#I Get It…… i too love sitting here cozy as hell lookin at a beautiful mfer

[xxplastic-cubexx]

ngl sometimes i feel like lord farquad when i just sit on the menu to stare at him

[justcallmefox89]

Truth or Dare Part 10 - Diavolo’s Ending/Finale

Arianthi adjusts to her new life as a demon.  Changes are coming to the Devildom, and the trio must decide if they will face them together.

Written from the perspective of my female OC Arianthi.

Mood List:

Adam Lambert - Feel Something Luke Evans - The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face Karl Loxley - Never Enough Lukaas Graham - Love Someone Jonathan Young - For the Dancing and the Dreaming (cover)

I hold my breath, bracing for whatever is about to happen.  Then I hear a very familiar giggle. 

“Asmo?”  I wiggle out of Diavolo’s grip and see Mammon’s brothers standing in the doorway, gawping at us.

Barbatos pushes his way through them, breathing a little harder than usual.  “Apologies, my lord.  I did try to stop them.”

“No need for you to apologize Barbatos,” Diavolo says, scowling at Lucifer.

I look over at Mammon.  He’s pressed himself flush against Diavolo’s back, eyeing his brothers warily.  

Well then.  

“Um, Barbatos?  Maybe we could talk about everything that has happened over breakfast?  I can come help you as soon as I’m dressed.”

“Of course, Arianthi.  I’ll begin preparations.”  He spares one last annoyed look for the brothers before turning and stalking out of the room.

“I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you have an excellent reason for barging into our bedroom.  Especially given your behavior the last time we were all together.”  Diavolo’s tone is frosty.

“Our bedroom?”  Asmo raises his eyebrows and giggles again.  “Big brother I am positively green with envy.”  

He bounds towards us, sitting at the foot of our bed.  “I’ll admit when you said you were all in a relationship I didn’t imagine it being so cozy.”

“Not to distract from our original reason for being here, but when did one of you learn to throw fire?”  Satan asks, examining a scorch mark on the wall next to the door.  

He turns to look at Mammon and Diavolo, arching one delicate eyebrow, and they both shake their heads, shrugging.

The three of us look at each other in confusion.  Then the boys look at me, light dawning in their eyes.

“No way!”  I whisper, grinning.  I look down at my hands.  “That is so fucking cool.”

“It must have been an instinctual reaction when they barged in and you brought your hand up,” Diavolo whispers back.  “We’ll look into it after breakfast.”

Asmo looks at us curiously.  “So if it wasn’t Mammon, and it wasn’t Diavolo, and it couldn’t have been Arianthi...........  Are you three hiding someone else under there?”  

He gives us a mischievous smirk and reaches towards the blankets, making a move to pull them back.    

“Asmo stop!”  Unbidden, my tail snakes out and smacks his hand away from the blankets.  

“Ow!”  Asmo whines, pulling his hand back.

“Oh hell,” Mammon groans, laying down and pulling a pillow over his face.

Fuck.  

I quickly close my eyes and relax, tail vanishing. 

Satan’s eyes widen.  “Is there someone else here?”

Lucifer tilts his head to the side, looking at me carefully.  After a few seconds his brow furrows and his mouth forms a perfect O.  “Arianthi what did you do?”

Diavolo mutters something under his breath, his irritation evident.  “I believe I asked a question Lucifer.  My partners are in need of some peace and quiet.  And you are distinctly unwelcome here.”  His eyes narrow.

Beel pushes forward hesitantly.  “We had a bad feeling Lord Diavolo,” he says softly.

“A bad feeling?”  Diavolo looks unimpressed.

“Like something was wrong.  A feeling that Mammon is in trouble and needs us,” Belphie explains, eyeing Diavolo with distaste, his face clearly relaying that he thinks Diavolo is the reason that Mammon may be in trouble.

“We all felt it,” Levi adds.  “We were worried about him.”

Mammon slowly sits up.  “Really?  You guys came here just because ya were worried about me?”

Lucifer takes half a step forward.  “Are you alright Mammon?  The feeling is very strong, even now.”

Satan points back at the scorch mark on the wall.  “I’d still like an explanation for that.”

Mammon heaves a sigh, looking at me and Diavolo, asking a silent question.  I shrug my shoulders.  Diavolo rolls his eyes before reluctantly nodding.

“Asmo, get off the damn bed.  And all of ya turn around,” Mammon demands.  “Ya don’t need to be lookin’ at Diavolo and Arianthi like that.  They’re mine, ya hear me?”

Diavolo and I smile at Mammon’s declaration, climbing out of bed after the brothers’ backs are turned.  The boys pull on sweats and I shrug on one of Diavolo’s tank tops and a yank on a pair of Mammon’s shorts.

“Ok, you can turn around,” I say.

“What’s going on Mammon?”  Beel asks worriedly.

“Did something happen to you?”  Lucifer gives Diavolo a dirty look.  “Did he do something to you?”

“You -” Diavolo moves towards Lucifer, but Mammon puts a hand on his arm and shakes his head. 

“I’m fine Lucifer,” Mammon says.  He hesitates, debating how much to tell them.

“We might as well tell them everything beloved,” Diavolo sighs, running a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated.

“Probably just easier to show them right?”  I look over at them.

Diavolo nods and Mammon reaches towards my shirt, ripping open the back.  

“Sorry,” he tells Diavolo, wincing.

“Don’t apologize,” Diavolo murmurs, kissing his cheek and smiling at him softly.

Asmo squeals and claps his hands.  “Adorable!”

Mammon tugs down the back of my shorts a little.  

“Alright, go ahead and show ‘em baby,” he says, stepping back to give me some room.

I close my eyes, concentrating.  I feel a telltale pinching sensation, then the weight of my wings and tail.  I spread my wings and shake them out, ruffling my feathers.  

“Oh.  My.  Dad.”  Levi looks like he’s going to hyperventilate.  

The twins surge towards me eagerly, examining my new appendages.  

“This is so cool,” Belphie says gleefully.

“You’re like us now?”  Beel smiles.

I nod, shyly returning the smile.

Satan walks around me in a slow circle.  

“May I?”  He hesitantly reaches a hand towards one of my wings.

“Yeah, go for it.”

He strokes one finger delicately over the curves and dips of my wing, tracing the outlines of a few feathers.

“These are almost as beautiful as mine,” Asmo says, clearly thrilled.  “Can you imagine how stunning we’d look together?  I need a picture for my Devilgram.  As soon as possible!”

Lucifer looks like he’s aged ten years in the past two minutes.  “What did you three do?”

“Technically Solomon did it,” Mammon grumbles.

“Oooh Solomon is here too?”  Asmo perks up at the mention of the sorcerer’s name.

I feel a migraine rapidly approaching from the brothers’ general vicinity.  

“Ok everyone,” I say, clapping my hands.  “You guys go down to the smaller dining room, I’ll help Barbatos finish breakfast, and Mammon and Dia can explain what’s going on.  Asmo, you go get Solomon.  He needs to be there too.  I know you know where his bedroom is.”  

Lucifer looks like he wants to protest, but Beel’s stomach rumbles, distracting him.  

“Fine,” he mutters, turning to lead the way out of our bedroom.

“Give us a few minutes to get some real clothes on and we’ll be right down,” I shout after them.  “And Levi, if I see anything about this posted online you’ll have to answer to Dia!”

“Deleting it now!”  Levi calls back.

After they’ve left I shut the door and turn to Diavolo and Mammon.  “Well that could have gone worse, yeah?”

“I admire your eternal optimism princess,” Diavolo mutters, heading to the closet.

Mammon pulls a shirt over his head and attempts to smooth down his hair with his hands while I shift back into my human form.  I follow Diavolo into the walk-in closet and silently watch him get dressed. 

“Something on your mind princess?”  He asks me, buttoning the cuffs of his shirt.

“How are you feeling?”  I ask him quietly.

“I’ve had better weeks.”  

“Dia....”  I don’t know what to say, so I reach out to rub his arm comfortingly.  

“Don’t do that!”  Diavolo snaps at me, shaking off my hand.  “Don’t “Dia” me right now Arianthi.  This isn’t something you can make better with a cute smile and kiss.  I need to figure out what we’re going to do about all this.  What we’re going to tell the rest of the court.  How we’re going to deal with my father now.”

I nod silently, quickly changing into a pair of jeans and my own t-shirt, and going back into the bedroom.  

“I’m going to go help Barbatos,” I mumble to Mammon.  “Diavolo’s almost ready.”  

I’m out the door before he’s able to respond.

I slip into the kitchen without drawing attention from Lucifer and the others.  

Barbatos is standing at the counter, whisking eggs and manning the waffle maker.  I wash my hands and move beside him, starting to peel and slice fruit.

“Why don’t you go out in the dining room with the others Barbatos?  I can finish making breakfast,”  I offer.

“Are you sure?”  He looks startled.

“Positive.  You’ve earned a break after the past 48 hours.”  I sigh.  “And I could use a little time alone.”

Barbatos stops whisking.  “How are you handling everything Arianthi?”

I don’t look up from the peach I’m slicing.  “I don’t know Barbatos.  Last night we were just so happy everyone made it out alive.  Today is a different story.  Mammon is happy.  Diavolo is ........tense.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“I’ll make you a deal.  You go out there with the others and let me finish breakfast, and I’ll answer you after we’re done eating.”

Barbatos gives me a small smirk.  “Deal accepted.”

I give him a small wave goodbye, then throw myself into making breakfast.  The kitchen is silent except for the sizzle of eggs and bacon on the stove and my knife against the cutting board.  I eye the eggs, trying to decide if there will be enough for everyone.  

I’ve already made Beel his own private mountain of waffles but............. I should add some more eggs just to be safe.  

I wander over to the fridge, searching for more eggs.  I shuffle things around, irritation steadily rising.  

Stupid fucking eggs.  Stupid fucking breakfast.  Stupid fucking Diavolo.  

I fish out two cartons of eggs and slam the refrigerator door closed, using more force than strictly necessary.

Who does he think he is?  Wow he’s so fancy, he’s so smart, he’s the Prince of the Devildom.  What a dick.  I need to figure out what we’re going to do.  I.  Not we need to figure it out.  I. 

