiling as you open the door, chris stands there patiently, a bouquet of your favourite flowers clutched in his hands. “for the most beautiful lady i know.” he grins lovingly, passing you the flowers. “awwe, thank you, chris!” your heart melts warmly at the sight of chris standing there, looking all smart and neat with his black and white suit on, his hair combed to perfection.

| 03

before chris took you out on your dinner date, he took you to lunch. 

you giggled as chris tells you what happened to him the other day, when he almost fell into an old lady in the shops. the waiter comes with the bill and  you swiftly thank the waiter and shove your hand in your purse, hoping to get your money out before chris could pay. you smugly lifted your hand to place the money on the bill, multiple ten dollar bills clutched in your hand, thinking you’d beat chris to the bill. chris didn’t move, didn’t reach to get his money out. he knew what you were trying to do. your eyes meet chris’ firm gaze. he was going to make you put the money away even though you’d already got it out. 

“put it back.” he demands sternly, his eyes piercing into yours, leaving no room for debate. 

“let me pay this onc-” you began to speak softly, but chris was quick to cut you off. 

“i’m giving you three seconds to put your money away.” his hand moved to swiftly cover the bill, preventing you from placing the money down. despite the fact his exterior seemed snappy and stern, he was saying it in the most loving, sweet, caring way, but making sure you didn’t think twice about paying.

you thanked him sweetly and put the money back in your purse as chris finally got his money out after watching you put the money away, making sure you didn’t try to put the money down when he wasn’t looking.

| 04

it was getting darker now. the sun had set, the sky was a beautiful dark navy blue with a few little stars sprinkled randomly across the sky, the crescent moon beaming brightly through the night sky.

chris hadn’t let you do anything for him today, except for shower him with loving words, telling him how much you loved him and how lucky you are to find someone as amazing as him. but you couldn’t not do something for him, it was valentines day!

you and chris were cuddling snugly as you watched a movie together with the duvet cosily tucked over the both of you. well, chris was watching the movie. you were thinking of something you could do for valentines day for him this late. Suddenly, you thought of something. 

something you knew chris would love.

you told chris you were just going to the toilet, but as you got up, you reached down sneakily for something tucked in one of your drawers. 

the lacy red lingerie set chris loved.

you hid the skimpy outfit from chris as you walk past and enter the bathroom, closing the door gently behind you. you quickly removed your comfortable clothes and replaced them for the lingerie. you shifted the lacy bra to the side slightly to perfect it’s position as you noticed it was a little too far to the right in the smudgy mirror behind you.

you shuffled out of the bathroom unusually rapidly, leaving your other clothes on the bathroom floor.

chris looked over at you curiously as he noticed how quick you were, wondering if anything was wrong. “fuck..” he murmured lustfully as his eyes widened when he saw you, his eyes hungrily gliding over your body as you calmly approached him.

as you got closer, he pulled you onto his lap so you were straddling him, instantly pulling you into a fiery, desire filled kiss as his hands explored your body. you let out a breathy moan as his hands squeezed your breasts, his thumb brushing over your hardened nipple.

you interjected in your intimate moment as chris’ hands went from roaming around your body and caressing your breasts to reaching down to your lacy red panties. “don’t worry about me. let me make you feel good, okay?” you whispered, moving your hands from the back of his neck to halt his hands.

he nodded eagerly, wanting to please you but also craving for you to make him feel good. 

you hadn’t even realised, but he’d somehow magically managed to remove his trousers already. “calm down, there’s no time limit, mister eager.” you teased as you slid your body down from his neck to the waistband of his pants, noticing how he’d discarded his trousers already. you slid his boxers down, being greeted by his hard, erected cock. the tip red and desperate.  

you pumped his dick rapidly a few times, before attaching your mouth to him. you teasingly swirled your tongue around his tip, taking more of his length before pulling off. you licked a stripe from the base of his cock, by his sack, to the tip. yet again, swirling your tongue teasingly around his tip. 

“please, ma,” he pleads breathlessly, desperate for more.

“please what, baby?”

“don’t tease. i know you can take me.”

you smirk at his desperation, the way his hips jerked up, hoping to convince you to stop teasing him. to him, it already felt as if you’d been teasing him relentlessly for hours.

you finally show more mercy and oblige, pushing your mouth back onto his needy dick, wrapping your lips tightly around him and hollowing your cheeks as you bop your head forward and backwards, causing mixtures of short and long whimpers and moan to elicit from his soft lips. his hips rutted up and he whined as he felt you remove your mouth, just to pump him a few times first. the tight contact between your soft hand and his veiny, throbbing cock pushing him closer to reaching his high. 

“fuck, shit!” he grunted. “close, s-so close!” 

your lips reattached themselves onto him, your head pushing far down his dick, your cheeks hollowing around him perfectly when you pulled back, just to return your head back down to its original spot.

chris’ hips jerked desperately, forcing you to take him further as he came close to cumming. he tried to form words, but couldn’t from the unimaginable pleasure provided from you. 

before you knew it, hot ropes of sticky white fluids rushed down your throat as gasps of relief and pleasure emerged from chris’ lips. his brown hair sticking to his forehead, his face hot and sweaty as he struggled to form words.

