#Oh Connor is very smitten himself. How could he not be?

[replicantdeviancy]

It had certainly been a surprise at first, the endless amount of sass & wit expressed by this supposedly humble man of the lord. Yet the most exciting thing for Connor was his intuitive ability to match energy, to ride the highs & lows of conversation with ease, ever engaging, as if he could gauge exactly what a person needed in the moment. The priest was empathetic, yet bold, daring to say the brave things, the controversial things. He was also incredibly sweet. The way he teased the detective felt affectionate, never once delving into the realm of inappropriate nor coddling in Connors eyes. James could have treated him as though he were a child - the man was clearly decades his senior - but he filled every interaction with a defined level of mutual respect. The kid sensed that his date may have believed he was too old for this pretty young thing, but Connor didn't share that sentiment. & he proved that with every flirtatious remark & ​​sweet compliment.

"I highly doubt that you have the capability of feeling shame," he teased. A fib, though who between them was going to judge? Certainly not the handsome man he was cavorting around with. "I'd say that you're in good company, in that regard." Perhaps the both of them were being a bit shameless, choosing to temporarily abdicate responsibility in favor of this spontaneous venture with pleasurable company. Connor couldn't make himself care. He was happy to have something to look forward to that wasn't work related or involved in family. Passingly, he wondered what excuses for departure the priest had granted himself in order to justify his early.

He decided that it didn't matter, that nothing really did besides his time spent with someone new. He wanted to keep riding those mutual highs of intrigue, soaking up those subtle little responses & shows of growing fondness. How fortunate for the both of them that it had been Connor who had been assigned the Moore case, that they would have come together entirely by happy accident. He might not have had any idea where this could lead, if they would part after a single date & never speak again, or if this was the beginning of something that would last. Though if the priest kept looking at him like that with those pretty eyes & that devilish smile, the detective was sure he'd completely come undone. It sounded as though the idea of ​​​leaving Connor breathless was a favorable one - suddenly he couldn't help but imagine their combined clothing laying discarded on his bedroom floor. Especially when he called him beautiful with that soft, endearing tone. A pretty blush bloomed against the heights of his cheekbones as a shy smile warmed his features, teeth catching the edge of his bottom lip.

Tempting.

"Careful, James. If you keep flattering me like that, I might just think that you're trying to seduce me." A little laugh followed, charming as ever. Of course it was an elating fantasy, imagining all of the things this servant of god might want to do to him, but for the moment, fantasy was where it would remain. Connor might have been a bold & effortlessly charming creature, himself, but he was also shy about many things, his body included. Something for a later conversation, when he knew where they both stood & what they both wanted. It didn't stop him from aiming a quirky grin & wink towards the handsome Brit in his passenger seat, as the detective could be both demure & outgoing at once. A strange duality in a perfectly darling package. He settled himself with a soft exhale & turned onto the street to head further into town.

"Let's just… see where tonight takes us." A glance towards James as he flipped on the turn signal, a gentle warmth in his dark eyes as they briefly met the priests. Connor considered whether he should take his time driving as safely as possible , or if he should show off a little, give his date a bit of a performance. If that handsome little motorcycle in the driveway of the man's borrowed house said anything, James was a bit of an adrenaline seeker. The detective considered just how to use that knowledge to his advantage. His pretty visage took on a faintly wicked smile, one side of his mouth tipping upwards slightly. "With a little time, who knows? You might end up with all of your clothes on my bedroom floor." & maybe sometime, if James was up to it, he could show him what this car could really do.

For now, he was intent on getting them to their destination, wherever that might be. The promise of conversation & company was far more important than any specific dinner choices, but much as Connor had no particular preference for the evening, his date presented an interesting idea. Connor hadn't really had fish & chips much before, as he'd rarely been exposed to pub food growing up. His mother had been one of those almond mom types, which had certainly molded the boys eating habits over the years. However, now that he was presented with an opportunity, the idea sounded appealing. The triplets weren't the standard American diet types by any means, but each could be adventurous. Besides that, so long as he was pleased to be in his company, as far as Connor was concerned, what James wanted, he would get.

"I hope you're up for giving directions," he mentioned, though if the older man had forgotten, he didn't mind doing a little searching through the car's onboard GPS. For once, Connor was glad for early evening traffic, as it forced him to slow down & stop at times with the flow of cars & lights, giving James the chance to get his bearings. What didn't help was the detective's own gently provocative teasing in order to draw James into what he expected would be one of many conversations between them throughout the night. Something he was very much looking forward to. “So, tell me, Father . What do you do when you aren't tending to the flock or reciting scripture to flirt with younger men?” he teased as he had to slow the car to a stop at yet another traffic light. Not that he minded one bit. So long as they were together, Connor couldn't find it in him to become impatient. Everything he wanted in the moment was right there.

Something could definitely be said about the priest's entrance, but that was just James all over, wasn't it? He didn't enter with a mere hello, instead opting for one of his many and seemingly effortless dry-witted remarks to welcome him instead. At least it had been taken rather well, spying the look on the other man's face, not a glimmer of annoyance or exasperation at the Brit's usual antics. Maybe it was too early to tell, but James liked to imagine that the guy had already picked up a lot about him, mainly when it came to his demeanour and general manner in general.

True, there were times when the Englishman could be serious and had to be, but everywhere else, he had no qualms about letting go a little, just being himself, if not as a way to catch some people off guard. How many looked at him with a certain list of expectations? Humans, demons, otherwise? To which he would gladly and proudly laugh in their face. There wasn't anything inherently wrong with a priest being a little cheeky, was there?

Or very cheeky, in James' case.

What he hadn't expected was the outright flattery, brows lifting as he looked back at him, unable to hide the quiet delight that it brought him for such a man to talk him up so much. That was definitely a change -- - not that he'd missed the few remarks he'd hear at times from his congregation, notably under hushed tones since nobody wanted to be caught dishing about their local priest within earshot of the bloke. Not that he'd mind, of course, he'd find all it the more amusing but he could imagine others might not take it so lightly. Which was rather ironic given his placement among religion.

"And here you are, gassing me up something rotten." He mused to himself, resting his head back for a moment as he pretended to thoroughly relish in the moment. It probably wasn't all pretending but he didn't mind taking a compliment every now and then. At least that was one thing that he held close to him, he was genuinely a very humble man, even if he put on a show to say otherwise. It wasn't as though it was deliberate, but it was one thing that he shared with his peers. Mostly. "Don't stop on my account." He continued in jest, tilting his head back and to the side to spare a sly look in Connor's direction, more than happy for the man to decide whether or not he was joking.

"But... all in all, if you look like this every time we go out, you'll put me to shame. Lucky for me... for the Scripture says, 'everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.' So, there's my get of jail free card." Honestly, he had no doubts that the detective looked that good all the time. Why could he just imagine the guy waking up every morning looking absolutely perfect without the faintest morsel of effort? Not even a hair out of place. While James usually found himself looking akin to being dragged through a bush backwards. Sometimes he was sure that somebody was sneaking in during the night and ruffling his hair. Though he did have to admit that he moved around quite a bit in bed, mainly if he was sleeping in a double bed alone where it granted him far too much room to stretch and contort his limbs all over the place. If there was somewhere there, he seemed to know in his subconscious, even when fast asleep, keeping to his side, if not shuffling up to them, wrapping an arm around them and pulling them close. A devout man of God or not, he still enjoyed being both the big spoon and the little spoon too.

It probably sounded soppy to some people, but given the long periods of isolation he endured during his travels, the rules he did technically follow in some aspects, the main reason for his loneliness was to keep others safe, not expose themselves to the seedy world that James lived in and the horrors that would happily use them to get at him. So in those more intimate moments, he'd gladly hold someone close, allow himself a few moments to pretend like it could last forever before the inevitable weight was dropped back onto his chest and he had to vanish without a trace, reluctantly returning to the real world.

More notably, he made the conscious decision to offer up the possibility of meeting up again, if the younger man felt he could manage it. Or as long as James didn't manage to push him away in the next few hours. There was still plenty of time to decide that the Brit was perhaps a bit too much or too odd for others to stomach.

"Yeah? You know, if I didn't know any better..." He then began, clearly winding up for something particularly spectacular. "I'd say you have the beginnings of a priest kink, detective." There it was again, that devilish smile spreading across his face as he looked over at Connor again with that cheeky twinkle in his eyes. "Don't get me wrong, not opposed to the idea in the slightest. Maybe I'd feel the same if I was on the other side... but you know, can't say I've ever been keen to jump into bed with any of my peers. Not recently, at least." Again, he'd leave that open to interpretation. Had he ever tried it on with any of his peers? If so, it was most likely in his younger more fresh years. Had he ever succeeded? That, he would definitely keep to himself -- - for now. Although, was he kidding? If someone asked, he'd answer honestly and without a moment's hesitation.

Again, much to his old mentor's shame.

"Have to say, wouldn't mind seeing you in that collar one day, yourself. Just for fun, of course... and presuming the Lord doesn't strike me down there and then." He was still sure that one day he'd cross the line so far that even God couldn't forgive him or look past it and smite him at that very moment. Would he regret it? Likely not. Despite everything, James was still under the fervent belief that he was going straight to Hell at the end of his journey anyway. "Although... I think I'd prefer it on your bedroom floor if I'm being honest." Now, even he couldn't keep himself from laughing aloud at that, a warm and hearty chuckle bellowing from deep within his chest. "Couldn't resist." He managed mid-laugh, grinning from ear to ear as he sat up a little straighter. "Right, food. There's this restaurant a few miles away, does amazing fish and chips. They say 'British style', but as a formal representative of the British people, I call bollocks. But they're still pretty bloody good all the same. Had something of a hankering for them all day, if you're so inclined?" He rested his back again, watching Connor with deep interest and fascination, as though he were observing an exquisite painting in an art gallery.

Yet before the other could answer, it was that moment of gazing that the priest found himself smirking a little, his smile waning into something more -- - gentle, as if in awe. "Christ, you're beautiful, you know that?" This was him before he'd had a drink in him. God help the guy once James had some wine in his stomach. "We'd best get going before I start drooling all over your car. You're just too damn mouth-watering."

[kairiscorner]

Can I order some headcanons of Spider-Noir getting kissed with pink lipstick marks from the reader? 💋💞

- Crystal ✨️

HIIII sure thing :DDD ALSO SORRY THAT I'M GETTING TO Y'ALL'S REQUESTS SO LATE OUR WIFI FUCKED UP SO I'M JUST GETTING TO THEM NOW 😭😭😭

(reblogs are greatly appreciated, it helps get my content out there! if you guys like what you see, please reblog it too <:D)

spider noir with pink lipstick marks

he would honestly become putty in your hands the minute you hold him, what more when you peck him with those sweet lips of yours?

when you planted the first kiss on him, that was enough to get him to stop talking and take a minute to process what just happened. then, when he realized you kissed him, he chuckles a little and feels over where you kissed him.

when the streaks of pink are on his fingers from the pigment on your lipstick, he feels a warmth envelope him--"what a... a pretty pink you have on, love, i..."

if it wasn't obvious, he thinks you and pink go along extremely well :)) he thinks the color accentuates your beauty and the vivaciousness of your lips, and he's dreamed of stealing kisses from you when he pictures you with such a pretty color on your lips <333

when you keep peppering him with kisses, from his cheeks down to the sides of his neck, oh dear, you have a very smitten and love struck peter parker in your hands now <333

he tries to stop you so he can remain composed, since you're his only weakness--but he finds himself coming undone when you kiss him more, and more, and more.

"love, that was nice, but--oh, love, now, have mercy on m--my lover, please... you'll give me a heart attack he--" and he says all that while he's getting warmer, and warmer, and the pink from your lip marks start to disappear a little as the complete redness on his face takes over as he smiles wider and goofier at how in love he is with you right now.

the finishing blow to his flusteredness would be a kiss on his lips, just leaving a hint of pink on him, smack dab right there on his own lips... oh, he's the happiest man alive right now, he feels like he could just melt into the feeling of your lips all over him.

when you stop as he's basically drunk on all your kisses and love, he finds himself trying to keep you next to him and grinning playfully as he begs for more kisses; holding on to your waist and caressing your sides in an effort to get you to continue what you started :)

"love, you did this to me... you made me want to do more... dangerous, risky things with you. please, more kisses for you peter? pleeeeeeaseeeee?"

tags !! @thecoolerdor @miguelswifey04 @sabcandoit @binibinileonara @fictarian @luvstarrstruck @connors-cumslurper @maxoloqy @k4tsu3

[yanderes-galore]

Romantic Yandere! Connor/RK800 (Detroit Become Human) with Fem! Darling? He’s smitten by her kind and caring personality, yet she only sees him no more as a good friend. While he’s been taking out “competition”— she had to witness him killing her android crush, a unfortunate PL600. (Not Daniel or Simon, just her household android who’s got a crush on her too— much to Connor’s dismay)

From your prompts!

12.) "You were never meant to see that! Oh, what have I done...."

20.) "I've been waiting too long for this...."

24.) "Don't you believe in fate? Fate wants us to be together...!"

OOOOOO! I'D LOVE TOO :D Nothing quite like writing a yandere caught in the act ;)

This was meant to be finished way earlier today and not at 3 AM but I got distracted when writing the end so... whoops 🤷‍♀️ Not proofread, it's all mostly raw.

Yandere! Connor (RK800) Prompts 12, 20, 24

"You were never meant to see that! Oh, what have I done...."

"I've been waiting too long for this...."

"Don't you believe in fate? Fate wants us to be together...!"

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Female Darling, Obsession, Stalking, Manipulation, Murder/Violence, Blood/Blue blood mention, Jealousy, OOC sadism, Kidnapping implied, Forced relationship.

It wasn't all that hard for Connor to get his hands on a weapon. Working for the police allows him basic access to weaponry such as small handguns. Although androids aren't typically armed, Connor has been smart enough to smuggle one.

Connor never thought of using violence unless it was absolutely necessary. Admittedly his thoughts have been rather selfish lately but that doesn't seem to stop his plans. What he plans to do with this gun is... necessary.

You and Connor have been very close in the recent few months. You're a girl cop who works under Hank. As a result you and Connor have been in contact due to you being a rookie.

Connor has always admired your kind and caring personality. You get coffee for everyone out of kindness and don't take insults from anyone. Connor has admittedly... fallen for you despite the circumstances.

Even though androids have been newly accepted into society, Connor knew not every human would be open to have a relationship with one. Despite this Connor at least tried asking. That is... only to hear rejection as he expected.

"Connor... that's flattering and I'm happy you're learning human emotions but I just don't feel that way."

The entire time you looked at him with a soft gaze, holding his hand momentarily before departing. You say you don't love him but it feels like you do. Despite his rejection... Connor looked more into you.

That's how Connor learned of your PL600 unit.

Connor had done some snooping to learn more about you, even though he shouldn't have. He had looked through records and even remembered where you lived. Under your name and in your house he saw a PL600.

Not just that... but he could tell what this PL600 unit felt towards you. Connor knew it was unprofessional to act on his feelings by watching you... he can't help it. Seeing you with that PL600... broke him.

Connor had seen how careful you were with your PL600. You allowed him to be his own person and often encouraged it. You allowed him to express his feelings and not feel like a servant.

In return Connor saw his attempts at intimacy.

Connor felt himself get worked up when he saw your PL600 hug you when you get home. He hated seeing him cook for you, he hated seeing him so domestic with you. At first it just seems like what he's programmed to do.

Until he tried to kiss you one night.

Connor had enough, now he knew why you turned him down. This was the reason he has the gun he smuggled, just in case his original plan didn't work. While you were away from home, Connor had planned the perfect crime.

Connor had slipped into your home quietly. Your PL600 unit was cleaning and barely even saw Connor coming. Not until it was too late.

Connor didn't mind the mess. The blue blood from your PL600 was quickly spilled and splattered across your home's walls due to his strength. He had damaged the unit's processors with a quick bullet to the head. All just so he could grab a knife from the kitchen to finish things off.

"I've been waiting too long for this...." Connor mutters, digging the blade into the android's chest as he takes his pent up jealousy out on him.

It was meant to be the perfect crime after Connor had his fun. Unfortunately it appears Connor got too caught up in the act. He didn't notice that you'd come home about this time.

It was quite the sight to see for you.

