#I’m not even convinced children are any more behind than they usually are in school rn

[gel-s-d]

I’m kinda confused by the “gen alpha can’t read!” “It’s because they stopped teaching phonics!” People because like. As far as I can see. They stopped teaching phonics in most classrooms in the 30’s. So, like, most people today didn’t grow up with phonics as the way they were taught to read either.

I always assumed the reason we don’t use phonics very much in class is because English is a very phonically inconsistent language. Like -ough, I before e except after c (and except this gigantic list of exceptions). English is a bit of a Frankenstein language, it never seemed like phonics were all that useful when 70% of the language is from different language roots and therefor will have different phonics rules

[sequinsmile-x]

SO MANY PROMPTS THIS IS TOO HARD but if i had to pick, i’d love to see hand holding prompt 37: not realising they’re holding hands till someone points it out! 🤍

I really hope you enjoy this bestie <3

-x-

Words: 1.5k (ok so it's not 1k or less...but for me that's not bad!! haha)

Warnings: none!

Read over on Ao3, or below the cut

He can tell something is wrong the moment he gets home. 

He’s rarely home later than Emily, his job lecturing at the academy often meaning he was home long before her. Usually, when she was home first, he’d arrive to find her and Ivy on the couch together, talking about their days with a TV show he hates on in the background, both of them turning to look at him with matching grins as they try to convince him to order in for dinner. 

They would, of course, always manage it. He’d never been able to say no to his wife or his 15-year-old daughter. 

The house is silent as he enters it. No excited chatter from his teenage daughter, no laughter from his wife. The last time he remembered it being this quiet was shortly after Jack had moved out for college, all of them grieving his absence in silence. 

As he gets closer to the kitchen he hears the clamour of plates, of cabinet doors opening and closing with a little more force than necessary. He turns the corner to find his wife emptying the dishwasher with a level of aggression he hadn’t thought was possible. There’s a large glass of wine on the counter, with the bottle still next to it, 

“Hi sweetheart,” he says, announcing his arrival, and she barely looks over at him, a tight smile on her face. 

“Hi honey,” she replies, continuing her task of putting the dishes away, “How was work?” 

Aaron suppresses a sigh, well aware that it wouldn’t help matters, unsurprised at her usual attempt to deflect any questions she knew he would ask.

“It was fine,” he replies, stepping closer to her but still not touching her, “What’s going on?” 

Emily freezes, hesitating for a second before she grabs another plate from the dishwasher, “Nothing.” 

He closes the gap between them, removing the plate from her hand and setting it down before he pulls her into a hug. 

“Em, sweetheart, we’ve been married for nearly 17 years,” he smiles, tucking some of her grey hair behind her ear, “You’re going to have to do better than that.” 

Emily sighs and then clears her throat, the memory of her argument with her daughter still creating a tightness in her chest. 

“You know that party Ivy wanted to go to?” She says, her focus on his tie as she avoids his eye contact, sure that if she looked up at him she’d cry.

“The one with no paternal supervision that we said no to,” he replies, remembering the initial conversation well. Ivy had been annoyed. She’d rolled her eyes at them in a way that was 100% Emily, not that he’d said it at the time, and stormed off to her room. 

“Yeah, that one,” Emily says, finally looking up at him, her smile wavering, “She brought it up again. I said no again, and she…she told me that she hates me and that I’m ruining her life.” 

He sighs, closing his eyes briefly as her words sink in. Emily’s Achilles heel had always been their children. Her fiercely protective nature was never more clear than when one of them was hurt or upset, meaning he had, more than once, had to stop her from going to the school to confront the parents of bullies. It meant that they had the power to upset her in ways very few other people did, something that had become apparent very early on when a young, and upset Jack, had yelled at her that she wasn’t his mother. 

He had called for mom for years now, much longer than the years when he hadn’t, but Aaron knew Emily still thought of it even now whenever they met someone new and introduced their family. 

“Sweetheart-”

“And I know she doesn’t mean it,” Emily cuts over him shaking her head at herself as one tear escapes her lashline, “I know that. But it doesn’t make it any less shitty to hear,” she shrugs half-heartedly, “I don’t know, I guess I just miss when she was small and the worst thing we could do was forget to take her stuffed dog on vacation with us, not refuse to let her go to a party we know will end with at least one of her classmates getting arrested.” 

She loved being a parent. Raising Ivy and Jack had been the best years of her life. A slice of normality she once thought she’d never get to have. She loved it, but it never got any easier. The difficulties of raising them growing right alongside them. She remembered those early days just after Ivy was born. How exhausted she’d been, in ways she hadn’t known were possible. As much as she loved her daughter, how much they had in common, how Ivy trusted her in ways she had never been able to trust her own mother, she sometimes missed when things were that little bit simpler. 

“She loves you, Em,” he says, placing his hand on her cheek, wiping away a tear he won’t mention, “You’ve always been her favourite person on the planet. Being a teenager is hard,” his lips twitch into a smile, “On both the teenagers and the parents,” he adds, and she chuckles, the sound catching in her chest. 

“I know,” she replies, reaching out for him, seeking out his comfort as always. “It almost makes me wish I could apologise to my mother. Almost,” she smiles as he shakes his head at her. She blows out a breath, feeling lighter for talking to him about it all, and leans forward, pressing her forehead into his shoulder. He wraps an arm around her and kisses the top of her head. “I’m sorry you came home and walked straight into a warzone,” she mutters, breathing him in, the scent of his cologne as comforting as it always had been. Aaron chuckles softly, kissing the top of her head again.

“It’s not the worst thing I’ve come home to,” he quips, and it takes a moment for his words to register, the dry joke about walking into his old apartment close to two decades ago to find Foyet there waiting for him makes her jolt as she pulls back from him. A shocked laugh escapes her as she hits his shoulder lightly. 

“Aaron.”

“What? Too soon?” He replies, raising his eyebrow at her, his dimples carved out in his cheeks as he smiles at her. 

“You’re an ass,” she says, shaking her head at him as she tries, and fails, to fight off a smile. 

“I cheered you up though,” he replies, leaning down to stamp a kiss against her lips. She smiles at him, kissing him once more as he pulls back. 

“You always cheer me up.” 

“You two are gross.” They both look up to find Ivy looking at them, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. None of the previous fight in her that Emily had seen less than an hour ago. “Look at you,” she says, trying to force some of her usual lightness into her voice, “You’re even holding hands.” 

Emily looks down and sees that her daughter is correct, that her husband’s hand is wrapped tightly around her own. She hadn’t even noticed, didn’t remember either of them reaching out for the other. The simple touch was so much a part of their lives, so much a part of her, that she couldn’t remember how it felt to be without it. 

“Well,” Emily says, trying to match her daughter’s tone, to pretend the air around them tense, “What can I say, I find your dad irresistible.”

“Ew, gross, Mom,” Ivy replies, grimacing slightly. They fall into silence again and Ivy clears her throat, looking back and forth between her parents, under no allusion that her dad didn’t know what she’d said to her Mom. She looks at Emily, dark eyes meeting dark eyes, and she smiles tightly, “Can I speak to you? Alone?” 

Aaron is the first to move, squeezing his wife’s hand before he lets go, stepping away from her as he speaks. 

“I’ll go get changed,” he says, pausing to kiss Ivy’s forehead before he walks past her, “Shall we get pizza for dinner?” 

Both Ivy and Emily nod, and he turns to leave them alone. He looks back towards the kitchen as he’s about to start climbing the stairs, and smiles as he sees Ivy hugging Emily tightly, her face buried in her shoulder. Emily was holding her back just as fiercely, her hand running up and down their daughter’s back. 

He shakes his head to himself as he walks up the stairs, thinking to himself how similar they were to each other. Both stubborn and willful. Empathetic almost to a fault. Ivy was a carbon copy of Emily in looks as well as personality, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Not that he’d ever dare say that to either of them. 

-x-

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[aib-detectives]

Fragments Pt. 2

We now return you to your regularly scheduled-ish postings. Tyrus has a lot to sort through.

Arcane Invesitations is written by @girlsbyte and @gigabytecat.

Any resemblance to other works of fiction, people living and/or dead, places etc is purely coincidental. Story starts after the jump

He had several books in his bag right now, and a good deal of packets of information from the librarian to take home and keep. He’d be dropping by his ranch, where he worked on his more volatile school work, to keep the books and pamphlets there, where his family almost never went.

Frowning, Catherine motioned for Tyrus to take a seat in the chair. She stood up to close the door behind him. “Well, from what I’ve heard, the Cahokia’s librarians aren’t wrong.” She said as she returned to her seat, and met his eyes again, worried.

“Are you okay, though? That’s a lot,” Catherine asked him. Adoption wasn’t uncommon in the Unseen. It was rare that kids were ever homeless, or without a family. If extended family didn’t take a child in, a friend of the parents often would, and if that didn’t happen, werewolf packs adored children and big families, and would happily take in complete strangers, regardless of age.

“I’ve never heard of them being wrong once.” Tyrus agreed and tugged on his braid again. “I’ll probably head to my ranch for a bit after this case to decompress some, but I can make it through the case… and I’m not okay, but I think I will be. It’s not like I didn’t know I was adopted of a sort, though. I just knew I was some sort of brown, and it’s not like I’d ever get to learn the specifics.”

Catherine grimaced, knowing that the Unseen wouldn’t let a child go to the vampire courts willingly, especially not to the couple that led one of the most influential courts in the New World. Tyrus sighed.

“I’m not going to look into it. If I look into things, it’s been made clear that my birth parents would pay the price.” The vampire courts were like that, and it was an open secret. But the council had needed to give the vampires concessions, in order to convince them to keep the secret as well. One of them was autonomy from many of the laws the Council was supposed to enforce. 

The Sun Court was not known for being subtle or kind about its desires. Keeping the parents alive to hold them against Tyrus’ behavior wasn’t unexpected, though she wondered if they had been left alone when he had run far from his family.

“That’s disturbing and concerning.” She commented. “If you need to take time, I understand. I’m sure we’ll be able to function well enough. James should be back to 100% soon enough.” The team was still incredibly short handed, but Tyrus was there as a contractor. A member of the team would have to sign off on his work, anyway.

“After this case.” He said firmly. “I can hold it together that long. Besides, you’ll need some sort of bait, won’t you? Why not the man who matches the victim profile so closely? I’m an alcoholic and I know it, after all.” He was the best choice of the team members, and they both knew it. "I’m a functional alcoholic and can fake being a good deal drunker than I usually am. Dump some beer down my front as well, and even if I’ve only had a few sips, I’ll reek of more." He suggested. The team also didn’t have any other male team members that could dodge anything right now.

“I want you to tell me the moment you can’t, because we don’t need that.” Catherine said. It would add fuel to whatever fire had been lit under Klein to assemble this fucked up team. Government politics at its finest, as usual.

“And yes, we need bait, but I never would have suggested you.” She then lied. Tyrus fit the profile perfectly, and no one else on the team did at all. Bringing in a straight up civilian would have been a terrible idea. Tyrus came with the complication of the Sun Court breathing down their necks if anything went wrong, but that wasn’t something Catherine hadn’t faced before. “Also, isn’t that suicidal? I’ve known you to lack impulse control, but this is a bit much.”

At that, Tyrus grinned widely, clearly pleased with himself. "I’ve thought about that. There’s this spell used to keep anyone from touching you." His parents had used it on him as a child when he misbehaved in their eyes. "I thought I could have, say, a one foot distance on it, to account for feather length. It’s a pretty rare spell, and it takes a chunk of power for it, but I’ve got the power easily."

He didn’t address the suicidal comment.

"I’ll be about as safe as I can be as bait." He declared.

Catherine sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. This was looking like Huntsville all over again. “Of course you know a spell.” She grumbled, half under her breath. "Just don’t go off on your own half-baked again, please?" Huntsville had been a bit of a disaster for everyone involved. Necromancers with child victims always were.

"I know a lot of spells. All that education has to be good for something, after all." Tyrus was more than a little over-educated, and had been the youngest qualifier for the title of Mage in recorded history. He would absolutely preen like a peacock if that was brought up, too. He had busted his ass to get the qualifications. "Besides, if I don’t know a spell, creating one isn’t overly difficult, though, given the stakes, I would prefer to avoid it here."

Catherine frowned darkly. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to those stakes,” she said bluntly. High stakes cases were not something either of them wanted to be as intimately familiar with as they were. But this had been one since the beginning, given they had lost an entire team to the creature, even as short staffed as they were now. “Because creating magic out of whole cloth is dangerous business.”

No one needed to risk themselves like that. They often never came back.

[beca-mitchell]

little taste of heaven (i'm caught up in you) (1/1)

Summary: now i see daylight AU - Beca and Chloe’s first date, finally. 

Word count: 3.9k

For @anna-kendrick​: We've worked on this universe for the past year and holy, it means the world to both of us that you guys love Beca and Chloe as much as we do. Thank you so much for the encouragement and love, always.And of course, again, thank you to Josi who is an incredibly talented artist. Look at this art.

title from "untouchable (taylor's version)" though I did heavily consider using "our song"...i just liked the energy of untouchable a bit more.

Read below or on AO3!

* * * * *

AGE: 15/16 LOCATION: Brookline, MA MONTH: June

 * * * * *

 It is finally June. The warm air is only a hint of better things to come. Like the last day of school before total freedom.

Beca smiles at Chloe as she nears Beca’s locker. “Hey,” she greets. “Good practice?”

Around them, students mill about excitedly, cleaning out their lockers and making plans for the summer to come. Chloe shrugs, hair clearly still damp from her shower. “I don’t know why we keep running through practices when we have no more games for the season.”

“Got to keep the regional champions in top shape,” Beca teases. “Keep the other teams on their toes.”

“But I’m tired,” Chloe complains. She leans heavily on a neighboring locker. “Since it's the last day of school, will you come over tonight for dinner? My parents are whining about how they haven’t seen you in a while.”

Beca clears her throat, thinking about how the last time she had gone over to Chloe’s house had been when Chloe and Tom broke up...at the end of April. Over a month ago. She had gone because Chloe had been crying and upset. She had gone because even if her body ached with the anxiety of not knowing where she and Chloe stood, she and Chloe were always going to be friends first. Best friends.

Best friends who felt something more than friendship for each other. Confirmed, real feelings. Feelings that made them want to kiss each other.

Feelings that they hadn’t yet talked about. Or acted on despite both of them being extremely single at the moment.

Hell, Chloe's birthday came and went a couple weeks ago without much fanfare. Beca had been too shy to do anything remotely romantic and they ended up going to a movie with a few friends before going to an arcade.

“Bec?”

Beca nods stiltedly, pretending to contemplate her now-empty locker a bit more before turning to face Chloe. She steadies herself with a quick breath. “I’d love nothing more.”

 * * * * *

 Beca stares at her reflection with some trepidation.

“It’s just Chloe,” she mutters to herself, eyes tracking over every crease in the skirt she has picked out. Maybe I should go with jeans, she thinks. But it’s gross and hot out today.

She isn’t even sure why she’s nervous. It just feels like a return to normalcy of sorts, but Beca’s pretty sure that now that she knows what it feels like to kiss Chloe and what it feels like, a little bit at least, to know that Chloe feels somewhat similarly to her. It’s different. In a good way. Maybe it’s different in a scary way.

She isn’t even sure she can bring up the topic with her mother, so that’s an added layer of uncertainty: it’s additionally anxiety-inducing not knowing how her mother will react.

It’s well past the time that Beca should have already walked out the door to head next door by the time she actually forces herself out of her bedroom and down the stairs, but she figures Chloe will understand. And dinner is rarely ever prepared at the exact time stated in the Beale household anyway. Beca’s not too worried. Just nervous.

She finally reaches out to press the doorbell.

Chloe opens the door almost immediately. “Thought you got lost,” she teases.

“Were you just waiting behind the door?” Beca asks quickly, allowing Chloe to grab her wrist and pull her over the threshold.

“And if I was?” Chloe shoots back, offering Beca a lazy smile, playful in nature. With an underlying hint of something else.

Beca blinks the surprise away. “I wouldn’t be complaining if you were waiting for me. Just sorry I kept you waiting,” she offers.

“Dinner’s not ready anyway,” Chloe says, as Beca expected. They breeze past the living room area, taking a mild detour past the kitchen and towards the back porch. “I might have told you a slightly earlier time because I wanted to talk to you about something,” Chloe says lightly.

“Should I say hi to your parents?” Beca asks worriedly before it registers what Chloe just said. “Wait, what? Talk to me about what?”

“Come sit with me,” Chloe says instead. Patiently. She gestures towards the tree - the tree they used to play under all the time as children - nestled in the corner of the backyard.

It’s one of Beca’s favorite spots.

She follows Chloe, wondering if it’s too late to run home and change into her jeans because she’s sure the grass and sticks will prick at her skin, but she’s surprised, as they near, that there is a small blanket laid out underneath.

Chloe had planned for this.

“Please sit,” Chloe offers. She sits comfortably, patting the spot next to her. “I had a feeling you’d dress up a little. Didn’t want you to get a dress dirty.” Her eyes drift down to Beca’s skirt briefly before she lifts her eyes, smiling at Beca. Beca doesn’t feel self-conscious, shockingly. She feels content. Safe.

Maybe a little warm if anything, but she knows that’s probably the proximity to the girl she’s been crushing on for the longest time.

“I...wanted to talk to you because we haven’t...really talked. About...y’know.” A hint of nervousness creeps into Chloe’s voice. “When we kissed and then Tom…” she hesitates. “We just didn’t get to talk about anything. And now the school year’s pretty much over, so I thought…”

“Right,” Beca agrees quickly. Her palms begin to sweat. She sure as hell hopes Chloe doesn’t expect her to lead this conversation. It was mortifying enough the first time around when she had basically laid everything on the line while Chloe was still dating somebody else. When Chloe had left her with nothing more than a heartfelt, vulnerable don’t give up on me. Then she had broken up with Tom and that was all their school could talk about for weeks.

And now this. Somehow Beca survived all of that while slowly making sure her friendship with Chloe survived as well. They both made sure of that.

“I like you,” Chloe declares. “I mean...I think I always did. Like you, I mean. As more than a friend. But the feelings were really confusing.”

“I get it,” Beca says a little too quickly. “I’m sorry,” she murmurs, laughing a little when Chloe smiles at her. “I feel like I haven’t stopped thinking about this for a while. But I never wanted you to feel pressured to talk about this with me even though we kissed.” She ignores the way her voice totally cracks over that last word.

“I never felt pressured,” Chloe assures her gently. “I am so...grateful that you’re in my life. I didn’t want to mess this up. But I think we should...try.”

“Try?” Beca echoes.

Chloe blushes. Like a full-on blush that spreads across her cheeks, visible to Beca even in the dying daylight. It makes her cheeks rosy and Chloe even flinches at her own reaction. “Dating,” she says simply once she seems to regain control of her emotions. “I want to go on dates with you. And hold your hand. And more kissing! If that’s what you want.”

Beca’s sure that her heart explodes somewhere in her chest because she suddenly finds it very difficult to control various parts of her body. She can’t control the smile that spreads across her face and the following, matching blush in her cheeks. It heats through her face with ease. And even worse, she can’t control the way her hand comes up to her mouth as if to instinctively cover her smile because somehow being thrilled that her crush is basically asking her out making her body react in embarrassing ways.

