#I’m trying to get used to having no home button tho since my old phone had one and this one doesnt
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woah
#I just got a new phone and like#w o w#its like. Much less laggier than my old phone#(My old phone was an iPhone SE and this one’s an iPhone 15)#The screen’s much bigger too :3#I’m trying to get used to having no home button tho since my old phone had one and this one doesnt#And I’ve never used a device without a home button 😭#And the screen’s not shattered🎉🎉🎉🎉#I can actually read stuff on my phone again🎉🎉🎉#Ok imma stop rambling HSHSJSJ#carl talks :]
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tw // noises , loud noises : osomatsu afraid of an emergency alert system test
I went ahead and made it an actual emergency alert, because rainy days and Mondays and whatnot-
also it's worth noting I did look up Japan's emergency alert system, but I have no idea how J-Alert actually functions, I've just kind of assumed it's similar to the system that's in place where I live XD
Osomatsu, you've got some top-notch little brothers there!!
it's technically Allmatsu but like... big Sokudomatsu vibes tho :D
-
All things considered, a few days of bad weather keeping all the sextuplets cooped up in the house pretty much guarantees that they’re all going to be on edge.
They’re occasionally two seconds away from being at each other’s throats anyway, with all the challenges of being a big family in a small house. When the skies darken and open up with rain, though, it all becomes that much worse.
It means Ichimatsu can’t venture out to feed the stray cats, because being out in the cold rain for so long will probably lead to him getting sick. The comfort and stress relief that Karamatsu finds in playing guitar on the roof is vanished into thin air. Everyone has to keep Jyushimatsu from going outside since he’s half determined to play baseball even when it’s pouring. Choromatsu can’t hit the streets in search of a job or anything; too much chance of getting caught in a torrential downpour far from home. That’s also the reason Totty can’t make any plans with his friends, and counts his blessings that he doesn’t have any work shifts during these days.
All things being equal, Osomatsu is almost certainly the most laidback of their little group. Big brother tries his best to find solutions to keep all of them distracted, such as playing games or helping everyone settle on what TV show they should watch. Even though there are other places he’d rather be right now ― like the races or pachinko or maybe somewhere trying to pick up girls ― he can acknowledge that it’s kind of nice to spend time with his brothers when they can’t go outside.
The rain’s been coming down steadily today, a constant pattering that’s rhythmic and borderline soothing. It’s already put Ichimatsu and Totty to sleep, the two of them curled up under a blanket together. Before they fell asleep, Totty said something about the storm being “free ASMR”, whatever that means, and Ichimatsu mumbled an agreement as they cuddled in against each other.
To be completely honest, the energy in the house in general is pretty low. That might be best for a stormy day. Everyone can chill out and recharge their energy.
For the most part, Osomatsu is playing at being as responsible as he can handle today; gathering snacks, making tea, keeping kerosene in the heater so nobody gets too cold. Now that Totty and Ichimatsu are down for the count, everyone else is starting to get sleepy. Which, of course, means it’s time for a collective nap.
He takes a look around the room as he settles in on the couch himself. There’s Ichimatsu and Totty under their single blanket, seeming to be getting along just fine to share it. Choromatsu and Karamatsu are nuzzled against each other with their legs under the kotatsu, with Choromatsu’s head resting on Karamatsu’s shoulder and Karamatsu’s head resting on top of Choromatsu’s. And Jyushimatsu is… huddled up in a few blankets near the couch. For all intents and purposes, sleep has apparently claimed him, too.
Well, that’s good. Now that he’s made sure all his little brothers are comfortable, Osomatsu can doze off himself.
There’s a leftover blanket folded up at the end of the couch, so he pulls it up around himself and lies down with his head propped against one of the arms of the couch. He’d certainly like to be nestled up with one of the others, but he’s not gonna disturb them for that. They’re all in their own pairs, save for Jyushimatsu, and he’s not going to make the second youngest clamber up onto the couch just because Osomatsu wants some physical contact.
Besides, he can get that later if he wants. It’s going to be chilly and dreary all day, so more snuggles are inevitable. If he gets lucky, everyone will gravitate to one big cuddle puddle after dinner.
So he does his best to relax on the couch. He closes his eyes and tries to slow his breathing down a bit. The rain continues to pound in sheets against the window, and in heavy drops against the roof. There’s the soft rumbling of thunder that’s begun in the background, so low and powerful he can feel it. Somehow, it’s a comfort, something that whispers to him that he can go to sleep now.
Surrounded by his brothers and the lullaby of the storm outside, it’s easy to drift off.
Osomatsu is nearly sunk down into the beginnings of a deep sleep when suddenly, a blaring alarm goes off. And it’s not just one ― it sounds like several firing off in perfect, irritating harmony.
He can’t explain why he has the reaction he does. All he knows is that the abrupt, loud, obnoxious noise cuts through everything else and seems to hit the panic button in his head. A terrified yell rips itself from his throat, and he’s bolt upright. Then he’s on the floor, rolled onto Jyushimatsu and waking his younger brother up.
“HOLY MOLY!” And as soon as Jyushimatsu shouts, it’s enough to wake everyone else up. How anybody could sleep through that siren is beyond Osomatsu, though he’s pretty sure if anyone could, Jyushimatsu could. “Osomatsu-nii-san! You’re on top of me! What the heck is that?! Are we late for school???”
Totty groans as he’s woken up in the rudest way possible. “We’re too old for school, Jyushimatsu-nii-san. We’re adults.” He pulls his phone out, and his other hand reaches to pat Ichimatsu on the head. “Aaahnnmmm… it’s a weather alert.”
“Severe thunderstorm warning,” Choromatsu groans, having turned to glance at the TV. “Looks like it’s only gonna last till like 7 P.M., though.”
Karamatsu yawns and rubs at his eyes. “Should we get supplies together in case the power goes out?”
“The rest of you dumbasses can do that,” Ichimatsu huffs. “I’m not moving. As soon as the alerts stop making that shitty noise, I’m going back to sleep.”
“Well, I guess it falls to the three oldest, then.” Choromatsu stretches, giving a quiet, “Oof” when something in his back pops. “Osomatsu, do you wanna come help us… uh… Osomatsu?”
Strangely enough, the eldest brother is still incapacitated from the unexpected sounds, curled into a ball with his hands pressed over his ears. There might even be tears in his eyes, if one’s looking close enough.
Jyushimatsu runs a gentle hand, (or sleeve, as it were), over his big brother’s head, seeing as he’s the closest one. “I think something’s wrong with Osomatsu-nii-san. He’s all shivery and breathing funny.”
That’s really all it takes for Choromatsu to be over lightning-fast, knelt down next to the eldest. “Osomatsu? Osomatsu-nii-san, are you okay?” He frowns and tentatively tugs one of Osomatsu’s hands away from his ear. “Hey. What’s wrong?”
“Th… the noise…” His hand is trembling in his younger brother’s grip, tears welling up in his eyes. It still feels like his heart is trying to hammer its way out of his chest completely. He can’t really get a good breath in.
Choromatsu’s brow furrows and he looks back toward the TV, which Karamatsu scrambles to turn off in case it’s the prolonged sound causing the problem. “Did you… ahah… it startled you, right? I think it startled all of us…”
Ichimatsu pushes himself up a bit so he can turn his attention to his older brothers. “Looks like it did more than startle him. He’s about to jump out of his skin.”
“Ah…” Choromatsu quickly gathers Osomatsu into his arms, and is surprised with the fervor with which the eldest clings to him. It reminds them both of… being kids. “H-hey, Osomatsu-nii-san… it’s okay, it’s okay. It’s over now. Can you, um, try to follow my pattern of breathing here? That might help you calm down.”
Osomatsu nods and does his best, mirroring the way Choromatsu inhales for four seconds, holds the breath for seven, and exhales for eight. It takes several cycles, a few minutes’ worth of this, before he can feel himself starting to be a little less shaky. His heart is still pounding, but not as fast as it was a moment ago.
Choromatsu holds him carefully, rubbing Osomatsu’s back, until he can feel the tension beginning to fade from his brother’s muscles. That was… weird. It’s not like Osomatsu to get so anxious, especially not to the point that he’s crying. “There… is it better now?”
“Y… yeah…” Osomatsu raises a hand in an attempt to scrub the tears away. Man… how embarrassing. He’s the oldest and he’s over here acting like a baby because of a stupid weather alert. “Sorry… I, uh, don’t know where that came from, haha.”
“It’s okay, don’t worry about it.” Neither of them make any move to get out of the position for a minute, then Choromatsu gradually pulls away once he can’t hear his older brother’s heart beating like a gong. “You… good?”
“Yeah… yeah, I think so.”
Ichimatsu stretches his arms above his head. “Damn. I guess we’re all awake. I hate those alert things… remember that one night when we were kids, and it came on just as we were getting ready for bed?”
Totty laughs, rolling over and propping his face up against one arm. “Yeah, I remember Choromatsu told me they were warning us a big storm was gonna come and wash all the baby brothers out to sea.”
“A-ah…” Choromatsu’s face goes red in an instant. He was such a little bastard as a child. “I’m sorry about that, Totty!”
He waves a hand. “Nah, it’s okay! ‘Cause remember what we did next?”
“Ah… I remember!” Karamatsu grins. “We all said we wouldn’t let the storm get you, and we wrapped you up in blankets and stood guard the whole night.”
“Until we fell asleep,” Jyushimatsu giggles. “I remember panicking when we woke up, but then we all high-fived each other when we saw Totty was still there in the morning!”
“W-we could do that again,” Choromatsu suggests, stealing a peek at their eldest who still appears to be tired. “Except this time…”
Totty’s up in a second. “Ooh, yeah!! Let’s cocoon Osomatsu-nii-san so the big, bad weather alerts can’t hurt him!”
Osomatsu feels like he should be having the hairs on the back of his neck stand up right about now. Instead, he feels sort of warm in a good way when everyone starts to wrap blankets around him. “Geez… you guys don’t need to do all this shit…”
“Well, no, but it’ll be fun.” Choromatsu gives him a smile and nestles in against his older brother’s side. “I’ll take first watch.”
Osomatsu snorts, but lets his head fall on top of Choromatsu’s anyway.
“Man… you guys are lame.”
Thank God for that, though.
#loud noise tw#Osomatsu san#whump#Sokudomatsu#Allmatsu#Osomatsu#anxiety#hurt/comfort#LOOK AT THESE GOOD BOYS#TAKING CARE OF THEIR BIG DUMB LEADER#WARMS MY COCKLES LEMME TELL YA
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DMC Gang Teaching their s/o how to drive
Dante
Uh, yeah he knows how to drive
But... he's not the best teacher
Usually ends up asleep in the back
Cause he trusts you to figure it out
One day though, damn near changed his life
You smashed into a newspaper stand
The impact woke him from his nap
You were holding on to the steering wheel for dear life
Tears welled up in your eyes and he immediately pulled you into his lap
Kicking the door open, hauling both of you out of Morrison's now wrecked car
Dante was more concerned about you
You still hadn't said anything, just letting tears fall down your face
He checked you over, he was silent as well
Pissed at himself for letting his negligence, almost get you killed
The cops showed up, after a kind soul called them
An ambulance got to the scene and checked the pair of you over
While the paramedics looked you over, Dante called Vergil and Nero
The pair made it to the scene in Nico's van
But it wasn't just the two of them, the whole crew came
Kyrie and Lady rushed to your side, Lady shoving the paramedics and cops away from you
Kyrie got you talking, letting you weep onto her shoulder
Dante got a scolding from Vergil and Trish
Something along the lines of, "How could you be so wreckless." And "You knew that was dangerous, Dante."
He wasn't listening tho, he watched you cry into Kyrie's arms, while Lady rubbed your back comfortingly
Once the scene cleared out, it was just you and the crew
Oh! And a confused and angry Morrison
"How the hell.... Dante, you know your paying for this."
Your half-devil finally made his way to you, for once (and during this whole thing) speechless
His head hung, he didn't need Vergil, Trish or Lady to scold him
He was beating himself up over this
You looked up from Kyrie and Lady, throwing yourself into his arms
Crying out "I'm sorry's" and "I should have been more careful's"
He shushed you, burying his face in your shoulder, "Im sorry. I should have been paying more attention."
He silently cried into your neck
After that day, Dante took more care in paying more attention to your driving
Once you got your license though, he still took naps
Or so you thought
The devil man would only be resting
Peeking at you every so often
Vergil
You stood awkwardly in the archway of your shared bedroom
Vergil giving you a (visibly) shocked look
You wanted him to what?
"Verg? Did you hear me?" You shuffled your feet abit, again
He blinked at you
Dumbfounded, flabbergasted, and down right appalled
"You.. You want me to..."
You looked away, abit ashamed
But to your defense, you could and had always walked everywhere in Red Grave
You really didn't need to drive, unless you went to the beach or somewhere out of town
But.... Vergil didn't know how to drive either, he had spent the last 20 something years in hell
And the last thing he thought he would ever be asked to do or teach was FUCKING DRIVE
He shook his head, not saying anything to you
You bit your lip and looked away from him
You misunderstood his head shaking
Then his face flushed, letting out a grumble
"I dont know how to drive."
And in his defense, he just teleports or opens a portal to where he wants to go
You straightened up, "Wh-what?"
Great, you were back at square one
Vergil gave a small cough, "Why do you need to learn how to drive?"
You looked at your feet, "I just wanted to learn..."
In all honesty, Nero had teased you about being an adult, and not knowing how to drive
It made you feel low
Vergil gave a huff, noticing your hesitation
"Who." He stood up
You looked at him, "Ver-"
"Was it Dante? No... he barely knows how to drive..." his eyes flashed
You grabbed his arm, but it didn't stop him
He slashed open a portal, right into the shop
"Who teased (him/her)." It wasn't a question, a demand for the person who insulted his sweetheart
"Vergil. Please stop..."
Everyone in the shop looked at Nero, who had his headphones in
Vergil let out a growl and pushed you behind him
"Teach them how to drive!" He snarled, slicing the headphones off of his son's head
Nero shot up and got ready to fight back, but stopped when he realized what was happening
"Uh... sure... i-"
"Both of us."
Dante burst onto laughter, realizing what Vergil was getting at
Nero looked at Nico, "uh... can we-"
"Oh hell nah!"
At a loss Nero looked at you and his dad
"Well.... uh... i-"
Vergil scoffed, throwing a few summoned swords at his cackling brother
Then he pulled you close, "Tease them about not knowing how to drive again, and you'll feel my wrath."
He took you back home
After setting you on your feet and giving you a kiss on the forehead, he returned to his reading
"So..."
"You have me. No need to drive."
And that was the end of that
Nero
Nero sat in the van in the driver's seat
You in his lap
You insisted that he sit in the passenger seat
But the part-devil placed you in his lap
Now he was scratching his head
"Nero?" You looked at him with big puppy dog eyes
He looked down at you, "Yeah?"
"Do you know what your do-"
Nero waved his gauntlet clad hand
"Of course, I got this."
He, poorly, started to explain the gears, buttons and switches in front of you
"Aight. So. You got the gear shift, I think it's a stick. And the... uh... windshield wipers. And the lights in front, and the brights..."
'Oof,' you thought, 'I could have just asked Dante... and got just about the same experience.'
You drummed your fingertips on the steering wheel
Finally, tired of your boyfriend droning on, you turned the key and started the van
Nero jumped, then patted you on the head, pointing at the 3 pedals at your guys feet
"Well since your in my lap, I'll work the pedals. Just tell me when to speed up and slow down. Ok?"
You nodded, "Alright! Nice and slow though."
From here, using team work, you and Nero made your way around the block
Slow and steady
Then Nero hit the breaks a bit too hard
You nailing your forehead on the steering wheel
"Shit! Nero!" You leaned back rubbing your sore head
"S-sorry! There was a old lady crossing the street..." he mumbled
Then leaned forward a bit, examining your forehead
He sucked his teeth, "Shiiiiit. That looks bad babe...."
"No shit." You barked
You felt your boyfriend flinch at your tone
After the pain passed you patted him on the arm, that was wrapped around you
"Its ok. Good thing you stopped though." You pointed at the old lady still trying to cross the street
Nero nodded, grunting with agreement
"I... I think thats enough driving for the day."
Nero gave another nod, letting you crawl into the passenger seat
He made way back to the garage/shop
Once parked he looked at you
And you gave him a smile
"Thanks. That was pretty fun!"
Nero gave a small laugh, "I suppose it was, save for you bashing your skull on the wheel."
You huffed, poking out your lip, "Not entirely my fault."
V
(Yes, I include him, cause some people like him. And personally I like his character as well)
You and V were cuddling in the living room of your apartment
You leaned into his chest, watching tv, as he read from his book and gently running a hand through your hair
"V." You spoke lifting your head
He gave an acknowledging hum, looking to you from his book
"Can you teach me how to drive?"
He looked at you, his mind drawing a blank
As Vergil, he never drove, hell they barely walked
"Love, I've never driven.... Ever." He told you gently
You looked forward at his chest, searching your mind, trying to figure out who you could ask to teach you how to drive
V cocked his head at you, wondering what was going through your mind
You looked up, eyes shining, "we could learn together! There's plenty of books on driving!"
V's eyes lit up as well, your excitement fueling his
"Oh? Where to we begin then?"
You both sat up, you grabbing your phone and V sitting up with you
"Well the DMV would be a good start. They can give us all the info to study."
"There's a written test?" V asked, he knew he could pass that
You nodded, not looking up from your phone"Yes. And there is a driving segment as well."
V froze and looked down at you, but seeing you so excited, he didn't want to ruin your fun
Later you both got everything from the DMV
And at V's insistence, the library as well
You both spent weeks reading and learning
Even convincing Nico to let you practice and take the driving part of the test, using her van
Eventually when it was time for the tests, you both where prepared
You passed them with flying colors
Ignoring the dangerous tips Nico gave you
When it was V's turn, he passed the written exam
But hesitated when it was time to get into the van
He stood at the driver's door, hand on it
You walked to his side, gently putting your hand in his
"V? You can do it. Just don't think too hard about it."
He looked at you to speak, but you cut him off, sealing his lips with a kiss
Happy, he climbed in
You sat alone in the DMV, anxious
He came back with the instructor minutes later, beaming proudly
"You were correct, my dear. I didn't overthink."
He pulled you into a hug, after you both got your licenses
#dante devil may cry#vergil devil may cry#nero devil may cry#v devil may cry#lady devil may cry#trish devil may cry#nico devil may cry
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IT’S @mattieswheelers BIRTHDAY!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVELY WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH
beCAUSE of this, myself and @notsomightymightytiger decided to steal tea leaf’s time travelling mattie au and create a whole entire fic with their ideas and also a design that @ari-is-anxious did a while back!! hope you enjoy aaaaaaa <3333 aLSO stabbies try and spot as many starboard references as you can heheheh
this can be read on ao3 here if you prefer the format :)
tw: swearing, murder (it’s minor and resolved tho jsgh), religion (nicco my love read with care), blood, i really hope i haven’t missed anything please do let me know if i missed anything
-
Mattie had always been able to time travel. For as long as she could remember, her walk-in wardrobe had been lined with silver metal and held no clothes at all. As a child, this made it all the more exciting, though as she grew older and actually started to want to own clothes, it became a little inconvenient. She supposed all great inventions came with some kind of sacrifice.
Her uncle had made the time machine as a gift when Mattie was born. Her parents, like any basic adults, assumed the wardrobe-sized box was simply a toy and had taken no interest in it. Mattie, from the age of about three when her curiosity had really set in, was the one who discovered that the machine was in fact a working portal and not just a children’s toy. Since then, she had been happily travelling time and space during the darkest hours of night.
(You may have entirely valid concerns about a three year old having full access to time travel - luckily, not just for Mattie’s safety but also that of the entire human race, her uncle had set what were effectively child locks on a lot of the controls. These were diminished the day that Mattie turned thirteen. Uncle Calvin had always been a little weird, but he certainly wasn’t heartless.)
-
Usually, Mattie’s time travel didn’t affect her life. Sure, it made for some pretty awkward conversations as Mattie spurted some knowledge which could never have been explained through a textbook, but those could often be blamed on watching too much Horrible Histories as a child (“Mattie, I swear to God, you’re so bageling British, and yet you’ve never been there, I don’t understand.” “Horrible Histories is a masterpiece! You’re just jealous that you’re too American to have seen it.” “Actual asshole of a child.” “Farrah-!”).
It was going well until Mattie’s freshman year at Giles Corey. And then three of her fellow highschoolers were murdered. And suddenly Mattie had a way to prevent that from happening.
In some stroke of luck, she passed out at the sleepover and didn’t find out about the murders until she was sitting in the back of a cop car, driving to her house to pick up her things. She remembered thinking how weird it was that she wasn’t being taken straight to the station, but brushed that away in favour of ‘going into her wardrobe to change out of her bloody clothes’.
The time machine was cold like it always was and that forced her out of her muddled state quickly enough. She thought back to the victims. Chess. Farrah. Clark. Snapping on her goggles, she pressed a button, whirled backwards through time and space, and appeared at the gate to Riley’s neighbour’s house.
She really wished that she had actually changed her outfit - the damp blood turned cold with the breeze and sent shivers up her spine. The smell perhaps or just her sudden appearance startled the neighbour’s dogs into a frenzy. A figure, Chess, unharmed and merely confused instead of terrified, stood up from Riley’s bench, calling into the darkness. Mattie’s breath caught in her throat. The second figure, knife glinting in the dim streetlight, slipped out of the back door. Their red hair shone in the reflection of the knife with a sick kind of beauty.
Mattie could have stopped them there, taken the knife from the assailant’s grasp, prevented the tragedy of the evening. But she didn’t. She just watched.
Three minutes later, after arriving back in her present time and pressing yet another button on the wall of her closet, she watched the same scene unfold in the bathroom with a much younger victim. Twenty minutes after that, the third attack. This one was different though, an accident.
Still a little desperate and overly conscious of the police officer standing guard outside of her bedroom, she reappeared in her wardrobe, putting on a jumper before turning back time a little further. She appeared in a gymnastics centre as a girl around Mattie’s age did wolf turns on a beam. A coach entered the scene from the sidelines as the girl stopped spinning, her distinctive plait falling still against her back. Something in Mattie ached at the sight of Chess so lively and innocent, willing to give up her life for her dream of succeeding in her sport. As the two wandered into a side room, picking up water with a smile, Mattie edged forwards, collecting soft gym mats as she went. Within minutes, the area surrounding the beam had been double layered with cushioning, and Mattie could only pray that her plan would work. She’d seen enough YouTube videos to know what happened next.
Chess emerged again with her coach, hopping back up onto the beam with practiced ease. Again, Mattie was forced to just watch as she went down into her wolf turn, then rose up, did a split leap across at least half of the beam, and jumped into a twist to land on the floor. It was a messy landing, the gymnast’s ankle caving in on itself, knee twisting unnaturally in the air, before coming down hard onto her side. But, unlike in the previous videos, there wasn’t a resounding crack, only a weak cry of pain as Chess stumbled back to her feet.
Mattie grinned despite herself as snippets of conversation drifted her way.
“-not broken, don’t worry-”
“The Olympics seem out of the picture…”
“Get her a drink to numb the pain! Yes, limeade’s perfect-!”
Mattie arrived in her room again with a whole plethora of new information just inserted into her mind like it had been there all along. There was no longer and never had been a police officer outside her door. Her shirt was clean, her head undamaged. Chess didn’t go to the Olympics, but still did gymnastics in her spare time as her knee made a full and quick recovery. Farrah wasn’t dropped. Riley, in some weird twist of fate, went to the same therapist as Mattie. Life was… good for the Giles Corey Tigers.
Across town, the sleepover was still going ahead as normal. From what weird memories she just gained, Mattie knew that the team was at a rocky patch, their personalities still clashing in any iteration of the evening. But, with some relief, she knew that it would never in this timeline be bad enough for murder to even be considered as an answer. Her phone buzzed. The lies came easily as she covered up her mysterious disappearance from the sleepover she should currently be at.
Reese (school): Where are you???
Mattieeeee: I went home :( not feeling good
Reese (school): :((( that sucks
Mattieeeee: Ikr. I think it was the ice cream.
Reese (school): I told the others
Reese (school): They all say get well soon apart from Kate and Cairo who actually agreed on something for once haha
Mattieeeee: What did they say skjghdjh
Reese (school): “Tolerate the lactose, Wheeler.”
-
In her short-but-actually-quite-long-given-all-the-time-travel life, Mattie had witnessed a number of key historic events (and had caused about 85% by some small accident, but that’s a story for another time). The one which ended up unveiling her secret to someone in her actual life occurred overnight one February. Or maybe July. Depends. Time is weird.
She stepped into a small room, luckily through the doorway and not awkwardly through the window, as done many times before. A man sat hunched over a desk by the window, dressed in brown and using a pen-but-not-really-a-pen to craft a page of writing. From Mattie’s extensive historical knowledge, it could have been anywhere from 1000 BC to the 16th century.
“Hello, excuse me,” she began, “But I’m a little lost.”
The man startled, his not-really-pen skidding across the page and leaving a trail of thick ink in its wake as he blinked at her in the doorway. “Who are you?” He seemed perplexed as to how a young girl was standing there, in the opening to his room, in clothing not of any time now or before.
Something that Mattie had realised after travelling not only to different times, but also to a vast number of different settings around the world, was that somehow, she was never stumped by a language barrier. Instead she was always able to fluently converse with those she met in what appeared to her as American English. It was really weird; she tried not to think about it too much or it made her head hurt. She’d also learnt that it was best not to explain her full situation to her companions, becoming accustomed to pulling the classic ‘I’m not here, you’re just dreaming’ excuse. So that was exactly the tactic she applied here. “A dream figure. You don’t need to be afraid.”
The man narrowed his eyes, glancing down at the paper and then back up to Mattie’s face. “That’s a good line.” He scribbled her words down onto a scrap piece of papyrus. “Maybe I can use that later.”
Mattie grinned, sensing her chance to fuck up history just a little bit. “What are you writing?”
“How the world came to be,” the man explained. “God.”
“Ah, of course. The Bible, huh?”
“Pardon?” The scribe locked eyes with Mattie for the first time, confusion etched clearly on his face. She shook her head in response, having learnt that it was hopeless trying to explain events of the future to people who could never even begin to imagine the future that she came from. Seemingly satisfied, the man continued. “As the vision you are, I wonder if you’ve been sent to answer my queries.”
“Of course. Go ahead.”
“I’m struggling for a name. Not for the book itself, but just for this chapter.”
Mattie smiled as wisely as she could. “What do you have so far?”
“‘Generational Crisis’. The chapter describes how our world came to be - the creation of natural elements, the first humans, the beginnings of emotion. ‘Generational’ as it shall be carried on for generations, and ‘crisis’ as it’s a huge event, a crisis for the higher powers.”
Mattie choked. Her mind imagined a world where the entry chapter to the Bible was named as so, and it was a world of chaos and highly differing language choices. “That is very wise, sir. I have one suggestion: how about shortening it? Make it snappier, more catchy. I’m thinking…” She paused, feigning deep thought, “‘Genesis.’”
The man gasped, scrawling her word down at the top of the papyrus. “Genius! Thank you, child. I should write your name in my finished book, to show my gratitude for your kindness.”
“Mattie, sir, Mattie Wheeler. It’s been lovely to meet you and see your studies.” Over the centuries, Mattie had learnt to leave those she met with some kind of reassurance as the humane aspect of her hobby. “Before I go, I may be a dream spirit, but I can assure you that the work you have done right now shall be greatly appreciated for thousands of years to come.”
“You really are a wonder, perhaps a child sent from the power above.”
Unthinking, she snorted, replying, “Oh, boy, you are not ready to hear about Jesus.”
“Jesus? You mean my sister’s husband? I do hear some curious rumours about the man…”
Mattie hid her laugh behind a hand. Of course, this was hundreds of years before Jesus Christ came to be thought of. “I know, right? Jesus? More like JeSUS.” The scribe didn’t reply, mind clearly tired of its confusion and instead turning back to something it knew well. He picked up his writing patterns again. Mattie turned away, back to the doorway. “I will leave you to your writing again. Sleep well.” Leaving a small vial of dissolved sleeping pills on the desk, she stepped out of the door.
-
The only class that Mattie knew she would see Eva in was Religion. They didn’t actually share the class, but Mattie’s Religion teacher was Eva’s form tutor and the older girl often used the classroom as a quieter study area for her free period. Not that Mattie would call a class of thirty sophomores particularly peaceful, but apparently she hadn’t heard the noise of the senior study area, you genuinely don’t understand, last week Jacob Thomas tried to make toast using the sun on a desk and then, bam, the entire of senior year are creating chants about sun bread, it was so weird, Mattie, I transferred to a school of crackheads.
After her travel to the 7th century AD, Mattie sparked a sudden interest in her Religion classes. Eva, being the older sister that she was, watched closely as the sophomore stayed behind after class to search the Bible for something in particular.
“What’re you looking for?”
“Nothing!” Mattie didn’t look up from fervently turning the pages.
“Well, that’s a fucking lie.” Eva perched on the side of a desk, sliding across to snatch the book out of the younger girl’s hands. “Why the hell are you looking at what is essentially the movie credits for the Bible???”