Connor didn't snap out of it until he heard you drop something with a gasp. It was not quite a scream but it was enough to make Connor stop, the blade still lodged in the artifical skin of your PL600. Connor almost didn't realize what he did until he turned to meet your gaze.

"You were never meant to see that! Oh, what have I done...." Connor panics in his voice, eyes wide and processors calculating as he watches you stare at him. Connor can see you look him over in an attempt to rationalize. You're trying to see if he is indeed Connor and not some other rogue RK800. Sadly, you begin to realize it's Connor covered in the blue blood of your PL600.

The dread quickly overcomes you.

You pull out your phone and run out the door. Connor calculates possible ways to cut you off and executes them. As you run and dial for back up, Connor chases you. He tries to corral you into a dark and out of sight corner of the street...

Due to your frantic frenzy he succeeds.

He hates the idea of hurting you but he hits your arm hard, causing your phone to clatter to the ground... completely useless. You groan in pain due to how hard Connor hit you before Connor cages you against a wall. He can read your vitals and he knows you're terrified due to how fast your BPM and breathing rate is.

You struggle against the android, cringing at the amount of blue blood on his clothes. By this rate you're both covered in the stuff, the chemical smell infiltrating your nose and making you ill. Connor hears you begin to plead with him and he tries to mediate it.

"You know I won't hurt you... please don't be scared...." Connor whispers, using a hand to caress your cheek in a soothing manner. You turn away quickly and grit your teeth. He's stronger than you yet you fight for your life....

"Am I supposed to believe that after you killed my PL600?" You spit. Connor gives you an uncomfortable look before his gaze goes darker.

"He was a poor stand in for me." Connor answers bitterly. "I'm supposed to be in that role for you!"

"What's that even supposed to mean!" You yell back, causing Connor to slam his hand over your mouth to keep you quiet.

"Don't you believe in fate? Fate wants us to be together...!" Connor coos, his tone full of delusions within his code. You struggle against his hold and shake your head. Connor only frowns.

"That PL600 can't do what I can. I can do so much better. If you just accept me... I can show you!" Connor reasons despite your reluctance to listen. You plead for him to stop this madness from behind his hand but he doesn't listen. The android is too focused in the fact he has you trapped as his to care.

Competition has now been dealt with and is out of the way...

Now all Connor has to worry about is stopping your struggling and screaming until he can move you to a more suitable location.

[runeimpact]

"Naming".

"Archibald!"

"Cornelius!"

"Samuel?"

 The relaxing form of the dragon laying in the living room didn't even stir, completely ignoring the sound of the employees of the winery, who were trying to capture his attention.

"Oh c'mon! There must be some name you might like! You answer when Mister Kaeya calls you Poochie" Inquired Moco

 The small growl left the dragon’s lips when reminded of the awful nickname that Kaeya insisted on calling him. Last time the Cavalry Captain barely had time to move his head out of Rune's teeth with the constant teasing.

"Even if it's to show your displeasure" Hillie snickered with the look Rune gave her.

"There must be a name that could make it answer, How about Lazaro?” Elzer hummed and tapped his cheek, eyes glued to the beast, the small grunt of annoyance answered still nothing.

Adeline’s small laugh reached, making the maids tense and the chairman coughed in embarrassment, the small act of slacking off being caught by the head maid.

 "I believe that our dear winged fellow won't really answer to any name unless it’s one chosen by Master Diluc," She said, smiling at the soft gurgle that said winged fellow let out with the mention of the redhead.

"But Master Diluc never calls him anything but "dragon" and honestly if that were to be a name, it is so dreadfully- lacked! " Hillie inquired " It's so cold the way he talks to him!"

"Funnily enough he's completely smitten by Master Diluc, isn't he?" Moco said with a snicker, that was soon replaced with a yelp by the swing of the tail of the dragon, with a loud grumpy grumble, making the presents laugh.

"It's not like Master Diluc doesn't like him either, after all, he does accept his company very often and it DOES live here now basically." Elzer continued the train of thought. "At the rate of the frequency they walk together, I heard the ladies in Mondstadt are starting to get jealous of our scaly friend here" 

"Oh, to think our Master would be married by the winery and a dragon.” Another round of hearty laughs before Adelinde made everyone stop the chit-chat and go back to work. Ethanrune stretched his front legs with a sleepy growl, and got ready to stretch his wings as well; Diluc was out the whole evening, talking with some kind of merchant that wanted to import his wine or something. 

They've been hours at it and it seems like Kaeya was going to show up even later to talk with the redhead, and while Ethanrune could give Diluc all the support he has, Kaeya was starting to be a line that 'Rune didn't want to cross. Kaeya was just extremely annoying and he found it very hard to keep his calm after everything that happened. 

There was also the issue between those two but that’s none of his business. Diluc kept to himself many things and even if he could talk, he can't just pry into that can of worms. 

Walking towards the door and opening it as gently as he could, holding the handle with his teeth could, he set outside. He wasn't allowed inside if he was to walk around since he is too big and many things would clatter around while he was just trying to move.

 Seeing Turner, he came close with a soft croon, surprising the man slightly, before smiling and patting his head. 

"Well well if it isn't our favorite dragon? Out for an afternoon flight already?" He said calmly while scratching 'Rune under the chin, drawing a content sound out of him. "I'm surprised Master Diluc isn't accompanying you. Is he still talking with the merchant?" 

A frustrating whine left his mouth, making the old man chuckle gently.

"I know you just want to get out with him, but as the owner of the winery, he has many responsibilities." The old man said, receiving an indignant snort from Rune. 

"Come now, it's not like you can't find time for him later, isn't it? I’m sure a flight on the night of a full moon must be extremely beautiful too." 

"Talking with the beast still Mr. Turner?" Opening his bad eye as much as he could, Rune saw Connor approach with a look. He hasn't come around to the dragon's presence but at least he showed tolerance after Diluc gave a stern talk over Runes' presence. " That thing probably doesn’t even understand ya" 

"Come now Connor, I think he proved to be quite intelligent enough with all the work he helped around" 

[easily-infatuated23]

Stolen Letters

Request: “Can you do a Fred Weasley imagine where him and Angelina are kind of “talking” but the reader and Angelina are really good friends and she doesn’t know that there “talking” so when Angelina tells her, she seems okay with it, “it’s not like I’ve liked him since first year.” And since she’s on the quidditch team, she kind of drops out. And starts to hung out more with Cedric and that’s when Fred gets jealous and realizes it was never Angelina but the reader. the whole reason he liked Angelina was because of some letters she gave him but she never wrote them, the reader did. And Fred and Angelina get into a big fight. Happy ending with Fred and reader.” -anon

a/n: i loved this request!! i changed it a little bit but this was so much fun to write! i also made Angelina meaner than i had anticipated.

pairing: Fred Weasley x Reader

word count: 2.3k

warnings: none i don’t think

summary: Reader has always had feelings for Fred and when he starts dating Angelina, it doesn’t make sense to any one

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the moment she stepped into Hogwarts, she was smitten with Fred Weasley. Everything he did was perfect to her. The way he laughed, the way he walked…everything. It was hard to feel this strongly for someone and be their best friend at the same time. She decided the best course of action would be to find an outlet for these feelings. She knew if she tried to burry them she might explode. Her solution was simple. She kept a small diary that she would fill with all of her thoughts and feelings about the redhead. It was better to get those things out of her head before she saw him, otherwise, every day she would risk that explosion of feelings. Being a private person, this was her worst fear. As she continued at Hogwarts her feelings persisted. Hell, she even joined the Quidditch team just to spend more time with him. She did enjoy being a chaser, but messing around during practice was more fun. When she wasn’t spending time with Fred and George, she was with her best girlfriend Angelina. She could be mean at times but she was a good friend none the lessThey told each other everything, well, almost everything. Y/N loved to hear Angelina talk about the newest boy in her life and how cute she thought he was etc. However, she would always inevitably find something wrong with them and move on to someone else. Angelina would ask Y/N about who she liked but Y/N would rather die before she admitted her love for Fred to another soul. “Oh this boy from back home. We’re like childhood sweet hearts.” Angelina would just roll her eyes. “Fine! Don’t tell me! I’ll find out one day”.

When Y/N got home from practice one day, she found Angelina sitting on her bed. “Ohh my gosh Y/N I have something to tell you!” she said excitedly. “Who is it this time?” Y/N asked. Angelina scoffed and threw a pillow at her. “Shut up this is serious! You’ll never guess who asked me out!” Y/N threw her bag down on the ground. “You are correct I will never guess, now who is it?” “Fred Weasley!” Y/N stopped dead in her tracks. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard. “Come again?” “Fred Weasley! He asked me to be his date to Hogsmeade this weekend!”. She wasn’t sure what to say. “I didn’t even know you liked him like that” she said finally. “Yeah well who can resist a Quidditch player!” “So you only like him because he plays Quidditch?” Angelina crossed her arms. “I thought you would be happier for me what is up with you?”. “I’m sorry I just didn’t think he was your type!” she replied. “Why do I even bother telling you things” Angelina said, storming out of the dorm. Y/N sat down on her bed, doing everything in her power to hold back tears. “It’s just a fling, she’ll just move on to the next one like she always does” she tried to rationalize. No matter what she told herself, it still hurt.

As the next week dragged on, the pain didn’t subside. Seeing what she had thought was her best friend and Fred being close, killed her. To make matters worse, Angelina had become very cold to Y/N and would always steal Fred away whenever she tried to see him. George tried to help her but he was almost as alienated from his brother as she was. By week number three, she gave up trying to pretend everything was fine. She stopped going to meals with her friends and would spend as much of her free time in her dorm as possible. The only person who seemed to be able to pull her out of her fog of sadness was Cedric. They had always been acquaintances, but being forced away from Fred had brought the two closer. They would study together, walk to class together, and go to Hogsmeade together. From the outside looking in, anyone would have thought the two were dating. Of course, Y/N didn’t have feelings for Cedric, nor did he have feelings for her. When they would walk, Cedric would hold her hand. It was a gesture of friendship for them, but it fueled the rumors none the less. Cedric was a great distraction, but when time came to see Fred on the Quidditch pitch, she was thrust back into sadness.

Eventually, she stopped attending Quidditch practice, much to her captain’s dismay. “Well, looks like Y/N has decided not to show up again so, Connors, you’re in” he yelled before practice. While on a break, Fred, George, Ron, and Harry went to go sit with Hermione who was watching practice. Fred decided to ask Hermione about Y/N. “Why do you think Y/N’s been skipping practice? I feel like I never see her any more”. Hermione just shook his head. “You can be so daft sometimes.” “What do you mean by that?” “She clearly has feelings for you and you started dating her best friend. Who, might I add, has been isolating you from your friends.” “Yeah and we all know you don’t really like Angelina so just break it off already.” George added. Fred was taken a back by his brothers words. “Hey don’t say that I like Angelina”. George shot Fred his best ‘are you kidding me’ look. Hermione decided to step in. “Tell me this then, what’s your favorite color red or green?” “What does that have to do with anything?” “Just answer my questions as quickly as you can without thinking.” “Fine. Red.” “What do you like more chicken or beef?” “Chicken” “Summer or winter?” Summer.” “Who do you like more Y/N or Angelina?” “Y/N.” The group looked at each other and laughed a little. “Oh. Oh I see what you did there. That was sneaky…but, that can’t be. I like Angelina, if I didn’t I wouldn’t have asked her out”. “Keep telling yourself that mate” Ron said, patting his brother on the back.

After practice, Fred couldn’t stop thinking about what Hermione had said. Did Y/N really have feelings for him? Did he have feelings for her? It was all so confusing. But, he didn’t have time to ponder such matters of the heart because he had to meet Angelina in the library in ten minutes. “You’re late. Why are you late?” she demanded once he arrived. “Just by a minute! I had to shower.” She rolled her eyes. As she began talking about her day and about the gossip around the school Fred couldn’t help but realize he didn’t care about a word she was saying. He thought back to why he had even asked her out in the first place. It had really been about some letters she sent to him after they had started talking a bit more. They were beautiful love letters that made him feel like the most important person in the world. The eloquence with which the letters had been written didn’t seem to match with her personality and history now that he thought about it. “Fred are you even listening to me right now?”. He lifted his gaze to meet hers. She was glaring at him. “Right, sorry. What did you say?” She huffed at him. “I was saying that I can’t believe Cedric and Y/N are dating.” “What?” Fred said, feeling very confused. “Yeah I mean haven’t you noticed? They are always together and they’re so touchy!” Fred felt himself get a bit hot with anger. But, why was he mad? Once Angelina decided it was time for them to leave the library, Fred saw Y/N and Cedric together for the first time. He hadn’t realized that he had started to subconsciously look away whenever he saw Y/N. He felt guilty. He forced himself to look and saw that they were standing in the court yard talking about something when Cedric suddenly took Y/N’s hand and started dancing with her. She was laughing and smiling as he spun her around. She didn’t even notice Fred had walked by. “Good riddance. I was so tired of watching her sulk around the castle. She’s such a drama queen. Come on”. Angelina pulled Fred away back to the Gryffindor common room.

Once they arrived, Fred was in a foul mood. Everyone could tell something was off. Once Angelina left the common room, Fred was cornered by his twin. “Oy Freddie, what’s your problem?” George asked him. “I don’t know George. I was doing fine until Hermione asked me that question earlier and now I just feel off. Did you know Cedric and Y/N are dating?” George made his best surprised face. He knew for a fact that they weren’t dating but this might be the push Fred needed to get off his ass and ask out Y/N. “I didn’t. Who told you that?”. “I didn’t really have to be told did I? I saw them dancing in the courtyard, practically kissing! It was disgusting.” Just then, Y/N entered the common room. “Oh hey boys” she said, moving more quickly now to avoid Fred. “Hey Y/N Fred has something he wants to ask you” George said. This for some reason got under her skin more than anyone had anticipated. After nearly a month of having to talk to Fred through other people, she had enough. “Well, if Fred has something to say to me he should say it, or wait I forgot, he has to ask his girlfriend first” she huffed. “Hey that’s not fair! You never speak to me any more either! Or maybe you have to go ask your boyfriend” he replied, standing up from his chair. “Boyfriend? What the hell are you on about?” she asked. Her genuine tone of surprise confused Fred. “Cedric obviously”. She shook her head and scoffed. “Oh so when I make other friends besides you, suddenly they are my boyfriend? Real mature Fred. You know if seeing me with some one else bothers you so much, imagine how it felt seeing you start dating my best friend instead of me” she exploded. “I-I’m sorry I didn’t think…” he stammered. Well, there was no going back now. The explosion she feared had begun. “Yeah thats pretty obvious. I still don’t even understand how that happened. You are way to good for her” she said.“Look, I’ve always had feelings for you Y/N. I just was worried you didn’t feel the same way so I made myself move on. I only really started to like her after she sent me a couple of really heart felt love letters. She wrote stuff talking about how ‘my smile could cut through even the thickest fog’ and ‘her heart skips a beat whenever I’m around’. No one had ever said stuff like that to me and I think I got confused.”

Y/N’s jaw dropped. She closed her eyes and sighed. “Did her letters also say things like ‘the fire in your soul burns as brightly as the sun’?” Fred raised his eyebrow. “Yeah how did you know? She said no one else saw them or even knew she wrote them.” “Ugh the audacity of this girl. Fred, I wrote that. I’ve liked you for so long but I didn’t want to ruin our friendship so I would write down all of my feelings in a journal just to get it out of my system. She must have found it because what you just said is word for word something I wrote a month or so ago.” “Wait slow down. You’re saying you like me so much you have to write it down so you wouldn’t blurt it out?” She blushed and nodded. Fred smiled and wrapped her in a tight hug. “If I had known that I would have told you how I felt a long time ago”. She smiled and looked up at him. Fred’s smiled shifted a bit. “So this means Angelina used your words to make me like her? That’s awful!” “Yeah, you can bet she’s gonna get an earful from me.” “No, I’m gonna talk to her.”

As if on cue, Angelina walked into the common room. “I heard Fred yelling what’s going on?” George smiled. “This is going to be good” he said. Fred released Y/N from the hug and walked over to Angelina. “Is it true? Did you steal passages from Y/N’s diary and use them to make me like you?” Angelina crossed her arms. George wished he had popcorn. “I wanted to date someone on the Quidditch team and Y/N was sitting on the perfect way to get you to like me. How could I not use it?” “You are supposed to be my friend what the hell is wrong with you?” Y/N said angrily. “You do what you have to do to get what you want” she said smugly, walking over to Fred and taking his hand. He shook her off and stepped closer to Y/N. “Fred what are you doing you are my boyfriend, take my side!” “You’ll have to find another guy to toy with because we’re done” Fred said. Angelina was furious. She stormed back to the girls dormitory. “Well that was fun to watch. I’m gonna head to bed and let you two sort out what you have to. Goodnight” George said.