My dark thoughts about Diavolo continue as I scramble another two dozen eggs for Beel.  I start slamming platters, silverware, and plates onto serving trays.  I walk back to the fridge to bring out a few pitchers of juice.  I’m reaching in to grab the first pitcher when I hear a soft movement behind me.

“I’m literally one minute away from bringing out the food Beel,” I say without turning around.  

When I don’t get a response I roll my eyes and take a pitcher in each hand, turning around to kick the fridge door shut behind me.  As soon as I turn around I’m face to face with a demon I’ve never seen before. 

In my surprise the pitchers drop from my hands, but the other demon reaches forward and catches them effortlessly.  

“I’m sorry if I startled you, my dear,” he apologizes.

“Who are you?  Why are you here?”  I demand.  My fingertips tingle and I see small sparks flickering from them.  

Not the time, freaky new demon powers.  Not the time.

He notices too, and grins at me.  “I’m Arawn.  Who might you be my lovely?  Not a servant surely?”

I study him carefully.  He looks to be in his mid-forties and he’s tall as Diavolo, muscular but slender.  Snow white hair brushes his shoulders, and he tucks a stray lock behind his ear as I look him over.  Sensual, full lips, high cheekbones, aquiline nose, perfectly tanned skin.  His eyes are the shade of warm honey.

Total DILF.   

I start to smile at him as our eyes meet, and bite down on my lower lip playfully.  “Pleasure to meet you Arawn.”

His eyes roam appreciatively over me.  “I assure you the pleasure is all mine.”

Daddy.  DAD-DY.  

Unconsciously I reach up to twirl a strand of hair around one finger, my eyes never leaving Arawn.  

I wonder how old he really is.  I bet he’s got some tricks..... No, that’s not right.  

My eyes widen and I shake my head.  

“What did you do to me?”  I narrow my eyes at him.  “How long have you been here?  Were you doing this earlier when I was angry?”

He smiles at me in delight.  “Most don’t even realize when I’ve been toying with their thoughts or emotions, let alone shut me out right in the middle of it.  How very clever.”

I meet his eyes again.  Golden eyes, like amber sparking in the sun.  

So familiar, but .......

“Oh shit,” I breathe, eyes darting to the doorway that leads out to the dinning room.  

“What’s that my lovely?”  Arawn quirks an eyebrow at me.

“You’re Dia’s dad.”  

Arawn’s face tenses slightly at the nickname.

“I am Prince Diavolo’s father.”  He pauses.  “How do you know my son?”  

I motion at the pitchers he’s holding and the trays on the counter.  

“I’m making Lord Diavolo breakfast right now.  I apologize for not recognizing you, Your Highness.”  I bow my head.  

Don’t mess this up bitch.  Play the servant.  Make it out to the dining room.  Get to Mammon and Diavolo.

Arawn visibly relaxes.  “I’m sorry for interrupting your duties my dear.” 

“Please don’t apologize Your Highness.  He’s having breakfast with several demon lords this morning.  I’m sure he’d be thrilled if you were to join them.”  

Please say yes, please say yes.

He smiles at me.  “What a delightful idea.”

“If you would like to go to the dining room I’ll be bringing breakfast out shortly.”

“Nonsense.  I’ll help you bring things out.  It will be a fun little surprise.”  

Fuck.  

“Of course your highness.  That would be most appreciated.”

Arawn gives me a another charming smile.  

“Here lovely.”  He hands me the pitchers.  “I’ll carry out the trays.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” 

He motions for me to walk ahead of him before taking a tray in each hand.  I push the door to the dining room open and walk to the table.  

Mammon is the first one to look up from the intense conversation that’s taking place.  

“Hey ba-”  He sees Arawn behind me and scowls.  “Who are you?”

His question draws the attention of everyone else at the table, and one by one every head comes up to look at me and Arawn.  I’m frozen, very aware of the heat of his body as he stands close behind me.

Diavolo’s expression hardens as he stands and looks at his father.  “Arianthi get over here.  Right now.”  

I set the juice down on the table next to Levi and hurry to Diavolo’s side.

“Are you ok?  Did he hurt you?”  He quickly checks me over before moving me behind him.  

Arawn chuckles.  “Please, Diavolo.  You should know I would never harm one of your servants.  Especially one this adorable.”

“Father -”

Everyone at the table tenses as they realize who Arawn is.  Asmo shifts in his chair to put himself between Solomon and Arawn.

“I did expect a warmer welcome Diavolo.”  Arawn sets the trays he’s carrying down on the table.  

Beel unobtrusively pulls the trays over in front of himself, keeping one eye on Arawn.

“You’ll forgive me father, but I have heard some rather troubling rumors surrounding your reasons for returning.”  

Arawn’s gaze sweeps over the table, settling on Asmo and Solomon.  

“And I have heard some equally troubling things about your rule over the Devildom as of late.”  His tone is flinty, displeasure evident in every word.  “Inviting humans and angels here?  Really Diavolo?”

Diavolo curls his hand into a fist, fingernails digging into his palm.  “You decided to abandon your duties as king.  You left me in charge.  I will not apologize for making changes to improve the Devildom.”

Arawn snorts.  

“Trying to bring the realms together?  Sharing meals with humans?”  He waves a hand at Solomon.  

“Publicly taking two lovers?  Which I have no general objection to, but when one of them is a human?  And you intend to make the human your queen?”

Blood is trickling from Diavolo’s palm now.  I snatch a napkin from the table and start to dab at his hand, stemming the flow of blood.  Mammon stands from his seat and moves to my side.

Arawn smirks.  “You must be the demon my son has become so infatuated with.”

Mammon opens his mouth to retort, but I give his side a small pinch.  He snaps his mouth closed, body vibrating with anger.

“So where is this human?  I’m intrigued to see this girl who has managed to captivate two of the most powerful demons in the Devildom.”

Diavolo and Mammon shift almost imperceptibly, trying to shield me.  The movement doesn’t escape Arawn.

“Are you that worried I’d harm your servant?  Or maybe there’s more to her than meets the eye?”  

There’s a bright flash of light and suddenly Arawn is behind me, gripping my arm tightly.  Everyone sitting at the table is instantly on their feet.

“Oi!” 

“Father!”

Diavolo and Mammon reach for me, but Arawn yanks roughly on my arm and pulls me close to his side.  “Everyone is certainly protective of you my dear.”  

He lowers his face to my hair and presses a soft kiss to my head.  He gives a quiet inhale of surprise, and then a dark chuckle.

“How very, very clever.  Who’s idea was it for you to undergo the transformation ritual?”  He runs one sharp fingernail over my cheek, and I try to suppress a shiver of revulsion.  

Dia’s dad may be hot but everything else about him sucks.

“Let her go.”  Diavolo growls.  

“Now,” Mammon snarls next to him.

Arawn gently runs his fingers down the side of my face, before slowly wrapping his large hand around my throat.  

“You know,  I came here with every intention of snapping your neck,” he says casually, tightening his grip.  

I throttle my urge to panic, staying still, as everyone else in the room takes a step forward, converging on us.

“But you’re one of us now, so I suppose my plans have to change” he muses out loud.  “Do you still have the intention of eventually making her your queen?”  He arches an eyebrow at Diavolo.

“I do,” Diavolo answers tersely. 

“What about that one?”  Arawn waves his free hand towards Mammon, and I hear Lucifer hiss in rage at the flippant way Arawn refers to his younger brother.

“Mammon will remain our partner.  We have no intention of leaving him out of our marriage.”

Oh.  So now there’s a we.  How very fucking convenient Dia.  

I feel Arawn shrug and then he releases me, softly pushing me towards Diavolo.  

“As you wish.  I’ll be going to my room.”  He starts to leave the room, but pauses at the doorway for a moment to look back at us with a smirk.  

“Remember my son, many things can happen before an official engagement is announced.  Before a marriage is consummated.  Or an heir is born.  And until you’re married, I am still king here.”

Everyone lets out a collective breath of relief once he’s out of sight.  I automatically begin rubbing at my neck, trying to erase the feel of Arawn’s hand.

“Anyone else get the feeling he was threatening me?  And literally all the changes Dia has made here?”  I ask.

“Without a doubt,” Satan answers.  “I guess now we know why we all had a feeling Mammon was in trouble.”  

Everyone else looks concerned.

“Are you alright?”  Diavolo asks.

“Did he hurt ya?”  Mammon looks at me worriedly.

“No.  He got into my head for a little while, but I was able to block him once I realized what he was doing,” I answer them.

“Got into your head how?”  Satan asks curiously.

I feel the blush rising in my cheeks and avoid Diavolo’s eyes.

“Thoughts of lust?”  Diavolo guesses.

I nod silently.

“He would do something like that,” he mutters in disgust as Mammon wraps his arms around me possessively.  

“He made me angry at you.  Well, more angry.  Like he was fueling my negative thoughts.”

Diavolo’s gaze softens and he reaches out to stroke my cheek.  “I’m so sorry princess.  I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

I nuzzle my face into his hand and kiss his palm.  “It’s alright Dia.  Let’s eat breakfast and plan our next move.”

An hour later our group splits.  Barbatos goes to clean up the breakfast mess and keep an eye on Arawn.  Beel offers to help Barbatos, wanting to stay close to the kitchen, and Belphie tags along.  

The rest of us move to the library.  I notice that Mammon’s easy manner with his brothers has returned, and I smile to myself, glad that they’ve seemingly made up.

Diavolo, Mammon, Satan, Asmo, and Solomon start combing through books, looking for information on Morrigan and Devildom monarchy laws of succession.

Lucifer and Levi approach me hesitantly.  

“We wanted to offer you our assistance in learning how to master you new abilities,” Lucifer says stiffly.

“And apologize,”  Levi adds.  “We already apologized to Mammon, but we wanted to say we’re sorry to you too.  I’m going to treat Mammon better.  I promise.”

I smile at him.  “Thanks Levi.”

“Leviathan is correct.  I shouldn’t have lost my temper with you.  Or accused you of  colluding with Diavolo to seduce Mammon in an effort to spite me.  I know how much you care for him, and it was a low blow to invalidate your feelings for him.  And you were r-”  

Lucifer pauses, looking like the word is causing him physical pain.  “You were right about how we all treat Mammon.  We will be making an effort to change our behavior.”