“thank you, thank you.” he muttered breathlessly, resting a hand on his chest as his breathing slowed. 

you smiled at his gratitude. you pull yourself up, face to face with chris. “you deserve so, so, much more, my amazing boy. i love you.” you connect your lips with his softly as you feel him hum an ‘i love you’ back against your lips.

you let out a quiet gasp as you felt chris unexpectedly spin you onto your back, him now on top, the sudden movement causing a slight smirk to spread across your face as you knew what was coming next.

“i’ve just thought of one more reward for you.” he smirked.

of course, he couldn’t let you give him head and not give you head back.

dividers : me (i’m still learning, don’t judge it😭)

taglist :

@tezzzzzzzz @urgirlclaire @astrxl @sturnschris @persephonesluvs @presleycaudle @ivysturnss

click here to be on my taglist !

[dangermousie]

Some more thoughts on The White Olive Tree

Most of the times, when I finish a drama, even one I love, I move on the moment the end credits play. But Olive is a rare drama that keeps me thinking after. So have some disjointed thoughts.

I love love love (and by that I mean, I weep weep weep) that the very qualities that Song Ran fell for Li Zan for - his selflessness, his bravery, his unhesitating ability to lay down everything including his life for a complete stranger - is what creates the tragedy at the end. Look at their very first encounter - he is a deminer/bomb defuser who risks his life without even a flinch of a second of pause for a total stranger (her) and is willing to die with her if he fails - he does not love her yet, he does not even know her. He is in every way a modern day Saint, a hero, and a Good Samaritan. How can she not fall?

And yet, and yet - even if nothing that happened after happened, if I were her friend or family member, I'd lose my mind at the thought of her dating a deminer. Like!!! This is a profession with a high risk of leaving the loved one a widow or taking care of someone severely damaged.

And when you take into account that he is not a military person from Eastern Country or even from that country at all - i.e., it's not his country and his war - that adds another layer because it's one thing to do dangerous things fighting for your homeland (because if the other side wins, the results/risks are even greater) but to go into another country that you have no connection with to perform one of the most dangerous job known to man...that is a whole other level. A person who would want to do that is either an adrenalin junkie who'd never settle or so deeply selfless as to be a paragon but either is not a category that would make a comfortable partner. The latter type of person is amazing and the world needs them but in terms of their loved ones, ooof - a bed of nails is not a comfortable marital bed.

I know they made him a volunteer (and not a Chinese citizen :P) to appease the censors who would probably lose their minds at a portrayal of Chinese commandos having PTSD or being anything but utterly perfect but despite presenting factual questions (why is a civilian engineer, even a demolitions one, trained in making/defusing bombs/mines and his job keeps giving him time off to do it), it actually fits emotionally - because Li Zan is not even a military who maybe would have training/counseling/structure to deal with traumas and perhaps fellow sufferers around him but also it's one thing to go into the military as a choice and then get that specialty, and another to be a civilian who just periodically is thrown into a hot zone and hell and then has to go back and be normal over and over again. Perhaps if he were a type of person who'd be drawn to serving in the military, he'd also be the kind of person who could cope better but all he's motivated by is doing good. And that is a double-edged sword.

You know that take-off announcement? About putting on your own oxygen mask before assisting others - Li Zan has never learned that. It's not that he thinks he has no worth or value; it's just he sees his worth and value in helping others. He's important to himself it's just helping others is even more important to him. And I think the tragedy is that before the kidnapping/torture of 36, he was finally taking baby steps in learning to balance - as he said, he wanted to be selfish for once, he actually skipped going on a mission (!!!), he planned to go home with Ran asap etc etc. They were SO CLOSE to happiness. If they went home before the orphanage opened, they could have had a happy life. Yeah, he'd probably still have issues (and so would she) but it would be manageable and their lives would be overall happy - he really was getting healed and you saw it. It's just like bomb disarming - it's high risk/high reward, and he hit the high risk portion of it.

You know, it just occurred to me that the tragedy of Olive that it is a person's best qualities, the things that they should normally be praised for that doom them. Zan's selflessness, tender heart, heroism, driven perfectionism, sense of responsibility, yes. But Ran is also doomed by her best qualities - her devotion, her ability to love, her refusal to abandon, her opening her heart utterly, and her own sense of responsibility (you cannot tell me that in the back of her head she's not reliving the what-if of what if she didn't ask him to stay for a couple of extra days and he said yes; what if they left when he wanted. No way she does not wake up thinking it's her fault.)

This is a very different drama and genre than Royal Nirvana but one thing it has in common is a bleak message that on a playing field with monsters, the monsters will always win because they can do and tolerate things humans cannot, a soul is a handicap. All those awful people who broke Zan probably slept quite well at night not bothered much (unless and until they got killed) because their souls have scales when Zan's is wide open. Unless you turn into a monster yourself (which is another loss), you will always lose. Because yes, the war is over and so many people got saved by Zan but he himself lost utterly on a personal level (and is now in a country where all the peaceful happy people who've never known war look at him like a freak who should be locked up when his trauma acts up.)