Chloe laughs at her, not a hint of malice in her laugh. Just joy. “I take that as a yes. Thank God, I wasn’t sure how I was going to convince my parents to move away.”

Beca rolls her eyes. Finally. Teasing. She can do that. “You wouldn’t be able to leave me. You like me too much.”

Chloe’s smile grows soft. “Well...yeah. I do. A lot.”

Beca’s breath catches. She’s sure she could kiss Chloe right now and the crazy part is, it wouldn’t even be totally weird. Or out there. Because they’re going to start dating. But maybe kissing Chloe again before their first date is frowned upon? Beca has no idea. She’s still only ever kissed one person and that person is sitting in front of her.

“Girls! Dinner!”

As if Chloe had been reading her mind and her intentions, Chloe shakes her head and stands, offering a hand to pull Beca up. When Beca stands, they’re somehow even closer - almost nose to nose - than they had been when they were sitting. “Saved by the bell,” Chloe whispers, breath close enough to be felt on Beca’s mouth.

 * * * * *

 The most interesting part is that Beca hadn’t really thought about any of this - dating Chloe - beyond just vague daydreams and fantasies about just some kind of happy utopia with Chloe by her side. It’s honestly not much different from their usual day-to-day considering how close they already are, but dating? Actual dating?

Her Google search history stares back at her accusingly.

dating tips dating best friend first date first date movies dating girl what to do

She supposes she could ask her mother, but even that brief thought makes her shrink away from her desk. Beca stands and begins pacing. She’s sure that she’s overthinking this all. That Chloe could probably care less about what they do on their first date. That Chloe’s probably just expecting them to spend time together, just the two of them. With more handholding. And maybe a kiss at the end of the night.

“Shit,” Beca mutters suddenly. She rushes back to her computer, adding another search to her list.

kiss on first date ok???

She frowns. Not quite.

kissing before first date acceptable

In the end, she is saved from her descent into a hole of online searching by a text from Chloe herself.

Chloe dinner tomorrow at south street? haven’t been downtown in a while

Beca i’m down!

The ease at which Beca replies does not at all reflect the somersaults in her stomach.

 * * * * *

 “Hey,” Chloe calls, putting her menu down. “Where’d you go just now?”

Beca blinks, realizing that she had glazed over the menu entirely, too wrapped up in her own thoughts. “Oh, just...contemplating…” her eyes land on the first item she sees. “Salad.” She can’t help the way her own nose wrinkles instinctively at the thought of eating salad.

Chloe is as intuitive as ever, smiling as she reaches across the table to touch Beca’s hand. “You hate salad. Especially here.”

Beca swallows, struck by both the normalcy and intimacy of Chloe’s touch. They’ve been friends for years—there is nothing extremely off-putting about them holding hands or even just randomly touching each other on the arm, shoulder, knee.

And yet—

Chloe draws her hand away, seemingly not at all aware of Beca’s inner turmoil this time. She refocuses on her menu. “Want me to order something for you?” she asks instead.

Beca nods, though she is surprised. “Sure.” Now she’s curious as to what Chloe will order for her. And if she’s being honest, it kind of makes her feel giddy, the thought of Chloe knowing her well-enough to order something. Not that Beca would even bother with telling Chloe that she’s wrong. She’d eat anything at this point, just to spend more time with Chloe.

It’s not even like they’re at a fancy restaurant. It’s a diner downtown. The bright retro designs all around plus the comfortable, plush booth seats are all appealing to Beca and she likes the general atmosphere.

But she kind of wants to just…

“Can I sit next to you?” she blurts out. Immediately, she clamps her mouth shut, resisting the urge to avoid Chloe’s curious gaze, which lifts to meet hers immediately.

Chloe grins. “I would want nothing more. Get over here.”

Beca nearly sags in relief, but focuses instead on moving around the booth so she and Chloe are sitting closer, now on side of the booth.

Beca focuses on the frequent piece of advice she had found through a few somewhat reliable Google results.

Hold her hand.

Beca does. She inches her pinky across the cool vinyl seats until she can feel Chloe’s against her finger. Then, she slips her hand over Chloe’s, gently hooking her fingers on Chloe’s palm until Chloe gets the idea.

Chloe’s hand flips slowly, their palms touching. Beca exhales, sliding her fingers between Chloe’s, already liking the easy, comfortable fit of their hands.

Chloe says nothing, content to enjoy the silence and familiarity just as Beca is content to allow her feelings to take over. For a moment, Chloe appears to be perusing the menu in silence, but there is a steadiness to the set of Chloe’s shoulders. Beca can tell, having been so attuned to Chloe’s characteristics for longer than she’d like to admit. For longer than even Chloe herself knows at this moment. She glances at her date—her date!—selfishly taking the moment to appreciate Chloe’s profile.

It’s something she has done so many times before, but this time...this time, in a diner outside of town with the soft clatter of dishes around them and Chloe’s soft, warm palm against her own, Beca knows this is different.

“You know,” Chloe starts awkwardly. “I...obviously don’t mind if you ordered on your own.”

Beca laughs. “Why’d you offer to then?”

“I don’t know,” Chloe says, exasperation in her voice. She groans and hangs her head slightly. “I asked Max and-”

“You asked your brother what to do on a date with me?”

“No!” Chloe explains before she snorts. “I just...told him I was worried about impressing a girl. And I don’t know why, but I somehow thought he’d have some idea.” She grins a little, glancing at Beca out of the corner of her eye. “Did it work?”

“Maybe a little,” Beca says distractedly. She’s more fixated on the fact that Chloe must have been truly desperate to have turned to her older brother for help.

“Oh and he totally guessed I was going out with you, by the way.”

That’s not something that thrills Beca too much. Her imagination immediately conjures up a comically exaggerated vision of Chloe’s brother threatening her with a knife. “How?” she asks. “What did he say?”

“Nothing, really. He just kind of guessed and then said ‘finally’ or something like that.”

“Well, thank you for offering to order for me. It was very...chivalrous of you.”

“Please stop.”

“Quite charming.”

“Beca.”

“I can’t wait to see what other moves you try on me. Are we going to share one milkshake?”

“...no?”

 * * * * *

 They end up ordering two separate milkshakes because Beca sticks to her vanilla and Chloe orders chocolate.

“Try,” Chloe commands. “You always get vanilla. Chocolate is so good.”

Beca sighs, but obediently sticks her straw into Chloe’s cup despite Chloe’s protests of “contamination” and quickly takes a sip just to shut Chloe up for the time being. It’s not horrible - Beca just isn’t the fan of how chocolate tastes in milkshake form, though she’s sure Chloe will claim there’s no difference if the milkshake were in a solid chocolate bar form instead.

However, she’s mildly distracted by the sudden proximity she and Chloe have between them. Chloe’s arm rests loosely over her shoulder, where she had put her arm when Beca leaned in to drink from Chloe’s cup. She can practically feel Chloe’s breath on her neck and her cheek.

It would be so easy to just turn and -

Beca shakes her head slightly and shifts back. Chloe takes a moment longer to slowly move her arm from around Beca’s shoulders.

“What?” Beca asks quietly, poking at her fries a little. She catches Chloe smiling at her affectionately.

“Nothing,” Chloe replies quickly. “Just...you smell nice. That’s all.”

 * * * * *

 “I guess it’s kind of convenient that we live together,” Beca remarks, trying not to think too hard about the way Chloe’s hand feels in her own. She winces. “Well. Not live together. But…you know. Live next to each other.”

Chloe tilts her head, smiling as they walk up the path towards their houses. “And why is that convenient?” she asks lightly.

Beca blushes. She hadn’t thought this far. “I’m…I don’t know. I was just…commenting. On the convenience.”

Chloe giggles, pulling Beca closer ever so slightly. Beca likes the way their arms press together. She likes holding Chloe’s hand. She likes lifting her other hand to curl against the bend of Chloe’s elbow.

She likes knowing that Chloe likes her—really likes her—and Chloe enjoyed their date and—and—

“This is you,” Chloe murmurs, stopping in front of Beca’s door.

Beca kind of doesn’t want the night to end. She wants to sit on the porch and talk to Chloe for a few more minutes. Maybe one more hour. Just to hear the sound of her voice and have her attention for a few moments longer.

“This is me,” Beca parrots, feeling a lot more nervous than she thinks she’s letting on. That was what people said in those movies adorning Chloe’s shelves, right? It was what the internet said. Normal first date cliches. She steps backwards, under the light of her front porch, still holding Chloe’s hand as she does so. Chloe hesitates for a moment like she wants to follow, but ultimately she simply squeezes Beca’s hand in understanding and drops her own hand away.

Beca is immediately disappointed. She hadn’t wanted that at all. She bites her lip, watching as Chloe awkwardly shuffles her feet before she glances back up at Beca. A soft, slow smile spreads across Chloe’s lips, gentle and affectionate all at once. It makes Beca’s heart pound ridiculously hard.

“I had fun,” Chloe whispers, like she’s afraid somebody else will hear her. But not because she's afraid of other people. Just afraid that their bubble will burst, like Beca is. Another step closer. Beca swallows. “Can we do that again?”

“You’d want to go on more dates?” Beca asks, just to clarify, even though she knows exactly what Chloe’s asking.

“I would love to go on more dates with you.”

“Me too,” Beca squeaks out. “I—um—”

Chloe’s smile stretches, somehow happier than before. “Goodnight Beca.”

Something in Beca snaps. She steps forward, just two small steps and calls out Chloe’s name. “Wait,” she adds hastily.

Chloe stops and turns, surprised.

“Can I—” Beca swallows, licking her suddenly dry lips. “Can I kis—”

She doesn’t get to finish her question before Chloe is covering the ground between them in two short strides, wrapping her hand around the back of Beca’s head, letting the other come up to Beca’s arm, and kissing her for all her worth.

Beca gasps in surprise into the kiss, hands coming up to Chloe’s shoulders, squeezing tightly. Gently and slowly, Chloe presses further into the kiss, her lips moving ever so lightly against Beca’s. It is so much more than their first kiss—a do-over, if anything—and Beca realizes, with a jolt, that this is something she can do now. She can kiss Chloe because Chloe likes her and Chloe went on a date with her. Chloe held her hand all night.

Chloe wants to kiss her too.

Beca hums happily at the thought, looping her hands behind Chloe’s neck. It feels instinctual even as Beca blushes at the sudden intensity of the kiss. She knows Chloe has kissed more people than she has; she knows Chloe will forever have more experience in this regard. But God, Beca thinks that she has never felt more wonderful or powerful than she does in this moment, tightening her grip on the fabric of Chloe’s light jacket.

Pulling back ever so slightly, Beca heaves a breath and rests her forehead against Chloe’s forehead. Chloe’s breathing is the tiniest bit labored as well. For a moment, neither of them dares to move, too afraid to break the spell between them.

Chloe is the first to smile—the first to press forward ever so slightly so their noses brush delicately. “What were you going to ask?” Chloe murmurs.

Beca swats her shoulder lightly. “You’re so weird,” she mumbles back, leaning in to steal just one more kiss from her beautiful, wonderful date.

 * * * * *

 When Beca reaches the solitude of her bedroom, she finally gets what all those high school romcoms were about. Showing their protagonist thrilled to finally finish a date so they can squeal and giggle and simply dream about their crush or date. It’s probably the first time that Beca has felt her energy rebound around her room with such happiness and positivity. The sensation is addicting—she honestly just wants to text Chloe all night.

Which, honestly, she could.

Chloe kissed her. Chloe kissed her because she likes her and they just went on a date. A freaking date.

A text from Chloe jolts her back to reality.

Chloe i miss you, is that weird?

Beca no because i miss you too. weirdo.

Chloe i have something else to tell you. that might be weird. Idk

Beca go for it.

Beca watches the text bubbles float in and out on her screen, like Chloe is typing a paragraph. Despite Chloe just saying that she missed her, Beca can’t help but feel nervous.

Chloe I just wanted you to know why i picked south street. it’s because. well. Remember when we first went there by ourselves without our parents. Sometime last year. With a few friends. And we all squeezed into that booth and sat there and shared fries and milkshakes and felt like we were at the top of the world because we were finally in high school or something stupid like that. I don’t even remember much about that night or who we were with but i do remember seeing the way you laughed at something and how your entire face lit up. and i remember thinking that i really liked you and how scary it was that i felt these things for you so suddenly and so much. Like a lot. but i’m so glad that we both got to this point - that we both feel the same way. I just really loved the way you looked when you laughed and i am so happy you’re in my life.

Chloe also i really like kissing you

Beca doesn’t even bother replying.

She shoves on her shoes again and rushes out the front door. She is only surprised to see Chloe sitting on her own front porch, staring worriedly at her phone.

“You really are so weird, y'know that?” She calls out, careful not to startle Chloe too much.

Chloe does jump anyway, but she sets her phone down quickly. “What are you doing?”

“Finishing this date off again that you confessed your big scary feelings. Through a text message.” Beca pretends to be annoyed as she stomps over to Chloe. “You couldn’t have said all that?”

“You make me nervous!” Chloe exclaims.

Beca shakes her head, mustering up all the courage she has in the world, pulling Chloe in for a kiss like she wanted to earlier before Chloe beat her to it.

“So much better,” Beca whispers, smiling when Chloe huffs quietly against her mouth.

It's the perfect end to the beginning Beca has been dreaming of all this time.

fin.

[voiceless-terror]

Inseparable (TMA)

For the @tma-valentines-exchange and @theotpauthor

Characters: Jonathan Sims/Martin Blackwood

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Some Bullying, Canon-Typical Martin’s Mother and Jon’s Grandmother

Summary:  Jonathan Sims and Martin Blackwood meet as children. Some things change, others do not.

As expected, he’s going to have to eat lunch alone.

Martin surveys the school yard, the teacher behind him smiling with encouragement. It’s nice that they let them go outside, sitting alone at a table in the cafeteria seemed far more intimidating than finding a tree or a bush he could hide behind. He’s getting better at making himself small.

It’s a bright, warm day and the sun beats down on his face, he’s going to need a shady spot. He spies a tree on the far edge of the grounds; it’s tall and thick, a perfect place to hide away. He trudges down the slight incline, his bagged lunch held tight in his fist. Maybe if he asks nicely his mum will get him a lunchbox. But this’ll do for now. He’s about to sit down in a small nook of roots when a disgruntled voice pipes up from behind the tree.

“Hey!”

Martin can barely see the boy’s scowling face but he recognizes him from class: Jonathan Sims. He’s a scrawny kid almost half his size, but that doesn’t make him any less intimidating. Jon always raises his hand in class and interrupts others when they have the wrong answer. The other students snicker but Jon pays them no mind, more interested in getting out all the information stored in his head. Martin admires his confidence, but still. He’s a bit scary.

“This is my tree,” he sniffs, patting the ground as if planting a flag. “This is where I eat. Alone.” 

Martin feels his face burning from more than just the sun. There’s tears forming behind his eyes but he tries desperately to hold them back, the last thing he needs is a reputation as the class crybaby. 

“I’m s-sorry.” He scrambles up, casting his eyes down to the ground if only to avoid Jon’s glare. “I’ll- I’ll find somewhere else, sorry to bother.” A brief scan of the school yard reveals there really is nowhere else, unless he wants to sit in the dirt or out in the sun where everyone can see. Maybe he should find an empty classroom, or a closet or even a bathroom, just to be out of sight. But he doesn’t think the teacher will let him, and she keeps looking over. She probably just saw his rejection, and he really doesn’t want her to come over and embarrass him further. Jonathan Sims already seems to hate him.

“You can stay.” The voice interrupts his internal panic, and he looks over to find Jon studiously avoiding his gaze, staring hard at a neighboring bush. Martin wonders what caused his sudden change of heart. “But you have to sit on the other side. And don’t talk to me.”

He hurries to sit down, afraid the other boy will take it back. “Y-Yes, thank you-”

“I said don’t talk to me!”

Martin closes his mouth, cutting off the ‘sorry’ that’s already spilling from his lips. With one final glare Jon swivels back around, dropping out of sight.

Martin sighs with relief and begins to dig out his soggy peanut butter sandwich. He packed it this morning with the meager supplies in their kitchen; Mum forgot to get the groceries again, he’d have to remind her. She’s been forgetting a lot lately; the move has been hard on the both of them, but especially her. Ever since his father left they’d been moving from town to town, wherever his mum could find work. She’s working at a doctor’s office now, and hence the move to their very small flat a few blocks from school. Once again, he’s the new kid.

And of course no one talks to him. Why would they? Mum always says he’s rubbish with people, that he should try to be more outgoing. It’s not his fault his glasses are too big and his clothes are ill-fitting and he’s awkwardly taller than ‘any seven year old has the right to be’ (his mum’s words). Whenever he opens his mouth, all that comes out is a high-pitched stutter. No, better to be quiet and stay out of everyone’s way. That’s easier. That’s how his Mum likes it at home, why change it up here?

But it doesn’t make it hurt any less. His teachers are nice enough and no one’s bothered him yet. As long as he continues to keep his head down and do his homework, he’ll be fine. Who needs friends, anyway?

And he’s got a spot to eat now. Jon sits on the other side of the tree, just out of sight, saying nothing. But Martin still feels a little less lonely with him here, like they have some sort of silent truce. Jon doesn’t seem to have any friends; in fact, Martin thinks he actually has enemies. People shove him in the hallway when they’re standing in line, throw paper balls at him in class, whisper insults audibly behind his back. But Jon never reacts other than a tensing of his shoulders and a pointed look the other way. Martin wishes he could be like that.

Jon lets him sit there for the rest of the week. Martin itches to talk to him, but decides it's easier to keep his promise. Mum likes it when he’s quiet so she doesn’t have to hear his ‘inane chatter.’ Jon probably wants the same.

The next day it rains. He doesn’t know where Jon goes when he can’t sit at his tree. Martin decides to eat at the very end of a lunch table where a few other quiet kids sit. No one talks to him. He’s getting used to it.

It’s too muddy to sit outside for the next few days. No matter where he looks, he can’t find Jon. The teacher doesn’t seem to care much about Jon’s whereabouts. Martin’s heard the word ‘handful’ muttered as the teachers gather in the common space. They just let him do what he wants.

But the next Monday, there he is. Sitting at the tree, a book in hand, his lunch box conspicuously absent. It’s bright yellow with a cat on it; it looks ancient, beat up and scratched as it is. But it’s not there. Martin sits at his usual spot, fidgeting with his lunch bag. I wonder if he’s hungry. He hears the crinkle of the library book, the turn of a page. Before he can second guess himself, he gets up and steps to the forbidden other side of the tree.

Jon barely deigns to look up from his book, instead focusing more intently on the pages. Martin shuffles on his feet and fights the urge to run away before clearing his throat.

Jon looks up. “What?” he snaps, clearly irritated at the interruption.

“S-Sorry, I just saw you had no l-lunch and I-” he fumbles around in the bag until he finds what he’s looking for and offers it out to Jon with a shaking hand. “I thought you might be hungry.”

Jon stares at the applesauce like it's bound to leap out and bite him. He looks back up at Martin with a suspiciously gaze, and he fights the urge to swallow nervously. Jon’s eyes are so large, even hidden behind glasses and it’s hard to meet his stare head-on.