“Apology accepted.”

Two hours later I can easily summon and throw small fireballs, and Levi has taught me how control my tail.  

“Mammon!”  I hear Dia call out.  

I turn around and see Mammon, hand outstretched towards a small gold figurine resting on one of the bookshelves.  

“If you put your pretty little fingers on that statue I’m going to spank you.”  Diavolo doesn’t even look up from the book he’s paging through.

Mammon flushes and hastily pulls his hand back as his brothers snicker.  

“It seems Morrigan was telling the truth Arianthi,” Satan says, shoving aside a large pile of scrolls and looking at me.  “She had a certain fondness for human men, and took many on as lovers.  One of your ancestors impregnated her and she gave birth to a half-human son.  After his birth she left the child with his father and returned to the Devildom for a time.  After that there is no other written record of her.”

“And it seems the Celts didn’t only consider her their goddess of war,” Solomon calls out.  He’s sitting in an armchair, Asmo sprawled in his lap.  Solomon reads from the books he’s holding.  

“She was their goddess of fate, birth, and death.  As well as their goddess of fertility.”  Solomon smirks at me as Asmo giggles, giving him a quick kiss.

Mammon sits down in another chair and pulls me into his lap.  “What about you Diavolo?  Did ya find anything new?”

Diavolo shakes his head and tosses away his book in frustration.  “The title of king passes to me upon my marriage.  An heir only solidifies my position as ruler.  If my father decides to undo everything I’ve accomplished before my marriage there’s nothing to stop him.  He is still king.”

“Do you think he’ll try to hurt me now that I’m not human anymore?”  I ask, anxiously gnawing on my thumbnail.

He sighs.  “I don’t know.  He’ll probably try to toy with you, but I doubt he’d seriously try to harm you.  If you were queen he wouldn’t dare lay a finger on you; he’s impulsive but he’s not stupid.  He knows he’d spend his life in the dungeons if he did.”

“So why don’t ya just go ahead and get married?”  Mammon asks, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world, gesturing between me and Diavolo.

Diavolo flushes.  “Well, I had hoped,” he stops speaking.  

He clears his throat.  

“I had hoped to make the proposal quite romantic.  And have a long engagement, so you both have time to plan the wedding of your dreams,” he mutters, staring at the floor.

“Both?”  Mammon echoes in surprise.

Lucifer takes pity on Diavolo and begins herding Levi, Satan, Asmo and Solomon out of the room.  

“We’ll go check in with the others,” he says, before firmly shutting the library doors behind them.  

Diavolo sighs and scrubs his hands over his face.  “This is a disaster.”

Mammon and I stay frozen in our chair, unsure what to do or say.

“I understand if either of you do not wish to remain in a relationship with me,” Diavolo mumbles.  “I don’t want to force you into some rushed wedding just because my father has awakened.  You both deserve a proper proposal.  Time to plan the wedding you really want.  Mammon deserves more time to explore his feelings about me.”

Mammon looks at him impassively.  “For a smart guy you’re pretty fuckin’ dumb sometimes.”

“Mammon!”  I flick his ear.

“What?”  He asks, swatting my hand away.  “Our girl became a demon so she could stay with us.  Does that sound like someone who’s gonna run from a little problem like your dad?”

Diavolo huffs out a low laugh and rolls his eyes.  “No.  No, it does not.  And what about you?”

Mammon gives him a crooked grin.  “You’re growin’ on me.  I could probably be persuaded to stick around.”

“Well in that case.”  Diavolo stands up from his chair and walks towards us, pulling me up to stand in front of him.  He kneels down and reaches into his coat pocket, pulling out a small jewelry box.  

“I’ve been carrying this around for a while now, but this is not at all how I imagined proposing,” he mumbles, before speaking up.  

“Arianthi, you have caused chaos since the moment you arrived here.  You had no reason to be kind to us, especially me, but you were.  You are intelligent and sweet and understanding to a fault.  I didn’t expect to fall for you, but falling in love with you has been the greatest surprise of my extremely long life.  You are the first person who saw me as just Diavolo and loved me for me, not because I’m a prince.  Bringing you here was the best decision I have ever made, and loving you is as easy breathing.  Will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”

I look back over my shoulder at Mammon; he’s smirking and nodding his approval.  “Yes!”

Diavolo laughs, leaping to his feet and spinning me around in a circle.  He kisses me deeply, then opens the jewelry box and carefully slips the engagement ring on my finger.  A large oval cut ruby in a gold setting sparks in the warm light of the library.  He kisses me one more time, then reaches into his pocket and pulls out another jewelry box.  

Mammon looks at me in shock as Diavolo once again gets down on one knee, taking Mammon’s hand in his.  

“You have been a headache since the moment you fell from the Celestial Realm,” Diavolo begins.  

I giggle quietly to myself.  

“But through the years I have watched you grow and find your place here.  You’re compassionate and loyal to those you love.  I am thankful Arianthi brought us together, and that I now have such a smart, handsome, funny demon in my life.  I care for you very much, and my feelings are only growing stronger.  Will you marry us Mammon?  Marry me?”

Mammon is frozen in place, blue eyes bright with tears.  

“Yes,” he finally whispers, nodding.  “I’ll marry ya.  Both of ya.”

Diavolo tugs on his hand and Mammon stands.  Diavolo gently slips Mammon’s engagement ring on his finger.  Like mine, Mammon’s ring is gold, and the band is inset with small rubies running the circumference of the ring.  Diavolo cups Mammon’s face in his hands, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

After they break apart they both reach out to me, and I step into their waiting arms.  

“This is really happening?”  Mammon whispers, holding me tight.

“This is really happening,” Diavolo answers, wrapping his arms around both of us.

“So what do we do now?”  I ask, cuddling into Mammon.

Diavolo drops a gentle kiss on my forehead.  

“First, we tell Mammon’s brothers about our engagement.  We ignore whatever objections my father may have.  And then,” he smiles softly at both of us, “we start planning a wedding.”

[cycat4077]

Three Weeks In

So, I’m writing a series. Cute, fluffy ideas kept popping into my head and rather than making a new character/backstory for each one-shot, I decided to keep the universe I set up in Changes which is basically all the canon-SVU events but Sonny has a loving relationship behind the scenes. Let’s face it, the boy deserves happiness. It’s not necessary to read my other story first unless you want the backstory of the reader character and how they got together with Sonny. I’ll try to keep things chronological and weave in SVU events if I can. My OCD is forcing me to make sure the dates are all correct (ex: Sonny can’t be with the reader if he’s supposed to be upstate investigating a lead.) So tah-dah! I present thee with the second installment of the “Changes” series which is set immediately after 17x09, Depravity Standard, and begins on Nov 23rd 2015 (the day before Thanksgiving). It may be crap, but I hope you enjoy anyway!

Words: 2296 Warnings: none Pairing: Sonny x Reader Summary: Three weeks into dating Sonny and he already wants you to meet his family… AO3 here

Some days you actually have to pinch yourself as a reminder that your life is real. It’s been three weeks since Sonny showed up to your class. Three weeks since the two of you confessed your feelings. And three weeks of dating Sonny. While your schedules didn’t allow for a lot of one-on-one time, the two of you keep in touch and steal away for dinner whenever you can.

A steady beeping sound rouses you from your sleep and you roll over to shut off your alarm. The sun is starting to peek through the curtains, signalling a new day. Glancing at your phone screen, you smile.

Mornin’, doll. Have a great day! Talk to you later xoxo

Everyday you wake up to a text from Sonny and, though a seemingly small gesture, your heart aches in the best possible way from knowing he cares. You unplug the device and lay back in bed, phone perched on your chest.

Morning, Sonny. Hope you have a great day too and stay safe! xoxo

As you hit send, you imagine him smiling at his desk when the message comes in. You get ready for class and head out, a spring in your step while you journey to campus. Sonny texts you back around lunchtime with a message saying that he should be free tonight. He asks if you’d be up for having dinner and you eagerly accept. That evening you put on a nice outfit, fix your hair and set out to meet your date at a nearby restaurant. But SVU work can be unpredictable. You were made very aware of that during your summer there. One day could be quiet while the next could be so busy that you didn’t know whether the detectives were coming or going. So understandably, this line of work would sometimes force Sonny to be late. Nevertheless, if he was, he would apologize profusely and you would always reassure him that you understood. Tonight however, as you wait alone inside the restaurant lobby, Sonny is later than he’s ever been before. Not only that, but he hasn’t even sent you a message to confirm that he was caught up. His silence has you worried. You crane your neck towards the door once more before sending him a quick text:

Hey. Hope everything is okay.

Not a moment later your phone vibrates.

Shit. Sorry, doll. I’ll be there in 15.

