#Okay Fine. Goodnight to everyone (even if you hate watermelon)

[sketchy-potato]

Goodnight to everyone except for people who hate watermelon (LIKE SERIOUSLY HOW??? I get if you're allergic, but otherwise, WHY???)

[lonelydragonflower]

Confession (Risotto x Reader)

Warning: Fluff stuff

College AU

---

"C'mon, it'll be fun!" Trish whined as she kept nudging you. Sighing at your little sisters' antics, turning off the hot water that ran from the sink as you finish rinsing the dishes.

"I don't know, Trish. Don't you have a test to study for?" You smiled. Crossing her arms over her chest and replied, "already did." Dang.

"Okay. How about a proposal? You finish cleaning the house and feed Ilya. When you are done, I'll walk you to the party-"

"Frat party," she cut me off.

"yes, the frat party," I laughed a bit. "Deal?" Holding out my hand, Trish hesitantly took it. Shaking it.

Drying my wet hands, I then plopped myself onto the couch. Running my hands through my (H/L) pink hair. Trish and I shared out fathers hair, same color. Our mother had passed away some time ago, he only met us two weeks ago! Ilya jumped onto my stomach...it was just us; Ilya, Trish and I, living in this big and lonely house. Ilya purred and leaned into my touch. Scratching underneath his chin, 'what a cute kitty!' Giggling as I toyed with him. Some time had passed and Trish called him over. The Ragdoll Cat obeyed, happy to be feed, jumped off the couch and walked into the kitchen. Trish had finished.

Getting up, I got ready; putting on a hoodie, fixing my hair and getting my boots on. I waited for Trish by the door, since we both went to the same college - we always walked to campus together.

It was a ten-minute walk, each and every day. Trish came down and the two of us left. It was a nice stroll, a cool breeze blew across my face. Trish seemed so happy, that energy radiated from her. Once we got there, I bade her goodbye, watched her go into the fraternity house.

With that, I left. Walking back home, I stopped by a convenience store. Browsing the aisles, basket in hand, I brought several items including; some stir-fry meat, some bagged rice, bagged vegetables, cheese, and a pineapple. By now, it was very late. On the way home, you got various texts from Trish, most of them were photos of her and her friends, all which you had met before. A grin on your face, you were happy that she was having fun. Opening the door to your home, you were greeted by Ilya.

"Well, hello to you too." You laughed. Setting everything on the kitchen counter, you felt a presence in the dark. reaching into the inside of your left boot, pulling out a knife. hearing the footsteps get closer to the kitchen, you hid before swiping the knife toward the intruder.

"Is that how you greet your own father, (Y/N)?" A hard grip on the blade and a familiar voice. With a gasp, you pulled the knife away. the figure stepped out of the shadow and stood in front of you. Your father, Diavolo, and close behind him, Doppio, your uncle.

Slipping the blade back into your tall boot, you place some distance between your father and his underling. With a glare, "What do you want? How did you get in here?" You seethed.

"Can't I see my own daughters? Speaking of which, where is Trish?" Your father asked.

"Out." Your reply was flat and bland. You took a small glance at his face, he was irked by your remark. He huffed before making his way to your couch. Doppio looked at you then at Diavolo then back at you before you waved at him.

"Hey, Doppio." Said male waved back at you, "hey, (Y/N)." He just stood there before his brother called him over. "Dippio, may you bring me something to drink?" Said underling flinched and shuffled toward the kitchen. Stopping him before could go any further, "don't go in there." you stomped over to your pink-haired father, yanking him out of the couch and out your house. Signaling for Dippio to do the same, quickly marching to the fridge and taking out a juice box. From the kitchen to the living room to the front door.

"Here's your drink!" You spat, furiously throwing it at him. "Don't ever come to my house demanding anything! If you ever want to, learn how to be a father first!" Slamming the door shut and panting heavily, Ilya came out of hiding and rubbed himself against your legs.

"Sorry 'bout all that kitty." Picking up the Ragdoll cat and laying down on the piece of furniture, with Ilya on your stomach. It was late, once you had gotten comfortable, you realized that you had forgotten the food. Getting up to do so, when that was done, it was back to the couch with your feline friend. Instantly, you fell asleep alongside Ilya.

You woke up to the sound of a loud knock, a knock coming from the front door, Ilya still fast asleep. Looking at the clock on the wall; almost two in the morning. Moving the cat aside, you got up to open the door. Looking through the peephole, staring at a familiar face behind the door.