OK, one last observation before this turns into War and Peace: I am so so so so impressed with makers for sticking to their guns (pun!) - in showing war and its effects as a lot less rosy than dramas normally do, in not healing Zan through the power of love, in showing that physical and mental trauma stay and reverberate. But also in the whole Ben x Saxin thing. I didn't post much about it because bickering couple is not a dynamic that is my catnip (same reason I was not that invested in Third Couple in PM), but my jaw genuinely hung open for the bulk of their storyline. Even the figleaf of Dr Pei (and hey, bisexuals exist so it's not even much of a figleaf) could not cover what they were doing there.

OK, I lied - this one is final. I love that at the end, Ran published that book because it harkens back to that conversation she and Zan had in that village after seeing children being trafficked - when she is in despair wondering what is even the point of anything and he lays out his worldview that everyone will eventually be dead and all the suffering they see and go through will be history but if it's documented maybe later generations will learn and make different choices. Because that book is her response to him, picking up that mantle - their lives may never be fixed (one can disagree as to whether their "elope" means suicide - I am inclined to think no for reasons I mentioned elsewhere - but it's a legit read - but even if they live for decades more, they have both been ruined) and all they are left with is the hope that maybe that story will save someone down the road, lead them to different choice, to a different world. Maybe their suffering has meaning in giving someone else a greater chance for happiness and if it isn't them in a nutshell, I don't know what is.

This drama was a masterpiece.

[jessicaloons]

Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince:

Chapter 12

Masterlist - Previous - Next

The Heartbreak Prince

"You’re staring…" Joris smirked and Charles immediately averted his gaze from Lauren.

"I’m just checking how much longer the food will take… I’m hungry." he said, looking back down into his book.

"Oh yeah you are hungry… but not for food." his best friend laughed.

"Stop it." Charles groaned.

"What? Am I wrong? Don’t think I didn’t see you adjusting your shorts when Lauren shows up wearing nothing but a bikini… especially the red one, that’s your favourite…"

Charles grabbed the pillow next to him and smashed it against his best friend’s face.

"I said stop it." he jumped up, leaving Joris behind who just chuckled.

Charles hastily walked inside, grabbing a cold water from the fridge and then left the kitchen again when Lauren called out his name.

"Are you okay?" her voice soft as he turned around.

"Sure, why you’re asking?"

"It sounded like you and Joris were arguing a little…"

"Wh-… no. No it’s fine, he’s just his normal annoying self…" Charles scratched the back of his neck, trying to look as comfortable and normal as possible.

"Oh. Okay… well, umm-… lunch is almost ready…" Lauren smiled at him and he nodded.

"Perfect, I’m starving! I just go and check on Ava, she was a little grumpy earlier." he walked off, straight into his bedroom.

The last days went by in a blur and with every new day he felt more and more drawn to Lauren. Everything felt natural with her. She fitted into his family like she always belonged to it. Everyone loved her. He understood why his mother was so full of praise for her. She was amazing. Funny and witty, bold but then again shy and sweet, always trying to make everyone feel good. Always trying to make everyone smile. And the way she took care of Ava made his heart almost burst. She was so loving and gentle with her. On the second day, after feeding her, Ava spit up all over her shoulder and back, but Lauren only laughed, cooing at her what a wonderful job she just did. She was always calm, making Ava no matter how fuzzy she was calm down as well. His mother called her a baby whisperer which Lauren only waved off but Charles agreed. She was a baby whisperer.

"Hey little princess… are you in a better mood now?" Charles leaned down, blowing raspberries at her and she began to happily babble "Yes you are… come on… let’s get you out of here… but first… new diaper… yep, definitely…"

10 minutes later he walked into the kitchen, a freshly changed Ava in his arms.

"Oh, hello little Miss Sunshine!" Lauren smiled at them and Ava began to wiggle in her father’s arms, chortling at her.

"Looks like she wants her favourite person to hold her…" Arthur joked when he grabbed the plates "And sadly it’s not me anymore…"

"You were never her favourite…" Charles rolled his eyes.

"Exactly that was me!" Pascale and Lorenzo said in unison and they laughed.

"Does anyone here consider me as her favourite?"

"You’ll always be her favourite… you’re her dad after all… there’s a special bond between you…" Lauren reassured him, washing her hands.

"Thank you, Lauren. Consider yourself my favourite person as well!" Charles said loudly, making his mother and brothers laugh, but when he looked at Lauren drying her hands he saw her cheeks being slightly flushed. He pretended like he didn’t notice and held Ava out to her and that beautiful smile made its way onto her face, lighting it up "Could you hold her for a moment? I have to go to the bathroom…"

"You don’t have to ask me twice!" she replied smiling at Ava who immediately snuggled into her, starting to play with Lauren’s necklace.

Charles walked back to his room, when he heard his phone ring. One quick glance and he already knew who called, making him groan. They couldn’t even let him have this family trip without bothering him. He picked up the phone, trying to stay calm.

"Hello?"

"Ah, Mr. Leclerc, and here I thought you lost your phone…" Cleo Bernoit.

"No, I haven’t. I’m just currently enjoying my summer break. Spending some well needed time with my daughter and family."

"That’s nice to hear. That’s exactly why I’m calling you. You and your daughter."

"What about me and my daughter?"

"Mr. Leclerc, we’ve talked about this. We just want what’s best for Ava. That’s what we told your lawyer as well, by the way…" she sounded annoyed.