“Fine.” A small hand reaches up and snatches it from Martin before he can so much as blink. Jon rips open the lid like a man starving and instead of asking for a spoon, opts to slurp at it like it's some sort of milkshake.

Martin stares at him open-mouthed as Jon scrunches his face in distaste and complains. “Ugh. Who gets applesauce without cinnamon?” He finishes it anyway and hands the crumpled plastic back to Martin in under a minute. He takes it, stupefied, as Jon picks up his book and goes back to reading, once again ignoring Martin. Well then.

Martin feels like he’s approached a feral cat and come back without a scratch. He takes his usual spot on the other side, mechanically biting into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and wonders if he can convince his mum to buy the good kind of applesauce when he hears the words, barely audible.

“Thank you.” It’s the softest he’s ever heard Jon’s voice go.

“You’re welcome,” he replies, equally as quiet. Jon says nothing else, but Martin will take this as a win.

read more on ao3

[fandom-monium]

For the Holidays

Summary: In which Spencer does not want to go to his high school reunion, but you tagging along changes things. “You doubting my skills, Dr. Reid?”

WC: 2.1k

Tags/Warnings: Spencer Reid x GN!Reader, fake-dating trope, pining (so much pining), Morgan trying to be a good big bro (and wingman)

Spencer Reid does not hate Christmas.

“Reid, come on⎼”

“No.”

“Just listen to me.”

“I did, and it’s a stupid idea.”

No, really. Because hating Christmas would imply he didn’t care. Which he does.

Like when Garcia never fails to drag him into decorating the bullpen every year. Obnoxious Christmas music plays in the background as they bomb Hotch’s office, and it’s worth the smile on his face when he walks in the next morning.

It would mean hating Rossi and his extravagant dinner parties. And yeah, he always hosts but these are just as special if not more so. His mansion is decked in fairy lights and streamers, the food are traditional holiday recipes, and the whole place seems a little less massive.

And he doesn’t hate his breaks. He nearly spits out his coffee when Morgan grumbles about how he almost tripped and fell over from the ice. He has to scramble away as the older man bats at him.

Or when Prentiss drops off holiday-themed pastries? Mhm, just thinking of the ribbon-tied box makes him salivate.

Hating the Christmas card is completely out of the question. Henry and Michael make them every year for the entire team, and JJ makes an effort to shake them out carefully for. It has a boyish charm Spencer never had at their age, a mess of glitter and construction paper. He displays it on his desk anyway.

And you. It would mean hating all the various hot chocolate beverages you’ve made since December started.

Apparently, it’s serious business⎼the art of hot chocolate making. You’ve leaned against his desk, hands waving about as you try to articulate to him the relevance, going over anything and everything you can remember of its history and significance. Of course, he knows all of this already, but he likes you too much to stop you. He almost releases a loving sigh. Instead, he settles for nodding and grinning at you, and he doesn’t really get it but he loves it: the hot chocolate, your pensive expression as you await his critique, even though by now he’s sure you know he has no other comments except ‘delicious’.

He loves it all. He loves you⎼all of you guys. Obviously.

So, no. He does not hate Christmas.

But that doesn’t mean he loves it either.

Which is why, when Morgan leans against his desk, he greets him as normal, a smile forming on his lips as he sets his book down. There is no danger here, except Morgan’s guns. And the heinous green and red envelope between his fingers⎼

Where the hell did he get that.

Spencer’s blood froze. His collection of trauma was nothing compared to this.

Now here he is, packing away his things so he can go home to his warm, cozy apartment and order takeout like he does every year. He's not one for change. No need to break tradition.

But Morgan is acting like a child. Wait, no, even children are better behaved than this. Children at least give up faster.

“I’m telling you, it’s a good idea.”

“As a certified genius, I can say with all honesty, it is not.”

“I promise you it’ll be fine,” Morgan reassures him, voice soothing. The letter, colorful and bright and an eye sore, mocks Spencer. He wishes his reflexes were faster, so he can snatch the abhorrent cluster of sparkles and poorly printed holiday cartoons. And shred it.

Maybe if he glares hard enough, it’ll burst into flames.

“Morgan, my class hated me. The whole school hated me,” Spencer shoves another book into his satchel. It's harder than he means to, and he sends a silent apology to Stephen King; he usually handles his books with care. But not right now. Now, he's tired and exasperated and he just wants to curl up on his couch with The Doctor. "I'm sure I won't be missed."

"But you’re the life of the party!"

Spencer looks up.

Morgan winces, "Yeah, even I wouldn't believe me.” Spencer snorts, continuing to stuff his belongings into his satchel. Morgan’s relentless however. “But you deserve to show them up. You’ve got degrees⎼plural⎼and you're a hotshot FBI agent.”

“Are you not aware of the tragedy that is my high school social experience?”

“Oh, I'm very aware, and thank you for being vulnerable with me. But it's because I care that I’m telling you.”

Morgan’s hand falls heavy on his shoulder, making Spencer pause. He meets his gaze, the man’s expression solemn.

“You deserve to rub it in their faces until the only thing they can smell is your success.”

Morgan grins when that draws out a laugh from him.

Spencer huffs, “Shouldn't we be the bigger person here by not going?”

The older man grimaces, retracting his hand as if the idea offends him. “Fuck that. Be a show off! They deserve to be knocked down a peg after what they did to you in high school.”

Spencer bites his lip. Yes, he’s accomplished, and yeah, as Morgan said, he’s a ‘hot shot FBI agent’. But the memories surge in like a broken dam, cruel laughter and harsh words crashing into him as if he’s twelve years old again. He’s an adult now, so he doesn’t topple over from the impact like before, but the pain is a phantom limb, old and familiar, and leaves a pit in his stomach.

He was a child prodigy then. How would going back as he is now be any different?

Morgan's heart clenches when an unspoken pain flits across Spencer’s face, glossing over his eyes. He can't imagine how deep the emotional scars go, but he knows Spencer needs some form of closure from his past. So when he found the invite, he knew they had to seize the chance. If he wants to continue to move forward, Spencer has to learn to let go. And right now, this is his first class ticket. It’s why he’s pushing this so hard.

This is for Spencer.

But the doctor shakes his head, a strained smile tugging his lips. “Morgan, I had no friends. Even if I go, what am I supposed to do once I arrive? It'd be awkward enough as is.”

“True,” The older man contemplates, a light bulb going off as he snaps his fingers. “You know what you should do? Ask (Your Name) to go with you.”

“(Your Name)?” Spencer jolts, fumbling to catch his phone. Despite being a man of science, his eyes dart around, like you’re a demon summoned at the mention of your name. “Wha-what? Why?”

“They could act as your buffer. And you did say you wanted to be closer with them. This is the perfect opportunity,” Morgan shrugs. Like his suggestion is common sense, logical. Maybe it is.

But this is you they’re talking about. You would never. You’re too cool for a silly high school reunion.

At least, that’s what he’s convinced himself as Spencer’s face pinches. He catches his lip with his teeth. “Morgan, I appreciate the… thought, but I could never ask (Your Name).”

“Ask me what?”

… Oh no. You are a demon.

Spencer whirls around in time to see the glass door shut behind you. You stand there in all your poise and beauty, the fluorescent lights softening your expression. You're bundled up in a matching coat and scarf, the knitted beanie snug on your crown and clashing with your outfit (Garcia told you it’s not your Christmas present, but you’ve worn it everyday since). There’s sprinkles of snow all over you.

You’re not a demon, Spencer decides, even as you brush a clump off your shoulder, nose scrunched in annoyance. More like a snow angel.

You tilt your head curiously when Spencer doesn’t answer immediately. There’s a knowing look on his face as Morgan, realizing the poor guy probably won’t respond any time soon, steps up.

“(Your Name), I thought you went home already.”

You cross the bullpen. “I was. Garcia walked me down and I got to the courtyard. Then I realized she had me so distracted that I left my phone charger,” You rummage around your desk and without looking up, you reiterate, “So ask me what?”

Spencer blinks. “What?”

“You had something to ask me, right?”

Right. That. He runs his fingers through his hair awkwardly. “Actually, I don’t⎼oof.”

Morgan jabs his side, “Yes, there is something Reid needs to ask you.” He sends him a meaningful look.

“Shoot.” You nod to them before rifling through your desk drawers. Nope, not there. You card through files and office supplies, oblivious to the conversation Spencer and Morgan have with their eyes, shooting looks and mouthing at each other.

You bend over your desk as Morgan gestures, Ask them!

Spencer shakes his head vigorously, No!

Do it, or I'll do it for you, he mouths.

Spencer squints at him. You wouldn't.

Morgan smirks and Spencer's heart drops to his stomach. Before he can run, shout for help, literally anything, the man slings a buff arm around his shoulders, forcing Spencer to slightly bend down to his level, hugging him to his side.

He's trapped. Stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Fuck.

“Reid is going to his high school reunion,” Morgan starts, biting back a grin when the nerd squirms against him. Both men boys watch, one excited and the other petrified as you disappear behind your desk.

“That’s nice.”

"Yeah. But all his classmates are older than him and married…“

“Uh-huh…” You scan the dark floors, half-listening as Spencer frowns at the unnecessary detail. He never told Morgan such a thing. He didn’t even know, so how would Morgan-?

“So, can you guys pretend to be a couple or something?”

Thud.

“What!?”

Luckily, neither of you notice the other’s surprise as Spencer chokes on air at the same time you let out a pained hiss.

Morgan lets him pull away, withholding a snicker. “You good, (Your Name)?”

“I’m okay!” Your head pops up from under your desk as you rub the top of your head. You blink owlishly. “I’m sorry, did you just ask me to pretend to be your partner?”

“Yes! But Reid’s partner,” Morgan emphasizes, slapping the doctor’s back hard enough he nudges forward.

You stand and Spencer straightens up, trying not to fidget as your gaze burns into his. You’ve known each other for quite some time now, and while Spencer likes to think he knows you pretty well, it bothers him when your expression becomes unreadable. He knows it shouldn't but it does. He’s a profiler, yet your thoughts are completely obscured by a mask. It only makes him more nervous than he already is.

His skin feels hot when your eyes trail over him, and he prays his scarf is enough to cover the flush spreading from his neck.

He's about to disintegrate when you finally answer.

"Okay."

His brow shoots up and his heart flips. You move away from your desk as he sputters, "Really? Are⎼are you sure? I don’t want to put you out of your way.”

“I wouldn’t have agreed otherwise. Why?” You step closer, and he can’t breathe, not without it hitting your face. You stare him down the bridge of your nose, eyes narrowed. “You doubting my skills, Dr. Reid?”

“What? No, of course not!”

You raise an eyebrow expectantly. “Then it’s settled? We’ll pretend to be a couple for your reunion thing?"

A beat of silence. Spencer realizes you're waiting for his confirmation. But panic rises like bile in his throat and he hesitates.

Maybe he should back out now, retract the entire conversation and take the embarrassment like a man. Tell you he was never planning to attend the stupid reunion because his classmates were (and probably still are) assholes. Honesty is key to any relationship after all.

Especially between coworkers. Ahem.

A flicker of movement and Spencer glances over your shoulder. Morgan nods frantically at him, teeth flashing as he grins wider than before. He gives him two thumbs up.

Maybe, for once, he should pull a Morgan and just vibe it.

Yeah. Yeah!

Swallowing, he nods to you, giving you his signature white-person smile because he's sure if he speaks he might blurt out something completely inappropriate. Like statistics on workplace relationships (they’re great reading material, okay).

Your lips quirk up. "Cool. Text me the details when you get the chance.”

You brush past him before he manages a reply, your footsteps fading. Morgan waggles his eyebrows at Spencer. Spencer blankly stares after you.

“What just happened?”

“You just got a date to your reunion. A fake date, mind you, but you’re welcome nonetheless,” Morgan smirks at him. “So, you got a plan, Pretty Boy?”

His face falls, and the hearts in his eyes⎼shit, had they always been there?⎼chip slightly.

He does not have a plan.

Deleted scene:

“Did you do it?”

“It went all according to plan, Mama.”

AN: I fucked myself over and wrote 7k+ and still counting. Now it’s an unplanned holiday mini series. This kind of stems from Bonding as this uses Mysterious!Reader. Also, I seem to be into pining (fuck established relationships, suffer in silenceee). Whatever holiday you celebrate, I hope you still enjoy this one shot!! 

One of the biggest disappointments of CM: Spencer doesn’t confront his high school bullies. I read several fics of him doing so, but a lot of them have the bullies be just as much of an asshole as they were to him in the past, but he deserves more closure. 

This will be my take on it. It’ll be a lot of pining but I hope to focus on the his hardships in a less angsty, dramatic way.

Hope you enjoy it!! There will be at least 3 parts?

Also, spread the usage of the term ‘partner’, which can be used for same-sex and opposite-sex relationships.

[edens-breathless-melodies-moved]

words: 4k

pairing: suna r. x f!reader

prompt: cock warming

warnings: cock warming, edging, exactly one (1) spank, reader being a lowkey brat, suna lowkey being a dick (nothing new here, folks)

summary: suna never realized just how tiring it was to play for a division one team. giving his hundred and twenty percent everyday really wore him down, and all he wanted was to relax. so what better way to do that than by surrounding himself with you?

exhausted could not even begin to describe how tired suna was. the amount of fatigue he felt as he trudged through the door to your shared home wasn’t even measurable, and you could feel it emanating from his weary body the moment he stepped through the door.

you frowned softly at your boyfriend’s run down figure, narrow eyes looking downright zombie-ish as he slouched into the living room.

a weak “i’m home” barely registered in your ears, and your heart ached for him, knowing how tiring practice could be.

you had been in the kitchen just finishing up dinner when you heard the sound of keys being entered into the lock.

you were excited to see your boyfriend after being alone for a majority of the day, and it was understandable that you practically launched out of the kitchen to greet him when he entered.

recently he’s been spending more and more time at practice as one of his big games drew closer, and you can’t really blame him for wanting to perfect everything before the game. you adored how serious he takes the sport.

but if you’re being honest with yourself, you have been feeling rather needy lately, and suna spending so much time away wasn’t helping.

suna would disappear from your shared bed just as the sun was rising, pressing a chaste but loving kiss against your sleepy forehead before whispering he’ll be back.

and sometimes he wouldn’t arrive back home until well after dark, barely having enough energy to pull you to his chest before drifting off, exhausted from the day’s training.

you know he feels bad for not being able to spend as much time with you lately, and although you brushed it off by saying you didn’t mind, he wanted to make it up to you.

so when you awoke that morning to find that suna had already left, you felt bummed that you missed his good morning kiss until you checked your phone.

you saw a text from him sent at nearly 06:30 in the morning, about two hours earlier than when he’d normally leave for practice.

sunarin 🐱 💦 06:28 - i convinced coach to start practice a little earlier so me nd the rest of the team could have a early night in. i love you dork, see u when i get home

the excited screech you let out would’ve woken up the neighbors if you had any around you, and you could barely contain your glee at having your sleepy eyes boyfriend home early for once.

the rest of the day was a blur as you rushed around your cozy home tidying up and preparing dinner, different scenarios running through your head about what you two were gonna do when he finally got home.

your thighs clenched slightly at the thought of finally have suna all to yourself in the bedroom, and your need for him to come home was reaching an all time high. ‘finally, we can do more than just a quick kiss…’

but the moment those usually sharp pale yellow eyes locked tiredly with yours, dull and exhausted, it was understandable that you felt a twinge of disappointment and frustration as you silently resigned yourself to a quiet and early night in.

deep down you knew it wasn’t his fault that his coach drained them until they were dry, so you swallowed your disappointment the moment you felt it.

you could always have him to yourself another night.

although you were practically a master at hiding your true emotions to anyone, slapping on a smile and kind eyes that could fool even the toughest detective, suna rintarou was not just anyone.

he could see the traces of disappointment and sexual frustration lurking behind your warm eyes as you offered him a soothing and genuine smile, rushing over to grab his sports bag to put away.

he watched the way you gazed at him with adoration as you gave him a sweet kiss on his check before going to hang his bag in the room, telling him to relax and that you’d bring him dinner in a sec.

you may convince everyone and even yourself, but you couldn’t get past him.

after being by your side for nearly twenty years, suna could confidently say that he was good at reading you, even the you that you tried to hide away.

~~~~

you and suna rintarou were a classic case of childhood best friends to lovers. your mothers were practically attached at the hips since their childhood, so it only made sense for the two of you to be inseparable since birth.

thankfully, you guys ended up getting along with each other, and you two became attached at the hips as well just like your mothers, maybe even more so.

watching the two of you interact with one another as you grew up was always an amusing sight to your cooing parents who were secretly hoping you two would end up together when you were older.

suna and you complimented each other unknowingly. he was always the ice to your fire, the moon to your sun; always there to bring counter you whenever your emotions got the best of you.

while you both were generally well behaved and good children, your mannerisms couldn’t be more unlike each other if you tried.

where suna was usually an indifferent and relaxed child, going with the flow and never starting a fuss, you were always known to be a bit of a crybaby, your emotions overruling your logic sometimes.

at age seven, when your parents had told the two of you that you couldn’t go to the park when you asked because the sun was getting ready to set and it was getting late out, they already knew what was going to happen.

your cute little bottom lip would jut out and begin to quiver and your eyes would begin to tear up, and both sets of parents just sighed as they prepared to deal with another one of your rare cases of bratiness.

so imagine their surprise when little suna, always so passive and indifferent, came up to your trembling form and wrapped his arms around you in a loose hug.

he was muttering how the two of you could go to the park tomorrow as he continued hugging you, pale eyes narrowed softly as he calmed you down with his words.

both parents watched in shock at how quickly suna was able to bring you down from your impending tantrum with just a hug and a couple of choice sentences.

your mothers choked on their spit while your fathers stifled their laughs when they heard suna mumble out “and please don’t cry, you always get snot everywhere.”

from that day forward, suna became your pacifier. whenever things were about to turn ugly and your lip began to tremble or your eyes had that fire in them, it was always suna who swooped in and brought you back down to earth.

(as the two of you got older, his choice of words to calm you down evolved as well, so don’t worry)

the two of you never left each other’s sides all throughout elementary school, and even when most kids branch off in middle school, especially a girl/boy duo, the two of you yet again shocked your parents by sticking through.

this continued on into high school as well, and both of you continued to hide your growing feelings for one another, never revealing them until your second year at inarizaki high.

suna was quick to convince you to become the team’s manager when he joined the boys volleyball club, and the team loved your sweet but feisty and sarcastic attitude.

when growing up with suna rintarou as your best friend, you had to have some backbone to combat his dry humor and biting teases.

the members of the club adored you, some a little more than others.

miya atsumu had a gift for pisisng people off whether he realized it or not, and deciding that causally flirting with the middle blocker’s best friend was totally okay. absolutely nothing could go wrong, right?

oh, you poor, piss haired sewer rat.

to be fair, looking back on it years later, the two of you should be thanking atsumu for flirting with you that day.

if he hadn’t, then suna may have never realized how much he had fallen for you over the years of being by your side.

the fear suna felt run through him made his heart freeze when he saw the way you blushed when atsumu had whispered something in your ear during a break at practice.

the way his heart clenched when you laughed at one of his jokes, eyes alight and shining brightly made suna realize he didn’t want you looking at anyone like that but him.

although he kinda felt guilty for the bloody nose he gave atsumu when he “accidentally” spiked the ball directly into his face just as he was about to whisper something else in your ear, he never apologized.

and later that evening, as the two of you stood at the entrance to your street leading towards your homes, (you lived across the road from each other), suna kissed you as the sun set, confessing on the spot.

he wasn’t a particularly emotional person, leaving that to you, but he couldn’t help the way his eyes watered slightly from happiness when you just smiled that dazzling smile and kissed him again.