Upon opening the door, it was more than just a familiar face, it was familiar faces. One of them stumbled in, you caught them, their head resting on your chest.

"Hey (Y/N), I've missed these watermelons of yours." sending a glare, "I've missed you too, Formaggio. Now, hands off!" you pushed him off and onto the couch, welcoming the others in.

"Thank you for letting us in (Y/N). Also, sorry for bothering you at this hour." One spoke up; a deep, gruff voice made you blush.

"Its no worry or bother, Risotto. I'm happy to help my dear friends. Even if they show up drunk and grope me the second they walk in." you smiled. Everyone had settled in, some even retired for the evening including; Pecsi, Iluso, Gelato, and Sorbert.

--- "Let me guess, a frat party? Or a drink off?" You inquired. Risotto sighed, Formaggio answered, "a frat party, we saw your little sister. She's not as pretty as you thought."

That's when you decided to check your phone, having four text notifications from Trish and one from Bruno.

Trish❤️️: (Y/N), I'm stayin' @ Bruno's Trish❤️️: Everyone says Hi Trish❤️️: (Y/N) R U up? Trish❤️️: Bruno said to call him

Going to the conversation with Bruno, you opened it.

Bruno: (Y/N), call me

Huffing, you tapped the little phone icon and called said male. Addressing the others in the room, "there is a pineapple in the kitchen. Slice it up and eat it." Hearing the phone ring, Bruno quickly answered.

"(Y/N)?" his soft voice rang into your ear.

"Hey Bruno, thanks for having Trish for the evening." You chuckled, feeling someone's arms around your waist.

"It's no problem, I would let you talk to her but she's asleep. Want me to drop her off in the morning?" you let ou a small yelp when you were pulled back. Falling into Formaggio's lap. Bruno heard and asked if you were alright.

"Yeah, I'm fine. You can bring Trish by 8:00 tomorrow morning, sounds good?"

"It's perfect. It's late, I'll leave you, so you can rest. Goodnight, (Y/N)."

"Goodnight Bruno." You hung up and tried to squirm out of your friends hold.

"Forma! Let me go!" You whisper-shouted, you fell to the floor with him, he whined, "(N/N), cuddle with me. I love you. Please!" Nuzzling his face into your neck. The smell of alcohol and pineapple emitted from him. Suddenly, the two of you were pulled apart by none other than your crush, Risotto. He gave his friend a death glare before pushing him onto the couch and you into his arms.

"Risotto, give me my (N/N). I want her, I need her." Formaggio whined. Risotto helped the drunk male up off the ground. Setting the tipsy male on the couch, he took a hold of Ilya. The two of them had a love-hate relationship but as long as he wasn't all over you, you didn't care.

"Thanks Riso, I owe ya." You pipped. The moment got awkward; Risotto was still holding onto you and you, blushing...hard. Hearing snickering from the kitchen, directly from Ghiaccio and Melone, Prosciutto drunkingly scolded the two as they burst into laughter.

Pulling away from your crush, hiding sheepishly behind your (h/l) hair. Looking at the time, it was late 1:42. Late, dark and brightly lit by the inside light; that's how it was outside. Formaggio had fallen asleep hugging Ilya.

"It's very late. We all need to sleep. Prosciutto, can you guide these two to their rooms? You can take the west attic room. Riso, follow me, the room you used to sleep in is now Trishs'." Before leaving, Prosciutto hugged you, " I appreciate the hospitality, (Y/N). I'll help prepare breakfast in the morning." He gave you a kiss on the cheek, you returned it. The blonde helped the other two drunks to their rooms.

"C'mon now." You took Risotto's rough hands and led him upstairs. The blush on your face increased. Getting to the top of the stairs, he stopped you.

"(Y/N), we need to talk."

"About what?" Curiously asking the gray-hair man. Instead of answering, he pulled you into your bedroom. Closing the door and locking it.

"I know he was here..." his sentence trailed off. His words made a lump form in your throat. Trying to play dumb with him wouldn't work, it was Risotto after all. Staying silent; he was getting irked.

"Say somethi-" you cut him off.

"What do you want me to say? How much I despise him, how he thinks he can just waltz into my life after the death of my mother. No! Trish and I were and are fine without him! All I want-" you began to sob. Hiding your face behind the curtain of your hair. Concealing your teary face from your crush/best friend.

"If he wants to be apart of my life, I wish he was more understanding. I was fine living without him, without knowing he was my father but now, I wish it would all go away." Resting against his chest; you wanted him to hold you, which he did.

"I hate him but I want to love him, he's my dad." You finished, standing there in the arms of the one person you loved.