Eva watched as Mattie bit her lip, eyes darting around the empty classroom. She thought for a long moment, visibly debating points in her head, before leaning over the top of the book to run her finger down a list of names. About a third of the way down the page, she stopped. Eva’s eyes followed her finger as it drew a circle around a certain name. Matte Wheyler
“See. I was looking for that.”
Eva didn’t say anything for a while. Mattie waited with baited breath as Eva’s brain tried to make sense of what they saw. “Mattie Wheeler, what the bagel.” It didn’t bother to even be a question.
“It’s a really long story.” Mattie slumped onto the desk as well. “Hey, did you know that ‘Genesis’ would have originally been called ‘Generational Crisis’ if it wasn’t for me?”
After a glance at both of their timetables, they decided that their next lessons (biology and latin respectively) were worth missing. Instead, they stayed seated on a desk in the Religion classroom, as Mattie explained in detail how her name came to be in the Bible. It was refreshing to finally spill her secret after fifteen years of complete silence, and Mattie wondered vaguely in the back of her mind if one day Eva might be able to share in her time travelling adventures. That might take a little more explaining though, because Eva sure did have a lot of questions.
“So, you don’t change anything?”
“Not anything major. Like, I can’t stop Hitler or anything, that would change too big an event. Little things, however, like names and stuff, it’s fun to mess around with. Ever wondered why the Italian city, Pisa, has its name? I delivered pizza to the guys who were kind of like the government at the time of its naming. Hence, the Leaning Tower of Pizza.”
Eva cackled. “Wait, what?! God, dude, that’s nuts. What the fuck.”
“What can I say, all I really want in life is a little bit of chaos and also mozzarella sticks.”
-
Mattieeeee sent a photo.
evanescence: is that??? abraham lincoln????
Mattieeeee: Abraham Lincoln was an otter.
evanescence: how so?
Mattieeeee: Point one: look at him.
Mattieeeee: Point two: no seriously. Look at him.
evanescence: oh my god
evanescence: i cannot believe you have a literal selfie with abraham lincoln that’s fucking wild
Mattieeeee: Perks of the job :D
evanescence: literally hire me i want a selfie with cleopatra
-
farrah o’satanic ritual: yall i got out of the shower like an hour ago and i still haven’t changed
Imposter: What can I say, bath robes are in fashion rn
farrah o’satanic ritual: ive told you before clark stop pretending you know how to dress
Mattieeeee: Farrah did you not die in the shower?
katherine: ????mattie???????
farrah o’satanic ritual: no?? i didn’t
SmileyRiley: dang it
katherine: riLEY-
caicrow: riley i thought we’d moved on from murder
Imposter: Plot twist: Mattie was the murderer all along
katherine: CLARK-
Mattieeeee: oops-
-
It wasn't meant to happen, she swore up and down it was a mistake. A true and honest accident. And it kinda was? I mean Mattie hadn’t intended for the scaffolding on the new tower being constructed in Pisa to wobble, she’d already fucked up Pisa once in her career, but… Well, that's what she got for letting loose Giles and Corey (her occasional time travelling companions, who also happened to be cats) in the middle of a Italian city in 1252. She could have sworn the catnip was safely concealed in one of the pockets inside her jacket (which was filled with all sorts of trinkets from her travels in the space-time continuum), yet somehow the two had still gotten into it. She guessed that's what she got for not hydrating-feel-greating and eating-to-defeating.
An old citizen eyed her suspiciously, taking in her struggle with the two cats. Or maybe she was just more focused on Mattie’s goggles - she doubted anyone in 13th century Pisa had seen such a bold fashion statement before. The tower continued to lean in the background.
Finally, Giles and Corey settled down, each in a pocket of her trench coat. Mattie breathed a sigh of relief, which only got halfway out of her before she was sucking it back in as the old lady from across the street began to approach her.
“Young lady.”
Mattie smiled sheepishly. “Hello, ma’am. Is everything alright?”
The lady looked mildly amused. “I couldn’t help but notice your two cats going mysteriously close to the tower before it started collapsing. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
“Oh, no, ma’am. My cats are very well behaved.” Giles gave a resounding yelp at exactly the wrong time. A hiss from Corey echoed from the opposite pocket.
“Well,” the lady grinned, “If that’s the case, why don’t you leave the animals with me? You seem fairly preoccupied with the tower - perhaps you can try and assist its reconstruction?” She held out a hand.
Mattie thought for a moment and then handed across the two cats. “Thank you ever so much, ma’am. I’ll try and be quick.” The woman nodded and Mattie sped across the square to the drastically swaying tower.
When she arrived back at the woman’s table, there was a second lady in animated conversation with her. As Mattie approached, she stood up to take her leave, pressing a kiss to the first lady’s hair as she left. Something was definitely fruity there.
“All fixed!”
“I’m glad.” The woman nudged the cats back to their owner, looking intensely over Mattie’s shoulder to the stabilised tower. “It certainly looks sturdier.”
“I should hope so.”
The woman narrowed her eyes. “Sometimes,” she said, staring pointedly at an area on the structure, “I think about crabs.”
“Oh?” Mattie tilted her head. “Do you?”
“Yes. And often when I think about crabs, I think that they shouldn’t be in Pisa, and they most definitely should not be crawling over the tower.”
Mattie gasped and followed her gaze, muttering curses under her breath. “I didn’t realise I’d brought a whole crab with me! I thought I’d taken the sea life off the rocks!”
The woman chuckled. “You seem to be a strange character. Child, where on Earth did you find not only rocks large enough to support a tower, but also a live crab in Pisa?”
Accepting her fate, Mattie decided to tell the truth. “They’re from Egypt.” At the woman’s questioning look, she expanded, “I’m a traveller of sorts.”
“Oh. Well, child, you’re a gift of a traveller. Brightened my day. Italy these days is far too serious. Maybe we should put more crabs on the leaning tower, huh?”
Tucking her cats back into their respective pockets, Mattie allowed herself to laugh. “Maybe we should.” With a nod and a smile, she wandered off, eagerly awaiting her portal.
-
“Why were you in Egypt anyway?” Eva asked as Mattie recounted yet another of her time-travel-gone-wrong experiences.
“Library of Alexandria.”
“Oh, yeah, because that explains so much.”
“Shut up.” She rolled her eyes. “It was 48 BC, Caesar was burning shit, this random Roman dude set fire to the library.” She pulled a book out of her backpack. “I saved this and stashed away a few of the slabs of rock. And apparently a crab.”
Eva took the book in awe. “Jesus Christ… This thing is, like, thousands of years old…”
“I know, right? Weird.” She watched as Eva flicked through the pages, tracing her finger over certain words or illustrations. “But it was such a beautiful library, I couldn’t let it just burn. So, I retaliated. Burnt the house of the soldier who set the original flame.”
“Mattie!”
She shrugged. “Setting someone’s house on fire is a survival skill.”
“Oh my God.”
“I would have done something more dramatic, but I had to get home. I had a cake which would need to come out of the oven.”
Eva laughed, the sound echoing around the empty classroom. They were skiving class again, this time PE, the one class they had which coincidentally fell at the same time for both year groups. “How are you so normal in school, but so badass when you time travel?”
“I dunno. All I can say is that cake and spite are my only motivators.”
“You’re like a superhero. ‘Time Travelling Mattie: The Only One Who Can Lead A Dual Life Successfully’!!!”
Mattie blushed, shrugging. She definitely needed to take Eva with her one day. A superhero duo. “Okay, that name needs some work. How about: ‘Sanchez And Wheeler, The Ultimate Time Travelling Duo’?”
“I think I like the sound of that.”
“Yeah?”
Eva nodded, shaking her hand like they were signing a business contract. “Yeah.”
#!!!!!!!!!!!!#TEA LEAF MY BELOVED LOOKY#GHSJGDJH WE DID IT :DDD#I hope you like I have been working on this literally all day and I am kinda proud kjdghskdjgh I've gotten attached to this au#give me Eva and Mattie friendship over everything else#ewww gross why does my laptop keep making things actually grammatically correct grossssss#we are the tigers#tiff (co-author now we're a business)#kiera (yay for gay)#mattie wheeler#eva sanchez#time travelling mattie au#caps tw#religion mention#religion tw#biblical angels mention#nicco pls read w care ily#blood tw#murder tw#swearing tw
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✰ 099 | no takesies backsies
la vie en rose ━ in which lee aera, a girl who has been crushing on choi soobin for a long, long time, is starting her junior year and her friends decide that its time for her to make her move.
( masterlist | prev | next )
A/N: whoop! one more update + the epilogue and we’re donezo!!
“I can’t believe it’s really red—,” He flipped and shuffled his hands through her hair as he said this.
“So bright, so pretty,” Soobin muttered to himself, going as far as to bend down and push his nose into her scalp, taking a long, dramatic sniff. “Oh, it doesn’t smell like strawberries.”
Aera laughed at this, shoving her not-boyfriend away from her softly. “Of course not. That’s like me saying your hair should smell like chocolates.”
Soobin had recently dyed his hair back to brown--well, dark brown, and as much as it made Aera sad to see the purple gone from his hair, it was well past due. His roots had grown out terribly, meaning that he was either going to have to redo his roots or retreat back to his natural brown. Also, the purple was less purple and more of a faded ash gray, from all the washing Soobin did to his hair.
For a while, he was set on just letting his hair grow out, then cutting it at the brown once the ash gray was to the tips of his hair but Aera told him he would look crazy. They debated about it for a few days, but one day Aera showed up at his house with a kit with brown hair dye and a few hours later his chocolate brown locks were back.
“Well, if you used strawberry shampoo it would smell like strawberries.”
“I will when you use chocolate shampoo.”
Soobin pouted. “I bet Ariel’s hair smells like strawberries.”
“Go sniff her head then,” the red-head quipped. “And I actually highly doubt that is true. She lives in the ocean, you know. The place where fish pee--that ocean.”
“Is there another ocean that I should be thinking of?”
“Yeah,” There was a teasing lilt in Aera’s voice. “The one I’m going to toss you in if you keep sassing me.”
The two were currently sitting in Soobin’s living room on Saturday morning, Soobin having asked Aera on Friday night if she wanted to spend the next day with him. Of course, without hesitation, Aera agreed, telling him that she would be there by ten, and now they were there.
Soobin had suggested watching YouTube in his living room until his mom got home from the gym, and Aera found no issue with the idea. During the past hour and a half, they had watched way too many Girls’ Generation music videos, and even attempted to learn the choreography to Catch Me If You Can. After forty minutes of them attempting to get past the first verse, they called it quits. Soobin claimed that he was too talented in girl group choreography to continue and further embarrass Aera with her lackluster movements.
But if you asked Aera, Soobin just didn’t want to have a dance battle, because he knew he was going to lose.
At noon, Ruha walked through the front door, her arms loaded with three market bags, filled to the brim with groceries.
“Soobin-ah,” Ruha yelled, a little too loud since she hadn’t realized he was right there in the living room. “Come help me with my bags!”
Both Soobin and Aera rushed to help Ruha, the older woman being slightly startled by Aera being there but she quickly perked up and said, “Oh good, Ae Ae is here. More hands to help!”
Everything felt so natural with Soobin and his family. Aera had spent a lot of time at his house since the picnic, and his parents seemed to love her. Soobin’s dad was obsessed when he saw how small Aera was, often leaning his elbow on her head whenever he stood beside her as a way to ridicule and tease her about her height. Then when she turned up with red hair, he almost had a better reaction than Soobin, dubbing her Strawberry Shortcake and hasn’t stopped calling her that since.
Aera had also gotten Soobin’s parents’ phone numbers, Ruha often texting Aera at random times throughout the day whenever Soobin talked about her.
ruha-ssi
he said you brought him lunch to school today. says that he loves how much you care about him
i’m sure he cares about me way more than i do him
ruha-ssi
does he show it well?
that he cares for you.
wouldnt ask for him to treat me any better than he already
does ruha-ssi.
Or the time Ruha told her that Soobin was sleep talking and had muttered her name.
ruha-ssi
he’s napping.
[picture attached]
ruha-ssi
he just grumbled your name and had the biggest smile
aw that’s so cute
ruha-ssi
i know :)))
Soobin was aware that Aera had his mother’s number, but he didn’t know that his mother was revealing just how lovestruck he was. Aera didn’t plan on mentioning it to him either, thinking that Ruha is godsent for giving her so much dirt and content to tease Soobin with whenever he decided to get too sassy with her.
Plus, Soobin has had Dongmin’s phone number much longer than Aera has had Ruha’s, and she is one-thousand percent positive that her mother lived to embarrass her, so Soobin for sure had some dirt on her.
It’s a win-win situation, all is fair in love and war.
“So, Soobin-ah,” Ruha spoke as she walked into the kitchen. “What time do you want to head out?”
Aera was busy placing things where they belonged from the market bags (yes, she knows where their groceries belonged—she’s been over there that much), but she raised an eyebrow at Ruha’s question.
“Head out where?” she asked.
“Soobin wanted to take you to an early dinner today,” Ruha paused, with a nervous expression on her face. “I-I don’t know if it was supposed to be a surprise or not-”
“No, mom, it’s fine,” Soobin waved it off. “It wasn’t really a surprise, I was gonna mention it to you later, Pouts.”
Aera walked out of the pantry, an excited glint in her eyes. “Will there be steak at this dinner?”
“Do you want there to be steak?”
“Yes.”
“Then there will be steak.”
━━━━━━━
The restaurant Soobin had chosen was very dark, Aera noted. The only light that was supplied was from a single candle lit in the center of the table, which left everything as shadows and tinted orange.
It seemed super expensive, and once Aera picked up the menu, her suspicions were confirmed.
“Soobi,” her voice seemed hesitant. “How are you affording any of this?”
She should’ve realized that the meal was going to be an expensive one when Ruha had offered Aera one of her old dresses, seeing as Aera had came over to their house in a pair of ripped jeans and a tattered t-shirt. The dress Ruha lent her was a dark blue, high-necked dress, where the waist tapered in and then flowed out to mid-thigh. Luckily, Aera had worn black flats that day, those being the shoes closest to her front door when she left for Soobin’s house.
Soobin was dressed in a simple button up and black slacks. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and the top button of his shirt was undone—if Aera hadn’t known better, she would’ve thought Soobin was a young adult that worked a nine-to-five office job and not a sixteen year old boy taking his not-girlfriend out for an early dinner.
Everything was fancy, and the two of them were tucked into a corner booth where once they sat down the hostess had wished ‘Mister and Missus Choi’ a nice evening.
“Months of allowance that I’ve saved up,” Soobin lifted his gaze from the menu and once he saw how worried Aera was, he rushed to reassure her. “Plus, I work a summer job! Don’t worry, Pouts, I promise it’s not too much.”
“You don’t have to spend your allowance on me, Soobi,” she spoke softly. “You should spend it on something you really want-something to make you happy.”
“Seeing you happy makes me happy.”
Aera blushed. “Don’t try to flatter me into running your pockets dry.”
“Ae Ae, seriously,” Soobin put down his menu and reached his hands across the table to touch her hands, which laid on the table. He tugged her index fingers once, attempting to soothe her and get her to not worry. “It’s fine. If it makes you feel better we can just split something, so that way I won’t have to spend much.”
The crease in her eyebrows gradually faded and she nodded in agreement. “Are you okay with splitting a steak?”
“Yeah, yeah,” he nodded. “Just order whatever, I’ll eat anything.”
Aera looked over the menu, her eyes skipping over the more expensive items but honestly the cheapest things were the hor d'oeuvres and even those weren’t cheaper than 74,000 won.
“How about I choose one, you choose one, then we pick something together?” she suggested. “That way we can both enjoy something.”
By the time the waiter came to the table, they had decided on their personal picks and their combined choice, and once the food came to the table, Aera knew it was more than enough. The steak she had chosen ended up being as big as her face and had the both of them gasping in surprise once it was set on the table. Soobin decided on a rose pasta, in a dish large enough that it could feed a family of five. And their combined choice was a large platter of American-style french fries, but the way the menu phrased it made it seem like they were ordering a fancy potato.
Soobin offered to have the kitchen take it back, but Aera refused to give back french fries--she’d be crazy to ever turn down french fries (plus it came with a gravy boat filled with a white sauce that Aera could literally guzzle down in one go, so she was more than happy to keep it).
The moment the waiter told them to enjoy, Aera was shoving her fork into the steak, which was thankfully pre-cut, and the second she bit into it, juice ran down her chin and she had to squeeze every muscle in her throat to not let out a moan.
Soobin noticed her expression, the way her eyes fell close and she paused mid-bite. “Is it good, Pouts?”
“Tho goof,” she attempted to speak around her bite but she just gave up and nodded enthusiastically.
“It’s so juicy,” she said once she swallowed.
When they were ordering, she wanted to get the steak cooked well-done, but Soobin had told her to get it medium preaching something about it being more tender and juicer as if he knew everything and anything about steak. Aera argued and said she didn’t want to cut into her steak and hear it mooing back at her, and Soobin chuckled but promised if it was too raw for her when it came out, they could just send it back and she obliged.
She most definitely was not sending back this beautiful piece of heaven, and shoved another piece into her mouth. The scene from Ratatouille when the rat fused together strawberry and cheese and had color swirling around his head played inside Aera’s head the second she took another bite of the steak. Her eyes were closed, her head lolled from side to side as she swayed euphorically to the warmth of the steak and the flavor on her tongue.
Once she noticed what she was doing, she sat up stark straight and opened her eyes, watching as Soobin recorded her and laughed silently at her actions.
“You seemed to be enjoying yourself alot there,” Soobin ended the recording and set his phone on the table.
“Delete that.”
“I won’t. Here,” Soobin held out his fork where some of his pasta was twirled on the end. “Try it.”
Aera opened her mouth, letting him guide the fork inside and once she closed her mouth around the fork, the Ratatouille scene played again. She pulled away from the fork, her hand shooting over her mouth as she chewed and her eyes shot wide.
“Good?” Soobin asked, stabbing his fork in a piece of steak and eating it, much less dramatically than Aera had.
“Is amayshin,” Aera muttered. “Why ish ev-wee-shing hwere sho amayshin?”
Soobin swallowed and laughed. “It better be with these ridiculous prices.”
“Oh, yeah,” she nodded and swallowed her bite. “It’s so worth it.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“I’m glad I like you,” Aera giggled, shoving some fries into her mouth. “You buy me expensive steak.”
“Only because of the steak?”
She nonchalantly shrugged. “Pretty much.”
Soobin faked a scoff, halfway knowing she was joking, but once he watched her pick up another piece of steak, and then kiss it before she ate it, he wasn’t so sure if she was joking anymore.
━━━━━━━━━
Thirty-five minutes and an entire steak later, Aera and Soobin were slouched over, bellies full, with their plates cleared.
“I am going to sleep so well tonight,” Aera grumbled as she rubbed her stomach. “This was so amazing.”
The waiter came to give the receipt and return Soobin’s card, wishing ‘Mister and Missus Choi’ a good night, and left them to their vices. Aera chuckled at being called Missus Choi, because did she look old enough to be married?
Did married people dye their hair red? She didn’t know but did she look married? Did her and Soobin resemble a married couple? Oh god, that just fueled her fantasy of marrying Soobin and she knew that she would never let this go.
“Alright,” Soobin groaned, shoving the receipt and card into his pocket as he stood and rounded the table, reaching his hand out to help Aera up from her chair. “You okay?”
Aera blew out a breath. “I’m stuffed.”
They both stood in place, Aera swaying a bit from standing up too quickly and Soobin attempted to stabilize her by setting a hand on her waist. “Careful.”
“I’m fine,” she tapped his hand on her waist. “I’m okay, just stood up a little too fast. Let’s go.”
They walked out of the restaurant hand-in-hand, Soobin somewhat leading Aera as she momentarily closed her eyes as a way to wheeze out air around her full belly. This was the best meal she has had in entire life, one that she never imagined having unless she was filthy rich and drank gold for breakfast, lunch, and dinner but here Soobin was taking her on a date just because he wanted to see her happy.
When they made it outside, Aera tugged his hand, causing him to stop and turn to her. She eased her arms around his waist, resting her head on his shoulder as she softly hugged him. He returned the gesture immediately, cuddling his head on top of hers and they just existed in the moment, in each other’s arms.
“Thank you for this, Soobin,” Aera squeezed him tightly, nuzzling her head further into his shoulder. “You made me really happy by doing this—you make me happy always.”
“I’m happy to make you happy,” Soobin chuckled, pulling away from the hug. “But the night isn’t over, we have one more stop!”
“Is it far?”
Soobin nodded. “My mom is going to take us there. She’s on her way here now.”
“Where is it?”
“The beach.”
“The beach?”
Soobin nodded again. “The beach.”
“The beach,” Aera said flatly. “I like the beach.”
“That’s why we’re going.”
“Hm,” Aera sighed happily. “The beach.”
━━━━━━━━━━
Upon their arrival, Aera realized that when Soobin said the beach, he actually meant the boat dock by the beach. Well more like the yacht dock by the beach, because as they made their way to the end of the dock, they passed massive yachts, the type that only rich people could afford. Ones with balconies and two-stories that have some corny name etched onto the side that were either named after an important woman in their life or something like Old Betsy.
“What are we doing on a dock,” Aera giggled, swinging her and Soobin’s hands where they were connected. “I’m almost positive we aren’t supposed to be here.”
Soobin laughed as they came to stop in front of one of the smaller yachts, which wasn’t exactly small (but in comparison to the other yachts it was more compact), where a man was waiting for them.
“Choi Soobin?”
“Yes sir,” Soobin nodded, then gestured behind him. “And this is my mother, Ruha.”
The man extended his hand to Ruha, giving it a firm shake. “Yes, we spoke on the phone. Everything is set, if you guys want to climb on in, we’ll head out in about ten minutes.”
“Thank you,” Ruha said as the man helped her onto the yacht by her hand.
The man then lent his hand to Aera, but instead of grabbing it, she took a step back, a conflicted look on her face.
“Wait,” Soobin placed his free hand on Aera’s wasit, causing her to look up at him. “You aren’t afraid of water, right? Boats or anything? Because I was just trying to surprise you, that’s why I didn’t as-”
“No, no,” Aera shook her head. “That’s not it, but Soobin how much was this?”
Soobin raised an eyebrow at the question, confused as to why she was asking this. “What?”
“It’s just—” she sighed. “You’re spending a lot of money today, and I don’t want you to think you have to blow a bunch of money just to make me happy. You could’ve just given me a bottle of water and I’d be happy that it came from you, so I don’t get why you are taking me to all these expensive places and things.”
“I just want to spoil you,” he softly replied. “Even if it’s just for a day. I want you to have some of the best experiences with me, so I don’t mind spending a lot of money on you.”
“But, Soob-”
“And plus,” Soobin smiled wide. “My friends chipped in to help, they wanted to make us both happy so they offered to help. You don’t have to pay them back, I don’t have to pay them back, they were just doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. Me as well.”
Aera stood there frozen.
“I just want you to be happy.”
“But I’m already happy with you.”
Soobin leaned down to rest his forehead on Aera’s. “Yes, but you’d be even more happy on the boat, so let’s go!”
Aera laughed as she reached out for the man’s hand, him having stood there and watched that whole sappy ordeal, and he pulled her into the boat. Soobin followed and guided Aera to the very front of the yacht, where Ruha sat with a blanket over her legs.
“Choi Soobin, this will be the last time you spend a shit ton of money on me, do you understand?” Aera scolded, her finger pointed at Soobin but a smile was on her face.
“Yes, ma’am, never again,” Soobin spoke jokingly, totally not meaning a word of what he just said.
“You’re not going to listen to me are you?”
“Nope.”
The yacht got moving a few moments later, things feeling a bit shaky for a few minutes, but Aera acclimated to it quite fast. She and Soobin had taken to roleplaying the scene from Titanic that nearly everyone does when they are at the frontmost point on a boat.
Soobin held her waist as Aera held her arms out to her side, feeling the wind whip on her face and the smell of salt infiltrate her nose.
“The ocean is kind of stinky,” her nose scrunched up as she said this. “Smells like raw fish and high cholesterol.”
Soobin cackled, tightly wrapping his arms around Aera’s waist as he pulled her into his chest, her back to her front. “You ruined such a good moment.”
She giggled, placing her hands over his arms and squeezed. “I was just telling the truth.”
“Kids!” Ruha called out. “Come sit down for a few minutes, you’re making me nervous by the ledge.”
They obliged, walking to sit across from Ruha and they talked amongst themselves for a few minutes, playing a few rounds of rock paper scissors to pass the time.
“So are we just going to cruise around the ocean for a few hours or what?” Aera asked, peering over the side of the boat to look down into the water. “Because no offense to the ocean or anything, but this is a bit boring.”
Soobin pulled out his phone, checking the time before he answered, “Actually, no. Just seven minutes until what we came here for happens.”
Aera looked intrigued now, “Oh, is it fireworks? Are we looking at fireworks?”
“I don’t think lighting explosives on a yacht would be smart.”
“A yacht,” Aera chuckled. “Never thought I’d see one of these in my entire lifetime.”
“Well, there’s a first time for everything.”
“I’m glad my first time was with you,” she softly spoke, her voice almost a whisper.
“Me too,” Soobin smiled. “We’ll have many firsts together, hopefully.”
“Hopefully.”
At the moment, they were sitting side-by-side with their waist turned to face one another, but Soobin pointed behind Aera as he muttered, “Look.”
Aera turned her body around, to face the ocean, a gasp leaving her mouth as she absorbed the breathtaking scene in front of her. She watched as the sun burned a hypnotizing orange and pink hue, reflecting on the ocean’s surface. Slowly, the orb lowered to meet the horizon line, kissing it softly as the glares glittered across the rippling water.
She had seen nothing like this, ever. Mother nature and the Earth’s natural occurrences never appealed to Aera, they were never something she found interesting or attention-catching, but this—this was so worth it.
Her awestruck trance was broken when Soobin rested his chin on her shoulder, whispering, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“It’s-I-” Aera searched for the right words but there were none that could accurately describe exactly what she was witnessing. It made her speechless, her jaw going slack as she once again watched the sun move lower and lower.
They sat in silence, taking in the scenic view before them. Ruha sat opposite of them, snapping pictures of the sunset as she oh’ed and aw’ed at the scene.
“Pouts,” Soobin muttered into her ear, keeping his voice low so as to not ruin the moment. “I, uh-”
“Hm, Soobi?”
“Please, be my girlfriend.”
All of Aera’s breath left her body, all of her blood seemed to run cold. Was she hallucinating? Was she hearing things?
“Huh-” Oh god, she sounded so stupid. Who responds to the boy of their dreams asking them to be their girlfriend with ‘huh’.
“I-” Soobin sat up straighter, Aera being able to feel so behind her. “I really like you-no, love you, and I want to be with you. Officially. For a very long time.”
Aera eased her way around, turning to face Soobin who looked like he was going to pass out any second if she didn’t give him an answer within the next millisecond. So she carefully raised her hands to his cheeks, cupping his face softly.
“I’d love to be your girlfriend, Choi Soobin,” she breathed. “I’d kind of be an asshole if I said no after all of this, am I right?”
Soobin held onto her wrists. “I hope that isn’t the sole reason you are saying yes.”
“Lucky for you, it is not. It’s probably one of the lower list reasons.”
“There’s a list?”
She giggled. “There has always been a list.”
The sound of her giggle seemed to have him smitten, his eyes zoning in on her lips which caused her heart to skip a beat. She wasn’t dumb, she knew what he was thinking of, what his eyes were asking for, and for some reason, she had no qualms about complying.
Her first kiss was always something Aera fretted about, thinking about how awful it was going to be, how she was going to mess everything up. But for some reason, right here, right now, with Soobin, she knew for a fact it was going to be amazing. This is maybe the first and only decision Aera didn’t hesitate to make, and so she leaned in.
The touch of their lips was soft. Simple. A measly, quick peck.
When they pulled back, both of their cheeks were colored rose, a look of fondness between the two of them and Aera leaned in to kiss the the corner of Soobin’s mouth before pulling away and dropping her hands from his face.
“No takesies backsies, Choi Soobin.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, Lee Aera.”
#choi beomgyu#choi soobin#choi yeonjun#hueningkai#kang taehyun#kpop#choi soobin x female oc#social media au#txt#txt social media au
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This Little Angel
AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24201565 Tagged: @chocolate1721 @tiny-goddess-of-chaos
Ok, so my Discord buddies caused this one, great idea. Just had to do it. Hope you guys enjoy it! Especially you Choco n AAAAAAAAAAAH.
Harley heard the crying first. When she looked over and saw the man standing over a couple with the child between them sobbing out. She couldn’t have been older than 3. The mugger ran as soon as he saw her. She ran over and kneeled down next to the little girl and placed a hand on her shoulder. The girl sobbed as she dove into Harley, burying her face into Harley’s shoulder.
“Oh, sweetie. I’m so sorry,” she mumbled looking at her parent’s bodies before looking where the mugger had left. It seems he was content to leave her to die alone. “Come on, sweetie, I’ll give you a good home.” she picked up the little girl, holding her close as she balanced the girl on her hip and walked back to her and Joker’s place. “Puddin! We have a child now!” she called and Joker looked over at her, his usual grin falling in confusion.
“What? What do you mean, sweetheart?” he asked looking at her and the little girl in her arms.