~~~~

now, with both of you at twenty-two years old and happily living together, the only thing left to do was get married, but suna wasn’t trying to rush towards that yet.

that’s how suna knows when you’re hiding something from him. and with the way your eyes subtly linger on his form as he strips to change out of his sweaty clothes and into something comfier, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what you want.

luckily for you, suna rintarou decided that being a genius is suddenly overrated.

————————

you sighed in content the moment you settled yourself on suna’s lap, burying your face in his neck as you wrapped your arms around his shoulders.

you could feel the tension in his body relax at your warm weight, long arms coming to loosely wrap around your waist as he settled deeper into the couch.

suna knew he missed your presence, but he never realized how starved he was of your touch until you slowly began scratching his hair at the top of his neck soothingly, placing gentle kisses to his flesh.

he practically melted into a warm puddle and squeezed you a tad bit tighter, smiling softly at the way you giggled and continued your ministrations.

“i swear rin, if you were a cat you’d be purring right now.” you teased as your fingers never left his hair. all suna did was give a light amused huff, and you both settled into silence.

this was nice. you could be content with just this. having suna in your arms and relaxed against your couch is more than you’ve had in a while, and you tried to convince yourself that it was enough.

but suna could pick up on the way your kisses lingered a little too long against his neck without you realizing what you were doing, the way your thighs twitched gently from your straddled position in his lap.

you were trying so hard to stay still for him, not wanting to be a bother especially after such a tiring practice today, but you just couldn’t help it.

just the thought of his thick and long cock spearing you open had your thighs twitching again, but you made yourself relax as you took in a deep breath, filling your nose with the scent of him.

‘this is enough.’

as you fought to relax yourself and rid the dirty thoughts from your mind, you didn’t realize that your boyfriend had caught on to your mental battle.

he knew what you wanted, and to be honest he wanted to fuck just as badly as you did, but he just couldn’t find it within himself to put out the effort. so instead, another idea came to mind.

“y’know, if you wanted to sit on my cock so badly, you could’ve just told me, (y/n).” suna remarked nonchalantly and you froze in his lap, face burning at being caught while acting needy.

you buried your face deeper into his neck, denying his words. “never said i wanted to sit on your cock, dumbass…” you muttered into his neck, and suna raised a thin eyebrow in disbelief.

now out of all times, you wanted to be a brat?

“oh? so i misinterpreted things?” he mused and he rolled his eyes when you simply nodded into his neck, refusing to admit defeat.

you startled when you felt his large hands begin to move you off his lap, and you whipped your head up to look at him in confusion and concern.

suna leveled your gaze with that same eyebrow raised at you in amusement. “what? i thought you just wanted to just wanted to relax tonight and not sit on my cock?”

you whimpered in embarrassment but suna kept up with his act, wanting to see how long it’d take for you to break and finally beg.

so he continued to push you off of him slowly until you finally caved with a whine, locking yourself firmly on his lap as you gripped his arms in desperation.

a smug smirk curled his lips as he watched you begin to grind against him softly, big doe eyes staring up at him with all the lust and desperation you’ve been holding back for the past week.

“please rin,” you whined, slowly gyrating your hips into his, growing more frantic when you felt his cock rise and press against you through his sweats.

“i wanna be full of your cock so badly, please! i’ve been waiting like a good girl.” you whined, and suna groaned at how wanton you sounded, (s/c) cheeks dusted lightly with your blush.

you nearly cried when suna wordlessly pulled you up and began slipping your shorts and panties down. you eagerly stood up and wiggled out of them.

kicking them somewhere in the living room, you watched with hungry eyes as suna pulled his own sweats and underwear down.

his cock sprang free from its confines, and you began drooling at how hard he was already, fat tip flushed red and leaking precum down the side.

the vein trailing down its side was pulsing angrily with his heartbeat, and you knew he was just as frustrated with the lack of intimacy as you.

already coating your inner thighs with your arousal, you wasted no time situating yourself back in his lap, hovering your twitching entrance over his thick cock.

with firm hands on your waist as you held onto his shoulder, you both choked out moans as you slowly but surely impaled yourself on his cock.

you nearly cried as he stretched your walls apart, relishing in the feeling of being so full again.

as he finally bottomed out, plush tip jamming firmly against your cervix, you stared up at your boyfriend with love and lust swirling in your eyes, desperate to move.

suna hissed at the way you seemed even tighter than he remembered, wet walls clasping around him like velvet.

the urge to thrust into your tight heat until you were screaming his name made him almost feral, and he nearly began bucking his hips up when he remembered how you wanted to play coy and bratty earlier.

so he decided to do the next best thing.

bringing his face close to yours until your lips were barely brushing against one another, suna pulled you into a searing kiss, wrapping his arms around your waist as you eagerly kissed him back.

it was wet and messy with the desperation between the two of you, his tongue wasting no time to slip into your mouth and re-familiarize himself with your flavor.

you moaned into the kiss and tried to lift your hips to start moving, but suna’s grip on you kept you from rising. breaking away from him, you stared at him in confusion, lips wet and shiny.

“rin?” you questioned but your boyfriend simply ignored you, reaching to his side for the remote to the tv before switching it on and randomly clicking on a channel.

you stared at him in disbelief as the sound of guy fieri’s voice came softly from the flatscreen, and suna resisted the urge to smile as he settled back down, wrapping his arms around you again before leaning his chin on your shoulder.

there was no way he was gonna keep you like this, right?

but to your dismay, the longer the two of you sat there, suna’s cock hard and pulsing within your tight walls, the more jittery and whiny you became when he didn’t move.

you were desperate for some sort of friction, anything to ease the tension you felt throbbing in your core, but suna was having no of it.

you tried to wiggle in his arms, whimpering slightly as you jostled his cock within you, his member shifting to rub lightly against your g-spot.

a hiss left suna’s lips when you squirmed around, walls tightening as you desperately tried to get some friction.

a sharp cry left your lips when a heavy palm came cracking down against your ass cheek, halting your movements as you rested your forehead against his clothed chest, whimpering in pain and pleasure.

suna growled lowly into your ear, palm never leaving your stinging flesh as he gripped you tightly.

“now you wanna move?” he scoffed. “i thought you didn’t want my cock in you earlier, hm?”

“but i took it back and asked you for it!” you whined and suna pulled you back to gaze into your eyes.

even though he was your boyfriend, he was your best friend first, and you forgot how mean he could be when teasing you.

“you did, huh?” he scoffed again when you nodded your head rapidly, clenching around him again to try and entice him to move.

“well i’m just giving you what you wanted, baby girl. you wanted to sit on my cock, so you are.” you whimpered in despair when he stared directly into your eyes with a malicious gleam.

“i’m tired from practice and you feel so good around me,” he bucked his hips up into you lightly to emphasize his point, and you moaned wantonly as he hit your g-spot directly.

“so be a good girl for me and keep me warm. can you do that?”

suna smiled when you weakly nodded your head, sniffling quietly as your eyes began to fill with tears. he cooed as a couple drops fell to stream down your cheeks.

“my pretty little crybaby.” he mused as he brought a hand up to wipe your tears away. you let him do as he pleased and sat still for him like a good girl.

your earlier thought of retiring early tonight flashed by you, and you realized just how wrong your assumptions were.

—————————

suna was ninety-five percent sure that if he edged you one more time tonight and didn’t let you cum, he’d be a single man by the morning.

you were a crying, shivering mess in his lap at this point. your tears were soaking the fabric by his chest just as your drooling cunt was soaking the fabric of his sweats.

for hours now, the sun having gone down around the third or fifth time of you nearly reaching your climax, suna has been edging you as you warmed his cock.

eyes never leaving the tv, he would slowly grind against you till you were whining loudly in his ear.

sometimes if he felt you were getting too comfortable, eyes almost slipping shut in exhaustion, he would suddenly thrust harshly into your core, smashing directly into your g-spot before stilling again.

he began to feel particularly bad after holding you over the edge before pulling you away last time. your big (e/c) eyes were red from crying, tears freely flowing down your cheeks.

you were shaking like a leaf in his lap, hiccups jolting you every now and then as you tried to cling onto your fading orgasm as it died back down. but you were his good girl, not once trying to move in his lap.

that didn’t stop you from begging him, however.

in the beginning, suna just toned out your begging, keeping his attention on guy fieri driving around looking for the best diner’s, drive-in’s, and dives.

but when he finally decided to look down at you, your words slowly flowing through his ears again, his heart clenched and his dick throbbed at the sight of you practically destroyed on his lap.

so suna decided to take pity on you and actually began thrusting into you at a consistent pace, his own patience stretched thin at the feeling of your insides pulsing so tightly against him for hours.

but he stopped the moment you shook your head, weak fists coming to beat on his chest in retaliation.

he had to strain his hearing to catch onto your words, but when he did, his heart practically shattered when you were quietly crying on his lap.

“n-no more… i c-can’t t-take it!” you whimpered, and suna wrapped his arms securely around your form, whispering sweet praises into your hair as he gently rocked you back and forth. “y-you’re just g-gonna stop again...”

“it’s okay pretty girl, shh. don’t cry.” he murmured to you as you relaxed in his arms, no longer shaking but tears still dripping down your cheeks.

“i’m not gonna tease you anymore, you’ve been so good for me.” he whispered into your hair.

“can i make you feel good, (y/n)?” he asked you calmly, and he smiled when you shyly nodded your head.

“please make me feel good, rinrin. i missed you.” you sounded so small and sweet in his arms, so suna decided to finally give you what you’ve been craving for.

keeping his arms locked around your waist, he hooked his chin on your shoulder as he began to piston his hips into yours, cock pumping into you at a steady pace as he began to push you towards your orgasm for the last time.

you wailed as you finally received the constant pressure of his cock filling your insides, hitting your g-spot with deadly accuracy as you tipped dangerously close to the edge.

you both weren’t gonna last long and suna knew that, so he winded his hand down between your bodies and connected his fingers with your aching clit.

rubbing firm circles into your sensitive nub, suna brought you right to the cliff, and this time, he allowed you to fall over.

you came on his cock with a silent cry, eyes wide as tears streamed down your cheeks. the force of you clenching around him forced suna to meet his end as well, a low groan leaving his lips as he slowly pumped his hips into yours, filling your cunt to the brim.

suna snaked his hand back up to wrap around your waist, burying his tired face into your breasts, refusing to let go as you both caught your breath, boneless after such a drawn out session.

he melted into your chest when you tiredly brought a hand up to lazily run through his hair, and this time you swore he began purring.

still connected to one another, you both began drifting off on the couch, the tv’s low hum helping you both settle into much needed rest.

you fell asleep first, cheek resting on the top of his head as you both reclined into the plush couch. suna could feel your even breaths and steady heartbeat, and smiled into your flesh before drifting off himself.

“god, i’m so lucky to have a best friend like you. i wonder what cut of diamond you prefer?”

taglist: @lovelypasteldreams @living-for-drama @arixtsukki @month-seasoning @bakarinnie @yikerb

[poeticandors]

Cut to the Feeling Part 4

Poe Dameron x F!Reader (Babysitter!AU)

Summary: After graduating college and needing to have some cash in order to survive while doing an unpaid internship, Y/N decides to take up a babysitting/caretaking job. Little does she know that she ends up working for a familiar face.

Warnings: None!

A/N: Well, damn! It has been a long time but I’m back! Thanks for waiting patiently. Hopefully you enjoy this chapter. 

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

GIF by @damerondjarin

Ah, the weekend. Plopping on the couch, you planned for a day of doing absolutely nothing. You were finally able to relax after a long week of observation hours for your internship as well as driving Eva Bey to and from school, to her dance lessons and soccer practice, and whatever errands Poe had you running for him such as trips to the store. 

A few months have passed since you’ve started working with Eva Bey, and you seemed to have gotten into the routine. You got along great with Eva Bey, who was an absolute sweetheart, and Poe was nice as well. There have not been any issues thus far, and you were hoping that it would stay that way. 

Eva Bey really was one of the easiest children you have had the pleasure of working with. She enjoyed any activity you had planned for her, and she had the biggest imagination. If she did become upset, it wasn’t hard to redirect her into another activity or to get her to tell you what was going on. You adored her the more you’ve gotten to know her.

As for Poe… things have been going well. There was never any miscommunication between you both, and you would go as far to say that it was as if the incident never happened. It also made it easier that you would really only see and talk with him at the end of each day when you would be leaving, so conversation was limited. But… you secretly wondered if he ever thought back to it such as you have. 

Shaking your head to stop you from thinking anything further, you grab the remote to your TV and flip on Netflix as you try to find some movie to distract you, only for your phone to ring. Grabbing it, you see Poe’s name flashing on your screen as you furrow your brows. You hoped something didn’t happen with Eva Bey, so you quickly answered. 

“Hello?”

“Hey, I am sorry for calling on your day off. But, is this a bad time?”

“No, I was just trying to find something to watch on TV.” You sit up. “Is everything alright?” 

“Oh, yeah! I am actually calling on behalf of Eva Bey’s request— oh, okay here she is.”

You hear the phone being passed on the other end as well as Eva Bey and Poe’s whispers to one another. 

“Hello?” Eva Bey’s sweet voice calls out, which instantly brings a smile to your face. 

“Hey, Eva Bey! Is everything okay?”

“Yeah! Um, I asked my dad to call you. I have a question.”

“Alright, what is your question?”

“Can you come swimming with us? My daddy said he would take me, but I want you to come too!”

“Oh, um… I mean, I wouldn’t want to ruin your time spent with your dad—“

“But I want you to come. Please?” 

Biting the inside of your cheek, you ponder for a moment until you let out a soft sigh. “Eva Bey, can you give the phone to your dad?”

“Yeah!” 

You hear the shuffling of Eva Bey handing Poe the phone back. “Hey.”

“Hey, um… are you sure it’s okay if I join you guys? I wouldn’t want to be a bother and interrupt any father-daughter time.”

“Oh, no. It’s totally okay with me. Eva Bey was the one who wanted to go swimming since the community pool just opened this weekend. She would really want to see you.”

“Oh, well…” You try hiding the slight disappointment in your voice, internally reprimanding yourself why you thought Poe would be the one to want to see you. 

“And please. Don’t think you’re a bother. You could never be one.” 

Something in the way Poe says that makes your heart flutter in your chest. And because of that, you are almost hesitant to decline— to come up with some excuse. This would be your first time being with Poe outside of professional settings, definitely not counting the first ever encounter between you both. But, if Eva Bey really wanted you to be there and it was her idea…

“…Tell Eva Bey that I am packing my swimsuit right now.”

Poe does so, and so you hear the excited little shrieks from the little girl as you both laugh.

“Just meet us at the house, we can all drive together and it gives me time to get us situated.” 

“Of course, Bye, Poe.”

You hang up, soon getting up from your couch as you head to your bedroom to begin packing up for a nice, relaxing day at the pool. Totally professional, totally just to spend time with Eva Bey. 

Totally.

++++++

Hoisting your bag up, you knock on the door as you wait for Poe to let you in. Packing for this trip was a little stressful for you as you searched thoroughly for a swimsuit and then came to the realization you had no sunscreen, so you had to make a stop on the way. Then, you figured to grab a few snacks for you three while you were there because why not? You even decided to pick out a sea turtle floating toy for Eva Bey simply because you couldn’t resist. 

The door opens up and you smile, taking in Poe’s appearance. This was the first time you had seen him in anything other than a suit and tie, and he looked… nice. His hair was slightly disheveled, probably from getting Eva Bey ready for the day, and he looked comfortable in his t-shirt and swim trunks. 

“Hey, thanks for coming along. Sorry if you had plans or anything.” Poe scratches the back of his head.

“Oh, it’s no problem. You saved me from an entire day of just binging Netflix, anyways. Thanks for the invite.”

Poe smiles, and before he can speak, you hear your name being shouted as Eva Bey rushes over to hug you tightly. 

“Hi, Eva Bey!” You laugh as she pulls back, grabbing your hand. She pulls you inside, as Poe closes the door behind you. 

“My dad says I can wear my new swim suit today.” She beams, as you set your bags down. “It’s blue!”

“Well, I can’t wait to see it.” 

“Do you think you can braid my hair the way you do? My dad doesn’t know how to do it.” 

“Hey, in my defense, it is more complex than the braids I usually do for your hair.” Poe chuckles. “You might have to teach me how to do it.”

“Well… I guess I could teach you. But, I must warn you that these lessons come with a fee,” you tease. 

“A fee, huh?” Poe raises a brow as you shrug your shoulders.

“If you’re good at something, don’t do it for free.”

Poe grins, before Eva Bey begins tugging his hand. “Can we go now?” 

“Yes, Eva Bey. Let’s just get everything packed in the car, okay?”

“Yay!” Eva Bey exclaims, as she looks up at you. “I have my own swim bag packed already!”

“Great! But, I think you might be missing something,” you discreetly pull out a box from one of your bags. 

“What is it?”

“I thought why not bring a big pool floatie with us?” You smile as you show her the turtle, and she jumps up from excitement. 

“You didn’t have to get that,” Poe glances at you. 

“It’s okay,” you wave him off. “I thought it would be fun. I also brought some snacks so you don’t have to pack any.”

Poe slowly nods. “Huh… thanks”  

“It’s nothing.” 

Poe stares at you for a moment, a comfortable silence building between the both of you before clearing his throat. “Let’s get this filled with air, okay? Then we can go.”

“Sounds good. Come on, Eva Bey. Let’s get everything else packed up.”

Eva Bey nods, taking your hand as you both walk outside with your bags while Poe searches for a vacuum to pump up the floatie.  

++++++

After arriving at the pool, Eva Bey practically pulled your arm off while dragging you through to a table in the shade as she set her bag down. You sat in the backseat with her on the ride there, braiding her hair as you sang along with her to plenty of her favorite Disney songs. Poe didn’t even get out of it, as he was asked to sing plenty of the male counterparts in the duets. You and Eva Bey definitely got a kick out of it when he sang along to Gaston, trying to match his deep sounding voice.

It was quite warm today, so you were glad there was at least an open area that was well shaded. A group of children screamed and laughed from excitement jumping into the pool, while parents chased after a few others to try and convince them to wear more sunscreen. 

When Poe set down the floatie and bags of snacks and water bottles, he looked over to Eva Bey. “Let’s get some sunscreen on you, kiddo.” 

“Okay, Daddy!”

Eva Bey stands in front of Poe as he squeezes some of it on his hands, and begins rubbing it all over her shoulders and arms before turning her around. You watch as he carefully rubs it on her face and neck, before setting the bottle down. 

“Okay, you’re all set. Where is your life vest?” 

“Umm… Daddy, I want to try and swim without it today.”