"That's what I loved about you, (Y/N). You are passionate about many things, your heart is made of gold." Looking up into his black scleras’ and red irises, you saw a strong emotion behind them, one you couldn't figure out. He picked you up, much like a princess, sitting down with you in his lap.

"Come what may, I'll always be here for you.: He cuddled you. Face in the crook of his neck, stay close to him. He kissed your temple, running his rough fingers through your hair. Eye lids getting heavy, you fell asleep in his arms.

"Sleep well, mi amore." The last thing I head before closing my eyes. The night soon became day. Stirring awake, opening your heavy eyes, cuddling into Risotto...wait...cuddling into Risotto?! You tried to pull away but a strong force wouldn't let you.

"Don't go. Let's stay like this for a while." The male below you grumbled. His silver locks conformed into a mop of cute bed-head. Groaning, "the other's they'll need medicine and care from their hangovers. Ris-" he cut you off, "No! Right now you are mine, you can help them later." Upon hearing "you are mine", your cheeks heated up. He realized and his face heated up, bright pink. Instead of saying something, he pulled you down for a sweet and hard kiss on the lips.

Pulling away, both of you florid faced, you spoke up. "What is all of this?"

With a smile, he answered, "think of it as a confession." Resting together, nice and quiet until.

"(Y/N)!? Where the hell are you? Why is there a half naked man in your house!?" A loud voice broke the moment between you and Risotto. Loud thumping noises could be heard, getting closer and closer and closer until...BAM!

The door was knocked down, entering a troubled Formaggio and an angry father named Diavolo. Your best friend, in his boxers, hid under the covers with you and Risotto. Letting out a shriek, you clung to your boyfriend. He held you tightly and close. That's when your father noticed.

"Since when is her your boyfriend? Get away from my daughter!" Diavolo screamed as Doppio fawned over the two of you; congratulating the both of you.

"Yeah (N/N)! Since when are you Risotto's girl?" Picking you up, Risotto left with you in his arms. Ignoring your father and Formaggio's questions, kissing you hard in front of your father and your best friend, "since now, deal with it." Leaving the two dumbfounded and completely shocked, while Doppio cheered.

--- Word Count: 2193

[moist-astronaut]

things my friends and I have said over the last year

“I’m verbally illiterate” “Isn’t that called dyslexia”

“I’m going to chemistry and I’m gonna light myself on fire” “No” “Damnit let me burn like the witch I am!”

“Don’t worry it’s not anti-Christ it’s just anti-government”

“I’ve been getting migraines everyday and I’m considering chopping my head off” “But that would kill you” “Two birds one stone!!”

“I swear to god I will hug you” “My house is 5 miles away and my doors are locked” “Your locks are FEABLE”

*writing an email* “Bitch comma”

“Ok but I could be a top” *laughing* “What I totally could be!” *laughing and crying for literally 6 minutes straight*

*on a group call, friends cat misha walks into the room* “Tell misha I would live and die for her, whichever she prefers” “She says thank you” *cat noises*

*joins discord vioce chat at 11:26 pm* “You guys are gae but I love you” “Thank you saeren very cool” “Goodnight” *leaves chat at 11:28pm*

“Jake jake jake jjjake -j-jaaake hey jake” “W H A T” “Can I eat your pens” “I literally have a restraining order against you”

“I’m educatn’t”

“Me calling you to dumb to be a slytherin is payback for you leaving multiple handprint bruises on my legs” “It’s not my fault your skin is weak”

“He’s rolling so that we can walk” *rolling in the grass and collecting leaves on his jacket* “I’m rolling for your sins”

“There are 7 of us so we can each be a deadly sin” “I wanna be Ross” “You mean wrath?” “No that dude from Friends”

“Ok but other than his strict attraction to women, his multiple wives, his hatred of gay people, and the fact that he is dead, what is standing between me and Joseph Smith the All American Hottie from being happy together”

“Consider: Mullet” “No”

“I do my homework while loudly eating a pop tart asmr”

“No no listen, he’s my brother, he’s a bastard of my dynasty…I might just ransom him off”

“These Norwegian bastards indroduced a fucking PLUAGE to my COUNTRY”

“Ooooo meth”

“Half of my life is me resisting the urge to sing the zaboomafoo themesong, the other half is me actually singing the zaboomafoo themesong. So either way my entire life revolves around zaboomafoo.”

“I just don’t think I would hire a gay man-wait no I’m not homophobic”

*chucks half a gallon of milk in a gas station* “-ah- got milk?”