You breathe a sigh of relief knowing he’s safe but then your gut knots when the alternative creeps into your mind. Restaurant patrons pass you by and the hostess keeps glaring while you’re standing there. They’ve seen it all before: a girl left waiting for a date who doesn’t show. You look up and let out a shaky sigh, hoping that Sonny hadn’t simply forgotten you. Practically 15 minutes on the nose from his text, a rather frantic looking Sonny comes barreling through the restaurant door. His winter jacket is unbuttoned and you can see his badge still clipped to his suit underneath. He hasn’t had time to change. “Hey,” he breathes out with apologetic eyes. “I’m so sorry. I shoulda texted you. It’s just Rollins -” Sonny takes a breath, chest heaving. He must have ran here. “She had a scare today. There were complications with her labor. Luckily, she made it though n’ delivered a healthy baby girl, but Lieu and I stayed there with her for a while. She’s gettin’ some rest now and Fin is gonna check up on her later.” Immediately you flood with relief. “I’m glad she and the baby are alright,” you say, “and I’m glad nothing had happened to you either.” “You dunno know how sorry I am for not lettin’ you know what was goin’ on. I shoulda texted. But things got hectic and we were all pretty worried about her…” “Sonny,” you cut off his rambling and force him to meet your eyes. “It’s okay. I’m not mad. Like I said, I’m glad Rollins is fine and I’m also glad she wasn’t alone through all this.” Sonny looks back at you and takes a breath. Your words seem to calm him right down. He smiles. “You’re amazin’.” You blush. “Back at you, but I’m starved.” He chuckles and the two of you approach the hostess. She grabs your menus but rolls her eyes as she turns to lead you to your table. She seats you at a little booth in the corner, Sonny taking your coat before you sit down. You braved wearing a knee-length dress despite the November weather and are rewarded by an expression of awe from Sonny when he sees it. “You look beautiful, doll,” he compliments, drinking you in. “And here I am, lookin’ shabby in comparison.” A little tired, yes. But shabby? Never. Sonny’s dark hair is still combed back and he’s wearing a tasteful burgundy tie over a white pinstripe shirt. You lean in and peck him on the cheek. “You always look handsome to me.” The two of you order and share a drink, happy to finally be catching up. “Shadowin’ Barba was fantastic!” exclaims Sonny through a mouthful of bread. “He’s so polished in his delivery n’ so sharp at findin’ the littlest things to drive it all home to the jury!” “Fanboy alert!” you joke. “Guilty!” he grins, raising his fork in surrender. “But I learn so much from him and it gives me new ideas for doin’ my written assignments.” “I’m happy for you, Sonny. You work so hard and you deserve every ounce of success you earn.” You truly can’t help the pride you feel for him. “Aww, thanks, doll. That means a lot.” Sonny gazes at you with the utmost affection and you nearly melt in your seat. “Say, what’s new with you? Anythin’ excitin’ in the ol’ biology class?” “Same old, same old,” you shrug. “Just gave the second midterm back to the students, so I expect a lot of office visits from them on Monday.” “You don’t have ta work or take emails over the holiday, do ya?” asks Sonny, pushing food around his plate absentmindedly. “Nope. Why?” You sense there’s something more to his inquiry. “Well, I was wonderin’…now, I know it’s short notice ‘cause I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to get off myself, but I was wonderin’ if…if you’d like to spend Thanksgiving with me at my parents’ place?” Sonny looks up. It’s the most hopeful expression you’ve ever seen on him. “I..uh…” you’re lost for words. You want to scream out ’YES!’ at the top of your lungs but at the same time it’s not that easy. “Sonny, that’s t-tomorrow. And it’s also your family time. I wouldn’t want to intrude on them.” “You wouldn’t be intrudin’! My ma’s been askin’ to meet my girlfriend n’ even said to ’make sure you bring her over for Thanksgiving’.” Your voice goes quiet. “I’m your…g-girlfriend?” The word floors you. Most guys don’t want to dive head first into labeling relationships, especially not after only three weeks. But here is Sonny Carisi, happily calling you his girlfriend and wanting you to meet his family. “Yeah, of course doll,” he answers a little perplexed. “We’re datin’ aren’t we?” Sonny fixes his gaze on you, trying to read what you’re feeling. You shake your head to snap yourself out of it. “Yes, y-yes. It’s just that…Never mind. I’d love to spend Thanksgiving with your family!” An uncontrolled smile spreads across your face and you’re pretty sure it makes you look like a complete dork. If it does, Sonny doesn’t point it out, but instead reaches across the table to hold your hand. He too is smiling from ear to ear like you’ve made him the happiest man alive. Suddenly your smile drops. “What?” questions Sonny. “What time will you be heading out tomorrow?” “Uh, well, I was thinkin’ we could get there for ‘round four o'clock. Time enough to introduce ya to everyone before we eat?” “Four?! That doesn’t give me much time to make anything!” you gulp. “Make somethin’? Doll, my mother wouldn’t want you to bring anythin’. Believe me, she cooks for a small army.” “Sonny. You can’t show up to someone’s house for dinner empty handed.” Sonny opens his mouth to argue, but you shush him instead. “How many people are gonna be there?” Conceding, he sets down his utensils, freeing his hands to count. “Well, there’s gonna be mom, dad, me, you, Bella n’ Tommy. Their little one doesn’t eat the good stuff yet, so I won’t count her.” Sonny unfolds that finger. “Then there’s Resa and Mia and Gina. Maybe a plus one for Gina, but who the hell knows with her.” Looking down at his two hands, he raises them to show you. “Should be nine altogether.” Good to know because you were going to be up early the next morning baking. -x- You don’t realize your knee is bouncing until Sonny reaches over and places a warm hand on it. “Don’t be nervous, doll. My family is gonna love you.” You turn your head towards him, flashing a weak smile. Sitting in idle traffic is only making your nerves worse. “Trust me. Besides, ya even baked fresh bread rolls on short notice. They’re gonna disown me and keep you instead.” Sonny taps your knee reassuringly before returning his hand to the steering wheel. The Carisis live in a quaint little suburban house complete with a petite yard and front porch stoop. It seems small for a family of six, yet still cozy and welcoming. You can’t imagine Sonny growing up anywhere else. Sonny leads you up the steps and knocks on the door. It instantly flies open and a short woman with grey hair greets the two of you with open arms. “Sonny!” she coos, scooping her boy in for a hug. Sonny plants his mother a kiss before introducing you. “Hellooo! Welcome, hon,” exclaims Mrs. Carisi as she ushers you into her home. The place smells delectable. If someone asked you describe the scent of Thanksgiving, you would say ‘the Carisi household’. “I’m so happy you could make it! Y'know, Sonny has told me so much about ya and I’m glad that boy finally got the nerve to - ” “Ma!” blurts Sonny, flashing his mother a warning look. Sonny must have spent those months apart dwelling over you, just as you had done over him. “What?! It’s true, honey,” defends the Carisi matriarch before turning back to you. “Whateva. You just make yourself at home dear. We’re all family here.” “Thank you, Mrs. Carisi,” you say sincerely. You’d never been so instantly accepted by another family. After sharing a hug with Sonny’s mother, you are swarmed by the rest of the Carisis. Sonny introduces you to his father first, who gives you a solid nod. Next is Bella, bouncing a tiny infant with Tommy by her side. Theresa and a shy Mia chime in a ‘hello’ before a solo Gina caps off the meet-and-greet. Mrs. Carisi is over the moon when you hand over your baking and the bread rolls end up being a major success. In true Italian fashion, the Thanksgiving spread is full of flavor with Sonny’s mother sparing no expense in variety or quantity. Everyone joins in saying grace before dinner and, though not a common practice in your house growing up, you don’t mind linking hands with Sonny and Gina while Mr. Carisi leads the family in giving thanks. Because you do have a lot to be thankful for: a great job, an incredible boyfriend and now a whole new family to spend time with. The rest of the meal is occupied by sharing in conversation, fond memories and laughter. You find it all sort of surreal. During the summer Sonny had entertained you with tales of this very family: How they could get on one another’s nerves but that at the end of the day still loved each other. And this is exactly what you see before you. Maybe it’s a light buzz from the wine, but you feel all warm and fuzzy as the chatter of the Carisis surround you. Eventually the evening winds down and everyone seems to be groaning over how full their tummies are. You know you’ve eaten too much but wouldn’t have it any other way. “The food was absolutely delicious, Mrs. Carisi. Thank you all for having me,” you say appreciatively, looking at everyone in turn. “Our pleasure, hon,” smiles Sonny’s mother sweetly. “Know that you’re welcome here anytime.” She clasps your hands in hers and gives them a few quick pats. You say your reluctant goodbyes before you and Sonny head to his car. Once inside, he looks at you. “So?” “Your family is wonderful, Sonny and I had a great time.” This makes him flush with pride. “Glad to hear it, doll. Sometimes they can be a bit much, but they mean well.” He turns the key in the ignition and his car grumbles to life. The two of you wave as he backs out of the driveway. Once you’re cruising down Arden avenue, Sonny pipes up again. “Y'don’t have any more of them rolls, do ya? I didn’t know you were such a good cook.” You let out a laugh. “I’m not that good. For every two-dozen there’s about a dozen that come out flat and ugly. But if you’re indifferent to what they look like, then I can hook you up with the rejects.” You wink just as the car passes beneath the glow of a streetlamp in hopes Sonny will catch it. He grins. “I don’t mind. Besides, it gives me a good excuse to walk ya to your door 'n steal a kiss goodnight.”

-x-

I have a bunch of ideas planned, the next being x-mas (wrong time of year, I know) but I just have to check dates from the episodes. Let me know if you’d be interested in more of these stories and any feedback would be loved!

Next part here!

[rainingspellforlove]

captivated.

Chanhee likes being alone. he likes to enjoy his me-time the most, even he had so many friends out there. sometimes he hangs out with his squad, but mostly he likes strolling the street alone while sips a coffee in the nearby cafe he found. he mostly spends his time alone or with his friends.  but everything changed when he met this guy. this very guy that he met in the club few months ago.

it’s the first time chanhee went to a club. it was because  his friends forcefully asked chanhee to come.  chanhee didn’t like crowds at all. he hates it so much. so he never to come to crowd place especially a club. that’s the first place that he didn’t want to go to so much. that day, chanhee (unwillingly) came with his friends. he just loved his friends and didn’t want breaking the friendship, so he decided to come. he just wears his usual shirt and jeans. while his friends totally went off like a fashion models. their friends basically are bunch of lovers. he had 4 friends and there’s 2 couple from it. first is younghoon and changmin and the second couple is kevin and jacob. that’s why he likes to go alone because he’s always left out when the 4 of them being such a lovey dovey. he’s really gonna puke if he stayed too long with them but their friends are so caring about chanhee. they would like to do anything for him to get a good catch. actually, that is the reason his friends bring chanhee to club. to get a hot guy. 

“i really hated this so much but i love you all sooo much, thats the reason i come today okay, dont get me wrong” chanhee said

“i promised you’ll get a hot snack today” kevin said enthusiastically

“hot my ass, lets just go there then back home quick”  

they arrived at the famous club in the center of the city where most of them wears expensive clothes and accessories. chanhee didn’t pay for this, younghoon paid it all. he’s extra rich so he’s willingly to pay for the five of them. changmin is the luckiest for sure. he got a hot and rich boy out there without even trying, because younghoon made a move first. 

chanhee felt he went to a wrong place moreover he wears just plain clothes. 