“Well, Puddin, this little cutie’s parents were mugged and killed. The mugger left her for dead when he saw me,” she explained sitting down and bouncing her legs hoping to get the girl to laugh.
“Well, that is unfortunate,” he said and Harley gave him a big smile.
“But I figure we could raise her n give her a happy home!” she explained and Joker started nodding and smile grew on his face.
“Sounds good, Doll Face.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~(ノ◕ヮ◕)ノ*:・゚✧~~~~~~~~~~~~
No one knew Joker and Harley were raising a child. Well, that’s not totally true. Harley’s friends Ivy and Selina knew. But they weren’t ones to snitch to others. So it was a big surprise when Joker brought along a 6-year-old child with him the child was wearing a mix of red and blue inspired Harley dress with a deep purple tux jacket over it. Harley still wasn’t active which was confusing but they couldn’t question it. “Lookey here Batsy! I have one too!” Joker cackled happily and the little girl beamed in her arms. “Hello, there mister Bats! Would you like to smell my flower?” she asked and Joker pouted turning the dangling little girl to him.
“Mari darling, that’s not the script,” he said gently and Mari tilted her head. “I just want him to smell my flower,” she said softly, pulling the flower out of her jacket’s pocket and Joker placed her on the ground and patted her head.
“Batsy, please smell her flower and compliment it,” he said and Batman and his companions just looked very confused.
“Please?” she asked with a pout and Joker leveled a look behind them. Nightwing nodded and leaned over to smell the flower to not risk Joker’s wrath.
“Smells lovely,” he said and Mari beamed at him.
“He likes my flower, daddy!” she beamed and Joker smiled.
“He’d be an idiot not too, Mari darling,” he replied with a nod. “I’m not smelling the flower. What are you planning, Joker?” Batman asked with a glare. Joker frowned and pulled the plastic flower from his jacket and pointed it at Batman. Batman started reacting only to stop when he felt liquid hitting him.
“You’re a meanie, mister Bats!” she said pouting.
“You’re lucky its only water,” Joker said picking up the little girl.
“Daddy, can I please remake your suit now? It’s bad and Riddler shares the same color green,” she said and Joker had an offended look on his face.
“I will not share a color with that dimwit. We’re heading to the fabric and craft stores,” he said walking away and the bats were able to hear another part of their talking.
“And pay for them. I’m not using stolen goods,” Mari said with a frown, and Joker groaned.
“Ok, Mari darling. I’ll pay for the items,” he agreed. Batman and Robin(Tim) followed after Joker and Mari. Meanwhile Nightwing and Red Hood went to the base to get answers from Harley.
“Harley! You didn’t say you were pregnant!” Nightwing shouted as they entered to see Harley cooking while humming. “That’s easy, it’s because I wasn’t pregnant,” she replied turning to them and the two looked at her confused.
“Then where did the child come from?” Red Hood asked and Harley looked down at the pan sadly.
“You see, I came across her when I was heading back after hanging with Ivy and Selina 3 years ago. Her parents were killed in a mugging, the mugger ran as soon as he saw me, leaving her to be killed or something. So I took her home and Puddin n I decided to raise her. She’s doing so well, is she not? She’s even making Puddin act better!” she said beaming at the last part.
“That is good, we’ve been seeing the improvement,” Nightwing said and Red Hood had to nod agreement. Joker stopped targeting kids and teens, well excluding Robin and anyone helping Batsy, and his Joker Venom was only used if he did a big attack. Hell, he even apologized for how horrendously he killed Hood. That had Hood frozen in shock at hearing it. Granted Joker wouldn’t stop trying to hurt or even killing them, he just said he wouldn’t be as disturbing at it. Cause he can admit that that was a disturbing way to kill a kid. This wasn’t even the first time he’s heard of the flower now just spitting water! That little girl was an Angel sent from heaven, the two, well three counting Harley, were sure of it.
Meanwhile over with Batman and Robin, they were shocked to watch as Joker and Mari entered the fabric store. Everyone dove to the ground and the employees were shaking. But they did nothing but browse before taking it to the counter to get cut then heading to the front to pay for it, the needles, threads, scissors, sewing machine, and pattern for a new suit.
Mari was happily holding the bag of bought goods as they went to the craft store to get some other things such as a sketchbook, pencils, colored pencils, buttons, and the like. It was the same there as well. The customers fell to the ground and the employees were scared. Thou one employee didn’t look scared which confused the bats. Until they realized that the employee, a high school girl, was fighting to stay awake. After paying and leaving Joker was laughing at how the girl didn’t even blink as she fought to stay awake. When they glanced back, another employee was talking to the girl but the girl just leaned against the counter and fell asleep and the other employee looked terrified and got on the phone.
The two then went home and Nightwing and Red Hood caught up to Batman and Robin and told them what they knew and Batman sighed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~(ノ◕ヮ◕)ノ*:・゚✧~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three Years Later
Mari wasn’t happy when she earned her daddy hurt a kid. Someone a year or so older than her. But she also knew it was an accident, and accidents happened. The boy was trying to get to safety and someone else was the main problem hurting the boy. It was just cause Joker was attacking that the boy was running. She had brought the two sisters of the boy some sweets when she learned he went missing.
After doing that, with all of her other deeds, earned her the name of Gotham’s Sunshine Angel. Purely from how bright of an outlook she has when talking with people, brightening their days, and helping people out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~(ノ◕ヮ◕)ノ*:・゚✧~~~~~~~~~~~~
One Year Later
Mari had been excited when she met the new boy in her class. A 10-year-old boy named Damian had just arrived in Gotham to live with his father Bruce Wayne. When he arrived he was very closed off to everyone. He thought of himself as better which was ridiculous in her mind.
But slowly, ever so slowly, she got him to open up and become friends with him. It took over half a year to do that and she was proud of doing that. He was opening up slowly and actually acting like a child instead of an adult trapped in a child’s body. He was excited to introduce her to his family which she was excited too. She wanted to introduce him to her daddy and mommy!
She waved happily tot he shocked family. Tho from their faces she inched back nervous. “What’s the matter, father? Why are you acting like that to my friend?” Damian demanded, glaring at his family as Mari hid behind him slightly.
“Do you know who she is, Damian?” Bruce asked softly and Damian looked between him and Mari, confused.
“What do you mean?”
“She’s Joker’s daughter, adopted, but daughter nonetheless,” he said slowly and Damian whipped around to glare at her. A whimper left her as she backed away from her friend.
“You’re Joker’s child? And you didn’t think to tell me?” he demanded and Mari bit her lip, holding back a scream when her back hit the door as Damian and his family looked at her. His family was shocked still, but Damian?
Oh.
He looked furious.
“I-I thought you knew,” she stammered out, shrinking under his gaze. “E-everyone knows it since I was 6.”
“How do I know you’re telling the truth?” he demanded.
“She’s telling the truth, Damian. Joker and Harley adopted her after finding her crying. It was a mugging gone wrong,” Bruce explained and Damian turned to him with narrowed eyes before turning back to Mari once more.
“How do I know she doesn’t have some evil plan? She’s the child of Joker,” he spat and Mari couldn’t hold back the tears. With a cry, she pulled the door open and rushed out of the manor.
What she didn’t see as she ran thru the rain and foggy street back to the city, Damian being glared at by his family.
What she did see tho?
It was too late.
A van screeched to a halt in front of her and a couple of men leaped out and grabbed her. She screamed out in fright, hoping someone would hear and help, but alas, it wouldn’t matter. They got her into the van and duct-taped her mouth.
When they got to the warehouse they got her changed into clothes all the other kids inside wore. Within a few hours, she and the others were on a supply plane toward Paris, France, sold to a sleazy orphanage.
Joker and Harley were in a frenzy that night. The Bats did what they could to calm them but it was difficult.
You shouldn’t mess with the Joker’s daughter.
That’s how they learned that she never made it home. The sweet angel would never do something like that to her parents. If she had a problem like a fight that happened, she would talk to her mommy and get advice. They didn’t learn until it was too late thou.
They were told she would be staying a few hours with her friend Damian. After those few hours, she was gone, already on a plane, leaving behind devastated parents and a guilt-ridden friend.
~~~~~~~~~~~~(⋟﹏⋞)~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mari was jostled awake by one of the women running the orphanages. “Name?” she demanded and Mari opened and closed her mouth a few times trying to think, her face screwing up as she did.
“I-I think my name is Marinette,” she said after a bit and the woman’s face softened a bit.
“You think?” she asked and Mari nodded.
“I-I can’t remember anything,” she said and the woman nodded understanding.
“Well, it sounds like you have amnesia, Marinette. You’ll be lucky if it returns soon,” she replied writing some things down. “Get up, we need to get you cleaned up, some lovely people are coming by to see if there are any children they would like to adopt.”
Mari nodded and got up slowly, following behind the woman.
~~~~~~~~~~~~(⋟﹏⋞)~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mari was tired. She’s been with Tom and Sabine Dupain-Cheng for five years now. They were fine. They treated her well, but worked her hard. They had her helping in the bakery a lot. When that wasn’t happening, they talked to her only when eating together. When not doing either of those, she was sewing, but only sewing things her classmates, used to be friends, wanted. And when she wasn’t doing that, she was doing her Class Rep duties.
But oh.
On top of all that!
She was Ladybug, the hero of Paris.
Ya, she was tired. Her partner Chat was useless. He flirted constantly and didn’t know how to take no as an answer. Then there was also, Lila, a super liar who got her class to turn against her. Ya. she’s not having a good time in Paris.
She also wanted to remember her past. She keeps remember fuzzy figures that bring comfort, but she just can’t remember.
And it’s driving her nuts.
She slumped at her desk looking at her teacher who once more overlooked her. But then glared at her once Lila claimed something. Chloe sat down next to her and patted her back in comfort. She was glad to have made a friend with Chloe. She had been prepared to deal with Chloe, but she didn’t know how she was prepared for it. Just that she was.
“Have you head from WE?” Chloe asked and Mari shook her head. “Not yet. Any day now,” she replied and Chloe nodded.
“And your parents?”
“Couldn’t care less. They only care that I won’t be able to help them out,” she answered with a sigh and Chloe shook her head.
“Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous,” she said with a flip of her hair.
“Class, I have a special announcement!” Bustier called and the class looked up at the teacher. “Our class is going to Gotham for a week to tour Wayne Enterprises!” she said happily and the class started cheering.
“Oh, I just knew my Damiboo would come thru for me!” Lila said and that had the class looking at her.
“Really girl!? Tell me the deets!” Alya said and Lila beamed as the rest of the class agreed.
“You see, I’m dating Damian Wayne, heir to Wayne Enterprises. When he heard that m-our class was fighting to win the chance to go, he promised to pull some strings and he pulled thru!” she said happily to the camera Alya whipped out and Alya started talking to it but the two girls in the back ignored it all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~(ノ◕ヮ◕)ノ*:・゚✧~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mari squealed next to Chloe as the exited the plane.
Alas, she should have known.
Nothing good ever stays.
She had to walk to the school they were visiting since her class left her behind. As soon as she got there, gasps rang out. A tall teen with tanned skin, black slicked-back hair, and the most intense emerald gaze walked over to her. Whispers rang around the halls about the Ice Prince, wondering what he was doing. The whispering got worse when he placed his hands on her shoulders and you could see him holding back tears.
She looked at him confused, she recognized him but couldn’t place it for the life of her.
And it pained her not being able to.
The teen pulled her into a bone-crushing hug with a soft gasp. “I’m so sorry, Angel,” he whispered. That brought tears to her eyes. He pulled back to look her in the eyes and looked concerned about the sad expression in her eyes.
“I-I’m sorry, I….I don’t remember you,” she whispered and his expression turned pained as they heard a shout and a blonde teen ran into Mari giving her a hug and looking at him sadly.
“I’m sorry. If you’re from her past, she doesn’t remember anything from before 6 years ago when she was adopted,” she said and the boy nodded understanding. “Chloe Bourgeois,” she introduced and the teen shook her hand. “Damian Wayne. Thank you for telling me,” he said and she nodded. “If you allow it, may I accompany you and tell you how we first met years ago?” he asked and Mari gave a slow nod.
“Yeah, I’d like that,” she answered and Damian gave the barest smiles and the three headed off to classes, just in time to hear Lila boast about ‘Damiboo’.
Oh, she’s going to regret that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~(ノ◕ヮ◕)ノ*:・゚✧~~~~~~~~~~~~
The week consisted of Damian and his friends Jon and Xander, hung with her and Chloe telling them about the year she disappeared, the year she and Damian met and became close friends. He didn’t go into too many details about the fight, just staying they had a horrible fight because he was an idiot and how sorry he was about it. He wanted to make sure she knew he was sorry.
And it did help, she could remember a bit more but still had trouble.
But it was progress.
And Mari is happy about it.
When it was time to leave, Damian was there to see her off, but they were both surprised to see Bruce walking up to her with Joker and Harley with Commissioner Gordon helping watch them.
The whole airport froze at the sight of them, remembering the terror they brought years ago when their daughter disappeared. Damian went over to Bruce, the question clear on his face.
“I got Mari’s class this trip because I recognized her. I thought her parents would appreciate seeing her,” he whispered and Damian gave a soft smile as he watched Joker and Harley freezing up when they saw Mari.
“Mari darling,” Joker whispered and they watched as tears gathered in her eyes as a recognition went over her. She knew them, she wasn’t sure how, but she knew them. Chloe was looking at the three with wide eyes. “H-how do you-?” she started and cut herself off but the two knew what she was asking.
“Because, you’re our daughter, pumpkin,” Harley whispered and a ragged breath left her as she held back a sob.
“D-daddy? M-mommy?” she whispered and the two nodded. “I’m so sorry!” she sobbed, remembering everything, out running to them and the two pulled her close and started crying themselves.
“It’s ok, Mari darling. We know you didn’t mean it. We’re just glad your safe now,” Joker whispered as they collapsed onto their knees to the ground.
“S-still, I should-I should have called for you and-and waited!” she sobbed out and the two gently shushed her.
“It’s ok, pumpkin. We don’t need to dwell on the past. You’re here now,” Harley whispered and Mari nodded into their shoulders.
“I’m glad I found you again,” she whispered and they nodded themselves. They slowly pulled back when Mari heard Chloe cough. “I-I’m sorry, I have to go back now,” she whispered and the two looked sad at that.
“Uh, You’ll get longer actually,” Chloe said annoyed and that had everyone in the airport confused. “They left without us,” she scoffed jerking a hand back to the empty gate and terminal.
“What!?” Gordon shouted and Chloe nodded as the man ran to the gate’s desk and spoke to the pilot angrily.
“Marinette,” Bruce began and Mari turned to him and tilted her head.
“Yes?”
“Would you like to come back and live in joint custody of Joker and Harley?” he asked and Mari started nodding before stopping.
“Joint?” she asked looking between the two.
“We, split after you disappeared, pumpkin. We couldn’t stop arguing, but don’t worry, we aren’t arguing anymore, and won’t ever if you stay with us,” Harley said and Mari nodded slowly.
“And, Mari darling, don’t blame yourself. Ok? We’re both happy with where we are, your mommy is in a great relationship with Ivy now and is very happy. And I am enjoying the bachelor life!” Joker said happily and Mari beamed at that.
“I’m glad you’re happy now, daddy, mommy,” she whispered and the two nodded back with smiles.
“We are too, Mari darling.”
“I can speak to the officials in France about this as you were taken from your parents,” Bruce said and Mari smiled at that.
“Thank you, Mr. Wayne,” Mari whispered.
“The plane is too far away for them to turn around. But once they land, you’re teacher will be in trouble and investigated for leaving two students in Gotham,” Gordon said walking over to them after finishing the radio call.
“You should also have her adopted parents investigated,” Chloe said thru a scoff and that had the small group looking over at her while Mari shrunk.
“What do you mean?” Gordon asked confused.
“They neglect her daily and force her to work in the bakery or make things for her ‘friends’ even though they know she doesn’t think of them as such,” she explained and Gordon slowly nodded at that.
“I’ll tell them that,” he said walking away.
“While that is figured out, why don’t you two stay at Wayne Manor until it’s all done,” Bruce suggested and the two teens nodded agreement.
“I’ll take your bag,” Damian said and Mari smiled at that as she stood up and her parents squished her between them.
Yeah, she’s happy to finally be home.
Ok, I hope you guys enjoyed this!! This was pretty fun to write. If enough people ask, there MAY be a second part. But we’ll see. Anyways! Hope you enjoyed this long fic! Until Next Time!! -Love Willa<3<3<3
#fanfic#A Little Angel#ALA#my wriing#good joker#joker is a dad#ml x dc#maribat#daminette#amnesea#remembering#long fic
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The Partner / Chapter Four, “Telling”
Word Count: 11.6k words / Story Masterlist / Read The Assistant / Read on Wattpad / Song: Combat by Hazel English (click to listen)
“Now is now. Are you going to be here or not?”
- Ram Dass
The trill of the ringtone brought my eyes open, but as soon as I do and the sun blinds me, I wish that I hadn’t. He was always the one to close the blinds after I’d opened them, something I’d forgotten to do already.
“Hello?” I say, blindly answering the phone, retreating to under the covers.
“Hi, bug. I hope ‘m not interruptin’ anythin’ important at work, but ‘m on me lunch and wanted t’ call. I miss my fiance.”
A smile is already brewing on my lips, beginning the first second I heard Harry’s voice. It had only been hours since I’d heard it last, but somehow, it was always too long.
“Oh, hi,” I reply, clearing my throat, knowing my sleep-ridden voice gives it away already. “Um, I’m actually at home.”
“Oh, ya are? ‘s ev’rythin’ okay with you, Becks? God, yer not sick, are you? Of all times fer that t’ happen and ‘s when ‘m gone on a case,” his voice is heavy, laden with displaced guilt that makes my insides roil. Luckily, it’s not in the same way they’ve been doing lately.
“Yeah. I woke up at 5 this morning and got sick.”
“God, ‘m so sorry, bug, that ‘m not there t’ take care o’ you. Sounds like I woke you from a nap, ‘m-,” I cut him off before the unnecessary grief can weigh either of us down all the more.
“It’s okay, Harry. I probably just ate something that was off, leftovers that weren’t good anymore. I feel fine now.”
“Good, ‘m glad t’ hear yer feelin’ better already. ‘ll be home on Thursday, ‘m jus’ sorry ‘s not any sooner.”
The first hints of a laugh fall from my lips, “Stop apologizing. It’s fine, I’m fine. I can manage a little throw up, Harry, you don’t need to say that. Believe me, I’m just glad you’re not here to see it.”
“You stop it, li’l one. We’re gettin’ married, Becks, fer better or fer worse, rememba?”
“Of course, but I’m okay. I only threw up this morning and . . “
He doesn’t give me the chance to finish, “Threw up mo’ than once? Becks honey, yer sure yer okay?”
“Yes, Harry, I’m okay,” it comes out accompanied by a laugh, making me miss his. “I’ll manage on my own for the next two days until you’re back. Thanks though, it’s cute how you worry.”
“‘s what a husband does, love, what any person does fer tha person they love.”
“I miss you,” it’s a soft murmur, holding more words than I’d know how to say. “I know we’ve done this once or twice before, you having to travel for a case, but it’s hard.”
“I know, babe, it ‘s fer me too, makes me miss you so much,” the honey is there and so is the molasses, more decadent than ever. A little too much for me to handle, making me press that button. “Hey, what’re you doin’?”
It’s only a few moments until I’m squinting through the afternoon sunshine, feeling my sullen lips turn up into my cheeks.
“Hey, there’s my buggie.”
Perhaps, his smile couldn’t be bigger when I see it fill the screen of my phone. Harry’s one-hundred watt smile shines back at me, only growing as the seconds tick along. He’d started calling me that recently, a new spin on an old nickname. I think it was coming to be my favourite, although nothing could ever top ‘Becks.’
“Hi, babe. Don’t you look cute. What in the world are you doing?” my head falls back against the pillow as I move to lie on my side.
“‘m in me car, duh. Told you I was on me lunch. I jus’ had it, went t’ a restaurant here. Had their turkey BLT and it was incredible,” he says it as if I should know this, but he does it with a curl to his lips. One that hasn’t left yet. “I reckon you look cuter tho’, babe.”
“Thanks, but I think you need your eyes checked.”
Shaking his head, Harry doesn’t say anything. He props his elbow on the door of his Rover, sitting his chin in his hand. Today, he couldn’t look more handsome, and I’m sure that I couldn’t miss him more. I wanted to run my hands along the silky smooth lapels of his muted violet blazer, a new one.
I know it was the first thing I saw him wear, suits, but he still dazzled me when he wore a new one. Sometimes, after a long day or a few hours that felt like a day, and I saw him around the firm, it felt like the first time. The color brought out the warm green of his eyes, ones that sparkle while he cards a hand covered with rings through his curls. I never could figure out why he touched them so much, or messed with them, besides assigning it to nerves.
“How’d your morning go in court?”
The words come out in a huff, one that seizes his body with evident exhaustion, “Eh, alright. Not sure yet where ‘s headed, too early t’ tell, but ‘ll jus’ be glad t’ be done soon. This one’s been a real doozy.”
“I know, I’m sorry. I can’t wait for you to come home.”
“Same here, bug. ‘ve been sleepin’ so bad here, tha bed’s too firm at tha hotel and ‘m never tha right temp. ‘m either too cold or too hot, ‘cos I don’t have me li’l heater ‘round,” he hummed with a tilt to his head, a seemingly permanent one to his lips. “I can’t wait t’ come home, then ev’rythin’ will be better.”
I missed him, more than I’d let myself tell him, or maybe even myself, too. The very words repeated in my head that night when my dinner came back up, shouting it in my skull the next morning when I hung over the toilet. Spent with tears, I ached with a longing for Harry. It lessened after my stomach had recovered, but lying in an empty bed or staring down the firm’s hallway at his closed door, it felt worse than all of the other times I had missed him. At my worst, I wanted him, and nothing else. It felt silly to miss him so much when he was only gone trying a case for four days, but I didn’t sleep well either, waking up to remnants of his smell that woke me with lies. Little did I know how much I could ever miss a person, let alone my favorite one.
/
Returning to work hadn’t been as difficult as I feared it would be, but at times, it was worse. Rose and I were just finishing up a case before I was set to work with Harry again after he finished his upcoming one, something I was hardly able to wait to do. Luckily, I was still able to be there with Rose to help present the case in court, seeing as I only called in the one day. I couldn’t really otherwise, and the long sessions in court were catching up with me. I hadn’t been able to keep much food down, and even when I did, I was so tired from the poor sleep I was getting. Yesterday and the day before, I had snuck in a nap on my sofa, and that’s what was next on my agenda. I could hardly wait.
Ripping open the door to my office, something causes me to stop in my footsteps. Afterwards, I wouldn’t be able to put my finger on it, if somebody had asked. It was just that feeling again, and maybe not being able to remember if the light was on even though I’d turned it off. Or, maybe the other way around. Regardless, my eyes began a scan of the room, but they didn’t get very far.
“Hi, my buggie girl.”
“Harry,” it’s the only syllable I can get out, astonishment stealing all of the others from my lips. That and my forgetting speaking altogether when I dash across the room, giving him enough time to stand up before I collide with him.
The sound of an exhale accompanies the surprise in his voice, “Oh, hi, baby. Did I surprise ya?”
His giggle adds to the concoction of him that pours the word ‘calm’ over me, starting with his safe arms around me. His smell. The sound of his wheezy laugh against my head.
“Yeah, you’re good at that.”
“Reckon I am. I got done early and found an earlier flight,” he remarks, humorous pride in his deep drawl. Molasses found althroughout. “How’re you doin’ t’day, love? ‘m sorry we didn’t get t’ talk on tha phone this mornin,’ bloody phone tag ‘s t’ blame. I hope yer hearin’ t’day went well.”
“It’s okay. I’m just so glad you’re here now,” honesty weighs heavy in my words, and in my eyes when I meet his greens. A color I didn’t know that I could miss, but I did, all those years ago. Those dimples too that fall into his cheeks before my eyes.
“Couldn’t be happier t’ be home . . even if I lost me case, but ya win some and you lose some,” Harry hums, thumbing at the divot in my own cheek. “Missed you so much.”
I feel like I can finally take a breath again when he hugs me against his front, sponging kisses along the top of my head. I felt like me again with him home, welcoming him with kisses and later, a night between the sheets.
/
Yet, I wasn’t sure how much longer I could keep lying to myself about that, knowing that my feeling of mine told me otherwise.
The day after he came home was no different, but little did I know how it would undoubtedly pass any expectations I could ever have. Any possibilities whatsoever.
I woke with a start, and a rock in my stomach, just like yesterday, and all of the times before. I knew what was going to happen before I even moved, that the second I did it would be a race to the bathroom. Thankfully, I hadn’t missed and hit the floor yet, but I felt like I was going to each and every time. It was just a matter of when.
He wasn’t up yet, and I wished for the past when I could turn over and cuddle with him to wake up, not by throwing up. But, I was thankful that he wasn’t awake because he thought I didn’t see it, but I did. I saw the way his face fell when I told him that I’d gotten sick again, despite his lawyer expertise concerning those blessed features of his.
This time, I made it too, wretching into the toilet. I thanked God, if there was one, that my side of the bed was closer to the bathroom. I also thanked him that Harry didn’t wake up and walk in until after I was done, or I hoped so.
“Oh, no. Not again, bubs,” he sighs in his raspy drawl thick with leftover sleep. I’m void of a response, head in my arm propped over the toilet bowl.
The swirl of soiled water disappears before me, having flushed it the second I heard his footsteps. We’d been through heaven and hell together, and yet there were still some things that were embarrassing. Throwing up was one of them. The first signs of relief begin to wash over me like cold water on a scorching day from a wet rag he swipes over my cheek.
“I dunno, Becks, this ‘sn’t seemin’ t’ let up. ‘s been a few days now, maybe you should go t’ tha doctor, love.”
“It’s okay, Harry. What could they do anyway for a stomach bug?” my sigh comes, the words muffled against my arm when I lay my head down, grimacing at the smell that’s stained the inside of my mouth. I feel like taking the rag I hold against my head and scrubbing my tongue until I can’t taste it anymore. It seemed to always be there off to the side like a threatening storm, the last couple of days since this had started.
“I dunno, ya don’t know ‘til ya try,” he comments, feet making soft noises on the floor. I don’t hear the run of the tap like I did a moment ago, instead the unscrewing and screwing of something before the sloshing of liquid. “I jus’ dunno what it could be, a stomach bug doesn’t last this long, does it?”
A mumbled reply lacking answers graces my lips after he places a cup in my hand. Lifting my aching head, I find purple mouthwash sitting in the tiny cup we use for brushing our teeth.
“Have you ever had somethin’ like this befo’, bug?”
Taking my time swishing the minty liquid around in my mouth, I almost sigh at the welcomed taste, willing the previous one away. After shaking my head at him, I nearly choke gargling on the peppermint tasting liquid when I hear his next comment.
“Let’s jus’ hope yer not pregnant, dunno how you would be tho,’” Harry titters, humor threaded throughout his tired words. “Well, we certainly do know how babies are made, we sure do loads o’ it-.”
“Stop, Harry, it’s not funny,” I don’t intend for it to come out in a near retort, but I can’t stop myself.
“Why not? It wouldn’t be bad if ya were, we’ve always wanted babies.”
My response comes, short and to the point, “You know why. We’re getting married in August, Harry.”
“Things can be moved ‘round, Becks, a baby can’t.”
“Stop talking about this like I’m pregnant, because I’m not,” I say, feeling my head fill with another wave of dull pain when I get to my feet. His hand catches my elbow when I begin to sway, legs feeling like Jello.
“Didn’t say you were, bug, ‘m sure ‘s jus’ a stomach thing. They pass afta a few days, so you should be right as rain again soon,” Harry assures me, stepping to the side to face me. Despite his angering comment, a cooling sense of relief comes when his lips touch my clammy forehead. “Maybe you should stay home again, sleep it off.”
“I’m okay, I feel a little better now. My stomach goes hard, I throw up, and then it’s done. Like clockwork.”
“‘Kay, but if ‘s not gone in two days, I want you t’ go in and be seen . . ‘m gonna hop in tha shower if you wanna join me,” Harry rasps, cocking his head to the side as the corners of his lips lift, honey dripping from them. I always loved the way he looked in the mornings. The disheveled hair that sometimes stuck up in all directions, sunshine glazing over in his eyes, and how those lazy lips always held a smile for me. This time, it was dripping with mischief, a look that I knew all too well.
“Yeah, and we both know what that’s going to lead to, Harry. Not a lot of actual showering.”
That M word grows on those watermelon pink lips of his, ones I could just eat up. “Ya, we could practice makin’ a baby, if you like. Y’know, again.”
“Stop,” it’s the closest I’ve come to giggling this morning, or any affability I’ve harbored towards this topic. “But, no. I’m sorry, I don’t really feel up to it.”
“Fine, we’ll jus’ shower fer real this time, love. ‘ll even wash you up, since yer not feelin’ good. I bet it’d help t’ feel all clean aftawards.”
“Okay,” I sigh, relishing the satisfaction gracing his cheeks masked by new stubble the color of chocolate.