“Gimme your sternum boy”

“Nooooooo he stole my sternum!!!” (Side note these were two separate occasions)

*being force fed milk duds* “No!! This is the worst way to die!!”

“Hey babe come over I have a hammock and a heated blanket”

“Be afraid, be prepared- IN THE WORDS OF SCAR”

“Stress eating stress gummies Stress eating stress gummies Stress eating stress gummies stress eating-”

“I thought to myself ‘Y’know if I die today this is how I want to be remembered- a leather skirt and leg warmers’”

“I think I’m telling you to go to sleep” “You’re gonna have make me” “I can’t tell if this is cry for help or flirting” “Yes”

“This is at best cannibalism and at worst being straight”

“Oh look Percy Jackson’s here now, ooh they replaced every character’s face with Mr. Bean. I hate it”

“You can’t be mean to me! I’m gay AND a woman! That’s a hate crime!” “Yeah well I’m brown and Muslim! Square the fuck up bitch!”

“Babe it’s not very metal to be afraid of your hair dresser” “It’s not very metal to have a hair dresser and yet here we are” “It’s fine you’re into glam metal”

“Hey augie, got any grrrrrrapes?” “I’m doing IXL :(“

“Can I come?” “No” “What if I bring watermelon?” “You can come, leave the watermelon, then leave” “:(“

“What in the jersey shore”

“Rad’nt”

“Ok but consider: Mullet-hawk” “I can and will divorce you”

“Dee-vorce 👏 Just to 👏 re-vorce 👏 👏 “

“Ah yes, that’s why I’m fat…for combat reasons…”

“You fool I consent!”

“My Boston fern is being a bitch but that’s because it’s winter and that’s BITCH season”

“You walk through the rest of the house and it’s like ‘ooo witchy and aesthetic’ then they’ll get to the guest room and it’ll just be a tacky twink Fever dream”

“Who needs a scalp”

“HeHe, sexing”

“Council has decided, your vibes are rancid (and not the band)”

“You’re never to young to hate women”

“Look at me I did the dishes I’m a 1950s housewife with a strangely new jersey accent and affinity for lesbianism”

“Well look who has the table now”

"contrary to popular belief, fuck you"

"There's nothing here that requires whisking, i'm just problematic"

"If you could go anywhere in the world with two people, who would you choose?" “New Orleans!”

"So he proceeded to bite me on the butt...like, really, really hard."

“I don’t cheat, I win. It’s not cheating if it’s consensual.”

“My mouth, my choice”

“Do you like my ombré of a tan"

“Who’s the cutest in the chat right now then?” “It’s Paige!” “No, it’s obviously Augie.” (paige's boyfriend)-said by a straight man

“Francis is just a one and done.”

“Would you ever have a threesome?” “...yes...” *To Francis* “Sure!”

“How do you feel about anal sex?”

“Of the people in this room, who would you most want to make out with?” “Augie” “The answer is yes, but only if it’s 6 feet apart.”

“Square, flat, and overcooked.”

“The virus would be over if everyone would breathe underwater for 5 minutes.”

“I have daddy issues, but not with my father.”

“You’re a ladies man but you have two boyfriends.”

“That means lesbian in sign language” “No, that means fuck boy in American”

“I’m like a parasite, you can’t get rid of me. I’m here forever.”

“You’re like my long term hit man”

“Is it Jake?” “No, why would the evil Russian man be Jake?” “Because he would never hire a gay man and you don’t look like a gay man”

“Jake is homophonic, Augie is racist, and Francis is a woman hater!”

"Grew a korean radish, 1 star"

"I've got more cause i'm a rich boy, and by that i mean my father sometimes buys avocados. And that's on what? Upper middle class"

"Tell your good for nothing boyfriend to stay away from my mom"

"It's not inciting violence it's just ~inspiring it~ "

"Listen bitch just because you have avacados and a roomba doesn't make you better then me"

"i would totally let narthex ruin my life. and that's on what? daddy issues and bisexuality"

"who is titty"

"how is he racist" "he hates the french and russians right?" "don't forget italians" "that's just self loathing"

"This is the last time i wear a thong- it's for educational purposes"

"babe come over i'm a burrito"

"he put bread with milk. luckily he passed away"

"you touched my wiener!" "you offered it!"

"foot'nt"

"i took a shower and realized the floor doesn't bounce"

"i love ass whoooaaaaaa i meant cassie"

"Rosalie you're the deciding vote. Be decisive." "Dude i'm bisexual and a gemini. what're you talking about?"