“wtf i just wear this... ugh bye i dont care, i just sit my ass of in the bar” 

 chanhee just went off leaving his friends who right now enjoying themselves out in the crowds. he looked at the menu but he’s like 

“the fuck i didn’t have that much money.. should i ask younghoon to pay or ugh but he already paid for this ughhhh” chanhee just blabbering himself with frustation until someone tall came approaching him in the bar

“what do you like? i buy it for you” he said it softly. 

chanhee seems a bit surprised by a approachment. he dressed casually with a black top shirt and black jeans also. this guy is tall, but not so tall as younghoon, maybe 2 cm lower. he had his raven black hair which it seems he styled it so good. he seems like an actor coming out from the tv. he had sharp-edged nose which made him looked even more like a celebrity. 

“o-oh no no it’s okay i didn’t feel like to drink tonight. i must go back sober because im sure my friends wont be sober at all later” chanhee got panicked a little by the coming of this real hot guy. so kevin is true? is it their plan afterall? 

“it’s okay, you can order some cocktails.”

“no it’s okay-”

then the tall guy ordered some cocktails for chanhee and for himself too. 

“it’s my treat because i need someone to talk to and you seem not interested, i guess?”

“uhm, thank you for the treat i guess.. i promise i’ll pay it soon-”

“no, there’s no need. it’s okay. it’s really okay”

“okay fine, thankyou anyway. and yes im not interested in this kind of amusement. it’s not amusing at all for me”

“so what kind of amusement you like to see mr? what should i call you?”

“chanhee. call me chanhee” chanhee finally looked at him. that tall guy sat beside him in the bar. chanhee can finally looked that guy’s feature even more clearly right now. 

“hi chanhee, im not weird person, so dont be scared okay, im just like you. bored with these kind of stuffs. im just dragged here along with my friends too.” he chuckled

“no i didnt think it that way, you seem like a good person. but i dont know it’s just my guts, hey you didn’t tell me your name yet”

“yes right, sorry. im juyeon. nice to meet you chanhee”

“of course nice to meet you too”

they talked for a while there while having their cocktails. somehow juyeon is fun to talk to even with his lame dad jokes. and juyeon is easily to be fooled. chanhee really likes to fool someone and laughing at them. they really having fun talking to each other like that. chanhee found they kinda had no ending convos between each other. juyeon just told him that he’s actually working as a new journalist, because he’s a fresh graduate and it stressed him out because there were so many tasks to do. and it turned out they are in the same age but juyeon graduated first because he entered the college one year early. after those fun and funny convos between each other, juyeon stated something.

“chanhee-ya, you looked so pretty today, i cant take my eyes off of you since you come today” he looked so serious and his eyes told him so. the way his black pearled eyes see chanhee thoroughly and softly. chanhee looked at him back. in his eyes. 

chanhee didn’t realize he’s been drowning into his eyes the whole time he had this long convo with juyeon. he rarely looked at someone’s eyes while having a not serious conversation, but today is different. juyeon’s eyes. the way his eyes looked at chanhee is a whole different. chanhee is captivated into them. he’s so lost into juyeon’s eyes. he admired those pretty and captivating eyes which made him forget that he’s right now in the least place he wants to go. but right now, he’s stuck here in someone’s eyes for some moments. he felt like there’s no one here in this shitty place, but he’s right here  with juyeon only. both of them alone. 

chanhee looked so flustered. and he started to blush withouth he even realized. 

“uhm- i- that’s so much blunt of you wow thank you i guess..”

“such a pretty boy doin here alone, im scared you’ll be get kidnapped or something while your friends out there,” then he moved closer to chanhee’s ear then he whispered

“there’s so many guys lookin at you lustfully if you didnt notice.. look at your surrounding”

chanhee didn’t realize it at all, there’s really some guys lookin at him with nasty look that he’s really gonna puke at them right now. 

“shit. i should go home i guess. that’s why this is the least place that i wanna come sigh, but wait how can i know youre not like them huh?”

“uhmm, you’ve been with me an hour, so i conclude youre comfortable with me”

“yes youre right...” then he looked at juyeon for a while, he really like a good boy with his fool-like smile but still handsome. and the eyes which can smile too. 

“lemme take you home can i?”

“ugh why? you have your friends right, and i got my friends too..”

“it feels like you didnt want to stay here longer right”

“how did you know though”

“it’s seen by your face you dummie cutie” he pinched chanhee’s left cheek softly. 

“uhm right.. we  just talked for 1 hour but why i feel like it’s already 2 hours... time really ticks longer here”

“go tell your friends then, i’ll take you home.” 

“how should i trust you, youre not like the nasty guys right there?”

“i promised i’ll drive you safe and sound without even do anything nasty to you. i promise please let me take you homee, im just wanna talk to you longer though. i kinda had so much fun talking to you and bonus you’re pretty”

“finee let me chat my friends first okay, then we can go”

“yes!”

he’s enthusiastically happy and he smiled like a puppy. chanhee for the countless times drown into his eyes again and he said this without even he realized.

“juyeon, did you know that you are so cute?” 

“ah- oops, it went off from my mind” chanhee said again

juyeon just smiled 

he moved closer to chanhee. he looked at chanhee’s eyes softly and took chanhee’s hand. he carressed it softly. then lookin at chanhee’s lil cross tattoo in his pinky and carressed it again. after that, juyeon just kissed chanhee’s knuckles one by one. 

“but you’re way more cuter.”

“i- i- o-okay.” 

chanhee flustered as hell and blushed like a tomato. he feels his ears hot like a pan. 

“lets go” juyeon dragged chanhee out from the club with his hand intertwining in chanhee’s.

juyeon brought his sport car with him today and chanhee will ride in there the expensive car. 

“oh my, it’s really your car? oh God you didnt look like a rich sugar daddy but you really are?”

“im not yet a sugar daddy, im still in my twenties, im just a hot man that you just met in the club” he teased

“okay whatever” 

then juyeon laughs and they both entered the car. 

“do you want to straight go home or?”

“i didnt feel asleep yet. do you want to go somewhere?”

“not really, but do you have a place to go in this hours?”

“uhm let me think, there’s a cafe near my house, it’s just a small cafe but it’s really cozy and-” chanhee didnt even finish but juyeon just smiled softly

“yes lets go there anywhere you want”

 “okay” 

 juyeon always looked at chanhee everytime there’s a traffic light. 

“stop looking at me like that, you seems like wanna eat me alive or what”

“sorry you’re just so pretty”

“stop telling me!!”

“why? it’s true though, you’re really beautiful, did i make you uncomfortable?sorry-”

“no no it’s just, i cant take compliments, cant you look at my ears that flushed red like a tomato right now?”

juyeon laughs and seems enjoying it so much

“you’re really pretty. really.”

“i even just wear this pair of not so expensive clothes, you still call me pretty?”

“uhm” he nods and smiled like a puppy again

“geez whatever you say” 

they drived along and arrived at the place. 

“it’s a cute place so thats why you like to come here. so cute people tend to go here”

“stopppp” 

juyeon laughs again and they both entered the cafe

the barista knew chanhee and actually it’s his childhood friend too. his name is sunwoo. and sunwoo looked so surprised seeing him with a new guy

“HYUNG WHO IS TH-!” he almost shouts

“shut up sunwoo or i kill you” chanhee said while glaring at him

“oh you know him?”  juyeon asked

“yes he’s just my annoying childhood friend that eventually lived around here too.” 

“oh, he’s not gonna into your lane right?”

“what?”

“so i will not have any rival to get into you”

“lee juyeon please stoppp” 

“okay i’ll stop for now idk later” juyeon just laughs

they sat in the side of the cafe while lookin at the street outside. 

“it’s my usual seat anyway if you dont mind we’ll sit here”

“anywhere you go princess” 

“geez stop it lee juyeon!” chanhee blushing again

juyeon enjoys chanhee being like this so much. 

they finally sit together in the side. they had their own world again, they talked so many things again even their TMIs. they had so much fun talkin to each other until they didnt realize their cups of coffee almost empty. 

“lee juyeon, i dont know you are just dumb or just being pure. it’s slightly the same!”

“it’s just good being pure, like it’s pure my thought that i pour in and it feels so genuine right? i like being pure, because it’s me, that’s my charm hahaha”

“i guess so, but don’t be so pure too much juyeon! you can be easily fooled!!”

“i will try hahaha”

they’re being quiet for a while to take a sip of their coffee. chanhee quietly looks at juyeon’s features again. his smile. his jawline. his sharp-edged nose. his eyes. then his lips. he almost imagined how it feels to place a chaste kiss to his lips. juyeon is beautiful. how can someone like juyeon being with him right now in here in his usual cafe. today is beautifully weird. but he loves it. it’s a whole new feeling. he never been feeling so light and joy like this before. even with his friends. it’s a new feeling. 

“i know youre staring chanhee”

“o-oh im-no- im not staring” he quickly looked aside to the window

“cute. i like how you’d been flustered.” he teased

chanhee felt his ears hot again. 

“dont tease me!”

“fine fine i’ll stop” juyeon chuckles

then chanhee quickly takes a sip again to his cup of caramel latte. chanhee suddenly said bluntly

“sunwoo had a boyfriend”

“hm oh? why suddenly-”

“there’s his boyfriend, the cashier boy. his name is haknyeon.”

“ah” he smiled so widely and chanhee knew he’s about to tease chanhee again

“stop saying anything okay, i just stated facts maybe you should know about this” chanhee didnt look at juyeon directly and just lookin at the window

“okay okay i know” juyeon just smiled again looking at the shy boy in front of him

“you know that im straightforward right?” juyeon suddenly said

“uhm yes so?”

“i’d really like to kiss you right now”

“uhm- s-sorry, w-what?”

“sorry i- it’s just my mind that slips out- i didnt mean to-”

“later okay, we can kiss but later” chanhee just smiled at juyeon and continue to sip his coffee while looking at his black pearled eyes who captivates him so deeply in the past hours they’ve been together. 

juyeon looked a bit flustered and suddenly he grabbed chanhee’s hand.

“lee juyeon- wait-”

chanhee cant finish his words and just followed juyeon along. chanhee got so confused and say goodbye to his friend sunwoo quickly. sunwoo mouthed 

“congrats hyung youre gonna get laid today!!” 

then chanhee just mouthed “fckk youu kim sunwoo!!” 

then chanhee really got dragged away from the cafe. 

“lee juyeon what’s wrong? why suddenly?”

“just get in” he seems serious but didnt express any emotions too. 