Fred turned to face Y/N. “I’m going to do something I should have done a long time ago” he said. He cupped her face in his hands and pulled her close. She smiled and leaned in further.Their lips touched and they kissed passionately. The explosion of feelings she had feared turned out to be the best thing that could’ve happened. Fred pulled away and booped her nose. “So, you have a whole journal filled with things you like about me” “Oh shut up!” she laughed and pulled him in for another kiss.

[bucksblr]

tagged by @leonzhng​ thanks for making me dig through my most embarrassing crushes 😭✋

i’ll tag @highwarlockkareena​ @yibobibo​ @lan-xichens​ @purplexedhuman​ @aheartfullofjolllly​ @lanzhansmiles​ @nyx4​ i feel like i tag you guys in everything i am so sorry please ignore this if u don’t wanna do it !!

putting this under a read more for reasons

MEN 2010 – 2016

literally nothing more embarrassing than falling on the same type of white man over and over again (with the exception of minho from shinee bless his heart)

tommy joe ratliff → he was the bass player for adam lambert during his glamnation era (think of songs like for your entertainment and if i had you) idk why exactly i liked him so much but i just did.... however i searched him up again quite recently and found out he’s one of those republicans that says the dumbest shit on twitter so Big Yikes

harry styles → “baby you light up my world like nobody else, the way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed, and when you smile at the ground it ain’t hard to tell...” and BOOM 13-year-old me was sold for well over two years

louis tomlinson → basically i liked harry most until around 2013 when for some reason i started to like him a little less, and i got more focused on louis tomlinson, and although i didn’t like one direction anymore louis tomlinson always had a special place in my heart

ashton irwin → so ashton is 5sos’ drummer, i discovered 5sos through one direction & i stanned them until late 2014

harries twins → the harries twins (jack & finn) are basically the reason i started spending a lot of time on youtube, they were funny and pretty and they just had good videos in general, so for almost two years i’d watch their content regularly

choi minho → my first steps into kpop happened bc i was watching videos on youtube (most probably the harries twins) and suddenly i saw the sherlock mv in my recommended videos so i clicked on it and then 14-year-old me proceeded to fall for minho like an idiot

brooks twins → still youtubers, the brooks twins were 3/5 of the janoskians (jai & luke brooks, beau brooks, daniel sahyounie, & james yammouni), an australian youtube comedy group that was active from 2011-2018 though i was only around from 2012-2014 (when jai brooks was dating ariana grande)

jc caylen → surprise! another youtuber! jc caylen was part of o2l (our2ndlife) a youtube collaboration channel on which each of the 6 members posted videos on a certain day in the week (mondays with connor, tuesdays with ricky, wednesdays with sam, thursdays with jc, fridays with trevi (my 2nd favorite member bc she participated on the x factor), saturdays with ricardo, and then they had surprise sundays every week) and i remember how much joy jc & the others always brought me with their silly videos

misha collins → up next, you might know him as the gay angel that was sent to superhell after confessing his love to the homophobic hunter on supernatural, it’s misha collins! basically misha was a huge source of comfort for me, and i even went around calling myself emmisha for almost two full years (cringe)

henrik holm → he played even bech naesheim in skam and my crush on him reached that level of ridiculousness where i actually tried my hand at learning norwegian (i can only remember how to introduce myself and some curse words i would make a great first impression on him)

MEN 2016 – 2021

min yoongi → okay so my baby steps into kpop happened through shinee’s sherlock, but i only got really invested when yoongi dropped agust d 1 because Holy Fuck y’know??

kim namjoon → oh man i remember thinking namjoon was cute and a very good leader and then BAM he dressed like THAT at the 2016 mma’s and i fell in love. hard

park seojoon → i started liking park seojoon whilst i was watching hwarang (you guessed it, i watched it bc of taehyung), although he wasn’t my favorite character by far, but he was very silly off camera & i liked that (i’m not that into him anymore tho </3)

kim seokjin → OH BOY LET ME TELL U i liked seokjin from the very beginning (i got to know bts in late 2014) and i always liked seeing him perform and be himself and god once i realized i had a crush on him it just hit me like a mf truck, and he’s still one of my favorite people to this day

jung hoseok → god fake love era hoseok really hits different.... also yes i know i have all of bts’ hyung line on my list BUT bts was a really big part of my life for almost 6 years soooo honestly they deserve it i still think they’re great guys

choi san → when ateez made their debut in 2018 i immediately fell in love with san, he was such an amazing dancer and he captivated me right from the very beginning, to this day he’s still my bias in ateez uwu

xiao zhan → AND THEN, OCTOBER OF 2019 HAPPENS AND I WATCH CQL AND... i fall in love with xiao zhan, something i’d never expected would happen bc when i watched cql for the first time i wasn’t as invested in the story, but i really really really liked xiao zhan and one thing led to another and now here i am as a xfx

wang yibo → the thing is, i’ve known yibo since eoeo except i didn’t know cql yibo was uniq yibo (bc i’d forgotten his name) and when i looked it up i can tell you my jaw dropped to the floor bc holy shit????? also he is very silly and i love him loads ok

lee minho → ah, the man who has been my skz bias since 2018, not only is minho my bias i also kin him (there’s a lot of aspects of myself that i see in minho and vice versa) and he’s very comforting to me

bang chan → honestly, it was only a matter of time before i’d fall for bang chan, i knew the moment i got into skz again that i’d start biasing him and, well, here i am, double biasing chan & minho

WOMEN

this list is shorter bc i’ve in general always had less crushes on women than on men??? blame society forcing me into thinking i was straight for a LONG time

ariana grande → remember the 2011 layout of twitter?? where u could not only have an icon and a header, but also a background and ur twitter page was smack in the center of ur screen with the big ugly menu bar at the top??? yeah ariana grande was always my background for my l*rr* st*l*n*s*n layouts

perrie edwards → this was right around the time she was dating zayn & little mix was breaking out into the spotlight, yeah i just really loved her

andrea russett → okay so remember o2l?? andrea russett was kian’s girlfriend for a pretty long time and they always did videos together and i always thought she was super pretty

lily collins → maybe i don’t like clary in tmi all that much but i sure liked the way lily collins looked

alona tal → MY BISEXUAL AWAKENING, it’s only when i saw alona tal in spn that i realized, fuck i might be gay

park jihyo → i discovered twice (my 2nd jype group after day6) through the like ooh-ahh mv and red-haired jihyo really did something to my heart (i just rewatched it and god zombie bang chan is so mf cute)

kim jisoo → when bp made their square two comeback i was immediately smitten for red-haired jisoo in playing with fire, it’s also when i realized she was my bias out of the four members

shin ryujin → the reason that i have blue hair is partially bc of ryujin and her amazing intro in wannabe :D

xuan lu → her portrayal of jiang yanli was SO ON POINT and she’s just such a kindhearted wonderful person wow i want her hand in marriage

lee yoobin → god i’ve known dreamcatcher from back when they were still called minx and ever since i’ve always looked at dami that bit more than the rest, i was also able to see dreamcatcher live in october of 2019 and the whole experience was just so amazing !!

FICTIONAL CHARACTERS

there’s a whole lot more than just these 10 but i wanted to fit the evolution into one (1) slide as best as i could lmao

peter pan → this movie came out in 2003 (?) and he’s honestly the first fictional character i remember ever having a crush on

legolas → i was really doubting between placing haldir or legolas here but i only really got a vague haldir obsession when i was like 14

zuko → LOOK. ZUKO IN ATLA? HOT. ZUKO IN LOK? HOT EVEN IF HE’S AN OLD MAN.

will turner → man was annoying sometimes but i really liked him and his relationship with elizabeth was cute

jo harvelle → gosh i can’t believe she’s the only female character in here???? yeah she was one of my two spn faves and i’ll never forgive the screenwriters for the way they killed her off

castiel → does your fave ever get sent to super hell for being gay? no? well. mine did

kili → fili and kili’s storyline tore my heart out, spit on it, and then laughed straight in my face, KILI WAS LITERALLY MY FAVORITE DWARF

howl → i only watched this movie for the first time in 2020 so i kinda fucked up the tl cause i watched cql in 2019 but shh, anyways howl with his blonde hair was good looking but howl with his black hair just hits differently. i want a howl

lan jingyi → MY BABY BOY, TINIE LITTLE BABIE WHOMST I MUST PROTECT ok no but seriously this kid. i love him a lot

mu qing → BARK BARK. that’s all (that’s not all i love him a whole lot and it hurts me to see so many people misunderstand his character and only see the bad parts of him when they can forgive others for fucking up (eg. xie lian himself & feng xin) but bc mu qing doesn’t deal well with emotions suddenly he’s the bad guy??? i s2g if ppl are gonna do to him what they did to jiang cheng in the tgcf la i will RIOT)

[imma-fucking-nerd]

Goodmorning

(Connor x PlusSized!Reader)

A/N: Yes this is absolutely self-indulgent, let me live my life. Also I didnt know what to to title it so yee

——————————————

It was still dark when you came into work at the DPD that Monday morning and all you wanted to do was go back to sleep for 12 more hours. But alas, you had work. You weren't a detective or an officer or someone that went out in the field at all really.  Basically a secretary of sort, taking care of files of cases and such. How you weren't replaced by an android by now you had no idea, but you were grateful. Well, at least now you were.

You used to hate working at the DPD. Why? One reason. Gavin fucking Reed. The insufferable prick seemed to make it his goddamn life mission to make you as miserable as possible. Specifically targeting your weight. How original. It didn't really make you feel that bad, okay that was a lie. But it was more annoying than anything. You were so close to just quiting when a certain android appeared at the desk across from Hanks.

When you first saw him you were intrigued to say the least. He was.....drop dead gorgeous. And when he looked at you with those perfect brown eyes you were smitten. You were also extremely embarrassed that he had just caught you gawking at him and with a nervous laugh you waved at him before hastily getting back to work. Little did you know that Connor hadn't looked away, and was extremely confused as to why your round cheeks were rising in temperature.

Ever since then your little crush on the android detective just kept growing the more you interacted with him. In that time you also grew closer to Hank, you realized that he was actually really cool. And also definitely knew about your 'little' crush. Of course, you didn't know he knew. You thought you were being so slick, but in Hanks words you were being "really fucking obvious." Thankfully Connor didn't put the pieces together.

You knew that he'd never feel the same about you, even if he could feel that way towards anyone. Why would he pick you of all people? You weren't exactly the prettiest, or the smartest, and you couldn't kick ass to save your ass. But hey, you could dream right?

Despite that you always held a tiny piece of hope. A tiny piece that only kept growing as you noticed how he himself was slowly becoming the very thing he was meant to hunt. And when he finally became a full on deviant? You were beyond happy, and so so proud.

You smiled to yourself as you made your way over to your desk as you recalled the day he and Hank came to you with the news. It was the day after you saw your little Connor on tv leading an army of Cyberlife androids he 'woke up'. The first thing you did was bring him in for a bone-crushing hug, gushing about how proud you were. You almost kissed him right then and there but you had to force yourself away from him with a little awkward laugh.

"Good morning (Y/n)," Connor's voice tore you away from your thoughts.

"Morning Cony," you greeted him with a smile.

Glancing over to Hanks desk and, unsurprisingly, not seeing him there you chucked a bit to yourself.

"It seems that Hank couldn't be bothered to come to work on time like the rest of us. Again."

When you didn't get a response from Connor you looked back to him staring at you intently, his LED blinking yellow. You rose a brow and couldn't help but smirk slightly, knowing exactly what he was doing.

"I just got here and your already scanning me, hmm?" you asked amused.

He blinked a couple of times and his LED returned to its passive blue. The lightest shade of blue tinting his cheeks, seemingly in embarrassment.

"My apologies, (Y/n). But I noticed that your low in dopamine. Have you eaten breakfast?" He inquired, tilting his head adorably as he always did.

"Uhhh yep. Had a bowl of cereal," you lied.

You didn't really ever eat breakfast. Not because of your whole overweight thing, but because you just never really got hungry early in the morning. You could already hear Gavin's dumb voice fiegning shock. But surprise surprise, just cuz you're overweight doesn't mean you're constantly stuffing your face. You only do that at night.

Connor was just about to call you out on your obvious lie, he didn't even need a lie detector to know that since you were an awful liar, your stomach betrayed you with a low growl. He frowned slightly and you chuckled bashfully before looking down at your stomach.

"Traitor," you mumbled to yourself.

"(Y/n), you know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day for humans. You should eat something," before you could even speak he interrupts you with a playful smile, "and only having coffee doesn't count as breakfast."

"Okay okay, fine fine. You win," you sigh in defeat which earned a smile from the android.

God how you loved that awkward smile. Adorable.

"Lets hope that there's something decent in the break room," you said before turning in the direction of said room.

"Alright, I'll be out here filling out some reports if you need anything," Connor called out to you before you left.

You hoped to god that you got here before Gavin and that you wouldn't have to see his stupid-

"Well looky what we have here. Come to raid the fridge?" He asked with a smug grin, like he thought he did something.

Of course.

You didn't dignify his schoolyard taunt with a response, only rolling your eyes. However you did change your course to the coffee making instead. You could grab something when he left, not really wanting to deal with his judgment at the moment. As Hank would say, it's too early for this shit.

"Aww did I hurt little piggy's feelings?" He taunted further as he made his way over to you, pinching your cheek.

Immediately your hand came up to slap his away and you shot him a glare.

"You know pigs are actually really intelligent creatures. Shame the same can't be said about you. So thanks for the compliment jackass," you snapped before turning your attention back to the coffee maker.

Before Gavin could get out a comeback to reclaim some of his pride, Connor appeared in the doorway.

"Is there a problem here?" He directed to Gavin.

"I was just leaving," Gavin said bitterly before leaving, childishly chucking into Connor's shoulder on his way out.

Connor didn't move an inch.

You huffed as you watched him leave, subconsciously rubbing the cheek that he pinched rather hard. Connor noticed this and tilted his head slightly before making his way over to you.

"Are you alright? Did he hurt you?" His voice was concerned and he looked back to Gavin, fully prepared to beat his ass for hurting you.

"No, no I'm fine. The prick just pinched my damned cheek. Who the fuck even does that?" You sighed.

Yet despite your words he gently grabbed your chin and tilted your head slightly to make sure no damage was done. He certainly couldn't let one of his favourite humans be injured, especially not by one of his least favourite.

Connor's actions immediately started making heat rise up to your cheeks and you couldn't help but stare at his perfect face. God how you wanted him to just kiss you right then and there. As soon as those thoughts entered your mind you immediately averted your gaze from him, your cheeks becoming even more warm.

Connor tilted his head at your odd behavior and did a scan of you quickly. When he came to the conclusion that it seemed you were flustered, he had to hold back a smirk. He might have been innocent, and a bit oblivious about your feelings for him for.....well longer than he wanted to admit seeing as though he was a detective and couldn't figure out you liked him without help from Hank. More like Hank straight up saying it in frustration. But now that he knew, he couldn't help but think how adorable you were. How didn't he see it sooner? Oh how he loved being deviant.

Suddenly, an idea popped into his head and this time he made no effort to hide his smirk. When you looked up to him you were the one tilting your head in confusion. Slowly, he leaned down and you swore you felt like your heart was either going to explode, or just stop altogether. Your eyes went wide as he grew closer, and when he planted his lips ever so gently on the spot where Gavin pinched you swore you died and went to heaven.

When he pulled back you just blinked at him in disbelief. The way your heartrate went through the roof made Connor's smirk widen and he had to stop himself from chuckling at how adorable you looked.

"All better?" He asked slyly, the smooth bastard.

You couldn't even get out a word in response, only making weird noises before nodding. You were definitely feeling better now. He pulled his hand away from you and stood up straighter, his face forming an innocent smile as if nothing happened.

"Good, then I suggest you get some breakfast," with that he turned to leave the room, but not before shooting you a wink.

You stared at the door he left from as you brought up your hand to touch the place the kissed you. Now you were rubbing it for a whole new reason.