"Okay so to recap: jake is homophobic, augie is racist, francis is a woman hater, and now paige is a bunny abuser?"

"Just bring a watermelon keychain and it'll be fine" "Whooaaaa i'm gonna need a big key then"

"If you were blind what would you even see"

Post Traumatic Youth, plus D for danny's disorder"

"i think she's past the phase where she likes people just because they're russian"

"francine is a lesbian, but only during quarantine"

"don't be a home wrecker!" "i can't help it!"

"we are not doing coed tents" "i wanted to go purple-ing though"

"if it's not perfect i'm gonna through hands" "with who" "i don't know, the CEO of stupid"

"don't make me feel guilty for bullying you"

"it doesn't look very cash money cool but okay"

"slinky cat" (ferret)

"The pond behind my house didn't freeze all the way through this winter, so i couldn't go ice skating" "okay, so i have an idea. we can go to walmart and get-" "ANTI FREEZE!" "well, yes- wait, no. No, the more i think about that definitely no."

"The amish will win, the amish will prevail" "the amish will conquer us all!"

"He do be kinda mafia doh"

"i'm being sneaky sneak. stairs go creaky creak. and i need. DRUGZ"

"brain on shutdown, power saving mode"

"Somebody go tip her, she's dancing like a stripper" "thatd be nice- oh wait no!"

"fellas, is it gay to lick your homies eyeball?"

"it's not racist if you're only targeting one group of people" "that literally racism" "but what if they're french"

"i'm not racist yet but the option is available, and it's good to have options"

"they don't call me Mr. Steal Yo Boy for nothing!" -a straight man who has a girlfriend

"i think he has a bad habit of not dating girls"

"kinda hot tho 🥵 in a Santa Claus kinda way...hoe hoe hoe"

"i'll be your hot jacuzzi bubble dealer"

"when deceit and doubt fills you up, you cleanse your mind through creative activities, such as making organic soap"

"friendly reminder #4: you're never to old to eat a freezie-pop"

"sorry i'm just nervous" Chinese Teacher: (Waving her hand in front of her face) “Just pretend I’m cabbage.”

"me when my dads name is publicly broadcasted on the radio for his 14 felonies and assorted war crimes"

"<@!523669420435046401> I sentence you to a solid nine by the banhammer. For your crimes against Humanity, God, Satan, and Matt Frank. See you in hell."

"Danny, just because you're playing *Just Cause* doesn't mean you need to Just Cause our friendship!"

"Silly Matt! You fell for the ole’ Heimlich maneuver!”

"i got a bunch of new shirts over quarantine" "you would"

"Ok, there's a 32 year old doctor in new Jersey dying right now" "Yeah, but to be fair everyone in new jersey has a pre-existing condition"

“This is the longest period of time we’ve had without a Nintendo direct” “Maybe they’re gonna make a Nintendo indirect?”

"you’re looking extra white today.” "thanks i've been practicing"

"do you have any batteries" *looks inside shirt* "not yet"

"let's go colonize the middle school!" "yyayayyayayay!!!" " wait I gotta ask my mom first" What happened next is know called the *Juniors burden*

"oh so you're a DOWNSTAIRS milk kinda guy"

"you are literally the human embodiment of crumbs in a bed"

"The Berk-ey Creamery isn’t a place, it’s a people!”

 "He shoved a floating joy-con straight up his flux-capacitor.” "great! now it's paired"

"No, that isnt armor, the real armor are the friends you made along the way"

"This one goes out to all my lady friends out there *proceeds to kill himself in game*

"i'm a coward" "that's what a coward would say!"

"rest is for cowards and fools"

"every time you speak you take years off my life"

"Shark dick hoo ha ha"

"Me and the boys brushing our teeth at 3 AM"

"remember if you kill yourself the fascists win"

"The Beatles aren’t real. Have you ever seen a beatle? No? Exactly." "Babe” "Shut up I’m right."

*reading over these quotes* "god i hate that" "you said that!"

[ezrafanfic]

An Unexpected Future

Part 21:

After the night I had going out with everyone from work, I was a bit down in the dumps the next few days.

On the bright side, I had taken my finals and I felt confident that I’d done pretty well. With both work and school out of the way, I didn’t feel the need to leave the apartment much in my depressive mood.

When Ezra and I talked on the phone, he could tell something was up. At first, I insisted that everything was fine, but eventually I caved in and told him about what happened with Aiden. He was pretty angry about it.