“I don’t like my baby bein’ all sick,” Harry hums with his lips against my temple, the smell of vanilla and sandalwood lulling my eyes closed. It felt as if there were few times when knots didn’t riddle my insides lately, but right now, in his arms, I was free.
/
It had been bothering me all day, ever since Harry’s comment. If I was telling myself the truth, it had been gnawing away at the insides of my brain for longer than that. There was so much inside of me telling me that his suspicion was right when all I wanted was for it to be wrong. If I was doing that truth thing again, of course, there was a remaining part of me that wanted it to be right, but it was miniscule at best. No more was said about it after that, but that fact in itself only made it harder to forget. Even if I had wanted to speak to him about it, he had been in partner meetings all day. I knew he was due for lunch here soon, and that’s what led me to run a quick errand before then, nabbing the car keys from his right drawer where he always left them.
I certainly didn’t think that this was how it would be happening, at Harry’s firm of all places. Our firm? Guilt seeped under my skin the second I had put my plan into action, well aware that he had no idea what I was doing. Tears had been close all day long, since the time those joking words had left his lips. Sure, the blame went to him on that, but I couldn’t have known what it would lead to, either. We both could deserve the blame for this entire thing.
The second it’s done, I find that I can’t get myself to follow through. The closest thing I’ve felt to relief all day comes when I see my watch reads one o’clock. It feels like every person I pass knows my secret, despite that being an impossibility and more. The only person who could have the smallest inkling is the person whose door I stop in front of, because I’m not sure how I can do this. Or, that I can. I’ve surprised myself by getting this far in my plan.
When the door opens for me, I can’t decide if I feel lucky that he made the next decision for me. “Hi, bug. How’s yer mornin’ been? ‘ve missed you, y’know. Oh, whatcha got there? Did ya get me lunch?” his words couldn’t be sweeter. Neither could his hand that brushes against my cheek, sliding down my arm next. Alarms blare inside of me, yelling at me to tell him while others repeat the opposite. I don’t know why, but doubt floods me within milliseconds. I know that he wouldn’t be upset, but then how come I worry that he would be? “Ev’rythin’ okay, Becks?”
“I-I . . ,” I try and my failure is almost immediate. The only thing that I succeed at is pushing him back into his office, and closing the door.
“Becks, what’s wrong?” urgency shines through in his voice. It’s the last thing that I can find, in my hand or my lips. My name graces my ears a few times more as I stare at the floor, not knowing how I could ever say this. Not just that, unsure of how I can make the next move, knowing that it very well may change my life from this moment on.
“I-I can’t do it, Harry.”
“You can’t do what, bug? Ge’mme lunch?” his words are carried with that breathy laugh of his. I had been doing a good job so far today, far too good of a job. That ends when the first tear greets my cheek, and my lips begin to wobble. “Becks, what’s tha matter? Yer worryin’ me, buggie.” It shows all over him, even in the way his hand comes to cradle my cheek, wiping away the tears. Worry.
My attempt at a deep breath is futile at best, and with a sigh marked by tears, I throw caution to the wind. I do it.
“Can you, please? Because, I can’t, Harry. I can’t look at it, I’m too scared,” my words have been wicked away, the moisture in my throat too. All of it. Then, the breath in my lungs grows when I lift my hand. Any composure he had had is gone in a blink.
“Becks . . ,” now, his words are kidnapped from him, too. Come on, one of us has got to do it, and it won’t be me. “Honey, I was only jokin’ this mornin.’ You didn’t hafta take one . . Wait, yer serious, arentchu, Becks?”
“Y-Yeah. I-I missed that pill what, like two weeks ago when I lost my pack, a-and, I still took it but it might have been too late,” the words are thick on my lips, caught between the sobs that paint my cheeks with tears. They’re soon shed onto his button up when he presses me against his front.
“Oh, Becks. ‘m sure ‘s fine. Ya still took it, that’s all that matters, honey.”
I can’t remember the last time I couldn’t swallow like this, or when my heart felt like it was going to jump from my chest. It doesn’t help that my chest shakes with each new sob dealt by my lips. How do I even say it? I still can’t say the word, and how is that going to fucking work if it’s true?
“I-I was supposed to get my period last week, Harry, and I didn’t. I checked after you said that this morning and- I’m so sorry,” breaths fill my lungs hastily, but the confession doesn’t tell my heart it’s okay to stop racing a nonexistent opponent. Neither does the long sigh that leaves my fiance’s lips.
“Becks, honey, you have nothin’ t’ be sorry ‘bout. Promise,” the sensation of his warm breath against my ear distracts me, but only for a mere moment.
The devil and angel inside of my head continue to scream at me to get it over with. One insists so that then I can take the biggest breath of relief while the other cackles that my life is never going to be the same. Somehow, I find the courage to step away and to find his eyes that have grown glassy. One corner of his mouth lifts to send some sunshine my way, but I feel nothing but the mid November cold outside his window.
“It may very well be negative, y’know,” he assures me, reaching his other hand out to cradle my cheek once again. His thumb swipes back and forth on the skin, wiping away the tears like the contraption on a car’s windshield.
“And if it’s not?” my voice is sheepish and nothing else, framed by sniffling.
“Then, it’ll be okay too, promise. We spoke ‘bout if somethin’ like this were t’ happen, befo’ we even started havin’ sex. So, we were prepared. We’d keep it, of course, and we’re gettin’ married soon anyway, bug. Babies were always in tha plan, maybe we’ll get our wish a tad early, ‘s all. If so, we can reschedule tha wedding t’ be early or later on. Promise you it’ll be okay, my Rebecca Ann,” I’m not sure of the last time I had heard his voice dripping with so much sweetness. This time, I can’t tell if it does anything to fill the cracks . . to fix it. “I wantchu t’ know that befo’ I turn it over and read it. And, that I love you.”
“I love you too, Harry . . so much,” I whimper, my lips soon stilled with a kiss from his. “You’re not mad?”
“No, ‘course not, bug. Why in tha world would I be mad? We’ll be okay no matter what it says, and ‘ll be happy either way. Reckon ‘ll be over tha bloody moon if it turns out one way,” his grin couldn’t possibly reach any higher. Another chunk inside of me is filled with the sourness of guilt, because everything has drained out of me, including any happiness I could find. “I know you would be too- or would you? Ya really don’t seem okay, Becks.”
“I dunno,” my shoulders rise and fall with the two parts to my sentence. “Just scared . . We had this big, perfect plan and . . “
“I know, buggie, but nothin’ ‘bout our entire relationship has ever been traditional or somethin’ close t’ normal, but we’ve turned out okay. Much better than okay, ‘d say. We’ll be okay afta this too, we always are. ‘ll always take care o’ you, Becks, and our babies one day too,” he only reminds me once again of his talent of words and choosing the right ones. I suffice my absence for them with a hand lacing with his, and squeezing it. It just so happened to be my left one, and he lifts it to press a kiss to my engagement ring.
The closest I can manage to a swallow is when his lips press below my eye, and I hear his words, “We’ll be alright.”
“I know,” at first, I’m not sure if he had heard me. When he nods, I know. But do I really believe it?
“Ready?” my favorite voice in the entire world says. I’m not, but my heart can’t go on any longer with this suspense, and so my head answers for me. “Alrighty, then,” Harry murmurs, giving my clammy hand a squeeze. Unable to decide where to look, I can’t take my eyes away, despite being uncertain how fast I’ll get the answer then.
When I think back on it later, I’d never be able to conclude whether I wish he had kept his lawyer composure or not. The way I told the story was that the second Harry turned the pregnancy test over and his eyes found it, they lit up like a Christmas tree. There couldn’t be another ray of light inside of them, and I knew.
“We’re gonna be parents, Becks,” he says in a voice choked with emotion, it too appearing in his eyes that echo mine.
“Really?” it’s as if I had been socked in the gut, because the air whooses out of me in that instant. His nodding is emphatic as he turns it around to face me. If I hadn’t believed him before, my denial is renounced when I see the word that had been a question in my mind all morning.
“We’re havin’ a baby,” Harry wheezes with wet words, dropping his arm. I don’t remember his coming around me in a hug, or replying to him, echoing those same words.
It’s all a blur, his words of excitement about becoming a father, my obligatory remarks likened to his. Moments later, I sit there on his sofa wondering what the hell just happened. Turning over the oblong plastic thing in my hands, the one word goes in and out of focus before the tears that flood my eyes.
Pregnant
I’m going to be a mum.
How?
I don’t even know how to be one. I don’t know the first thing about changing nappies. I try to eat healthy, but it never works. I hardly get enough sleep and drink enough water, as it is. Sure, I thought I’d have kids by 25, and I’m newly 28, but I still feel so young. I most definitely don’t feel ready to become a mother.
No, we’re supposed to get married this summer. I already picked out the dress. It’s perfect, and I won’t be able to fit into that with a watermelon in there, and fucking grapefruits on my chest. Wait, how far along would I be at the wedding?
Shit, I’d be ready to pop by then, if not having done so already. Fuck.
“No,” it flies from my lips. I don’t stop it as my head tips into my hands, spilling loud sobs there. The sound of my crying is the only thing that I hear. No, there are no words from Harry or consolation, because the Dad To Be couldn’t have jumped higher from the news. He’s next door telling Myles, and I couldn’t feel lower.
How can this be? We were so careful. I took my pill every day at dinnertime, but I thought still taking the one after almost missing it entirely was fine. The package said so, and I had had some spotting not long after, a few days of it. The pill had made my periods lighter and easier, so I just assumed it was my period. I went through all of the typical stuff - breakouts, sore boobs, the cramps.
“Goddammit,” I mutter under my breath, embracing the sting of my fingernails digging into my scalp. “They’re fucking pregnancy symptoms too.”
And then, there was the vomiting. It wasn’t just in the mornings, but it had been sporadic the last few days. I thought that I had come down with a bug of some sort, but no. There was a baby growing inside of me, that’s why. It was the explanation for everything - my achy boobs, the cramping, the spotting, and the throwing up.
Harry’s baby.
Our baby.
Holy fucking shit.
As the clock in Harry’s office announces every passing second, my trip on the Guilt Express only carries on, because the Happiness Train was only moving farther away from me. Instead, the stops on my ticket are Unplanned, It’s Too Soon, What About The Wedding, We Just Got Engaged, We’re Fucking Moving Houses So Where Would A Baby Go, and This Is All A Dream, Right?
The sights of Harry’s office swim into view, but their familiarity does nothing to calm me. My heart still thrashes inside of my chest, and I’m afraid it may make a run for it. Suddenly, the announcement blares inside of my head again. Harry and I are having a baby in nine months. With a sniffle, my lips wobble as my head slowly falls. Dropping the pregnancy test on my lap, my hand inches towards my body.
It’s no different when I feel it, my hand caressing my flat stomach. Nor does it look anything but how it has for as long as I can remember. I’d be lying to myself if I said it didn’t feel any different inside of me, because it does. I can’t see it, or feel it, but the words appear inside of my head momentarily.
There’s a baby in there, in my belly. My baby. I’m its mum, and Harry is its dad. They’re ours. They could be a boy or a girl. They may not be bigger than my fingernail, I suppose, but God, they’re ours. The sourness builds upon each other, and I can’t hold it back anymore, soon finding refuge in Harry’s trash bin. Whimpers leave my lips as the contents of my stomach do too.
For one of the few times, I thank God that Harry wasn’t there. I busy myself with wrapping up the bag, replacing it with a new one, and lightning some candles. It’s not enough to remove the thoughts that I’m unsure I’ll ever escape, now. My head spins when I sit down again holding it, feeling my body shake as shouts fill my mind.
Why am I not happy? I have wanted to be a mum my entire life, and now that I am, I . . I wish that I wasn’t.
Why can’t I be like Harry? He doesn’t even have to try, and he’s happy about it. The tears only come faster when I realize that I don’t think I’ve ever seen him as happy as this, rivaling the night I told him I’d marry him.
“Alright, bug?”
Speak of the Devil, and he shall appear. Clearing my throat, I hurriedly wipe at my face whilst looking towards the window, wishing I could be anywhere else but here. That I could be anybody else but me.
“Y-Yeah,” my reply is mumbled. The tightness in my gut that appeared when I saw that look of happiness on his face fights on when his hand touches my shoulder.
“We should get some lunch in that belly o’ yers, Mummy. What’s sounding good t’ you?”
My insistence that I couldn’t feel worse is eradicated by his words washing over me. The specific ones that he chose to say, because it can get worse.
“I’m not very hungry.”
“Oh, stomach still queasy afta this mornin’, bub?” he questions. Without looking, I can tell that he’s taken a seat beside me, worry claiming his face. “Maybe somethin’ easy, then. Yogurt, a banana, rice, or some chicken noodle soup. Ya still gotta eat, love, ‘specially now with tha baby. They need t’ eat, too.”
Nodding my head up and down only makes it hurt worse. All I want to do is cry, and not in front of him. I want to be in our bed, without him there. What is happening to me? Since when do I wish he wasn’t around?
I don’t want to have to be thinking about how I haven’t had anything to eat today, and how that’s not good for our growing baby. The baby that relies on me to take care of it, and that in nine short months will need Harry and I every second to do that too. I hadn’t even completed my mentorship with him, or been at the firm for two years. We hadn’t even been together for two years. For God’s sake, we aren’t even married, yet.
“Becks?” for a lawyer, he does a poor job of hiding the urgency in his voice. The worry and doubt. The very feeling that I can’t walk away from, even though I don’t have it in me to try. “Any o’ that sound good t’ you . . and tha baby, love?”
There it is, again. The baby. I hate myself more and more when I get angry at him for saying it like that, reminding me of this newfound responsibility that I have. One that I didn’t ask for. I know that he doesn’t mean to add to the guilt o’meter, but he does. With every second that happiness escapes me, I do it without knowing, too.
“You can get Chinese, if you want. I’ll just have some broth and rice. I’ll try it, anyways.”
“‘Kay, good. Thanks, bug,” his words are punctuated with a kiss to the top of my head. I know that it’s coming, and that it’s the most overdue I’ve ever been for a question from him. His hand leaving stripes up and down my back doesn’t do much to help the impending doom. “Sure yer alright, Becks?”
I can’t do it. After all of the times that I did, I can’t this time. No, not about this. Wouldn’t it be easier to, though? To lie? Because, how in the fuck do I tell my fiancée, the love of my life, and my best friend in the entire world that I’m scared out of my mind that we’re having a baby? What words do I even choose to relay to the man who I’d always wanted to be the father of my children, that now we’re having a baby together, I can’t figure out how to be happy about it? I have to tell him, don’t I?
Harry is good at loads of things. Rather, there’s very few things that he’s not good at, and reading me isn’t one of them. Taking the last step that’s not there has been something I knew from the start he excelled at. When I need it the most, he does it. I feel the comforting weight of his body around mine, and sobs are flying from my lips again.
“I’m scared, Harry. I don’t know what to do, or how we’re going to do this. I don’t know how to be a mum, let alone a good one,” I couldn’t remember a time that my heart hadn’t been pounding beneath my ribs. Without asking, I wondered if the baby could hear it. It was so sudden, the way it had weaved its way into my thoughts, because all of a sudden, it was there too. The baby. Our baby. It had been there, growing inside of me for how many days now and we didn’t know.
“We’ll be okay, Becks. I promise you. I promise you. Ev’rythin’s gonna be alright, my love. ‘m gonna take care o’ you . . tha both o’ you. You, and our son or daughter. ‘ve known fer so long, well befo’ we got t’gether that you’d make a wonderful mum. Ya take care o’ me so well, and yer so good with Harper and Ollie. ‘m rather nervous too, they’ll be so tiny and helpless. I dunno tha first thing ‘bout breastfeedin,’ which dummy t’ choose, or what a baby wants when they’re cryin’ but, Becks, I know we’ll figure it out t’gether. We’re such a great team, love, and ‘m positive that we can take this on too,” my nodding into his chest is instantaneous, and so are the tendrils of relief when his fingers begin to comb through my hair. “'ve dreamt so long o’ havin’ babies with you, Becks. We’re gonna make tha cutest ones, I jus’ know it . . We’ll learn all o’ this t’gether, babe. We’ll be alright.”
“I love you, Harry,” still, the tears haven’t signalled a retreat. Neither has the sadness that weighs on my shoulders.
“I love you too, Rebecca Styles, mo’ than anythin’ in this entire world. Dunno how ‘ll come t’ love another quite like you, but already know I love our li’l baby loads. They’re gonna have tha best mum ever.”
I wish he could know that he mistakes my coming sobs for happiness when I don’t even know what the hell they are. I can’t figure out why they came when he talked about already loving our baby, and that I’ll be the best mum. Until I do, because I try to say something that affirms that I feel the same things too.
I can’t, because I don’t. I hope that eventually, I may.
/
It was difficult for me to remember the last time it had been like this, when all I had wanted was to feel okay again. Each time I questioned why I couldn’t, I only felt all the worse. It didn’t come when I had taken the second pregnancy test in the bathroom once Harry had gone back to his meeting. The same word showed up on this one too, although I’m not sure why I had thought it would be any different. I wasn’t sure if I could be swimming in any more guilt, realizing that I had begged and pleaded for it to say something else so all of this could go away.
I had dreamt of this day ever since I was a little girl. This wasn’t how it went. My tears were for another reason entirely, and for a while after Harry left again, I couldn’t get them to stop. I could hardly breathe. Just when I thought I’d caught my breath, the devil inside of me reminded me that I should be happy and that I’m not. The rug was pulled out from under me again and again, and so was my breath.
I’d seen him only twice this morning since we had gotten to work, seeing how he was in meetings all day long. No, now he was checking on me every hour, making excuses for bathroom breaks that were spent visiting me. By now, the tears had dried out and that was the least of my worries. As if this all wasn’t too much already, I’d never felt more numb.
It had been twenty minutes of ignorant bliss that he interrupted when he walked into my office again. The moment our eyes connect, it all comes rushing back to me. I remember it. The baby.
“Hey, love. How’s it goin’ in here?” Harry asks, looking a little too nonchalant as he strides into my office, hands in his trousers.
“You don’t have to check up on me. I’m fine, Harry,” my words take on a blunt edge that I intended, I can’t lie.
“But I want t.’ I dunno how t’ do all o’ this, ‘ve never been a Dad befo.’ I jus’ can’t stop thinkin’ ‘bout you, tha two o’ you,” he coos, arriving behind me and draping his arms around my neck. They lay there loosely, cupping my shoulders on either side. I thank God that he can’t see my face, especially when his hand wanders to my stomach that he rubs. “How ya feelin’? Did what ya had at lunch help settle yer stomach at all?”
Gritting my teeth, I ready my answer, forgetting the flow that I had found in writing up this statement for my case. “No,” I answer, swallowing afterwards, still able to taste it in my mouth despite the sticks of gum I’d chewed.
“Oh, ‘m sorry. Did-.”
“Yeah, I threw up again. But I’m fine, I had a cup of ginger tea and that seemed to help. I’ve been able to keep that down, plus a banana and a few slices of toast. I guess I was really hungry,” I respond, unsure of whether to take one of his hands, or not. This is all so unprecedented, and I really have no idea what I’m doing. I have a feeling of what I should be doing, like telling him that I’d already thrown up three times today, but I don’t know how to.
“God, ‘m sorry, love. ‘s it normal t’ be gettin’ sick so much like that? It can’t be good fer you or tha baby, but ‘m glad you were able t’ eat some mo.’ I hope that stuff stays down now, ‘s no wonder you were starvin’ since there was nothin’ left in there,” my eyes fall shut when his nose nudges at my temple in between kisses. “Ya sure I can’t get you anythin’? Y’know, there’s a whole case of ginger ales in me office, if ya want. I can’t believe I forgot they were there, I know they help settle yer stomach too.”
“Thanks. I might grab one a little later, or something. You should get back to your meeting, Harry, it’s important.”
“I know, jus’ wanted t’ make sure you were okay, buggie. Y’know, if ya need t’ at any time, you can go home if yer really not feelin’ well. ‘ll jus’ get a ride from Myles or somethin.’ ‘d come with, o’course, but I can’t miss these meetings,” blinking hard, his words find a crack inside of me, but there’s too many to choose from. He really is the best, only reminding me that I somehow found the perfect man to be the father to my children. I wish happiness bloomed inside of me at that realization, but sadness only comes again to overwhelm any happiness that brought me. Breathing in, my throat feels scratchy. Silently, I tell him to leave before it starts again. “If ya need anythin’ jus’ text me and ‘ll see it on me watch, ‘ll be checkin.’ I hope you have a good rest o’ yer day and that you continue t’ feel better. Love you.”
My pause continues for seconds and seconds more. Longer than I had meant before I can speak without giving it away, “I love you too.” I force a small smile at him when he walks away, wondering why I can’t have all of that sunshine inside of me like he always does. The door closes softly behind him, and my returning sobs are even quieter. Darkness is all I see when I bury my face into my knees, hugging them against my chest. Seconds later, I think of the baby, and loosen my grip.
This is what it’s going to be like for the next nine months, isn’t it? The rest of my life? I’m going to catch myself thinking about them first.
Once it starts, I can’t stop. Have I had a drink in the last few weeks? No, thank God, no. Have I been eating healthy? Kind of. Have I been sleeping well? Hardly. Wait, does sex hurt the baby? Because Harry and I had been doing a lot of that. Well, no duh, Becky, that’s what got you here in the first place. Had I been lying on my stomach too much, and would that hurt it? Had I been around secondhand smoke? Shit, did I miss my vitamin this morning?
With each new tear and question, my cheeks become slick with them. The air disappears from my lungs and I fight for it, shocked again to remember that it’s not just me anymore. I’m not just living for me anymore, or Harry, but our baby, too.
“Hey, Becks, one mo’ thing. Di- Bug, what’s wrong? Are you alright?”
Shit. I had just wanted to be alone with my thoughts. And our baby. But, did I really want that?
“No, how could I be? I can’t stop thinking about it. If I’ve been eating good, if I had a drink lately, if sex hurts it- Harry,” sobbing his name had never hurt as much as so many other times. Missing him afar hurt but not as much as that night we broke up. God, why am I thinking about that stuff when I’m supposed to be happy? The reminder doesn’t will the tears anyway, it only makes me feel worse.
“Oh, Becks. C’mere,” his voice is molasses all over again, but it hasn’t strayed very far from it since he told me that we were going to be Mum and Dad. That we were going to have a baby. I still can’t even say it, and I don’t think that I have. Even then, I don’t think it’d be real. No, saying it would make it too real. I know it. “Shh, ‘s okay.”
“It’s not, Harry, I’m so scared. What about the wedding and my mentorship here with you, and-,” my words are choppy and drowning under tears, but he hears them. He hears me, like he always has. His soft touch pulling me to my feet and over to my sofa doesn’t stop the incessant thoughts being thrown around in my head.
I’ll have to stop working, won’t I? What about Harry? He can’t, he owns the firm with Myles, and together with Rose, they’re in charge of all of the nitty gritty. Hiring. Helping with payroll. All of the menial stuff assigned to keeping the lights and water running. Licenses. Meetings upon meetings. Then, there’s still being a lawyer. It won’t just stop if we have a baby, but how would that work, I-
“I know it doesn’t seem like it right now, Becks, but it will be. Promise. ‘s okay that yer scared, ‘s a lot t’ wrap yer head ‘round. I keep catchin’ myself thinking, ‘Hey, ‘m gonna be a dad with a bloody kid. ‘ll be changin’ nappies, makin’ bottles, and my whole life will revolve ‘round this tiny person all o’ a sudden.’ ‘ve only jus’ started t’ talk t’ me own dad again, so I dunno how t’ be one meself, but I know ‘ll figure it out. We have nine months t’ prepare, Becks, and we’ll learn as we go. T’gether. Please, don’t worry ‘bout tha weddin’, we can move it ‘round or do a civil ceremony at first, if we want. We’ll figure it out, and it’ll still be perfect. Nothin’ less fer me girl.”
Harry’s words do everything but comfort me. Instead, they do the very opposite, and I’m struggling for breaths. Sitting on his lap, pressed against his front, I couldn’t be closer to him. My thoughts only make me feel further away from him, because of what he said. I don’t even have a mum. No, not really, so how in the fuck can I be one? Mine was horrible to me, and set the worst example of what a good mum is. So, how will I know what to do? How can I be a good mother to our baby one day soon, then?
“Yer already a good mum t’ our baby, Rebecca, I can’t say that enough. You eat good and make sure I do, drink far mo’ water than I ever do, yer always careful, never f’get t’ take yer vitamins unlike me, and sex doesn’t hurt ‘em, bug. You take such good care o’ me, you have from tha beginnin’, and I know you will with our baby too. We’ll figure somethin’ out, if you wanna stay home with ‘em once they come, or if my Mum moved up and took care o’ em. ‘ll be home too loads, I bet I could even work from home most o’ tha time. Hey, will you look at me, please?” Obliging, my head heavy with multitudes of questions lifts. Blinking, more tears join the others as his face sharpens before me. “I wouldn’t have wanted kids with you if I knew you wouldn’t be a good mum. Buggie, I want loads o’ em with you, so if that tells you anythin’ ‘bout how wondaful o’ a mum I know you’ll be t’ our kids . . We’re gonna have a baby, and we’ll be alright. ‘Kay?”
“We’re . . ,” the same sentence begins on my lips, but it falters. His own urges me to breathe, and I focus on that while his fingers card through my hair. The green in his eyes is molten heaven when I look back. I hope that they have his eyes. “We’re gonna . . have a baby, Harry.”
“Ya, we are, Becks. Tha cutest baby in all tha world, and sweetest too,” he grins, his sunshine warming my face.
“And we’ll be alright.”
“Yes, we will, my love. ‘ll make sure o’ it,” he concludes, smushing his lips against my forehead where he sponges a kiss. A zing spreads from his lips, and with those words, I start to breathe again.
Maybe, we will be okay.
/
“And then what happened, Mum?” her almond shaped blue eyes stare up at me, hanging onto my every word.
Swallowing, the words I know I’ll have to say wad into a ball in my throat. She knew, she’d heard bits of this story at times, but I wonder how much she remembered.
“Spoiler alert, things weren’t okay.”
“How come?” the way a wrinkle forms between her dark eyebrows reminds me of somebody all too well.
“Are you sure you want to hear this, love? It gets kind of sad,” I warn her, combing her dark chocolate curls off of her face. They’re just like his. Only when she nods with confidence in her actions do I continue, despite wishing he was here to help me tell this part.
/
It wasn’t okay. No, it was the very opposite. I had wished things would get better, that this nightmare would turn out to be a dream come true, but it wasn’t. Not yet, anyways.
I wish that I knew how to talk to him. There had never been a time when I was afraid to speak to Harry, or when I didn’t know how to. No, not for a very long time, at least. It was impossible to count the number of times I had put my head in my hands from the litany of thoughts raging inside of it, or just from the aches it held for other related reasons. I didn’t know what to do, and I wish that I did. Tense couldn’t even cover it, how it felt between us the last few days since the news hit. I seriously considered driving separately to work today to avoid it, until realizing it probably would only stir the pot, inciting another row between Harry and me. With how much my head already throbbed from likely dehydration and my pounds of destructive thoughts, I opted out of that one.
Staring at my cell phone sitting beside my laptop, my chin falls into my hand with a huff. The dark screen stares back at me as I will it to ring, to ding, or just to do anything because of him.
No, not anything, Becky. If you wished that, you’d end up getting another one of his annoying texts asking if you’d tried eating again. How much water were you drinking? If you wanted anything from the break room, if he were there. No, you just wanted a hug from him. Becky, you wanted a text from him that was about anything other than the baby. Him sending you a song he thought you’d like, a funny meme, a recipe the both of you should try, or just a sweet text.
I thought my hard work had paid off when I hear the chiming of a ringtone, even if it was my office’s. Still holding out hope, I pick it up, chirping my usual greeting, “This is Becky.”
“Hi, love! It’s about time I got ahold of you,” at the sound of the voice, my heart plummets into my stomach. My hand in my hair turns into a claw, my scalp soon singing with mild pain.
My lips wobble, unknowing of what words to say, and what tone to take, “H-Hi, Mum.”
“That’s all you have to say?”
“I’m sorry, I-,” my beginning is rough, rooted in my tendency to people-please, just like I had always done with her. The phone begins to slip from my fingers clammy with a nervous sweat. Already. “Why are you calling me at work?” I almost say that same name again, the one word I’d always called her. It never felt real, like she was my mum, so why should I call her that? It never stopped being true though, that was just her name. No matter how much I hated her and that name, I could never stop it from being true.
“Because you weren’t answering your phone, silly! How have you been, Ree?” there’s a lift to her voice, the same one that drills an emptiness into my bones. It’s the one that she used to hide it all, in front of teachers, my friends’ parents, and anybody that she needed to use it with. It was the calm before the storm, the show she was trying to put on. The last thing I needed right now was another storm to come colliding with the one already raging a war inside of me. Through my life.
Closing my eyes, my thumb presses against my temple. No, you don’t get to call me that, M- Kate. I had been conflicted about wanting him all day long, but now, I needed him. How good he was at saving me.
“I can’t talk right now, I’m working. Can-.”