Suddenly a thought came to your mind. Why did he do that? Did he know you liked him? How did he-?

Hank.

Oh you were so going to kill him.

——————————————

A/N: Sorry the ending is kinda bad, idk where tf this went lmaoo. Was originally gunna make Connor the innocent bby he is but then he turned out to be the smooth bastard he also is woops. Anyways, hope y'all enjoyed

[archadianskies]

adage

→ on Ao3

@dbhrarepairs Sunday Day 7: Free Day; Ballet AU RK900/Simon

When the last child is safely in the care of her parents and out the door, Simon sighs and sinks back into his chair. Friday done and dusted, time to slink back home for a restorative Lush bubble bath and maybe an indulgent glass of red wine. His phone rings just as Kara’s locking up the kindergarten classroom, and he gives her a wave goodbye as she jogs over to Luther’s car.  

“North?” He sandwiches the phone between his ear and shoulder, fumbling for his bus pass. 

“Si, you doin’ anything tonight?”

“I mean, I’m doing what any respectable thirty year old does on a Friday night: taking a bubble bath.” Pass located, he slings his bag over the other shoulder and makes his way to the station. 

“Well save it for later. I have a spare ticket to the ballet tonight because Josh bailed-”

“He didn’t bail, North, he’s down with a cold!”

“Bailed.” She repeats sternly. “Anyway, free ticket to opening night at the Detroit Opera House. They’re doing Onegin.”

“I don’t know what that is.” His tone is apologetic as he rounds the corner. “I’ve never been to a ballet before.” 

“Well it’s a nice night out. I get to see my gorgeous girlfriend, you get to perve on boys in tights. Oh and did I mention it’s for free?”

“Yes, you did.” Simon laughs. “Alright I’ll come along.”

“Meet me outside the building at 6:20pm sharp.” 

 Onegin, Simon learns on the bus ride home, is a dramatic tale of two people falling for each other at different times in their lives. There’s duels and murders and missed opportunities, and it’s apparently an incredibly challenging ballet for both the female and male dancers. He gets to see it for free, so sure why not? 

After a quick shower and a quick message to his twin, Simon changes into something neat and somewhat fancy (it’s opening night, which sounds somewhat fancy) and heads back out. He’s coming up the steps, 6:19pm sharp and there’s North in a tux sans her usual combat boots. 

“Hey loser.” She greets with a grin, leaning to kiss his cheek. “Look at you all scrubbed up.”

“And you without your boots. What is the world coming to?” Simon teases as she laughs. “I had a look on their site, the show doesn’t start until seven?”

“Yeah but obviously I gotta smooch my girl and wish her luck.” 

“Surely you don’t need me to do that?” He cocks a brow as she snorts back a laugh. 

“Relax Si, I’m sneaking you backstage for a VIP tour.” North shrugs, looping her arm through his and tugging him into the building. There’s people in various degrees of fancy clothing from ‘somewhat’ to ‘not at all’ to ‘very fancy’ but North steers him away from the crowd and down a corridor. There’s a few ‘hi North’s and ‘she’s down the hall’s said in passing as North leads Simon through a field of floaty dresses and white tights and then they’re approaching a dressing room just as it opens. A petite blonde ballerina steps out, dressed in period costume. Her face lights up when she sees North, and she’s quick to close the distance between them.

“Hey cutie.” North grins, squeezing her close as Chloe giggles.

“You’re not meant to be here!”

“Can’t your girl wish you luck?” 

“Very quickly.” Chloe concedes, leaning up for a kiss. “Now sneak away back to your seat before Eli catches you!”

“Kamski’s stalking around?” North looks over her shoulder as if expecting him to materialise.

“You’re not the only one wishing us dancers luck on opening night.” Chloe laughs, poking her cheek. “And unlike you, he’s the director of the company and has a right to be here.” 

Simon stands back at a polite distance, admiring their exchange. They haven’t been dating long enough for Simon to have met Chloe yet, though their work schedules played a large factor in the delay too; when everyone’s working full time and they’re all a bunch of thirty-somethings, social schedules are hard to negotiate. Not that Simon negotiates much; he’s never been a social butterfly and there’s comfort in staying in the nest he’s built with his twin brother. 

He averts his eyes when they kiss, trying to allow them privacy, and distracts himself by checking his surroundings. There’s other ballerinas in lovely period costumes, and- what was the word for a male dancer? Ballerino? Dans ...something French. Handsome boys in coats and cravats and tights that look like the dancers were dipped in body paint rather than wearing something sewn from material. A dancer exits the dressing room on his right, and Simon accidentally catches his gaze. He’s tall, taller than the other male dancers, with a cut jawline and sharp cheekbones and dark hair that’s been artfully swept from his face. His costume looks fancier than the others, and he holds himself with the air of a leading man. Simon belatedly realises he’s still staring and quickly looks away, feeling his cheeks grow hot.

“This is Si.” North loops her arms through his, startling him, and he looks over to see Chloe’s smiling face. 

“It’s so good to meet you in person at last, Simon.” She shakes his hand, and Simon can see why North is so smitten with her and those big blue eyes and that joyous smile. 

“The pleasure is all mine, Ms Chloe.” He can’t help but smile in return, and it tickles him that North looks at her with unabashed adoration; there’s joy to be had in the joy of others. 

“Chloe, curtain’s up in fifteen.” A deep accented voice interrupts, and there’s that looming leading man only up close now, close enough if Simon reached out he could touch him and confirm he’s real and not some fever dream fantasy. 

“Alright Ronan.” Chloe’s smile turns apologetic. “I’m going to have to shoo you both away now.”

“Good luck with the performance.” Simon clasps her hand again and North steals another kiss before they leave. When he looks over his shoulder, he catches Ronan’s eyes again, the dancer looking at him with mild curiosity and Simon hastily drops his gaze. North gives him a wicked grin.

“His name is Ronan Stern and as far as Chloe knows he’s single.”

“Shut up.” 

 Objectively he knows what ballet is, and even though he’s never attended a live performance he’s seen clips and movies and gifs and photos. It really is different sitting in a fancy theatre and watching it unfold in person, though. The orchestra is right there, the dancers are right there, and it’s all so tangible in a way he’s never experienced.

Ronan plays Onegin himself, and Simon wonders how it is that a human being of flesh and blood and bone just like him has somehow honed his body into an instrument like that. Surely humans aren’t made to leap that far and jump that high and hoist up ballerinas like they weigh nothing more than a doll? He dances with power, with purpose, and there’s an intensity to him that Simon’s drawn to. Chloe’s petite stature is dwarfed further by his build and the way he holds her and carries her makes their size difference so obviously delightful. She’s dainty and demure and he’s commanding and calculated and somehow it’s a beautiful match and Simon can’t take his eyes off of them.

Onegin is a man ruined by his own pride, and in doing so ruins the lives of others. There is no redemption for him, and Tatiana holds no love for him anymore when they reunite years later. The story ends and it isn’t happy, it’s just and rightful and Simon thinks distantly it’s somehow different from Swan Lake because this time the woman lives and she’s safe and loved. He likes this one better.

“You haven’t said a single word.” North pokes his cheek once everyone takes their final bow and the applause has died down and the lights come on again. “You liked it?”

“Holy shit?” Simon breathes, and North bursts out laughing.

“Uh huh.” She nods. “Yeah, holy shit. You hooked?”

“God is it always like that?”

“Pretty much.” She laughs again, slinging an arm around his waist as they shuffle towards the nearest exit along with the throng. “I’m a convert. Never thought much about ballet but there’s something almost magical about it isn’t there?” 

“They can’t be mere mortals like us.” Simon sighs dramatically. “Not when they can move like that and spend two hours on their toes or carrying the entire weight of another person.” 

They exit the opera house and before Simon can step away, North tightens her hold around his waist.

“Come on, I’m picking Chloe up by the stage door.”

“You don’t need me around to do that.”

“Yeah but between the two of us I’m the gay that can drive, so I’ll give you a lift home.” 

“...You sure?” Simon resists when she tries to tug him away. “I mean, I don’t want to come between you two. I’m sure she’s tired and would rather go home right away.”

“You’re one of my besties, Si.” North rolls her eyes. “I want to see you home safe and not taking the goddamn bus at this hour. Chloe’s gonna be cool with that.”

“If- if you’re sure …” 

“I’m sure.” North declares, all but dragging him to follow.

There’s a small crowd at the stage door, family members and partners Simon guesses, collecting their talented dancers and congratulating them. Chloe emerges in a long cream coat with a fluffy fur collar and North picks her up and spins her around.

“Congrats babes, you were perfect.” She grins, peppering her face with kisses as Chloe giggles brightly. 

 “Ready to go home kiddo?” A gruff voice by his ear asks, and a middle aged man brushes passed him to reach out and clap Ronan on the shoulder.

“Dad? I didn’t know you were coming.” Ronan blinks in surprise, a small smile spreading on his face as he embraces him tightly. 

“I managed to convince him.” Another voice pipes up, belonging to a young man not dissimilar to Ronan though without the accent. “Not that dad needed much convincing- this is your debut on home soil after all. And what an amazing debut it was, Ronan.” 

“Come on.” The father of the pair jerks his thumb over his shoulder. “Connor cleaned up his room and everything. I’m not letting you go back to your apartment on opening night; you’re spending that with your family and not with Reed. I already spend enough time with that grumpy dumbass at work I know what you’re in for.”

“We have agreed to a truce because of the cats.” Ronan grins, adjusting his grip on his bag as his brother helps shoulder his way through the crowd. Simon watches them leave and Ronan looks over his shoulder, their eyes catching again briefly before Simon looks away in panic.

 “C’mon Si, let’s get you home.” North snaps his attention back to the present, flicking his temple. 

“He’s single.” Chloe pipes up, and Simon feels his cheeks heat. “And likes boys too.”

“Will you two stop it?!”

In the car he takes the back seat so Chloe can sit up front. 

“He just moved back from London.” She continues despite his exasperated sigh. “He was accepted into the Royal Ballet program when he was nine and is the youngest danseur to be promoted to Principal Dancer in recent history.”

“But he gave that all up?” Now he’s curious. “Why would he then step down from that and move back to Detroit? We don’t exactly have the most thriving ballet scene in comparison.”

“I’m not sure either. I spent a year as the guest ballerina with the Royal Ballet, he’s an absolute dream to dance with.” She catches his eyes in the rearview mirror and smiles. “He’s the perfect gentleman, and everything I could ever ask for in a partner. When the season ended he told me he wanted to come back to Detroit. Elijah was more than happy to offer him a position.”

“Maybe he got homesick? Connor’s pretty glad to have him back.” North shrugs as they idle at a red light. “Saves him from travelling to London all the time to visit.”

“If he marries a nice boy in Detroit then he’ll never even think of going back to London either.” Chloe giggles slyly and Simon groans, slumping in his seat.

“Okay listen, I appreciate you two arranging a marriage for me but-”

“Simon, I don’t know how to break this to you but your future spouse is not just going to materialise in your home.” North sniggers. “At least let us try and meddle a little.”

“North told me about your ex and-”

“North!” Simon protests and North cuts in.

“No, shut up, Gideon was an asshole Simon I’m still mad about him. Okay I ranted to Chloe even though you told me not to tell anyone, but I was going to explode if I didn’t tell anyone.” She stands her ground, muttering under breath. “Murder is illegal, anyway.”

“Ronan is a lovely gentleman, at least give him a chance?” Chloe smiles encouragingly.

“He’s like the 2005 Pride and Prejudice Mr Darcy only in tights.” North adds, and Chloe bursts out laughing as the car pulls up at the apartment block. “Okay Si, goodnight.” 

“Thank you for coming to watch us.” Chloe turns back in her seat so she can hold his hands. “It’s really lovely to meet you. I hope we can hang out soon.”

“It was absolutely magical, thank you Chloe.” Simon squeezes her hands, smile ernest. He flashes North a grateful smile. “And thanks for the lift, North.”

 Danny’s already asleep when he tiptoes into the apartment, so he makes sure to make as little noise as possible. Slipping into his room, he flops onto his bed and pulls out his phone. Wrestling against the temptation only lasts all of five seconds before Simon is typing ‘Ronan Stern’ into google and diving into articles and accolades. No Facebook, no Twitter but he does have an Instagram, and he’s also featured in the Royal Ballet’s Instagram account often. Or, well, used to as stated in one of the posts from six months ago showing a farewell post.

He’s...infuriatingly attractive, like the way Markus is infuriatingly attractive but in a different kind of way. Simon’s crushed on Markus for so long, so he knows how this story goes; he’s going to pine away, absolutely ache for him and wear his heart on his sleeve and they will be friends and Ronan will have no romantic interest for him the way Markus sees him as a good friend and nothing more. Simon is used to the heartache, really. It’s also why he ends up in shitty controlling relationships with shitty controlling men because he’s bad at speaking his mind and he’s bad at saying no. 

Sighing, he follows a link to Youtube and watches an excerpt from some sort of modern ballet Ronan performed last year with Chloe. It’s fast paced and dizzying and powerful, and his heart catches in his throat a few times when Chloe throws herself into leaps and jumps, Ronan always there to catch her and fling her and flip her. They’re a blur of wild movement and perfect partnership. Youtube recommends more clips, and it’s midnight but he has no self-control so he’s clicking those too, watching Ronan in other ballets, some clips even just sneakily filmed footage taken by an audience member.

He ends up watching interviews too, watching Ronan without the makeup and the costumes. He speaks like someone not used to giving interviews, and Simon finds it endearing that for a man with such a commanding presence he speaks almost shyly. The accent helps too. Simon shoves his phone away some time nearing 1am, barely remembering to brush his teeth before he falls asleep with a smile.

 “Si?” Someone’s shaking him awake, and Simon groans. “Si, get up.” He cracks open an eye and promptly rolls over.

“Go ‘way Danny it’s Saturday. Let me sleep in.”

“North’s here.” He turns back over.

“What?”

“SI GET YOUR ASS OUT OF BED OR WE’LL BE LATE!” He hears her call from presumably the front door.

“Late for what?” He pulls his pillow over his face as Danny laughs. 

“That’s entirely your problem.” He’s poked in the side, and he yelps, squirming away from the torture. “Anyway I’m off. I’ll bring you any cookies if we have leftovers by the end of the day.”

“Bye Danny.” Simon pulls the pillow off and smiles sleepily at his brother, who gives a wave as he departs.

“Simon! C’mon!” North appears in the doorway of his bedroom looking unimpressed.

“What are you doing here? It’s-” he fumbles for his phone, “fuck it’s 7am on a Saturday!”

“Yeah and class starts at 8am and we still gotta pass by Starbucks on the way!”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Up!” She dives forward and yanks the quilt from the bed and he curls up immediately, shrieking in protest. “Up up!”

“North-”

“Just come with me Si, please? Just trust me on this one. I’ll even buy you lunch.” There’s a pause as he considers the offer.

“...Burgers at the Chicken Feed?” He peeks over at her as she rolls her eyes.

“Okay, yes, burgers at the Chicken Feed.”

“Deal.” 

 He’s not awake enough for this, and his eyes feel like burning coals in his head as he tries to keep them open. They stop at a Starbucks and North orders four coffees, not two, and carefully hands them to him. Keeping his hands on the little cardboard holder, he sets them on his lap and the warmth provides a little comfort on this bizarre mysterious trip. 

“Are we going to Josh’s? Is this to pep him up for his thesis, since he’s down with a cold?” He asks as North makes a turn, and he spares a glance at the coffees, making sure he’s holding onto them securely.

“Nah, his boyfriend’s coming by today to take care of him. Josh didn’t want you to come over in case you got sick and since you work with kiddies that’d be pretty shitty.” She explains, making another turn. They’re entering the back of some large building that sort of looks a bit familiar. “Okay cool, we’re pretty much on time for them to arrive.”

“Them-?”

“I’ll get the door for you, hang on.” She parks the car and hops out, rounding the vehicle so she can open his door and temporarily hold the coffees. 

“I still don’t know where you’ve taken me.”

“It’s not like you were going to do anything else this morning.”

“Excuse me, I was going to sleep in and then I was going to put the laundry on and curl up on the couch watching Netflix.” Simon huffs, accepting the coffees back. 

“Uh huh.” North rolls her eyes. “Don’t worry, this’ll be pretty relaxing too.” 