“That bastard was always so awful towards you.” He said. “This is really not surprising to hear. I’m so sorry, (Y/N). Forget him. Really, it’s totally not worth stressing over.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I let out a heavy sigh. “I know. It’s just…I worry about us, ya know? What if what he said is true???”

“Why would anything that moron says ever be true?”

“Come on, Ez.” I started. “Is it really unreasonable for me to worry that your music and acting career could make it hard for us to raise a child together???”

“It’s not unreasonable.” He agreed. “And sure, it’ll be hard at times, but we’ll find ways to make it work for our daughter and for each other. Hey, we’re about to go on in 20 minutes, so I better get going. Cheer up babe. Just think, in 2 days I’ll be home. Promise me there will be no stressing out over this. It’s not good for the baby.”

“Yeah, okay.” I sighed. “Sure. No stress. Goodnight and good luck. I love you, Ezra.”

“I love you too.”

*2 Days Later*

It was the early afternoon and Ezra would be home later in the evening. I had kept busy the past 2 days cleaning the apartment. I woke up early that morning and made myself breakfast before going to the grocery store. I planned on making Ezra and I a nice dinner that evening and I bought everything I would need to make spaghetti with homemade meatballs and homemade sauce.

I also did some laundry, mostly baby clothes and blankets that needed washed. After a few loads and some last minute straightening up around the apartment, it was noon and I was exhausted.

At 7 and a half months pregnant, my back was aching after being on my feet too long and my feet were beyond swollen. I found myself changing into something comfortable, Ezra’s old Led Zeppelin t- shirt, something that still fit me although it was a little snug and a pair of sweatpants before turning on the television and relaxing on the couch.

After about an hour or so, I felt my eyes getting heavy, as I tried to stay awake. Looking at the time, it was a little after 1 in the afternoon. Ezra would be home around 6.

At some point, I would have to start dinner, but all I could think about was how comfortable the couch was and the last thing I wanted to do was move. I ended up dozing off, and was awoken by someone gently shaking my arm.

“(Y/N)” I heard a familar voice saying my name gently.

My eyes slowly opened and I saw a pair of warm brown eyes looking down at me.

“Ezra!” I tried to sit up quickly, but forgot that my belly was the size of an enormous beach ball.

He was sitting next to me, an amused look on his face, as I struggled to sit up.

“Easy, tiger.” He laughed, watching me slowly get into an upright position.

“I’m alright.” I said. “You’re home early.”

“Actually, I’ve been home for almost an hour,” he raised his eyebrow still looking amused, “Do you know what time it is?”

I looked at the clock on the wall that read 6:45. “Shit. I didn’t realize I was asleep for so long…I’m sorry. I wanted to surprise you with dinner before you got back…”

“No worries. We stopped and grabbed a bite to eat just outside of town. Are you hungry? I can make you something…”

“In a minute,” I was too happy to see him to worry about food at the moment. “Tell me about the tour. How was it? Did you have fun?”

“It was really great.” He slouched back beside me. “Lots of booze and partying. Too much of both you could say. I still feel hungover. Tons of fun though, but it would have been more fun if you were with me…”

“Yeah, well, I’m not so sure how much fun I’d be considering my condition.” I joked.

“Awe,” He had a smirk on his face. “She’s getting so big.” His eyes were on my belly. I really looked like I was smuggling a watermelon under my shirt.

I smiled, looking down, placing my hand on my bump. “She’s definitely been doing a lot of growing lately.” I winced and let out a soft groan, suddenly feeling several strong jolts inside of me, “And kicking. So much kicking…”

He eagerly reached over, placing his hand on the center of my tummy. The biggest smile was spread across his face as we shared the sensation of our baby girl moving. Each time Ezra had felt her move, he was just as thrilled to bond with his daughter. It was adorable.

I leaned against him, resting my head on his chest, as I looked down, watching him rub my belly. He was very gentle as he moved his hand in soothing circles. The baby responded by kicking several times, making Ezra chuckle. I looked up at his beaming face as he put his other arm around my shoulders, and kissed my forehead.

“It’s good to have you home,” I sighed.

“I’m glad to be home.” He agreed. “I missed you…both of you.” He grinned as the baby kicked again.

I smiled, closing my eyes.

Ezra began to whip together dinner for me. Now that he was home, he wasn’t going to let me lift a finger until the baby arrived.

It was a tad annoying because I hated feeling like a burden and I knew I was plenty capable of taking care of myself. But he insisted on tending to my every need.