“You stand Robbie and me up the other day, and I have to hear from somebody else that you got engaged! I think that the least you can do, Rebecca, is to talk to your mother for a few goddamn minutes,” her retort finds the gap in the door I hadn’t been able to close ever since I saw that word on that test. That was when my world had gotten turned upside down, something I hadn’t been able to fix just yet. I realized that was even further away now when her words send my teeth down into my bottom lip, the taste of iron overpowering on my lips.
It had taken him so long to bring that name back, to drag it out of the closet and to dust it off, polishing it back up. Within seconds, she had broken it again, and I wished he could be there to fix it up. Because no, he was in court right now, I realized, and for the first time today, I told myself the truth about needing him. But he was angry with me, the one person I couldn’t stand being mad at me.
“You don’t get to call me that, or talk to me like that, I-,” my bravery is short-lived, but the blame isn’t dealt to me, it sits in her hands instead.
“No, Rebecca Ann Holte, you don’t get to talk to me, your mother, like that. You should be ashamed of yourself, I have wanted nothing more than to reconnect with my only daughter, and she can’t even return a message of mine,” her sigh is louder than mine, because that had always been the theme, hadn’t it? She always had been worse off than me, so I had no room to talk, she’d say. When she lost her job or my dad left her. It was always about her. “I hope to God you don’t become a mother one day, you are one of the rudest and ugliest people I know, so I can’t imagine how your kids would turn out. I mean it, you have one of the ugliest hearts, Rebecca. I can’t believe you’re my daughter. I have tried how many times with you to fix things, and you never give me the chance.”
That smell came, the one that fills you when the wetness floods your eyes. I smell them, painting my palm, most likely ruining my lazy attempt at makeup today. I thought I had felt empty before, but it shrinks in comparison to the hollowness that swims throughout me.
Climbing my throat, the arguments and refusals neared, despite not knowing if I believed them. I wish I did as I spoke them, “No, I will be a good mum one day, even if I never had one myself, because I would never treat my children the way you have always treated me, Kate. I don’t care anymore what you think of me, or my heart, because you speak from an ugly one yourself. I have never wanted to fix things with you, because you never change, can’t you see that?” they’re picking apart my voice now, weighing on close to every word, but I know I have a few more until they consume me all entirely. “You are not my mother, and I don’t want to ever see you again or speak to you for as long as I live. I don’t know how many times I’ve tried to tell you that and you don’t get it. This is the last time you ever will, because if you contact me again, or God forbid, my fiance, I promise that you will regret it because I’m a fucking lawyer and my soon to be husband is one as well, not to mention one of the most powerful ones in Britain. And my name is Rebecca Styles.”
It echoes, the clank of the phone hitting the holder after I slammed it down, ending the call. I don’t hear it for long, because the floodgates have opened, again. My lungs burn from lack of air, something I can’t seem to find as my entire body seizes with a sob, one word repeating over and over in my head. Lies. Lies. Lies. Ones that I tell myself, because I can’t help but believe her. Am I really sure that I could ever be a good mum? Then another starts, a new word incessantly filling my head.
“Harry.”
/
It was the furthest from okay, continuing with how I couldn’t stop throwing up, quite literally, and the way it made Harry sick himself with worry. Consequently, this could only lead to one thing, and that was me losing my patience, or lack thereof with him despite his good intentions.
“I think ya need t’ go and see yer doctor ‘bout this.”
“I don’t, Harry, morning sickness is normal,” I insist, plucking a K-Cup from the drawer. Suddenly, I remember and shove it back into the box, for the third time today. The jury was still out on whether or not to drink coffee while pregnant. More importantly, whether Daddy Harry who was doing all of the research and therefore breathing over my shoulder was okay with it. Not that I could keep it down, anyways, which was the ultimate winner. It still hadn’t gotten any easier, trying to figure out this new life of mine, and it was only Day 4 of it. I had wondered, time and time again just how long they had already been with us and we just didn’t know it.
“Ya, but this isn’t, Becks, and I think y’know it.”
“It’s fine, Harry. I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” shoving a mug onto the little stand, I avoid his gaze whilst watching the hot water spurt out of the machine.
“Ya never wanna talk ‘bout it when I bring it up lately. Not when we were at tha shops yest’day and I suggested lookin’ at baby clothes. Not when I asked ya when we should tell our families.” I don’t know how to respond, and so I play my favorite card, just like I’ve been doing lately. It’s called the Silence card, and Harry really hated that one, even more than the Only Nodding one. “You’ve hardly been able t’ keep any food down, love. Yer livin’ on crackers and ginger tea, that can’t be good fer you and tha baby.”
I didn’t mean to, but I still blinked hard when he said it, as if I needed a reminder it was there. A baby growing inside of me, the reason for all of this. Our baby.
“I’m fine, Harry.”
“I thought we were done lyin’ t’ each other, Becks. We’re gettin’ married soon, and now, we’re . . we’re startin’ a family,” he wasn’t a lawyer for no reason, and sometimes, I hated it. He used it to his advantage, his way with words and snappy comebacks. He knew where to hit and his aim was always spot on, but I didn’t like how he used it with me, too.
He was right, I wasn’t fine. I couldn’t be in the kitchen while he cooked without running to the loo to relieve myself. If I’m honest, I was getting sick of my diet of ginger ale and soda crackers. It was a party when some chicken broth or a bite of a banana would stay down, even though they never sounded good to me. Nothing did, not even the churros from Pedro’s, or our favorite muffin. Believe me, Harry had tried. It had grown old quickly how he had come to watch me eat, arguing with me to take just one more bite or another spoonful, even though we both knew that I would throw it up later.
It wasn’t just that. I was so exhausted, which I figured was mostly due to the lack of food thing. The only thing I was good at lately was sleeping. I could hardly stay awake past 7:30 pm anymore, and negotiated every extra minute of sleep in the morning that I could from Harry. Well, that was until I woke up at the ass crack of dawn to hang out with the toilet, again. Plus, my boobs hurt something fierce and Harry found out when he went to play with them the other day. Let’s just say, he’s not going to try that again after I almost bit his head off. Whoops.
“I am fine, and I don’t need to go and see a doctor, Harry. Let’s just give it a few more days, okay?” I sigh at last, removing the steaming mug from underneath the spout. Gulping, I dip the tea bag into the water, watching how spots of the water grow dark in places from it.
“Fine,” he retorts, leaving his spot beside me, slamming the door to the break room behind him.
Despite watching him do it, I jump in place. Forgetting the tea, it was too hot anyways, I follow him after a few moments. Doing my best to avoid prying eyes, I take a different way to his office, hoping I can try to calm down during the extra time. Arriving at his door, I found it was a blunder all entirely, because I can’t hold back the next words once I step into his office.
“Why are you being like this?”
“Why am I?” Harry spits back from behind his desk, lifting his head to look at me. He was wearing one of my favorite outfits of his today, the brown cheetah print shirt and tight black slacks, but it didn’t do anything to help our predicament. “Why are you, Becks? Huh? This ‘s s’posed t’ be tha happiest time o’ our lives, and yer bein’ like this.”
There it is again, his way with words, the stabbing ones. My sights on him falters, eyes falling to the floor before I look back to him. “How am I being then?”
“Yer bein’ selfish,” he almost shouts, but he doesn’t need to. He’s never had to, because he can achieve all of the disdain and hurt without the added volume. “We’re having a baby, Becks, we’ve always spoken ‘bout wantin’ kids. Now, we are, and yer actin’ like . . like you don’t want our baby.”
“I never said that,” my voice is quiet, and unconvincing. The both of us know it, despite my half-lie. The one I had been so afraid for him to find out, and suddenly, I feel sick all over again.
“You didn’t need t’, I know it,” it works for him, the soft voice. You’d think that tone would be reserved for gentleness, but no, it’s not. I hate that about him, how he can turn like a whip, but can’t we all? “And God, Becks, ya won’t shut up ‘bout tha wedding. Why can’t we jus’ have a bloody civil ceremony first? Tha whole thing ‘s t’ get married - exchange vows and become husband and wife. We don’t need all tha fancy dresses, food, and a party at first. It can wait, Becks, until after tha baby ‘s here. Or we can whip up somethin’ t’ have this Winter . . but yer already shakin’ yer head ‘cos you hate that idea. Fuck, can I do anythin’ right fer you lately?”
“Harry,” I begin in a tone leaking with an apology that I don’t know how to say. “I’m going through a lot right now.”
“I know, love, we both are. Our lives have changed already in tha last few days ‘cos o’ this, but ‘s jus’ a wedding, Becks. I wanna marry you, but right now I don’t care ‘bout a cake, tuxes, and what fuckin’ song we walk down tha aisle t.’ All I care ‘bout right now is tha fact we’re havin’ a baby and ‘m so excited . . . but I wish you were too. They’re gonna be here in nine months whether we like it or not, and I think you need t’ learn how to like it. I jus’-,” he cuts himself off with a hand pressed to his mouth, cutting eye contact.
“What? You were going to say something else,” I continue, but he won’t, refusing to with a shake of his head. “Say it, Harry.”
“I jus’ can’t believe you, yer like a completely different person since we found out ‘bout tha baby.”
“I’m a different person, huh? I take it you mean that in a bad way, am I right?” I don’t know where it comes from, but bravery finds me, and the words come spilling out. “I just found out that I’m pregnant, Harry, that I’m growing a human being inside of me. I have to share my body, and make sure that I’m making the right choices every second. I have to protect it, feed it, get enough sleep, take the right vitamins, eat the right foods, and try not to be too stressed out. But, hey, I already messed up on that one. I didn’t ask for this and I’m scared, so yeah, maybe I’m a different person. You know what? So are you, and I don’t like it. I’m trying my best, and I hate how it’s never enough for you, this new you . . Forget about going out to dinner tonight, I don’t want to be around you right now, you’re- ugh, you’re so overwhelming, Harry.”
It was a question I couldn’t answer - whether I had been honest with myself lately, or lied to myself more than ever before. It was clear as day and I couldn’t lie about this one, the look on his face when I blinked and saw it all register with him.
“Fine. Forgive me fer fuckin’ carin’ ‘bout you and our unborn baby, Becks. ‘m rather sick o’ bein’ ‘round you too when yer like this, so go and have a good night. Lemme know when yer done bein’ selfish, and when yer ready t’ be a family t’gether. I have t’ go t’ court now,” if there were words of Harry’s that I’d always remember, somehow these had become some of them. They rang in my ears long after he had stormed out of his office, and I had escaped to mine with tears already staining my cheeks.
What in the fuck have I done now?
#harry styles#harry styles fanfiction#harry styles wattpad#harry styles writing#harry styles fic#writing#fanfiction#wattpad#fic#fanfic#harry fic#harry au#boss!harry#asshole!harry#dad!harry#daddy!harry#lawyer!harry#ceo!harry#lawyer romance#office romance#pregnancy#pregnant#romance#teen fiction#young adult#fiction#parents romance#new parents#unplanned pregnancy#becks holte
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City Boy and His Country Girl- Part 2
Read Part 1
Characters: Erik Stevens x black!reader
Summary: Erik takes the reader to the shooting range and learns some interesting things.
Warnings: Language, a dash a violence, Fuckboi!Erik but mostly softboi!Erik, and mentions of smut
A/N: I’m loving this series, so I hope y’all enjoy!
Hanging out with Erik was a total shock. Back home you were used to people talking shit by dressing it up and making it seem like a compliment, but Erik, but Erik Stevens didn’t have no trouble speaking his mind.
If he didn’t like an idea you had for work it wasn’t a ‘Oh, it could be better.’ It was a ‘Texas, that shit fucking sucks. If you wanna beat them colonizers you need something better. Wake me up when you have something better.’
He had no filter on some of your outfits. “Y/N/N stop dressing like you about to go to the hoe down! This is New York City, dress like it!”
Sometimes you wanted to gouge his eyes out, but then you remembered whenever one of your coworkers insulted you, you didn’t break down and cry in the restroom, because Erik was already thickening your skin. You even found yourself snapping back at your coworkers when they tried you.
Then the self-defense training was a whole another beast! Erik was ruthless. He trained you like you were gonna join the ghost operation, he was a part of in the Navy. It didn’t matter if you just threw up, your ass better be ready, his words, not yours.
Also, it was pure torture, but not because of the physical pain. It was because somehow someway Erik always ended up naked. His raised scars were a little jarring at first, but once you got used to them, it added to his appeal.
Erik was an Adonis, a Greek statute in the living flesh. Half of the time you got knocked on your ass because you were too busy gawking at his body. Sometimes it felt like he knew you were staring because he would just smirk at you.
And then those damn gym shorts he’d be wearing, do nothing to hide his dick print. And what you could tell from it was that it was nothing to play with.
Today he was teaching you a new lesson: how to shoot. Little did he know that you had expert marksmanship. Daddy-daughter bonding with your dad was spent hunting, fishing, and shooting. Erik Stevens was in for a surprise.
“Texas, you need to keep your legs shoulder width apart and keep your feet planted,” Erik instructed, sticking his leg in between yours, forcing you into the stance.
Having him this dangerously close to you made you tremble. His scent was intoxicating and having his hard body pressed against you made you want to lean back into him and stay there.
“Damn girl! You shaking like a damn leaf, you scared or something?” Erik joked, knowing him pressing himself against you had you shaking like that. Every time he trained you, he noticed the lust in your eyes. That’s why he always took off his shirt and wore his grey sweats. One time he caught you looking at his print when you thought he wasn’t paying attention and he made his dick jump to mess with you. The little gasp you made in reaction almost had you flat on the mat while Erik had your ankles up to your ears and deep in that puss.
“No,” you said, snatching the gun off the counter. “Can we start now,” you asked, annoyed at how easily Erik affected you.
Erik raised his hands in surrender. “Damn, my bad. Remember if you miss more than five, you gotta cook me some of your bomb ass fried chicken.” Erik reminded you of the bet before pressing the button.
The targets popped up instantly and for the first time in a while you felt like you were home. Effortlessly, you hit each bullseye, leaving you wanting for more.
Facing Erik, he was standing there slacked jaw. This was the first time you had him at a loss for words and you were gonna enjoy it. “Huh, you quiet now, Oakland,” you cuffed your hand around your ear. Teasing him some more you began crunk dancing in his space. “I can’t hear you, Stevens!”
Erik was doing his best not to laugh at your silliness. He still wanted to pretend that he was mad at you, but it was proving to be harder by the minute. “Girl calm your silly ass down! You had me go through all that, just for you to breeze through like you were the one in the military. What about my fried chicken? You know a nigga hungry!”
“Boy, stop being a cry baby,” you smacked your lips. “That’s what you get for assuming shit and I wasn’t gonna leave you hanging. I know them hoes ain’t feeding your greedy ass.”
Digging for his keys in his pocket, Erik grabbed your hand and rushed the two of you out the building. “Shit lets go then! A nigga hungry!”
“Ole greedy ass,” you mumbled, letting Erik shove you into his loud ass yellow, McLaren 570s.
--
Erik was tearing into his plate. The only time he got a home cooked meal was with Y/N or with his aunt and cousins, which was traditional Wakandan food. So when he got some soul food he had to savor it.
“So, Texas, tell me why you so good at shooting?” Erik asked you, when he finally stopped eating to drink some sweet tea.
“My daddy used to take me out back all the time and we practiced shooting. You should see me with a shotgun.”
“Makes sense,” Erik nodded his head, thinking on how you were raised in the south. “Y/N, lemme ask you something. Its been on my mind for a while.”
Dropping your fork of mashed potatoes, you responded with worry at the seriousness of Erik’s tone, “What is it, Erik?”
“You call anyone else daddy besides your dad?”
It took awhile to catch his drift, but when you did you threw a roll at his face, which he caught with his mouth. “Ewww, no! What the hell is wrong withch yo nasty ass?”
Erik busted out laughing, causing the roll to fall out of his mouth. He had inkling that you never did before, but he loved messing with you. “Awww, c’mon on ma, you ain’t have a nigga give you some dick that you couldn’t call him nothing but daddy?” He asked, licking his lips and tilting his head looking at you curiously.
You couldn’t handle the warm feeling Erik was causing to your little bundle of nerves, so a quick diversion was needed. Resorting to your old childish antics, you stuck a finger in each of your ears and yelled, “La la la la la la la la la la.”
Taking hold of each of your wrists, Erik pulled your fingers out of your ears. “Girl grow up! Why you always shying away from talking about sex?”
“Because it’s unlady like and you not my man, Mr. Stevens.” Talking sex was a regular with your friends on girl’s night and it could get graphic, but something told you talking about sex with Erik was whole another thing.
Off rip, Erik sensed you were an undercover freak, you just needed the right person to bring it out. “Man, I don’t need to be your man to give you that good daddy dick,” Erik said, smiling, clasping his hands behind his head so you could admire his biceps.
Rolling your eyes, you got up from your seat and grabbed both of y’all plates and went to the sink. “My mama warned me about men like you, Erik Stevens.”
Getting up from his seat, Erik crept behind you, caging you in between him and the sink. “Princess, I promise there ain’t no men like me,” Erik whispered.
“Shit, Erik! Stop scaring me like that!” You yelled at him, trying your best to calm your nerves.
“My bad, ma.” Erik apologized while he took the dirty plate out your hand and bumped you with his hip to move you out of the way so he could finish the dishes.
Taking this blessing you jumped on the counter besides Erik to keep him company. At this angle you had the perfect view of his profile. Erik had the most beautiful skin, smooth and rich. He was probably one of those lucky niggas who only used soap and water on his face while you had to use fifty-eleven million products just not to get one pimple.
Right now, studying him you didn’t realize how attracted you were to his jaw. Your favorite thing was when he was deep in concentration like now or when he was annoyed, his jaw would clench, and you swore you do anything for that man.
Feeling you stare at him, but wanting to lay off on the teasing, Erik asked you a question. “So, what type of men like me did Mrs. Y/L/N warn you about?”
“Silver tongued devils that make women lose all common sense.”
Flicking his tongue suggestively, Erik answered, “I gotta admit this tongue is talented.”
Smacking him on the back of his neck, you mumbled, “Nasty ass.”
“All you gotta do is ask, ma. You don’t have to revert to elementary days to show that you like me,” Erik joked, rubbing the back of his neck with a sudsy hand.
Ignoring his comment, you changed the subject before you do something stupid and ask him to show you how talented his tongue is. “Enough talking about me. How’s the work project going?”
“Oh, it’s dope, Texas! I feel like a slacker with the kids coming up with all the ideas. All I’m doing is the actual production of the filtration system.” Erik face lit up as he went on to explain how the kids at the Outreach Center were coming up with ideas for a water filter for Flint.
The way Erik got hyped about the kids he was helping, told you he’d be an excellent father. Before your brain could dream up what you and his nonexistent children would look like his phone pinged.
Since he was busy washing dishes, Erik asked you to get it. “Oooooo, it’s a text from Ashley.”
“Which one,” he asked absentmindedly.
Rolling your eyes, you forgot that Erik had a roster of girls. “She’s got a diamond emoji next to her name.”
“Ohhh, Anal Ashley. What she want?”
Shaking your head at his fuckboy tendencies you read the text in a ditzy but sultry tone. “Daddy, I need you.”
At the sound of your voice saying daddy, Erik almost broke the glass he was washing. He would have to remember that for a later date. “See, you can call a nigga daddy. And tell her I’m busy.”
“No, I can’t. I was just getting into character. And nigga, no you not!”
Erik finished washing the last dish and then dried his hands with a towel. “I’m hanging out with my bestie. Ain’t that doing something?”
Even though you didn’t want him to go, you needed him to go. Or those feelings you were ignoring were gonna grow deeper. “You can hangout with me anytime. Go see one of your hoes. You know you get cranky when you haven’t had sex in awhile.”
There was no way Erik wanted trade time with you with some random girl for meaningless sex and meaningless conversation. But he also had a painful erection since he heard you read that text and he didn’t want to push up on you that hard. A poor substitution would have to do. “You sure?”
“Yeah, I’m about to watch Real Housewives of Atlanta guilt free without you judging me.” Whenever you put it on, Erik would grumble and complain about you watching trash tv.
Grabbing his keys, Erik walked to the door and you followed. “A’ight, imma head out. Lock this door as soon as I head out.” Erik commanded you, knowing you had a tendency to forget to lock your door.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Can you go now? Nene is calling my name.”
Before leaving, Erik kissed your cheek and bid you goodbye. Taking in that he kissed you, you floated to the couch, daydreaming about the man, forgetting to lock the door.
“Y/N, LOCK THIS DAMN DOOR!” Erik furious voice broke your daydream.
“Go away, Erik! Nobody’s gonna rob me while I’m here.” You yelled back, not moving an inch from your couch.
“I’m not leaving until you get your country bumpkin ass up and lock this door, deadass!”
Grumbling you got up and locked the door. “Happy now?!”
“Thank you! Imma hit you up when I’m done.” Erik told you.
Returning to your couch, you turned on your tv and tried not to think about how Erik was having sex with some one other than you.
—
“It happens to everyone, Daddy. Let’s watch some tv.” Ashley suggested, reaching for her remote with one hand and stroking his arm with another.
Erik couldn’t believe he couldn’t get it up. Especially with help from the henny.
Ashley was a beautiful girl, no doubt. A redbone version of Naomi Campbell with the attitude to match for no apparent reason, but that never stopped him before.
The thing was she wasn’t you. When Erik had his eyes closed, he could pretend it was you sucking him up, but once his eyes opened and he saw Ashley he instantly went soft.
“Nah, imma head out instead,” Erik said, lifting up from the couch.
Tugging his arm, Ashley pulled Erik back to his seat. “No, stay.”
“Listen, Ash, to be honest I don’t think this,” Erik motioned between him and Ashley. “is gonna work. I’m ending this tonight.”
Ashley’s mood changed. “It’s because of that cow you’re always posting on your snap, huh?” She said, referring to you.
Lunging across the couch, Erik’s hands wrapped around Ashley’s throat. His hands choked her tight enough to let her know he meant business but not too tight to do any damage.
“Don’t you ever fucking disrespect her like that again!” He warned through gritted teeth.
“Now Killmonger wants to come out to play! Get your crazy ass out my house!”
Erik shoved her into the couch before he hopped up. “Lose my fucking number too! I don’t wanna hear from your ignorant ass anymore.”
“Nobody wants a limped ass dick nigga anyway! Good riddance!” Ashley shouted as Erik slammed the door.
While he was walking to his car, Erik texted the one person who he knew still be up.
MSG ERIK: Hey, I’m on my way over so get ready because we ain’t watching that RHOA shit. We watching The Godfather.
MSG Y/N: Already??? Damn Oakland, I didn’t know you were a minute man 😂 and who tf you think you are??? This my house and we’ll watch whatever I want PERIODT!
MSG ERIK: Girl, don’t play with me before I have to make an example of you 💪🏾 and like I said we watching The Godfather.
MSG Y/N: 🙄🙄🙄 whatever. I’ll leave the door unlocked.
MSG ERIK: Y/N KEEP THAT DOOR FUCKING LOCKED!
You read his message but didn’t reply. Erik hated being left on read. Happily, you skipped to unlock your door, knowing that was one more thing to piss off your bestie.
Sliding into his driver’s seat, Erik double checked his phone to see if he was reading it correctly. It said you read his last message, but you didn’t reply.
“This little girl really left me on read. Imma get her ass and that door better be locked when I get there,” Erik mumbled to himself while securing himself.
Soon as the car roared to life, Erik sped down the streets of New York rushing to get to the one woman who made him want to pull his hair out and cuddle her at the same time.
Tagging: @fd-writes @raysunshine78 @momobaby227 @thickemadame @twistedcharismaaa @marvelmaree @ladydragonpurplefire @l-auteuse @thehomierobbstark @titty-teetee @nerd-lovely @soufcakmistress @chaneajoyyy
#marvel fanfiction#black!reader#erik stevens fanfiction#erik stevens#erik stevens x black!reader#erik stevens x reader#erik x reader#erik x black!reader#killmonger#killmonger x reader#killmonger x black!reader#erik killmonger#erik killmonger x black!reader#erik killmonger x reader#mcu fanfic#marvel fanfic#black panther fandom#black panther fanfiction#frizzlewrites#frizzlefic#frizzlesfic#marvel fandom#city boy and his country girl series
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of broken arms and annoying neighbors.
Pairing: Lee Donghyuck x Reader
Word Count: 1.9k
Summary: In which your summer isn’t filled with adventures and laughter but more of annoying neighbors and falling from windows.
Requested: yess from this drabble game. feel free to send a request! // babysitter!au + enemies to lovers +prompt 37 with hyuck or jaemin,, i cant really decide,, thank you and i love your blog uwu xoxo
Summer started just over a month ago, prompting all school kids to lay back and enjoy the sun, ditching school work and forgetting homework. Sunshine shone from above, shinning on your uncovered head while you’re walking to the house address on your phone.
While your friends had all went away to vacation; some going to Bali for a summer tan, others going to their grandparents’ house in the suburbs, you had decided to stay put in your house, prompting to get a job and gather up money for a brand new speaker you’ve been eyeing since last week. The gadget had been just a bit expensive, your money lacking and your parents won’t give you any of theirs, telling you to work for it instead.
The neighborhood you’re walking through is one of the high end ones; flashy marble white buildings owned by the likes of business men, and women. The first time you walked through, you’d felt a little awestruck at their infrastructures, even at their too big swing set just by the park. You guessed this was what people meant when they said that grass is always greener on the other side.
You, yourself came from a humble back ground. Your dad a small office worker with 8 to 9 hours of work, while your mom’s a stay at home wife who cooks and sells some of her paintings as a hobby and now to add to the addition, you’re a babysitter who works for a well off family with 2 adorably well mannered kids. You had started working just over two weeks ago, along with taking care of kids, you had to do a little house work but all and all you love the job that you have.
Although the one thing you can’t stand about the job is one little thing, or should you say person. He goes by the name Lee Donghyuck.
The neighbor next door who made it hell even on your first day of work, breaking one of the house owner’s window, as a welcome gift. Your first encounter hadn’t been good to start with, more so when you threatened to call the police on him. Ever since then he’d always get on your nerves, pressing on the house’s doorbell multiple times and fleeing when you came to open the door.
You hadn’t been innocent yourself, you had purposely baked a chilly and pepper pie that smelled like strawberry and jam, pretending to put it out on the window to cool it down. You had the best laugh of your life when you saw him eat it and cough his guts out.
The steady pace you put on proved to be a hassle. You’re sweating buckets by the time you reached the Smith’s front door, the sun’s still beating down on you while you’re twisting the door knob, eyebrows furrowing when the door won’t open. “Sam? Lynn? Guys it’s me, open the door!”
“Nope!” Two heads pop out of the kitchen window, both kids laughing and smiling at you. Sam’s the 7-year-old brunette with his two front teeth missing, while Lynn’s the 6-year-old blonde with pigtails. The two kids have been a wonder for you to babysit, both of them following your every rule and staying out of trouble. That is until today.
“Guys, c’mon,” You groan, “The ice cream I bought is going to melt if you don’t let me in.”
You’re suppressing a smirk when both kids pop up at the sound of ice cream, the two having a secret little meeting while they go on to discus about their multiple favorite flavors. “What flavor did you bring?”
“Rockyroad.” The sweat sliding down your neck has you desperate to get out of the sun, desperate enough to send the kids your best puppy dog eyes. Little Lynn’s eyes waver for a small moment that has you hopeful, only for that hope to be crushed when Sammy shakes his head and locks the window from the inside.
You’re scoffing at your fate while Donghyuck’s having the time of his live, hand propped up to hold his phone onto his ear while his eyes take in the way you’re jumping and trying to climb your way up to the second story window. The line on his phone finally connects and he’s spewing comments the moment Jaemin’s voice breaks through.
“Bro, she’s climbing up a window!”
“What do you mean you don’t believe me?”
“Come over here and see it yourself, then!”
“Are you a burglar or something?” His eyes are scanning your form, taking in the way you’re climbing up swiftly as if it isn’t your first time. He’s taking in the way your shirt and shorts ride up every time your hands reach up to grab at a ledge. “You’re hot tho.”
“What’d you say, Hyuck?” Donghyuck almost flings his phone out the window when he hears Jaemin’s voice on the line, only remembering too late that he hasn’t pressed the end call button just yet, finally realizing that Jaemin probably heard him calling you hot.
The multiple excuses on the tip of his tongue are pulled to a stop when he hears your scream from outside his window, and it takes everything in Donghyuck not to scream too because an arm shouldn’t be bent that way.
He’s sprinting to your side in seconds, and Hyuck crouches down slowly when he sees you’re still looking at your arm in a daze. “Hey, are you okay?” He’s refraining from slapping himself because you’re most definitely not okay.
Your eyes are focused on him for a minute, head bopping down to look at your hand. The adrenaline in your system is slowly wearing off, a sluggish feeling seeping into your bones and pain shooting up your arm. The scream that escapes you not only make Donghyuck jump but also make Jaemin come running from three house down.
“Oh My God.” The three words come pouring from your lips like a prayer, repeating it again and again while your eyes are still focused on your arm and the way it’s bent, some places slowly turning a smudge blue and purple. The tears start falling down in a quick pace and the way you’re looking at Donghyuck, makes him want to cry too.
“Don’t touch your arm!” Donghyuck all but screeches when he sees you reaching down to your weirdly angled arm, “Are you stupid!?”
“There’s a spare key under the bench,” He screams, “How did you not know that? Even I knew about it!”