"My lawyer only acts in my interest…"

"Making us sign NDA’s is in your interest? Why?"

"As you know, my life isn’t exactly quiet. Often I’m being followed by photographers and fans. I don’t want them to find out about Ava. Not yet when she’s this little. I have to protect her from the public’s eye. And with every person who knows about her, it’s more likely to come out that I have a daughter. So yes, letting you and everyone who has contact with me and therefore Ava sign a NDA is in my interest."

"That’s debatable but for now irrelevant. As soon as you’re back from your vacation, we’d like to visit you at home. We want to see how Ava’s days look like when you’re at home, or rather when you’re not at home…"

"When I’m coming back from my vacation the summer break is over and I have to work again…" Charles replied.

"Well, then I guess we pay your mother a visit… listen, Mr. Leclerc, you may not believe this, but as I explained to you already last week, we only want what’s best for Ava. We want her to grow up in a stable and safe environment. If you can provide that, you have nothing to worry about. Have a nice vacation." the CPS worker hung up, leaving Charles staring at his phone in silence for a while.

They already told him why they think his job isn’t the most suitable for a single father in the hospital and at last week’s call. He knew explaining it to them wouldn’t change their opinion. He had no idea what to do. He didn’t tell anyone about it besides his lawyer. Too scared to think much about it. What if they would decide he wasn’t a good enough father and took Ava away from him? What if he lost custody of her? All these thoughts were swirling inside his head, making him feel dizzy. His chest began to hurt, he felt his breathing constrict the more he thought about Ava being taken away from him. Her face that looked at him with her big eyes wide open, scared of the strange people taking her. Her cries and whimpers. Charles closed his eyes, trying to breathe but it didn’t work, it was like he forgot how to breathe in the last 30 seconds. He clutched his chest, right over his heart that was racing. His sight got foggy and he felt his knees buckling, touching the cold wood floor.

His ears were buzzing and he felt the bile rise up his throat when all of a sudden a warm and gentle hand on his shoulder woke him up from his frenzy.

"Charles?" a soft voice asked and he saw Lauren in his peripheral "Breathe with me, okay?"

She appeared in front of him, one hand still on his shoulder, the other one taking his hand in hers, squeezing it gently.

"Look at me, okay? Just follow my lead, deep breathe in… and out… in…. and out…"

Charles sight slowly sharpened again, the buzzing in his ears got quieter with each breath he took and his racing heart slowed down. His breathing was shaky, but he felt how his whole body slowly relaxed, the tightness and pain in his chest slowly ebbing away.

"You’re okay… everything will be fine… just breathe…" Lauren smiled at him and he swallowed hard.

Charles had no idea how long they sat like this. His eyes locked on Lauren’s. Breathing simultaneously with her.

"You feel better?" she whispered and he slowly nodded "Yeah? Okay, then come on, let’s get up…" she carefully pulled him up with her and then pushed him onto the edge of his bed before she turned away for a moment.

"Fuck…" Charles mumbled, ruffling his hair when Lauren handed him a glass of water "Thanks.."

She just smiled at him, squeezing his shoulder and then sat down next to him.

"Can I- can I ask what happened?" she whispered holding his gaze, her eyes sincere.

"I don’t know… honestly. One second I was fine and the next I couldn’t breathe, my chest hurt and everything was getting blurry…"

"You had a panic attack, Charles."

"What a fitting name…" he mumbled and closed his eyes.

"Was it the first time?"

"I think so… I mean I never felt like this before…"

"Did something happen?" her voice was soft and comforting and Charles could get lost in her eyes.

He wanted to tell her about the call he just received. His fears. But it wasn’t fair. He didn’t want to bother her with his problems and so he slowly shook his head.

"No… I was just thinking that next week I’ll be back in Maranello and the second half of the season starts…" Charles lied and Lauren nodded.

"Okay? And that’s scares you?" she asked.

"I’m not having the best season so far… and after the last weeks with you… with you guys here? Maybe not scared but it definitely doesn’t excite me as much as it used to…"

"Hmm… I understand. I honestly don’t know what to say… I’m not really into F1 to say much about it." Lauren replied shyly but Charles shook his head.

"It’s fine… you helped me, that’s enough!" he smiled, ruffling his hair "Can we please go now? I’m starving and the food you all prepared looked damn good!"

"Yeah! Sure! Let’s go!" she got up, giggling lightly, a sound that made Charles heart flutter.

"Lauren?" he called after her and she turned around "Can this- umm can what happened stay between us? I don’t want the others to be worried… I know I’m asking a lot…"

"No, it’s okay… I understand… your secret is safe with me…" she smiled and he sighed relieved. She stretched out her hand for him to take, wiggling it in front of him "And now come on! I’m starving too!"