It feels a lot like sneaking into somewhere they’re not meant to. Simon may be sleep deprived but he’s alert enough to realise they’re not meant to be here. They’re coming through some back door, through a long hallway and North is uncharacteristically quiet. There’s a hush in the atmosphere, tension and baited breath, and even in the elevator North says nothing. Anxiety coils in his chest as he trails her, scarcely daring to breathe before she looks over her shoulder and gives a triumphant grin.

“Okay, we’re here!” She opens a nondescript door and they’re in some beautiful open room with an entire wall of glass overlooking Detroit. One of the other walls is entirely covered in mirrors and there are a handful of people in various combinations of gym gear and tights and-

“Oh my god.” Simon feels his stomach drop and he doesn’t know whether to be angry or embarrassed. “We can’t be here!”

“We totally can, I do this every Saturday.” North grins, scanning the room before waving. “Babe!”

“North!” Chloe skips over to them, laughing when North picks her up and spins her around, a customary greeting Simon surmises. “Oh! And a wild Simon appears!”

“Not by choice.” He huffs, glaring at North before he holds out the tray of coffees. “I’m going to assume one of these is yours?”

“It’s the almond chai with honey, thank you.” She selects the cup and plucks it out, tipping up on her toes to kiss his cheek. “Well, we still have about fifteen minutes before class begins. Which one is the soy latte with a triple shot and caramel?” 

“This one.” Simon taps. 

“Excellent.” Chloe nods, before turning. “Ronan? Coffee!”

He’s going to murder North. He tries to convey his murderous intent and his best friend smiles innocently back at him in response. 

“Coffee?” Ronan walks into view wearing a plain white shirt and a pair of robin's egg blue tights that hide absolutely nothing. 

“This is Simon.” Chloe introduces with a bright smile. “North’s bestie.” 

“A pleasure to meet you.” He murmurs softly, shaking his hand. His hand is warm, his grip firm and Simon’s sure his cheeks are bright red. “Thank you for bringing us coffee, especially so early in the morning and on a weekend no less.”

“I-it’s nothing. Wasn’t really going to do much today anyway.” 

“Oh, Markus! Good morning!” Chloe calls out as the door opens, and yes, there he is, there’s Markus Manfred looking incredibly stylish like no one has the right to be this early in the morning.

“Hey everyone, hey Simon.” Markus grins, giving his shoulder a squeeze. “What are you doing here?”

“North dragged me here.” He glares over at her and North only grins back unrepentantly. “What are you doing here?” 

“I play the piano for morning class every Saturday.” He smiles one of his thousand kilowatt charming smiles and Simon still aches for him even though he knows the ache will never be soothed by Markus. 

“You two know each other?” Ronan asks curiously, looking between them. 

“Yeah, Simon’s one of my good friends.” Markus grins at him. “And so is North. I gotta go warm up and I bet you guys need to too. Take a seat by the piano, Simon. You and North can chill in that corner, I promise no one minds.”

He hopes he’s conveying enough Murder on his face when he looks at North as they curl up in the corner. North smooches his cheek with a wink and he sighs because he knows he’s not really mad, just incredibly shy and self-conscious. 

“These are ours.” She taps the remaining coffee cups. “Now sit and relax a little Si. Just enjoy it.”

Markus runs his fingers along the keys, up and down the scales before tapping out brief snippets of various songs. An older woman enters the room and the dancers greet her respectfully and then class begins. 

Simon’s still not sure he can quite comprehend how ballet is possible; it’s incredibly complex and beautiful and demands so much of the human body. He watches them go through familiar motions he’s sure they can repeat with their eyes closed, gradually increasing in difficulty until they’re leaping and bounding across the studio. The dancers shed some of their layers as the class progresses and their bodyheat rises from exertion, and Simon’s not beyond admitting (to himself, at least) that he’s enjoying this display of bodies in peak physical form in incredibly tight fitting clothing.

He’s inevitably drawn to the way Ronan moves, to the way he’s so confident and sure of every step, every sweeping gesture in time to the jaunty sprightly tunes Markus plays. He does as he’s bid, following every instruction called out by their teacher with the intensity of a soldier obeying orders. It’s a mesmerising display of elegance and power that reminds Simon of how his twice a week yoga classes really don’t hold a candle to the strict regimen these dancers must adhere to in order to keep their bodies in their prime. The hour passes and only as they’re saying goodbyes does Simon realise he hasn’t even looked at Markus once.

 “So what did North want?” Danny slumps on the opposite end of the couch, making a show of flopping his legs over Simon’s.

“Hm?” He looks up from the Royal Ballet instagram account, distracted.

“North. This morning at 7am when she stormed into our house.”

“Oh she uh, dragged me off to the ballet studio to deliver coffee to her girlfriend and watch her morning class.” Simon quickly exits the app and wriggles into a more comfortable position.

“Why would she need you to do that?” Danny frowns. 

“To get me out of the house so I wouldn’t just stay inside and watch Netflix and do laundry.” Simon laughs, completely avoiding mentioning Ronan at all. “It’s ok she bribed me with Chicken Feed burgers for lunch, and paid for the Starbucks.”

“Well, I guess I’ll have to thank her for single-handedly dragging you kicking and screaming into having a social life.” His twin teases with a grin, and Simon kicks him with an exasperated groan. “Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet a cute boy there.”

 He meets said cute boy again, completely by accident the very next day. Actually, what happens is he sees a very large Saint Bernard dog waiting patiently beside a tall pair of legs in the queue at Starbucks, before he realises who the tall pair of legs are connected to.

“Heeeey, who’s a good doggo hm?” Simon chuckles as the dog sniffs his hand and pushes its very large head against it, obviously expecting pats. 

“Sumo would hope it’s him.” Says a deep, accented voice that’s become rather familiar to him recently.

“Oh, Ronan h-hi.” Simon freezes, eyes wide when he looks up to see Ronan’s handsome face wearing an amused smile. 

“Good morning Simon.” 

“How was class?”

“Class was fine.” They shuffle towards the counter, and Simon tries not to stare at the sharp figure Ronan cuts in a long navy woolen coat and fancy plaid scarf. “I have a performance tonight so I’m resting for now, but I thought I’d take Sumo for his morning walk.”

“He’s very cute.” He can’t help but pat the dog again, the Saint Bernard giving a happy booming chuff in approval. “Your dad’s dog?”

“Yes, he’s getting up there in years but Connor and I still love him to pieces.” There’s a wistful expression on his face, his smile fond. “Both he and our dad work at the DPD, so Sumo stays home a lot. We try and make sure he goes for long walks in the mornings and evenings to make up for it.”

“Chloe said you moved back to Detroit recently?” 

“Yes, about six months ago. I went straight into rehearsals for the season after only two weeks. Mr Kamski was keen to have me start.” The person ahead of them finishes paying and heads to the end of the counter. “Venti soy latte with a triple shot and caramel and a grande soy hazelnut latte please.”

“Oh, are you meeting someone?” The question is out of his mouth before he can stop himself.

“No it’s for you. I read the other coffee cup yesterday, I know North’s usual, and I didn’t recognise the other one so it must’ve been yours.” Ronan’s smile is a little hesitant and Simon hopes his absolutely red cheeks signify he doesn’t mind one bit. “Now we’re even.”

“Excellent work, detective.” Simon tries to quip as Ronan taps his phone to pay for both coffees.

“My brother’s the detective, not me.” He laughs, shaking his head. “Though I suppose I won’t deny being called observant.”

“Well you’re used to noticing minute body cues.” Simon points out as they wait for their coffees. “Your partner depends on it. The way Chloe just...throws herself in your general direction without hesitating, and knows that you’ll catch her. It means she trusts in your abilities, in your partnership.”

Ronan looks at him eyes wide and lips slightly parted, and Simon feels stupid stupid stupid until he notices the faint rosiness to his cheeks, and the way Ronan averts his gaze after a moment too long. His heart skips a beat, his heart does that stupid thing where it throws itself in the general direction of a pointless crush without hesitating, without knowing if the other person will catch it. It does this every time, every single time, and sets Simon up for nothing but heartache later. 

“That’s very kind of you to say, Simon. I’m glad that comes across when I dance.” Ronan says quietly, almost murmuring it into his scarf as if too shy to say it any louder. Simon knows this will go nowhere, just like his love for Markus but he’s always been unable to control his heart’s desires. 

“I mean, I know nothing about ballet but I think that just lets me have a different perspective.” Simon rambles because he doesn’t know how to control any part of himself, apparently. “Critics know all the terminology, all the moves, all the stories of the ballets so they’d pick it all apart but since I know nothing I get to just enjoy it. Be in awe of the fact you’re human like me but somehow you can make your body do those things; dance like you can almost fly.”

“Simon, I-”

“Order for Ronan?” The barista calls out, and Simon is blessedly grateful for the interruption, looking at Sumo instead because he suddenly can’t face looking into those startling grey eyes a second longer. 

“Here, Simon.” The large cup is held out to him, and Simon can’t help but let their fingers brush when he takes it because if he’s going to get his heart broken all over again the least he can do is indulge in the illusion of happiness for a little while.

“Thank you.”

“Would you- would you like to come along for a walk?” Ronan stammers hesitatingly and he’s ever so endeared. “I usually take Sumo for two laps around the park and then head home.”

“I’d really like that, if you wouldn’t mind the company?”

“I would like your company very much.” 

The park is starting to turn into hues of sepia as Detroit eases into Autumn, and it’s Simon’s favourite season. It means cosy sweater weather and staying inside. Sumo trots happily ahead and Simon sips on his coffee and darts Ronan glances every now and then.

“I um, I wanted to ask you why your surname is Stern?” He catches his gaze briefly before focusing on Sumo again. “You said your brother Connor is a detective, and I realised North’s friend is Detective Connor Anderson at central station.”

“Oh I-” a thoughtful frown. “We’re both adopted. We were in the system for a while, and Lieutenant Hank Anderson fostered us. I got into ballet through the Abraham Kamski arts outreach program. Before the adoption process was complete, I was accepted by the Royal Ballet on scholarship when I was nine.”

Simon tries to imagine what that would’ve been like, to have one’s whole world change at the age of nine. 

“Professor Amanda Stern became my legal guardian, so I became a Stern too.” Ronan explains, brows furrowed. “She wasn’t a mother figure. I felt like a student constantly under her tutelage, but she was never unkind. Just...intense. She believed in discipline and order and structure and pushed me to do my best. She taught- still teaches, advanced robotics in London though she came from Detroit too. She once taught Elijah Kamski, our current director and son of Abraham Kamski. That’s how it all came full circle- me moving from Detroit to London under her care and then back under now under Mr Kamski’s.”

“You spent all those years by yourself in London, without seeing your brother?” Simon tries to imagine what that would’ve been like too, but the pain is too great. “I have a twin brother, Daniel. He’s only older by a few minutes but the way he acts you’d swear we were years apart. He’s so over protective of me but I guess that’s because we’ve only had each other for so long.”

Ronan raises his brows curiously, and Simon tries to keep his emotions reigned in.

“We had a pretty ordinary if conservative upbringing in the suburbs but um, we got disowned when we were outed- well, I was outed by a classmate. Danny outed himself too, the moment our parents started yelling at me and we were out on the streets at seventeen. I don’t know if I could’ve spent so many years away from him, the way you were apart from Connor. I think I would’ve fallen to pieces.”

Ronan is quiet for a moment, before he reaches out and gently squeezes his shoulder.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

“I’m sorry you had to grow up without Connor. And he grew up without you.”

“I had ballet and he had the police academy. We stayed connected via social media, it wasn’t too bad. When we were old enough we could fly to visit each other during breaks, if we managed to have enough money saved.” Ronan sighs, shaking his head. “You’re right though, some nights I would feel so lonely I thought I was falling to pieces.”

“Is that why you came back? Why you gave up such a prestigious position at the Royal Ballet?” Simon pries a little, hoping he’s not being presumptuous.

“Yes.” He answers with barely any pause for thought. “I wanted to be where Connor was, and that’s here in Detroit.”

“I imagine that decision didn’t make many people happy.” Simon winces as Ronan sighs heavily.

“No, but it was the right one. I don’t regret coming back to Detroit. I don’t regret giving all that up to be with my brother again. Well. Sort of. I don’t live with them since there’s no room and I have a housemate I’d rather kill but he has cats that like me and I like them more than I like him so I guess he gets to live for now.”

He says it so seriously, face deadpan, that Simon laughs loudly, startling Sumo. When he manages to recover, Ronan is smiling and Simon finds himself smiling too.

 The working week passes in a blur and all Simon can do is stalk Ronan on social media and soak up what the internet has to offer and try his very best not to be so outwardly in love though it fails because Danny always knows how to read him.

“It’s the cute boy at the ballet, huh?” His twin grins, kicking his shin under the dinner table. Simon winces, kicking him back.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh okay, so I guess the ticket North dropped off for the finale performance of Onegin was meant for me?” Danny pulls out an envelope with a dramatic flourish and Simon lunges over the table to try and grab it. 

“Give me that!”

“No, it’s not meant for you, you have no idea what I’m talking about!” Danny laughs, holding it out of reach. Simon whines in frustration, trying to reach for it in vain.

“Dannnnyyyy!”

“What’s his name?”

“Danny give it!”

“Not until you tell me who it is!”

“It’s Ronan.” He slumps in his seat, burying his face in his hands.

“Oh the hotshot from London?” Danny laughs, tossing the envelope over to him. “Yeah alright he’s pretty cute I guess. What? I looked through the program you left on the kitchen counter. He sounds way more impressive than Markus.”

“Markus is plenty impressive.” Simon mutters, snatching the envelope. 

“North told me he has a Louis Vuitton pencil case for his charcoal sticks.” Danny cocks a brow. “His charcoal sticks , Simon. Anyway, full international scholarship at nine years old? Youngest dancer to be promoted to principal dancer? That’s way more impressive.”

When he looks at his brother, there’s something more than fond teasing to be found in his expression, so Simon opens up a little.

“Y-you think so? This isn’t...stupid, is it?” 

“It’s not stupid, Si. I mean, your heart can be plenty stupid but that’s how you are.” The teasing is gone, replaced entirely by infinite kindness. “You love so openly, so intensely. I’m here because of that. You’re friends with North and Josh and yeah, even Markus because of that. You look after kids all day and you love your job and you love them and that’s why you’re so good at it. That’s why you’re such a good person.”

The tears fill his eyes and he feels stupid, but loved too and Danny’s wobbly smile tells him his brother feels the same. “That’s why you deserve to date an accomplished hotshot from London in incredibly tight tights.”

“Danny!”

 It’s Friday and he’s coming up the steps, 6:19pm sharp and there’s North in an oxblood leather jacket over a jumpsuit and her usual combat boots. 

“Hey loser.” She greets with a grin, leaning to kiss his cheek. 

“Hey yourself.” He elbows her lightly before crooking his arm as she hugs it. She’s leading him down a corridor and he knows the way now. When Chloe slips out from her dressing room and into North’s arms, Simon sidesteps them politely and heads for the room down the hall, knocking on the door.

“Simon.” Ronan blinks in surprise, and he’s Eugene Onegin again, sculpted cheekbones and artfully swept hair. “Hello.”

“Hi.” His heart’s pounding, thudding so loud it might as well be the beat for them to dance to. “Good luck.” Tangling their fingers together, he tips up slightly on his toes and presses his lips to his and there’s a moment of surprise before Ronan circles an arm around his waist and pulls him in so they’re pressed together. They part for but a second before Ronan kisses him, and he kisses the way he dances; commanding and intense and powerful- the kiss of a leading man that sweeps his costar off their feet. It leaves Simon panting and dizzy and starstruck, and he knows he’s never been kissed like that all his life. Ronan seems a little self-conscious, a little embarrassed as if afraid he’s overstepped and Simon huffs a laugh, wrapping his arms around him.

“I’ll see you after the show.” He cups a palm against his cheek, pulling him to lean down and bump their brows together. 

“And many more times after that, I hope?” 

“Yes.” He laughs brightly, stealing another kiss. “And many more times after that.” 

[vaxreed]

Convin, 21 🤗

Thanks for the ask!!! Love you mon!!! Hope youlike this!

Convin + Best Friends Sibling

Tw: mentions of abuse, underage drinking.