“Oh?” Poe raises a brow. “Are you sure?”

Eva Bey nods, and you can see the slight nervousness in her eyes as she does so. You knew that Eva Bey didn’t know how to swim completely, but also didn’t expect her to want to try to learn right away. 

“Okay, kiddo. But only if you’re sure.”

“I am,” she says more confidently, then turns to you. “Will you help me, too?” “Of course, Eva Bey. Just let me finish getting ready, okay?” 

“We can go ahead and get in the pool while we wait, Eva Bey.” Poe takes her hand, as you begin stepping out of your cover, and put sunscreen on yourself. 

What you don’t see, however, is Poe glancing back at you, slightly freezing. You don’t see how his gaze moves down, observing each and every inch of your body. Poe suddenly has a flash to that night so many months ago, of him touching and kissing along those curves of yours, as well as the sounds he managed to hear from you that tend to patronize his dreams most nights. Poe stops himself from gazing any longer, and he shakes his head as he leads Eva Bey to the pool. 

When you finish getting ready, you make your way over to the steps of the pool that Poe and Eva Bey stopped at. You look down at the little girl, seeing her eyes scan cautiously along the water as Poe steps into the pool, shivering slightly from the chill of the water. 

“You ready, Eva Bey?” Poe holds his hand out, only for her to take a step back slightly.

“Um… I don’t know…”

Poe glances up at you, and you nod slightly as you kneel down next to her. 

“It can be a bit scary, learning how to swim at first. But you know all the first steps to swimming by yourself, don’t you?” 

She shakes her head as you smile, and take her hand. “Well, one of the first things you need to remember is that when it comes to swimming, you can always ask for help. Would you like me and your daddy to help you?” 

“Yes…” 

“How about we take the first step into the water?” 

Eva Bey nods, as you both step into the water, and goosebumps cover your skin as you shiver lightly. Eva Bey also jumps from the cold, as you chuckle. 

“It’s chilly, isn’t it?” “Yeah!” She forces out a nervous laugh as you both take another step, the water feeling more manageable. 

“Alright, we’re in the water,” you look down at her. “Now, this is another important step so I need you to pay close attention. An easy way to keep yourself afloat in the water is to just lay on your belly and keep kicking your feet. Can we try that?” 

Eva Bey looks at Poe, as he smiles. “You got it, baby.” 

You step further into the water, and hold your arms out to her. “I’m right here, okay? I’m just going to hold you. Can you lay on your belly in my arms and fly like a superhero?” 

“Okay…” She moves into your arms and lays down as you smile. 

“You’re a natural! Look at you! Can you kick your feet for me and make some splashes in the water?” 

She does so, and you begin moving her around in a circle, and look up at Poe. He gets the hint, as he holds his arms out, and you pass Eva Bey over to him as she continues kicking. You clap your hands, and Eva Bey gives a toothy smile. 

“Look at you! You’re already a professional!” You laugh softly, as you move over to her. “Next step since you have already mastered lying on your belly and kicking: blowing bubbles.”

“I can blow bubbles!”

“Can you? Well, let’s see!” 

Eva Bey puts her face slightly in the water and she begins blowing bubbles for a few seconds before quickly lifting her head back above the water. Poe holds her up, and you give her a high five. 

“Eva Bey, that might’ve been the best bubble blowing I have ever seen!” 

She grins, looking back at Poe as he nods. “It really was the best.” 

“Okay. Now, this next step might be a little scary, but I promise you that me and your daddy will be there to help you, okay?” She gives you a slight tilt of her head, nervous. “We are going to do all of these steps underwater, okay? The flying like a superhero, the kicking, and the bubble blowing— it’s all going to happen while you are under.” 

“Do you want to practice going underwater, first?” Poe looks down at Eva Bey.

“Yeah…”

Poe turns her around, grabbing under her arms. “I’ll hold you the entire time, okay?”

“Don’t forget to blow your bubbles!” You give her a thumbs up.

She returns the thumbs up, before Poe begins to count to three, and they both go under the water for a few seconds. Poe and Eva Bey come back up, and Eva Bey wipes the water away from her face as you begin to clap. 

“Awesome! That wasn’t so scary, was it?” You flash a comforting smile, as she giggles, shaking her head. “Are you ready to try to swim by yourself? Or do you need some more practice?”

“I… I’m ready!” 

“I like the sound of that,” you chuckle, as you hold your arms out to her. Poe hands her to you, as you begin to take a few steps away from Poe. “Alright, now remember, when you need to breathe, just lift your head up out of the water, take a big breath, and then put your face back in the water. Think you can do it?”

“I can do it.” 

“I know you can.” You give her an encouraging smile. “On the count of three, I’m going to go underwater with you and push you, and you’re going to swim to your daddy. Ready? One… two… three!”

Eva Bey immediately begins kicking as you push her away from you underwater, and you break the surface as you begin cheering her on. 

“Go, Eva Bey!” “C’mon, baby, almost there!” Poe holds his arms out, as Eva Bey moves closer and closer to him, before she finally makes it. 

He pulls her into his arms as she looks at him excitedly. “Daddy! I did it by myself!” 

Pride fills Poe’s eyes, and he kisses her cheek. “I’m so proud of you, Eva Bey.”

You quickly swim over to them, as Eva Bey wraps her arms around your neck, hugging you tightly. 

“Did you see? Did you see me swim?” “I sure did. You are amazing! A professional already!” 

“Thank you for helping me.” 

A gratifying feeling fills your chest, as you hug her back, and Poe can’t help but smile at the two of you embracing. You manage to catch Poe staring at you, returning his gaze as you flash your own smile at him. 

Something lingered in that moment as Poe kept his eyes on you. He couldn’t bring himself to look away or keep himself from moving closer to you. There was a tenderness, one that seemed to continue growing the longer he stared at you. It was something that Poe told himself over and over not to pursue.  

Poe just can’t seem to push that fondness away. Whether it was just the heat of the moment, he knew that there was something there for you. Seeing Eva Bey— the most important person in his life— interact and become so comfortable with you, someone that Poe has only grown more trusting with each passing moment, fills Poe’s heart with something he never felt before. 

But he couldn’t act on those feelings. 

Not only that, but he shouldn’t. You worked for him, you took care of his kid… the boundaries were put up for a reason. The night that plays over and over on repeat in his head would never happen again. You both agreed on that, and that was final.

Poe clears his throat, finally breaking the gaze as he pulls Eva Bey from you, and grins at her. “How about we celebrate with a snack break?”

“Okay, daddy! But I want to swim to the steps by myself.”

“Well, if you’re sure.” Poe gently pushes Eva Bey to the steps, and you both watch as she swims towards them by herself. 

“She’s amazing,” Poe hears you say, and looks down at you as you keep your gaze on Eva Bey.

“Yeah… she is.”

Poe quickly looks back, watching as she finally makes it to the steps, and holds her hands up as she stands. “I did it!”

“We’re so proud of you, Eva Bey!” You clap, smiling brightly.

“You both have a beautiful daughter.” 

Looking up, you both see an elderly couple smiling as they stand on the deck, and a slight awkward feeling fills the space between you and Poe. 

“Oh, uh…”

“And I see she gets all her looks from dear old dad, doesn’t she?” The woman chuckles. 

“Actually… we’re not…. I’m not her mother. I’m just her caretaker.”

“Oh! I am so sorry for assuming. How silly of me!” 

“It’s alright.” Poe waves them off politely. “But thank you for the compliment about my daughter. She really is.” 

They only nod in response, before they walk off. You look at Poe, clearing your throat. 

“Well, uh… yeah. I’ll just… help Eva Bey get her towel.”

You quickly swim off, getting out of the pool as Eva Bey takes your hand, and leads you away. 

Poe can only follow, trying to clear his racing thoughts of you as he walks towards your area, and begins to pull out the snacks as you wrap Eva Bey’s towel around her. He can only smile, hearing Eva Bey chatter excitedly about the fact she finally knows how to swim, and suddenly becomes all for trying out for the swim team after discovering it.

++++++

After a fun afternoon of swimming, Poe finally decided it would be best to head home after seeing Eva Bey’s energy begin to dwindle. Poe finished packing up the car as Eva Bey settled in her booster seat, before you both got in the car quietly. 

Poe looks in the rearview mirror as he begins to drive back to his house, seeing Eva Bey begin to doze off. He chuckles lightly as you glance at him.

“Someone had an eventful day,” he nods at the reflection as you peek back, smiling. 

“Oh, this is too cute.”

“Here, take a picture so I can send it to my dad along with the videos I took of her swimming.” Poe hands you his phone, keeping his eyes on the road. 

You snap a picture, before turning back, and setting the phone down in the cup holder. Poe continues driving, the radio playing music at a low volume as a comfortable silence settles between you both, until Poe mutters something.

“Hm?”

“I said thank you. For helping Eva Bey learn how to swim.” “Oh… it’s no problem.”

“It’s a big deal, though. I know she’s been nervous about it, and anytime we would get close to trying she would get scared.” Poe glances at you as he stops at a red light. “Seeing her overcome her fear, becoming so excited, and you helping her… that means a lot to me. Thank you.” 

“Of course. I would do anything for Eva Bey.”

“I know you would.” 

You stare into Poe’s eyes, and the tension only grows in that small space that separates you from him. It was true what you said, that you would do anything for Eva Bey. The young girl had come to mean so much to you the entire time you’ve gotten to know her. She meant so much to you, and you wanted to be there to continue helping her in anyway possible. 

But you also know you would do anything for Poe, too. 

Sure, you knew you would not be able to pursue any feelings beyond that for the sake of professionality and Eva Bey, but you would still do anything you could for him. Part of you thinks he knows that, but you couldn’t outright say it to him. 

Still, something seems to bring you both closer to each other, despite a voice in the back of your head warning you not to cross that boundary. Another tells you that you should cross that boundary, to explore what it could offer and what might blossom between you both.

But you continue to listen only to that first voice, because right now it’s the only one that is keeping you from ruining this. 

The light turns green, and Poe only begins to drive when a car behind him honks, and you look away. The rest of the car ride is quiet, and Poe finally pulls up to the house. Eva Bey stirs awake from the movement, and smiles tiredly. 

“Are we home?”

“We are, Eva Bey.”

Getting out of the car, you grab your bag as Poe helps Eva Bey. She hugs your legs, looking up at you. 

“Thank you for coming swimming and teaching me how to swim!” 

“I had so much fun with you. Thank you for inviting me,” you smile as she pulls back.

“Can’t you stay a little longer?”

“Well, I would. But I have to get home and I’m sure your daddy is tired and wants to spend the rest of the weekend with you.”

“Oh… okay…” She does nothing to hide the dismay in her expression, as you poke her cheek.

“But I will see you on Monday, okay? I have some water beads I thought you might enjoy playing with. Is that okay?”

Her disappointment soon fades away as she smiles, nodding excitedly. “Okay!”

Glancing up at Poe, you give him a small wave, before finally walking off. Poe watches until you drive off, looking down at Eva Bey as she tugs on his hand to lead him inside. 

“Let’s get you ready for a bath, okay? Then I’ll cook us some dinner.” 

“Daddy, do you like Miss Y/N?”

Poe stops, before setting the swim bag down. “Well, of course I do.”

“I think she’s very nice, and very pretty. Don’t you?”

“I… why don’t you go pick out your bubble bath, okay?”

“But—”

“And then we can FaceTime Papa Kes to talk about how you swam by yourself after I make mac and cheese?”

“Fine,” she replies with a hint of attitude that Poe can only laugh at, and she heads to the bathroom.

Poe shakes his head, running a hand down his face as he lets out an exasperated sigh. He pulls his phone out of his pocket, looking through the videos of Eva Bey swimming to you as she pushes off the wall cheering each and every time without fail. Poe looks at your smiling face, and can’t help but pause the video for a moment. 

He did, indeed, think you were very pretty. 

Poe pulls up the messages between you, and begins typing before suddenly stopping himself. Biting his cheek, he decides ultimately to delete the message, and puts his phone down instead.

[eisukevint]

Always You

Eisuke Ichinomiya

This one’s for you @leoamber66 - i should be ashamed of myself for taking this long but here we are! your graduation and your birthday gift. and a massive thank you to @cupidocherie for major help bec idek where i would be without her😭😭 anyways enjoyyy, i love you <3

»»»»

“Do you remember the first time we met?”

“You mean when you tripped and almost fell in front of everyone on your first day in elementary school?”

“No! oh my god, I told you to forget that!”

“Pftt, how can anyone ever forget that? I’m sure soryu and luke remember too”

“I hope they don’t haha, but really, we’ve come so far” Yuki commented, reminiscing about one certain day.

Eisuke’s POV

“So children, today a new student will be joining us. This is Yuki Freya. I hope all of you will be nice to her and welcome her warmly!” The teacher, Miss Hale as she introduced herself, addressed the class.

“Yuki, you’re going to sit with Eisuke. Please raise your hand so she can know where you are, Eisuke!” Miss Hale announced.

The clumsy girl, Yuki, made her way over to me earning several stares from both girls and boys present in the classroom.

“Hi, i’m Yuki!” She enthusiastically said extending her hand towards me.

I shook her hand, “Eisuke”

“Nice to meet you!” She said and then turned towards the teacher as she started her lesson, not giving me a chance to reply.

At least her smile is cute.

»»»»

Yuki didn’t follow me around like the other girls in my class did. Instead, she became friends with Luke and Soryu who happened to be my best friends. They seemed to like her a lot. Now that was rare.

It was P.E. and the teacher partnered me with Yuki despite the other girls begging him to partner them up with me. I didn’t complain considering she wasn’t annoying like the others.

“Are you ready?” She asked me tying up her left leg with my right one, preparing for the three legged race. Why is this even a thing? Couldn’t we just race like normal people?

“Of course I am” Eisuke Ichinomiya is always ready.

It didn’t take long for me to come off my high horse when Yuki couldn’t keep up with my fast pace and fell down, twisting her ankle.

Yuki groaned in pain and tried to get up but failed. The P.E. teacher came forth and asked me to carry her on my back to the infirmary as a punishment which was just across the field.

“But it’s not my fault that she fell!” I retorted back despite knowing it was partly my fault she fell since I was moving too fast for her.

“She was your partner Ichinomiya, it’s your responsibility.”

“Fine” I said when I realised there was no getting out if it. With that, i asked her to get on my back and carried her to the infirmary.

As the nurse tended to her injury, she turned towards me with that same cute smile “Thank you, Eisuke”

I instantly felt a stab of guilt.

“Hmph, I didn’t do it for you” I didn’t notice the blush that crept on my cheeks but I did notice the way my heart flipped. Just as she was about to say something, Soryu and Luke came looking for her.

“Are you alright?” Luke asked to which she replied with a grin and swinging her leg back and forth.

“Never better!”

Seriously how can someone be so cute.

»»»»

high school

The murderous intent was evident in my eyes as I gazed at Yuki laughing at something the principal’s cockroach son said.

In the beginning, Frank tried to befriend me but I felt something was off and eventually it became very clear to me that he only wanted me to be a handy tool in his pocket ready for emergencies, so I shook him off pretty quickly. Somehow, Frank’s always lingering around me. He’s always loved to single me out whenever I express disinterest in something, in hopes that others would join in. Instead, the girls that fawn over me often tell him to shut up and then they’re confronted by his fangirls and in the end, it’s just a massive cat fight.

He’s nothing but trouble. As the principal’s son, he’s quite popular, almost as popular as me, and he can pretty much get away with anything. Luckily for him, he’s very sly. Hiding behind his minions, he’s never once flat out done anything. Good with underhanded remarks, letting other people take all of the blame, coercing them into doing what he wants. His little groupies pay no heed to any of this, all because he’s handsome. But there’s a large group of people who don’t like him, but nobody has ever said anything straight to his face, thanks to his feared status.

There were rumours earlier this year that on Valentine’s Day, Frank asked Yuki out but she told him that she wanted to focus on school. I’m surprised Frank didn’t get angry at her and punch a wall or something. That sounds like something he would usually do. While I’m proud of Yuki for turning him down, part of me hopes that what she said was just a lie she made up so she could just get away from him. But now, Frank and Yuki are partners on this project, I’m convinced this teacher is trying to set those two up. Soryu, who was partnered with this over-zealous girl looked as if he would smash either his own head or the girl’s if she didn’t stop with her chattering. I’ve been paired up with Luke, unfortunately I’ve been neglecting our work because keeping an eye on Yuki has become too much of a priority. I hate how he gets too close to her, the way he continues to flirt with her and the smug look that’s plastered on his face when he realises that I’m watching. All Luke can do is sigh and shake his head at me.

“I’d gladly switch with Yuki if I didn’t have to put up with him, Eisuke...”

“Hey watch out, you’ll hurt yourself!” Yuki yells, pushing him away before she yelps in pain, drawing her hand back.

For a split second, it’s like I can only see red. I march right up to their desk, in close proximity to the two only to see a red mark across Yuki’s hand. It looks painful. If Frank hadn’t been so careless then Yuki wouldn’t have gotten hurt. What were you thinking!? Why do you need to care so much about everyone else!?

“Oops, I’ll take you to the infirmary.”

“No, I’ll take her.”, I sternly tell Frank. Yuki insists it’s not too big of a deal and that she’s fine.

“Hmph, alright. I’ll make it up to you another way then, Yuki.”

“You don’t need to. Stay away from my girl.” I felt Yuki tense up beside me the moment those words left my mouth. Thinking nothing of it, I took her dainty uninjured hand in my right one and pulled her along with me towards the infirmary. Yuki, being the obedient and polite girl she was followed without a hint of refusal.

Upon our arrival to the medical department of the school, the nurse immediately treated Yuki’s injury. As I gazed at the familiar scene before my eyes, a certain memory played in my head.

“What’s with you and infirmaries?” Were the words that came out of my mouth the very second the school nurse disappeared, probably went back to her office.

She whipped her head towards me, a tiny smile adorning her graceful features. Adorable giggles escaped from her mouth indicating that Yuki too was reminiscing about that particular day.

“You’re too amiable for your own good.” I chuckled, moving to sit into the chair where the nurse was not long ago and grabbing her hand with the nasty burn on it.

“How dare he ruin your precious soft skin like this” Placing a gentle kiss on the back of her hand, I held onto it as I stared deep into her gorgeous blue eyes.

“Is it true you rejected him?” She stared back, cocking her head a little bit to her left at the question, confusion etched on her face.

“On Valentine’s Day, I heard he confessed to you but you turned him down, saying you wanted to focus on your studies. Is that true?” Her face lit up upon remembrance but an almost gloomy expression took over right after.

“Ah...yes, now that you mention it” I squeezed her hand a little tighter but not tight to enough to hurt her as I waited for her to continue.

“That’s only half true though..”

What?

“I also told him I like someone else.”

Oh.

I immediately loosened my grip on her hand.

So that’s why. Heh, what were you even thinking Ichinomiya?

Yuki glanced over to me, fidgeting in her seat with nervousness.

“Won’t you ask who it is?” This time, she grabbed my hand and lightly tug on it preventing me from standing up, causing her to hiss in pain.