Charles was lying on one of the sun loungers, his tired eyes softening as he watched Ava sleep on his chest. Her fluttering eyelids, plush lips, every gentle rise and fall of her tiny body with each of his breaths was like balm for his soul. Her adorable sounds like a melody to his ears, soothing him in a way nothing else could these days. He still felt the panic attack from 2 days before in his bones. The way his breathing constricted making him feel helpless. The upcoming visit of the CPS occupied his mind. He still had to tell his mother about it all, but he was too scared. Saying it out loud made it real. For now it was just like a dark cloud looming over Monaco for when he returned back home. The fear of losing Ava paired with the weight of the season, the failed upgrades, the race results that haven’t gone his way, it was all a lot to take in, but in a moment like this, where he watched his little girl sleep on his chest, they all seemed to fade into the background as he focused on the peaceful rhythm of Ava’s slumber. In the rare quiet moments Charles had with her, he could forget about it all. No fastest laps to race, no expectations to meet, no CPS to convince he was doing a good job as a father. Just the warmth of his little girl, her trust in him, and the overwhelming love he felt for her. In these moments, all the noise of the world seemed to disappear and he found comfort in her presence, like a shelter from the outside world. It made Charles realise that even when things weren’t going his way, he always had something to come home to that made all the blood, sweat and tears worthwhile. He knew he would do everything for her. He would give his life for her.

"Charles?" his mothers soft voice made him look up from his little girl "You should lay down inside… it’s quite hot out here and you’ve been laying here for quite a while now…"

"What time is it?" he mumbled, looking at her.

"It’s half past 3…"

"Oh yeah… I lost track of time. I was lost in my thoughts…" he sighed.

"Yeah, I could tell…" she sat down on the chair next to him "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Yes… but not now. I need a day or two to sort it all out in my head." he sat up carefully, making sure to not wake up Ava "I didn’t even realise how hot it was?" he felt the sweat dripping down his face, wiping it away before he felt Ava’s skin "She feels a little warm…"

"It’s okay… just go inside and both have something to drink." Pascale smiled and he nodded, walking up the stairs of the terrace and then inside.

The fresh air gave him goosebumps and he cradled Ava closer to his chest when he walked towards the kitchen. He got greeted with the polished steel door of the fridge, hearing someone rummaging through it before closing it. Lauren turned and flinched and she looked for a moment like a deer caught in headlights.

"Oh hi… gosh you scared me!" her voice shaky.

"Sorry! I just wanted to grab something to drink for us." Charles replied and the girl nodded, already grabbing one of Ava’s bottles from the sink "You don’t have to, I can-…"

"It’s okay…" Lauren smiled and grabbed the formula, carefully measuring the scoops. While she watched the water warm up to the right temperature, she grabbed a glass from the cupboard over her and opened the fridge again "Just plain water is boring. I cut in some fruit or cucumber and mint. What would you like?"

"Umm-… I try the cucumber and mint one." Charles smiled at her and watched her fill his glass "Thanks." he took the glass from her and tried it "Pretty refreshing. And not boring."

"Right?" she smiled and prepared Ava’s formula, shaking the bottle before she squirted a little something on her wrist making Charles cock an eyebrow.

"You know that the water will heat up to the exact right temperature, that’s the whole point of this gadget…"

"I know… but I just don’t trust it. I don’t want it to be too hot and hurt Ava…" she shrugged and Charles felt his insides warm again.

"You’re too sweet…" the words were out before he could do anything against it and Lauren blushed immediately "I mean… the way how you look out for Ava, not even just Ava, for me? When Maman said you’re the sweetest girl, I didn’t know what she meant. Now I do."

"I owe your mum a lot… so yeah, that’s my way of thanking her…" she mumbled and handed him Ava’s bottle.

"And it’s a sweet way. A very caring way. Thank you…" Charles smiled and left the kitchen to sit down on the sofa, just right in time for Ava to squirm around, opening her eyes looking at him "Hey girlie… did you have a good sleep?"

As if she understood him she nodded slightly and then yawned, making an adorable sound. But it didn’t take long for her to start crying and he already grabbed the bottle, feeding her.

"There you go… already prepared, no need to cry, princess." he smiled at her leaning back into the cushions.

He watched her face, how her tiny nose scrunched up, her eyes half open, cheeks slightly pink from just waking up, when Lauren walked past him carrying two big plates outside. Everything she did, she did effortlessly. She always looked graceful. Always looked well put together. Even in the morning, after just waking up and she was just wearing shorts and a top, she still looked perfect. He couldn’t stop looking at her and his mother’s words about how she could’ve been a supermodel if she wanted to, were omnipresent in his mind because his mother was right. She really could be a supermodel. But a real one. Wearing beautiful gowns in the runways in Milan or Paris. Not these wannabe social media models.

"Charles?" this time he flinched, when Lauren stood in front of him "Sorry!"

"No, it’s okay, I was just umm- lost in my thoughts!" he said quickly, smiling at her.

"Oh, good thoughts?" she cocked and eyebrow, smirking.

"Umm-… yeah, I’d say so."

"Good. That’s really good… here, I made you a fruit plate as well…" she sat down a plate full of melon, pineapple and mango chunks, strawberry half’s and blueberries and he realised that the two big plates she carried outside must’ve been fruit plates for the rest of them by the pool "And some more water, you need to stay hydrated, you know."

"Thanks Lauren…" it was really like he said, she was the sweetest.

"Let’s trade, I get the little princess, and you can have your snack…" she held out her hands a moment later she was feeing Ava, looking at her lovingly.