Send me a prompt if you’re okay with being patient++++

Gavin had met Richard at the park when they werenothing but children scraping their knees on the pavement and playing in thedirt. Home life wasn’t the best and the park was the only safe place he couldtake refuge in. It also helped that it was in public and his family would neverrisk appearance to let out their anger and frustration. It was his favoriteplace in the world. The swings were his spot. Everyone knew that. He made sureeveryone knew that.

So, when he went to go sit in his swingand found some polished up kid sitting there instead he saw red. Feelings andbeing able to handle them was something he wasn’t good at. If someone was angeryou find the closest person and you let them know how angry you were. It’s howthings were done at home.

“Hey! Get off my swing!” tiny fistsballed at his side, face red with anger. The other boy had blue eyes thatpeered into his very soul, eyes that seemed much too old for his soft face.Gavin was thrown off by the lack of reaction.

“Didn’t you hear me?! Get off!” hegets closer hand wrapping around the chain of the swing.

“What’s wrong with the swing next tome?” He tilts his head to the side.

“That isn’t my swing!” Nothing everbelonged to him, it was Eli’s first and his leftovers were given to him. Thiswas the one thing he had ownership over. Tears threatened to spill from theanger of everything accumulating.

“Can I still swing next to you if Imove?” the boy asks. No one ever wants to swing with him, especially whenhe tries to fight them. They mostly run away when they see him. Not that hegives them much reason to stay. He’s not nice or fun.  

“Why would you want to?”

“I still want to swing, and I don’t haveany friends. You seem angry but mostly sad. Like me.”

Gavin didn’t know what to say just stared at himas the boy moved swings. Suddenly, the swing doesn’t seem so important.

“What’s your name?” he asks.

“G-Gavin.” finding it difficult tospeak.

“Call me, Nines.”

[mobile readers, beware keep reading line]

It started from there. Years later they wouldstill be best friends. He found out later on that Nines was a foster kid thatwas spending time with a decent enough family. Nines was one of the lucky fewwho was adopted and at 13 would be moving into his new family’s house.

Gavin spent a lot of time at their house afterthat. Amanda seemed nice enough, Nines seemed indifferent towards her mostlygrateful to have space of his own and Amanda’s house had plenty of room.

Amanda had adopted another boy years earlier whoeerily resembled Nines. Someone 4 years older than they were. Her perfectlittle heir she groomed herself and would no doubt do the same with Nines. Shewas smart and needed a backup plan in case he failed, which is why Nines washere.

It was creepy how identical they looked; Ninesdidn’t see the similarities. He didn’t see him around at first. Always in classor tutoring. He and Nines were just hanging out in his new room. It hadeverything he could ever want and more books than he could possibly read butwas still expected to.

They were talking about the new Power Rangersepisode that had come out and brought out of the conversation by a faint knockon the door. They turned and Gavin was instantly smitten by the visitor. Warmbrown eyes that he found himself lost in, cute moles that contrasted his paleskin and nicely kept hair.

Nines had met Connor before, but they never hadmuch to say to one another. Nines was soft spoken, while Connor was alreadytrained to have nice small talk that Nines wasn’t receptive to.

“I don’t speak bullshit.” when heasked how he liked his room. He was smart enough not to speak like that infront of Amanda, but Gavin was so proud of his best friend.

“What?” is all Nines said to the olderteen in the doorway, hostility practically oozing off him.

“Amanda wanted me to check how you’redoing, do you need anything?” a smile brighter than the sun, and Gavin wasmelting. Connor’s eyes fell on him and Gavin’s face felt hot.

“Oh, I’m sorry! You’re with a guest. Isthis a friend of yours? Hello, I’m Connor, I suppose I’m Richard’s newsibling.”

Nines’ frowned at this Gavin couldn’t take hiseyes off him. Nines told him everything was fine and he if could kindly getback to speaking with his best friend. Connor left with a smile and a wave, hispolite smile turning sad when he went out of sight.

“Holy shit your new brother is hot.”Gavin finally said after he finished gaping.

“He’s not my brother, we just happened tolive in the same house.”

They dropped it and went back to discussing thevillain for this episode.

More years would pass, both at the tender age of18 they continued to hang out as much as possible. Nines got into a prestigiousuniversity where Amanda just happens to teach at. It wasn’t far, but Nineswould be busy with his studies afterwards and wouldn’t have much time to spendwith him. Gavin would also be furthering his education at the local communitycollege and the police academy after that. This was a year away and werespending as much time as they could together.

They went to a party together thrown by Gavin’sclose friend Tina a farewell party for those who are going out of state forcollege and celebrating the end of the school year.

Nines wasn’t one for parties but still wentbecause Gavin liked going. The drinks were free and so was the fun. One drinkturns into two and he loses count after the 5th. He struggles to get to thebathroom sitting next to Nines in the hall. Nines has had a few too many aswell and is rambling on about the intricacies of glow in the dark stickers andhow they are the foundation of America.

He remembers someone shaking him awake and peersinto warm eyes the same color as the whiskey that burned down his throatearlier. He struggles to keep his vision right.

“Connor?”

Nines flicks his eyes up, his face lookingconcerned.

“Connor? What’s wrong?” the years having cooleddown his relationship with someone he now considered his older brother.

“Amanda is coming home tomorrow morning,her meeting was cancelled, and she cannot see you in this state, Richard.”

Nines is in more control of his body than Gavinis and has no problem lifting himself off the floor. Shit how much did he haveto drink? He struggled to stand.

“You lightweight.” Nines huffed athim.

He felt something swoop under his legs and hisstomach dropped as he was lifted into the air bridal style.

“I’ve got you, Gavin.” his wordshoneyed and so sincere. Gavin was thankful for his flushed cheeks his head restingagainst his chest. He felt so warm, so soft. He felt at peace in his arms. Hiseyes cracked open and sees the back of the passenger seat of Connor’s car. Thensees his hands grabbing fistfuls of grass as he vomits directly onto the frontlawn. When he is done, he is scooped back up and returned to the car until theyreturned to the large house.

He is guided to the bathroom although he knowsthis house like the back of his hand. He’s here so often, it might as well behome. His family didn’t give a shit where he was, and they were probablythankful he wasn’t there to bother them.

Nines was like a brother to him. He has toremember that when talking about Connor, his feelings for him were more thanthe disdain he showed in front of Nines as an act of solidarity.

The late-night conversations they have in thekitchen are something he treasures just as fondly as the time he spends withNines.

“You must be very close friends withRichard if he lets you come and go into his space as you please.” Connortells him while they share a pint of ice cream, passing it back and forth.

“Nines may seem like a bastard, but onceyou get to know him, well, he’s still a bastard.”

They both let out a small laugh.

“But I couldn’t ask for a better friend. He’simportant to me. My best friend.” he confessed.

A sad smile tugged on Connor’s face. Connor alwayslooked a little sad, it was always lurking behind his eyes. He’s met Amanda andhas heard Nines talk to him about how much pressure she puts on him to succeed.All the classes and extracurriculars that will put him on the path to take overher legacy when she’s gone. He wonders how it must have been for Connor allalone.   

“I wish I knew what to do. He hates me andI don’t know why. I know the word brother bothers him, but…. I’ve alwayswanted a brother. Someone who knows what it’s like to have your future alreadydecided for you. I don’t want to compete with him. I want to get to knowhim.”

Gavin was silent for a moment, not knowing whatto say. He knows he’s heard Nines vent about Connor. He thinks he’s too nice,spineless. That he will learn from his mistakes and be superior when it comesto who Amanda favors. Nines doesn’t care about the praise he just wants to bethe best.

“I’ll say this. Stop trying so hard. Henotices it. Act like you don’t even know him it’ll drive him up the wall. Hewants competition, give him a good show. Nothing cutthroat, but enough to piquehis interest. He’s kinda of a weird guy, but he’ll have your back when you earnit the right way.”

Connor seemed like he was mentally taking notesand had some time to process the information. The smile that came from thegratitude left Gavin flustered.

“Thank you for listening. I know it isn’tyour business but you’re easy to talk to when you’re not with him.” knowing heacts a bit cold when Nines is around.

Gavin huffs. "Don’t tell Nines I saidanything nice about him or I’ll never hear the end of it.” Connorchuckles. The truth is that while he wanted to stop seeing Connor so sad, hewanted Nines to have an older brother who actually gave a shit about him. Heand Eli weren’t exactly close. He saw Nines more than he did Eli and it wasbetter this way. Having someone look after him would be good for both of them. 

“My lips are sealed.” he promised.

Now here he was 2 years after that conversation,face in the toilet as he’s spilling his guts while Connor’s rubs his back.Nines waiting with a glass of water and a worried expression on his face whilehe waits for his friend to finish.  

He can’t hear much aside from his own purgingbut between his breaks he makes out a few sentences.

“Don’t lead him on. You hurt him and Iwon’t hesitate to get rid of you for good.”

Connor’s response is cut off by Gavin’s puking.He is put to bed and wakes up with the worst hangover ever. Connor has goneback to his dorm by the next morning.

After Nines goes to college and is living at thedorm, Gavin doesn’t come around much. Not that he can, training to be a policeofficer is hard work and he’s surprised he has time for anything. The yearspass and he only has lunch with Nines once a month and the occasional text.Things are nice, he remembers growing up with him fondly and wishes him well asthey live their own lives. His thoughts always go back to Connor and their late-nightconversations. He wonders what would happen if he were to see him at this age.Was his young infatuation clouded by nostalgia? He didn’t know.

Nines invites him to the Holiday dinner. They’venever actually celebrated but having some photos for their social media wouldmake it all the better for them. Gavin hasn’t stepped foot in their house inyears and feels a certain tangle in his stomach as he stands at the front door,bottle of wine in hand as he waits for someone to answer.

The door opens and he is met with those kindbrown eyes that swallow him whole. A genuine smile as he is spotted.

“Gavin! Nines told me you would be havingdinner with us. Come in.” he steps aside to let Gavin in. Gavin’s alwayshad scars on him, just the result of growing up the way he did, but the onestretched across the bridge of his nose was new and suddenly felt an itch ofinsecurity as he noticed no scars on Connor’s flawless skin.  

Connor walked and talked with him. He’s muchmore energetic than he was before, he seems happy and Gavin likes seeing himthis way. Being away from this place and Amanda’s hold works wonders it seems.

“Richard is running late and Amanda went topick up the food, so I’m afraid you’re stuck with me entertaining you fornow.” Connor confesses in an apologetic tone.

“Guess I have to leave, huh?” he jokesand the corners of Connor’s eyes crinkle as he laughs.

They walk into the kitchen, as they did allthose years ago, it felt familiar. They caught up about what they’ve been upto. Gavin’s time at the academy and his first year as detective. Connor and histeaching position at another university away from Amanda and his work with anonprofit that works with foster youth.

They ended up sitting on the counter inches apartsharing a pint of gelato Amanda had meant for dessert.  

“Can I ask you something, Gavin?”

“It’s gonna cost ya.” he replies.

“Will another bite of this gelatosuffice?”

Gavin pretends to think it over.

“Sure, what’s up?” as he snatches thepint back taking the payment into his mouth.

“I enjoy your company. I’ve enjoyed yourcompany for many years now. Ever since you took the time to tell me how toconnect with Nines. I have found a true friend in him and it wouldn’t have beenpossible without you. But…I figured our age difference was inappropriate topursue anything romantic but now that we’re older. I was wondering if—”

Gavin cuts his rambling off with a stickystrawberry flavored kiss. It’s sloppy and poorly timed but it’s perfect. Connorkisses him back with fervor running a hand through Gavin’s thick locks of darkhair. All the tension and feelings that have built up over the years come outas a noise that rips out of Gavin’s throat. They part after a few moments.

“You were takin’ too long to get to thepoint. Figured I save us a few months.” pressing their foreheads together,Connor chuckles.

“You were always one to go headfirstwithout thinking.”

“You think enough for the both of us. Plus,I’ve been wanting to do that for a while too.”

“Why wait any longer?” before Connorpulls him into another kiss. Gavin wraps his arms around his neck and pulls himcloser. It begins to snow outside.

 ++++

Bonus/Scrapped Scene:

Tw: Drug use

Gavin brought the lighter close to the joint inhis hand lighting the end and sucking in as much smoke as he could. This wastheir second one rolled, and Nines was already sprawled on the couch inside hisroom. This would be the last time they could do this before they needed to getclean for their respective futures.

“Where are my cookies?” Gavin asked,slowly tasting the words in his mouth.

Nines languidly rose his hand in the air anddidn’t say anything.

“Nines!” Gavin said louder and Ninesshot up from the bed.

“They’re downstairs.” he says while hestands and leaves without a word. Nines was always weird when high. Gavin satthere staring at the ceiling as smoke filled the room. Amanda was away at aconference and Connor was already doing his own thing in life, he visits everyonce in a while, mostly when Amanda requests his presence.

He blinks slowly, on the cusp of sleep as helets the drug take him. Nines hasn’t been back in a while. He hears the dooropen but thinks nothing of it.

An hour later and a box of cookies and chipsgone the two are placed in front of the T.V playing video games and doing anawful job of winning.

The beep of a car locking brought them both oftheir drug induced hazes. Nines set the controller down and walked through thesmoky room to peer out the window.

“Shit.” he muttered out.

“Is it Amanda?”

“Might as well be. It’s Connor and he’s asnitch.” Nines went to turn on the fan and open the window as he spritzes theroom with Febreze, desperately trying to hide all evidence of all theiractivities.

Gavin rushes to find the eyedrops Nines kept inhis desk drawer for situations just like these. The moments pass so slowly thepanic was dulled by the drugs. He’s never met Connor. Only seen photos andheard Nines talk about him. They looked alike, nothing special. He lived indorms at the university he attended which didn’t make sense since it was only30 minutes away, but Nines told him that he would do the same next year. Thismassive house would be empty.

He heard footsteps coming up the stairs and theyhad done all they could. They went back to playing until a faint knock came atthe door.

“Richard.” a firm voice, a bit higher thanNines, came through the other side of the door.

“I’m busy.” Nines tried to stall for as long aspossible while the small fan did it’s best to propel the smoke out of the room.

“Richard, open the door.” no doubt he couldsmell what was going on in here.

“You’re breaking up. I’ll call you back later.”Nines continued to try to get Connor to leave. Gavin tried to hide his snickersby bringing a hand over his mouth. Nines hits him on the shoulder mouthing himto shut up.

Connor made no attempt to leave. Nines gave inand unlocked the door and flung it open immediately going back to his game.Connor stepped into the room his nose wrinkling at the smell.

Gavin didn’t bother taking his eyes off the gameuntil they lost and then they were drawn to Connor.

His eyes widened at the sight of him. He was slendererthan Nines was with perfectly styled hair and moles that peppered his flawlessskin. His cheeks flushed as he took in the sight of his disappointed frown andstraight poster. The two brothers started arguing about something, but Gavinwas content with just watching the way Connor’s lips curves and his narrow hipsswung.

The man spoke with his perfectly manicured handsexpressing his frustration with Nines’ behavior. His rolled-up sleeves accentedhis strong forearms and loosened tie exposed his throat. Eventually, he leftwhen there was nothing else left to be said.

Nines’ attention went back to him and looked athim in worry as he noticed the blank and open mouth expression on his face.

“Are you okay? Are you having a bad trip?”

“Holy shit, Nines. Why didn’t you warn me thatyour brother was hot I just stood there lookin’ like a dumbass!”

“Granted, you always look like that.” and it wasGavin’s turn to hit Nines.

[selfships-in-spanish]

But imagine the tables turn on our trumpet player, and now she’s the one in love?!?! Because the club has employed a singer, and at first she’s scared for her job, but she can’t help but love this sassy singer with a voice like honey. The boys catch wind and things ensue... -Trumpet anon.

ANON

ANON I ADOPTED OUR NEW TWO DAUGHTERS AND I LOVE THEM BOTH TO DEATH.

Because think about this. About suddenly our dear trumpet player is told she’s gonna have a new partner on the stage. And she’s like, well okay whatever, but kind of wary because she really doesn’t want to lose her job. She’s pursuing her dream and really doesn’t want to see it go away.

But once she sees her, she feels her jaw drop because this new partner is stunning. And once she sings? She’s blown away over how can a voice touch her all over and leave her panting, as if she just ran a marathon chasing this wonderful feeling. Oh shit.

She’s sassy, witty, has such a charisma on and off the stage, those sinful hips swaying every time she moves... and our dear trumpet player is drawn to her like a moth to a flame.