You aren’t sure who calls the ambulance, your vision blurring until all you can see is black. Your ears only comprehend Donghyuck’s screams and the sound of sirens invading your senses. “Don’t you dare die, you hear me?! People are going to think I’m the one who killed you!”
“Get a summer job they said,” You grumble, “It’ll be fun they said.”
“Well they didn’t say anything about falling out a window and breaking an arm!”
The next few weeks are spent in your bedroom, based on doctor’s orders. You thought your summer would be filled with adventures, laughter, and maybe a hint of love and you’re still bitter that yours has been filled broken arms and annoying neighbors so far. Although you can’t complain about the later, since the incident, Donghyuck’s been visiting you in his spare time along with Jaemin and the two of you could now be classified as best friends, although you’re not sure what you and Donghyuck are.
The lingering touches and affectionate teasing are too much for you to think of.
Three knocks are heard and your door opens to reveal your mom with a batch of cookies in her hands, a smile spreading on your lips when another head pops into view. “You have a visitor, sweetie.”
The first few moments with Donghyuck alone in your room is awkward, both of you shuffling around while no one utters a word. The sun’s still bright outside, some of its rays shinning in through your opened window and into your room. Donghyuck shuffles closer to you when the sun’s rays hit him on his face and you’re snorting at the view.
“Are you Dracula or something?”
“That’s rich of you to say that,” He snorts back, “As if you don’t look like a mummy right now.”
The awkwardness bursts when you both start laughing, Donghyuck even going a degree of falling off your bed. The air is calm for a while, Donghyuck helping himself to a few of your mom’s cookies while he also passes you some. It’s only then do you see the sight of a black marker in his pocket.
“What’s that for?” Donghyuck’s half way to taking a bite from his cookie when he stops for a moment. A sight of red covering a bit of his cheeks, and you’re squinting to see if he’s blushing or if you also hit your head when you fell.
”Ya know- I haven’t written anything on your cast.”
“Hyuck,” You groan, “It’s being removed soon.”
He’s shrugging his shoulders and you’re trying to see his hidden intentions when he twirls the marker between his fingers, the motion capturing your attention instead. “Still want to sign it.”
“Fine, But if it’s something bad I will literally throw you out my window.”
His body covers your cast from view, completely blocking you from seeing what he’s scribbling on your hand. You’ve only seen Donghyuck serious a handful of times, and you didn’t think he would look this serious if he’s only signing your cast. “Why’re you taking so long?”
“You remember that time you fell really hard and broke your arm?”
Of course it’s like him to answer a question with another question, one of his traits you’ve seen countless of times back when you two were still enemies trying to spite each other. You know he’s been trying to do it less since you cussed him out for it but you know that old habits die hard.
“Of course,” You roll your eyes, “How could I forget?”
“Well I kind of fell that hard for you too.”
Your head shoots up the second the words leave his lips, and your eyes bug out when it registers in your mind that Lee Donghyuck just used a pick up line on you, it just registered in your mind that Lee Donghyuck, your previously annoying enemy, may have a crush on you, just like you him.
And it only registers in your mind the words he wrote on your cast may be the sweetest thing he’s ever asked to you.
“Do you wanna go on a date with me?”
Bonus Scene:
“It’s totally clear you didn’t come up with that pick up line all alone.” The two of you are laying on your bed, Donghyuck’s head on top of your lap while your, now free, hand tangles themselves in his hair, softly tugging at the roots and giggling when he groans from your actions. “It totally reeks of Na Jaemin.”
“Well, didn’t you want to know how i feel?” He’s propping himself up on his elbows, pouting exaggeratedly in a mock cute fashion. “Besides, I said it. Me. And you liked it. Does it even matter?”
The slight red on his cheeks make you squeal and you’re flopping on top of him. Donghyuck lets out an oof when you wrap all your limbs around his, his mouth curling up into a smile when you press a sweet kiss onto the edge of his lips.
#lee donghyuck x reader#lee donghyuck imagines#lee haechan x reader#lee haechan imagine#donghyuck x reader#haechan x reader#donghyuck imagines#haechan imagines#donghyuck x you#haechan x you#donghyuck fluff#haechan fluff#donghyuck drabble#donghyuck scenarios#haechan scenarios#haechan drabbles#nct dream x reader#nct dream imagines#nct dream fluff#nct dream drabbles#nct x reader#nct au#nct imagines#nct scenarios#nct dream scenarios#nct dream fanfic#nct dream#lee donghyuck#lee haechan
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wait for me
pairing: hyunjin x reader
genre: angst, fluff
au: friends to lovers, breakup, college
summary: you thought you’d never see your first love ever again
you and hyunjin go way back
i mean way way back
so let’s have some background about you two
you two met each other in middle school
you were assigned to sit next to him in your science class
and you befriended him right away
you both found a common interest in video games
“is that gta?” you asked hyunjin, pointing out the doodles on his papers
“y-yeah. you like video games?” he said as his eyes lit up
you nodded eagerly
“yes! i love them!”
and since then you two would talk about different video games when you got to class and before the teacher started her lesson
you were more on the tomboy side
so being around hyunjin was comfortable
like you were one of the guys
and the two of you became best friends
hyunjin was always at your side
you two would send each other horrible jokes
“do you want to hear a joke about pizza?”
“let me guess hyunjin, it’s too cheesy?”
“y/n! i was supposed to say that!”
overtime, you two were really close
and you started to develop a crush on him
it started with a classmate that sat near you and hyunjin
you two were laughing as always
when jisung goes
“when are you two going to start dating?” he jokes
you both stopped laughing
and started blushing
around wintertime, your best friend, nayoung, found out that a certain hwang hyunjin had a crush on a certain y/n
of course she told you, and you were red the whole day when your other friend, hyeri, wouldn’t stop teasing you
you kept your giggles to yourself, even with hyunjin around
continuing your jokes, despite your heart beating really fast the whole time
and after science class, he walked you to your next class
and that’s when you confessed to him
“jinnie, i like you.” you said quietly but loud enough only for him to hear
hyunjin smiled widely
“i like you too y/n.” he replied as he ruffled your hair
you walked into your english class with pink cheeks and a big grin
“what happened? did you tell him?” hyeri asked
“he likes me too.” you simply said
causing hyeri to hug you in happiness
hyunjin was the cutest and dorkiest boyfriend
he was shy to hold your hand
and when he did
it would be under the lunch tables as the teachers walked by
he would send you pick up lines that would only make you blush even more
you showed him a love song that reminded you of him
he was blushing while listening to the words
your first date with him was at an amusement park
it was filled with smiles and food
running around to find the different attractions
buying many toys and charms
you bought a snoopy plushie that both of you picked out
you thought it was cute
and it reminded you of hyunjin
you two went on a few rides, like the viking and bumper cars
but at the top of the roller coaster that you convinced hyunjin a thousand times to ride
before the carts could push everyone into the rest of the ride
you suddenly kissed his cheek
making him blush as you screamed in excitement when you accelerated through the tracks
don’t worry
at the top of the ferris wheel, he paid you back by kissing you on the cheek too
making you blush
over the months, you were so happy and in love with him
hyunjin was your first love
and your first kiss
he planted a quick kiss on the lips in front of your friends at your birthday party
immediately followed by screams from said friends
there were many kisses that came after that
in school, he would sneak you to where no one would see you two
or made sure there were no teachers
and he would give you a sweet kiss on the lips
which drove you insane for a fourteen year old
over the next few months, you and hyunjin didn’t talk that much
was it because of schoolwork?
was it because you two were too busy in your hobbies?
you honestly don’t remember
but you knew that you and hyunjin were drifting apart
and sadly
the summer after eighth grade ended
you and hyunjin broke up
hyunjin said that you two weren’t close as you were before
and as sad as you were
you decided not to fight it
and let him be
you remembered crying in your mom’s and dad’s arms
crying in nayoung’s arms as she visited you to make sure you were okay
crying as you saw your old yearbook filled with signatures and messages about you and hyunjin being together forever
tears falling where hyunjin wrote ‘i love you’ as he tried to draw you
laughing as you felt a bittersweet feeling in your heart
thankfully you felt better as time went on
freshman year of high school was so weird
your other peers were just learning that you and hyunjin were no longer together
and it was weird seeing him in a few of your classes
but you both remembered you were friends at first
so you tried to get along with him
it did work most of the time
especially when you were in a group with him
and had to do a project with him
but then you caught feelings again
you missed his hugs
his kisses
his cheesy jokes
unfortunately he did not miss yours
and it became awkward
you two didn’t talk for a long time
you returned your snoopy plushy to hyunjin at school since that was the only time you could see him
and you swore you could see the pain in his eyes as he saw what was in the gift bag
the only time you talked was at the end of the year, joking around like you did in middle school
at least you two weren’t strangers to each other
you felt relieved
but then you remembered one thing
he was moving schools
although it pains you
it also gave you some closure on your relationship with hyunjin
sophomore year came
then junior year
then senior year
you never contacted hyunjin
but he was following your social media
he became more handsome
taller
he worked out more
but he was still the game-loving dork you loved years ago
you also changed too
you swapped out your ugly glasses with contacts
you swapped your old wardrobe for a new style
you discovered how to apply makeup
and even dyed your hair a whole different color
you were a whole new woman
you didn’t really date anyone after hyunjin
hell
you haven’t even kissed anyone since hyunjin
deciding not to focus on relationships
especially since you were starting college
and you really want to focus on your studies and finding a stable job
you went through your first week with a breeze
seeing your old friends even tho it’s just been months since you’ve seen them
smelling the sweet coffee being made by the baristas as you go on your laptop
you got home when you heard your phone ring
‘hyvnjxn sent you a message.’
you had to do a double take
“is that who i think it is?”
you responded to it
and started a conversation with him
“it’s been a while hasn’t it?”
“yeah, it has. how have you been?”
you were shocked that you were actually talking to your ex
your first love
and you two weren’t awkward with each other
at all
it’s like those three years of not contacting each other happened
like you two were still good friends
you were talking to him as if he was one of your best friends
typing in all caps
smashing the keyboard
you found out that hyunjin wanted to serve in the navy
while you wanted to be in criminal justice and become a detective
“i never saw you as an army kind of guy”
“yeah, well i never saw you as a cop”
“…shut up lmao”
you also learned that he moved across the country
so sometimes he would message you while you were sleeping
but it was a nice thing to wake up to
the next few months have been hectic
you were balancing college with your part-time job
and although it can be stressful
hyunjin was there to message you and make sure you were okay
and if you needed to vent
he was there to listen
you both would skype a few times
whether it was just talking to each other face to face while doing homework
or playing games and yelling at each other
“hyunjin you missed that guy! now you gotta run to the other side before his teammates get you!”
“i’m trying my best here! let me live y/n!”
everyday, you kept talking to hyunjin
and before you even knew it
it was time for hyunjin to leave the country to go into the navy
you skyped him for a bit during your break in between classes
“you’re leaving already!”
“i know, i’m so sad.”
“who am i gonna cry to when i don’t have the motivation to do my readings or yell at when i’m playing games?”
hyunjin laughed
“it’s only gonna be two years, then i’ll be back to be yelled at by you.” he smiled
you pouted
“i’m so glad I talked to you – to have you back in my life again.” hyunjin said
you blushed at his words
good thing your laptop camera isn’t that good
“i could say the same to you. i mean, we used to date, you were my first love. i didn’t think i would see you again.”
hyunjin smiled
“you were my first love too. i didn’t think i would even have the balls to talk to you again.” he joked
you two kept talking for another five minutes
“hey, y/n, i really have to go, but i’ll talk to you later?”
“of course. bye hyunjin!” you smiled as you clicked on the end call button
you sighed
“i’m not supposed to love you again.” you thought to yourself
after finishing your last class, you drove home
drowning your thoughts in your music
you sulked into your living room
“why are you so sad for?” a voice called out
you jumped, holding your fists into the air
turning around to see hyunjin with wide eyes
“whoa there. it’s just me.” hyunjin said with his hands up
“h-hyunjin? is that you?!” you said, running towards him
wrapping your arms around his torso
“it’s nice to see you too y/n.” he giggled, engulfing you into a bear hug
you pulled away from him
“what are you doing here?”
“i’m gonna be leaving soon, so why not spend a few days here, with you?”
“with me?”
hyunjin nodded
“yes you, silly. now go get ready!” he said, pushing you towards the stairs
after getting ready and whatnot, you and hyunjin hung out at the mall
eating lunch at the cafe located in it
your friends were spamming you the moment you posted a snap of him
but you didn’t care to answer
you were caught in the moment
looking at hyunjin who sipped on his drink in front of you
you had a bubbly feeling that you haven’t felt in a long time
yet it felt so familiar
“stop looking at me.” hyunjin joked
shaking your thoughts away
“i’m sorry! it’s just feels like a dream. are you really here in front of me?” you said, poking his cheek
hyunjin grabbed your hand, wrapping it with his
“yes, i really am here.”
the next day, hyunjin picked you up from school, and headed straight towards the pier
the same pier with the amusement park you and hyunjin went to on your very first date with each other
“hyunjin!” you called out as he parked the car
you felt tears building up
hyunjin giggled as he unbuckled his seatbelt
“i’m glad you remembered. now come on!”
you two ran into the park like little children
holding hands
“remember when we kissed each other’s cheeks on the roller coaster and the ferris wheel?” hyunjin asked
making you blush a bit
“yes! we were so young back then. look at how much the park has changed.”
you two enjoyed the park’s new attractions
playing the games that took half of your spending money
but it was worth it when hyunjin won you a huge teddy bear
“hyunjin, it’s not gonna fit in your small car!”
“but it’ll fit in your room.” he winked
causing you to slap his shoulder, trying to hide your blushing face
you and hyunjin decided to ride on the roller coaster
the infamous cheek-kissing ride
“you still scared of roller coasters?” you teased hyunjin
“hey! i am not!” he whined
and yet here you two were at the very top of the roller coaster
you really had the balls to look down and look at hyunjin
“you sure you’re not scared?” you smirked
“a little, but i’m not scared of doing this.”
before you could even breathe to ask him what he’s talking about
he quickly cupped your face and planted his lips onto yours
you melted into the kiss as the carts moved forward at a fast speed
screams from other riders blasting through the park
but everything felt like it was in slow-motion
like it was just you and hyunjin in the world
he pulled back near the end of the ride
leaving you looking like a tomato
hyunjin was grabbing your things when you grabbed his hand
interlacing your fingers together
hyunjin smiled as he pulled you away and into the park again
enjoying the night winds
hyunjin dropped you off home, walking you to your door
“i’ll see you tomorrow at the airport?” he said, inches away from you
you felt your heart break a little
you forgot that hyunjin was leaving tomorrow for the navy
“yeah.” you breathed out
“good night y/n.” he said, deeply looking into your eyes
you lifted yourself up with your toes
pulling hyunjin for a kiss
you stayed in that position for a while
until you pulled back and opened the door
leaving hyunjin in a dazed state
you went into your room, placing down the huge bear in the corner of your room, and cried yourself to sleep
despite having the most amazing day ever with hyunjin
the next day rolled in
you found yourself in the freezing airport
you were waiting with hyunjin as he rested on your shoulder
his family that stayed on your side of the country was with you two
waiting for his departure as well
his flight was leaving in half an hour
you looked through your phone
until you heard the call for his flight
“hyunjin, wake up.” you said quietly, patting his cheek
he stirred in his sleep as he slowly got up
“it’s time to go.” you said with a small, yet painful smile
hyunjin reflected your smile, rubbing circles on the back of your hand with his thumb
you walked him to his terminal
“i guess this is goodbye.” hyunjin said
that bittersweet feeling you knew too well filled your body
you couldn’t say anything to him
you just hugged him, squeezing him tightly
letting your tears ruin his shirt
“i’m gonna miss you a lot.” you said, muffled by his chest
hyunjin chuckled
“i’ll call you when i can.” he said
you looked up at him
hyunjin instantly wiped your tears with his thumbs
giving you the sweetest smile
“wait for me.” he quietly said, kissing your forehead
“i love you.” he added
“i love you too hyunjin.” you said, trying not to choke up
he pulled away, said his goodbyes to his family and started walking towards the boarding bridge
you sniffled as he turned around and waved to you
you couldn’t help but smile as more tears ran down your face as you watched him walk through the doorway
but wait, there’s more
two years without physically seeing hyunjin seemed like forever
but you distracted yourself with your friends, schoolwork, and your job
you were in your third year of university
you found a paid internship at the police department
and they guaranteed you a position after you graduate from the police academy
you were ahead of your classes, so that meant a lot of down time for you
you hung out with your friends on weekends doing whatever you felt like doing
whether it was shopping
eating
or watching cheesy romcoms
which reminded you of hyunjin
laughing to yourself as you remembered you both loved horror and action movies more
your friends were quite shocked at how well you were doing without him
but little did they know
you two were still in contact
you never told them about your late night skype calls whenever he was available
you two would eat while video chatting
taking him with you while you ran errands
even falling asleep while on the call
“y/n, you haven’t been on a date in forever!” nayoung yelled
“you haven’t dated anyone since hyunjin, and he’s literally the only guy you’ve dated.” hyeri said
“i am literally right next to you. i can hear you loud and clear.” you said, rubbing your ears as you and your best friends continued walking through campus
“yeah, why don’t we set you up with that cute guy from your english class?” hyeri added in, taking in a bite of her sandwich
“i’m not interested.” you chuckled
“you haven’t even tried to mingle with anyone once during college, and we have a year left here.”
“you even shot down the guy who was totally flirting with you when we were shopping.”
“i thought he was being nice!” you exclaimed
“but seriously, it’s no big deal. you don’t have to worry about my love life.”
“you sure you don’t want me to find someone for you?”
“i can hook you up!”
you looked ahead to see a tall figure wearing camouflage
instantly making eye contact with them
once you realized who it was
you two broke into the biggest smiles
“i think i’ll be just fine.”
you ran towards the figure and leaped onto him
wrapping your arms tightly around his shoulders as he lifted you up
not caring that there were people staring
“hyunjin!” you said as tears were already spilling from your eyes
“holy shit.” nayoung and hyeri said as their jaws dropped
“i see you’ve missed me badly.” hyunjin laughed as he held you
“of course i did!” you said as he lowered you onto the ground
planting a sweet and chaste kiss on your lips
you couldn’t help but blush at the familiar feeling
“i hope you didn’t wait for me for too long.” hyunjin said
“for you, i’d wait forever.”
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A Favour for a Favour
Pairing: Peter Parker x Reader Summary: Peter stumbles across someone strange when he’s walking home from school and decides to help that strange someone. This leads to some interesting events.
A/N: I HAVE HAD THIS SHIT SITTING IN MY DRAFTS FOR A YEAR AND I FINALLY FINISHED IT SO HERE YOU ALL GO, ENJOY
This is only one part of it tho, I will continue it if you guys want me to
Also, Alpha/Beta/Omegaverse here cause it makes everything more interesting
Warnings: Bad language, Sexual Tension? I think
Peter Parker was a smart boy.
Yeah, he had some oddities, the boy who enjoyed old timer movies and only had one friend, Ned Leeds, but he was still incredibly skilled when it came to science and maths and was destined to have a great future one day, so that’s what really mattered. He was intelligent, and his smart decisions would lead him to something great.
So when he saw the two feet sticking out from behind a dumpster on his way back from school one evening, he wondered if it was a stupid decision or not to go check on whoever the feet were attached to.
The boy moved slowly, taking one step after another away from the busy street into the dirty alley while leaning over to glance behind the giant metal container.
Peter could see them clearly now. A girl, from what he guessed about the same age as him, was sat leaning against the neighbouring apartment complex with a lit cigarette in her hand. Her hair was short and matted shadowing her eyes, her skin was riddled with dirt and she was wearing what once was a pristine suit, now torn and soiled with what looked to be dried blood. Though the weirdest thing had to be the lack of scent, nothing, not a single thing that gave away what exactly she may have been. Alpha, Delta, Beta, Gamma, Omega? There was nothing and that unnerved him greatly.
Peter Parker was a smart boy.
But that didn’t mean he couldn’t be stupid.
“You know it’s a bad idea to walk into an alleyway alone” An English accented voice made him jump and Peter watched as the girl turned to look at him with piercing (e/c) eyes that seemed to glow with warning. The girl’s lips pulled back, a deadly smirk growing on her features as she stared right into his soul. “Are you trying to get jumped?”
Peter shook his head quickly, swallowing the lump in his throat as he stammered “N-No, I just- I saw you- I thought you might have needed help-”
The sudden laugh she released was boisterous, her hand slapping the pavement was loud and everything she seemed to do made him jump nervously. He wouldn’t be having this problem if he was an Alpha. “Me? Need help? How kind of you, stranger”
His eyes caught the thick collar around her neck and the idea of a scent collar popped into his head. It was, however, quickly diminished when he noticed that the collar seemed more of some sort of electrical torture device. “Would- uh, would you like help?”
It was a stupid question. Peter knew it was a stupid question, he didn’t even know why he asked in the first place and expected her to laugh again at his idiotic query, however, her cruel smile began to soften and she let out a broken laugh.
“You can’t help me, kiddo” Came her soft reply “You should get outta here before things get…” She paused, trying to find the words “messy…”
“Messy?” The American repeated, tilting his head in confusion. After a brief silence, most likely her contemplating if she should tell him the context of her comment, she patted the spot next to her. Peter walked over slowly, sliding down to match her position and blinking in surprise when she held her hand out.
“The name’s (Full Name) and what I’m about to tell you right now is basically part my life story, so I might as well know your name first.” Peter grabbed her hand, giving the girl a firm shake as he replied “Peter Parker”
(Name) grinned “Nice to meet you, Parker”
“Uh, likewise”
(Name) turned back, facing the opposite wall as she took a deep breath. Her hand moved to her jacket pocket, pulling out a silver flask and gesturing towards him as if to ask ‘want some’, pulling away with an understanding nod when he declined before taking a swig of its contents.
“I don’t think…” Peter trailed off when she pulled a disgusted face.
(Name) was quick to spit it back out.
“Whiskey isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be, it seems” She tossed the flask aside and sighed in disappointment.
Silence hung over them and Peter felt the need to ask if she was going to explain her situation. He knew he should really leave it alone, he knew he should have probably left when she had suggested, maybe even call the police but his gut told him that his efforts would be for nothing, that what he was doing now was the right thing.
He didn’t really like trusting his gut, it always seemed to end with some type of problem or problems that he would need to deal with sooner rather than later.
“You see the collar?” (Name) scowled, gesturing towards the thing with distaste “It’s there to keep me in check when I go out for... assignments from my boss and well, it’s got a tracking system with a whole team monitoring my every move twenty-four-seven”
Clicking her tongue, she continued “However, during one of my jobs I got hit and it got fucked, so I’ve been off the grid for a few days but I know that they’ll have that damn thing back on soon, they always do”
(Name) pulled her legs up to her chest, placing her head onto her knees and closing her eyes. “And once they find out I’m not dead already, they’ll kill me off”
“W-what!” Peter exclaimed, eyes wide and face stricken with horror. “Why haven’t you taken it off?!”
“Can’t; It’s locked, I don’t know the code and one wrong move won’t end well”
(Name) once again leaned back, meeting the boy’s eyes with a tired smile. Peter could tell what she’s feeling, he’s felt it so many times before and he just couldn’t bear the sight. She was tired, the kind of tired that was really just a cover-up to hide the despair and complete misery she was feeling but trying to ignore as she knew that there was nothing that could be done to make it stop.
It was at that moment that Peter Parker decided to use his smarts to his advantage.
Peter dived into his bag, rummaging through his items while (Name) watched him with interest. He let out a silent cheer, pulling out a small keyboard and some wires he had found while dumpster diving earlier this morning.
(Name) grinned upon seeing them “It’s not gonna be that easy, Parker, this thing was programmed by a bunch of expert hackers, it’s not gonna give way to a fifteen-year-old with a bunch of retro techs”
“I can still try, I’m not gonna let you die” He responded, patting his jeans for his phone only for one to be presented to him.
“Well, if I can’t stop you, I might as well help you” (Name) was still grinning and he could see a slight spark appear in her eyes. “Don’t use your phone, you’ll just have to throw it away”
Peter smiled, taking the device “Thanks, where did you get this?”
“You wouldn’t like that answer”
After a confused pause, the boy began his work. (Name) had her back to him, the device unscrewed revealing a mess of wires and chips, some of which had been connected to the keyboard and phone. The smart device was used to display the mess of code and keyboard used to break down the jumbled expanse of numbers he could see. If Ned were here, this would be much easier, he thought but alas, his friend was probably at home working on the lego podracer he had bought a few weeks ago.
“You feel like giving up yet, Parker?” (Name) teased and Peter let out a grunt of acknowledgement, too far into a state of concentration to respond to her comment. “You know, it’s okay if you can’t do it, not everyone can be saved”
“It doesn’t mean that they can’t try to be” She went quiet after that, her form becoming slight stiff as he continued on with his task. (Name) had long since given up and she accepted that maybe, she wouldn’t be able to continue on but there was no way in hell that Peter was going to accept defeat, he would figure this out or die trying.
It was about thirty minutes later when something finally seemed to happen. “I think I have the code”
(Name) froze “...Seriously?”
“Yeah…” Peter leaned forward, fingers ghosting over the rubber numbers on the code panel as he looked up at (Name) hesitantly. “Do you want me to…?”
She sat silently for a moment, her form completely still when she spoke “Do it”
“What if it’s-”
“Then it’s wrong”
“What will happen-”
“Don’t think about that”
Peter gulped, then choked out a sigh, trying to calm his nerves as he glanced over the numbers one last time and began to input in the six-digit sequence. He hesitated before pressing the enter button, shuffling back slightly at (Name)’s demand and sitting in silence as they waited for something to happen. A minute when past, then five, then ten and Peter let out a sound of confusion.
“Did...did it not work?” (Name) was still quiet when she moved her hands to the device, ignoring Peter’s concerned call as she grabbed it and tugged at it gently. With a soft click, it gave way, becoming limp in (Name)’s hand as she turned around and brought it in front of her, face frozen in astonishment as they both stared at it.
“It worked…” She whispered, a smile growing on her face “It worked!”
(Name) laughed, jumping to her feet with joyous cheer and threw the device to the floor. Peter watched as she slammed her boot down on it, laughing a relieved laugh at the cracking sound before taking a deep breath and looking over towards him as he stood.
“You saved my life, Parker” (Name) grinned “I owe you”
“Y-You don’t really-” The boy tried to argue, yelping suddenly when she threw herself towards him, squeezing him gratefully while he stood there awkwardly. She was about the same height as him and her grip around him was much stronger than he had expected.
“Yes, I do” She pulled away, giving him a two-fingered salute before turning and walking deeper into the alley. “We’ll meet again, Parker, but as of now, it would be a good idea to part.”
“Wait, what-”
(Name) turned, a knowing smirk on her face as she sent him a cheeky wink “They’re are probably still trying to track that thing, but I’ll be long gone so head off before you gather their attention”
She turned, disappearing into a connected alley with a farewell while ignoring Peter’s perplexed shouts. The teen was quick to gather his stuff, chasing after girl still calling after her but stopped when realising that it was deserted, the only thing within his eyesight being a few other dumpsters and the busy street at the mouth of the alleyway.
Peter let out a disappointed sigh as he threw his backpack onto his shoulder, exiting the narrow pathway and continuing his walk back home.
A few weeks later, a little after the spider bite, there was a delivery at his door with a note, the words ‘only the beginning - (Name)’ written in red ink with a friendly heart. He was lucky that Aunt May wasn’t there so he wouldn’t have to explain the large stack of cash he pulled out of the envelope.
It was a few months later when Peter had been appointed by the Tony Stark to help him fight against a rogue group of heroes and to say that it was chaotic would be an understatement.
He expected something bad, these were superheroes obviously, some were made to be weapons, some had magic, some were just plain skilled and terrifying, but oh, what he got to face was so much worse.
He had got thrown around by Captain America, nearly caught an arrow to the shoulder, had some sort of psychic blast sent his way- it was a nightmare and no words could change that.
However, halfway through the fight, he had been cornered by a smaller masked figure and he had been fighting against them with much difficulty. Dodging an electric baton, blocking flying punches, jumping back from a boot to the face- really, doing anything that wouldn’t end with him of the floor.
However, his plans were quickly foiled when his assailant ducked down, swiftly sweeping the young hero’s legs out from under him and sending Peter onto the hard, cold ground. The enemy was quick to pounce, straddling his waist, pinning both his arms above his head before pulling back out their baton and pointing it dangerously close to his neck as a warning to stay down.
Peter audibly gulped from under his mask.
Then, without any warning, they began to lean closer, weapon still poised at his neck when he noticed something- well, in their case, the lack of something.
They had no scent.
There was no musty smell of an Alpha, no natural aroma of a Beta, the sweet fragrance of an Omega, just...nothing. Everyone else in this airport had some sort of particular smell but this character had nothing, nada, absolutely nil.
That’s when he realised.
“Heya, Parker”
He knew exactly who this was.
“(N-Name)?” The boy stammered, squirming under his captor��s grip with an uncomfortable whine. The proximity made him uncomfortable and it seemed to make him forget that he could have easily pushed her off of his frame. “What are you doing here?”