"I honestly have no idea how we would’ve survived this vacation without you…" Charles said after a while and Lauren looked at him "It’s not just that you look out for Ava and me, but everyone! I’ve seen it. You make everyone around you feel good. Always prepare little snacks here and there. Make sure that everyone stays hydrated or puts on enough sunscreen…"

"I guess that’s just a part of me since I’m a nurse… I can’t help it but to make people feel good and look out for them… especially if it’s people I like a lot… and I do… like you all a lot…" she replied shyly, her cheeks again slightly red.

It was adorable how fast Lauren blushed. The tinniest of compliments or nice things about her being said already made her blush and she turned shy. Always deflecting and asking for them to stop. She wasn’t anything special or wasn’t doing anything special. But she was wrong. She was. She was something special.

"Oh good job, Ava! That was a good little burb!" Lauren cooed at the little girl who began to babble happily, playing with Lauren’s hair "You like hair, hmm? Maybe you’ll become a hairdresser just like your grandma when you’re older?"

Charles chuckled. Watching the two girls next to him have a kind of conversation, while happily snacking the fruits Lauren had prepared for him. It was easy with her around. Just watching her and Ava. Like it always was like this. Maybe it could be something, that always would be like this, too.

"And you’re staring again…" Joris chuckled and Charles groaned "It’s okay. You can just admit it."

"Why don’t you just shut up, hmm?" he said and looked away from Lauren, stretching out next to Carla with Ava in her lap, laughing at what she just said.

Joris was right, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. The way the red bikini clung to her skin seemed almost too perfect, catching the sunlight with every subtle movement. Every curve of her body seemed perfectly sculpted, the fabric hugging her in all the right places, and he could feel a deep heat rise within him. His heart raced, a mixture of desire and something deeper, but the attraction was undeniable. But again it wasn’t just her beauty that held him in place, rooted like he was in some trance. It was the way she interacted with Ava. Her tiny hands seemed to reach out for her every time she spoke softly to her. Every laugh, every tender word she whispered to his little girl, made his insides feel as though it was melting. There was something about the way she was with his daughter that stirred something deep within him. Over the past weeks he realised that he had never seen anyone make such a natural, effortless connection with Ava. And the longer he watched her, the more he realised that it wasn’t just Lauren’s physical beauty that enchanted him. It was her warmth, her kindness, the way she was able to make his daughter giggle, her big eyes sparkling.

"You know, it’s kinda obvious that you have a thing for her, that you’re more than attracted to her… so why not act on it?" Joris said after a while and Charles thought about his words.

He shifted uncomfortably, his pulse quickening as he tried to force his thoughts to calm down, but it was no use. Joris was right. His own body betrayed him with every lingering glance and he got up, groaning.

"Just shut up!" he hissed before he jumped into the pool, needing to cool down.

"Sure. That’s also an option…" Joris laughed but Charles ignored him, swimming a few lengths to get his mind out of the gutter.

For now he had other problems to focus on. With their vacation coming to an end in 3 days he knew that he had to talk to his mother about the CPS. And he dreaded it already. He needed a clear head for it. So he swallowed down whatever it was he felt for Lauren and prepared himself to tell his mother about what was to come as soon as she would return to Monaco with Ava.

"You’re kidding, right? Your job?" Pascale looked at Charles with big eyes.

"They are afraid that I can’t take care of her, because of my job and dropping her off at yours all the time can’t be the solution. They say as her father I have to be more present in her life. It’s important for- umm what did they say? Bonding? Form a bond? Well yeah I told them that it’s not so easy with my job and that taking her with me is not an option because how is that gonna work? But they were very clear that they will have an eye on me and also pay me or rather you a visit as soon as we’re back to see how Ava lives. How a normal day looks for her…"

"And that all just because you were responsible and went to the hospital with her when you weren’t sure what to do?"

"Apparently I should’ve known it myself… or better I should have a girlfriend or wife who should’ve known it…" Charles was exhausted, plopping down on the sofa.

"Now that’s just… that’s just stupid. Ava is your first child, it’s normal to not know everything! And she’s the happiest little girl, it’s not fair of them to make you feel like you’re a bad father when you’re doing everything that you can to be the best dad for her!" Pascale sat down on the coffee table, taking her son’s hands in his "Don’t let them make you believe you’re not a good father, okay? The sacrifices you make to keep Ava safe? To make sure she’s healthy and happy? Don’t believe for one second that what they are saying is the truth!"

"I’m trying to, I swear… but it’s hard. Because to some degree, they are not that wrong. Most of the time she’s with you instead of me…"

"Because you have a very demanding job! One that isn’t easy at all. But one that will provide your daughter with everything she’ll ever want and need!"

"I know. And that’s why I’m just so… gosh I don’t know…" he swallowed hard and his mother squeezed his hands.

"Don’t be so hard on yourself… you’ll find a solution. We’ll find one…"

"I don’t know, Maman. I mean, what am I supposed to do?" Charles got up, pacing back and forth "I can’t stop racing. It’s my job. My career. My life!"

Pascale thought for a moment. The thought she had for weeks now coming back to her mind and she got up as well.

"I have an idea…" she said slowly, a mischievous smile forming on her lips when she looked outside and Charles followed her look, his eyes landing on Lauren, Ava in her arms, swaying her slowly around.

"I’m listening?"

"Lauren." Pascale simply said.

"Lauren?" Charles repeated, cocking an eyebrow "That’s it. That’s your idea? Lauren?"