“Does it even matter?” I sighed, patting her hand lightly with that flicker of hope in my heart slowly diminishing. As I was about to get on my feet a second time, she said those words which haltered my every movement, completely catching me off guard. Words i’ve wanted to hear for the longest time now from a certain girl I adored more than anything.

“It’s you, Eisuke.”

Good Lord.

“It’s always been you.”

Will I survive if my heart continues to beat this fast every time i’m around her? I’ll have to ask Luke later.

“Eisuke?” Yuki peered at my astounded face snapping me out of my daze. When I look back at her, I thought I could resist just pulling her into my arms and claiming her as mine but boy, was I wrong. I immediately grabbed her chin and captured her silky lips in a somewhat soft and gentle kiss. Laying every emotion bare into our first kiss, Yuki loosely wrapped her arms around my shoulders as she kissed me back with equal passion. We parted and just sat there basking in the pleasure of being in each other’s arms until I decided to break the comfortable silence since a significant amount of time had passed and we needed to go back to the lab.

“You’re mine and I won’t allow you to leave me.” She hummed in response and with a little peck on her lips, I pulled her up with me and exited the infirmary.

Our fingers intertwined perfectly as we walked back to the class feeling oddly at peace - mind, body and soul.

»»»»

“And Soryu teased us so much when we went back to class! But no one was surprised, I mean we were kind of inseparable...” Yuki said bashfully, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. The diamond of her engagement ring caught the light of the setting sun.

“It’s because they knew you were mine.” Professing my undying love for her, I place a fierce kiss on her lips imagining a bright future with my one and only,

“Always have been and always will be.”

•••

[venivivividi]

headcAnon ✨ here! How great were the Rosa and Michael moments?! And Jones is Michael’s dad! He and Alex should start a support group. I wanted to ask if you have any headcanons about Michael and Alex and fatherhood. If you think they ever thought about it and what. What kind of parents they would be. If you think they will have kids in the future. Adoption or using a surrogate or some other alien option. Maybe dog or cat children also or instead.

I know, right?? They definitely speak the same language even when they disagree with each other. Also, I have a feeling that Michael has taken to send Rosa every picture of a dolphin he finds online with the same commentary: "look. it's you ahaha" I love them.

Oooh, fatherhood, you say? What a wonderful topic to tackle after the latest episodes...

I have to say, I tend to separate what I think realistically would happen, informed by canon, vs what I'd like for them to be in my headcanons, and to this day we canonically know:

Michael has thought about fatherhood: this is something he wants in his future and has dreamed about in the past; we learn this in two separate occasions, in 2x10 when he offers to father Isobel's child and in 2x11 when he tells Flint he wanted to start a dad band.

We have zero insight on Alex's thoughts on matter: we know his childhood was not a happy one, his relationship with his father is extremely negative and his entire family's dynamic is skewed, unhealty. That could reasonably push him towards two completely opposite directions: either he wants nothing to do with kids and a "traditional" family, deemes himself unsuited for fatherhood or he wants to somehow "avenge" his lost childhood and create the happiest family in the world, proving to himself that he can and will be a good father. Either could be and anything in between, honestly. (I'm not gonna delve into that but let's also remember that Alex grew up in a reality where gay marriage was not legal until he was like 23 and adoption was a pipe dream even after that, so that has clearly influenced his mindset even without considering the military of it all)

But for the sake of the HCs, I choose to believe that Alex is at least open to the idea of having children:

I dont think this is something they would go for very early in their relationship. They've had such a turmoiled past, they overcame every possible obstacle so that once everything settles down, they just enjoy each other's company for a while. They still can't believe they just get to be together without jumping through hoops.

As far as pets are concerned, you heard it from Mimi first: a beagle is written in Alex's future. But first, he tries to convince Michael to get a reptile. You remember Willow, his pet lizard? She was so cuute, Micheal, it's basically zero maintenance (completely false, but hes' trying) and it's so cool to have a lizard, c'mon.

Michael, as we know, is incapable of looking Alex in the eyes and deny him something. But it takes one google search for him to veto Project Lizard. There is no way he's allowing a lizard in his house after learning what they need to be fed. Also, lizards escape their enclosure. No thank you, the same night he learned too much about it he had a nightmare about waking up to a lizard stuck to his curls. Always protect the curls. No lizard.

Alex pouts. A lot.

Once the beagle settles in the truck ready to go to his forever home, Alex stops pouting. (and Michael starts because Alex is now cuddling the beagle at night. woe is Michael.)

As this thing usually go, Michael is instead adopted by a kitten, one of those impossibly small black balls of fur. Their first encounter at the junkyard went disturbingly High Noon, but after they claimed each other, the kitten is now stealing Michael's body heat and Michael is stealing all the cuddles Alex is so rudely denying him in favor of *scoffs* The Beagle.

Speaking of Sanders' Auto, once Rosa(...linda) starts picking up stray kids and unexplicably bringing them to Michael, it comes to be a place where kids who need to escape orbit around: with Sander's blessing, Michael always finds some easy work for them to do and earn some money, and when a couple of them seem truly interested, a question here and a question there quickly turns into a Michael Guerin lesson on mechanics. Those of them who are not interested, are free to just hang around as long as they dont wreak havoc or make a mess out of the place.

The thing is, Michael is completely unaware of the irony in all of that. Sanders is not, and he just hangs around smirking to himself about how much of a grumpy old man Michael is shaping up to be and laughing at history repeating itself and things like that.

It takes Isobel talking about them as Michael's junkyard children for Alex to bring the topic up. I mean, Michael is basically already doing it, and if they start fostering teens they could give some of them the happy childhood Michael never got. After that, not every kid who passes through the junkyard stays with them but some of them do, and some of them keep hanging around even after aging out of the system.

There is a panicked moment after their first foster kid gives him the silent treatment, where Alex runs to Greg for guidance; Greg has to politely remind him that he's an elementary school teacher, and his 16 years old kid might not react with the same energy to glitter glue and a happy song, so he has to figure out a different way.

Eventually they start to foster smaller kids too, and of course sometimes it's sad when they have to go and the house feels empty, but they always try and remember: it's not for them, it's for the kids. And during those nights The Beagle™ needs to find cuddles in the now domesticated ball of fur, because Michael is in very big need of a snuggle that Alex is more than happy to provide. It's how he recharges too, after all.

As far as their parenting style, Michael's a lost cause: he is incapable of not spoiling the kids because, why deny them the little joys if there's no harm in it, right? They deserve them. But he also realize the kids need structure, and he is pretty no-nonsense about it, also because, on the other hand, Alex is very much afraid of being the strict parent. It's a new chapter with every new kid, as every instance of parenting is, but the baseline of a good home is always there: love and safety.

I also can't seem to decide whether Michael would be the kind of hip parent who knows all about the youngsters culture, uses the correct terms and shares the right memes or the most embarassing dad who watches instagram reels about tiktoks and is always six months behind the last big thing. But I feel there's no in between.

Alex, sadly, despite being a cyber intelligence specialist, still mourns last.fm and that tells you everything you need to know.

Somewhere down the line, once they've collectively bought enough land to build a communeplace for all of them to live together while still maintaining a semblance of privacy (Isobel's broad interpretation of boundaries has not changed, sadly), the possibility of a full Oasian becomes a reality. The thing is, this is not just Isobel's baby, this is the podsquad baby, the triad's baby. Isobel and Michael might be the biological donors, but this is their baby.

As you can easily imagine, this is the most spoiled baby ever, because each one of them expect the others to be stern, when in reality, the baby has them all wrapped around their little fingers, and this is without powers, yet.

The first time Alex holds the baby he is completely overwhelmed: they seem so tiny, so fragile, but when he gently strokes his thumb on their forehead, they open their big, staring eyes, and everything else disappears.

Michael, you ask? Ooh, Michael is gloating. He never thought he could have half a thing in his life and now he has everything. He also self-appoints himself as the defender of the baby's curls: that entails slapping the hand of everyone that tries to play with a lock of hair to make it bounce. Do you know how annoying that can be? Leave the baby alone.

Of course, Michael is also a little shit and as soon as the baby starts talking and figuring out a way of calling them all, he tries to make them refer to Max as grandpa, to the utter hilarity of Liz and the total indignation of Max. He has yet to succeed, but the baby's still young, so Only time will tell.

[itsivyberry]

after the war

Draco Malfoy x f!Hufflepuff!Reader

A blurb, continuing the Tri Wizard Champion series.

request: I'd really like to see another fanfic with Draco showing what happened to them after the triwizard tournament! That would be a great idea! [via @booksmione ]

a/n: HI! Here’s a request! I loved writing this, I usually am not a fan of after-war fics and prefer fics where the characters are still attending Hogwarts, but this makes my heart SOAR I love it. I hope you enjoyed, thank you for requesting this and keeping my favorite (and only) series alive <3

word count: 1160

warnings: mentions of blood loss, crucio, scars, death, war, etc. also fluff LMAOOO

summary: Y/N and Draco managed to find their way back to each other after three years of healing from the well-known Tri Wizard Tournament.

taglist: @drawlfoy @fanficflaneuse @babyhoneystvles @ccelinewritess @nekee-lilac02 @dracofeltonmalfoy

masterlist

read the series if you haven’t already!⬇️

{ 1 } { 2 } { 3 } { 3.5 } { 4 } { 5 } { 6 }

gif credit: @popartism

The war was a massive devastation for the Wizarding world.

Y/N was still grieving the loss of her best friend three years prior. Her school, her home had turned into a place she didn’t even recognize. A prison.

Just as quickly as Hogwarts had changed, she had watched family and friends die within its walls, protecting the students within.

Every single night in her dorm before the Battle of Hogwarts, Y/N would listen to the radio in search of any names listed off that she knew.

Although she claimed she was listening for loved ones, she was really listening for one particular name. Malfoy.

Y/N knew that there was no possible way the Malfoys would be put on the casualties list that grows every day, but she still listened with quiet breathing and a rapid heartbeat to hear the name of the boy she still loved.

From what she could remember, the battle was a blur. A blip in time. Faces that she knew, lifeless on the ground around her. Faces she has grown up with for almost the past decade.

Y/N couldn’t count how many people she loved and held dearly that she had seen dead. Fred Weasley, leaving his other half George. Nymphadora Tonks, a beloved Hufflepuff alumni, and Remus Lupin, Harry Potter’s last standing familial figure and spouse to Tonks. Lavender Brown, the Gryffindor that Y/N had grown quite close to while Hogwarts was under the direction of multiple death eaters. Colin Creevey, the young muggle-born Gryffindor who stood incredibly brave, and another close friend of Y/N’s.

~•.*✰

While attempting to save another young student, Y/N was hit with the Cruciatus Curse, and was severely attacked by multiple Death-Eaters. She could barely feel the pain, when her eyes focused on a head full of white hair that was speeding to wear she lay in a puddle of her own blood in the Forbidden Forest.

“How did you get out here? Why are you out here, Y/N?” Draco’s voice was deeper, aged, yet frantic and shaking. “Oh Merlin, you’re bleeding so much. We need to get you to the Great Hall.”

“Draco?” Y/N’s quiet voice asked. “What are you doing here?” Her voice was trembling, tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. She touched his face, leaving a bloody handprint behind. She tried to convince herself that he really was here, that he really was trying to get her help, and he wasn’t just a hallucination from the blood loss.

“Close your eyes.” Draco instructed.

A moment passed, and Y/N felt her stomach drop as if she were on a fast roller coaster.

“I need help! Help!” She soon heard Draco screaming, his voice cracking with every syllable. Bustling voices around her had forced her to open her eyes, and she soon realized he had apparated both of them into the Great Hall. Molly Weasley, a dear friend of Y/N’s mother, rushed over as two students behind her carried a cot.

They transferred her onto the cot, working as quickly as they could to heal the wounds without any more blood loss. Y/N was walking the thin line of unconsciousness, but refused to let herself pass out while Draco was still near her.

She knew he worried too much. The creases permanently etched into his forehead told her enough.

With the remaining strength Y/N had, she reached towards him to grab his hand. His eyes snapped down to her the second she made contact with his hand, and he clasped it in both and immediately started planting tear-filled kisses along every inch of her exposed skin.

“You’re gonna be alright. Everything is going to be fine. Please, stay awake. Stay awake for me, Y/N/N. Please.”

~•.*✰

“Wow, so Dad was a softie!” Y/N’s and Draco’s eldest daughter, Lyra, exclaimed.

“Yes, he really was.” Y/N smiled warmly, laying her hand atop Draco’s as they sat on the couch.

“So, that’s how you got that scar? It’s cool!” Scorpius piped in, pointing to Y/N’s stomach, where a prominent white scar lead up to her shoulder, meeting the three scars on her back from her fourth year.

“Mom, you have had some crazy accidents. How did Dad never have heart attacks?” Cassi asked, leaning forward in complete and utter amusement.

“Oh, I can promise you, Dad did have heart attacks. I enjoy keeping him on his toes.” Y/N winked, leaning back into Draco, who had an arm over her shoulder.

“Can you tell us about the tournament again, Mom? Please?” Scorpius begged, pouting.

“I think it’s about time for you three to go to bed, hm? Mom’s had enough revisiting her very, very dangerous experiences throughout her years at school. Let’s get you all to bed, shall we? Big day tomorrow.” Draco piped in, pushing himself off the couch and helping his children stand from the carpet.

“I’m nervous for tomorrow! First day of fourth year. I wonder if mine will be as adventurous as Moms.” Lyra said, walking slowly to her room.

“And first day of third for me. I hope I get to meet a Hippogriff like you did your third year, Dad.” Scorpius followed his sister through the hallway to their bedrooms.

“And first day of Hogwarts for our darling little Cassiopeia, isn’t that right?” Y/N appeared behind them, scooping her youngest up and planting kisses everywhere on her face. Cassi squealed, giggling loudly as Y/N continued walking to their separate rooms.

“Goodnight, my darling lovebugs.” Y/N said, blowing kisses through each of the open doorways to her children.

“Goodnight, my favorite troublemakers. Get some sleep, or I’ll have the boggarts come scare you!” Draco laughed mischievously, just before getting whacked lightly upside the head by his wife. She quietly scolded him, and he put his hands up in mock surrender.

“Goodnight! Love you the mostest.” Cassi peeped up, flicking her tiny wrist to turn off her lamp.

“Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Dad. Thank you for telling us the story again.” Scorpius yawned, turning on his side and doing just as his sister had done to turn off his lamp.

“Thank you, for reminding us again how cool our parents are. Love you guys.” Lyra said, snapping lightly to turn out her lamp. She always was a bit more advanced than her brother and sister.

Y/N quietly closed all three doors, before heading to her and Draco’s room to finally get some sleep. It wasn’t long before they were both dozing off, Y/N in Draco’s arms.

“Goodnight, my love.” Draco whispered, planting a kiss into Y/N’s hair.

“Goodnight, Dray. I love you.” She whispered back, her eyes closing and letting sleep finally take over.

Even though she struggled to get the happy ending she wanted after fourth year, she could now proudly say she was a part of a loving family with the boy she had loved since she was 14. She was has happy, healthy, and healed as she could be.

And that was her perfect happy ending.

~•.*✰

final a/n: as you can guess, Cassi is named after the constellation Cassiopeia and Lyra is also named after a constellation! I didn’t want Scorp to be an only child, so I gave him an older and a younger sister. I hope you all enjoyed, I really love this and now I’m mad at the lack of storyline after the war for Draco >:( anyways I just like smacked this out in 20 minutes because I’ve been in a Draco loving mood recently?????? Ok lol but I hope y’all enjoyed!!

[jortsaaaaaaart]

Three Hearts- Tendou x Reader x Ushijima

Soulmate AU- updates will be posted to https://archiveofourown.org/works/32830702/chapters/81464533

You remembered Sendai as being cold, so, so cold. The summers were short but they were also filled with many days spent exploring. You were part of a binational family. Your mother was from the United States, your father from Japan. Most of your early childhood was spent bouncing between the two countries before, finally, it was decided that the schools in Japan were much (much) better. It wasn’t too much of a culture shock. But the freedom Sendai offered was intoxicating. In Japanese culture it was perfectly acceptable to send your child out on errands, or let them visit the local park, on their own.

It was on one of these after school excursions that you ran into your future best friend. 

A humid June evening had you trailing along the bank of the local river. Cicadas and the current drowned out almost all other noise. You were debating turning back or taking a wade in the water when you saw a shock of red. There was another kid sitting by the river. One with a pretty vibrant bowl cut. However, when you got closer you realised his hair wasn't the only thing that was red.

"Uh, hey." You murmured, feeling more than a little awkward. "Are you okay?" He almost jumped out of his skin. Wide red eyes snapped towards you before hiding away.

The redhead hastily wiped at his eyes. "Y-Yeah."

"That didn't sound all that convincing." With a sigh you plopped down next to him, watching as he curled in on himself. You'd never been one to mind your own business, not even as a child. Seeing someone crying by themselves was an instant invitation for you to barge in and try to help.

"I'm fine."

"You're crying."

"No I'm not!"

"Hmm. . ." You leaned back, looking over the river. "So what's your name then? If you don't tell me I'll just have to call you cry baby."

“. . . It’s Tendou Satori.” He muttered. Tendou was eyeing you warily, like a stray dog afraid to take a treat from a stranger.

"I'm (L/N) (F/N). If you want me to leave I can, but you just looked so sad sitting here alone." You gave him the warmest smile you could before returning your attention to the water. Satori's red eyes stayed locked on you but he didn't ask you to leave. A few moments passed in silent solidarity before he spoke up.

"I'm usually alone."

"I know how you feel." You sighed.

"You do?"

"Well, yeah. I moved around so much before grade school that I don't know anyone here." You paused. "But, hey, now I know you, right?" Your smile made Tendou forget all about the tears. His cheeks flushed pink under the setting sun.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" Asked Satori, who desperately wanted to believe you were being genuine. But years of abuse had a hold on his heart.

You blinked. "Why wouldn't I be nice?"

". . . 'Cause I. . . Everyone says I'm a-"

"Ah! Look guys, it's the monster!" A group of children walked up behind the two of you. They were pointing at Satori with mocking grins. "You shouldn't get so close to him, he'll gobble you up!"

"Monster?" You glanced over at him but he was purposefully avoiding your eyes. If possible he would've liked to completely melt into the grass. Away from everything and everybody. But you weren't sinking into the ground, you were rising up. The bullies took a step back as you stomped up the embankment. "What gives you the right to call him that, huh?"

"W-What?" The ringleader stammered. "You've seen him, he's a freak! He shouldn't be allowed near us normal huma-"

He fell to the ground, clutching his cheek. Everyone's eyes were wide and glued to you. 

"Y- You just punched me!?"

"And I'll do it again!" You stared down the boy while his friends helped him to his feet. Before you could say anything else, or fight a 1 v 4, someone grabbed your hand. Tendou dragged you away while you stuck your tongue out at the still stunned bullies. 

Neither of you would ever forget that day. It was the start of a lifelong friendship, and eventually, something more.

On your first year of middle school you officially learned what soulmates were. It was assumed most parents would give you the talk before then, but the school board wanted youths to be prepared. 

"They taught us about soulmates today in class." You were both lounging around in his room reading the newest Shonen Jump. You sat next to him on the bed, trying to keep up with his reading speed.

"Yeah?" You hummed.