Dropping her weapon, (Name) swiftly pulled back her mask to reveal the Cheshire grin carved into her cheeks, accompanied by a surprisingly mischievous spark in her eyes.
"I'm here helping the good guys" She tilted her head to the side, looking over him with an obvious glee “Looks like you chose the wrong side, Parker”
“I didn’t choose the wrong side!” (Name) snorted at his frustrated rebuttal, biting her lip in a teasing motion as she watched his suit eyes narrow “Do you even know what’s going on here?!”
“Do you even know what’s going here, Parker?” Peter huffed, turning his head to the side in a way to avoid her inquisitive counter.
No.
He had no clue what was happening at the moment, he just wanted the chance to team up with Mr Tony Stark and some other popular faces that he had only dreamed of ever meeting in real life.
“Didn’t think so” She laughed, leaning closer as she took a whiff of him “When did you become an Alpha, Parker? Did it happen when you got those abilities of yours?”
“I-I…”
“Or maybe you were an Alpha this whole time? Maybe you were hiding it behind that Beta smell from before, hm?” She was so close, Peter realised when he felt soft breathes fan over where his ear would be under his mask. He could feel everything of her, her hands holding down his wrists, her chest pressed against his, her thighs straddling his hips- he was aware of every single little detail and he didn’t know why. He knew it wasn’t his spidey senses, her playful attitude with him showed that she had no thoughts of hurting him in any way, maybe it was his nerves?
Then he caught a small scent that only grew stronger when his senses honed into it. It was like the smell of a bakery, the telltale aroma of fresh doughnuts out of the oven, the sugary smell of cupcakes being iced and danishes being left to cool off, oh, he could almost taste it! (Name) smelled so delicious, so delightful, so...so…
Sweet!
…
Wait-
“Holy shit…”
(Name) giggled, her hands snaking down from his wrists to tug up his mask and boop his nose. She winked at his wide-eyed expression.
“Surprised, Parker?” She cooed with a playful grin “Big, scary (Name) being an Omega?”
“(Name)...”
All at once, the smell was gone and (Name) jumped to her feet ���Well, it was nice seeing you, Parker, but I gotta go. Gotta go be a hero when I can be one”
“Wait!” (Name) ran, not giving Peter a second to talk. The teen jumped to his feet, pulling down his mask and chasing after her through the chaos "(Name), wait!"
“No can do, Parker!” She shouted back, sliding to the left when the boy shot a web towards her, dodging it with a laugh. “Good one, but not good enough!”
The boy growled in frustration, his speed increasing significantly from his determination before he reached out and caught her wrist. (Name) squealed when he tugged her back, manic giggles falling from her lips when she made eye contact with the boy as he brought her to his chest. “Couldn’t get enough of me, Parker? I’m honoured, really”
“You can’t just-” He spluttered trying to bite back his frustration in favour of sounding confused “You can’t just do that and run!”
“And why can’t I?”
“Because-”
“Because, what?”
“Because, I-
“Because, you-”
“Because I liked your scent!” He finished, feeling his cheeks heat up in embarrassment while (Name)’s eyes widened in surprise.
“You, what?”
“...I liked your scent” He repeated with more confidence, leaning closer to her “It was...sweet”
“Sweet?” (Name) whimpered, glancing around “Parker I have to go-”
“Please” Peter squeezed her forearms gently, urging her to look at him “Please don’t go”
(Name) looked so conflicted.
“Peter-”
A flash of red and Peter was thrown back, his colliding into a van with a pained grunt while (Name) stood motionless, unsure of what to do when another hand tugged at her.
“Come, (Name)” Wanda ushered, glancing back at the boy before both of them were running again.
It was only when (Name), Bucky and Steve were in the Quinjet did she make any noise again. The two males glanced back at her, watching as she let out a string of flustered giggles, covering her face as she curled into herself.
“You okay, kid?” Bucky asked and (Name) sighed, relaxing into the seat with a dazed expression.
“He liked my scent” She giggled, “He said it was sweet”
Steve and Bucky looked at each other, both soldiers’ faces contorting into different emotions when they realised what the girl was talking about.
“Bucky-”
“I’ll kill him”
#peter parker imagine#spiderman imagine#peter parker x reader#spiderman x reader#peter parker#spiderman#A Favour for a Favour#Reader is super playful#Reader is also flirty#And to top it all off#Reader doesn't know how emotions work#God save her#Avengers imagine#Marvel imagine
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Picture Me Perfect
Prompt: one year with Jooheon and Changkyun through Jooheon's Instagram.
i had this idea when i saw an jookyun edit on instagram and i HAD to.. it took me a whole day and night to make all these edits so i hope y'all gonna enjoy this shitty idea,,,
(i literally made an instagram account for this, yes @joohtography exist)
✧・゚: * january ✧・゚: *
“Hyung, you bought new lenses?” Changkyun asked, watching his boyfriend struggle finding a nice angle for his selfie from the bed he was currently lying on.
Jooheon turned his head. A smirk clearly visible on his lips.
“Yeah do you like them?” Jooheon replied, his arm still in the air, selfie ready.
“You look really good” the younger whispered, his face in the blanket he’s hugging.
“Your fingers are tiny,” Jooheon commented, his hand covering Changkyun’s one.
“Shut up,” a blush creeped on the younger’s face, his gaze not leaving their hands.
Jooheon insisted for him and Changkyun to have matching rings, it wasn’t engagement rings, not yet, it was more like promise rings. Changkyun wasn’t against it, frankly he found it cute.
He would never admit it but he actually loved wearing matching outfits or accessories with Jooheon. It’s cheesy yes, but he couldn’t help the tiny butterflies in his stomach when they’re wearing matching stuff.
✧・゚: * february ✧・゚: *
“For the love of god Kyunnie stop moving,” Jooheon sighed, camera in his hands desperately trying to take a good picture of his robe wearing boyfriend.
“Yah, i’ve been posing for thirty minutes, it’s not my fault you can’t take good pictures,” the younger teased, sticking his tongue out like the child that he is.
“If you stop moving so much, i’ll promise we’ll cuddle afterwards, but first, smile for me,” Jooheon laughed while pinching Changkyun’s cheeks.
“Let me drink my beer in peace Honey,” Changkyun complained, his almost empty drink in his hand. He didn’t actually mind Jooheon tendency to take pictures of him almost everytime he did something, no, he found it adorable how Jooheon’s brows would furrow in concentration when he needed to find the perfect angle and lightening for his random picture he was taking at the moment.
“Maybe you should stop looking this cute then, i think my camera is attracted to you, it can’t stop taking pictures of you,” Jooheon teased while taking his fiftieth picture, god knows how many pictures he took but the younger guess, a lot.
Changkyun groaned, beer still in his hands, he pulled his hoodie up to cover his face but that didn’t stop Jooheon, nothing stops him really.
✧・゚: * march ✧・゚: *
“Wait wait, the lighting is so good let me pull out my camera don’t move Kyunnie!” Jooheon exclaimed, rushing to get up from the floor to get his camera. He came back shortly after retrieving it from their bedroom.
“How should I pose? You know I’m not good at that,” the younger mumbled timidly, still not used to being Jooheon’s model, he didn’t find himself that appealing, sure he was cute but he wasn’t at a Hyungwon level of breathtaking beauty. Even if people told him he was hot, he still felt like they were joking so i didn’t take them seriously, eventually, he began to take these compliments seriously especially coming from Jooheon. The older made him feel good about being himself, that’s part of the things that made Changkyun fall head over heels for him.
“Just stay natural, don’t move your head,” he quickly snapped some pictures, complimenting Changkyun at the same time because damn, he looked so good.
It’s been awhile since Jooheon touched his polaroid camera, he usually used his digital camera because it was quicker and easier but he won’t lie, he love the feeling of taking a picture and seeing it being “printed” immediately, he also enjoy the aesthetic of it, he never knew how the pictures are going to end up looking like but if was an exciting feeling.
He recently bought new film for his camera and coincidentally, his friends showed up at his and Changkyun’s house the same day. An idea sparked in his head almost immediately so he took his camera in hand and began taking pictures of his friends, they all posed for him without asking questions, they were used to it.
Some of the pictures ended up blurry and others too dark but he was content in the end, they all had a wonderful night were they laughed, took hundred pictures and watched some movies. He felt warm inside, a genuine smile plastered on his face. He loved them so much.
✧・゚: * april ✧・゚: *
One thing Jooheon loved more than anything was when Changkyun had his messy hair, no makeup apart from some concealer on his face, when his skin glowed and had that nice caramel like colour, lips pink without lip tint.
Changkyun looked so small and innocent it always made the older’s heart beat rapidly in his chest, sure Changkyun looked always pretty, but he was breathtaking like this. The younger’s jacket was literally eating him, it was too big for him, his hands were hidden by the long sleeves of the black jacket.
Jooheon was literally melting in front of his adorable boyfriend. He was so whipped that if Changkyun looked at him and told him to go rob a bank, his stupid self would run to the nearest bank.
Changkyun was clingy, that’s a fact, he liked long and warm hugs, forehead and kisses on the cheeks, he love being a little spoon and feeling Jooheon’s arms wrapped around him while they were having small discussion on their bed.
The younger really loved skinship and his friends knows it so they let him sit on their laps or let him jump on their back so he could hug them tightly. One thing he loved the most was when he could sit on his boyfriend’s lap and feel his arms sneaking around his waist. He let himself relax and wrapped his arms around Jooheon’s shoulders to take his face in his hands.
“Ew, people being in love,” Minhyuk fake gagged, smiling at them, he pulled out his phone to take a picture. They looked cute, he’s not going to lie.
✧・゚: * may ✧・゚: *
Okay, Jooheon didn’t really hate Hyungwon but right now he sent him deadly glares from the chair he was seated on in the crappy coffee shop they were currently in because apparently Hyungwon would die if he didn’t have his iced americano right now. Sipping his hot chocolate, he took his phone to snap some pictures of his friend, he wasn’t really mad at him of course, he isn’t the type to be mad for little things like this, his friend knows it, no hard feelings.
“Now! Throw the glitters!,” Jooheon exclaimed, finger on the shutter button ready to snap the perfect picture. They’ve been trying for one hour straight to take this damn picture but luck wasn’t with them, the wind was messing with Changkyun’s hair and the glitter.
Finally after some struggle they managed to take a good picture that Jooheon immediately posted on Instagram. Changkyun looked too good not to share with people.
✧・゚: * june ✧・゚: *
Minhyuk was certainly his favourite model, his features were sharp and defined. He looked ethereal and it was always a blessing to take pictures of him giving that Minhyuk knew what he did and didn’t need help posing, he was a natural and that showed when they looked back at the pictures he took that day.
He needed to clean up their appartement and to sort out the knick-knacks he kept in three big boxes inside their closet, they needed space and Jooheon had to much things he didn’t used anymore. So cleaning was a good idea.
He was rummaging in the second box when he spotted a little photo album of old polaroids he kept through the times. He carefully picked up and opened it, turning the pages when he found a picture of him and Changkyun when they were still freshly together.
He obviously kept it to show it to his boyfriend and took a quick picture to post it.
✧・゚: * july ✧・゚: *
Jooheon was whipped, literally.
“Hyung! Hyung! Look at this cat he’s so cute! Or she? I don’t know. I want to pet it, he’s looking at me oh my god look at him! Do you think he belongs to someone? Can we take it home? Hyung?” Changkyun chirped rapidly, he lowered himself to pet the stray cat, cooing when the tiny cat head-butted his hand signaling him to continue scratching his head.
Jooheon was watching the scene in front of him fondly, a warm smile present on his face, damn he was really in love.
“You still didn’t found a boyfriend? You want help? I know some frie-,”
“Stop, I don’t need a boyfriend Jooheon,” Kihyun sighed at Jooheon antics, passing his hand in his fade purple hair.
“Suuuure, that’s not what you’re gonna say when you’ll see Hyunwoo tho,”
“Who? Is he.. is he cute?” he timidly asked, okay, maybe he needed a boyfriend but don’t tell Jooheon that he’s right.
“Oh boy, cute is meaningless when you talk about him, that man is breathtaking, and his the sweetest person you’ll ever encounter, he might look all big and cold but he’s just a big teddy bear ready to give love to anyone. Maybe I should post a picture of you on my account so he can see it? I know you won’t talk to him first so why not?” Jooheon suggested happily, maybe it wasn’t a bad idea and honestly he could see Kihyun and Hyunwoo together.
“Yeah whatever,” the older mumbled, posing quickly with peace signs.
✧・゚: * august ✧・゚: *
“Seriously, you didn’t find better for the caption?”
“No, it’s cute, like you Kyunnie,” he blew a kiss at Changkyun who mumbled something he didn’t really catch but his boyfriend’s rosy cheeks were enough for him to understand that he actually liked the caption.
His head outside of the window, he watched quietly the birds flying and the sky, he liked when it was calm even if he had an out-going personality. He took a picture that he immediately sent to Changkyun with a little “wish u were here, do u finish soon? i miss u” message.
✧・゚: * september ✧・゚: *
They were outside doing some shopping, it wasn’t really cold, the weather was actually nice. Changkyun had a white mask covering his mouth and he still looked beautiful.
Without him knowing he quickly took a picture like a paparazzi, sure the picture wasn’t the best and well centered but it still showed Changkyun’s beauty, that would do.
Late night rides and dates were a common thing between them, they loved it, it was their thing. So obviously when Jooheon proposed to go out buy some food and ice creams in the nearest convenience store, Changkyun didn’t say no. Who would say no to food and a night outside with your boyfriend?
✧・゚: * october ✧・゚: *
“Can I do your makeup today?”
“Sure, go ahead but I want to paint your nails after, I bought a new black nail polish, yours was too old,” he said calmly, putting a headband on his head to block his bangs.
Changkyun let out a happy noise and rushed to find his makeup bag, Jooheon closed his eyes and let him work his magic while telling him about the previous photoshoot he had.
“This is so stupid hyung look at them they can’t walk properly!”
“Leave my kids alone they look adorable you’re just jealous that they’re more stylish than you are,” he teased while playing with his cats.
“Not true..,” Changkyun pouted, crossing his arms on his chest like a kid.
✧・゚: * november ✧・゚: *
“You kinda look alike, it’s funny you are twins, wait let me take a picture,” Hyunwoo said before taking a pretty good picture of his friend in front of him.
Jooheon was happy, he finally got the chance to take awesome photos of his friends, he wanted to do this shoot for awhile now. He was content with the result and his friends were too so it’s kinda like he won a big prize.
“Can’t wait to show this to Kyun,”
✧・゚: * december ✧・゚: *
They finally finished to decorate the Christmas tree, Changkyun was ecstatic with the final result, they took an entire day because they couldn’t stop bickering playfully. Some fake snow fight after, they finished and took a look at their creation. They were pretty pleased with what they ended up with, they quickly cleaned up the mess on the floor and lighted up some candles, Jooheon took a pretty picture, obviously.
They ended up drinking hot chocolate and cuddling under a soft blanket on their couch.
Jooheon was happy, he felt a warm sensation in his chest looking at all of his friends currently sprawled on his tiny couch, he couldn’t help the smile on his face. He’s lucky, he know that, to be surrounded by all of these people.
“Honey? Come sit too!,” his boyfriend exclaimed, patting the seat next to him with a toothy smile on his face, god Jooheon loved his smile. He felt his heart skip a beat and nodded, walking towards Changkyun to sit next to him, taking his hand in his and giving him a little kiss on his cheeks.
His head in the crook of the younger’s neck, he realised that he wouldn’t change his life for anything.
#lee jooheon#im changkyun#monsta x#fanfiction#jookyun#shownu#son hyunwoo#wonho#lee minhyuk#minhyuk#yoo kihyun#kihyun#chae hyungwon#hyungwon#jooheon#changkyun#instagram au#instagram#are you there?#photographer!jooheon#cute boyfriends#this is cute#fluffy#fluff#tooth-rotting fluff
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Streetcar
Erik Killmonger x Black!Reader
This is my first time at this rodeo so go easy on me,teehee. The song that inspired me to write this is called StreetCar by Daniel Caesar. Enjoy!
Let me know
Do I still got time to grow?
Things ain't always set in stone
That be known let me know
“Welcome to New York City!” Sounds of the bus coming to a halt echo through the terminal causing you to jolt awake from your nap. “Damn, we here already?” You shield your eyes and stretch your arms wide as the bright overhead lights flickered on. “Watch your step, don’t forget your to grab your luggage from under the bus, and have a safe night.” With that, the driver stepped off the bus and assisted passengers with their bags. You continue to gather your book bag and black pea coat as the lasting passengers file off the bus, once together you stand and follow behind them. The winds were surprisingly brisk, nothing you weren’t use to but you should’ve brought a bigger coat. ‘I should get somewhere warm.’ You thought buttoning your coat as far as it goes and rushing into the station, past the judgemental eyes of travelers wondering why you were wearing a thin coat in 20 degree weather. Reaching for your phone you press the home button, once, twice, nothing. Just the battery low symbol reminding you that you let your phone die before you left the city,you’d rather not be in contact with anyone. “Guess I’m doing this the old fashioned way” You walked through the revolving door of the station into the cold night air again, this time closing your coat tighter around you to conceal some warmth. Holding your thumb outward patiently waiting for a taxi to pull over your way but they all stopped the people either a few blocks ahead or a few blocks behind you. “Prejudice as hell” you mumbled it under your breath, just as you’re about to give up, a taxi pull up in front of you. Thank god. Anymore time out there you'd be frozen to death.
“Thank you so much, I’ve been waiting forever. I thought I’d never get a ride.” you chuckle sliding into the cab placing your bag next to you.
“No problem, you looked cold as hell in that itty bitty ass coat” the driver laughed. His voice was surprised you, it was musky, deep, and warm enough to make you forget about the weather outside the car. Looking up from your seat belt to get a better look at your driver, you were in shock. From what you could see through the rear view mirror, the man was handsome, his eyes dark and his dreads were well kept braided to the back. If only you could see the rest of his face, yo hoped the rest of it lived up to your expectations.
“Where to?”
“Huh?” you were so distracted you didn’t even realize he asked you a question.
“If you can ‘huh’ you can hear, damn ma, you deaf or somethin’ I asked you where you going” he was becoming frustrated, he adjusted his mirror to see somewhat of your eyes in the darkness of the car.
“Oh, uhh” you hadn't really thought about where you were going specifically, just that you didn't want to be where you were. “I dont know”
“Huh?” he questioned, eyebrows scrunched up in confusion.
“If you can ‘huh’ you can hear” you used his words against him.
“Ma, get the hell out of my car” clearly irritated he unlocked the door.
“Wait! I'm not from around here, I dont really know where to go” you protested, hoping he'd reconsider and let you stay.
“I should’ve known, you wearin that small ass coat.” he locked the doors again and pulled away from the bustation taking off down the street. “How about I give you a lil tour then and we’ll see where things go from there” he smirked. You could see a dimple form on the side of his face. ‘Adorable’ you thought to yourself. “Yeah,that sounds great” you smiled and leaned against the window, it’ll be one hell of a cab fair but seeing the city would be worth it in the end, you’ll probably find a hotel while he drove you around.
“Oh yeah, Im YN. YN LN” how rude of you to ask him his name before getting into the car.
“Erik. Erik Stevens” he returned plainly.
You took a moment to admire the interior of the car, it was clean. Really clean, unlike other taxies you’ve been in, there was a faint smell of cologne, not too strong or soft, it was just right. There was hardly any decorations in the car, just a chain with a ring on the end hanging from the rear view mirror, as a rosary would, you could sense it was important but you didn’t want to question it. It didn’t seem like any of your business.
Seems like street lights, glowing, happen to be
Just like moments passing in front of me
So I hopped in the cab and I paid my fare
A faint sound of music coming from the radio to kill the awkward silence. However, that wasn’t enough for him. “So, where you from” Erik looked toward you through the mirror. “Oh, I’m from Chicago” you glanced back. “Aw, word? That’s surprising, I’d think you’d know better that to wear that thin ass coat outside then, it’s cold as fuck out there. Got you on the street shakin like a stripper in church.” You rolled your eyes, you could sworn you heard him smack his teeth at your action but you chose to ignore it. “It’s alright, I didn’t want anything weighing me down” hence why you only have your backpack with you, and that only contains your portable easel, some brushes, and your Macbook. “Hm, so how long you stayin?” “Uh, I don’t really know” “You just all over the place, huh ma.” “Well I know but I don’t. I’ll just be here until my feet take me somewhere else. could be days, weeks, years, even hours. I know where I’m supposed to be, I’ll know once I get there. You know?” You stare outside the window, the streets were surprisingly empty for a city that never sleeps. The lights reflecting off of the buildings were intense,mesmerizing, and inspiring. They focused themselves on the taxi as it moved through the night, like a spot light it made you feel as if you two were supposed to be the only ones in existence. “Yeah, I know” he agreed. “But I’d rather have a plan. Something I can sit with for a while and perfect it until it’s foolproof. I know where I’m going too but I just can’t base that shit on feeling tho, sometimes they can be deceiving and lead you to a dead end rather than your destination. I get you though ma, I’d rather be on the move than sittin in these streets.” he was right, you should’ve thought about this before you left the city. You couldn’t keep doing this every time something went wrong, and if you were to do it again, at least book a hotel first.
“You right” you admitted something you didn't do often
“Damn right i'm right I can't remember a time I was wrong.” he turned the car down another street full of colorful lights and giant lit up billboards with random advertisements. “Since you a tourist, I should show you some tourist shit, this is Times Square don't nobody really come here but tourist who most likely get finessed.” Erik pointed at each building and tried to explain them the best he could, he didn’t know what most of them were called. He just identified them as ‘the one with the big ass lights’ or ‘ the one with the little ass lights.
“You not from here are you?” you asked, trying to look at him the best you could, through your teary eyes from laughing too hard, it’s been awhile since you’ve done that.
“Nah, I’m from Oakland. I moved here after I had a run in with my cousin a couple years back” you weren't going to ask why, you knew your limits and it seemed as if he wasn't going to answer them if you asked anyway, and you didn't want to ruin the moment. You just readjusted yourself and looked out the window.
“What about you, why you here?”
You didn't know how you felt telling a stranger about your personal information but since he shared a little bit about him you'd share the bare minimum with him. “Some stuff back home happened and I decided to remove myself from the situation and come here, it was last minute but I needed to leave.” you couldn't go into detail otherwise you'd cry again, you’ve been strong for weeks now it was time to stop crying and move on, no matter how much you loved him he would want you to. You just couldn’t stop thinking about what you were suppose to do together, get married, have kids. But he had to fight, what did he have to prove? He was already an amazing boxer as is, he just had to fight in that match. And now he’s gone.
Life just ain't fair
Erik could sense the tension grow inside the car and he changed the subject. “Let's go get something to eat, I’m buyin. You've been out and about and I’m sure you're starving”
“Yeah, thank you.” you blink back your tears and smile.
Erik pulled into the parking lot of a 24 hour pizza parlor because he sworn up and down that Chicago’s pizza was trash compared to New York’s. He pulls into the parking lot and stops the car. He gets out the car and walks toward the doors, “let's go princess!” he calls out you rush out and jog to catch up behind him. Erik was taller than you thought, and swole as hell. He remind you of someone.
“I’m not a princess.” you stated crossing your arms and dropping your hip. He turns around fully facing you for the first time since you met and you were at lost for words. “Then what are you, princess?”
‘Adonis?’ you uncross your arms and stepped closer to him. This is impossible, Donnie died after in match a month ago but Erik looked so similar to him, everything down to the slightest detail, minus the dreads and the scruffy beard. You both looked into each others eyes, it was like you were lost in time, like you're supposed to be there for the rest of your life. You reach up to touch his face just in case it was your imagination but he grabs your hand, it feels just like his. “ you good, YN? You look like you're about to cry” you stepped back away from Erik and wiped a stray tear away. “Yeah, let's go eat.” you smile up at him.
See I know my destination, I'm just not there
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NCT: The Mafia Game (dons part one)
preview: “uh i just moved here and i found--” there’s a strong hand that pulls on your neck and right onto the guy’s face. he stares at you for a long while, as if trying to remember your features.
note: meet my bias wrecker atm (psst! this is super long)
the neighbourhood that you lived at was notorious for being ridden with crimes and illegal acts in general. but being the broke university student you were, it was a home >>>>> safety
no way in hell were u living in the streets
a warm home is better than none... right?
the rent was cheap and it was only half an hour away from ur uni-- so really, there was no reason to as why u shouldn’t have sealed the deal
the middle aged lady who handed u the keys looked like she wanted to throw herself off the fifth floor-- and never look back
she just grumbles about not forgetting rent and hikes back down the long trail of stairs--
ofc theres no elevator
you take your only suitcase inside to see a barren landscape. there was literally no furniture and you curse your luck that u didn’t look over the contract details more closely
so u sort of set up a futon style accomodation using the blanket u bought and some towels
it was kinda late by the time u unpacked (by that i mean scatter everything on the floor)
there’s a loud noise outside and it was as if someone fell down--
so with the courage of a tin can, u sort of crab walked towards your door and opened it slightly, peeking thro the dim lighting
there’s a body on the floor and u sort of threw the door open and went over to the body-- it’s a guy-- was the first thing u noticed and you kind of skim over the content of the crime scene to deduct that he was alone-
so you kind of flip him over
(and that flipped u off)
because there’s a pure, raw stab wound on his left abdomen and ur kinda (morethan) shook because you’re not a med student or anything but u briefly recalled the first aid class u took during high school
so as best as u can, you dragged the male, almost twice your size, into the comfort of your strictly barren home and rummaged through the content of antiseptic and measly bandages you had to help him stop bleeding
there’s a groan as a response when you peel off the shirt drowning in blood with an apology for invading his privacy (but otherwise he could potentially die??)
and put pressure on the wound and the male trashed in response, his eyes opened slightly, chest heaving and perspiration running down his temple
“w-who?” he barely managed, before you accidentally added more pressure due to shock
“uh i just moved here and i found--” there’s a strong hand that pulls on your neck and right onto the guy’s face
he stares at you for a long while, as if trying to remember your features
you notice his clear eyes, nose, and slowly trail down to his lips. if this guy wasn’t the definition of attractive-- you srsly don’t know what would be
the hand on your neck slowly moves on to the space between your shoulder and your neck
it’s so intimate for a first encounter, and you kind of squeak out as a result
“u-uh, the- the ointment” you stutter out, reaching out for the antiseptic “this will hurt” you gave out the precaution, but there was no reply aside from the extensive gaze
the male clenches down on his teeth as you apply the medicament as gently as possible, and then grabs the biggest bandage you could find before covering the wound with it
you don’t know if it’s right or wrong but at least he’s not bleeding out profusely anymore and you’re about to grab your phone to call emergency services so he could be properly treated at a hospital
“what are you doing?” there’s more a glare to his eyes than before
“im not a professional,” you admitted cleanly. “and i think you need further treatment, so i’m calling the--”
“end the call”
“huh?”
“i said end the call” there’s a chill that goes down your spine and you sort of pressed the button in reflex
the guy lets out a vague exhale when he sees you sort of shiver in your spot
“i don’t feel as if i’m dying anymore” he looks away while saying this “and lend me your phone, i’ll have someone pick me up”
so you kind of handed it to him and he’s having much difficulty trying to lift his arm up because everywhere hurts and god knows how many muscles in the abdomen is triggered
“maybe i can ring it and then pass it to you?”
and the guy sort of shrugs and gives it back to you while reciting the number. you then proceed to put the phone against his ear
“hey, pick me up. i’m...” he looks at you with a questioning gaze and you sort of tilt your head at this but then whispers the address. “yeah it’s the one beside the meeting point. they broke their end of the deal but i have what we needed so tell taeyong to stop worrying”
and then the two of you kind of stayed still in that awkward position
“name”
you look at him again, brows raised “what?”
“your name. what is it?”
you’re not keen on passing out your identity to random strangers- esp not in this dodgy complex... but maybe he just wants to thank you? so you’re positive and trusting and hands him over your name
he doesn’t reply after that because there’s a knock on your door and you’re reluctant to open it but the guy on the ground nods at you “it’s probably my friend but just ask if he’s jaehyun”
as you inch towards the entrance, you kinda stumble over your words,,,
“is it... uh... j-jaehyun?”
there’s a short break in the knocking and a low, “yes” took place
so you open the door and an equally dashing presence enters your view
the guy-- jaehyun-- nods at you in acknowledgement and walk towards the figure on the floor.