"You need a full time nanny. One who travels with you to your races and all…"

Chapter 12 - Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day ♥️ and what a way to celebrate it! Charles and Lauren are just the cutest! I really enjoy writing them and I hope you guys enjoy reading about them!

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

If you want to be added to the taglist, drop a comment!

Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

Taglist:

@glitterquadricorn @lottalove4evelyn @janeh22 @itsjustkhaos @mariclerc @fangirlforever2000 @guaaafiiburg @giov13 @alittlebitofbooksandmagic

[munsonsmixtapes]

so so proud of you and all of your work is amazing!! i’d love to request something for your celebration <3

🦇😘#13 please!!! (pls feed us with some smut and angst 😝😝😝😝)

cw: MDNI (18+) oral (f receiving) body worship, angst, hurt/comfort

Your living room is increasingly getting smaller as your fight with Eddie gets more intense. You've never yelled at each other like this and now you're concerned that maybe this is the beginning of the end of your arrangement.

"It was just a little fight," you scoff but Eddie doesn't seem to think the same with the way he's looking at you. He looks so angry that you can practically see the smoke coming out of his ears.

"A little fight, y/n? You kicked me out!" He's screaming now and you're getting smaller as he towers over you. He's trying to show you just how much you hurt him. Yo try to get you to listen to him because he knows you'd much rather not have this conversation because you hate being vulnerable.

That's why this whole thing works. You both get what you want every time and there's no strings attached. But that's the problem here. He was supposed to fall for you and he did.

"You were trying to cuddle and that's not part of our agreement." You'll never tell him how badly you wanted to because that's not who you are. You're not a girlfriend, you're the type of girl men just like the sleep with, nothing more. And that's the way you like it.

Being in a relationship means letting people in and letting them see parts of you that no one else has. The parts that aren't perfect. And you're afraid that they won't be able see past how imperfect you are. Eddie's become the only person who's gotten close to you have to cut him loose.

Because if you let him in, then there's only a matter of time before he leaves and you like him too much to let that happen. So if you're the one who initiates it because of something he did, then it's not your fault, it's his.

"And then you just blew up, yelling at me like I did something so horrible!" Eddie knows why you're shutting him out, but he wants you to admit it, to hear the very words come from your mouth.

He steps closer to you, taking your face in his hands and he's so close now that he can see the tears streaming down your face.

"Why can't you just let yourself want this?" He whispers and those seem to be the magic words to make you cry even harder. He 's wiping away the tears as they come, pressing his forehead to yours.

"Because," you whisper back. "If I let you in, then you'll just leave. And I love you too much to let that happen." Mission accomplished.

Eddie can't help but grin at your confession, having never felt this happy in his life. He knew he wasn't just imagining it and now he has your words as proof.

"You love me?" He asks as he pulls back, his eyes lighting up.

"Well-" you try to backtrack, afraid that you've said too much, but considering how happy he looks, you're realizing that you didn't actually make a mistake.

"You love me!" He exclaims with a laugh. "I knew it!"

"You knew?" Your eyebrows furrow in confusion. You hadn't realized that you had been that obvious.

"Sweetheart, you weren't exactly good at hiding it. But it's okay because I love you too."

"You love me." You're beaming now, glowing and Eddie doesn't know how you could get any prettier.

"I love you," he nods. "Every single part, the good and the bad." His arms are wrapped around your waist while yours wrap around his neck, pulling him in for a kiss.

He smiles against your lips as his arms wrap tighter around your waist, lifting you up so that your feet are hovering over the floor. Your legs wrap around his waist as his tongue swipes along your bottom lip and you let him in as he backs up to the couch, collapsing onto it as you begin unbuttoning his shirt, but he stops you.

"Nope," he mumbles against your lips as he rests his hands gently on top of yours. "Tonight is about you, doll, and how I'm going to worship every inch of your body until you know just how much I love you."

You blink and you're lying flat against the couch cushions, Eddie now hovering over you with that hungry look in his eyes that you've grown so familiar with.

"But-"

"Nope, you're not going to feel bad because this is just as much for me as it is for you." He lowers himself down onto you and presses his lips to yours. It's so gentle in comparison the other kisses you've shared and you're eating it up, loving seeing this soft side of him.

He's kissing his way down your neck, whispering the most kind words to you about how much he loves your body. He hasn't been this soft and gentle since the very beginning of your arrangement and you have to admit that you love seeing this side of him.

"Your skin is so soft," he murmurs against your chest. "And you," he cuts him off to take a whiff. "smell so good, baby. What is that?"

"You know what it is," you laugh and it's music to Eddie's ears.

"Oh right," he chuckles as he kisses his way down to your tits, pressing a kiss to each one before speaking again. "You know how much I love these," he says as he gives them a squeeze which causes you to gasp. "But they aren't the focus tonight."

Eddie continues to kiss down your torso, pulling down your sweatpants as he does so.

"God, you're perfect," he whispers as he finally gets to the spot right above the waistband of your panties. As he gaze drops lower, he can't help but the notice the dark, wet patch right where you're cunt it. "Already wet, hm? Well, it's a good thing that I'm going to take care of you, isn't it?"