“o-okay”

then they both got in the car. 

they were being quiet for a while. juyeon started the engines but he didnt press the pedal yet.

“lee juyeon are you mad or-?”

“im not chanhee..”

“so why?” juyeon being silenced and then looked chanhee closely. his black pearled eyes lookin more clearly while looking directly in chanhee’s eyes. chanhee feels like he’s drowning and drowning again into his eyes. his captivated gaze. chanhee really been lost in these beautiful eyes of juyeon for these past hours and he didnt deny it. he really wants to go deeper into his eyes.

“can i kiss you?”

so chanhee nods softly after that. 

juyeon  leaned in as well as chanhee who moves closer to juyeon. juyeon really placed chaste kiss into chanhee’s lips. juyeon puts his wide palm around chanhee’s soft jaw and softly carressed chanhee’s cheek with his thumb. chanhee grips his jeans tightly while feeling a soft kiss in his slim cherry lips. juyeon kissed chanhee slowly, from chanhee’s bottom lips then decided to kiss it even more deeper. chanhee’s lips just move along with juyeon soft kiss toward his lips. chanhee really melts into juyeon’s. chanhee feels like he’s already get into juyeon. when they already a lil out of breath, juyeon pulls away and moves to place a kiss to chanhee’s corner of the lips. then moves along to kiss chanhee’s chin softly, moves along again and kissed chanhee’s fluffy cheek. chanhee feels like so much butterfly flying over in his stomach. he almost died because of tachycardia. juyeon still place a soft chaste kiss in chanhee’s face. he moves to chanhee’s eyes then his nose. and lastly his forehead. 

juyeon finished his long lasting kiss towards chanhee and they still few inch apart.

“you’re really beautiful. i do really mean it. it’s just few hours but why i already really like you. admit it, you kinda had a spell on me huh?” while carressing chanhee’s soft cheek with his big thumb. chanhee still blushed red. 

“i cant say anything for now or my heart’s gonna explode”

“cute.” juyeon smiled while looking at chanhee’s eyes. 

“lee juyeon. let me state this. we just knew each other for just few hours why did you make me like this?”

juyeon just chuckled and keep carressing chanhee’s cheek softly. then chanhee brings his hand to grab juyeon’s hand. 

“uhm-” chanhee tried to say something

“can i-” he stutters then try to look into juyeon’s black pearled eyes. 

“can i kiss you again?” chanhee finally looked at juyeon’s beautiful captivating eyes clearly

“no need to ask” juyeon smiled softly and started to lean in again

chanhee circled his arms into juyeon’s neck and they melted into each other. juyeon can feel chanhee’s caramel latte into his bitter lips of americano. they kissed so deeply until juyeon pulls away. then juyeon lifts chanhee’s small waist 

“juyeon what are you doing?”

“sit on my lap”

“w-what?”

“come” juyeon didnt let chanhee finish his words and just pulls chanhee into his lap softly. chanhee just moves along and he’s already in juyeon’s lap.

chanhee puts his both hands in juyeon’s shoulder.

“i-”

“ssh, im not gonna steal your virginity for now. not now. and not here. “

“okay but-”

juyeon just pulls chanhee’s waist closer and pulls chanhee’s face into his. juyeon can feel chanhee’s hot lips after kissing him too long. juyeon just kissed him so deeply again while hugging his tiny waist. chanhee grips juyeon’s shoulders harder while feeling the kiss. juyeon’s lips dominate chanhee’s and chanhee didnt mind at all. he moves along and just follow juyeon’s moves. 

it lasted for awhile after suddenly chanhee’s phone buzzed. 

chanhee pulled away suddenly and there’s 5 messages already. from kim sunwoo. 

“YAHH GET A ROOOM NOT IN FRONT OF MY CAFE PLEASE”

oops. chanhee just realized they both just been makin out in the parking lots in front of the cafe. 

“uhm- i think we should go- sunwoo just-”

“okay sweetie we can do it another time” juyeon said while carressing chanhee’s hair and kissed chanhee’s corner of the lips. 

“uhm right. uhm- do you mind if- uhm”

“uhm?” juyeon leaned in closer

chanhee still blushing red as hell. but he’s not himself right now he’s just gonna explode at anytime

“you can go to my house if you dont mind we can-”

“we can? what?” juyeon teased.

“uhm eish just drop me then in front of my house.” chanhee said frustatedly

then juyeon chuckled again and whispered to chanhee’s ear

“lets go home and continue our unfinished tasks” 

chanhee blushed red red so red. 

but then he just nods and go back to passenger seat quickly. 

juyeon finally press the gas pedal and started to drive. 

he began to drive to chanhee’s house to finish their uncomplete tasks ;)

- fin 

[lepus-arcticus]

Sunday at Pluto’s

I have a bad habit of getting into Moods and deleting things. This is a repost from last year, with a few little tweaks. Formerly called “Collarbone”. Diner fluff. 

“What’ll it be, hon?” 

This waitress can’t be for real. She’s a caricature - ambiguously middle-aged, with over-bleached, preposterously voluminous hair piled on top of her head, wide hips, blue eyeshadow, one bad tooth. Hell, she’s even chewing gum, smacking it cheerfully between her tongue and her teeth. She’s unbelievable, is what she is. The whole diner is unbelievable. And true to his affection for unbelievable things, Mulder is absolutely delighted. 

They’re somewhere in Texas in the death grip of summer, and it’s hot enough to scald a loon. He’d almost thought it was a mirage at first; the rusting silver rail-car glinting like a beacon just off the sun-baked, dusty road, the comically oversized, hand-painted particle board sign declaring that they’d found Pluto’s Diner, a faded green alien speeding away in his Adamski-type UFO, calling out behind him to anyone that would hear - The Waffles are Out of this WORLD!

Mulder had insisted. Scully had indulged him. She usually did, these days. Perk of their new… arrangement. Oh, but there were so many perks. So instead of their usual bagels-in-the-car-on-the-way-to-the-local-PD breakfast ritual, they’re here, wedged into an old leather-covered booth, sweating in the 8 AM heat. He’s soothed by the gentle murmur of patrons, the clinking of cups, Dolly Parton crooning sweet and sassy on the radio. The warm air smells of burnt coffee and bacon grease, a comforting, cozy smell, a Sunday morning smell. He’s in heaven. 

Two grizzled men in flannel laugh and gossip a few booths over. They’d tipped their trucker’s hats to Scully when they’d walked past on their way in, all “ma’am” this and “good morning” that. She’d smiled politely, while Mulder moved his hand from her lower back to her shoulder, making sure they’d seen him do it. That’s right, fellas. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.   Mulder grins up at the waitress - Doris, he reads on her nametag - and looks back down at his ratty, laminated menu. “Well, Doris, I guess I’ve got to try the ‘out of this world’ waffles, now, don’t I? And, uh, a side of bacon… and two eggs.”  “How do you want those done, hon?”  “Over easy. Uh, let’s add some hash browns to that, too.”  “Well, now, that’s a man after my own heart.” She winks at him. “Coffee?” she asks, filling the two empty mugs on the table without waiting for an answer.  “Thanks. You got any cream?”  “Oh, I’ve got the cream, sweetie,” she says, pulling a handful of lukewarm pods from her apron and leaning over him to plunk them down in the middle of the table. “You sure you don’t want a little sugar, too?” She’s still bent over him, and he can smell the mint and stale tobacco on her breath.  He balks a little at the overt flirtation, and Doris erupts into thunderous laughter, her giant bosom shaking with mirth in front of his nose. She turns to Scully.  “And what will the little lady be wanting this morning?”  “Toast. Whole wheat, and a side order of fruit, please.”  Doris nods in understanding. “Lookin’ after your figure. I would too, if I had myself a handsome man like your husband.” She winks, and Mulder suppresses a laugh at the poorly-veiled look of exasperation on Scully’s face.  “We’re not married.” She says flatly, and a strange twang of something resonates in Mulder’s stomach.  Doris turns back to Mulder. “Is that so? Well, if you’re in the market for a missus, I’ll happily take up the yoke.”  “We’ll see how good the waffles are,” he smiles, and Doris cackles in delight, swinging her ample hips around and returning to the kitchen.  “You two make a charming couple,” Scully teases, spreading her fingers over her coffee cup, letting the steam slip through the spaces in between. Mulder’s stomach rumbles.  It’s so bright in here. He’s not used to seeing her in such naked, warm, natural light - her skin pinkish in the heat, little damp hairs near her temple. The textures and colours of her that are lost in the night. Her eyes really are very blue.  They sit in silence, nursing their coffees. Mulder peels back the paper from a pod of cream and lets it spill into his cup, watching the stormy billow of white into black.  “Fuck, it’s hot in here,” Scully mutters, shucking off her blazer. He leers at her unabashedly. “Have I mentioned that I love it when you say ‘fuck’?”  “Language, mister -” calls Doris as she approaches with the food. Three plates and a metal pitcher of imitation maple syrup for Mulder, one small plate full of strawberries, cantaloupe, and barely-toasted bread for Scully, thick-sliced and studded with nuts and seeds. His dad would call it “squirrel bread”. His waffles are obscene, pornographic, pools of melting butter in deep, golden squares.  Doris makes nice with a few more winks, and then returns to her spot behind the counter, staring dreamily at him. He tries not to notice.  “Mulder, that’s all going to catch up with you someday. You’re almost 40, for crying out loud, you can’t eat like you’re 18 forever. Do you have any heart disease in your family?” “Live fast, die young, Scully.” He tucks into a runny egg, the yolk dribbling down his chin. Scully nibbles at a strawberry.  “And I don’t know how you can eat like that in this heat, either,” she adds.  “Ish delishush.”  He glances up, taking a break from demolishing his waffles. The neckline of Scully’s tank top is already damp. He notices the sheen of sweat glowing on her collarbone. Mmm. He knows exactly the noise she’d make if he dragged his tongue along the ridge of it, lapping up the sweet and salt of her. He flashes on last night and shifts in his seat.  Scully filches a slice of bacon off of his plate. He pretends to be outraged, puts on his best southern drawl. “Hey woman, what happened to watchin’ your figure? That’s my meat.”  “You know how big of a fan of your meat I am,” she smiles, and eats the bacon in three bites.  Of all the ridiculous things in the world, he blushes. He’d fucked her stupid last night, and the woman can still make him blush with one dirty little comment. Jesus, Mulder, buddy, you’ve got it bad. He laughs, gruffly, to cover his embarrassment, and lets his gaze linger on her.  He’s so used to her small, powerful presence, she feels so much a part of his own being, his own personhood, that sometimes he forgets she’s not. Sometimes he forgets that they’re two separate people. And sometimes, like now, he sees her as a stranger might - a mysterious and complex combination of creamy curves and sharp angles. A woman out of a painting, someone who by all means should be smelling roses at a garden gate.  But a stranger wouldn’t ever be able to guess the truth about his scalpel-wielding, gun-slinging, ass-kicking partner. They wouldn’t know about her brilliant, meticulous mind, her tender heart, her giant balls of pure fucking steel. They wouldn’t know about her unwavering loyalty. Her resilience. The sparkle in her eyes when she’s trying not to laugh at one of his dumb jokes. The low growly noise she makes when she comes. All they’d see is a beautiful woman, and even then, they wouldn’t be able to see the half of it.  He should look at her in the light more often.  Scully sips her coffee and runs her fingers over her collarbone, distractedly, as if he’d reached into her subconscious to make her do it.  And it doesn’t hit him hard, not like in the shitty chick flicks she occasionally makes him sit through. It’s not a punch to the stomach, or a dawning of the light, or even a blip on the radar. It’s soft, matter-of-fact, the most natural thing in the world. She meets his eyes, smiles at him over the best waffles he’s ever had, and he knows that she’s it. There will never, ever be anyone else. If he was a different man, and she a different woman, he’d go buy a ring this afternoon. Something simple. Thin. Rose gold, to complement her skin. No diamond.  She slips off one of her pumps, curls her stockinged toes on his knee under the table, and sips her coffee, brighter and more life-giving than the sun.  Maybe he should buy a ring anyway. Scully’s always had a hard time saying no to him, after all.