“you look worse than i thought” jaehyun joked, first thing in the morning (well technically it was 12:07... so)
“shut up”
so jaehyun hauls the guy over his shoulder, and using enough sense to rest him on the side without the wound (but the injured dude still flinched anyway
before jaehyun fully passes you, the guy says something unexpected
“i’m doyoung”
so the night was craaaazzyyyy but you sort of lived through it and cleaned up the blood stains on the floor and finally got to bed
you try not to think of everything that just happened (it was all too vivid) and try to focus on having a productive day at uni tomorrow with hopefully no distractions
the next morning was normal-- no wounded guys outside your door-- and you wake up extra early, around 6ish, to make your way to uni
at this time, none of the other tenants are awake so its nice and peaceful
and the next few days continued in the same routine
it was exactly a week since that you’re back from your long day of studies and part time job that you find a figure leaning against your door
at first you’re on defence, getting the umbrella inside your bag ready (the lighting was dim omfg)
and then when you near and was about to attempt a hit with the said umbrella the figure notices you and sort of defended himself first
“it’s doyoung”
and you stop and try and rack your mind for the name
it is late
and u were technically half ded
but then
it came
oh
doyoung
d o y o u n g
OOHHHHHHHHHHHH
you lowered your umbrella and sort of tilted your head horizontally to try to examine his wound but ofc there’s a shirt over it and u don’t have xray vision (u wish tho) (sort of) (maybe)
the corner of doyoung’s lips raise as he looks over you but nods towards your door
“it isn’t polite to keep a guest outside”
and then you purse your lips “are you always this snappy?”
doyoung shrugs but you sigh and opens the door for him
there’s still nothing inside but he’s seen it so you kind of drop your bag once you’re inside and reminds doyoung to lock the door after him
doyoung takes his time to look around for good this time and comments, “there really was nothing”
and you shrug while rummaging through the cabinet for a midnight snack “im broke” was all that was needed to be said
“still” doyoung addressed “you need a bed at least. and maybe a fridge”
“there’s a working bathroom and that’s good enough for me” you shrug again, successfully pulling out a snack you bought a few days ago
“what is that” doyoung stares at the snack in your hand
and ur starting to wonder if he’s a foreigner
“it’s my dinner” you say , not ashamed at all
the dude just gasps at you in shock “theres no nutritional value in it whatsoever” he iterates very slowly, as if you were a five year old
you sigh as you take a seat on the floor, plopping another one piece of the snack into your mouth
“okay so i saved you and this is what i get? ofc i know it’s not good for me but it’d rather eat something than starve okay”
doyoung hesitates to reply and it kinda aggravates you a little because why is he back??? he hadn’t thanked u this whole time and ur kinda slightly maybe very little a bit pissed at that
like ur work is a charity u know but dude u deserved a thank you at the very least
so you popped the question
“why are you here”
“...why do you think i’m here”
you’re literally on your last strand of hair, “we’re not playing twenty questions and it’s late. i need to sleep.”
doyoung cocks a brow at you but gets the message and turns to leave
he opens the door slightly and turns back to look at you,
“i was here to express my gratitude since you literally saved my life. but i guess you don’t need that.”
and he disappears into the night
you literally feel bad as soon as he left but ur kinda stressed juggling uni and working too many job for your own good
so you sleep and try to forget it all
he won’t come back anyways
no point on crying over spilled milk
but o H BO YYYYY
you’re wrong
because the next morning, there’s a knock on your door as you were getting ready for uni once again, eyebags and all
and the moment u opened the door, your eyes just widen
“why are you here” you’re a broken machine w no creative content, pls bear with me
doyoung sort of holds back a smile at this because you look so lost and your bed hair was everywhere-- literally
“i’m resilient” was all he said as he brings up a plastic bag “figured that you probably wouldn’t eat breakfast” he hands it over to you “i’ve got your lunch covered too so eat it on your way to school”
and u froze
“how.... did you know i was a student”
doyoung doesn’t even try to look sorry, “i did a little digging”
oh
well ok
???!?!?!?!!?!?!!??!
since when was it legal to look someone up like that??
“why?” there’s a cockiness to his whole composure “are you going to kick me out again?”
well yes mister ofc
you’re invading my privacy
no matter how drop dead gorgeous you are this is like-- not acceptable
“yeah” you boldly answered, “i am. what of it?”
doyoung looks as if debating something before taking a step closer to you
“uhhh what are you doing”
and he’s literally thisclose to you that you feel his breath hovering over your lips
“im just wondering” he speaks in a lower tone, almost as if the both of you weren’t meant to say a word in this situation
you’re too mesmerised by his orbs to notice anything else but you gotta stay strong for pride’s sake and so you lean back and give him the dirtiest glare you could muster
it isn’t a frequent occasion that you could brace yourself under the presence of such a good looking person
...even though he seems like a shady guy
but still good looking
this doesn’t deter doyoung as he traps you onto the wall, hands on either side “if you know what i do, i don’t think that you would be so mean to me”
“well i don’t want to know more about you”
“oh really”
“very much so”
there’s a chuckle that decorates doyoung’s pretty features before his right hand lightly holds onto your chin and he sweeps down to press a kiss on your lips
#ainct#doyoung#nct doyoung#kim dongyoung#NCTU#NCT#nct reactions#nct reaction#nct 127#nct drabbles#nct scenarios#nct imagine#nct fic#kpop#kpop reactions#kpop scenarios#kpop drabbles#nct dream#nct u#nct 2018#jaehyun#jung jaehyun
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Hamilton High School AU 33
John came upstairs soon after and scooped him up, holding him close and rocking him. "What happened?.. Are you okay?"
"I'm a jealous dirt bag.." he muttered. He didn't want him to think that Mary had done anything wrong, it was supposed to be all in good fun, but he had to tell him how he felt. "I'm just so used to you saying I'm the cute one. It's stupid and dumb and I.." He paused for a bit. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.."
John frowned and cupped Alexander's face. "Hey.. Breathe. It's okay, I'm right here for you. I didn't mean to hurt you, you are cute to me. You're my boyfriend and I love you so much." He kissed his forehead. "You have my complete attention right now."
"I just feel bitchy... Mary didn't do anything and I just.. I.. Stupid moments!"
"Hey, hey.. It's okay. Deep breaths, Alexander."
Alexander nodded and took deep breaths with John, feeling himself calming down. He sat up after a minute and kissed him, wrapping his arms around his neck and resting his forehead against John's as he pulled away. "I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to have a moment like this.."
"I know. I understand." He pecked his lips. "Have you been taking your medicine?.."
Alexander frowned and grabbed the tube from his backpack, knocking back a pill with some water. "I think I forgot yesterday.. But not on purpose, I promise."
"I believe you. I was just asking. You're trying and that's all that matters."
Alexander smiled and put the tube back in his backpack. They'd done wonders for his usually erratic mood lately. "So.. What did your siblings say?..." He knew getting their approval was crucial.
"They were just worried and wanted to make sure you're okay." He kissed his forehead. "We can stay here as long as you need."
Alexander smiled and shook his head. "I think Mary would break my neck if I stole you for too long.."
John's phone buzzed and he checked to find messages from Hercules coming through.
[Herc: yo] [Herc: my parents are throwin a sort of 'welcome home ma' thing 2moro nite] [Herc: you guys in?] [Herc: wait im dumb] [ Herc added Alex to the chat ]
Alexander's phone began to buzz in sync with John's now.
[Herc: party @ mine 2moro] [Herc: bring booze :P] [Herc: also sorry in advance for my terrible, terrible parents]
[Laf: Ooh! Sounds like fun!]
[John: I'm down.]
John smiled. "I think it sounds fun. We can be here for the rest of the day and the day after or find something to do with all of my siblings."
[Laf: Can't wait to get drunk with my friends again 💗]
[John: You're such a sap.]
[Laf: You hush.] [Laf: Can I bring Rosie, please?]
[Herc: I'd be offended if you didn't bring her, kitten! <3]
[Alex: r u calin laf kiten or rosy?]
[Herc: I dont think I called anyone 'kiten' ]
[Alex: u suck] [Alex: OMG] [Alex: LAF] [Alex: bring moer of teh wine frm last tiem if u hve any 💗💗💗] [Alex: it was so goooood]
[Laf: I don't, but I can definitely find another good bottle.]
[Herc: Dad says he's got whiskey and cola if u guys want some]
[Alex: ew]
[Herc: ma's got prosecco?]
[Alex: i forgt how much i love ur mom]
[Laf: You can bring that vodka you were hiding in your room.] [Laf: Unless I wasn't supposed to mention it.] [Laf: Then nevermind.]
[John: Now its sounding like a party.] John chuckled and turned to Alexander with a devious grin. "Hiding vodka in your room? Such a rebel." He teased, repeating what Alexander had texted him during class. "If Laf wasn't supposed to tell me, I could keep it quiet for a kiss." He wiggled his eyebrows playfully and leaned in for a kiss.
[Alex: dam it laf] [Alex: sfine tho] [Alex: #canttameme]
[Herc: hah!] [Herc: Did you use fake id to get it? ;)]
[Alex: No, i told them i was ur son, buyin it 4 his old man]
[Herc: ...touche] [Herc: Jack's gonna be wrecked <3] Alexander laughed at the conversation before turning to John. "What are you gonna do? Tell the teacher?" He smirked back, mirroring John's response before granting him that sweet kiss. He lingered his lips lovingly over John's for a few seconds more than usual before grinning into them and pulling back. "Is my deep, dark secret safe?"
John smiled and kissed back, cupping Alexander's cheek gently. "Your secret's safe. For now. But you owe me more kisses later, once I don't have four kids waiting downstairs for me. Right now, what do you say to going downstairs with them and getting some food?"
[Laf: Glad you're not upset! : D] [Laf: I give it ten minutes before John will be wasted.]
[John: You guys need to fuck off.] .
[Herc: We did that last time and you guys complained ;D]
[ Alex has left the chat ]
[ Herc added Alex to the chat ]
[Alex: dnt traumaties me!] Alexander shoved his phone into his pocket before nodding to John's suggestion.
[Laf: : O] [Laf: Herc has no shame!] [Laf: And neither do I!] [Laf: I was the most sober one and I clearly remember John banging on the door and asking us to stop about halfway through.]
[John: I] [John: was] [John: drunk!] [John: So shut up!]
[Laf: Whats the fun in that? : P]
[John: We'll see you guys tomorrow.] He put his phone in his pocket and held Alexander's hand as he led him downstairs. "Pizza time!" He gave everyone a plate of pizza and they ate in the living room, the kids putting on Moana and John singing along to every song like a kid.
Mary sat up on the couch with Alexander, everyone else on the floor. "Are you okay?"
Alexander nodded. "Of course. John made me feel better." He smiled. "You've got the best big brother in the world."
"I know." She smiled proudly.
Alexander returned the smile and kept eating as he watched the movie, occasionally rubbing his leg against John's side to say 'I'm happy you're here' without being too mushy.
After another minute, Mary couldn't stop herself from asking, "Why does dad hate Johnny so much?.. All he did was like a boy.."
It took a lot of self-restraint for Alexander not to go on a rant about how much of a homophobic ass their father was, but it wasn't up to him to tell her. "Things are complicated.. They won't always be like that, but you have to be strong for him right now."
Mary nodded, accepting that answer. "Okay.. You'd better take care of him until then..."
Alexander smiled. "Of course. But.." He upped his volume since the movie was over. "Does that mean I can't kick his butt at Super Smash Bros?"
John grinned and turned around, the other boys already turning the game on. "I'm going to destroy you."
"We'll see about that," he shrugged as he stretched, smiling at the empty plate in his lap. He only ate one slice, but progress was progress.
John took the plates to the sink and put the pizza in the fridge before coming back and sitting beside Alexander, kissing his cheek.
The boys gave them both a controller and let them duke it out, wanting to watch before joining.
"Promise to love me after I destroy you?" Alexander teased as he chose Jigglypuff.
"I would if you had a chance," John shot back, choosing Kirby before starting the game. For the most part, he only attacked when he had a weapon, button mashing the fan seeming to be his favorite, or when Alexander was weak enough to just be thrown off the side, in which case he just spat his character off the edge of the stage. "So close, but so far." He grinned before leaning in for a kiss.
"Says Mr B-down Kirby," Alexander whined, refusing to give John a kiss in mock heartbreak. "Woe is me," he sighed dramatically. "I'm left so defeated, I can hardly look at you. Mary will have to be my new best friend."
"Yay!"
John pouted, but he couldn't stop himself from smiling as Alexander got along with his baby sister. "You're just going to replace me like that? If you're too tired to kiss, the least you can do is let me kiss you," he whined in response before draping himself over Alexander, covering his face in a flurry of kisses.
Alexander laughed before finally letting himself kiss John, smiling lovingly as he did. "Alright, I guess you can still be my best friend. Only because you buy me food." He glanced over at Mary. "You're a close second, though."
She, like the boys, pretended to be heartbroken, groaning. "I guess that's okay."
John chuckled and kissed Alexander again, catching him off guard.
And he was never going to stop loving when he did that. He knew it. But he was a bit embarrassed being around John's siblings. "We're going to gross out your brothers."
"They're all zoned out. They'll be fine." John smiled and kissed Alexander's cheek. "Besides, I've got you trapped." At some point, he had, in fact, trapped Alexander under his weight, though he was careful not to hurt him.
Alexander rolled his eyes playfully and let John be, taking his word for it.
Before long, at least, before what felt like long, all four kids were asleep on the floor and the two older guys were close behind.
"I'll get them up to bed. You go and wait for me." John pecked Alexander's lips one last time before letting him free. He got his siblings one-by-one and put them all in bed, making sure Alexander was upstairs resting as he did. He smiled when he saw him fast asleep in his bed and did one more check on his siblings, finding Martha sitting up, now wide awake.
"Hey.. You okay?.."
She shook her head, tears falling from her eyes.
John frowned and shut the door behind him, going towards her and sitting right in front of her. "What's wrong?.."
"You're going to have to go again.." she whimpered, leaning towards him. "I'm so tired..."
John held her close, cradling her like she was three years old again and he was seven, both adjusting to their new lives. "I'm so sorry.. You are so strong..."
"I'm not as strong as you.. Nothing bad even happens anymore and I can't take it sometimes.. I just want to be a kid.."
"I know.. I'm so sorry.. I promise things will get better. I promise you'll be able to be a kid. You don't have to burden yourself so much.. They're all older than we both know and you know that..."
"I miss mom.."
John held her closer, unable to stop a few tears from hitting her head. "So do I.."
The pair stayed like that, using each other's strength until they both ran out and fell asleep. Early the next morning, John woke up and kissed Martha's forehead before going back to his room and laying with Alexander, sleeping for another few, peaceful hours. Peaceful.. He'd have to take advantage of that.
Naturally, Alexander was the first to wake up after that. He smiled as he saw John's sleeping, peaceful face and took it in for a minute, kissing his forehead. He slowly sat up and got up, wincing lightly as his injured leg felt the pressure of his weight. He took a deep, silent breath and got to his feet, going to the bathroom and taking a quick shower before going downstairs and making breakfast. John did it for him so often, it was only fair. He smiled and made some eggs and bacon, then took the plate up to John's room. He sat beside him and kissed his cheek, gently waking him up. "Hey.. Rise and shine, sleeping beauty.."
John woke up easily and smiled at Alexander, kissing his cheek. "Is that for me?.."
"Yep. I wanted to make you breakfast."
"Thank you." He sat up and ate his breakfast, giving some to Alexander. When he finished, he kissed Alexander's cheek and got up. "Alright. I've had breakfast from my amazing boyfriend, now I'm back to being a spoiling older brother." He went downstairs with Alexander trailing behind him and began going around, making breakfast for the other four Laurens.
Alexander watched him dash expertly around the kitchen. It was as if he never left. And it was heartbreaking. How anyone could tear him away from that, he'd never know. No wonder he was so eager to keep things to himself. His siblings seemed happy as they came downstairs and ate and, to John, that must've been worth the world.
By the time he finished, Alexander began texting in the group chat again.
#hamilton#hamilton fanfic#alexander hamilton#john laurens#lafayette#hercules mulligan#mary laurens#martha laurens#james laurens#henry laurens jr#lams#mullette#33#chapter 33
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“Passion, Postponed”
Rhys looked up, blindly fidgeting with his phone as he scanned the menu pasted to the side of the truck’s concession window. It sold mostly burgers and fries and usually Rhys opted for the dressed salad and patty nudged in the customary paper basket, but today….
Today that double cheeseburger with grilled onions and bacon lardons looked pretty damn good. And fries, while he was at it! Covered in cheese and more bacon.
His phone buzzed, snapping his attention from the menu and his food lust and back down to his phone. He narrowed his eyes at Jack’s message, sticking his lip out.
p good probs still gonna b late tonight tho.
Rhys heart fell, though he wasn’t sure what he expected. As the day went on and on, it grew less likely that Jack was going to surprise and spoil him with some lavish Valentine’s Day plans.
Just some Vday fluff! Modern AU where Rhys thinks Jack forgot what day it is, but he might not be totally correct... ;)
Jack was usually the one who made plans.
Dinners, hotels, flights—anything that needed a preemptive credit card payment. He knew enough about Rhys to make sure the kid’s tastes were always taken into question when he made arrangements, but he was still usually the one who had final say and, most importantly, put down the money.
So Rhys didn’t even bother making Valentine’s Day plans himself, figuring that Jack would take care of everything as he usually did. When he woke up on the morning itself, he found the bed empty and, with an eager little smile on his face, trundled down the stairs, expecting to find their entire kitchen flooded in decorations with the smell of french toast cooking on the stove—but instead he found nothing but the normal kitchen and the normal table and the normal breakfast of cereal and the normal Jack with his hair just barely mussed into place and his tie hanging still loose around his unbuttoned collar.
“G’morning, babe,” Jack waved to him idly as he leaned his hip against the counter, listening to the bubble of the coffee maker. Rhys shot him a slight smile, expecting Jack to say a little more, but he didn’t, instead turning away when the bubbling pot dinged. He grabbed his bright yellow mug from the cabinet and poured the coffee, blowing it a few times before drinking it black.
Rhys skirted around the kitchen, words dancing on the tip of his tongue as he watched Jack’s back. A quick scan of the counters and table found no sign of presents or cards or anything one might expect from their loved one on Valentine’s day. Rhys creased his brows in suspicion, wondering if he should be the first to break the silence on the holiday, but what if his presents were out in the living room? Jack was a reluctant morning person, always needing his coffee before he could pull together his humanity and drive to tackle the day—maybe Rhys’ gifts were out in the living room, and as soon as Jack was done having his coffee, he’d take him there.
So he kept mostly quiet, pouring his cereal and eating it as he leaned up against the counter, watching Jack as he sipped down the rest of his coffee before upending the mug in the sink. Rhys smiled as Jack turned towards him, quickly swallowing the cereal in his mouth and setting the bowl on the counter—this was it.
Jack took his hands, grinned, and said—
“Do you know where my keys are, Rhysie?”
Rhys blinked, lips parting in confusion.
“I—ah, they’re by the plants” Rhys gestured dumbly behind him. Jack winked, sliding over to grab the keys from beside the little glass terrariums clustered by the sink (to best ensure watering.) Disappointment flooded through Rhys as Jack pocketed the keys, though he managed to recover his smile as Jack leaned back over and rubbed their noses together.
“Love you, babe. I’ll see you after work, ‘kay?”
“Yeah?” Rhys brightened as Jack shrugged on his blazer, buttoning it over his stomach.
“Yeah. Might be a little late cause I got a meeting at like four, though. And you know how traffic is.”
“Oh.” Rhys’ smile faltered. “Okay.”
Jack even kissed him goodbye like it was a normal day. No extra tongue or butt-grabbing or anything to show off Jack knew it was a special occasion, just a regular old peck on the lips. Rhys tried to keep his disappointment at bay as he waved Jack off, watching through the front windows as Jack’s car pulled down and out of the driveway, glossy finish reflecting the overcast sky as he drove off down the street and out of sight.
Rhys counted to five—watching and waiting to see if maybe Jack would figure it out, break to a halt and come barreling back with apologies and flowers and a pint of Rhys’ favorite ice cream. Or maybe the doorbell would ring and he’d be showered in flowers and a crisp invitation beckoning him to reservations at his favorite restaurant.
He waited a minute, two minutes. Three. Five. His only reward was more silence and the distant honking of a car alarm.
Rhys sighed, sticking out his lower lip as he it grew less and less likely that Jack was going to give him a morning surprise. He kept his attention on his phone, waiting on an apologetic text as he tossed out the now soggy cereal and went to grab some coffee, happy to find his boyfriend had at least had the foresight to brew a full pot of coffee and not drink at all.
Jeez. He was so lucky.
Rhys’ lunch hour offered another cup of coffee and a trip down to the food trucks that clustered in the plaza behind the Atlas building. He slipped his phone out of his pocket as he walked out into the sun, the smell of cooking meat and sizzling cheese filling his nose as he open up his text message. His stomach plummeted as he saw nothing from Jack—no “oh crap, I’m sorry I forgot Valentine’s Day Rhys, please forgive me!” or even any kind of cryptic message that might lead Rhys down the rabbit hole of hope to at least stave off the crawling disappointment for the rest of the day and actually allow him to get some work on instead of dwelling on the fact that his boyfriend was a huge jerk and seriously how could Jack forget Valentine’s Day?
Rhys huffed, his laptop bag bouncing uncomfortably against his hip as he got into line for his favorite truck, hoping he could distract himself with food. His fingers danced over his phone screen as he shuffled behind a businessman talking loudly on his bluetooth, skating out a couple of messages only to delete them seconds later.
He finally bit the bullet and tapped something out, hitting send as his heart leapt.
Hows work going?
He looked up, blindly fidgeting with his phone as he scanned the menu pasted to the side of the truck’s concession window. It sold mostly burgers and fries and usually Rhys opted for the dressed salad and patty nudged in the customary paper basket, but today….
Today that double cheeseburger with grilled onions and bacon lardons looked pretty damn good. And fries, while he was at it! Covered in cheese and more bacon.
His phone buzzed, snapping his attention from the menu and his food lust and back down to his phone. He narrowed his eyes at Jack’s message, sticking his lip out.
p good probs still gonna b late tonight tho.
Rhys heart fell, though he wasn’t sure what he expected. As the day went on and on, it grew less likely that Jack was going to surprise and spoil him with some lavish Valentine’s Day plans.
Oh ok. See you later.
Rhys sighed and put his phone back into his pocket, crossing his arms tightly over his chest.
He could really use that burger.
Rhys pushed himself into work as soon as he finished his lunch break, trying to bury himself in numbers and code to forget about how pissed he was at his boyfriend. Unfortunately, the burger wasn’t sitting particularly well with him, his stomach gurgling and twisting and forcing him to go to the bathroom an embarrassing amount of times.
Rhys couldn’t very well blame his indigestion on Jack, but he was going to do it anyway.
He actually ended up getting off early—whether it was because he’d actually finished enough work, or if his boss had noticed his sullen mood and traitorous stomach—which would’ve been great on a normal day, or if he had plans to night, but considering he had nothing going on but bad feelings he really didn’t want to go home just to sit and wait around and watch television as he waited for Jack to finally get back from his job.
He glumly dragged himself to his car, stomach still turning from the remains of the burger as he slid into the driver’s seat. He checked his phone anyway, even though he hadn’t felt it buzz since Jack had messaged him back during lunch.
Of course, there was nothing. Rhys hissed, tossing his phone into the passenger’s seat as he started up the car.
The endless stop-start of fledgling rush hour traffic hammered further into his annoyance. Any patience he had left was stretched to its breaking point, and when the car in front of him stopped abruptly short and nearly sent his car sailing into its bumper he finally snapped, slapping the steering wheel in frustration and shouting so loud the reverb from his car doors left his ears ringing.
Finally, finally he peeled off the freeway and sailed into his neighborhood, any of his typical cursory respect for the suburban speed limit replaced by his need to be home and properly stewing in a nest of blankets and ice cream. Maybe he’d even break into Jack’s liquor cabinet and crack into that bottle of Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon he kept saying he was saving for a special occasion. It would really show him, and Rhys could get properly sloshed and forget about how every other couple in the neighborhood was probably already well on their way to their Valentine’s plans.
He dragged his feet up to the door, the clenching indigestion in his stomach replaced by a bitterness that soured all the way up to his chest. The porch light flicked on, even as the sun just barely started to set besides him. He wrinkled his nose, wondering just how late Jack would end up being. It wasn’t exactly uncommon for him to stay up working way past the time Rhys needed to go to bed if Hyperion so demanded his expertise.
Rhys sighed, adjusting the weight of his laptop bag against his shoulder as he opened the front door.
And then the air exploded.
Rhys squeaked as a pop resounded through his ears and he threw his hands up—terrified he’d accidentally run into a home intruder who was about to plug a bullet in his skull—only for a shower of glittery pink and red and white confetti rained down on him above. It drenched him like snow, catching in the folds of his clothes and peppering his hair as he gaped at the state of his house.
The entire foyer was draped in streamers, crisscrossing the ceiling of the entryway. The path leading off towards the rest of his home was lined with twinkling baby pink fairy lights that guided Rhys eye, inviting him to explore the sudden festive dream that he’d suddenly been tossed into.
Glittery confetti shook from his clothes, leaving a garish trail behind him as he carefully stepped through the foyer. He took a deep breath, inhaling the smell of vanilla and strawberry the walls had been painted with. Beneath that, he could just barely detect the scent of broiling meat and steaming veggies, an odd savory smell undercutting the saccharine aroma that was choking the air inside the home.
Just when he was thinking that some crazy interior designer had broken into his house and drenched the entire thing in cloying decorations, he rounded the corner into the living room to find it in a similar state—draped in streamers, lights, heart-shaped balloons and confetti—but with Jack standing right in the center by the coffee table in a pristine white suite and pink shirt and a blood red tie that somehow still made him stand out even with the glut of similar colors stuffed all around him.
So, not a crazy person. Just Jack.
“Oh my god,” Rhys put his hands up to his face, cheeks blushing to match the decorations as he walked towards his boyfriend on numb legs, completely bowled over in surprise. Jack’s grin grew, knowing and devilish as he opened his arms wide, inviting Rhys in.
The tension in his chest now completely undone, Rhys quickly fell into his boyfriend’s embrace, burying his face against Jack’s shoulder. He inhaled deeply, rubbing his nose against the white fabric—Jack was wearing that cologne that Rhys endlessly expressed that he loved, the one that’d been discontinued, Jack explained, and thus needed to be rationed out for special occasions only.
“Easy, kid, don’t get your snot on the tux, it’s new,” Jack chuckled as he patted Rhys’ back. The young man snorted, lifting his head from Jack’s shoulders as he rubbed a hand over his nose, sniffling as he glanced at his boyfriend.
“Sorry, I just….well, this morning, you didn’t so…I mean, I thought…”
“What? You didn’t think I really forgot, did ya?” Jack’s grin spread, eyes twinkling with mirth. “That’s so not like me.”
“I mean….I didn’t….I just….” Rhys stammered, still a little overwhelmed by the pink and red whirlwind that had stormed through their house, coupled with the fact that Jack had remembered what day it was, after all.
He shook his head, a relieved smile finally curling on his lips.
“Should have trusted you’d pull something out of your ass.”
“Out of my ass?” Jack balked, scandalized. “Rhysie, pumpkin, do you think you can just go to the store and get five pounds of confetti on Valentine’s Day? Not to mention everything else? This—“ he gestured about, “—was all planned weeks in advance.”
Rhys chuckled, turning his chin down to pick a bit of confetti off of his shirt.
“I guess you’re right…I’m a little surprised you didn’t get confetti in the shape of your face…” He squinted at the glittery little piece between his fingers. “It’s not, isn’t it?”
Jack hissed under his breath.
“Aw, damn, that would have been a great idea!” He snapped his fingers in mock frustration. “Gonna have to get those for my birthday.”
“Guess I’ll have to remember to order it custom when that time comes.” Rhys bumped his hips closer to Jack’s, lifting his arms to wrap them properly around his boyfriend’s shoulders. He swayed him softly, to the tune of the romantic music drifting from the unusually subdued stereo, as Jack’s hands rubbed along Rhys’ hips and tugged at the hem of his shirt.
“There’s a change of clothes hanging for ya in the hall closet, baby,” Jack breathed over his ear, “why don’t you go slip into that before we have dinner?”
“Jack, no—“
“Don’t worry, it’s something tasteful,” Jack snickered as he pulled away, hand lifting from Rhys’ hip to take his chin in hand, thumb tip rubbing tenderly against his lower lip, “which isn’t to say I don’t have some other surprises set up for when we make it up to the bedroom.”
Rhys shivered as Jack’s thumb darted ever so briefly between the warm break between his lips. Maybe it was the smell of braising steak that’d whet his palate, but he almost stuck his tongue out to get a taste of Jack’s finger.
Easy.
“Food first,” Rhys stated as Jack released his chin, though he still trailed his finger down the bob of Rhys’ throat, “I definitely want you to pamper me with your cooking before i have to do all the work in bed.”
Jack rolled his eyes.
“I’m gonna make you eat those words, cupcake. But only after you eat everything I’ve been slaving over all afternoon.”
He patted Rhys’ back, turning and nudging him in the direction of the hall closet, where Rhys indeed found a perfectly tailored suit instead of some kind of gaudy novelty lingerie. It matched Jack’s with the exception of the bright blue shirt that made him truly stand out against the clusterfuck of Valentine’s colors that had consumed his house.
Rhys questioned the practicality of white suits considering they were about to sit down to a meal of steak no doubt slathered in one of Jack’s signature sauces, but as Rhys strode out and smiled at his boyfriend and took his hand and let him kiss him and dote on him and lead him to the perfectly set dining room table where Jack had already cracked open the Screaming Eagle and poured it out into their glasses, and as they both sit down to a meal softly lit by candlelight, Rhys finally says it.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Jack.”
Jack chuckled as he pulled out Rhys’ chair, kissing him on the temple as he sat down.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Rhysie.”
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