He pulls off your panties then kisses his way up your leg, murmuring what you're sure are compliments into your skin but you can't hear him. He does the same with your other leg then reaches up and grabs hold of your wrist, slipping the scrunchie from it.

"Can I use this?" He asks, his voice so sweet that can't possible say no.

"Sure," you nod and watch him tie his hair back before hooking your legs over his shoulders, not even giving you a chance to prepare yourself before diving straight in.

There's no warm up, it's nothing but teeth and tongue as he bites down, causing you to moan loudly. Your hands grab onto whatever hair you can reach, giving it a tug as your thighs press against his head, your heels digging into his back as your toes curl in pleasure.

He's eating your cunt like it's a man starved and you already feel dizzy, just knowing that this is different from any other time that he's done it. All the others were sloppy and lazy and exactly what you needed, but here, there's intention, there's purpose. And at this rate, you're not sure how long you're going to last.

He pushes his tongue inside and that's when you know you're done for. It's fucking you so hard that you didn't even know he could that with just his tongue. His hands are sliding underneath your ass, squeezing it as hard as he can as he works his magic, making you moan over and over as your climax builds.

You finally reach your orgasm and as it's coursing through you, his names falling from your lips, you just know that this is the best one yet. And even as you're finishing, Eddie's still going to town, slowly removing his tongue only to let it lazily glide along your cunt to lick up every last bit before pulling away just enough to where you can hear him speak.

"Tastes so good," he tells you. "Any man who has ever claimed that a food is their favorite thing to eat has clearly never had their head between your thighs." He then goes back in for more and you stay like that for the rest of the night where Eddie makes you feel the best you ever had as he eats you out for hours on end, showing you just how he loves you and that he will continue to do so for the rest of his life.

[bear-remn]

୨ৎ Valentines day special v1 ୨ৎ

hi! heres the firts part of the valentines special, im so excited to start pósting again with this little series, so i hope you gals enjoy it as much as i did making it! ଘ(੭ˊᵕˋ)੭ ੈ♡‧₊

︵‿ ⊹ ︵‿୨ ♡ ୧‿︵ ⊹ ‿︵

the night was calm, the full moon shiny on the deep blue eyes, the waves were soothing to hear. shu had taken kirari to the beach, a place she had never been nefore, as shu rested on a chair with his feet on the sand, kirari came toward him and sat on his lap.

"was the sea good?" he ask as his hads came to her waist and legs to hug her.

"its perfect, i tought it will be cold but it was amazing" her heart for some reason was beating faster than usual, she wasnt sure if it was because of the new place she was visiting, the sea, a place she tought was only to see on movies, or it was the fact that shu wanted her to see new things, it was strange to her but it felt so right.

"blue suits you well" shu commented as his hand on her leg touched the silky fabric of her dress "did you wanted to match the sea perhaps? or the night sky?" a soft smile appeard on his lips.

"not really..." she said softly, she hold his face and came closer to look into her eyes, she loved those deep and pretty eyes, for kirari, shu had the pretties and most hypnotizing eyes she had ever seen in her life, she couldnt put it into words but she feelt like shu eyes the only part of his body where she could see him naked, if that maked any sense "i actually wanted to match your eyes..." kiraris voice came a little embarassed, she is not the type to complement, she only does it to shu but, not so much.

"my eyes?" his low tone maked her skin get chills, and as kirari saw shu eyes as the most calming and deep way of his soul, shu could see the burning desire into her yelloish eyes, like a big and strong flame burning everything she sees and touch, at firts it was a little scary how deep she could go with so little, but shu got used to it and find it a home, a partner he actually want to keep and proctect of everyone and everything "the nails too?"

"if i am matching it mush be well done, is innit?" she smiled.

"the cutesy of humans keeps surprising me, why the need to match huh?" shu didnt get why humans acted like that and call it romantic, it was odd for him but he enjoy it, shu loves every little detail kirari does for him.

"because... i dont know, i love your eyes and it feels like i..." she bited her tongue before saying it, she understand better how vampires loved, so her way to be romantic and show people they were a couple its not the same as them, but she can handle it "like if i belong to you... in some way" shus fangs flashed as he laughs.

shu its not easy to make happy to the point of laughing, but shu couldnt help but to fin hilarious how kirari always bring that up, it was a little romantic for him but it was still funny to him.

"stop laughing!"

"so you say youre mine?" shu said with a smirk.

"i wont say it again"

"i wont laught i promise"

"youre just making fun of me!"

"im not"

they stay quiet for a little until both of them smiled.

"youre pretty like that" shu said as he hold her close.

"youre dumb"

"am i?" he said smiling, he liked these kind of moment, anoying kirari was a good hobbie, everything with kirari was better "im just in love"

kiraris cheeks grow red and her smile was hard to hide, just hearing him say that sentence, was enought for her to be happy, was enough to make her soul flutter, this kind of moments make her excited to spend eternity with him, together until their bones becomes dust and hell receive their souls as one.

"i love you, shu"

kirari looked into his eyes, drowning her soul with those killer blue eyes.

[freedarick]

I have been collecting these extremely beautiful Soso no Frieren cards. They give me joy

[mielicy]

no bc if remus had written like a manifesto or smthn right after school instead of disappearing for months at a time w greybacks pack i bet they woulda won the war. like that would have solved everything. lupin writing.