Miss Pretty Girl notices. Of course she does. The brothers are too busy staring at her in utter adoration to notice anything else around them. But she catches our dear trumpet player stealing glances at this wonderful singer, letting out a dreamy sigh every time she sees her. 

Pretty Girl approaches her one night.

“I never heard such an amazing voice.” she hears Pretty Girl say next to her, slipping into the seat on her right. She had a very slight accent that surely had come up after a few drinks. She had a warm smile that reached her eyes. “I’m Ona”

“Mia”

They shake hands, still dumbfounded that Pretty Gi-- Ona, is here and not with the brothers. She felt a chill down her spine. Did she do something that angered them? She ventured a look back to see said brothers look at them both while sipping on their drinks. Uh...

“Don’t worry, you’re not in trouble or anything. On the contrary,” Ona gently touched her hand, bringing her back with her. “I noticed... something.”

Mia felt her mouth run dry, so she took a sip of her drink.

“I wouldn’t be a good teacher after all if I didn’t notice things!” Ona laughed, and the fact that The Anderson Brothers, the most fearsome of men, fell in love with a school teacher made Mia choke on her drink. “Oh dear! I’m so sorry, are you okay?” Ona handed her a handkerchief, worry written all over her face. Maybe she could understand the brothers after all.

“Yes yes, I’m fine, sorry.” her voice was a bit hoarse but the coughing stopped ”It’s just. I didn’t expect that at all.”

“Oh. Oh well, yes. Quite the odd match, right?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t meant it in a bad way! I think it’s a good one. Curious, but good.” They smiled, the blush on Ona’s cheeks more evident. “So, you noticed something.”

“Ah, yes! Something about a certain singer, right?” the poor girl instantly turned red, looking around the room to see if they were heard. It looked like nobody but the brothers were paying them any attention. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Ah well, uh, you see...”

“I want to help you out. I never thanked you properly for what you did and... well. I really want you to be happy”

Mia looked at her, not believing her ears. It was a cruel and selfish world and she was used to the beatings life gave you, but she seemed... she looked utterly genuine. She was truly concerned about it.

“That’s... sweet of you.”

“We gotta help another sister out, right?” Ona winked. She was right, though.

“Yeah... yeah, we gotta do that. You know what they say, sisters before misters.”

They both chuckled, Mia sipping a drink in a cheer.

Ona saw shuffling from the corner of her eye, the boys looking like two sad puppies. She snorted.

“I must leave now, the puppies demand attention.” Mia laughed at that. Good one. “I hope to see you soon!”

“Likewise, teach” she saluted her with two fingers, a smirk on her lips.

Ona let her soft laugh and sweet perfume bid her goodbye, returning to the brothers side. Richard engulfed her in his arms, nuzzling his nose against her neck. He was pouting and jesus if it wasn’t the most endearing sight she ever saw. Connor slotted himself on her back, kissing her nape.

Mia snorted and finished her drink in one go. She took her case with the trumpet and left the club, heading home for the night.

The next time she was on her preferred spot on the bar stool, another person sit on her right.

“Hey”

She knew that voice. Gods if she did. That voice rocked her entire body every time she heard it.

“Uh-- hi”

That rich chuckle made her fidget on her seat.

“I’ve been told I could find you there,” she rested her perfect, beautiful face in one delicate hand, “Mind if I join you?”

“A-Ah, uhm, no, not at all. Please do”

She chuckled.

“Luna”

“Mia”

The bartender served Luna her drink and refilled Mia’s. Luna stopped Mia’s protests by lifting a hand, her eyes like two shining suns, her hair a dark and long curly mane that only accented her beauty.

“Allow me, please”

Ona peeked inside the room, just to make sure. And she would have squealed in delight if she wasn’t trying to be silent and sneaky (although Richard often laughed and adoringly reminded her how she was unable to be sneaky, that was his field after all). Biting her lip, she went back to the other room where Connor and Richard waited for her with amused stares.

“So?”

“She’s talking to her!” her enthusiasm was endearing.

“Let’s hope they hit it off”

And oh if they did. They could be seen holding hands one day, kissing another one. The bartender put two glasses of a very expensive and delicious looking cocktail in front of them both.

“From the two gentlemen and lady over there”

Luna and Mia looked back to see The Anderson Brothers and Ona raise their glasses to them both. Mia giggled and took hers, raising it with them. Luna followed them, a bit confused.

“Why would they do that?”

Mia shrugged.

“Who knows...? Maybe they are in a good mood” she covered her smirk with her drink.

When Luna learned what happened that night with Ona and Mia, she laughed her ass off at what a pair of idiots they were. It was adorable that Mia had such a crush on her, for so long, and her heart swelled when she told her that she was very smitten with her from the beginning. But yes, a few magic words from Miss Ona helped her to gather enough courage to sit with her that night.

And how glad they were she did.

[spirit-of-the-void]

Connor rk800 x Reader (Halloween Party!)

AN: *me reading the notes* glad to see people are just as thirsty for the android as I am, guess I have to make a part two lmao

Summary: An annual Halloween party is being held at the reader’s house for those in the office not stuck working for the best day of the year. Connor, of course, is expected to go and dress up. Just some random Connor x Reader fluff for you all, possible smut next part!

Part 2

“Get a move on, Connor!” Hank called impatiently as he walked toward the ridiculously decorated store front, “Jeez, usually you’re so eager to follow me everywhere!”

Connor sighed, removing himself from the vehicle with an uneasy look at the store. It was a seasonal thing, one that only appeared at the beginning of September and was gone by November first. Skeletons climbed the Halloween related name and various displays were seen in the store front. He knew for a fact that you would have loved to come there and browse--it was a shame you were busy with errands related to the party.

Connor himself saw this task with a grim determination. He desperately wished to not disappoint you. He wanted to meet your standards with this, despite Hank claiming vehemently that there were no standards. This was Connor’s first celebrated Halloween, and he was torn between taking it as seriously as his instinct demanded, or just...having fun with it. He knew you wanted the latter, so he would try to make an effort.

Connor adjusted his tie, a nervous habit, and followed Hank into the Halloween store. They were immediately assaulted with eerie laughing and cackling, lighting flashing from a corner with moving displays. Connor could smell plastic and latex, various chemicals made for flog machines and the facial makeup required for the holiday. He took a moment to scan, noting various “spooky” signs, costumes, and other Halloween-esque trinkets. And candy. Good lord, how much candy did the expect human children to consume in one night?

Hank saw the hesitant look on his face, patting him hard on the back, “How about you try on a few costumes and see which one you want to go with your vampire shit?” When Connor nodded, Hank let out a sigh, “Try not to be so uptight, kid. Have a little fun with it!”

“I will...certainly try,” Connor replied with a tilt of his head, watching as Hank shuffled over to the fake fangs and face makeup, grumbling all the way. Connor himself felt no ill will toward the holiday, but...his nervousness about how he would present himself to you was making it quite challenging. Not that he blamed you, it wasn’t your fault he was so, as Hank put it once, smitten with you. He just...felt things for you, and he wanted to be as mysterious and sexy as you claimed vampires were.

So he thumbed through the clothing racks, looking at costume after costume. He found himself smirking at some, and the more he looked the more he relaxed. He found enjoyment seeing all the ridiculous things people were willing to wear for the thirty first. Fun could be found in this, he decided, in the playing pretend. Werewolves, wizards, naughty nurses...just about naughty everything. If there was an occupation, there was a “naughty” version of it for woman. How very sexist. Although, he did find a very not safe for work male cop outfit, which consisted of only an officers cap, cuffs, and booty shorts. That had him chuckling a bit.

He paused, pulling the outfit off the rack and snapping a quick picture, mentally sending it to your phone with the words, “On a scale of one to ten, how pissed would Gavin be if i sent him this with a note saying ‘ here is your Halloween costume?’”

He had no sooner put the ridiculous article of clothing back when you sent your reply.

‘Connor, sweetie, as funny as that is, i value your life way too much to let you do that lol’

He smiled, enjoying your use of the word “Sweetie” far too much for his own good. Before his inner mechanisms could start overheating he picked out a few things from the rack, heading to the dressing room to try them on. Just as he closed the door to the small room he saw Hank walk up and sit on a nearby stool to wait for him to come out. Connor would happily admit that a few of these costume choices were outright silly, but damn it they wanted him to have fun so he would.

First costume he came out in was the most ridiculous one, and he thoroughly enjoyed Hank’s look of shock and sharp wheeze of a laugh.

“Oh my god, kid,” He sounded like he was choking on his own breath--he coughed quite a few times before continuing, “I would never in a million years let you into polite society looking that stupid.”

Connor smiled crookedly, seeing the bright red fabric of the crab costume in the mirror and shrugging once, “Are you certain, Hank? A vampire crab is quite unique.”

Hank groaned in pure agony, resting his head on his hands, “Connor...”

“You’re sounding a bit crabby, lieutenant, are you sure you’re alright?”

Hank groaned so loudly Connor was sure the whole store heard it.

~ ~ ~

“Oh no, boy-toy must be messaging you.”

You were sitting cross-legged on a stool in your kitchen with Chris and Kelsey, two other officers from the station. You had paused for a moment in decorating cupcakes to read a text, feeling your face light up at the sight of Connor’s name with a little dog emoji next to it pop up. Every time he messaged you it made your heart pound like a caged bird searching for release. It was silly, you knew that, but your attachment and feelings for Connor had grown so genuine it was almost embarrassing.

You stuck your tongue out at Chris, “His name is Connor, Chris, and he isn’t a toy.”

Chris was grinning, slowly trying to decorate a cupcake to make it look like a mummy, “Yeah but when I use the ‘crush’ word or the ‘lover’ word you turn bright red.”

Sure enough, both those terms caused your cheeks to flush, making the two laugh. You just couldn’t help it, thinking of Connor in a romantic way...your body betrayed you every time.Even in front of Connor sometimes you had to play off flushed cheeks and a racing heartbeat in one way or another.

“Shut your faces,” You hiss, waving a tube of frosting threateningly, “I’m armed and I’m not afraid to use it.”

Kelsey giggled, wiping a bit of frosting onto your face, “Oh come on, there’s no reason to be embarrassed. It’s adorable, we’ve all had crushes.”

You duck down a little, staring down at the cupcakes before you as you mutter, “It’s more than a crush you heathens.” And you weren’t lying--you had never felt this way about anyone ever. It was so overwhelming it was almost hard to tolerate in every day life. A crush could be ignored, a crush could be handled. What you couldn’t handle was the urge to kiss Connor’s mouth every time you saw him.

You saw both of them soften their expressions considerably, Chris giving you a comforting pat on the head as he replied, “Be that as it may, we’re still allowed to tease you. You two have been flirting for months now and we all reached a point where we couldn’t take it anymore,” He rolled his eyes, “I don’t know who’s more oblivious, you or him.”

“I’d say him,” Kelsey said with a smirk, setting about making another batch of frosting, “His poor little android brain can’t handle how gorgeous you are, (Y/N).”

You bit your lip a little, a nervous habit. Part of you was really hoping they were right. You wanted Connor to share your feelings so badly you couldn’t stand it. Most times when you felt romantic affection towards someone who you were unsure felt the same way, you squashed those feelings before they grew. But with Connor...they grew. They grew and grew until you had no control over it.

And it wasn’t just how handsome he was. Seeing him take care of stray dogs, listening to him talk about the mechanisms of androids and the concept of androids feeling emotion...you loved all of it. You looked forward to seeing him every day. His crooked smirk sucker-punched you in the gut each time he showed you it, and those puppy-dog eyes...

You sank down in your chair, looking at the text and opening the picture attached before your friends noticed you getting flustered again. What you saw made you cackle aloud anyway, making the two look at you in confusion.

In the picture was Connor in a crab costume, smirking with Hank sitting with his head in his hands in the background. The message included? “Hank seems a bit crabby today.”

Oh no, you bit your lip and smiled what you knew was a dopey grin--he was charming your socks off, you couldn’t help it. He looked bright eyed and adorable in the plush costume, and you were glad to see he was having a good time. Connor was such an unbelievable dork, and that very fact made your heart start pounding again. You loved that about him.

“Oh no,” Chris groaned, “We lost her again. What did robocop send you this time?”

You giggled hysterically, holding up the photo for the two to see. Kelsey looked like she was about to die.

“Oh my god, can i have that framed and put up in the office?” She wheezed, holding her sides, “Just for Hank in the background. That poor man, it’s killing me.”

You laughed, holding your phone out of reach of the two, “No way, this treasure is mine!”

While they complained in various ways, you typed out a swift reply, cheeks warm as you did so.

“Oh my god, Connor have I ever told you what an absolute dork you are? Gotta say I approve <3″

The heart emoji felt strangely risky to you, which was silly and childish to think about. Letting out a light sigh, you pocketed your phone before you could get distracted again, taking a quick look out into your living room. You’d happily admit you’d gone all out. Creepy lights, cobwebs, skeletons...this holiday was practically the only one you enjoyed due to having no family.

When you were with the people at the station that cared about you...it felt like family.

Chris saw the dreamy look on your face and sighed again, “Oh good god, she’s spacing again. We seriously need to get you laid, (Y/N).”

If you had been drinking something, you would have spit it out.

Kelsey giggled at your flustered look, an evil twinkle in her eyes, “Isn’t that where this night was going? What better way to have Halloween? Confess your love, get that good android di--”

“Gah!” You covered your ears, face flushed so warm you were sure you were on fire, “Stop! There’s no way Connor would ever want to do that...!”

Chris let out a low rumble of laughter, sounding almost sinister, “When he gets a load of those thigh highs you have planned and that butt snuggled in those shorts--”

Kelsey interjected, “Ew, when you talk like that you sound as thirsty as Gavin...!”

“Sorry sorry,” Chris laughed, “I just know she’s going to be a snack.”

You placed your head in your hands, feeling how warm your cheeks were from blushing. You weren’t deep enough in denial to say you hadn’t thought about it, hell half the reason you chose to dress that way was...well...to see how he reacted. It was easy to flirt and appear confident on your exterior, but this in reality made you jittery and nervous. You wanted things to work out with Connor, you wanted validation in a way.

Could Connor feel those attractions toward you? God, you hoped so.

“Look at that thirsty expression,” Kelsey tsked, “Girl you’ve got it bad.”

“I’m...not thirsty...” You muttered, not sounding convincing in the slightest.

Chris chuckled, finishing up the last cupcake with a satisfied look, “Do we even know if Connor has a dick?”

“Oh my god--” You started to groan.

“He has a tongue and ten fingers that aren’t broken,” Kelsey interjected with a shrug.

“Oh my god...!” You squeaked, “Kelsey!”

“What? Dicks aren't everything.”

The two dissolved into cackles, and you resisted hitting your head on the counter to clear your thoughts. This is why it was so hard to stay composed around Connor, these two were bad for your thought process in every way. Lusting for the oblivious boy was so not where you wanted to head with your  feelings, but it didn’t take very long. He was just....so much. of everything. Not to mention you in general had been comfortable in your sexuality. But with Connor, the added feelings of romance were somehow more flustering.

As if on cue, your phone went off again, and you quickly pulled it out. Sure enough, his familiar name was in your notifications. You wasted no time opening his message, a bit disappointed to see no picture this time, but his words made your heart pound.

“You’ll be happy to know, I had quite a bit of fun today. Hank and I also managed to settle on an outfit for me. I will keep it a secret for now...But I can’t wait to see what you think. See you tomorrow evening, (Y/N).”

You held the phone to your chest, biting your lip with anticipation. How the hell were you going to wait a whole day to see what he had picked out for his vampire theme? God, maybe you were as thirsty as they said?

Either way, maybe that whole day was enough to gain some semblance of composure.