While he was away on tour, he called me several times every day just to make sure everything was fine. It was very sweet and I knew he was apprehensive being so far away  while I was so pregnant. I could tell that he was happy and  seemed to be less nerve ridden  now that he was back home.

He made some seasoned chicken and potatoes. He was surprisingly a decent cook for someone who was always too busy to have time to spend in the kitchen.

I ate on the couch and watched tv while Ezra finished unpacking his things and showered.

He walked out of the bedroom after, his hair still damp and tossled from washing it, shirtless and wearing light grey sweatpants.

He sat next to me on the couch, with what appeared to be a letter of some kind in hand and I found myself blushing at his shirtlessness. He had shaggy, unruly hair just above his ears and had been shaving his face regularly. He had also been working on buffing himself up and the hard work was definitely starting to pay off. I tried not to stare too much, but I hadn’t seen him in weeks.

 If I didn’t have a baby constantly doing summer salts in my belly and a sore back, not to mention if I wasn’t so awkwardly huge, I would have maybe attempted to initiate a little fooling around.

Instead I asked about the letter in his hands.

“What’s that?”

“Just an invitation to some film premiere party. It’s in 2 weeks, but I’m not so sure I want to attend.”

“Why not?” I asked.

“I just got back from 2 weeks of touring. I want to take some time off with the baby coming.”

“I’m not due for another 2 months. That’s seems like a lot of time off.”

“It’ll hardly be ‘time off’. There’s so much to do. We have to move in the rest of your things from your apartment. We still need diapers and bottles and a million other things for the baby and her crib still needs put together…Ugh, sometimes I wish I could just get a break…”

I frowned, staring at my hands that were resting on my stomach. He definitely wasn’t going to get a break from much of anything once the baby was here. I imagined that the baby was only adding more onto his plate. I knew I shouldn’t have gotten upset, but as always, the hormonal monster in me suddenly took over.

“Well,” My voice shook as I spoke. “I-I’m sorry that you’re so stressed out…”

He looked over at me, his brow raised. “Huh?”

“Sorry. Just forget it.” I wouldn’t make eye contact as I fought back tears.

He scooted closer to me. “Hey, come on. Talk to me.”

I sniffled, and wiped away the tears that were on my cheeks.

“Did I say something that upset you?” He asked.

“No…Well kind of…”

He sighed. “I didn’t mean to make taking time off sound like a bad thing. I really did miss you.” He pushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. “I’m looking forward to spending a lot more time together. And soon our baby will be here. These are all good things…”

I continued sniffling and the tears kept on coming. “Don’t you think so?” He asked.

“Of course I do. I-I’m just…scared.” I admitted.

“Scared? Of what?”

“Everything.” I laughed, wiping my eyes, realizing how silly it all seemed.

“(Y/N), look at me,” he said, lifting my chin up with his finger so that our faces were close and I was looking him right in the eyes. “ You are an amazing woman, who is carrying my perfect and healthy baby girl and I absolutely adore both of you. I admit, I am anxious and a bit overwhelmed at the moment, but that doesn’t mean I’m not happy. I’m very happy.  Everything’s going to be okay. So stop worrying so much, alright?”

I looked at him with loving eyes and sighed, scooting close to him.

Besides,“ He put his arms around me, holding me close. "I can miss a movie premiere or two. There’s plenty of them and I’ve been to my fair share already. Right now, I just want to focus on the baby.”

We spent the rest of the night cuddling on the couch and talking more about the tour. He definitely had a good time and I was happy for him, but I was even happier to have him home.

[r-e-c-k-l-e-s-s-m-e]