[gotta-save-your-ass-for-a-change]

Who Would Have Thought?: Chapter 7

Chapter Title: Alive Fandom: Shameless, Mickey/Ian Rating: M Summary: Mickey and Ian are finally tying the knot. Notes: So, after completing some research on wedding ceremony scripts, I have come to the realization that all wedding ceremony scripts annoy the hell out of me—they’re beautiful in the moment, but they’re so awkward out of context, and I just couldn’t manage to write that way—and as such, I have chosen to skip many of the ceremony details. Hopefully, it works. Also, this whole thing is so corny and probably ooc, but this is the way it came out, so here we are. I’m kind of low key proud of it.

Also, I hope the reasoning behind the reading choices is clear (and, I hope they’re correctly quoted because I just found them online—it’s been awhile since I’ve had these texts in hand). I didn’t want to spell it out too obviously here, but I feel like each excerpt really captures their history together and the role of their personal struggles. So. Hopefully that comes through.

Title from Darren Hayes’s “Alive.” Basically the track that inspired me to continue this.

Ao3 Link

Chapter One * Chapter Two * Chapter Three * Chapter Four * Chapter Five * Chapter Six * Chapter Seven * Chapter Eight * Chapter Nine * Chapter Ten * Chapter Eleven * Chapter Twelve * Chapter Thirteen * Chapter Fourteen * Chapter Fifteen

“Is that a fucking coffee bar?” Mickey’s voice is incredulously as he scrunches his nose up in confusion.

“Yeah,” Trevor nods with a little shrug. “I know it’s probably not your thing, but Casey offered it. Figured it’d be nice while people wait on the ceremony.”

“Hey, man, I’m not complaining. I’m about to marry Ian in a fuckin’ bookshop. All bets are off,” Mickey insists, and when Trevor laughs at that, Mickey cracks a half smile. “Thanks, Trev. For all of this. This place? Gettin’ it for the wedding made Ian so happy. Made us both happy. I appreciate it. Especially considering how everything went down.”

“Don’t sweat it.” Trevor waves it off, voice honest. “Water under the bridge. Ian and I never would’ve worked. You two are like the fucking definition of meant to be. Everything worked out the way it was supposed to.”

Mickey’s eyes narrow playfully for a moment as he stares Trevor down. “I still feel like you should be more pissed than you are, but I guess I’ll take the win.”

Mickey notices Ian approaching then and nods as he reaches out an arm, tucking Ian under it and kissing his forehead as Ian beams at him. “Hey,” Mickey murmurs before pressing another kiss to Ian’s lips. “Trev got us a coffee bar.”

“I saw,” Ian smiles at Trevor then, and adds, “It’s fucking awesome, man. Thank you.”

“You should be thanking Casey,” Trevor insists. “Whole thing was his idea. Keeps insisting it’ll be good for business, bring back some of your guests. But I’m pretty sure he’s just got a big soft spot for weddings.”

Trevor’s smiling fondly in Casey’s direction, and Mickey and Ian share a look. “Something going on between you two?” Ian asks curiously, a playful shine to his eyes.

Trevor whips his gaze back to Ian and Mickey with an embarrassed scoff. “No! He’s just a friend.”

“Mmhm,” Mickey mocks playfully with a little smirk. “You’re lookin’ at him the same way Ian used to look at me when he thought I wasn’t payin’ attention.”

“Fuck off,” Ian throws at Mickey, jostling him with a shoulder as Mickey laughs with that carefree smile on his face that Ian loves. “He’s not wrong, though.”

“All right,” Trevor counters, throwing up a hand to try to stop them both, “It’s weird chatting about my love life with my ex and the guy he left me for.”

“You’re at our fuckin’ wedding,” Mickey shoots back, pulling an incredulous face and throwing his hands up in question.

Both Trevor and Ian laugh and that and Trevor shakes his head in surrender. “Okay, yeah, there might be something going on. But I don’t wanna jinx it, so just leave it alone, all right?”

“Whatever you say,” Ian smiles. “We’ve gotta head back anyway. Finish with the setup. We’ll see you at the reception. Bring Casey.”

Trevor rolls his eyes and shakes his head at the two of them as Ian twines his fingers with Mickey’s and tugs Mickey away to finish prepping for the ceremony.

When Fiona finally finds Ian and Mickey, they’re in the main space helping to set up the seating. Not one of the lovely wooden chairs are the same, but each one has been wrapped with a soft, cozy knit throw, all in varying shades of cream and beige. It’s an eclectic collection, but somehow every one works with the others, and it’s becoming a lovely space.

When she spots Ian and Mickey, though, Fiona rolls her eyes and crosses her arms, trying her best to look stern. “The fuck are you two doing?” she calls, stopping them in their tracks. “You’re supposed to be getting ready.”

“We are getting ready,” Ian insists.

“Somebody’s gotta get the place set up,” Mickey chimes in, still carrying in chairs.

“Really?” Fiona throws up her hands at them in exasperation. “We literally have an army of Milkoviches and Gallaghers here. You two can relax. Enjoy your day. All of it.”

“Fiona—” Ian attempts to protest, but Fiona cuts him off.

“I’ve got this under control. Now go. Get dressed,” she insists, pointing toward the back room that houses their tuxes. After a moment of contemplation, Ian shrugs at Mickey and tilts his head in the direction of the back room in surrender. Mickey sighs with a smile and a shake of his head, and they both comply, Mickey reaching out to draw Ian’s hand into his own before heading off. Fiona notices the looks they’re wearing immediately, and she calls after them quickly. “And if you two are late because you’re fucking back there, I am going to lock you in that fucking room and commandeer your fucking party!”

“Your sister’s fucking bossy, man,” Mickey complains as they shove through the door to the little back room that’s serving as their changing space, their tuxes already hanging off to the side, waiting.

Ian laughs as he hooks his arms around Mickey’s waist to drag him into a hungry kiss. “Yeah,” he agrees when Mickey pulls back for air, “but she’s got some great ideas.” Ian’s eyebrows raise in expectation as he smirks down at Mickey, who bites his lip against the sudden surge of want that hits him at Ian’s display.

“Ian, we can’t,” Mickey counters, but his voice is soft and yielding, and they both know his heart isn’t in the protest. “We’re getting married in a couple hours. Fiona’s gonna be back here looking for us.”

Ian scoffs at that, pressing a playful little kiss to the corner of Mickey’s mouth. “We’ve got plenty of time.”

“We don’t even have any stuff,” Mickey protests again, but his words hold little weight when his voice wavers with the feel of Ian’s lips where they’ve moved to ghost down Mickey’s jaw. Without breaking contact with Mickey’s skin, Ian pulls a packet of lube and a condom out of his back pocket and presses them into Mickey’s hand. When Mickey realizes what he’s holding, he lets out a sharp, amused laugh. “Are you fucking serious? You planned to fuck me in the back room before our fucking wedding?”

“It’s tradition,” Ian deadpans, and after a moment, they both break down into happy laughter, faces beaming with bright smiles.

“Fuck you,” Mickey offers with amusement.

“Looking to switch things up, huh?” Ian smirks down at Mickey, lifting an eyebrow. “I could go for that if it’ll get me laid.”

“Jesus Christ. Stop with the jokes and let’s fucking go, Gallagher,” Mickey counters, dragging Ian back against the little table that stands by the wall and hiking himself up onto it, wrapping his legs tightly around Ian’s waist and pulling Ian down into a harsh kiss.

The space is amazing. It’s warm and inviting, and Mickey and Ian are standing before a blazing fireplace with intricately carved bookcases lining much of the open space, framing the rows of blanket-wrapped chairs that only add to the cozy feeling that emanates from the space. The lighting is dim, most of the light coming from the stained glass lamps that stand in the empty spaces and hang from the ceiling. It’s strange for Mickey, really, because it’s not a space he ever would have imagined, but he has to admit that it’s amazing and the joy it brings to Ian’s face is well worth it.

Most of the ceremony is a blur. Mickey hears next to nothing their officiant is saying, his eyes focused only on Ian as he holds Ian’s hand gently in his own, Yevgeny perched on Mickey’s hip. They’d decided early on that they wanted the toddler to be part of the ceremony. It was just the two of them and Yevgeny, though. Briefly, they had considered asking Fiona and Mandy to stand up with them, but something about the idea just didn’t sit right. Mickey had suggested instead that they forego a wedding party altogether, and Ian had agreed quickly, enamored with the idea of an intimate ceremony between just the two of them and their son.