AK: I hope yall caught the funny ass crab suit reference i made ;) I have big plans for the next part

Tagged: @bethanystan

[writingevanhansen]

Day 25 - Christmas Day with the Sincerely Three

hi. it’s almost 4 am. i finished the series. i’ll function in the morning and post the masterlist. goodnight. (also sorry jared’s part is so short i’m just not creative lol)

Connor

-since his parents went out of state to visit family, you invited zoe and your boyfriend of a little over a year, connor, to stay with your family for christmas

-your parents trust you, so they know that you wouldn’t do anything irresponsible with connor, especially with zoe around as well

-you all sit down at the dinner table on christmas eve and have a lovely conversation

-zoe discusses art and how finals went, and connor does his best with the “sports talk”

-that night, you three sit in your room and watch a christmas movie, sipping hot chocolate and laughing gently

-connor’s hand never left yours

-it was finally time to sleep, and connor was supposed to go in the living room, but zoe decided her christmas gift to connor would be giving up her spot in your bed for him

-you both crawl under the blankets and get cozy

-he wraps his arms around you and you cuddle up to his chest

-he rests his chin on your head and ugh what a sweet boy

-when you wake up in the morning, zoe brings you both a cinnamon roll (and in the spirit of christmas, tries not to gag when she sees you two all over each other)

-you walk to where everyone is gathered and start to exchange gifts

-you give connor his in a silver bag stuffed with white tissue paper

-he opens it and beams

-you got him a yellow kanken bag, which he told you he’s wanted since the summer you met

-zoe got you a recorder. and it’s awesome

-why? because zoe is cool, that’s why

-and now you guys can have jam sessions where she plays the guitar and you with your recorder heck yeah

-connor’s gift to you is in a small brown box, and you open it eagerly

-what’s inside takes your breath away

-it’s a necklace with a gold bar, and on the gold bar, “i’ll always love you” in connor’s handwriting is engraved

-you squeeze his hand (and restrain from kissing him because you’re in front of your family and such)

-he puts the necklace on you, and you can feel how much love was put into the search for this necklace

-later you give him the biggest hug and kiss ever, and he’s very proud of himself ngl

-you wear the necklace every day :)

Jared

-jared’s family is jewish, but he still wants to come over on christmas day to exchange gifts with you

-christmas afternoon, after opening gifts with your family, you open up the door, leap into his arms, and hug him around the neck

-you lead him to your room and show him your tree, and you sit on your bed and turn on a christmas movie

-you grab him some cookies and hot cocoa from the kitchen, and jared is smitten

-with the food, i mean

-yeah you too but

-gingerbread, yknow?

-anyways, you finish snacking and you give jared his gift

-it’s a bunch of pop vinyls, including the bob ross one he mentioned that he wanted!

-he’s so happy and he gives you a kiss on the cheek as he fawns over them and how thoughtful it was

-he hands you a small, velvet case with a silver bow on it

-you open it up, and it’s the most beautiful bracelet you’ve ever seen

-it’s small and silver with small rhinestones scattered around

-it has one small, circular charm on it, engraved with the day you two started dating

-you’d be lying if you said you didn’t tear up a bit when you opened it

-he helped you put it on for the first time, and his hand didn’t leave yours after it

-christmas make out sesh

Evan

-your parents had got each other the gift of a no-kids-vacation over christmas break, so evan invited you to stay at his house for the holidays

-heidi was very welcoming and wanted to make everything perfect for you, and would apologize a lot, but you insisted everything was fine

-it was really so sweet

-for christmas eve dinner, you three had the unconventional “breakfast for dinner”, which you really enjoyed. pancakes and scrambled eggs made a surprisingly good pre-christmas feast

-you all watch home alone 2 together in the living room (it’s evan and heidi’s tradition) and heidi goes to her room to sleep while you and evan get ready for bed

-afterwards, you prepare to settle in to sleep on the couch like you had been, but evan quietly approaches you

-”(y/n)...do...do you wanna...sleep in my room? with me? oh-wait-oh god no i didn’t mean you had to sleep with me! i just meant that you could sleep in my bed with me not like...not like that…”

-poor boy had been scared to ask you all this time

-you smiled and nod

-evan’s bed is small, it was meant for just one person, but as soon as you get under the covers you know you’re gonna get the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had

-you laid down facing each other, and when you made eye contact, you giggled

-you rolled over and scooted up against evan

-eventually he got the message and put his arm around you (hand shaking a lil), pulling you closer

-it’s 3 am and i’m making myself cry i love evan

-in the morning his head is buried in the crook of your neck

-you roll over and give him morning nose kiss

-you walk out of his room holding hands

-heidi is a cool mom™ so she pretends like she doesn’t see you guys while she bakes those cinnamon rolls from a can mmmmm

-you sit down to exchange gifts and you are so shocked when heidi gives you a few gifts!! you were staying for the holidays but you didn’t know she would buy you things and it was the kindest gesture ever

-your parents bought heidi an outback steakhouse giftcard so she could take evan on a mom-daughter date night, and as a thank you for hosting you (she was so happy aw her and her lil evan on a date)

-you give evan his gift and he got super excited

-you gave him a beanie (because let’s be honest evan should try beanies)

-and more importantly, you gave him a new pair of white converse

-as we all know the boy never had name brand shoes so these were really meaningful to him

-after all the gifts were opened evan and heidi kinda looked at each other for a second, and then heidi excused herself to go…”take care of something”

-a few seconds passed and then evan turned to you. his body was trembling slightly and he took a shaky breath. he held out his hand and you gently placed yours in his

-”(y/n)...you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. you take care of me and understand me more than anyone else. i love you so much and you’re perfect and....and i know we’re still young...but...i can’t see my life without you in it.”

-that’s when evan brought out a small, navy blue box

-you opened it and tears fell from your eyes. it was a small silver ring with a tiny blue opal in the center, surrounded with curls formed by the metal

-”it’s a promise ring, because...i promise i’m going to replace it with a real ring one day. y’know, if you want to.”

-”evan, i would love nothing more.”

-you let evan put the ring on your finger and you hugged him tighter than you ever have before, peppering kisses all over his face, which raised a giggle out of him

-heidi walked back in and cheered in her little quiet supportive mom cheer

-she definitely shared some pictures on facebook

-it was certainly a memorable christmas

[replicantdeviancy]

If the detective had to count the number of times James had pleasantly surprised him, it would have been in the dozens by now. It was a wonder just to watch him, taking note of every gesture & subtle smile, the lovely way his eyes lit up when the younger man returned his wit with a spirited retort. Connor might have been shy in some regards, but he was never afraid to stun others with his intellect, as far too many looked at him & only saw a pretty face. But to have that wit matched, to undertake conversation fluent in quips, flirtatious prose & sarcasm had him elated in a way that was as rare as a sunny day during a Michigan winter. It had him just a touch smitten with the handsome priest, & he had a feeling that James fancied it as well. “You like it,” he teased - he could tell that the older man liked how he used his words against him, though he wouldn’t go about explaining. That he was so observant afforded him a little mystery, though he hoped it also made him just a bit more intriguing. Not many could read people as well as the Arkeit triplets, certainly not without training. Besides, he loved that his date was so attentive.

Shameless, as well. That mouth of his had the detective blushing, warm color kissing the heights of his cheekbones & the bridge of his nose, though he never faltered. If anything, he was keen to double down. “& what if I am?” he replied, a playful smirk upon his lips. What if, indeed. While Connor did appreciate the collar, as it made the older man look rather dashing, he much preferred the idea of seeing him in his entirety. While James didn’t wear the more form fitting, tailored styles the detective favored, Connor had an astute gaze. From the man’s posture, the width of his shoulders, how he carried himself, he could tell that James was quite strong. Given his age, he likely wasn’t as overtly defined as he might have once been, but he was muscular & lean. Connor would have been very pleased to see the man without that collared shirt as much as he would to see him in it. He imagined James was stunning.

There was something to those teasing complaints as he mentioned his age. Playful as they were, Connor wondered if James was sensitive about it, or fretful. He sought to reassure him. “I don’t think that you’re too old, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Not at all. Quite the contrary, if he hadn’t made that abundantly clear by then. It was in the way he looked at the priest, not merely in the observant or tantalized gazes aimed his way, but something deeper, purer. A fondness that went beyond the physical. Connor sat up just a little straighter, leaned forward a bit to show his date that he had his undivided attention. “You’re… what, fifty? Ish?” The question sounded perfectly innocent, distinctly lacking in concern. The detective didn’t mind the age gap one bit, nor how it might have looked from the outside. He liked what he liked. The fact that his date was just about twice his age didn’t phase him. “I think that’s perfect.” He thought James was perfect, just the way he was. Experienced, undeniably intelligent, & very sweet.

He was happy to offer the American a bit of insight into the little things that he didn’t quite understand, glad to explain. He didn’t find it taxing to educate Connor, which the detective deeply appreciated. Though admittedly, the more home grown reference had him a bit confused as well, & he found himself pondering aloud as his visage took on a thoughtful expression. “Popovers… Popovers… Oh!” An image came to mind, something that he wasn’t entirely sure was accurate. “Oh. I see. It’s like bread.” A fluffy kind of roll that was popular in New England. That made sense. He smiled a little, still somewhat sheepish. “I’d be flattered if you cooked for me sometime.” He truly would have been. Connor had always found himself in something of a caregiver role, always the ‘mom friend’, the one to support others. Especially his brothers during & after they grew up. The idea of someone else caring for him for once sounded so utterly foreign, but appealing. Very appealing. To be able to just relax & trust that he wouldn’t have to step in, that things were taken care of, was heavenly.

A small sigh escaped him at that, a placid little smile warming his features. With the release of his breath, there seemed to come a release of tension inside him, something held onto no matter what, loosening in his neck & shoulders. This boy appeared to carry the weight of the world upon him, his slender frame aching from the pressure of it all. The thought of being someone's priority in such a simple way made him feel good. “Of course, the offer is mutual. I don’t cook often, even for myself. But I’m not half bad.” Which was true; he didn’t often take the time on himself to make a nice meal. Connor's form of self care involved chain smoking & fancy lattes, occasionally a hot bath where he could fall asleep to a podcast or TV show. But any time someone Connor cared about was involved, the boy loved to provide for them.

Though it seemed that James was already eager to show his date a little appreciation in caring for him, taking it upon himself to order for him. That wasn’t something the younger male was used to, but he found that he liked it. He wondered if the priest had a love language that involved acts of service. He supposed they would get on well in that regard.

The queries over his motivations were not unanticipated - neither seemed very accustomed to spontaneously rushing out for a date with someone they had only just met, yet that was exactly what they had done. The detective, who was especially unused to this kind of thing, couldn’t have expected that he wouldn’t be questioned eventually. Not when his date was so intuitive. Connor smiled at that. “What? I can’t just be completely taken by your charm?” A playful quip & both of them knew it. A bit of a distraction, but the detective didn’t shy away from the truth. He was glad to explain himself, hopeful that his intentions were matched. His expression became gentler, softer. “In all seriousness… I really think I like you, James.” It wasn’t just the man's good looks or his charm, not the unmistakable connotations of a skeptical, unorthodox creature such as himself fawning over a man of the cloth. It was more than that. “I saw something, & I had to take a chance on it.” He came to rest his elbows on the table, mirroring his date as he looked intently into those bright eyes. A hand came up to close against his cheek, the detective resting his delicately cleft chin atop the heel of his palm.

“Besides… You like me, too. Not just because I’m pretty, but it helps.” He was watching James, curious over his responses, verbal & otherwise. Maybe he was a little anxious, acting a little silly, looking for something that wasn’t there. He didn’t want to come off as naive. “You listen to me. You’re genuinely interested in what I have to say, & who I am.” It was a vibe Connor had gotten from the man the moment they began speaking upon things involving the case, but that interest had gone further than that. He didn’t believe that the priest’s earlier questions were simply to do with Moore, or that enigmatic something that he kept hidden from view. “You’re clever. You’re smart & witty, & you’re not afraid to be yourself.” James admired him, appreciated his mind, not just his body or his face. That meant a lot.

“Beyond that… There’s something mysterious about you.” Briefly, Connor’s gaze fell, a demure little smile tipping his lips. “It makes me want to look deeper. To see the real you. Not just what’s on display.” Whoever James was beneath the mask he wore to keep others at bay. Keep himself safe, or alone - Connor couldn’t decide which felt more accurate, or perhaps both. The question was ‘why’. What was he so afraid of?

"Using my own words against me... you really are a sly one, aren't you?" It amused the priest more than anything, that one-sided smile creeping further up a faintly tanned cheek. If anything, it was more the fact that he remembered his words at all, that he really was listening, taking it all in rather than just casting aside everything he said like used tissue paper. It wasn't like he was used to people ignoring him, but whenever he was in his usual attire, some people tended to take one look at the collar and do their best to zone him out, presumably expecting him to go on some holy rant to try and wrangle a few more followers into his flock. Little did they know that James wasn't that sort of person at all, wasn't that sort of priest, though how would anyone know unless they gave him a chance? Something that Connor seemed to have found out for himself.

Grabbing someone's interest was easy, but keeping it was another matter entirely. The fact that he'd managed to keep the detective's focus did feel like something of an achievement, just as he was impressed with the other man in return, being able to fuel the Brit's intrigue more and more with every tiny detail offered to him. Maybe James liked a bit of mystery, relishing in stripping that enigma down until he understood every layer and every breath -- - and maybe the notion of stripping him down in other ways crossed his mind as well.

He was definitely hellbound for that one.

But would he go to one of his peers and beg the Lord for forgiveness? Even the thought was almost enough to make him smirk out loud. He was a devout man of God, but not that devout.

"And I'll have to keep the collar thing in mind... what do you think, can you picture me stripped down to my undies wearing nothing else but my shirt and collar?" A wry smile claimed the whole of his face at that, a low chuckle leaving him as he sat back in his chair looking utterly amused with himself. "Bet that's what you're doing right now... heathen." He teased him with ease, another quiet round of laughter leaving as he sat forward again, this time coming to rest his elbows against the table between them. At this point, he was pushing further and further, as though it was some sort of game to see who would flinch first. Though why did he imagine that neither one of them would? And the thought only fuelled him even more.

He was certainly not going to be telling the Vatican or his mentor about this little endeavour -- - which was a real shame because he wouldn't mind speaking proudly about every second he spent with this man.

That was just another sin right there though, wasn't it?

"Fish and chips it is then." It seemed the pair of them had decided, though James did hope that the guy liked them, already coming to the conclusion that if he didn't, he'd be more than happy to pay for something else. If he'd read the American right, he wouldn't be surprised if he hadn't eaten all day, and if he had, it probably wasn't a decent meal to keep someone going. If they were anything alike, he imagined that coffee was likely what had kept him moving and maybe a few cigarettes. Or was that just a police stereotype? Coffee and cigarettes -- - not that the priest could judge, he wasn't meant to smoke at all, and although it wasn't a regular occurrence, he did turn to tobacco after particularly trying days just to take the edge off.

Though as they spoke, the reminder of the age gap did have James smirking to himself as he lifted a hand, running down the front of his face. "Christ, you really know how to make a bloke feel good, don't you?" He still couldn't quite stop himself from laughing again, he supposed he'd brought it on himself with his own endless old-people jokes aimed at himself. "What happened to 'respect your elders'?" He added in jest with a teasing lift of a brow, evidently not taking the whole thing seriously but he wasn't about to drop it so quickly. "Cheeky whippersnapper." He really couldn't help himself at that point, throwing one of those wicked smiles across at him.

He'd remember that little remark.

"If someone tried to serve me Yorkshire pudding for dessert, I'd think they'd lost their mind." He admitted with warm amusement, maybe more to himself than Connor seeing as he didn't know what they were. Not that James blamed him, of course, it was a very British thing, just one of many that he'd come to miss whenever he didn't pop in on home soil every now and then. Even if his main reason was to stock up on his favourite rhubarb and custard sweets. "From what I understand, you lot might compare them to popovers. Usually served with veg, some sort of meat and brown gravy. Probably doesn't sound like much, but I reckon it's something of a staple back home. Can't beat a good Yorkshire pudding... especially on Christmas day with turkey, pigs in blankets and fuck load of turkey gravy." Now, his stomach really was grumbling at the thought of it. "If you're ever in the UK, I'd recommend it. There's places you can go that exclusively serve that sort of stuff, carvery's and the like. Pretty sure some of them literally have 'carvery' in the name. Or... I could serve some up myself. Been a while since I cooked a proper meal for someone." If he hadn't scared the guy away by then -- - or done a disappearing act.

Lifting his hand up, he got the attention of a waiter who came to the table, quickly ordering two fish and chips, pausing just briefly before the waiter left again. "So, while we've got some time before our meals get here... there's one thing I've got to ask. What was it that got you out here tonight, hm? Can't all be my dashing good looks and charm, can it?" He asked with a curious tilt of his head, once again joshing with the guy a little. "Or am I just that good?"