"When you turn 18 your soulmate's name appears on your wrist. . . But, if you're older than them you have to wait for their birthday so the marks can appear at the same time. . . And then some people don't even get a soulmate." He wasn't paying attention to the manga anymore. His eyes were fixed to the floor while his brain waged war against itself. Tendou had been sure you were his soulmate since that first night. The butterflies in his stomach still hadn't gone away and every time he looked at you he felt like a pile of mush. 

But, still, the 'I think you're my soulmate.' died on his tongue replaced with something much more depreciating. "I'm probably one of those people. Monsters don't get soulmates after all." His grin was shaky at best and you saw right through it.

"Don't call yourself that." You chided. "And of course you have a soulmate, Tori. Someone out there doesn't know how lucky they are. Soulmates with the best volleyball ball player ever. And the greatest friend ever, too." 

You flopped down, holding your wrist in front of you. "I don't know if I'm excited or nervous."

"Well, it's a good thing, isn't it? Having a soulmate? You'll have someone who belongs with you and will love you no matter what." You pouted at him and he smiled, continuing with his speech. "I can't wait till we turn eighteen. And I know you can't wait either. Even if you're being a baby now."

Tendou had your eighteenth birthday planned out for years. Step one, he'd take you to the river where you met. Step two, shower you with presents and affection. And step three, wait for your soulmate's name, his name, to appear. Step four (profit), live happily ever after. However, like many things in life, it didn't go quite as planned.

On March 21st, right after the end of your final year of junior high, your mother died. It wasn't a shock, she had been sick for months, but the pain was still unbearable. Your mother's side of the family wanted to bury her in the family plot. An old tradition from an old, rural, part of America. Your father gladly handed the responsibility off to them. 

Tendou remembered begging his parents to let him see you off at the airport. He remembered how red and puffy your eyes were, the sad smile on your face when you promised him you'd be back soon. 

But you weren't. 

Your father was in no shape to take care of you. Burying himself in his work to try and forget his loss. February came around and you had your 16th birthday in America. The first year of highschool had started without you. Tendou sent you pictures from Shiratorizawa every day, making you promise to try and get back as soon as possible.

Another February came and went. Your father was getting better and you were slowly but surely convincing him Japan was the right place for you to be. Tendou texted you every day, talking to you about his volleyball matches, his friend Ushijima, how much he missed you. 

It was your third year of highschool and finally, finally, you were heading home. You told Tendou the news as soon as you knew. He seemed even more excited than you. You knew why, even if you didn't say it. Tendou had always been the one you thought of when you imagined your soulmate. But. . . There was something else you couldn't quite put your finger on. The whole thing made you nervous, so you kept your feelings to yourself. 

Tendou stayed up all night on your birthday, hoping, praying. His eyes never left his wrist for a second and finally at 2:45 a.m. , something happened. Your name, in your sloppy, too quick, handwriting, appeared. The relief of ten years of wondering washed over him. He laughed, breathless and giddy. He immediately messaged you, sending you a picture of his wrist before a barrage of messages, most of them legible.

A minute passed by, then ten, then twenty. . .

You had to see it too, right? So why hadn't you said anything? You hadn't called, texted, or, hell, even emailed him. Tendou started to feel his heart sink with each passing moment. 

What if you were disappointed?

Tendou's breath caught in his throat and he could feel his face burn. His phone clattered to the ground as he sank down into his bed. He tried to calm himself down, he didn't know what time it was where you were. Maybe you were out celebrating your birthday or sleeping? He just needed to sleep it off and give you time to respond.

Chest tight, Tendou waited. He waited till hours turned to days and suddenly it was March and his heart was broken. He wasn't sure what was going on at this point. You two had almost never gone a day without talking. But you hadn't read any of his texts or snaps. Eventually he stopped messaging you all together.

But he hadn't given up. He knew you were flying back to Japan soon and he was determined to ask you what the hell was going on.

By mid March you had moved back into your old home. Your father had graciously gotten a moving company for you and your meager belongings. Somehow he failed to show up himself though. You didn't blame him though, he was busy and you haven't been the best company recently. Before leaving America your grandma had begun calling you the walking dead. You were barely sleeping, your eyes were puffy with designer bags hanging heavily underneath. She understood why you were feeling so down and she was empathetic, but the rest of your small town wasn't.

You thought about the timing of it all as you began to unpack. The first box, full of books and notes, was barely empty before the doorbell rang.

Tendou was standing on your doorstep. Your soulmate was standing before you, and your first thought was to shrink back and pretend you weren't home.

He rang the bell again. "(Y/N)! I know you're home! I just. . . I just want to talk okay? . . . Please?"

Tendou stepped back as the door swung open. You were holding your wrist close to your chest, looking anywhere but at him. He could see how red your eyes were, though, and thought they matched his completely.

"Why?" He muttered. One pitiful idiot to another. "Was it so fucking awful? Having my name on your wrist?"

"It wasn't. . ." You started. "Tendou, it wasn't just your name." 

[oddshelbyout]

A Little Too Fond Of Him // Thomas Shelby X Fem!Reader

Requested by: @accioholland

Taglist: @captivatedbycillianmurphy

Summary: You go out for a drink after a bad day and sit down with Tommy to have a conversation but you’re too distracted by his eyes.

Warnings: Swearing

Word Count: 1725

Author’s Notes:

I really love this request because I love writing soft Tommy and also best friends to lovers. I’m sorry if Tommy is a little out of character, I just wanted him to be softer around Y/N.

English is not my first language and I’m not always confident about my work so please let me know if I make any mistakes or anything I can fix in my writing.

You can ask to be added to my taglist. You can be tagged to works on a specific character or just any of my works. Please dm me or send your wish to my ask box if you’d like to be added.

Requests are open. You can request any Peaky Blinders related imagines or prompts for me to write. I’m a minor so I don’t take NSFW requests, please keep that in mind.

———————

It had been a long day. Being a teacher had it perks but you hadn’t come across to any of them that day. The children gave you a really hard time and you were extremely tired. You really needed a drink.

You went home first. You had to change your boring teacher clothes to your usual ones. You always cared if you looked good. You didn’t want to go out for a drink looking like an old lady.

Left home and made your way to the Garrison. You hoped Tommy, your best friend would be there because you hadn’t seen him for a while.

When you stepped into the pub, you noticed it was more crowded than usual. You wondered what was the occasion but also didn’t care enough to ask.

You walked to the bar, asked for a double scotch. Tommy always tried to make you drink irish whiskey and you were now just drinking scotch to annoy him even when he wasn’t around.

“Tommy’s in the booth if you’d like to say hello.” the bartender said as he put the glass in front of you. You smiled, you were happy that you could whine to him about your students. “Thanks.” you grabbed the glass and headed to the booth.

You opened the door seeing Tommy sit there with Finn and John but he wasn’t talking. He was just there watching his two younger brothers discuss something that himself wasn’t clearly interested in.

“So here are the Shelby boys, long time no see.” you said and their eyes turned on you. You closed the door behind you and stepped in.

“Y/N! Good to see you.” John said, he was always happy to see you. Finn just waved at you without saying a word.

“Out on a school night?” Tommy said before he took a drag from his cigarette. You shook your head and giggled.

“I don’t have any restrictions about that, unlike Finn.” your gaze fell on the youngest. He looked so annoyed, “I wouldn’t either if Tommy let me drop out.” he mumbled.

John patted on Finn’s shoulder, “Patience brother, patience.” he said and you saw a slight smile sit on Tommy’s face.

“Why don’t you sit down?” Tommy asked you and pushed the chair beside him so you can sit easily. You put your glass on the table first and then sat on the wooden chair.

“You seem a bit upset.” Tommy said to you, you licked your lips. “It’s okay, just a bad day.” you explained but he didn’t seem to be satisfied with your reply.

John and Finn saw that Tommy’s whole attention was on you so they excused themselves and said goodbye. You were now alone in the booth with Tommy and he seemed to be determined to know what was bothering you.

“I’m not convinced that’s just it.” he mumbled, you didn’t like when he was persuasive to get you talking but this time you actually wanted to tell.

“The kids barely listen to me, maybe it’s because I’m younger and not a bitchy old lady who’s only personality trait is being authoritarian.” you said in one breath and Tommy chuckled. That was rare but it made you smile even though what you were saying was pissing you off.

“You may be a bit too nice.” he said, you rolled your eyes. “Come on Tommy, I just don’t want to traumatise them.” you explained, he knew exactly what you meant.

“I’m not saying you have to be a bitchy old lady, just be a little more strict.” he said, you sighed. “I’m not like you Tom, I’m not good at not being nice.” you took a sip from your drink.

“Thank God for that.” he said and you smiled. He’d always said that his favourite thing about you was that you were too nice for your own good. At times it had bad consequences but being nice wasn’t something bad.

“I see you’re still drinking scotch.” Tommy said with his eyebrows raised. “I can’t believe you can distinguish whisky from the colour.” with your words his arms were up like he was guilty.

He looked tired but not like the usual, he just looked like he was fed up with something otherwise he wouldn’t try to keep the conversation on you if you stated you didn’t want that.

“Now tell me, what’s up with you?” you just had to ask. “Nothing.” he denied and lit up another cigarette. “There’s no way I’ll let you get away with not telling me.” you said directly, he sighed.

“It’s Finn.” he said, your eyes were fixated on his lips, so full and red. You always loved to examine his features while he spoke to you.

“I feel like I know where this is going.” you said and he sighed again. Your gaze drifted to his eyes. Oh his eyes, they were the most beautiful you’ve seen. They were such a light blue that you couldn’t believe how they could be real.

“He’s trying so hard to be like me.” he complained, he clenched his jaw. You didn’t respond, your mind was only working on how beautiful his eyes were at that moment.

“He’s only 16, he should do as I say not as I do.” he continued his rant. You were too distracted by his eyes, your impression went blank but the corners of your lips were still a little curled.

“I told him no guns and he went to steal one from Polly.” you weren’t hearing him. His eyes had mesmerized you once again. His blue eyes were blinding your eyes.

“I only want him to go to school so he doesn’t end up like me.” he said. He wanted his youngest brother to have a better future. You just nodded but not at what he said, you weren’t hearing him. You were nodding to your inside voice saying the shade of his eyes were just like the sky.

“Oi!” Tommy called and now you were back to the real world. “Huh?” you said coming back to realise he was telling you what was bothering you the whole time. You felt like a fool.

“Are you even fucking listening to me?” he asked, he was so annoyed. You licked your lips in shame. “Honestly, no.” you admitted. “You’re gonna make me tell it all again, right?” he asked, so you only sadly nodded.

He told it all once again, you had all your attention on him this time but you were still examining his individual features. How his cheeks blushed when he started to get angry.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked, you blinked in surprise. “Just appreciating your eyes.” you blurted out, only to realise what you said afterwards.

Tommy froze, his lips parted. “My eyes?” he asked and you pushed your lips together, you were embarrassed. There was no going back after this.

“Your eyes are just so pretty, they distract me.” you explained hoping he wouldn’t be weirded out by that. “You think my eyes are pretty.” he said softly, his lips curled up a bit.

“Yes.” you simply answered, you were so nervous about what he would say afterwards. “I think your eyes are pretty too.” he said and your jaw dropped. That was definitely not what you expected.

“My eyes are mediocre.” you said, your eyes were nowhere close to how beautiful his eyes were. “I think mine are too.” his voice was still soft, it wasn’t what you were used to.

“No, yours are extraordinary.” he couldn’t hold himself back and chuckled. You hadn’t seen him chuckle like that with a big smile in so long that you couldn’t believe it. He was actually happy that you said that and was definitely not weirded out.

“Extraordinary.” he repeated what you just said, his smile didn’t fade. Your one hand was sitting on the table and he moved his hand to yours. You felt your stomach twirl, it didn’t feel as good as you thought it would.

“Yes.” you were out of words to say. “What does it mean Y/L/N?” him calling you by your last name was nothing new but it felt different at that moment with the tone he said it with.

“You tell me.” you just really didn’t know where this was going and it scared you. “Maybe you’re a little too fond of me.” you held your breath, what he said wasn’t so easy to process. Were you in love with your best friend? No, that couldn’t be it or could it?

“No.” you simply replied, “Then why are you looking at me like that, telling me my eyes are extraordinary.” your wind was working so slowly. You had no idea how to respond to that.

“Okay, I might be a little too fond of you.” you admitted, you had no other choice. “So you finally realised.” he said and your eyes popped out of its place.

“What?” you blurted out, “I’ve been waiting for you to realise so I could ask you out.” he said. You jumped out of your seat, “What the fuck Tommy?” you shouted.

“You’re not as smart as you think.” you said before giving him a chance to speak, “Why did you have to wait for me? You didn’t wait for any other girl!” you weren’t angry but you were just so annoyed.

“You’re not some other girl.” he said and licked his lips. “I needed to be sure our friendship wouldn’t go to waste.” you took a deep breath, “Oh.” you could reply with only that.

“So you liked me all this time and didn’t say a word and also fucked around as much as you could?” you asked, he nodded, he obviously didn’t know how to reply

You sat back down on the chair and put your hand on the table again. This time he didn’t only get his hand closer to yours but held it. His cold hand gave you chills.

You didn’t even realise how much you were attracted to him and just in a blink you were going on a date. It was far from what you expected for the night, all you wanted was a drink after a tough day. You still were happy with the result and Tommy seemed to be too.

[classic80sand90smovieloves2]

Meeting and Dating Charlie MacKenzie

(Not my gif)(Requested by @jotaro-spengler​)

(Sorry this post took so long. I literally changed the entire meeting story last minute because I’m an indecisive perfectionist so it took a lot longer to write than expected. Hope you enjoy!)

- You and Charlie getting together was really all Tony’s fault. He just had to go and mention you: shine the spotlight in Charlies mind right on you and say look here you fool, a beautiful woman who you already care about and who already cares about you.

- That wasn’t really how it happened of course. All Tony had actually done was say something along the lines of “now take a look at my sister-”, using you as an example in some scenario he came up with rather than giving his friend a recommendation. 

- But, in Charlie’s half listening mind, all he heard was “take a look at my sister” and take a look he did. 

- You were a little younger; which tended to be the case when it came to younger sisters of friends that were his age, and you were pretty. You had a nice personality, you thought he was funny on occasion, and you weren’t a total stranger who he could easily find a flaw; that he didn’t already know about, in. 

- Why not give it a shot? Worst case scenario, you say no or he breaks your heart and loses his best friend in the future. But hey, it was Tony’s idea to begin with, right?

- So he visits you at work, making small talk; as per usual since this was a fairly normal occurrence for the two of you, before trying to ask you out as casually as he could. 

- Initially, you think that you’ve misunderstood him or that he’s misspoken, then you think that he joking, …and then you just think he’s gone crazy. You quite literally ask him if he’s feeling alright because it’s so out of the blue and unexpected.

- But, once you come to terms with the fact that this is a legitimate request, …you agree. 

- I mean, it’s not like the idea never popped into your head. You’ve known the guy since middle school: of course you’d considered it; though you’d never imagined that it would actually come to fruition. 

- Nevertheless, here you were, giving each other somewhat awkward smiles and arranging a time and place. 

- Your first date is initially going to be just a regular dinner at some diner down the street that the two of you; and your brother, often frequented but you quickly find that it just feels wrong to go there: like the two of you are still just two friends. 

- So you scratch that idea and find yourselves wandering around town, buying some food from a street vendor and taking in the atmosphere of the night. What started out as a; frankly, uncomfortable first date ends up turning into one of the best you’ve ever had.

- It’s no surprise that the two of you get along. The question is whether or not you fit as a couple so; regardless of whether or not you’d normally do it, you decide to have your first kiss before the night is over to test out the romantic chemistry between you. 

- It may not be the most romantic first kiss in the world; considering the fact that you literally both talk about and agree to it like it’s some sort of business deal or logical course of action, but you enjoy it nonetheless and it gives the two of you some clarity. 

- He likes you and you like him and the two of you are happy together. You just hope that it lasts....

- Charlie really doesn’t care about what other people think, in fact, he sort of likes to bother and gross people out so he never minds engaging in a bit of pda. If he feels like kissing the hell out of you, he’s gonna do it; regardless of whether or not there’s people around. 

- Interlocked arms or holding onto his arm as the two of you walk together. He likes having you close to him so literally securing you to his side by your arm is a helpful form of affection. 

- Handholding. He’ll usually swing your arms back and forth whenever you do. 

- Cheek kisses. He’s a fan of both giving and receiving them so it definitely goes both ways. 

- Excited, feverish, and passionate kisses. You tend to just lay one on each other at random; oftentimes catching the other person a little off-guard, so these types of kisses are pretty common in your relationship. 

- Kissing in the rain; sometimes with him kicking his leg up in the air behind him. 

- He tends to just call you by your given name; or a teasing nickname on occasion. He finds that using pet names just aren’t his thing and that a lot of them cause him to roll his eyes more than anything else. 

- The two of you really don’t have a “usual” cuddling position since you tend to just do whatever feels right or makes the most sense. Some days you cuddle with your head on his arm, other days he’s the big spoon, and sometimes you’re the big spoon. 

- Back scratches and shoulder kisses. 

- Taking baths together. 

- You know the meme about the person getting into their partners shower fully clothed so that they can ask them a question? That’s the type of shit that he does constantly. Sometimes you just have to sit back and consider the fact that you may be dating either an idiot or a crazy person. 

- Getting his help when you’re trying to pick out your outfits. 

- Going to his open mic nights. 

-  Having poems written about you. …They’re pretty bad....

- If you're dating Charlie, you have to stop caring about how other people view you because there’s no way you’re not going to do; at least a few, ridiculous things out in public together. The two of you are constantly doing dumb shit so just try to ignore any judgmental looks you may or may not receive. 

- Chasing each other around and playing other childish games. 

- Frolicking and dancing like children of the night~

- Double dates with Tony and his girlfriends. 

- Diner dates. 

- Wandering around the city together. 

- Buying from different street vendors and food trucks. 

- Cruising around town with his top down and the radio turned to your favorite station. 

- Sitting out on his roof with him. 

- He loves seeing you smile so expect a lot of dumb jokes and comments that are meant to make you laugh. 

- Teasing each other. You like to call him “nice” just to mess with him. 

- Convincing him to do different things with you. You know that it wasn’t his idea to go on that Alcatraz tour with Tony so it’s safe to say that he can be persuaded into accompanying you just about anywhere. 

- Taking different classes together; though you probably shouldn’t take him to those sorts of things …for the sake of your teachers sanity. 

- Getting visited at work. He’ll always insist that he was “in the neighborhood” but he absolutely was not and totally drove all the way over just to see you. 

- Speaking of work: he would definitely offer to help you with whatever task you had to do just to ease your workload and spend more time with you. It would also probably get him into the good graces of your boss so the man/woman would be a lot more lenient with him hanging around. 

- Finding your own ways to quiet his rambling. He tends to just keep talking whenever he’s nervous or feeling shy so you’ll have to learn the best way to quiet him whenever he gets like that; which usually means you’ll be kissing him or saying something he wants to hear. 

- Telling each other stories. His are usually exaggerated to an outrageous degree but you never really mind; it’s sort of more amusing to see where his brain takes him than to just listen to a normal story.   