Heroism

Four months ago, I was watching the Sweet 16 reality show on television and as usual every spoilt brat in the show got everything they wanted. Lucky them. As for me, I thought about killing myself all the time anyway, so I didn't really care. I heard someone unlocking the door, probably mum. Its already midnight, what was she doing outside at this hour? My dad was confusing, he was home but not all the time. Sometimes I only see him once a month but mum never seemed to care and that worried me. I missed my dad. I knew that dad missed me too. I tiptoed down the stairs and saw that mum had her head on the table, hands running through her soft blond hair. Mum was pretty, but she hated her life. She told me that I was never her problem, but maybe she said that to make me feel okay. Okay. I would never dare to disturb my mum when she was not in her best mood, so I decided to hit the gym sack and hope for the best. On the next morning, mum made the best breakfast ever. My favorite country apple fritter bread and watermelon juice. I could tell that she was crying the night before because her eyes were puffy and her eye-bags were darker. She kissed my head and grabbed my shoulders. "Hans, I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry if dad and I were not always there for you but we both love you so much. So much to the point that we can't lose you like we lost Cedrick." Ced, my brother who got into an accident when dad drove the car a couple of years ago. He was a nice brother, always telling me to make lemonades when life gave me lemons. "Yes, I know that, Mum. Why are you so worried all of a sudden?" "Your dad got into a mental hospital, a couple of days ago. He is still so terrified about the past. He keeps blaming himself that Ced died because of him. I don't know what to do." Mum was crying again, I was getting teary. I was shocked and speechless. I knew my dad so well, or at least I thought I did. I left my mum and ran to my room as fast as I could. I could never look at my mum in that condition, so weak and sad. It made me unhappy as well. All those crying made me tired and sleepy so I slept. When I woke up, I could here that the television was on and mum was probably sleeping on the couch with boxes of tissues. I took out an album filled with photos of my whole family. Looking at those innocent and sweet smiles made me so happy. Ced was as usual, annoying me in one photo while my parents laughed at us at the back. I missed that. I turned to a few more pages and that was it, I could not take it anymore. I closed the album with a thump and erased all those terrifying memories of Ced when he was dying. He lost so much blood, and he didn't look handsome anymore. I felt bad for telling him that I hated him every time he annoyed me, when actually, deep inside, he loved me so much. I had a plan. I was going to spend the rest of my days with my dad. I checked mum's handbag where she kept all the information about dad's hospital. St. Jude's Hospital, not that far. It was only a twenty-minute drive if I took the bus. On the next day, I wore the dress dad got me and left the house before mum woke up. I locked the door carefully and ran to the nearest bus stop. I had to get the earliest bus because I didn't like bumping into people from school or the neighbourhood. Not long after that, a green bus with yellow seats stopped. Everyone onboard were strangers which made me relieved. I took a seat next to the window and took out my earpods and listened to songs by Lana Del Rey. She sounds so sad, which made me happy to know that I was not the only moody girl who lived. Twenty minutes, and hah! I have arrived. The hospital was different than the ones I've been to. Everyone looked rather happy than sick. Or maybe happiness is their disease. the I walked slowly to the entrance and bumped into a nurse. "May I know where I could fine a patient here by the name of Mr. Robert Adams?" "Oh! He was admitted last Thursday. Sure, walk to the nearest elevator and go to the fourth level. His room is 404." I thanked the kind nurse and went straight to find my dad. There it was, room 404. I knocked the door and walked in slowly. "Daddy? Its me, Hannah." "Hans? What are you doing here? Only crazy people like me come here. You're not crazy, you never killed anyone." Dad started to cry and shout and I didn't know what to do until two nurses came in and pushed me out. As I walked backwards, a boy bumped into me. He looked like he was my age. "So are you new? Hi, I suffer from social anxiety and thats why I'm here. My name's Olly." "Olly? I'm Hannah, but people call me Hans. I'm here to visit my dad. He's new here." "So you must be Hannah Adams then? Come, this place is not as scary as you think. I can show you around if you're going to come here often and get to know everyone sooner or later." I agreed and he brought me to eat at the cafeteria. When we were searching for a seat, Olly told me to sit with the lonely girl because he didn't like to see people eat alone. As we sat down, the girl smiled and looked really happy. More teenagers passed by and all of them sat with us. They told me the most amazing stories. "I'm Tiffany, I'm here because well, look at my nails. I rake my nails up and down the walls in my room, I'll show you my creations later." "Hey Hannah, call me Chuck. My stepdad sent me here when I tried to kill myself, because he didn't give me the chance to cook." "I'm Meghan, but the call me Scar. Isn't it ironic that my body's full with scars and slits?" "My name's Travis. I almost hung myself to death, but who cares right?" When Tiffany brought me to her room, she showed me all her beautiful paintings and drawings. I started to cry and Meghan wiped my tears and told me that I was beautiful even when I cried. Chuck gave me the most delicious crème brûlée for dessert that night. Travis told me that he had trouble sleeping because his parents were killed when they were asleep, but every night he would tell bedtime stories to his younger brother with insomnia to help lure him to sleep through the phone. Olly, he made sure that nobody ate alone. Lastly, my dad, he was just a really loving father who seemed to miss his family so much he got scared to lose us. Before I went home that night, I went to check on my dad and kissed him goodnight. "I'll see you next week daddy, I love you." Looking at these people, they inspire me. They have the greatest bravery to fight their disease and ignore whatever people call them or how they're labeled as freaks. They even help other people. I truly believe that they're the definition of heroism and I hope that you people do too.