So now here they are, ceremony rushing by in a blur of words, and Mickey’s paying next to no attention. All he sees is Ian, smiling softly at Mickey from a couple of short feet away, happy tears shimmering in Ian’s eyes. Mickey thinks his own might match Ian’s, as he tries to blink away what threatens to fall. No one but Ian Gallagher has ever been able to turn Mickey Milkovich into a blubbering mess, but Ian’s a fucking master at it.

Partway through the ceremony, Mickey tunes back in when their officiant mentions their readings, which they’ve all agreed Ian and Mickey will read themselves. After a bit of research, and in honor of their venue and Yevy’s presence, they’d each chosen a ceremony reading from Yev’s favorite books, and they’d planned to read them together, Yev settled in their arms. It felt less awkward that way, having a reason to read the excerpts aloud, and reading with Yev has become one of their favorite pastimes with their son—something Mickey never would have predicted, but that had somehow happened along the way. Ian and Mickey hadn’t shared their choices with one another, though. Instead, they’d handed them over to their officiant to be sure there was no overlap and moved forward with a plan to surprise one another on their wedding day.

So when their officiant hands over the first book, Ian and Mickey shift close to one another, Yev still cradled on Mickey’s hip, and Ian holding Mickey’s choice for him, smiling down at the book in his hands with happy tears in his eyes.

“Can we read you part of a story, Yev?” Mickey asks quietly, bouncing Yev on his hip.

At the question, Yevgeny glances down at the book in Ian’s hands and his bored face lights up as he squeals in excitement. “Story, daddy! Rabbit!”

Ian laughs, resting his chin on Mickey’s shoulder as they stand, shifted toward their guests so their voices carry, as Mickey begins to read:

The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams

“What is REAL?” asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. “Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?”

“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”

“Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit.

“Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.”

“Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,” he asked, “or bit by bit?”

“It doesn’t happen all at once,” said the Skin Horse. “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”

“I suppose you are real?” said the Rabbit. And then he wished he had not said it, for he thought the Skin Horse only smiled.

“Someone made me Real,” he said. “That was a great many years ago; but once you are Real you can’t become unreal again. It lasts for always.”

By the time Mickey’s finished, he can feel Ian’s tears dripping onto his shoulder, and he can’t help but turn to Ian to whisper, just for the two of them, “You make me Real, Ian.”

And when Ian inhales a sharp breath at that, another rush of tears dripping silently from his eyes, Mickey smiles gently and turns his head to drop a kiss to Ian’s hair. In response, Ian’s lips fall to press against Mickey’s neck as he closes his eyes and breathes slowly to get his emotions under control.

After a moment, Mickey laughs softly and jostles Ian a bit. “Your turn,” he reminds softly with a little smile.

Ian takes another sharp breath and presses one more kiss to Mickey’s shoulder before pulling himself back together. Ian draws away from Mickey then, just far enough so he can reach out for Yevgeny. Mickey passes Yev into Ian’s arms so they can resituate, Mickey holding the book in his hands open to Ian’s choice of excerpt and making sure Yevgeny can see the pages, a big smile covering the child’s face.

Ian kisses Yev’s cheek, blinking away the last of the tears that linger on his lashes before he begins to read:

Now We Are Six, A.A. Milne

Wherever I am, there’s always Pooh. There’s always Pooh and Me. Whatever I do, he wants to do.“Where are you going today?” says Pooh. “Well, that’s very odd ‘cos I was too. Let’s go together,” says Pooh, says he. “Let’s go together,” says Pooh…

“Let’s look for dragons,” I said to Pooh. “Yes, let’s,” said Pooh to Me. We crossed the river and found a few. “Yes, those are dragons all right,” said Pooh. “As soon as I saw their beaks I knew. That’s what they are,” said Pooh, said he. “That’s what they are,” said Pooh.

"Let’s frighten the dragons,” I said to Pooh. “That’s right,” said Pooh to Me. “I’m not afraid,” I said to Pooh, and I held his paw and I shouted, “Shoo! Silly old dragons!” – and off they flew.

"I wasn’t afraid,” said Pooh, said he, “I’m never afraid with you.”

So wherever I am, there’s always Pooh. There’s always Pooh and Me. “What would I do?” I said to Pooh, “If it wasn’t for you,” and Pooh said: “True, it isn’t much fun for one, but two can stick together,” says Pooh, says he. “That’s how it is,” says Pooh.

The fingers of Ian’s free hand are resting gently against Mickey’s waist, and as Ian finishes, he squeezes Mickey’s hip gently, offering the grounding the touch provides. Mickey has tears in his eyes again, but he presses them away with the palm of his hand as he shifts away from Ian and they return to their rightful spots, Yevgeny staying with Ian this time as they prepare for the exchange of vows. Mickey tunes out again for a moment, too enamored by the sight of the man he loves cooing to their restless son. For most of his life, Mickey had believed this kind of happiness was an impossibility for him. But then, Ian came along and turned his entire goddamn life upside down, and now here they are, pledging their lives to one another in front of everyone they care for—the most important cradled in Ian’s arms—and Mickey has never been happier.

When their officiant calls their attention back with the announcement that they’re approaching the exchange of vows, Mickey feels like his heart is about to beat out of his chest. For Mickey, this was going to be the hard part—bearing his soul and love and adoration for everyone to see. But he’s ready for this, and he squeezes Ian’s hand gently in his own to help hold himself in the moment.

Ian smiles softly at Mickey, squeezing back just a touch. Before moving forward, though, Ian turns to Yevgeny for a moment, tickling the toddler’s tummy to draw his attention.

“Hey, Yevy?” Ian whispers, just loudly enough to be heard by Yev and Mickey and maybe a few of their guests. “Is it okay if I marry your daddy?”

Yev shrieks in excitement and claps his hands together. “Daddies!” he shouts happily, and that’s all the confirmation Ian needs. With a happy smile and a little laugh, Ian kisses Yev’s forehead and turns his eyes on Mickey.

“I think he’s okay with it,” Ian murmurs playfully to Mickey, and Mickey laughs and reaches out to run his fingers over Yevgeny’s blond hair.

“I think you’re right,” Mickey confirms before they turn back to their officiant, faces alight with joy, and awaiting the moment when they will officially recite their vows.

In the end, it’s Ian who begins, still holding Yev. He entwines his fingers with Mickey’s then, choosing to ignore the script their officiant attempts to pass his way. He knows he’ll remember the important parts, and he’ll speak from the heart for the rest.

“I have loved you since I was fifteen years old,” Ian begins, his voice soft and yielding. “Since that first time, when we were supposed to hate each other but found so much more because you let me in; you let yourself trust me. There have been times when I’ve taken that trust—that love—for granted. But I swear to you, Mickey, that I will spend the rest of my life loving you the way you deserve. You’ve taken care of me, loved me more than I’m worth, given me a family.” Ian squeezes Yevgeny, then, kissing the boy’s cheek and drawing happy giggles from him before turning back to Mickey with a watery smile. “You are my everything, Mickey Milkovich. And I will love you every moment for the rest of our lives.”

Mickey lets out a little laugh in a huff as he tries to hide the sob that nearly escapes him, and he presses the fingers of his free hand against his eyes to stop the tears that threaten, just barely managing to pull himself together before the officiant is looking to Mickey expectantly.

Finally, Mickey gathers himself with a deep breath as he begins: “Not so long ago, I had to live without you for a year and a half. I never want to be without you again, Ian. You taught me how to love. How to be me. You gave me a safety I’d never had before. Welcomed me into your home, your family—your heart. You broke down all my walls, saw through everything I tried to hide. I have never in my life loved anyone the way I love you. It will always be you, Ian. And I promise you, no matter what this life throws at us, I will stand by your side. I love you. And that means we take care of each other. It means thick and thin. Good times, bad. Sickness, health, all that shit. You and me, Ian. For the rest of our lives.”

Ian breaks at that, drawing a long, shaky breath and swallowing hard. He’d always known Mickey had meant those words the last time he’d said them as much as he does now, and hearing them again, here, a promise they’re both willing to make in this moment erases all the bad and the loss and the loneliness that had come with them before. This time, they mean forever, and Ian can’t help but collapse into Mickey’s arms, tucking his face into the crook of Mickey’s neck as Ian lets a few tears fall freely. Mickey smiles, drawing Ian as close as he can with Yevy still perched on Ian’s hip, and he presses a kiss to Ian’s hair, stroking his fingers through the soft locks and savoring the moment with his little family.

When Ian gets himself together, though, he pulls back with a quiet laugh, wiping at his tearstained cheeks for a moment before capturing Mickey’s fingers in his own once again. “Sorry,” he whispers, and it’s meant for their officiant, but his eyes never leave Mickey’s, and Ian can see the tear streaks that decorate Mickey’s own features. Ian has never felt happier or more complete than he does in that moment, and the soft, affectionate smile Mickey offers him only enforces the feeling.

Finally, when it’s all official and Mickey’s allowed to kiss Ian, he leans forward to press his lips to Ian’s gently, fingers coming up to cradle Ian’s cheek. It’s soft and sweet, and just before they move to pull back, Yevgeny leans forward to smack loud little kisses on each of their cheeks, and Mickey can’t help the laughter that bubbles up in his chest as he drops his head to the crook of Ian’s neck. A moment later, when he gets his laughter under control, he leans up to smack his own kiss to Yevy’s cheek and the boy giggles while Ian rocks him.

And as the officiant announces them for the first time as Ian and Mickey Gallagher-Milkovich, Mickey can’t help but lean forward again to capture Ian’s lips, fingers finding their way into Ian’s hair and joy shining from his eyes. “We’re married,” he whispers against Ian’s lips, his voice wavering with excitement.

“We are,” Ian agrees with a bright smile, pecking Mickey’s lips again before using his free arm to pull Mickey into the closest hug they can manage with Yev still balanced in Ian’s arms.

Chapter One * Chapter Two * Chapter Three * Chapter Four * Chapter Five * Chapter Six * Chapter Seven * Chapter Eight * Chapter Nine * Chapter Ten * Chapter Eleven * Chapter Twelve * Chapter Thirteen * Chapter Fourteen * Chapter Fifteen