- Family get togethers. You’ll usually sit in the kitchen with him and his mother while Tony and his father watch some sports game in the living room. 

- Interesting interactions with his family; namely his father. The man’s a little hard to get along with but he’s certainly entertaining. 

- He'll always check on you before leaving you alone, making sure you’re okay before he ditches you to do something; even if it’s just using the rest room for a minute. 

- Him getting advice from Tony. Regardless of whether or not you want to picture yourself as the mans sister, he’s going to be your best ally when it comes to surviving your relationship; so you might want to get on his good side if you weren't already.

-  Having to get through his sabotage stage. 

- Charlie tends to get scared and break up with people when things are getting too serious so don’t be surprised if; or when, it happens to you. The good thing is that, if it’s meant to be, he’ll come to his senses and dedicate himself towards getting you back; usually with some big cute gesture. 

- Just not feeling like yourself? No problem! He’ll be completely understanding and accept that you just aren’t happy; all while doing whatever he can to put a little pep in your step. 

- He’s not an incredibly jealous person but he is cautious. He’ll never refuse to let you hang out with someone or do something but he will keep an eye on your relationships with other guys. Not because he doesn’t trust you but because he doesn’t want you winding up in an awkward position because you couldn’t see the red flags of encroaching romance. 

- He’s somewhat protective of you; oftentimes sticking out his own neck to save yours. Although he’ll usually; awkwardly, try to settle things in a peaceful manner after an aggressive outburst at someone or something; usually because he only then realizes how big and threatening they are. 

- The two of you fake fight every now and again but real fights only happen once in a blue moon. You get along incredibly well so it isn’t often that you can’t settle things in a peaceful manner; especially since he approaches you very calmly whenever he has a problem. 

- Because most of his issues with you are reasonable, fights usually end before they even begin. But if they don’t and you wind up having a legitimate argument or fight, he’s always willing to apologize; especially since he’ll feel extremely guilty for upsetting you. 

- He mainly shows you that he loves you but he definitely isn’t opposed to saying the actual words. 

- As afraid of marriage as he normally is, he actually proposes to you pretty quickly. I guess when you know you know? 

[avenging-criminal-bones]

After All This Time || Chapter Three

Aaron Hotchner x Reader

Word Count: 1659

Summary: You being a new recruit pissed SSA Aaron Hotchner off. You being smart enough to give Spencer Reid a run for his money pissed him off even more. Really, he just despised your presence. Hated your every move.

Until one day, he just… didn’t.

Warnings: panic attack, mean hotch, cocky reader at the end, this is kind of filler-like to keep the story going

TAGLIST

@kingofthetwats @wanniiieeee @uwu-sebastianstan @piggyinthesea @yoshigguk @scootankle @thatisthemagic @errorcosplay67 @ivebeenthinkingboutu @big-galaxy-chaos @rynfoxsleeps @phoenixsnape1 @mojofun @pachiibatt @enjoymyloves @thenewnormalforensicator

* * * * * Chapter Three As soon as the team went in the next morning, there was a call into the precinct reporting another body.

The police chief walked into the office that the BAU team was set up in and said, "Alyssa Wilde, age six, no connection to the other victims."

Remembering the note that had been appearing, you asked, "Was there any sort of note or sign left with her body?"

"Yes, actually," he shuffles through his pockets and hands it to Derek, who is standing the closest to him.

"Thanks man. That's all for now. We'll let you know if we need anything else." The chief walks away then, shutting the door behind himself.

"Derek, what did the note say?" JJ asked with a grim expression, hating that they were up against a child murderer. Everyone hated these cases. Everyone.

He reads from the note softly, trying not to be perceived as blunt or uncaring, "As we know, the unsub left the previous notes about God being with him, cleansing the Earth, and the children being impure. This note says, "You demons can try to stop me, but Alyssa was impure. God will not let you stop me, for I am doing his work." This could mean a few things since he is so heavily religious."

"Does anyone-"

"Reid. What school did the kids go to?" Hotch interrupts you, effectively ending your attempt at the same question.

Spencer looks at you slightly before sliding quickly into his 'remembering-detail' face.

"You know, Hotchner. I was about to ask the same question when you interrupted me."

Rossi and Derek both raise their eyebrows at hearing you speak up against Hotch.

"Well, Agent L/N, maybe I would't have to interrupt you if you would just learn your place on this team. Stop trying to pitch in where you're not needed. The briefing and the deliberations call for experienced agents." He looks up from his papers then and stares right into your eyes. "The only reason you're on this team is because you are admittedly a better shot than everyone else here besides me."

You look down, feeling the tips of your ears heating up with your anger. Emily tenses beside you when Hotch takes a step closer to you.

"Look up, Agent." Reluctantly, you obey his command and meet his eyes. "We don't need you on this team. I decided to be nice and gave you a spot because you're a good shot, but that doesn't mean I want you here."

You feel tears well in your eyes and glare at the taller man in front of you. Something flashes in his eyes when he notices that he made you so upset. It's not malicious though, he almost looks... remorseful.

Whatever.

It doesn't matter. He was a dick.

"I'm going to do some research on my own. If someone needs me just call me."

"Y/N, wait," you spin around to see JJ walking towards you, but you hold your hand up to her.

Shaking your head you sigh, "It's fine. I'm just gonna go. Call me later."

You don't give them enough time to try and convince you to stay before you're walking out of the room. As you pass the police chief, you murmur that you'll be back later.

The station is a short walk from the hotel that the team is staying at, so you use the opportunity for fresh air and kindly refuse the car that was offered for you on your way out of the precinct.

Once you get into the hotel room that you shared with Emily, you sat on the bed and fell back. The anger that had been building up inside of you finally broke out and you cried. You cried hot, angry tears, constantly willing yourself to 'toughen up' like your dad would always say to you.

Rubbing harshly at your eyes to try and stop the tears, you thought about the case and pulled out your individual case file.

Four kids now. All found in the same area. Three with notes. This unsub clearly thinks that he's doing God's work.

It reminds you briefly of a case from your hometown. It ripped through your city in a month-

Breathing was hard right now. The air wasn't coming in like it should. It wasn't. There was no air. Nothing. Your brother. Images of your brother flashed through your head as you sank down to the floor.

Your fists grip in the rug beneath the bed. You're hyperventilating. The door opens, but you don't look up, eyes squeezed shut tightly.

"Agent- Y/N? Are you okay?"

There are hands on your arms, gripping just a little too tight.

"No- I just. The case, my bro- It's just- I can't breath... I can't. I can't- I can't- I-"

"Hey, shh. You're okay. You- Okay. Just try and breath with me." The voice, which you distinctly pick out as a man's, floats around you and then you feel your hand being grabbed and moved to rest against something hard.

"L/N, can you open your eyes? Look up, Y/N."

"Look up, Agent."

Your eyes flash open and you jerk your head up to look at Hotchner. All traces of your panic were gone now, and you scrambled to slide away from him, yanking your hand off of his chest.

"I, uh. I'm sorry... for that. I didn't-"

"It's fine. Are you- you're okay?" His voice is softer than it usually is around you, but his gaze is still hard and uncaring.

Nodding you push yourself up off of the floor. "Why are you here?" Your moment of weakness was over and you're reminded of how he's been treating you lately.

"The team had been trying to call you for fifteen minutes. On both your persona and work phones. They were worried." You don't miss how he says 'the team' and 'they' rather than including himself in the worry. Momentarily, you catch yourself wondering why he was the one to come check on you.

He rises from his kneeling stance in front of your bed and reverts back to SSA Aaron Hotchner.

"The team has dispersed to their fieldwork for the day, you and I were assigned to work together," you hear the bitterness in the statement, followed by another quick jab at you, "I was really trying to avoid it, but I guess it's our lucky day."

Without another word, he spins around on his heel and starts walking out the door, leaving you to catch up to him if you wanted to actually be a part of the case.

"Asshole," you murmur before taking off in a half jog-half walk to try and catch up and look like an equal.

As you start to catch up to him, you call out, "I'm driving."

"No, you are not, Agent." Hotchner's words sounded final, but you ignored him and sat in the driver's seat of the SUV when the two of you approached.

You shut the door and held your hand out for the keys when he sat, albeit reluctantly, in the passenger seat.

"Thanks, Hotch," you wait for him to correct the nickname, and when he doesn't the smirk that's been hiding for a few minutes started to peek out in the corners of your mouth.

"This is going to be fun."

"Drive, L/N."

[ijustwant2write]

What’s Wrong With Being Confident?-Fred Weasley x Reader

(GIF credit to @hermoinejeans​)

Tags: @wand3ringr0s3​​ @amirahiddleston​ @bloodorangemoonlight​ 

Requested by anonymous: ‘Fred Weasley x Chubby!Reader?? 🥺💖😭’

Characters: Fred Weasley x Reader

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

Warnings: Negative talk about weight/shape/bodies, insecurities, bullying, swearing, fluff, body positivity

(A/N: Chloe is a made up character)

                                         *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Found your dress for the Yule Ball yet?” my friend asked as we made our way to the Great Hall for dinner.

“Yes! My mum got it delivered to me. I’ll try it on later and show you, it’s actually stunning!” I beamed.

“Yay! Shall we try out hairstyles too?”

“Oh yes! That’s such a good idea!”

We sat on the benches, starting to talk to our other friends about the same topic. We were all giddy about it, I had been the only one asked out so far, but that’s because it was inevitable that I was going to go with my boyfriend. It was still early, we had a while before the ball was here, the girls had time (even though they were stressing). We started other conversations as we ate, but soon came back to the topic of dates for the Yule Ball.

“(Y/N), you’re so lucky that you have Fred.”

“Yeah, I am.” I blushed.“He’s been secretly cute about the whole thing. He’s even going to try and get a bow tie the same colour as my dress!”

“A dress that you won’t be able to fit into.” someone mumbled loud enough behind me.

I rolled my eyes, turning around to see who it was. Oh, of course it was Chloe. A fellow student in the same year as me, a Ravenclaw, who tormented me since our first class together. She was very offended by my appearance, always wanting to make a comment. Like any other teenager, I used to be very conscious about how I looked, and that I was slightly...bigger than the other girls. But when I realised that how I looked didn’t effect finding friends or doing well in school, I forgot about it. I liked how I looked, my friends always hyped me up, and I had a gorgeous, caring (if not cheeky) boyfriend; Fred had admitted that my confidence was very attractive to him. And that pissed off Chloe to no end, especially after she had pined after him for so long. 

“As usual Chloe, if have something to say about me, say it to my face.”

She flipped her hair as she faced me, her upper lip curled up.“I’m just stating the truth.”

“No, you’re being a bully for no reason.”

“A bully? What are we, five?”

“Your mentality would say so, yes.”

She scoffed.“Stop living in your fantasy world (Y/N). I saw you open that dress when it got delivered, you’re delusional if you think that would fit you.”

“Funnily enough Chloe, it was made to measure.”

“Might want to measure again, especially if you keep eating like that everyday.”

I glanced at my plate. It really didn’t have that much on it.“What do you gain from this? I’m sorry if this somehow makes you feel better about yourself.”

“What? Don’t be sorry! I...I do it because...because-”

“That’s what I thought, have a nice dinner Chloe.”

Swiveling back round, my friends stifled their giggles. They had always stood up for me, but also knew that I was able to fight my own battles. It didn’t hurt so much anymore, it was more annoying. I just knew every time someone had something nice to say to me, or even if I looked like I had a stride in my step, Chloe would somehow appear and try to bring me down. Wasn’t it exhausting being mean to people day in and out? Just let people be and get on with your life. 

“Heard you talking about a certain dress?” Fred suddenly said behind me as I left the Great Hall after dinner.

I jumped, giggling as he grabbed my hand to walk with me.“Eavesdropping on me now?”

“Nah, you’ve all got big gobs.”

I gasped, but laughed along with him.

“When can I see it?”

“On the day of the ball.”

He whined.“Why?”

“Because I want it to be a surprise.”

“But you’ll still look just as beautiful in it on the day, so you could still show me!”

“Fred Weasley, you may be a smooth talker and an outrageous flirt, but it won’t work on me.”

“Oh really?” he smirked, pulling me into him by my robes, before hiding us behind a column from anyone who could walk by. Luckily, the corridors were empty this way, everyone was headed in opposite directions.

Giggling together, he pushed his body close to mine, leaning down to kiss me. His hands slipped under my robe and around my waist, my hands cupping his face. Although we were in a lot of classes together, and we studied together as much as possible, we hadn’t had a lot of quality time together. If a professor saw, of course we would get a slight telling off, but we didn’t care in that moment. Nothing could interrupt the passion...until she came along again.

Chloe scoffed.“We get it, he’s not made up.”

We broke apart, both of our faces showing frustration. Fred whispered to me,“Don’t retaliate, just ignore her.”

He kissed me again, but if didn’t seem that she was leaving. Two of her friends had began walking away, obviously feeling awkward that we were continuing with our make-out. Gently pushing Fred away, I checked over his shoulder, sensing that she was still there.

“You get off on this sort of thing?” I snapped. 

“(Y/N)...” Fred tried to stop a fight breaking out.

“Just think it’s funny that you show off all this PDA to ensure everyone knows about your boyfriend.” Chloe crossed her arms over her chest. 

“Come on Chlo, let’s just leave them.” a friend of hers tried to convince her.

“Maybe we’re doing this because we love each other? That’s what couples do, Chloe, not that I’d expect you to understand.”

Fred sighed.“OK (Y/N), let’s not-”

“No, don’t tell me to stop! She’s been doing this to me since we started at Hogwarts, I’m allowed to jab back at her!”

“Alright!” he defended himself.

“Chloe, I don’t want to deal with you right now. I’m trying to spend time with Fred.”

She was furious, nostrils flaring, eyebrows furrowed together, lips slightly parted as she thought of her next quip. Nothing came out, and her friends called her one last time, tugging on her sleeve to get her to move. Chloe snatched away her arm, storming away, her friends scurrying after. 

“I’m sorry.” I said to Fred.“I just...I ignore her all the time, you know that. She’s so weird!”

“I know.” he pecked me on the lips.“But you’ve always been able to brush it off, what happened then?”

“I don’t know. Maybe because we’re coming to our last years and it’s never stopped. It doesn’t upset me, but it’s almost like she’s nagging now. Like, just move on with your life, we probably won’t ever see each other again once we finish school.”

“Well, just focus on that then. You stand above it, like you always do, keep doing amazing in classes, and we’ll be out of here in no time.”

I grinned, squeezing his hands.“And we’ll do all the things we said we’d do when we leave?” 

He chuckled.“Of course.”

It was the night of the ball, and so much had happened since my confrontation with Chloe. The first task had passed (whoever thought about sending school children into the fiery trap of a dragon, whilst trying to retrieve a dragon egg was a psycho), meaning everyone was now focused on the Yule Ball, and not their friends potentially dying. 

In our dorms, us girls all got ready together, constantly laughing and asking each other for opinions on hair, makeup and jewellery. Everyone ‘awed’ at each other once we were all dressed and ready, heading to the ball to meet our dates. As we laughed over hoe the boys had looked at the dance rehearsal, we realised we were almost there. I suddenly became nervous. Fred had never seen me dressed up like this. I loved how I looked, but I hoped that it wasn’t too much, like I had tried too hard, or that I didn’t look like myself.

There he was, stood in his suit, a stupid grin on his face. I smiled widely, heart melting at how handsome he looked. George tapped him on the shoulder, making him turn around to properly face me, where his mouth dropped open. I ducked my head in embarrassment, becoming all shy until I realised he was making his way towards me. His mouth stayed open as he slowly walked around me.

“Fred!” I nervously laughed.

“You look...you look stunning (Y/N). I...I don’t know what else to say, you look amazing!” he seemed genuinely shocked. 

“Thank you babe. You look so handsome, you should wear suits more often!” I exclaimed.

“I will not stop complimenting you all night.”

“You’re going to make me blush, I’ll look like a tomato.”

“A cute tomato. Come on, let’s show this lot how this stupid dance is done.”

As suspected, I had a phenomenal time at the ball. Fred kept on waltzing around with me, twirling me at any possible moment, and I was able to dance with my friends (and by dance, I mean jump up and down to the music whilst screaming the words). I received compliments from my boyfriend, friends and classmates, of course, giving them back. It was a great way to let off some steam, to escape school life for a night. Until I spotted Chloe sitting by herself.

I sighed to myself, wondering whether to approach her. A cruel part of me enjoyed seeing her like that, perhaps she was being put in her place. However, I knew I shouldn’t be thinking like that, it would only make me sink down to her level. Excusing myself from the group, I could feel them watching as I walked towards her. Chloe glanced up at me, angling her body away from me as she realised what was about to happen.

“Having your chance of jabbing me again?” she huffed as I stopped in front of her. 

I shook my head.“No, I had my moment before. I was just...I was just wondering what you’re doing over here by yourself.”

“Like you care. You’re just going to get the gossip and make fun of me to everyone else.”

I raised an eyebrow at her.“Not nice, is it?”

She rolled her eyes.“No, I guess not.”

“So...what happened?”

“I have a date. But he’s too busy head banging with his friends. Before that, he was still with them talking non-stop about their next quidditch match. I had one dance with him. That’s it.”

“What about your friends?”

“They’re with their dates. I felt like I was third wheeling without my date being there.”

“Well,” I glanced back to my friends,“I know we’ve never seen eye to eye, but do you want to hang with us?”

“Is this a prank that you and Fred came up with?”

“No. I’m just being nice. i don’t know why.”

“Yeah, me neither.”

“I just....I just want us to stop this. I want you to stop commenting on my appearance or what I’m doing. One, it’s a form of bullying, and two, it’s just annoying at this point.”

“Hey, (Y/N), you OK?” Fred asked as he stood beside me.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I smiled at him.“I was just about to ask Chloe here why she’s tormented me all these years.”

“You know why.” she huffed.

“I’ve only been dating Fred for the last two years. It can’t just be that because you’ve been like this since our first year.”

“I was a bitch, alright? I am a bitch, I know. I dunno, you were an easy target, and then when you became confident, it pissed me off. Everyone still liked you despite how you looked. Then you got a boyfriend before I did and I found it embarrassing.”

Fred walked away, and I found that confusing, but didn’t question it; I was too busy with Chloe.“I think you’ve wasted all these years putting too much energy into being negative and mean. I’m happy how I am. It’s great being this confident. I have a group of amazing friends, the best boyfriend in the whole world and I’m doing good at school. The fact that I love myself is an added bonus, because we shouldn’t be so focused on how we look. Wow, that felt good to say.”

And just like that, Fred was back, along with Chloe’s date.“What have you got to say mate?”

He nudged him forward.“I’m sorry that I left you Chloe. You want to dance?”

A small smile appeared on her face (couldn’t say the same for her date). She took his hand and they quickly left, leaving Fred and I alone again.

“I’m sorry, I just didn’t want her hanging with us.” Fred explained.

“That’s OK. I said what I wanted to say.”

He slipped an arm round my waist, kissing me on the forehead.“So? Did she apologise?”

“Of course not. But I let her know that I was extremely happy with my life and she couldn’t do anything to bring me down.”

“That’s my girl. I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

“Let’s go dance again. I want to see you spinning around in that dress all through the night.”